The expanded program included a total of 24 sonic holes comprising 1301 feet (396.5m). Graphite was observed in a majority of the sonic cores. Over 80% of the holes were either completely in or contained substantial intervals of graphitic schist. No sulfide minerals were observed in any of the cores, which reached depths of up to 65 feet (19.8m).
The goal of the sonic drilling was to quickly test the upper weathered portion of new target areas identified through the integration of airborne and ground geophysics with surface channel sample results. An emphasis of the drilling was to provide additional information on the oxidized portion of new target areas around the Coosa Deposit. Recent Bond Work Hardness Index testing has confirmed the soft nature of the Coosa deposit in the oxidized zones. Complete assay results are expected to be received within the next couple of weeks and will be made available at that time. These results will be used to plan a more extensive core drilling program expected to begin within the 3rd quarter of 2014.
"We are encouraged by the preliminary sonic drill results that speak to the potential for adding to the oxidized resource at the Coosa Project," stated Dr. Douglas Oliver, VP of Exploration. "Within our existing resource over 35% of it is oxidized and another 30% is transitional. In contrast, all other North American deposits are completely reduced making them both sulfide-bearing and harder to mill."
"Given the substantial volumes of oxidized graphitic schist material at the Coosa Project, it makes sense for us to emphasize exploration of this material," stated Ron S. Roda, President & CEO. In every way imaginable – ease of mining, ease of processing, avoidance of acid-generating sulfide waste, and potential savings in both CapEx and OpEx – preferential mining of the oxidized resource continues to look advantageous and is consistent with our mission to become one of the greenest graphite producers in the world"
All the drill holes were cased with PVC pipe to allow for re-entry with a conventional diamond drill if it is decided to deepen them at a later date. The sonic core was logged and sampled at the Company’s facility in Sylacauga, Alabama. Samples have been shipped to ActLabs of Ancaster, Ontario, for analysis.
