AFR Drills 91.8 Metres of 1.2%Cu and 0.5%Co and 53.8 Metres of 1.8%Cu and 0.3%Co in Combined Recalculated Reverse Circulation and Diamond Core Drill Holes at its Luisha South Project
By African Metals Corporation, PRNESunday, March 27, 2011
THE MINERALIZATION IS CURRENTLY OPEN AT DEPTH, TO THE SOUTH, AND TO THE SOUTHEAST, FURTHER STEP OUT DRILLING IS PLANNED
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 29, 2011 -
Trading Symbols
TSXV: AFR
Frankfurt: OWW
African Metals Corporation ("AFR") is pleased to report that it has
received final assay results from a further 9 drill holes from 22 diamond
drill holes completed on its' Luisha South Project, in the Katanga Provence
of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These results confirm the continuity and grade of mineralization
identified by the June 2010 Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program, and
lend further, significant support to a potential upgrade to the resource
model with potential for a higher grade copper core.
HIGHLIGHTS
New Diamond Core Results Include:
- 51 metres at 1.6% copper, 0.3% cobalt from 105m (LURD006)
Including 4 metres at 4.2% copper, 0.4% cobalt from 111m
- 42 metres at 1.3% copper, 0.3% cobalt from 107m (LURD007)
- 30.5 metres at 1.3% copper, 0.4% cobalt from 124.5m (LURD008)
Including 1 metres at 5.1% copper, 2.8% cobalt from 130m.
Recalculated Combined RC and Diamond Core Results Include:
- 53.8 metres at 1.8% copper, 0.3% cobalt from 68m (LURC/RD002)
- 91.8 metres at 1.2% copper, 0.5% cobalt from 107m (LURC/RD003)
- 49.5 metres at 1.6% copper, 0.3% cobalt from 105m (LURD006)
Luisha South Diamond Drilling
Rubaco Sprl and DrillTek Sprl, drilling contractors, combined to complete
a total of 1,538.73 metres of diamond core drilling of 22 holes at the Luisha
South Project in January 2011. The holes targeted the down dip and southeast
extensions of mineralization highlighted by the March 2010 geochemical
sampling program and the June 2010 RC drilling program.
The RC drill program enabled a JORC and NI43-101F compliant resource
estimation of the Luisha pit mineralization, resulting in an Inferred
Resource of 5.8 million tonnes at 1.3% copper, and 0.4% cobalt for 75,400
tonnes of contained copper metal and 23,200 tonnes of contained cobalt metal
(using 0.5% copper cut-off). Some of the holes from the initial RC program,
however, either terminated within, or short of copper and cobalt mineralized
horizons, producing interpolation gaps in the resource block model. The
diamond holes in the recently completed program were designed to infill the
gaps and further define the extents of the mineralization.
The reported analytical results are from nine holes cored as diamond
tails to RC pre-collars drilled on the southern and southeastern side of the
open pit (Figure 1). To see a map, please click here:
files.newswire.ca/138/AFR_Figure_1.pdf
Eight of the nine holes intersected additional intervals of copper and
cobalt mineralization beneath the termination depths of the RC pre-collars.
The mineralization is mainly chalcopyrite and carrolite, with locally trace
occurrences of malachite and heterogenite (non-sulphide copper and cobalt
minerals respectively).
The mineralization is hosted within the Mines Series R2 Stratigraphy
(CMN, SD, "BOMZ-SDB-RSF-RSC-DStrat", and "Grey RAT"). Stratigraphic horizons
known to host significant mineralization at other mine sites within the
Katanga Provence, including Tiger Resources' Kipoi mine located approximately
7.5km along strike to the southeast.
The higher grade assay results from samples collected from this
stratigraphic sequence suggest a possible higher grade core of copper and
cobalt mineralization. The mineralization is currently open at depth, to the
south, and to the southeast, and further step out drilling is planned for the
coming dry season which commences in May.
Mineralization styles observed in the core include both syngenetic
(bedding parallel and disseminated fine pyrite lenses and blebs replaced by
chalcopyrite and carrolite) and epigenetic (fracture and vein hosted
sulphides).
Diamond core - anomalous intercepts based on a 0.5% Cu cut off are
summarised in Table 1.
Hole East North NQ Total Azim Dip
Number Tail Depth (degrees) (degrees)
(m) (m)
LURD001 501826 8764111 35.55 145.55 36 -60
LURD001 inc.
LURD002 501889 8764089 22.00 132.00 36 -60
LURD003 501927 8764078 46.00 138.00 36 -60
LURD004 501970 8764048 50.60 140.60 36 -60
LURD005 501782 8764142 18.25 130.25 36 -60
LURD006 501866 8764058 98.40 158.40 36 -60
LURD006
LURD006
LURD006 inc.
LURD006 inc.
LURD007 501902 8764042 96.00 158.00 36 -60
LURD007
LURD007
LURD007
LURD007 inc.
LURD008 501943 8764011 80.88 170.88 36 -60
LURD008 inc.
LURD012 501739 8764167 101.00 148.00 36 -60
LURD012
LURD012
LURD012 inc.
Hole From Width Cu Co
Number (metres) (metres) % %
LURD001 110.80 19.10 1.3 0.3
LURD001 111.80 4.70 2.2 0.4
LURD002 110.00 11.80 1.3 0.4
LURD003 92.00 35.80 1.2 0.4
LURD004 94.40 13.20 1.0 1.0
LURD005 ** ** ** **
LURD006 84.00 2.00 2.5 0.1
LURD006 96.00 6.00 0.8 0.1
LURD006 105.00 51.00 1.6 0.3
LURD006 111.00 4.00 4.2 0.4
LURD006 142.00 2.00 2.8 1.1
LURD007 74.70 2.80 0.8 0.2
LURD007 82.00 3.00 0.7 0.3
LURD007 91.50 4.00 0.8 0.1
LURD007 107.00 42.00 1.3 0.3
LURD007 131.00 3.00 2.3 0.1
LURD008 124.50 30.50 1.3 0.4
LURD008 130.00 1.00 5.1 2.8
LURD012 38.00 17.00 1.3 0.2
LURD012 72.00 14.00 1.0 0.1
LURD012 93.00 16.20 1.8 0.1
LURD012 98.00 3.60 3.8 0.1
Table 1: Anomalous length weighted drill intercepts, Luisha
South Project.
Notes: Grid coordinates are WGS84, Zone 35 South; Azimuth is magnetic;
intersections are down hole widths, not true widths; reported assays are
length weighted average intercepts; intercepts are based on 0.5% total copper
cut off, with no top cut; reported intercepts include a maximum of two
"internal waste" sample intervals of 0.5% copper; inc. = including; ** = no
significant intervals >=0.5% copper.
A re-calculation of anomalous drill hole intercepts based on combined RC
pre-collar and diamond tail assay results is summarized in Table 2. The
results lend further support to a potential upgrade to the resource model.
Hole Number From To Width Cu Co
(metres) (metres) (metres) % %
LURC001/RD001 34.00 48.90 14.90 1.5 0.8
56.00 72.00 16.00 1.0 0.2
82.00 96.00 14.00 0.7 0.1
New
100.00 129.90 29.90 1.1 0.3
LURC002/RD002 36.00 38.00 2.00 5.8 0.7
60.00 64.00 4.00 0.7 0.2
New
68.00 121.80 53.80 1.8 0.3
LURC003/RD003 New
36.00 127.80 91.80 1.2 0.5
LURC004/RD004 New
82.00 107.60 25.60 0.8 0.6
LURC006/RD006 32.00 46.00 14.00 2.5 0.1
New
79.00 81.00 2.00 0.7 0.3
84.00 86.00 2.00 2.5 0.1
96.00 102.00 6.00 0.8 0.1
105.00 154.50 49.50 1.6 0.3
LURC007/RD007 New
74.70 77.50 2.80 0.8 0.2
82.00 85.00 3.00 0.7 0.3
91.50 95.50 4.00 0.8 0.1
107.00 149.00 42.00 1.3 0.3
LURC008/RD008 74.00 90.00 16.00 1.0 0.2
New
124.50 155.00 30.50 1.3 0.4
LURC012/RD012 30.00 37.00 7.00 1.9 0.3
New
38.00 55.00 17.00 1.3 0.2
72.00 86.00 14.00 1.0 0.1
93.00 109.20 16.20 1.8 0.1
Table 2: Updated anomalous length weighted drill intercepts,
0.5% TCu, Luisha South Project.
Nigel Ferguson, President and CEO of AFR stated "we are very pleased to
report significant mineralised intervals within the Luisha South Project,
such as 91.8 metres at 1.2%Cu and 0.5%Co within LURC/RD003. It is expected
that these recalculated intervals, utilising both the RC and DDH information
will significantly impact on our current resources.
As soon as results for the remaining drill holes are received, our
independent geological consultant will be given the task of updating the
Luisha resource." The updated resource calculation is expected in Q2 of 2011.
AFR will continue to report assay results from the remaining drill core
samples as they become available.
Nigel Ferguson, AusIMM, President and CEO of AFR, and a qualified person
under National Instrument 43-101, has verified data disclosed in this
release.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AFRICAN METALS CORPORATION
"Nigel Ferguson"
Nigel Ferguson
President & CEO
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS
THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEW RELEASE.
This News Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements are statements which relate to future events. These statements are
only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of
activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any
future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by these forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking
statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good
faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our
industry, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from
any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future
performance suggested herein. Except as required by applicable law, the
Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to
conform these statements to actual results.
Drill Hole Sampling and Assaying Procedure
The Company undertakes drilling and sampling to strict guidelines. The
core was collected from the drill rig at the end of each shift, processed for
RQD geotechnical logging, and digitally photographed. The drill core was
predominantly NQ in size, with a small percentage of HQ core in the upper 20m
of holes cored from surface in clay soils. Core was 'fitted' back together
whenever possible, and geologically logged on site by the supervising project
geologist. The project geologist ensured a representative cutting line was
marked along the length of the on the core and samples highlighted at
appropriate intervals. Once the sample intervals and cut lines had been
clearly marked out, the start and end of each sample interval was cut
orthogonal to the long axis of the core to clearly define the end of each
sample interval. The core was then cut in half lengthways along the
representative cut line. A stand mounted, diamond impregnated electric saw
blade purchased from Johannesburg, South Africa, was used for all core
cutting purposes. The left half of the core was returned to the metal core
trays and retained for future reference; the right half was placed into
appropriately marked and labeled plastic sample bags. Quality Control
protocols enforced by the company require the collection and insertion of
Certified Reference Materials (CRM's) at the rate of one CRM "blank", one
field blank (sand), one CRM "copper standard" and one field duplicate sample
within each sample stream of 20 samples.
Samples were delivered under security by company vehicle to SGS Minerals
Laboratory in Kalulushi, Zambia for sample preparation and analysis. The
laboratory maintains quality assurance protocols in line with ISO 17025, and
maintains quality accreditation for commercial laboratories in line with ISO
9002. The laboratory also participates in international round robin programs
organized by LQSI of the USA.
The sample preparation scheme was PRP90; drying for 4 hours at 105
degrees Celsius; crushing to 2mm with 90% passing 2mm; and pulverizing of a
1000 gram sub-split of the 2mm chips to 85% passing 75 microns. Digest was
scheme DIG42S; 0.4 grams of pulverized material digested in a 4 acid mixture
on a hot plate at 200 degrees Celsius for 45 minutes, with subsequent
dilution back to 100ml before AAS analysis by method 'AAS42S'. Results for
copper and cobalt were reported in percentages. Lower detection limits were
0.01% for both elements.
About African Metals Corporation.
African Metals Corporation [TSXV "AFR"] is a Canadian listed company
focused on the discovery and development of Copper and Cobalt deposits in the
highly mineralized Katanga Copper Belt of the world renowned Africa Copper
Belt in the Democratic Republic of Congo ("DRC").
AFR purchased all the assets of Chevalier Resources Inc. in March 2010
including a 57% interest in the Luisha South Project contained within licence
PEPM 4881, Katanga Provence, Democratic Republic of the Congo ("DRC") through
subsidiaries incorporated in the DRC. In July AFR negotiated a further 18%
interest in the project with the option to increase the equity interest to
90% based on results. The project is located 75 kilometres northwest of
Lubumbashi, the capital of Katanga Province and consists of approximately
16.2km2.
The Luisha South Project includes a small historical open pit mine and
associated stockpile and is underlain by Roan Group sediments which host
major Cu-Co deposits in the DRC. The Luisha South ore body was explored
between 1923 and 1928 and an oxide deposit with an estimated pre-production
tonnage of approximately 350,000 tonnes at 8.6% Cu was delineated. The Luisha
Project also covers some three kilometres of the Roan Group strike length
which is favorable for Cu-Co mineralization. AFR is currently conducting
metallurgical tests on stockpile Reverse Circulation drill samples to
determine characteristics and heavy media separation qualities, with the aim
of commencing production of an oxide concentrate by the end of Q2 2011.
Additionally, African Metals has an option to earn an 80% interest in 8
properties held by local company, KMH, covering some 682 square kilometres
within the Katanga Provence Central African Copper Belt in the southeastern
part of the DRC. AFR has delineated several sizeable soil anomalies within
the licenses and is progressing exploration to test depth continuations of
this mineralization.
For further information:
Jag Sandhu, Corporate Development
+1-604-306-1950
(AFR.)
Jag Sandhu, Corporate Development, +1-604-306-1950
