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Wabassi-Max
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| The Wabassi Ni-Cu-PGE Property covers an unexplored layered mafic-ultramafic intrusive complex. Although smaller than Highbank, layers within the Wabassi intrusion can be traced on the magnetic airborne survey for 7 kilometres. A rock sample that was randomly collected from an outcrop during a very brief reconnaissance of the property in the fall of 2007 assayed 130 ppb Pt + Pd. Preliminary study of samples revealed that the mineralogy and cumulate nature of the rock are evidence of a layered mafic/ultramafic intrusion with potential to contain reef-hosted PGE-(Ni-Cu) mineralization and Ni-Cu-(PGE) massive sulphide mineralization. |
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Wabassi # 1 & 2 Reef-Hosted PGEs |
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| Further sampling carried out on the main intrusion at Wabassi in the spring of 2008 identified layering and variable textures in a range of lithologies including mostly olivine-gabbronorite and gabbronorite. The rocks display well preserved primary textures with orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, olivine and plagioclase crystallizing as either cumulate or oikocrysts. Interstitial magnetite and interstitial and globular sulphides are also present in all samples. The sulphide globules are composed mostly of pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite with minor pentlandite. |
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Following on these encouraging results at the Wabassi Property, Northern Shield entered into a joint venture agreement with East West Resource Corporation on the Max Property located to the west of Wabassi. Under the terms of the option agreement, Northern Shield can earn a 66% interest in the property.
Northern Shield interprets its Wabassi North Property and the Max Property to overlie the main feeder pipe to the Wabassi intrusion, which makes both properties extremely interesting targets for Ni-Cu-(PGE) massive sulphide. This interpretation is strongly supported by the results of an airborne magnetic and electromagnetic survey flown by Geothech Ltd. for East West over the Max Property in early spring 2008. The VTEM electromagnetic survey underlined moderately strong EM conductor that correlates with the most magnetic portion of the magnetic anomaly. The conductor can be traced over 700 meters. More detailed processing of the magnetics (2nd vertical derivative) displays the well layered nature of the body. The EM results also suggest multiple layers of conductive bodies.
The geophysical results very strongly suggest that these conductors are caused by the presence of massive to semi-massive pyrrhotite. If the pyrrhotite is indeed hosted within a mafic-ultramafic body, then it very likely contains nickel and copper mineralization. If this is the case, the size of the deposit may be very significant. |
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| Although Northern Shield has not yet flown airborne EM over Wabassi, there is a magnetic anomaly within the Wabassi North Property that is of the same intensity and relative location as the Max target and another one at the base of the funnel shaped main intrusion. Northern Shield’s interpretation is that the Max target and the similar looking target on the Wabassi North Property are chambers along the feeder conduits to the main Wabassi intrusion. These feeder systems are ideal locations for Ni-Cu massive sulphide deposits (e.g., Voisey’s Bay). |
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| Sketch of a typical feeder conduit as applied to the Wabassi area. |
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From The Voisey Bay Deposit, Labrador, Canada, Naldrett, A.J.; Li, C. 2007, in Mineral Deposits of Canada
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