Tournigan Confirms Exciting VMS Potential at Brehov
• Successful testing of small area with multiple gold anomalies in SGS trench results
• Results include 2.5 metres grading 5.8 percent zinc, 2.4 percent lead and 9.4 g/t silver
• 600 by 300-metre mineralized zone within a 8 by 6-km caldera structure
• Confirmation of historical data and reinforcement of the Kuroko-type VMS geologic model
Kuroko-type VMS systems are characterized by precious-metal-rich, zinc-lead-copper mineralization hosted in rhyolitic submarine volcanic rocks. Tournigan management believes that the combination of high current prices for both precious- and base-metals make such deposits extremely attractive as high-value exploration targets. Tournigan is continuing to compile historical data over the entire area, including historic drillholes, gravity surveys and Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical surveys. Future work proposed for Brehov include a detailed geophysical survey with follow-up diamond drilling focused at defining the boundaries of mineralization.
Eleven close-spaced diamond drill holes totaling 210 metres were completed along three drill fences over an area 100 metres by 100 metres, all within the joint venture licence. Significant Tournigan results include:
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Drill From - to Interval* Lead Zinc Copper Gold Silver
Hole (m) (m) % % % g/t g/t
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KG-BH-10M 6.0 - 14.1 8.1 1.2 - - - 19.4
18.0 - 25.5 7.5 - 1.5 - - -
31.4 - 35.0 3.6 - 3.0 - - -
KG-BH-11M 4.1 - 7.5 3.4 - - - - 15.2
16.0 - 20.8 4.8 1.4 - - - 29.1
27.2 - 36.0 8.8 - 3.7 - - -
Includes 31.5 - 34.0 2.5 2.4 5.8 - - 9.4
KG-BH-8M 10.0 - 17.5 7.5 - 1.3 - - -
KG-BH-9M 4.0 - 5.3 1.3 1.1 - - - 17.9
5.3 - 8.0 2.7 - 1.0 - - 9.2
KG-BH-6M 4.0 - 19.0 15.0 2.6 0.3 - 0.5 40.0
Includes 4.0 - 9.0 5.0 3.4 0.2 - 0.7 58.1
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* Intervals reported correspond closely with estimates of true thickness
These results document significant thicknesses and concentrations of base metal - precious metal VMS mineralization occurring at and near the surface. It should be noted that these results are from strongly leached, oxidized and altered rocks, therefore geochemical analyses cannot be considered truly representative as elements such as copper and, to a lesser degree zinc, lead and silver, can be leached and transported from the oxidized weathering horizon. Conversely, gold can be residually enriched in the leached weathering profile.
Mineralization in the area drilled by Tournigan is shallow, occurring at the top of weathered bedrock. Fences of shallow drill holes were utilized instead of trenching due to deep overburden and thick clay-weathered bedrock profiles. Overburden averages 2 to 3 metres thick and strong clay-altered, saprolitic and decomposed-rock weathered profile of bedrock averages 4 to 6 metres thick, extending to 9 metres at one location.
Mineralization encountered in Tournigan's shallow drill holes is associated with quartz veining and silicified breccias and is interpreted as part of an epigenetic "stringer" zone(s) associated with a large, predominately stratabound VMS mineralization system. The area encompassing Tournigan's shallow drill fences is located at the southeast corner of an approximately 600 by 300-metre zone of mineralization, which was partially defined by historic SGS diamond drilling. This drilling was completed along north-south drill fences spaced approximately 200 m to 300 m apart and drill-locations along the fences varied from 100 m to 300 m. VMS mineralization within this zone is open-ended to the north, west and south. Historical SGS drilling results that have been compiled to date include the following:
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Drill From - to Interval* Lead Zinc Copper Gold Silver
Hole (m) (m) % % % g/t g/t
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VSB-1 121.9 - 125.9 4.0 - 3.4 - - -
VSB-2 59.5 - 65.0 5.5 1.6 3.1 - 0.3 16.8
96.1 - 97.7 1.6 6.3 8.5 - - 40.8
115.0 - 122.4 7.4 1.7 3.1 - - 10.4
includes 117.3 - 120.0 2.7 3.1 5.0 - - 13.6
VSB-3 107.0 - 109.0 2.0 1.7 2.7 - - 34.5
113.0 - 120.0 7.0 - 1.4 - - 17.3
VSB-6 108.0 - 113.0 5.0 1.2 1.5 - - 12.7
115.0 - 117.0 2.0 2.4 2.2 - - 15.5
119.0 - 124.0 5.0 1.5 2.7 - - 16.2
127.0 - 129.0 2.0 5.7 2.3 - - 41.6
138.0 - 139.5 1.5 1.5 5.8 - - 57.8
VBZ-1A 291.2 - 293.2 2.0 1.4 4.2 - - 27.2
VBZ-3 95.4 - 116.0 20.6 1.0 2.9 - - 8.0
includes 103.0 - 116.0 13.0 1.1 3.2 - - 9.4
includes 109.5 - 116.0 6.6 1.3 3.8 - - 11.8
133.0 - 135.5 1.5 - - - 8.1 -
VBZ-7A 167.4 - 168.9 1.5 3.9 - - 1.8 39.2
VBZ-14 119.2 - 121.8 2.6 - 3.1 - - -
158.3 - 160.3 2.0 1.5 28.8
170.0 - 171.2 1.2 - - 2.0 - 8.4
VBZ-20 222.4 - 226.4 4.0 - - 2.0 -
includes 225.4 - 226.4 1.0 - - 2.9 0.5 -
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* Intervals reported correspond closely with estimates of true thickness
Zinc-lead-silver mineralization intersected below 100 metres in historic SGS drill hole VSB-1 and below Tournigan's 2005 shallow drill holes is stratabound (i.e. confined to specific volcanic flow and/or bedding-plane layers) and in an apparent footwall relationship to the stringer mineralization. Most of the mineralization represented by the historic SGS drill results appears to be stratabound polymetallic sulphide mineralization with strong lithologic and chemical similarities to Kuroko-type VMS deposits. Specifically, stringer and stratabound base metal -- precious metal mineralization is associated with rhyolite to rhyodacite flow/dome complexes and intermediate to felsic volcanic flows and tuffs. Geochemically, the mineralization is zinc-lead-silver dominant with lesser copper-gold values.
The 600 by 300-metre zone of mineralization occurs within an approximately 8-kilometre by 6-kilometre caldera that partially encompasses a horst-structural block and belt of andesitic to dacitic volcanics intruded by rhyodacite flow-domes. Discontinuous gravity and IP anomalies correspond with this fault-bounded belt. Exploration potential for additional VMS precious-metal/base-metal mineralization is considered excellent within and adjacent to this belt of volcanic rocks, all within the Brehov project licenses.
Tournigan is designing a comprehensive initial exploration program at Brehov, to be announced shortly. It is anticipated that the program will consist of a high-resolution ground or helicopter-airborne EM-Magnetics geophysical survey and diamond drilling program focused at defining the boundaries of mineralization (size potential determination) and geochemical zonation patterns, as well as the discovery of thicker, higher-grade VMS mineralization.
Tournigan Gold is focused on developing advanced gold projects in Europe - Curraghinalt in Northern Ireland and Kremnica in Slovakia. The acquisition of new uranium projects in Slovakia and Wyoming, as well as the Brehov VMS project, adds a dynamic component to Tournigan's asset mix.
TOURNIGAN GOLD CORPORATION
"Damien Reynolds"
Damien Reynolds, CEO
Tournigan has a Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) protocol for drilling, rock sampling, and soil and stream sediment sampling programs, as part of all geochemical sampling, sample shipping and sample analysis procedures. QA/QC procedures include chain-of-custody protocol and systematic submittal of blank samples and duplicate samples. Tournigan continues to utilize OMAC Laboratories in Ireland for all its analytical work. Tournigan's Qualified Person for the Brehov Project is Dr. Kent Ausburn, VP of Exploration.
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements in this press release other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including risks inherent in mineral exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
For further information please contact Damien Reynolds, CEO or Garry Stock, Executive VP at (604) 683-8320, or visit http://www.tournigan.com