Afri-Can: Geophysical Survey Delineates New Targets on EPL 3403 Marine Diamond Concession
08 November 2012 - 12:30AM
Marketwired Canada
Afri-Can Marine Minerals Corporation ("Afri-Can") (TSX VENTURE:AFA) has
completed its analysis and interpretation of the geophysical survey on Exclusive
Prospecting Licence ("EPL") 3403 marine diamond concession in Namibia.
Survey analysis highlights are:
-- Survey covered 123 square kilometres or 15% of EPL 4303.
-- Sediment thickness to bedrock can be sampled on 77% of the surveyed
area.
-- Delineation of a second deeper gravel horizon.
-- Delineation of a new 18 square kilometre prospecting target that are
typical of diamonds enrichment zones in the vicinity of EPL 3403
The geophysical survey completed in May 2012 has recovered a total of 1,519
line-kilometres of high resolution Sparker and TOPAS seismics as well as 480
line-kilometres of multibeam echosounder data. The survey covered approximately
123 square kilometres in the south end of EPL 3403, representing 15% of the
concession area, which measures 800 square kilometres. Notably, 94.7 square
kilometres or 77% of the 123 square kilometres show a sediment thickness over
bedrock footwall of less than 10 metres, which is well within the penetration
parameters of the sampling tool of the MV DP The Explorer, recently contracted
for the upcoming sampling program.
The geophysical survey covered Depositional Areas 1, 2 and 3 delineated
following previous sampling programs (see map attached) as well as new target
areas.
The key points of the analysis are as follows:
-- Area 1 covers approximately 2.81 square kilometres. The area hosts
several volcanic intrusions that have produced an irregular terrain
which contains layers of diamondiferous gravels. Influenced by the
terrain created by the volcanic intrusives, the diamondiferous gravel
thickness is irregular and is generally covered by 3 to 5 metres of
overburden. Previous sampling programs enabled 26 diamonds to be
extracted, with an average size of 0.56 carat per stone. Several
diamonds have been extracted in a tight grid showing potential
concentration, and Area 1 represents good potential for the development
of a mineral resource.
-- Area 2 covers approximately 6.91 square kilometres, and contains 5
newly-outlined features including part of a channel approximately 8
kilometres in length and forming a deeper depression in the central
area. The survey has shown that the banks on the east side of the
depression host two distinctive gravel horizons in places. Most of the
diamonds from previous sampling programs were recovered in the upper
horizon. However, at the end of the previous sampling, 2 diamonds were
recovered from the deeper horizon identified from the recently-collected
seismic data. Previous sampling programs enabled 29 diamonds to be
extracted, with an average size of 0.49 carat per stone. Several
diamonds have been extracted in a tight grid showing potential
concentration, and Area 2 represents good potential for the development
of a mineral resource.
-- Target 1, named "Ridges", covers approximately 18 square kilometres
along the eastern boundary of the concession and shows a series of
bedrock ridges that are typical of diamonds enrichment zones in the
vicinity of EPL 3403 and elsewhere along the Namibian coast. The target
represents a strong potential for exploratory sampling.
The November sampling program details will be disclosed in a separate press release.
Bob de Decker (M.Sc., Pr.Sci. Nat.) is the author of the geophysical survey
analysis report and is responsible for the technical part of this press release.
He is the designated Qualified Person under the terms of National Instrument
43-101.
EPL 3403 covers approximately 800 square kilometres and is adjacent to the north
of the Atlantic One Mining Lease ("ML") 47 owned by Namdeb Diamond Corporation
(Pty) Limited, a 50:50 partnership between the Government of the Republic of
Namibia and De Beers Centenary AG (see attached map). ML 47 is the largest
marine diamond deposit in the world and is currently producing in excess of
1,100,000 carats per year.
On another matter, the Board of Directors has granted options to purchase
250,000 common shares at 20 cents per share to one Director of the Corporation.
The options are issued in accordance with Afri-Can's Long Term Incentive Plan,
and are exercisable until November 7th, 2015.
A map associated with this press release is available at this address :
http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/afa_map.pdf
About Afri-Can Marine Minerals Corporation
Afri-Can is a Canadian company, actively involved in the acquisition,
exploration and development of major mineral properties in Namibia. Afri-Can's
creative and scientific approach targets large marine diamond deposits in
prospective territories.
Shares outstanding: 83,277,864
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements," as identified
in the Afri-Can's periodic filings with Canadian Securities Regulators that
involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such
statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could
differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Pierre Leveille
President & CEO
(514) 846-2133
TOLL FREE North America: 1 (866) 206-7475
(514) 372-0066 (FAX)
Bernard J. Tourillon
Executive V.P. and CFO
(514) 846-2133
TOLL FREE North America: 1 (866) 206-7475
(514) 372-0066 (FAX)
info@afri-can.com
www.afri-can.com
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