Churchill Resources Inc. has announced exceptional assay results from its Black Raven property in Central Newfoundland, revealing high-grade antimony and gold at the historical Frost Cove and Stewart mines. These findings, including 35.1% and 29.7% antimony and 14.4 g/t gold, underscore the significant potential of the site and the strategic importance of antimony as a critical mineral.
Unearthing Riches: High-Grade Discoveries at Black Raven
Churchill Resources Inc. (TSXV: CRI) has reported impressive due-diligence sampling results from its Black Raven property in Central Newfoundland. The assays from the historical Frost Cove Antimony mine and the Stewart Gold mine have yielded remarkably high grades, with antimony concentrations reaching 35.1% and 29.7%, and gold assays at 14.4 g/t. These figures surpassed initial laboratory detection limits, necessitating overage assaying to confirm the true values.
Paul Sobie, CEO of Churchill, expressed confidence in these results, stating that the antimony samples were taken from the hanging wall and footwall veins within the upper historical adit at Frost Cove. Previous historical sampling in the area had also indicated high grades, suggesting a widespread presence of ultra-high-grade antimony concentrations across multiple veins.
A Critical Mineral in High Demand
Antimony is recognized as a critical mineral vital for national security and modern technological applications. Over 90% of the global supply is controlled by non-Western jurisdictions, primarily China and Russia. Its uses range from military applications to flame retardants, battery alloys, and emerging energy storage technologies. Recent export restrictions from China have driven antimony prices to record highs, exceeding $50,000 per tonne, emphasizing the urgent need for domestic North American sources to bolster economic and national security.
Black Raven Property: A Strategic Location
The Black Raven Property hosts two past-producing mines, the Frost Cove Antimony Mine and the Stewart Gold-Antimony Mine, both dating back to the late 1800s. The property is strategically located approximately 60 km northwest of Gander and 100 km north of the Beaver Brook Antimony Mine, which is reportedly slated for re-opening. This proximity suggests a potential for rapid project development, especially given the year-round exploration capabilities in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Exceptional Assay Results: Samples from Frost Cove yielded 35.1% and 29.7% antimony, while Stewart Gold mine samples showed 14.4 g/t gold.
- Strategic Importance of Antimony: Antimony is a critical mineral with high demand for national security and technology, with prices soaring due to supply chain concerns.
- Historical Significance: The Black Raven property includes two past-producing mines, indicating established mineralization.
- Immediate Exploration Plans: Churchill Resources will commence a summer surface exploration program, including trenching and channel sampling at Frost Cove and Stewart.
- NI 43-101 Compliance: While historical data is not NI 43-101 compliant, the recent due-diligence samples were collected and analyzed under strict protocols, with Dr. Derek H.C Wilton, an independent QP, reviewing and approving the technical information.
Churchill Resources is set to immediately begin its summer surface exploration program, focusing on follow-up work at Frost Cove and Stewart through trenching, channel sampling, and systematic mapping. The company aims to fully assess the mineralized package, building on these promising initial results.
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