CALGARY , April 30, 2014 /CNW/ - Uravan Minerals Inc. (Uravan) recently completed phase one of a three phase exploration program on the Stewardson property. The Stewardson property is located on the Virgin River structural trend within the south-central portion of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan [map link] and is a joint exploration effort between Uravan and Cameco Corporation (Cameco) [press release link]. Uravan is the operator with the responsibility to plan and implement the technical program in consultation with and on behalf of Cameco, who is funding the 2014 exploration.
The first phase of exploration consisted of a surface SQUID Fixed Loop TDEM geophysical survey completed under winter conditions by Patterson Geophysics Inc. of La Ronge, SK . The SQUID TDEM system has proven to be effective in detecting conductive souses in deeper terrain. The Fixed Loop survey grid consisted of nine (9) survey lines and three (3) sets of opposing loops, positioned perpendicular to the north trending E-conductor (Target Area "A") located in the south-central portion of the Stewardson property. Target Area "A" outlines the most conductive portion of the E-conductor previously identified in the airborne ZTEM geophysical survey completed in 2013. The ZTEM survey delineated two (2) prominent basement conductive features that transect the Stewardson property. These conductive features are interpreted to be the northern extension of the C- and E-conductors defined by Cameco on their Virgin River project, which adjoins the Stewardson property to the south [map link].
The preliminary interpretation of the SQUID TDEM data indicates a strong correlation with the ZTEM-defined trace of the E-conductor [map link]. Modeling of the SQUID TDEM data is in progress.
The trace of the E-conductor in Target Area "A" is supported by an anomalous surface geochemical corridor made up of radiogenic lead (Pb) isotopic ratios (207Pb/206Pb) in the clay-size fraction of soil samples and tree-cores, and anomalous uranium values in the clay-size fraction of soil samples [map link]. These surface geochemical anomalies were identified from a property-wide multifaceted surface geochemical sampling program completed by Uravan in 2011 [map link]. The direct correlation of the E-conductor with an anomalous surface geochemical corridor, as defined above by the unique element and isotopic compositions, are key coincident components required to define potential uranium mineralization at depth versus drilling blind conductors.
In early June 2014 , the second phase of exploration will commence over Target Area "A". This phase will consist of two components: (1) a surface Internal Field Gradient (IFG) geophysical survey; and (2) an infill surface geochemical sampling program [map link]. The IFG survey is a 'natural source' electromagnetic (EM) system that will be conducted by EMpulse Geophysics Ltd. of Dalmeny, SK [information link]. The IFG survey will be positioned concordant with the three (3) central lines of the SQUID TDEM profiles, and is intended to supplement the Fixed Loop SQUID data [map link].
The planned infill surface geochemical sampling program is designed to provide detail to the previous property-wide multifaceted surface program completed in 2011, and will be oriented directly over the E-conductor in Target Area 'A'. The surface program will consist of 450 survey sites for collecting tree-cores, B- and C- horizon soil samples for analysis of the clay-size fraction, and A2-horizon soil samples for MET analysis. The sampling grid is designed to merge with the 2011 surface geochemical data, collected on a 500 m grid spacing, to give an effective sampling grid density of approximately 200 m [map link]. Soil sample preparation and elemental analysis will be completed by Acme Laboratories in Vancouver , B.C. The clay-size fraction of soil samples (
The proposed third phase of the exploration program will consist of two (2) diamond drill-holes to test the E-conductor in Target Area "A". Final drill-hole positioning will be based on the combined results and correlation of the surface geophysical and infill geochemical surveys. Mobilization of drilling equipment to the Stewardson property was completed in March 2014 under winter conditions. Drilling operations will commence in August 2014 and be conducted by Major Drilling Group International Inc. from Winnipeg, Manitoba .
Mr. Larry Lahusen , CEO with Uravan states, "I believe the E-conductor at Target Area 'A' represents a significant 'conductive bright spot' that correlates amazingly well with surface geochemical anomalies, a key requirement in Uravan's exploration strategy. Since 2008, Uravan and QFIR have pursued innovative surface geochemical techniques that help define prospective exploration targets associated with positive geophysical, structural and geological features. Following two surface geochemical studies over known high-grade uranium deposits at Cigar West and Centennial, and five (5) other surface geochemical programs on Uravan's active projects, we are now starting to understand what a mineralized conductor looks like geochemically versus the many barren conductors that transect the Athabasca Basin. The 'conductive bright spot' at Target Area "A" on the Stewardson property is well correlated with positive anomalous surface geochemical patterns, which has defined a unique drilling opportunity and a potential 'game changer' for uranium exploration."
Dr. Colin Dunn , P. Geo., technical advisor for Uravan, is the Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101 with respect to the technical information in this press release. Dr. Colin Dunn , an independent specialist in biogeochemistry, is working closely with Uravan's technical group and QFIR to advance the interpretation of surface geochemical results.
This press release may contain forward looking statements including those describing Uravan's future plans and the expectations of management that a stated result or condition will occur. Any statement addressing future events or conditions necessarily involves inherent risk and uncertainty. Actual results can differ materially from those anticipated by management at the time of writing due to many factors, the majority of which are beyond the control of Uravan and its management. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining, directly or indirectly, to the use of proceeds of the Offering. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. These statements speak only as of the date of this release or as of the date specified in the documents accompanying this release, as the case may be. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as expressly required by applicable securities laws.
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SOURCE Uravan Minerals Inc.