NewWest Gold Corporation Confirms High-Grade Gold Mineralization From a Core Hole at the Sandman Project
Lakewood, Colorado (ots/PRNewswire)
NewWest Gold Corporation (TSX:NWG) ("NewWest") announced today that vertical core hole AK07-28C at its Abel Knoll discovery at the Sandman Project, returned a thick and nearly continuous section of gold mineralization. The discovery also included several high-grade gold intercepts confirming the presence and continuity of similar high-grade gold mineralization encountered in nearby reverse circulation (RC) hole AK06-23.
The new drill hole results follow results recently released by NewWest from Abel Knoll on March 5, 2007. NewWest drilled AK07-28C to determine whether intercepts in AK06-23 that occur below the water table were influenced by down-hole contamination and to verify high-grade values at the Abel Knoll deposit. AK07-28C encountered 335 feet of continuous mineralization at a grade of 0.075 oz Au/ton and provided the confidence to include the results for AK06-23 which now show 335 feet of continuous mineralization from 285 to 620 feet at a grade of 0.115 oz Au/ton.
"This core hole has high-grade intervals included within an impressive 335-foot continuous intercept," said Steve Alfers, President and Chief Executive Officer. "In addition to verifying the grades and significantly extending the thickness of the gold mineralization previously reported in RC hole AK06-23, the results from this core hole demonstrate Abel Knoll's upside potential and allow us to proceed confidently with our 2007 exploration program at Sandman."
The cross-section shows good correlation between gold values in AK06- 23 and AK07-28C below the water table and above the 4,000-foot elevation, thus illustrating the continuity of mineralization between the two holes and the absence of contamination in the RC hole. Below the 4,000-foot elevation, the differences between the two holes appear to be related, at least in part, due to the fact that AK07-28C was drilled out of the host rock and mineral system at a shallower depth than AK06-23. A diagram of the cross-section is available on the Drill Results page of NewWest's website at www.newwestgold.com.
In addition to confirming the RC drill results for AK06-23, the AK07- 28C core hole provided valuable information about the nature of the host rock and the geometry of the Abel Knoll mineral system. Geologic logging of the core from AK07-28C revealed that the mineralization occurred in a fragmental rock surrounded by tuffaceous volcanic rocks. NewWest interprets the fragmental rock as an intrusion, probably a diatreme (a volcanic pipe created by explosive volcanism), which appears to plunge in an easterly direction.
Future Planned Drilling
NewWest has initiated its Phase 1 2007 drilling program at the Sandman Project to add ounces and to refine the geologic models for the Project's four mineral deposits: Abel Knoll, North Hill Silica Ridge and Southeast Pediment. Thus far NewWest has completed six RC holes at Abel Knoll for a total footage of 2,500. Assay results are pending. The 2007 drilling program will also test previously identified targets and explore frontier targets that will hopefully lead to the discovery of new deposits at Sandman.
A map of the drill-hole locations and the drilling results for all of NewWest's holes drilled to date at Abel Knoll, including updated information for the interval from 450 to 620 feet in AK06-23 and the newly available results for AK07-28C are available on the Drill Results page of NewWest's website at www.newwestgold.com. Reported average gold grades are based on a 0.010 oz Au/ton cutoff.
Qualified Person
All drill samples were collected following standard industry practice and were assayed by American Assay Laboratories, Inc. of Sparks, Nevada. Gold results were determined using fire assay on a 30 gram sample with an atomic absorption finish. Samples with higher grades were re-assayed by fire assay with a gravimetric determination. QA/QC included assays on rig duplicate splits, and the insertion of standards and blanks into the sample stream. Assays were checked using ALS Chemex, also of Sparks, Nevada. Jim Ashton, P.E., Reno, Nevada, NewWest's Senior Project Engineer, is NewWest's qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical data in this news release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes but is not limited to, economic performance, statements regarding potential mineralization and reserve exploration, and future plans and objectives of NewWest Gold Corporation including future exploration and development. Any number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements, including those set out in the Company's annual information form dated December 31, 2006, as well as future results. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About NewWest
NewWest is one of the largest holders of precious metals mineral rights in Nevada's gold trends, spanning approximately 623,000 acres. NewWest holds 19 exploration projects, including advanced-stage projects with measured and indicated resources. NewWest's goal is to move its projects into production.
Contact:
For further information: NewWest Gold Corporation, Stephen Alfers,
President and Chief Executive Officer, Tel: +1-303-425-7042, Fax:
+1-303-425- 6634, info@newwestgold.com