In the course of its exploration work, Boliden has discovered an extensive mineralisation in the Garpenberg area in Dalarna (in central Sweden). Drill hole intersections and geophysical surveys indicate potential for a substantial tonnage with good grades, especially of zinc, lead and silver. The grades are higher than the averages for the ore reserve at the currently operating Garpenberg mine. The area is known as Lappberget and is located between Boliden's Garpenberg and Garpenberg Norra mines in an environment characteristic of the ore deposits in the area.
"The results of the drilling so far indicate that we have discovered a mineralisation of considerable size, says Jan Johansson, President and CEO of Boliden. A comprehensive exploration programme is already under way to determine the tonnage and grades. The work done at Garpenberg shows that our strategy of focussing exploration on areas close to mines is correct" concludes Johansson.
The drilling has been carried out from the 900-meter level and was directed towards the 850- and 1400-meter levels. Holes have also been drilled from surface towards the 500-600-metre levels.
It has not yet been possible to establish the overall size of the mineralisation. Exploration work continues, partly to investigate the structures and the connection between the mineralised areas by means of further drilling. Drilling from surface is currently in progress to locate the upper limits of the zone. Drifting is also going ahead in order to obtain better access for continued investigation.
Boliden has now assigned a project team to evaluate the results obtained (see attached) and to plan further exploration and development work in the area. Chemical analyses have been carried out at Boliden's laboratory at Rönnskär. Check assays are performed on samples sent to Chemex in Vancouver.
The area is covered by an exploration permit and lies within the 1-km protection zone around the existing exploitation concessions at Garpenberg and Garpenberg Norra.
The exploration work has been supervised by Mati Sallert, who is a Qualified Person and member of AGO and has applied for membership of APGO. Horizontal and longitudinal projections of the Garpenberg area can be found on Boliden's website under "Exploration".
For further information, contact:
Jan Johansson, President and CEO, telephone +46 8 610 1602 or +46 70 555 02 02
Ulf Söderström, Vice President Public Relations, telephone +46 8 610 15 57 or +46 70 618 95 95