Kenorland Minerals finds gold anomaly at South Uchi Project near Red Lake

Kenorland Minerals Ltd. is pleased to announce results from its 2023 large-scale geochemical and prospecting surveys targeting gold, nickel-copper, and lithium mineral systems at its 100% owned South Uchi Project 45 kilometers along strike to the east of Kinross Gold's Great Bear Project in the Red Lake District of northwestern Ontario.

South Uchi Highlights:

• Widespread (~40km2) gold-in-till anomaly at the Papaonga target area (see Figure 2)
• Strong multi-element signature associated with gold anomalism (Au-Ag-Te-W±As-Sb)
• Located in the Confederation Assemblage volcanics within the Red Lake Mining District
• Complex structural and geologic setting, prospective for orogenic gold systems
• Limited historical exploration within the target area, including no historical drilling
• Detailed follow-up exploration program planned in 2024 to generate drill targets 

Figure 1. Regional volcanic assemblages with significant gold deposits and South Uchi Project location

1 Kinross reports 2023 fourth-quarter and full-year results: (Date February 14, 2024) — Updated resource to the technical report titled Great Bear Project Ontario, Canada prepared by Nicos Pfeiffer, P.Geo,, John Sims, CPG, Yves Breau, P.Eng., Rick Greenwood, P.Geo., Agung Prawasono, P.Eng., issued February 13, 2023

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6489/199590_e6ae1027f4e9f9f1_001full.jpg

Papaonga Target Area (Gold)

Since regaining 100% control of the South Uchi Project in January 2023 (see press release dated January 19, 2023), Kenorland has completed a large-scale geochemical sampling survey including approximately 2,800 fine fraction till samples, 700 heavy mineral concentrate ("HMC") till samples, and 630 rock samples. The survey focused on a number of different mineral system targets (Au, Ni-Cu, Li) across the 83,385-hectare property. Results from the fine fraction till sampling identified the Papaonga target, defined by a large-scale, coherent gold-in-till anomaly and a strong multi-element signature of Au-Ag-Te-W±As-Sb. The Papaonga gold-in-till anomaly covers approximately five kilometers striking east-west and eight kilometers northeast-southwest following the prominent ice flow direction. There has been very limited historical exploration, and no historical drilling has occurred within the geochemical source target area. 

Figure 2. Map of Papaonga target area showing regional till sampling geochemical results

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6489/199590_e6ae1027f4e9f9f1_002full.jpg

Zach Flood, President and CEO, comments, "The gold anomaly we've outlined at the Papaonga target is one of the most extensive anomalies we've identified to date, after completing several large-scale systematic geochemical surveys in glaciated terranes across various projects within our portfolio. The most exciting aspect of this anomaly is the location in the prolific Red Lake Mining District, within the Confederation Assemblage volcanics, a geologic setting similar to that of the Great Bear Project (formerly, Dixie Lake). There has been minimal meaningful exploration in the area and we believe the widespread gold-in-till anomalism could be related to an undiscovered gold system. We're very excited to get back on the ground this summer with an aggressive exploration program aimed at defining drill targets."

Geologic Interpretation of the Papaonga Target 

The Papaonga target is located within the eastern pressure shadow of an interpreted early (pre to syn-tectonic) quartz-diorite pluton bounded by regional 1st order, major east-west trending deformation zones to the north and south. Northeast to east-west trending 2nd order linking structures have intensely strained, folded and offset geologically complex stratigraphy comprised of tholeiitic mafic volcanics, calc-alkaline mafic volcanics, and clastic sedimentary rocks intercalated with iron formation. Previous mapping has noted strong penetrative fabric within all rock types (intrusive, volcanic and sedimentary rocks) following the east-west and northeast orientations. A weak to strong silica-sericite-iron carbonate alteration and sulphide mineralisation has also been mapped across the Papaonga target area and is coincident with the gold-in-till anomalism. Kenorland believes these results are indicative of a structural setting capable of hosting orogenic gold mineralisation. 

Figure 3. Geological map of Papaonga Target area

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6489/199590_e6ae1027f4e9f9f1_003full.jpg

2024 Planned Exploration Program

Kenorland is planning a detailed mapping and prospecting campaign within the Papaonga target area for the 2024 summer field season, focusing on the identified 'head' (source) of the gold-in-till glacial dispersal plumes. In addition, 10kg HMC till samples will be collected across the target area for gold grain counts and analysis. The Company also recently completed a high resolution airborne magnetic survey covering the Papaonga target area. The goal of the 2024 exploration campaign is to develop drill targets for testing in 2025.

About the South Uchi Project

The South Uchi Project was first identified and staked by Kenorland based on the region's prospectivity to host significant gold mineralised systems. The Project covers a portion of Confederation Assemblage volcanic rocks, as well as the boundary between the volcanic-dominated Uchi geological subprovince to the north and the sedimentary-dominated English River geological subprovince to the south. Multiple major east-west striking shear zones associated with the Uchi and English River subprovince boundary transect the Project. Deformation associated with these structures has resulted in zones of strong shearing, alteration, and folding of the metavolcanic-clastic and metasedimentary-iron formation stratigraphy, which are favorable settings for orogenic gold mineralisation. The majority of gold deposits in the Red Lake District (Red Lake, Madsen, Hasaga, and others) are located on the northern margin of the Confederation Assemblage, however, recent discoveries such as the LP Fault Zone on the Dixie Project by Great Bear Resources Ltd. (acquired by Kinross Gold and renamed Great Bear Project) highlight the prospectivity of the entire Confederation Assemblage along the southern margin of the Uchi subprovince.

Tags: Northern Ontario / Exploration / Gold / All Articles