El Reventon Project, Durango, Mexico
Highlights
- Located in the state of Durango with good road access to site
- No previous known modern exploration or previous drilling conducted on the Property;
- The project was acquired for its potential to contain bulk tonnage silver as well as high grade silver vein systems - current focus is the Reventon Breccia;
- A total of 51 surface channel samples originally taken by Northair from the exposed Reventon Breccia averaged 104 g/t silver. Highlights include 52.0 metres of 166.5 g/t Ag, 0.73% Pb, 0.85% Zn;
- In 2007, a phase-one diamond drill program at the Reventon Breccia, yielded results of 33.5 metres of 179 g/t silver, 22.8 metres of 94.7 g/t silver and 56.4 metres of 84.5 g/t silver, with associated lead and zinc values;
- In 2008, a phase-two reverse circulation drill program at the Reventon Breccia yielded results of 91.4 metres of 87 g/t silver containing an intercept of 19.8 metres of 176.4 g/t sliver; and 80.8 metres of 71.9 g/t silver containing an intercept of 7.6 metres of 234.5 g/t silver;
- Drilling indicated that the Reventon Breccia is a tabular body, 40 to 120 metres in true thickness with alteration and mineralization appearing to increase to the north and northeast;
- Other zones of mineralization warrant further exploration on the property;
- Additional drilling is warranted to expand the Reventon Breccia and explore other zones;
- In 2013, Northair's partner Focus Ventures Ltd. drilled approximately 500 metres in two holes at the Estrella and Chicle zones and successfully encounter high-grade silver mineralization at depth. The most significant intersections found within the two holes were 2 metres of 305 g/t silver and 0.30 g/t gold at the Chicle Zone and 2 metres of 115 g/t silver at the Estrella Zone;
- Following the drill program, Focus Ventures Ltd. returned El Reventon to Northair, which currently holds a 100% interest the Property.
Location
El Reventon is located in the municipality of Otaez, Durango and is approximately 170 kilometres northwest of the capital city of Durango. Road access is good with a drive time of 9 hours from Durango City. Northair holds a 100% interest in the concessions, which total 3,370 hectares.
Overview
El Reventon was identified as an acquisition target by exploration staff early in 2006 as part of the Company's generative exploration program. Initial sampling reported very encouraging silver-lead-zinc mineralization from the Reventon Breccia occurrence. Further reconnaissance and sampling programs in the area revealed the presence of a number of high grade silver-lead-zinc vein systems as well as potential for other bulk tonnage deposits. Surface exploration was followed up with successful drill programs, which tested the Reventon Breccia in 2007 and 2008 and the Los Ailsos Zone in 2008. In 2012, Northair signed a binding agreement with Focus Ventures Ltd. ("Focus") whereby Northair granted Focus and its subsidiary the option to acquire 65% interest of El Reventon. During the following year Focus drilled approximately 500 metres in two holes and successfully encounter high-grade silver mineralization at depth. The most significant intersections found within the two holes were 2 metres of 305 g/t silver and 0.30 g/t gold at the Chicle Zone and 2 metres of 115 g/t silver at the Estrella Zone. Following the drill program, Focus Ventures Ltd. returned El Reventon to Northair.
2008 Exploration Program
In March 2008, the Company completed a second phase drill program totaling 2,170 metres in 17 reverse circulation drill holes, which was successful in further exploring and expanding the Reventon Breccia. Results of the drill program accounted for twelve of the 15 holes drilled at the Reventon Breccia intersecting significant silver values; highlights include 91.4 metres of 87 g/t silver containing an intercept of 19.8 metres of 176.4 g/t sliver; and 80.8 metres of 71.9 g/t silver containing an intercept of 7.6 metres of 234.5 g/t silver.
Results of the second phase drill program greatly increased the Company's understanding of the Reventon Breccia, which has mineralization related to a moderately north to northeast dipping diorite porphyry breccia that intrudes andesite volcanics. The porphyry is only exposed on surface in an erosional window within the volcanics measuring approximately 70 by 70 metres. The two drill programs have outlined a much larger irregular zone of altered diorite porphyry concealed by the volcanics. Alteration and mineralization appear to increase to the north and northeast, as well as the apparent true thickness of the zone, which varies from 40 to 120 metres. All drill site locations were conducted from existing roads -- necessitating some angle holes due to topography. Although drill holes to the south and directly east of the surface exposure of the breccia did not return significant silver grades, exploration potential to the southeast remains encouraging, as evidenced by Hole RC-08-17 which bottomed in 9.1 metres of 141.5 g/t silver.
2008 drill results at the Reventon Breccia are as follows:
Reventon Breccia Drill Intercept Summary - Phase 2
HOLE | Bearing | From (metres) |
To (metres) |
Total (metres) |
Silver (g/t) |
Lead (%) |
Zinc (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RC-08-03 | - 90 | NSV | |||||
RC-08-04 | - 90 | 73.2 | 79.2 | 6.1 | 54.8 | 0.32 | 0.98 |
and | 89.9 | 94.5 | 4.6 | 88.3 | 0.68 | 0.79 | |
RC-08-05 | - 60/N20W | 51.8 | 64.0 | 12.2 | 149.0 | 1.01 | 1.55 |
and | 102.1 | 106.7 | 4.6 | 107.7 | 0.44 | 0.99 | |
and | 112.8 | 128.0 | 15.2 | 82.9 | 0.25 | 0.88 | |
RC-08-06 | - 90 | NSV | |||||
RC-08-07 | - 90 | NSV | |||||
RC-08-08 | - 60/N20W | 21.3 | 57.9 | 36.6 | 108.9 | 0.82 | 1.45 |
includes | 21.3 | 50.3 | 29.0 | 124.0 | 0.94 | 1.66 | |
and | 82.3 | 115.8 | 33.5 | 124.2 | 0.56 | 0.63 | |
and | 129.5 | 149.4 | 19.8 | 82.2 | 0.52 | 0.60 | |
includes | 137.2 | 149.4 | 12.2 | 94.3 | 0.64 | 0.80 | |
and | 13.7 | 167.6 | 153.9 | 77.0 | 0.46 | 0.61 | |
RC-08-09 | - 90 | NSV | |||||
RC-08-10 | - 90 | 36.6 | 39.6 | 3.0 | 108.0 | 0.58 | 0.19 |
and | 48.8 | 50.3 | 1.5 | 106.0 | 0.29 | 0.83 | |
RC-08-11 | - 90 | 25.9 | 39.6 | 13.7 | 85.3 | 0.53 | 0.37 |
and | 25.9 | 132.6 | 106.7 | 71.3 | 0.33 | 1.08 | |
includes | 97.5 | 132.6 | 35.1 | 149.4 | 0.58 | 2.90 | |
RC-08-12 | - 90 | 0.0 | 19.8 | 19.8 | 62.7 | 0.85 | 0.99 |
and | 45.7 | 47.2 | 1.5 | 103.0 | 0.05 | 0.11 | |
RC-08-13 | - 90 | 0.0 | 120.4 | 120.4 | 100.9 | 0.59 | 1.03 |
includes | 10.7 | 18.3 | 7.6 | 244.4 | 1.58 | 0.52 | |
includes | 88.4 | 120.4 | 32.0 | 227.1 | 1.00 | 2.49 | |
RC-08-14 | - 75/N45E | 0.0 | 91.4 | 91.4 | 87.0 | 0.47 | 0.65 |
includes | 12.2 | 30.5 | 18.3 | 113.1 | 0.62 | 1.61 | |
includes | 71.6 | 91.4 | 19.8 | 176.4 | 0.63 | 0.47 | |
RC-08-15 | - 75/N45E | 44.2 | 47.2 | 3.0 | 298.8 | 0.01 | 0.03 |
and | 80.8 | 83.8 | 3.0 | 166.4 | 1.36 | 1.36 | |
and | 137.2 | 144.8 | 7.6 | 81.8 | 0.78 | 1.44 | |
RC-08-16 | - 75/N45E | 0.0 | 80.8 | 80.8 | 71.9 | 0.53 | 0.94 |
includes | 0.0 | 27.4 | 27.4 | 107.0 | 0.82 | 1.78 | |
above includes | 19.8 | 27.4 | 7.6 | 234.5 | 1.72 | 1.13 | |
includes | 38.1 | 50.3 | 12.2 | 91.9 | 0.93 | 0.76 | |
includes | 74.7 | 80.8 | 6.1 | 112.5 | 0.52 | 2.16 | |
RC-08-17 | - 90 | 82.3 | 91.4 | 9.1 | 141.5 | 1.39 | 1.19 |
Two holes were also drilled at the Los Alisos zone, which lies about 500 metres south of the Reventon Breccia. Hole RC-08-02 cut 16.8 metres of 34.4 g/t silver, with 0.5% Pb and 2.46% Zn. Los Alisos contains a diorite porphyry having a geochemical signature similar to the Reventon Breccia. The Los Alisos remains an exploration target.
2008 drill results at the Los Alisos Zone are as follows:
HOLE | From (metres) |
To (metres) |
Total (metres) |
Silver (g/t) |
Lead (%) |
Zinc (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RC-08-01 | NSV | |||||
RC-08-02 | 7.6 | 24.4 | 16.8 | 34.4 | 0.50 | 2.46 |
2007 Exploration Program
In June 2007, the Company completed a phase-one drill program that totaled 660 metres in six NQ core holes. All drill holes intercepted significant zones of mineralized breccia, with highlights including 33.5 metres of 179 g/t silver, 22.8 metres of 94.7 g/t silver and 56.4 metres of 84.5 g/t silver, with associated lead and zinc values.
2007 drill results are as follows:
HOLE | From (metres) |
To (metres) |
Total (metres) |
Silver (g/t) |
Lead (%) |
Zinc (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DDH-07-01 | 1.5 | 57.9 | 56.4 | 84.5 | 0.44 | 1.11 |
includes | 6.1 | 19.8 | 13.7 | 109.0 | 0.48 | 2.40 |
includes | 32.0 | 56.4 | 24.4 | 116.0 | 0.62 | 0.88 |
65.5 | 67.1 | 1.6 | 445.0 | 1.57 | 1.64 | |
DDH-07-02 | 0.0 | 21.3 | 21.3 | 64.7 | 0.30 | 0.81 |
44.2 | 48.8 | 4.6 | 131.7 | 0.11 | 2.38 | |
67.1 | 79.2 | 12.1 | 83.9 | 0.35 | 0.38 | |
DDH-07-03 | 7.6 | 36.6 | 29.0 | 40.8 | 0.28 | 0.64 |
48.8 | 50.3 | 1.5 | 107.0 | 0.31 | 0.24 | |
62.5 | 65.5 | 3.0 | 183.5 | 1.00 | 0.58 | |
74.7 | 97.5 | 22.8 | 94.7 | 0.33 | 0.92 | |
includes | 74.7 | 80.8 | 6.1 | 196.3 | 0.55 | 1.73 |
DDH-07-04 | 0.0 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 105.3 | 0.59 | 1.37 |
10.7 | 30.5 | 19.8 | 60.9 | 0.30 | 0.29 | |
includes | 16.8 | 21.3 | 4.5 | 113.3 | 0.46 | 0.63 |
57.9 | 59.4 | 1.5 | 246.0 | 0.55 | 1.27 | |
DDH-07-05 | 0.0 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 179.0 | 0.94 | 0.89 |
includes | 0.0 | 16.8 | 16.8 | 253.0 | 0.95 | 0.51 |
includes | 24.4 | 30.5 | 6.1 | 227.5 | 2.17 | 2.83 |
48.8 | 70.1 | 21.3 | 62.8 | 0.27 | 0.14 | |
includes | 48.8 | 51.8 | 3.0 | 54.0 | 0.21 | 0.34 |
includes | 54.9 | 59.4 | 4.5 | 177.3 | 0.66 | 0.12 |
DDH-07-06 | 3.0 | 39.6 | 36.6 | 79.9 | 0.85 | 1.12 |
includes | 12.2 | 18.3 | 6.1 | 169.3 | 2.20 | 1.80 |
includes | 24.4 | 27.4 | 3.0 | 149.5 | 1.39 | 1.35 |
includes | 33.5 | 38.1 | 4.6 | 124.0 | 1.27 | 1.89 |
59.4 | 67.1 | 7.7 | 93.6 | 0.37 | 0.26 |
It is important to note that DDH-07-03 was collared in overlying volcanics and intersected the mineralized breccia where projected by surface mapping, reinforcing the concept that the volcanics cap a larger breccia body.
Property wide reconnaissance of the project was completed 2007, with additional targets identified. Early in the year, a mapping, sampling and trenching program was completed over the northern half of the property resulting in the discovery of the La Estrella, Los Alisos and EL Portrero Zones.
The La Estrella Zone is located two kilometres to the southwest of the Reventon Breccia. In February 2007, 24samples taken from the zone average 0.825 g/t gold and 385 g/t silver over sample widths from .85 to 5 metres. An additional 7 samples were taken in April and extended what appears to be a high-grade vein system to a defined strike length of at least 180 meters. It remains open in both directions. Results from the most recent samples are as follows:
SAMPLE NUMBER |
WIDTH (Metres) |
Silver g/t |
Lead % |
Zinc % |
Gold g/t |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
220401 | 5 | 319 | 1.22 | 0.21 | 0.620 |
220402 | 2 | 416 | 1.78 | 0.12 | 2.070 |
220403 | 0.8 | 351 | 1.12 | 0.43 | 0.400 |
220404 | 4 | 133 | 0.69 | 0.19 | 0.086 |
220405 | 4 | 30.3 | 0.15 | 0.12 | 0.016 |
220406 | 2 | 29.6 | 0.20 | 1.20 | 0.084 |
220407 | 2 | 122 | 0.45 | 0.06 | 5.130 |
The Los Alisos Zone lies in close proximity to the Reventon Breccia, approximately 500 metres to the south. Previous excavated trenches reported values of 88 g/t silver over 15 metres within a broader zone of anomalous silver values. The Los Alisos and Reventon Breccia zones appear to be geologically similar in that they have a comparable geochemical signature and both occur in dorite porphyry. The area between the two zones is covered by post-mineral volcanics and agglomerate; however the Los Alisos Zone may be open to the north and the east.
The El Portrero Zone is located approximately one kilometer northeast of the Reventon Breccia, and contains dozens of prospects and small mine workings over an area of approximately 150 by 225 metres. The zone is being explorated as a potential bulk mineable silver target with vein, stockwork and disseminated mineralization occurring in silicified diorite porphyry. A total of 61 samples taken from the zone average 23 g/t silver over widths ranging from 1.5 to 7 metres.
2006 Exploration Program
In 2006, company geologists completed a reconnaissance evaluation of approximately 30% of the property position. A number of zones were discovered, with all of the zones containing prospects and historic mines, some possibly dating back to the Spanish. Most of the workings explored high-grade polymetallic vein systems that locally exceed 10 metres in width. As an example, the San Genaro prospect is approximately 2.1 kilometres northeast of the Reventon Breccia, and is traceable on surface by workings and limited outcrops for a strike length of approximately 400 metres. The workings are presently inaccessible, and there are few outcrops affording exposures for sampling. A sample from a surface exposure reported 0.432 g/t gold and 63.3 g/t silver over a 6 metre width.
An initial stream sediment sampling program was also undertaken with twelve samples collected from various drainages within the property. Very strong silver anomalies were reported in the Reventon drainage, as well as the Arroyo Portero 2 kilometres northeast of the Reventon Breccia, and two arroyos 1.8 kilometres southwest and 2.6 kilometres west-southwest respectively from the Reventon Breccia. A very strong gold anomaly (0.189 g/t) with no silver was reported from a drainage approximately 2 kilometres northeast of the Reventon Breccia. These results indicated that stream sediment sampling is a very effective tool for reconnaissance exploration within the property.
Planned Exploration
Northair will assess the results of Focus' 2013 exploration program before deciding on how to move the Property forward.
Geology
The project lies within the Sierra Madre Occidental geological province and a highly prospective mineral belt that includes the mines and districts of Bacis, Montoros, Metates, La Cienega and Topia. The property position controls a series of occurrences aligned along a northeast trending belt consisting of Upper Jurassic low-grade metasedimentary rocks overlain by andesite and rhyolite volcanics belonging to the Inferior and Superior Super Groups. Mineralization may be genetically associated with andesite and dacite porphyry intrusives.
The Reventon Breccia is a high sulfide occurrence hosted within intensely altered andesite porphyry intruding andesite tuff and agglomerate. Outcrops of the porphyry display intense hydrothermal brecciation, with micro and macro breccia textures. The entire exposed zone has strong epithermal silica flooding and replacement within the matrix and breccia fragments. Mineralization occurs as disseminations, veining, stockworking, and aggregates of coarse pyrite, galena and sphalerite, contained within the intrusive as well as the adjacent volcanics.