North Arrow Minerals Inc. (NAR: TSXV) is pleased to announce results of channel samples from its Big Bird pegmatite dike. This lithium bearing pegmatite is located in the Aylmer Lake area of the Northwest Territories, approximately 70 km east of existing winter road infrastructure that services the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines. Previous grab samples returned significant values with five of seven grab samples returning assays greater than 1.5% Li2O with a highest value of 3.3% Li2O (North Arrow news release dated September 18, 2008). Mineralization is contained in the lithium bearing mineral spodumene.
In September a program of geological mapping and channel sampling was carried out on the Big Bird pegmatite. The northwest trending dike is intermittently exposed along a strike length of over 1,200 m, with observable widths of up to 40 m. Rock sawn channel samples were collected at ten locations along a 1,100 m strike length with individual channels separated by distances ranging from 80 m to 200 m. A map of the sample locations has been posted under news releases on the company's website. Assay results are presented in the following table.
|
Channel |
Length |
Grade |
|
C1 |
4.12 m |
2.01 |
|
C2 |
1.65 m |
2.67 |
|
C3 |
2.46 m |
1.41 |
|
C4 |
4.22 m |
0.89 |
|
C5 |
5.51 m |
1.27 |
|
C6 |
1.00 m |
1.18 |
|
C7 |
1.60 m |
3.13 |
|
C8 |
1.28 m |
0.57 |
|
C9 |
1.60 m |
2.34 |
|
C10 |
1.50 m |
2.10 |
The channel sampling results confirm the continuity and grade potential of the Big Bird pegmatite. Typical grade estimates for lithium deposits tend to range from 0.50 to 1.50% Li2O. Lithium bearing pegmatites can be zoned and can contain additional associated rare metals including tantalum and tin near their margins. Geologic mapping and channel sampling of the Big Bird pegmatite has been restricted to outcrop exposures in the interpreted centre of the dike. Marginal portions of the pegmatite and its contacts with adjacent country rocks are covered by overburden and water. Future work on the property will include total field magnetic surveys. Magnetic susceptibility readings of the Big Bird pegmatite are extremely low, indicating good potential for such surveys to define the extent of the pegmatite with respect to the surrounding host rocks.
The discovery of the Big Bird pegmatite represents a strategic acquisition for the Company as the demand for lithium is expected to exceed known supplies. Much of the increased demand is expected to be driven by the automotive industry. Both General Motors Ltd. and Chrysler Corporation have recently announced plans to produce lithium battery powered electric cars as early as 2010.
North Arrow's 2008 exploration programs are conducted under the supervision of Gordon Clarke, P.Geol. (NT&NU), President and CEO for North Arrow and a qualified person under NI 43-101. All samples from the field program were submitted to Acme Analytical Laboratories Yellowknife preparation lab. Prepared samples were then forwarded to Acme's Vancouver lab for analysis. Samples were subjected to a 4 acid digestion and analysis for 40 elements using a combination of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometry and ICP mass spectrometry methods. Laboratory inserted duplicates and standards provided optimum precision and accuracy.
North Arrow Minerals Inc.
/s/ "Gordon Clarke"
Gordon Clarke
President and CEO
For further information, please contact:
Gordon Clarke
President and CEO
Tel: 867 873-8483
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.northarrowminerals.com
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy of this release.
