First Class Metals PLC the UK listed metals exploration company seeking economic metal discoveries across its extensive Canadian Schreiber-Hemlo, Sunbeam and Zigzag land holdings is pleased to announce a that drilling has commenced on the Zigzag property which is currently focussed on the lithium (Li), tantalum (Ta) rubidium (Rb) and gallium (Ga) potential.
Highlights:
· An Early Exploration Agreement (EEA) has been signed with Whitesand First Nation (WFN).
· A contract to undertake up to 500m of drilling has been signed with Rodren Drilling a Whitesand FN approved ‘service provider’.
· Channel sample results identify a >1% Li2O zone on the western portion of the ‘core’ 400m zone. Significant number of channel samples returned >1% Li2O, including:
Channel 7 2.36% lithium (Li2O) over 5.5m
· Drill operations have commenced on the Company’s Zigzag hard rock lithium (Ta/ Rb/ Ga) prospect.
Marc J. Sale First Class Metals CEO commented:
“The signing of the EEA with Whitesand exemplifies the positive relationship FCM is building with the First Nations. This agreement has paved the way for FCM’s inaugural drill program, marking an exciting milestone for our company. We are thrilled to begin drilling at Zigzag, making it the first property where FCM will undertake drilling. This demonstrates our commitment to advancing our exploration efforts and emphasizes our dedication to responsible resource development.”
Figure 1 showing the Zigzag property with the recent sampling, both grabs and channels, focussing on the central portion of the claim block, where drilling has commenced.
An Early Exploration Agreement (EEA) has been signed between Whitesand First Nation and First Class Metals. Under the agreement FCM is allowed to undertake activities requiring and Exploration Permit, as awarded by the Province. FCM has agreed to support the Whitesand community.
Whitesand First Nation Economic Development representative commented:
“Whitesand First Nation is looking forward to working with First Class Metals, and the positive relationship that is evolving. We wish them luck on their drilling program and are excited to see what the New Year brings.”
Drilling Plan
The drill programme preparation commenced on Monday with core expected today, this maiden programme will be focussed in the central 400m to explore the areas of high channel sample results, particularly Channel 7.
Initially 7 drillholes of over 50m are planned with the provision for a deeper ‘step-back’ based on visual, encouragement. The basis for the drilling is the encouraging grab samples and channel sample results previously reported. Nine channels were cut with lengths of under 5m to over 10m, channel lengths were usually controlled by overburden and not necessarily by cessation of pegmatite geology.
Figure 2 showing the location of the channels relative to the ‘core 400m’ zone, drilling will extend further to the east of the channel sample area where >1% Li2O grabs samples were collected.
The results from the channels are very encouraging. It must be stressed that only hand stripping of vegetation was undertaken and often, exemplified by channels 5 and 7, the outcrop persisted but the vegetation cover was too onerous to be removed by hand.
The results have not only vindicated the grab samples in respect to the lithium oxide content but also highlighted again the presence of other important, critical minerals such as tantalum, gallium and rubidium.
Photo 2 Rodren equipment being mobilised to the Zigzag property
For further information, please contact:
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James Knowles, Executive Chairman |
07488 362641 |
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Marc J Sale, CEO |
07711 093532 |
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Ayub Bodi, Executive Director |
07860 598086 |
