Sep 15 2017
Skeena Resources Limited is pleased to provide an update on the underground exploration program currently underway at the Snip gold project located in the Golden Triangle region of northwest British Columbia.
Since acquiring 100% ownership of Snip (see news release dated July 31, 2017), Skeena has successfully re-opened the historic portals at 300 metres and 440 metres above sea level in preparation for underground drilling.
Skeena’s CEO, Walter Coles commented, “A tremendous amount of work has gone into re-opening the Snip mine. Safety is our top priority, so we are establishing ventilation and installing ground support prior to commencing drilling. The previous owner left the mine in very good condition and the operations team are evaluating what existing services can be used to speed up access and reduce costs. The first drill site should be ready in two weeks for DMac Drilling to setup and commence drilling.”
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/797a6853-3d53-43c6-893a-07aadb4ba639
To view more images of the 2017 underground exploration program at Snip, please click here.
Skeena retained Entech mining consultants, specialists in underground narrow vein gold mining, to assist with underground engineering, ventilation and budget forecasts. In addition, the company engaged CanMine Contracting LP to complete underground rehabilitation and related works.
Geotechnical and ventilation inspections of the internal ramp that connects the underground workings from the 300 level portal to the 550 level portal have now been completed. Initial ground conditions are favourable.
Proposed drill sites have also been visited and access for drilling is possible, significantly de-risking the upcoming exploration program. Phase 1 of the underground drill program will consist of 73 holes from 24 drill stations. Drilling is intended to confirm and extend gold mineralization left behind by the previous operator in the Twin Zone and footwall vein structures including: the 150 and 130 Veins, the 412 Zone and the 200 Footwall Zone (see news release dated March 6, 2017).
In addition to accessing the underground workings, Skeena has winterized the existing camp and facilities at Snip to allow for year-round exploration.
The Company acquired all necessary mining and environmental permits for Snip and assumed full ownership responsibility for the site including ongoing routine environmental management and monitoring. Negotiations are underway with the Tahltan Nation to finalize an exploration agreement. Concurrently, Skeena continues to work with the Tahltan Nation in accordance with the Communications Agreement signed earlier this year (see news release dated January 24, 2017).
Qualified Person
The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Skeena’s Vice President of Operations, Michael S. Cathro, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as described by National Instrument 43-101.