Northern Star Mining Corporation (TSX VENTURE:NSM) (Northern Star Mining or the "Company") is pleased to release further information on the Malartic-Midway gold project, located near Val-d'Or, Quebec.
Further to the press release of December 11, 2008 where the following results from drill hole MC-08-160 were announced, the Company will now continue the Chabela branch of the decline towards this new discovery for its future exploration and development.
Hole MC-08-160, previously announced, December 11, 2008
HOLE # From (m) To (m) Core length (m) Grade (g/t Au) Rock Type
MC-08-160 254.0 258.8 4.8 (15.74ft) 86.48 (2.54opt) Gabbro
Including 256.3 256.8 0.5 (1.64ft) 802.43 (23.46opt) Gabbro
Including 256.3 258.9 2.6 (8.53ft) 160.69 (4.7opt) Gabbro
The new discovery is located approximately 150 meters NNW of the Chabela Zone, and appears to be the eastern extension of the "G" Zone, a significant gold bearing zone that was previously mined at Malartic Goldfields Shaft #1. Historical records of Malartic Goldfields indicate that the "G" zone returned high grade material of over 10g/t. The new zone is being called the "L" Zone.
The Company has carried out additional surface drilling on this new zone and is awaiting results from these other holes. Further drilling is planned from surface and underground at this new discovery.
The decline has now advanced over 930 meters and reached its initial planned depth of 150 meters. The Chabela branch has now reached the Chabela Zone at a depth of 150 meters. The Chabela branch of the decline will now be extended some 170 meters in a NNW direction to reach the new discovery.
Presently work has begun on the two areas of bulk sampling to be carried out in the Chabela Zone, whilst the Briar branch of the decline continues in a WNW direction to reach the Briar and Midway zones at a planned depth of 250 meters.
The Company has also taken delivery of a new scooptram for work in the Chabela Zone.
On surface, the Company is in the process of completing its 2008 surface program on the Malartic-Midway project. 51 holes have been drilled so far this year, with an additional 10 holes drilled from underground.
35 holes were drilled on the Callahan gold project, located immediately north to the Malartic Midway project.
Results from all holes will be released as available.
Michel David, president states "the Company is pleased with its progress in 2008, its planned decline will now explore and develop two entirely different areas of the project, with two access tunnels (Briar and Chabela), and will push the decline towards a third underground working area. We are also eagerly anticipating further results from surface and underground from the new discovery area and other portions of the property".
Eugene Gauthier, Geol, Ing (OIQ), acts as the qualified person of the Company and has reviewed the content of the news release. The underground and surface exploration programs are being carried out under the direct supervision of Eugene Gauthier, Ing., (OIQ).
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Jonathan Awde, Vice-president, Corporate Finance