Bonaparte Resources has declared results from the 2011 surface exploration program conducted at its Hooch property in southwest Yukon. This property is located 25 km south-southeast of the Hopper property and 14 km east of the Aishihik Lake road.
Highlights of the 2011 surface exploration program at the Hooch property consist of identification of a vein, which is rich in gold and grades 1.8% copper and 13.7 g/t gold; and evidence of past grades from skarn zones, wherein a 2011 sample returned 7.22% copper and 2.10 g/t gold.
Historic drilling has partially outlined two skarn zones that have not been tested so far. Identified bedrock exposures on the Hooch property are restricted to past bulldozer trenches. The south zone encloses a 70x120 m area, while the north zone encloses a 30x100 m area. Both these horizons remain exposed to extension along strike.
Skarn mineralogy includes chalcopyrite, magnetite, pyrrhotite and pyrite with negligible molybdo-scheelite and molybdenum. A chip sample of skarn, which yielded 2.48% copper and 2.06 g/t gold over 3.4 m, was the best historical result. In 2011, a rock sample containing comparable skarn material returned 7.22% copper and 2.10 g/t gold.
In 2011, the company identified a gold-rich quartz in a low trench contiguous to the South skarn zone. Since the wallrocks are not open, the direction and width of the vein remain vague. The vein consists of grey to white vuggy quartz with dispersed chalcocite. In addition, a composite chip sample yielded 1.8% copper and 13.7 g/t gold over 1 m.
The skarn zones demonstrate a strong magnetic signature. The company had completed 1132 line km of magnetic and VTEM surveys to outline existing targets and discover similar targets close by. A geophysical consultant is deciphering the results from the VTEM survey.