Drilling by Empire at Bulqiza Project, Albania, Intersects Additional High-Grade Ores at Thekna Deposit and Demonstrates Important Additional Expansion Potential
Vancouver, B.C., September 13th, 2011. Empire Mining Corporation (EPC: TSX-V) ("Empire ") announces full results of the underground drilling program completed at the Thekna Deposit*, which forms part of the Bulqiza-Batra Licence at Empire's wholly owned Bulqiza chromite project in Albania. Four Diamond core holes totalling 1,550.7 metres were completed at Thekna to target a reported historical resource and its potential down-dip continuation from existing workings which were accessed from several adits. Empire is pleased to report that three of the four holes successfully intersected the intended target and returned significant chromite mineralization.
Previous drilling by the Albanian state at Thekna reported an historical resource of 300,000 tonnes grading 45% Cr2O3 *. In the current drilling program, four drill-holes were collared in the 25 Level at Thekna with the aim of providing some confirmation of historical grades and thicknesses as well as seeking possible extensions to previously mined high-grade (+40% Cr2O3) ores from historical workings, based on a revised structural overview. It is known that the highest grades and thicknesses, and therefore tonnage potential, in the nearby Bulqiza and Batra mines are related to fold structures and the same interpretation can be applied to Thekna. The highest grades are to be expected close to the fold closures, while lower grade and banded ores are to be expected on the fold flanges.
The most significant results from Empire's drilling at Thekna were obtained from drill-holes ETH-001 and ETH-002. Results are summarized as follows:
- ETH-001 intersected four separate zones of banded chromite from 313.3 to 317.9 metres including 1.17 metres at 33.86% Cr2O3. In addition, there are three further bands of disseminated and banded chromite between 366.60 and 369.9 metres.
- ETH-002 previously reported 41.98% Cr2O3 over an intersected width of 4.85 metres, at a hole depth of 312.35 to 317.2 meters, with a chrome to iron ratio of 3.24:1. Based on this result and the predicted fold structure, the hole was deepened and intersected a third limb of chromite mineralisation grading 36.88% Cr2O3 over an intersected width of 4.55 metres at a hole depth of 382.70 to 387.20 metres, with a chrome to iron ratio of 2.94:1. This intercept lies 65 metres down-hole of the first, previously-reported intersection. Combined with the low alumina and high magnesia obtained in the two intercepts, the grades fall well within the category of high quality metallurgical ores. In addition, there is an intermediate zone of banded and disseminated chromite in six separate bands between 364.60 and 379.90 metres grading between 25.45% and 40.44% Cr2O3.
- ETH-003 intersected lower grade chromite on the fold flanges, similar to previous state intercepts at the same elevations.
- ETH-004 experienced exceptionally poor core recoveries in the area of anticipated ore intercepts and particularly between 250 and 300 metres; the hole was therefore not submitted for assay.
A table with full drill results is available at the following link:
The drilling is graphically represented three dimensionally (3D) at the following link:
A cross-section is available at the following links:
The drilling was successful in confirming the continuity of the mineralization and, in particular, in demonstrating that there are two fold closures and not one as previously thought. One of the fold closures has been mined on the neighbouring concession and its projection is shown in the 3D graphic. The recognition of the third limb and, therefore a second fold closure, has added significantly to the tonnage potential for Thekna.
Considering the hole depth of the drill-intercepts, Empire is considering various options to advance exploration and development in the medium term, and eventual mining; including a decline access from the Thekna level 25 adit or access from existing infrastructure in much closer proximity to the mineralization.
The drilling equipment at Thekna, as well as the power cabling and transformer, and the water lines, have been dismantled and are being set-up in the Bulqiza 1440 adit for the next drilling phase expected to commence this month.
*Caution: The term "deposit" in this press release is used in the historical sense and is not meant to imply current economic viability. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate respecting the Thekna Deposit as a current mineral resource. Empire is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource and the historical estimate should not be relied upon.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
Cores were first sawn in half, bagged and sent to the OMAC/Stewart Laboratory in Loughrea, Ireland where they were prepared and assayed. Every stage is monitored according to strict QA/QP procedures, including standard reference material, blanks and chain of custody.
Empire's Qualified Person, David C. Cliff, BSc (Hons), MIMMM, C Eng, FGS, also Empire's President & CEO, has reviewed and approved the content of this news release.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,
David Cliff
President & CEO
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For more information contact:
Investor Relations
(604) 634-0970, or
1 888 818-1364
info@empireminingcorp.com
This release contains forward-looking information and statements, as defined by law including without limitation Canadian securities laws and the "safe harbor" provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("forward-looking statements"), respecting Empire's exploration plans. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation the ability to acquire necessary permits and other authorizations; environmental compliance; cost increases; availability of qualified workers; competition for mining properties; risks associated with exploration projects, mineral reserve and resource estimates (including the risk of assumption and methodology errors); dependence on third parties for services; non-performance by contractual counterparties; title risks; and general business and economic conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including without limitation assumptions about: general business and economic conditions; the timing and receipt of required approvals; availability of financing; power prices; ability to procure equipment and supplies; and ongoing relations with employees, partners and joint venturers. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and Empire undertakes no obligation to update any of the foregoing except as required by law.
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