Shares Listed: Toronto Stock Exchange - Ticker Symbol - ARZ
NYSE Amex - Ticker Symbol - AZK
U.S. Registration: (File 001-31893)
VANCOUVER, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ - Aurizon Mines
Ltd. ("Aurizon") is pleased to announce the latest drill results at
the Marban Block property, located in the Malartic gold camp,
Abitibi region of Quebec.
Assay results were received for 21 drill
holes. Significant intersections include:
- 9.06 grams of gold per tonne over 7.3 metres
(MB-10-120),
- 66.00 grams of gold per tonne over 1.2 metres
(MB-10-121),
- 5.74 grams of gold per tonne over 4.2 metres
(MB-10-124),
Two drill rigs have been in operation at the
Marban deposit since August 30, 2010. Fifty-three (53) drill
holes and two (2) extensions of previous holes have been completed,
for a total 15,275 metres. The drilling conducted to date is
confirming the geological and structural model and the continuity
to the gold mineralised zones. The results for 21 holes are
tabled at the end of this news release. The results for the
remaining 18 completed drill holes are pending.
Marban Deposit Drilling
The initial phase of the program is intended to
complete the drill hole pattern on a 50 metre spacing to a vertical
depth of 300 metres. Select in-fill drilling on a 25 metre
spacing will be conducted around intersections of economic
interest.
During the months of September and October,
drilling was carried out over a 250-metre strike length within the
central portion of the deposit, more specifically between
lines/sections 1+00E to 1+50W. The drill holes tested the
entire width of the Marban Mine Sequence from surface to a vertical
depth of about 350 metres. The Mine Sequence, consisting of
deformed mafic volcanic rocks, is approximately 250 metres wide in
this area and hosts several important sub-parallel sulphide and
gold mineralized shear zones.
In November, December and January, drilling
extended over a one-kilometre strike length of the Marban gold
system, from lines/sections 5+00E to 5+00W. One drill rig was
assigned to holes that required traversing the Marban mine
(1961-74) underground workings, located between 150 and 250 metres
vertical depth, in order to investigate the prospective shear zone
located along the footwall (south) contact of the Mine
Sequence.
General observations from results received to
date at Marban include:
- Important gold mineralized intervals were intersected along the
lateral and depth extensions of the mined out ore in Zones B and
D1.
- Several important mineralized zones are now recognised within
the broad footwall shear, namely Zones T, A, C, C1 and C2.
The footwall is characterised by wide low grade sulphide and gold
mineralized envelopes with higher grade gold intervals over a few
metres. The footwall shear remains partially tested over the
1.3 kilometre extension of the Marban gold system and is a priority
target for resource development.
- The narrower Zones 2 and E, located near the folded hanging
wall (north) contact, previously referred to as the Wedge Zones,
were traced over a one-kilometre strike length and returned some
high-grade gold intervals.
Outlook
A third drill rig is to be added by the end of
January to carry out 5,800 metres of shallow drilling at the
Norlartic deposit. In addition, 16 drill holes, for a total
of 3,200 metres, are planned to test the area between the Marban
and Norlartic deposits.
Aurizon and Niogold Mining Corporation
("Niogold") are engaged in a systematic drill program on the main
resource potential of the property. The objectives of the
2011 program are to increase the quantity and quality of the
existing mineral resource.
Aurizon Option
Aurizon can earn up to a 65% interest the Marban
Block property under the terms of an option and joint venture
agreement dated July 5, 2010 between NioGold and Aurizon. The
initial 50% interest can be earned by incurring expenditures of
C$20 million over three years, completing an updated NI 43-101
compliant mineral resource estimate, and by making a resource
payment for 50% of the total gold ounces defined by the mineral
resource estimate. NioGold is the project operator during the
initial earn-in period (see news release dated July 6, 2010).
The first year program under the terms of the
Aurizon option agreement with Niogold includes 50,000 metres of
diamond drilling mainly directed at better defining and increasing
the near surface mineral resources at the Marban and Norlartic gold
deposits.
Quality Control and Qualified Person
Reported intervals are in core lengths but are
anticipated to approximate true widths, except where structural
complexities occur, as the holes were drilled perpendicular to the
principal local structural orientation.
Diamond drill holes were drilled with NQ-size
core in order to obtain larger sample volumes of the mineralised
zones, except for holes that traversed underground workings which
were completed using BQ-size core. The core was sealed and
delivered by the drilling contractor to NioGold's facilities
located at the Norlartic mine site. The core was photographed
for reference, logged and mineralised sections were sawed in
half. Sample lengths vary between 0.5 to 1.5 metres.
Half core samples were bagged, sealed and delivered to ALS Chemex
in Val-d'Or, Quebec. The remaining core is stored on site for
reference. Samples were assayed by the fire-assay method
using an atomic absorption finish on a 50-gram pulp split. A
quality assurance and quality control program (QA/QC) was
implemented by NioGold and the laboratory to insure the precision
and reproducibility of the analytical method and results. The
QA/QC program includes the insertion of standards, blanks and field
duplicates in the sample batches sent to the laboratory and a
systematic re-assaying of samples returning values above 2 g/t Au
by the fire-assay method using a gravimetric finish. As well,
pulps grading above 0.5 g/t Au are sent to Bourlamaque Assay
Laboratories Ltd. in Val-d'Or for check assaying.
The drilling program was conducted under the
supervision of Yan Ducharme, M.Sc., P.Geo. (OGQ), of Niogold, a
Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. This
news release was prepared by Martin Demers P.Geo. (OGQ), Aurizon's
Exploration Manager and a Qualified Person as defined by National
Instrument 43-101, based on information made available by Niogold
and verified by personnel of the Company.
Additional Information
The attached sketch shows the geological context
of the Marban Block property, the position of the drill holes and a
plan view of the Marban deposit.
http://files.newswire.ca/734/Sketch012111Final.pdf
About Aurizon
Aurizon is a gold producer with a growth
strategy focused on developing its existing projects in the Abitibi
region of north-western Quebec, one of the world's most favourable
mining jurisdictions and prolific gold and base metal regions, and
by increasing its asset base through accretive transactions.
Aurizon shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
"ARZ" and on the NYSE Amex under the symbol "AZK". Additional
information on Aurizon and its properties is available on Aurizon's
website at http://www.aurizon.com.
Forward Looking Statements and
Information
This news release contains "forward-looking
statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of
applicable securities regulations in Canada and the United States
(collectively, "forward-looking information"). The
forward-looking information contained in this news release is made
as of the date of this news release. Except as required under
applicable securities legislation, the Company does not intend, and
does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking
information.
Specifically, this news release contains
forward-looking information with respect to future exploration work
on the Marban Block property. Forward-looking information
contained in this news release is based on certain assumptions that
the Company believes are reasonable, that the current price of and
demand for gold will be sustained or will improve. However,
forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of the Company to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such
factors include, among others, the risk that actual results of
exploration activities will be different than anticipated, that
required supplies, equipment or personnel will not be available or
will not be available on a timely basis or that the cost of labour,
equipment or supplies will increase more than expected, that the
future price of gold will decline, that the Canadian dollar will
strengthen against the U.S. dollar, that mineral resources are not
as estimated, that actual costs or actual results of reclamation
activities are greater than expected; that changes in project
parameters as plans continue to be refined may result in increased
costs, of accidents, labour disputes and other risks generally
associated with exploration, unanticipated delays in obtaining
governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of
exploration activities, as well as those factors and other risks
more fully described in Aurizon's Annual Information Form filed
with the securities commission of all of the provinces and
territories of Canada and in Aurizon's Annual Report on Form 40-F
filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission,
which are available on Sedar at www.sedar.com and on Edgar at
www.sec.gov/. Although the Company has attempted to identify
important factors that could cause actual actions, events or
results to differ materially from those described in
forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause
actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or
intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking
information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future
events could differ materially from those anticipated in such
statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty
thereof.
Marban Drill Results
Hole
|
Line |
Station |
Az |
Dip |
Depth
(m) |
From
(m) |
To
(m) |
Length
(m) |
Grade
(g/t Au) |
Zone(s) |
MB-06-002
extension |
5+00 E |
0+48 S |
N180º |
-70º |
498.0
including
including |
274.3
313.4
330.8
346.3
346.3 |
289.4
333.2
332.0
370.4
350.3 |
15.1
19.8
1.2
24.1
4.0 |
0.87
1.23
8.33
1.37
3.99 |
A
P-M-V
V
W
W |
MB-07-005
extension
|
4+50 E
|
0+50 S
|
N180°
|
-60°
|
398.0
including
|
270.0
302.7
331.2
356.4 |
314.6
314.6
332.4
357.6 |
44.6
11.9
1.2
1.2 |
0.51
1.02
5.60
20.90 |
P-M
M
V
H |
MB-10-118 |
0+05 W |
0+05 N |
N180° |
-50° |
290.0 |
238.0 |
240.0 |
2.0 |
3.11 |
T |
MB-10-119
|
0+00
|
1+35 N
|
N180°
|
-48°
|
381.0
including |
278.4
329.9
353.9 |
316.2
363.8
361.4 |
37.8
33.9
7.5 |
0.60
1.23
3.98 |
B-C1-C2
T
T |
MB-10-120
|
0+47 E
|
1+75 N
|
N180°
|
-55°
|
448.0
including
|
199.2
242.4
293.8
293.8
357.4
378.3
404.1 |
242.4
249.7
321.8
294.3
370.4
399.2
412.8 |
43.2
7.3
28.0
0.5
13.0
20.9
8.7 |
0.6
9.06
0.88
31.40
0.94
0.54
0.71 |
Y-Z-2
X
B-D1
D1
C1
A
T |
MB-10-121
|
1+50 W
|
1+00 S
|
N180°
|
-45°
|
171.0
|
65.0
90.0 |
66.2
96.0 |
1.2
6.0 |
66.00
3.16 |
E
D1 |
MB-10-122
|
1+00 E
|
1+75 N
|
N180°
|
-60°
|
465.0
including
including
|
200.2
226.4
244.1
255.3
288.4
289.4
384.0
409.0 |
226.9
226.9
253.5
255.8
332.0
291.5
402.0
427.0 |
26.7
0.5
9.4
0.5
43.6
2.1
18.0
18.0 |
0.66
7.43
0.70
6.64
0.87
7.22
0.99
0.99 |
2-Y
Y
X
E
B-D1
D1
A
T |
MB-10-123
|
1+00 E
|
1+35 N
|
N180°
|
-55°
|
272.0
|
170.3
194.6 |
179.6
200.6 |
9.3
6.0 |
0.54
0.99 |
2
Y |
MB-10-124
|
0+50 W
|
2+90 N
|
N180°
|
-45°
|
504.0
including
including
including
including |
33.3
254.6
315.9
366.5
368.5
409.9
414.8
423.8
440.2
440.2 |
34.5
257.0
339.2
387.0
370.5
428.7
415.8
428.0
474.5
441.4 |
1.2
2.4
23.3
20.5
2.0
18.8
1.0
4.2
34.3
1.2 |
6.89
5.02
0.63
0.88
4.47
1.80
5.89
5.74
0.57
5.29 |
2
E
D1
D1
C1
C1
C1
A-T
A |
MB-10-125 |
2+00 W |
0+55 S |
N180° |
-45° |
185.0 |
114.1 |
126.5 |
12.4 |
1.50 |
B-D1-E |
MB-10-126
|
2+50 W
|
0+65 N
|
N180°
|
-45°
|
263.0
including
|
98.6
117.7
142.2
148.5
175.8
193.0
256.0 |
99.8
118.5
155.2
149.7
177.0
244.8
262.0 |
1.2
0.8
13.0
1.2
1.2
51.8
6.0 |
7.81
10.35
1.98
15.40
8.21
0.57
0.82 |
2
Z
Z
E
D1-B-C1-A-T
|
MB-10-127 |
2+50 W |
1+35 N |
N180° |
-45° |
332.0 |
200.7 |
205.5 |
4.8 |
2.18 |
Z |
MB-10-128
|
3+00 W
|
0+50 S
|
N180°
|
-45°
|
194.0
|
87.0
112.2 |
87.7
126.7 |
0.7
14.5 |
6.76
0.93 |
Z
D1 |
MB-10-129 |
3+00 W |
1+05 S |
N180° |
-45° |
152.0 |
63.9 |
65.1 |
1.2 |
35.20 |
D1 |
MB-10-130
|
2+50 E
|
0+05 S
|
N180°
|
-55°
|
227.0
|
127.8
194.7
198.8 |
129.0
195.7
204.4 |
1.2
1.0
5.6 |
4.39
7.23
0.93 |
Z
D
D |
MB-10-131
|
2+50 E
|
0+65 S
|
N180°
|
-55°
|
354.0
|
71.9
239.9
264.6 |
73.0
240.5
269.4 |
1.1
0.6
4.8 |
22.10
8.76
2.78 |
Y
A
T |
MB-10-132
|
3+00 E
|
1+10 S
|
N180°
|
-45°
|
299.0
|
152.4
227.6
256.1
269.7 |
185.8
237.8
258.9
270.9 |
33.4
10.2
2.8
1.2 |
0.49
4.00
4.29
5.59 |
B
P
T
T |
MB-10-133 |
5+00 E |
2+00 S |
N180° |
-50° |
269.0 |
31.4 |
42.0 |
10.6 |
1.21 |
E |
MB-10-134
|
4+00 E
|
1+40 S
|
N180°
|
-45°
|
293.0
|
36.0
58.3
89.5
208.2 |
47.6
59.0
94.1
209.0 |
11.6
0.7
4.6
0.8 |
0.73
7.72
1.65
14.65 |
E
D3
P |
MB-10-135 |
3+50 E |
1+00 S |
N180° |
-65° |
169.1 |
92.8 |
93.6 |
0.8 |
3.78 |
E |
MB-10-136 |
3+00 E |
1+80 S |
N180° |
-45° |
257.0 |
84.2 |
85.4 |
1.2 |
4.57 |
|
Note: Complete assay results for hole
MB-10-119 are pending.
SOURCE Aurizon Mines Ltd.
Copyright . 21 PR Newswire