Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO, OTCQX: LOMLF) has unveiled remarkable high-grade gold drill results from its Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project located in Fiji. The latest assays from the Zone 5 area, which is undergoing infill and grade control drilling, showcase several impressive gold grades, including a standout result of 1,517.79 grams per tonne (g/t) over a 0.3-meter interval.
The recent drilling campaign has yielded multiple bonanza-grade gold assays, which are critical for enhancing the understanding of the mineralization within the mine. Key highlights from the latest results include:
– 1517.79 g/t Au over 0.3 m (TGC-0237, from 42.6 m depth)
– 513.50 g/t Au over 0.3 m (TGC-0263, from 60.47 m depth)
– 67.45 g/t Au over 0.75 m (TGC-0254, from 90.75 m depth)
– 17.89 g/t Au over 2.7 m (including 113.76 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0225, from 94.6 m depth)
– 25.73 g/t Au over 1.8 m (including 96.78 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TGC-0251, from 46.9 m depth)
These results are strategically located near existing underground developments, indicating a promising potential for future mining operations.
The drilling efforts in Zone 5 are specifically targeting the up-dip and down-dip extensions of the UR2 and URW3 lodes, which are integral to the mine’s overall structure. The focus on these areas is designed to enhance the precision of the mine model and inform stope design ahead of planned mining activities.
Zone 5 encompasses several lodes that converge at approximately 500 meters in depth, forming what is interpreted as the high-grade feeder zone known as Zone 500. This area remains open at depth, with high-grade intersections continuing below the 1000-meter mark.
The current drilling program is being conducted from three underground locations, the 1130 drill cuddy, the 1135 drill cuddy, and the 1090 drill cuddy, ensuring that mineralized intervals are accurately assessed to approximate their true widths.
Lion One Metals has emphasized strict quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) protocols that surpass basic regulatory requirements in its drilling and sampling processes. The company operates its own geochemical assay laboratory and employs a fleet of diamond drill rigs for precise geological assessments. Drill core samples undergo meticulous logging and analysis on-site, with half of each sample sent for further testing while the other half is retained for reference. The laboratory employs advanced techniques such as fire assay with an atomic absorption finish for gold analysis, ensuring accuracy in reporting high-grade samples. The information in this article has been compiled by the Lion One team and reviewed by Melvyn Levrel, the company’s Senior Geologist.
With these promising results, Lion One Metals is poised to advance its mining operations at Tuvatu significantly. The project has already begun production activities, with expectations to ramp up output to approximately 331,400 ounces of gold annually over a five-year period based on preliminary economic assessments. The company continues to explore additional opportunities within its extensive exploration license covering the Navilawa Caldera, which holds multiple mineralized zones that could further enhance its resource base.
