Ximen Mining (TSXV:XIM) (OTC:XXMMF) has announced a breakthrough in its exploration efforts at the Brett Epithermal Gold Project near Vernon, British Columbia. The company reported visible gold in its seventh drill hole (Hole B24-07) at the West Zone of the property, a major development for Ximen as it seeks to expand its presence in the region and gain a clearer understanding of the site’s mineral potential. This discovery further substantiates the West Zone’s potential as a significant gold-bearing area.
The drill hole intersected hydrothermally altered volcanic and intrusive rocks between 3.0 and 9.32 meters. The section included basaltic volcanic rocks, with feldspar porphyry intrusive material accounting for about 52% of the composition. The rocks showed heavy oxidation and argillic alteration, as well as a range of iron oxides. Following this section, drilling continued through altered volcanic and intrusive rocks, with layers of silicification and clay-rich zones extending down to a depth of 214 meters, where drilling stopped. The rocks exhibited dark gray silica-pyrite veinlets and breccia, marking areas of pervasive mineralization with visible pyrite concentrations between 3% and 10%.
Ximen highlighted specific intervals that underscored the significance of Hole 7. Between 19.86 and 32.87 meters, and again from 85.80 to 88.08 meters, Ximen observed a consistent presence of quartz and pyrite veinlets. Notably, the second interval (85.80 to 88.08 meters) included visible gold at 87.25 meters within a silica-pyrite veinlet with colloform banding. The visible gold was present as clusters of small grains, estimated at more than 20 grains, providing direct evidence of gold-bearing structures in the West Zone.
This visible gold in Hole 7 is a milestone for Ximen, marking the first confirmation of significant gold mineralization within the largely unexplored West Zone. The characteristics of Hole 7 — including clay-altered faults and porphyritic rock formations — highlight a unique geological environment, which Ximen considers an ideal target for further exploration. The company plans to continue its efforts with an eighth drill hole, Hole B24-08, from the same site but directed northwesterly to evaluate the continuity and extent of mineralization in this zone.
The Brett Epithermal Gold Project covers approximately 20,043 hectares and is known for its low-sulfidation epithermal-style gold deposits, hosted in the Eocene-age Penticton Group volcanic rocks. Discovered in 1983, the site has a long history of exploration. In the 1990s, a 291-tonne bulk sample was extracted from the surface and sent to the smelter at Trail, BC, yielding an average grade of 27.74 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 63.7 g/t silver. Ximen’s Brett property includes multiple mineralized zones extending over a two-kilometer strike length, comprising both bulk-mineable and high-grade, bonanza-style deposits.
In 2022, Ximen conducted LiDAR and airborne magnetic surveys across portions of the Brett property. The data gathered from these surveys enabled a detailed interpretation, 3D geological modeling, and refinement of drill targets in preparation for the 2024 drilling campaign. Ximen’s current objective at Brett is to expand the Main Zone to the southeast and at depth and to explore altered zones bordering and running parallel to the Main Zone, with an emphasis on uncovering any previously undetected mineralized areas.
Ximen Mining Corp. holds 100% interest in three precious metal projects in southern British Columbia, including the Brett Epithermal Gold Project and the Amelia Gold Mine. In addition, Ximen owns the Treasure Mountain Silver Project, which is situated near the former Huldra Silver Mine. The Treasure Mountain Project is currently under an option agreement with an external partner who provides funding for development through staged cash and stock payments. Ximen has also acquired the Kenville Gold Mine near Nelson, BC, which includes surface and underground rights, buildings, and equipment, adding further depth to its portfolio of gold assets.
The above references an opinion and is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Seek a licensed professional for investment advice. The author is not an insider or shareholder of any of the companies mentioned above.
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