BASE METALS — Spectrum Res. explores nickel prospect in Vietnam

Newly listed Spectrum Resources (SPC-V) is continuing to explore and develop nickel targets at the Ta Khoa concession in Vietnam. This year’s program consists of 16 holes drilled over approximately 2,000 metres.

The junior holds a 70% interest in the concession, situated some 200 km west of Hanoi. The remaining 30% is shared by the Vietnamese government and Son La province.

Previous drilling by the Vietnamese and Spectrum outlined a resource of 1 million tonnes grading 3.5% nickel, 1.3% copper and 0.1% cobalt at the Ban Phuc project area. This portion of the concession also hosts 4 million tonnes of 1.4% disseminated cumulate nickel, classified as an inferred resource.

None of the resources is proven, and considerably more drilling is required to confirm continuity and establish grades.

Results from five holes at Ban Phuc were released in late May, the most impressive being 8.2 metres of 5% nickel, 1.65% copper and 0.15% cobalt (which includes 5 metres of 7.62% nickel, 1.68% copper and 0.17% cobalt) from the shear-Controlled mineralization at Ban Phuc. Other results include 2.3 metres of 1.5% nickel, 0.2% copper and 0.04% cobalt, plus 2.76 metres of 1.6% nickel, 0.81% copper and 0.09% cobalt.

Two of the holes intersected wide zones of low-grade cumulate nickel sulphide mineralization in ultrabasic intrusives.

Spectrum carried out a sampling program to test the Ban Mong target, about 10 km west-Northwest of Ban Phuc. Several lenses of massive sulphide mineralization were sampled, returning values of up to 3.2% nickel, 14% copper and 0.09% cobalt. While these lenses are not believed to have commercial value, the company says their presence indicates that potential exists along strike or at depth for shear-Controlled mineralization similar to that found at Ban Phuc.

In addition, Spectrum notes that other parts of the concession were identified as having potential for styles of mineralization similar to that encountered at Ban Phuc.

The company also is exploring six copper-gold projects in Chile.