Tanzania projects - Exploration update TSX-V: ATL FRG: MJ7 VANCOUVER, Sept. 2
posted on
Sep 25, 2008 07:59AM
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TSX-V: ATL
FRG: MJ7
VANCOUVER, Sept. 25 /CNW Telbec/ - Atomic Minerals Ltd. (ATL: TSX-V) is pleased to present the following exploration update on its projects in south-western Tanzania.
As reported in our last exploration update of July 9, 2008, technical staff and administrative support for Atomic's Tanzanian subsidiary, Atomic Minerals Exploration Limited ("Atomic Tanzania") are now in place and fully operative, with field work having commenced in late July. Atomic received the results of the high-resolution helicopter-borne radiometric and magnetic survey performed by New Resolution Geophysics ("NRG") of South Africa in mid-July. This survey was flown over Atomic Tanzania's licenses in the Mbinga/Songea project areas (PLR 4335, PL 4254 and PL 4433).
Recent exploration activity undertaken by Atomic Tanzania, has focussed on PLRs 4335 and 4433. The principal aim of this activity is to prioritize targets for drilling.
- PLR 4335: As reported in our news release of September 16, 2008,
SRK Consulting - East Africa ("SRK") completed a preliminary
reconnaissance of three radioactively anomalous areas identified on the
northern portion of PL 4335 by both the NRG airborne survey and by 2007
ground radiometric surveys. The anomalies were observed by Atomic
Tanzania to have been derived from dark heavy mineral sands within an
unconsolidated sand host. SRK is currently preparing a suite of samples
derived from channel-sampling a series of shallow prospecting pits.
These samples will be forwarded for laboratory investigation to account
for the high thorium measurements obtained to date, and to determine
the mineralogical assemblage in which the thorium occurs. A detailed
report will be compiled from the results of the laboratory tests and a
future work plan will be developed in the coming months.
- PLR 4433: Field reconnaissance undertaken by Geo Can Resources Company
Ltd. identified a single radiometric anomaly located close to the Njoka
River. The recent evaluation of radiometric data derived by the NRG
airborne survey has confirmed the existence of a strong regional
NNW-SSE trending radiometric anomaly, cutting through the central
portion of the property. An additional anomaly was also identified
towards the eastern half of the property. This second anomaly is
directly upstream of the Njoka River radiometric anomaly.
Atomic Tanzania mobilized a field crew at the end of July to commence a
ground follow-up and further investigate the nature and extent of both
the observed radiometric anomalies. Those field observations have shown
a significant radiometric anomaly covering a large portion of Mara Hill
(towards the north-central part of PLR 4433) which reports an
electronic assay of 55ppm U (measured by a Super Spec RS-125
spectrometer) within a sheared pegmatite host.
Field mapping towards the south of the property has shown the area,
which includes the well-defined Njoka River trend, to consist of a thin
cover (less than 2 meters) of Neogene sediments, which in turn is
underlain by Karroo-age sediments. Spectrometer-derived assays
returned values of between 20 - 85ppm U across this anomaly, which has
a dimension of approximately 15km x 5km. Similar sediments are known
to host significant uranium mineralization, such as the Mbamba Bay
project held by Mantra Resources Limited, which is situated to the
south-west of PLR 4433.
Future Exploration Plans
The next phase of planned exploration will focus on the promising anomalies identified on PLR 4433. Additional field crews are being mobilized to the property to continue with the ground radiometric follow-up on these anomalies and to help expedite target definition and site preparation, in anticipation of a drill program scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2008. Atomic Tanzania plans an initial 3000-4000 meter Air-Core drill program to sample overburden and the overburden/bedrock interface. This program will be designed to cover a large area, and to identify areas suitable for deeper follow-up Reverse-Circulation drilling.
With respect to PLR 4335, Atomic Tanzania is awaiting the results of the laboratory analysis of heavy sands, and will consider additional pitting if required. Atomic Tanzania may attempt a brief ground radiometric traverse along the extreme southern part of the property, where Karroo-age sediments are believed to sub-outcrop.
Qualified Person
Mr. Peter Chadwick, M.Sc., P.Geo., Pr.Sci.Nat., is the Vice-President of Exploration (Africa) for Atomic Minerals Ltd., and is the Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101) responsible for the accuracy of the technical information contained in this news release.
About Atomic Minerals
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Atomic holds an option to earn up to a 100% interest in a land package totalling approximately 3800 square kilometres located in the United Republic of Tanzania (the "Properties") from Geo Can. The largest of the Properties are located in south-western Tanzania and are considered to be part of the "Malawi Extension" based on the location of the Property relative to blocks earmarked as potentially favourable for uranium enrichment. The Malawi Extension, located in the Republic of Malawi on southwest border of Tanzania, hosts the Kayelekera deposit which Paladin Resources is currently developing into a mine. Other mining companies exploring in the area include Mantra Resources and Western Metals (both in Tanzania).
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Atomic Minerals Ltd.
"Warren McIntyre"
Warren McIntyre
President and Chief Executive Officer Atomic Minerals Ltd.
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy
or accuracy of this news release.