Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Skeena ready for full Spectrum drilling

Skeena Resources Ltd. June 29 said it has received a three-year drilling permit and is mobilizing two rigs to undertake a 10,000- to 12,000-meter drill program at the Spectrum gold project in northwestern British Columbia. Fieldwork at Spectrum began on June 15 and includes re-sampling of historic core, soil sampling, prospecting and mapping. Camp and drill pad construction is underway, and drilling is expected to begin on or about July 2. The 50- to 60-hole drill program has been designed to expand the historic resource at the 500 Colour and Central zones, the latter of which includes the QC 1, QC 2, Porphyry 1, and Porphyry 2 structures. Other holes will test the East Creek zone and other outlying targets. Skeena plans to incorporate the drilling into resource estimate this fall. An archaeological impact assessment completed by Rescan Tahltan Environmental Consultants in conjunction with representatives of the Tahltan Heritage Resources Environmental Assessment Team did not find any archaeological sites over the proposed drilling areas in the Central, 500 Colour and East Creek zones. Two previously identified sites of obsidian flakes are known on the property, but are well away from the proposed drilling areas. The company has agreed to implement a “chance find procedure” to protect any obsidian or other archaeological materials that might be discovered during exploration.

- Shane Lasley