Xeno
covers 11 kilometres of the "Gabe
Belt"
geologic host to REO mineralization and
an
occurrence of kimberlite. Pacific Ridge's
exploration program of systematic mapping
and sampling is directed to prioritizing
continuity and grade of four mineralized
zones discovered to date.
RAR 5 Zone
The RAR 5 zone, exposed over a length
of 450 metres and average width of 25
metres, consists of a carbonatite-diatreme
breccia complex that hosts REO mineralization
and indicator elements consistent with
diamond bearing kimberlites. Detailed
chip sampling of 55 samples was conducted
along three 20-metre long sections equally
spaced within a 150-metre length in the
central portion of the zone. The weighted
average grade of the three chip sample
sections was 3,747 grams total REO. Assays
for certain specific REOs include an average
grade of 386 g/t of Neodymium oxide (Nd2O3),
1,689 g/t Cerium oxide (CeO2), and 1,295
g/t Lanthanum oxide (La2O3).
A 10-kilogram bulk sample taken from the
diatreme with a kimberlite signature is
being processed for diamond content.
RAR
3 Zone
The RAR 3 zone, located 3 kilometres southeast
of the RAR 5 zone, has been outlined along
a length of 2 kilometres and averages
12 metres in width.
This zone of shared carbonatite was chip
sampled with 11 samples within the central
300-metre long portion and averaged 2,116
g/t total REOs. Assay highlights include
a weighted average grade of 744 g/t Lanthanum
oxide (La2O3), 968 g/t Cerium oxide (CeO2)
and 185 g/t Neodymium oxide (Nd2O3).
RAR
7 Zone
The RAR 7 zone, the largest mineralized
zone on the Xeno Property,
measuring over 1,000 metres long and 300
metres wide, consists of a syenite-carbonatite
complex within sedimentary rocks. Historic
and recent sampling has indicated presence
of high-grade zones within the broad zone
of mineralization. Seven grab samples
of the higher-grade mineralization yielded
an average grade of 3,113 g/t REOs. The
RAR 7 mineralization is enriched in Yttrium
oxide (Y2O3) which averages 1,497 g/t,
Dysprosium oxide (Dy2O3) averaging 255
g/t and Europium oxide (Eu2O3) averaging
55 g/t. A total of 34 chip samples taken
along three sections each 55 metres in
length along a 150-metre length within
the northwestern portion of the zone had
a weighted average grade of 514 g/t REO.
All
rock samples were analysed by Acme Analytical
Laboratories in Vancouver, British Columbia,
using a lithium borate fusion and determination
of rare earth element content utilizing
an ICP mass spectrometer monitored with
quality control samples.
Results
were complied by W.J. Roberts, P.Geo.,
Vice-President of Pacific Ridge, who is
a Qualified Person in accordance with
regulatory policy.
Metallurgical
test work will determine if a premium
product can be produced from this REO
mineralization enriched in Lanthanum,
Neodymium and Cerium.
Future
markets look positive for several of the
REOs particularly Neodymium and Lanthanum
with growth potential forecasts in related
to the development of hybrid batteries,
fuel cells, electronics, hybrid cars and
super magnets.
The
company is now ready to seek a joint venture
partner to initiate drill testing for
the delineation of REO resources at the
Xeno Property.
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