- QMC Quantum Minerals began assay channel samples at Irgon Dike in 2017
- Positive results have generated excitement for the company
- QMC anticipates completion of NI 43-101 resource estimate in 2019 with potential for rapid development thereafter
QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. (OTC: QMCQF) (TSX.V: QMC) (FSE: 3LQ) is capping an eventful year at its Irgon Lithium Mine Project by preparing to rapidly expand exploration and bring the project into production once its qualified engineer (SGS Canada) has upgraded the historical resource estimate to be compliant with current NI 43-101 standards.
QMC began investigating the potential of the Irgon Mine in southern Manitoba, a mining-friendly province, in 2016, when it acquired its first four claims. Assay results from the 2017/2018 exploration programs returned high grades of lithium oxide, and the company increased its land position to 22 contiguous claims covering 4,583 hectares (11,325 acres) as excitement increased over the potential of the property.
Exploration at the Irgon Dike more than half a century ago established an historical resource estimate of more than 1.2 million tons of lithium grading 1.51 percent Li2O over a strike length of 365 meters (1,197.5 feet) and to a depth of 213 meters (698.8 feet). The latest finds, announced on October 30, doubled the known strike length by extending it as far as 400 meters (1,312.3 feet) to the west. The company is also planning to drill deeper, below the level of the historical resource, with the expectation of ultimately producing a NI 43-101 resource estimate that’s much higher than the historical estimate.
QMC has been encouraged by the Irgon Dike’s proximity to Tantalum Mining Corporation of Canada’s TANCO Mine. Both occurrences are hosted within the Bird River Greenstone Belt and both are large spodumene-bearing dikes within the Winnipeg River Pegmatite Field. TANCO is North America’s most successful lithium mine to date. QMC states that the Irgon Site may contain even richer ores than TANCO. As part of the exploration process, when the Irgon samples were assayed, QMC asked for results on 56 different elements in order to identify any additional exotic, previously unrecognized mineralization that may be present within the Irgon Dike, thereby expanding the company’s possibilities.
Lithium is a much sought-after metal because of its critical importance to the lithium-ion batteries that power cell phones, portable computers, electric vehicles and digital cameras, which have become a ubiquitous part of people’s lives in North America. Additionally, just coming online are mass energy storage units used by utilities such as Alison Canyon’s (California) 326MWh of lithium ion-batteries and Hornsdale’s (Australia) 129MWh.
On receipt of the pending NI 43-101 report, the company expects to be able to “rapidly increase” the rate of development and subsequent production from this hard rock (spodumene) site, drawing on infrastructure that includes a previously excavated three-compartment shaft and underground drifting off the 200-foot level. Road access is provided by an adjacent provincial highway, and power and railhead are nearby. This will allow for a portable pilot plant to be easily moved onsite, bringing production one step closer.
QMC Quantum Minerals is a Vancouver-based company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of lithium and other valuable resources properties. All of the company’s properties are currently located in Manitoba and include not only the Irgon Lithium Mine Project, but also two volcanic massive sulphide (“VMS”) gold, copper and zinc properties encompassing approximately 23,000 hectares (57,000 acres) in the prolific Flin Flon/Snow Lake VMS mining district of northern Manitoba. These two properties, the Rocky Lake and the Rocky Namew Properties, are collectively known as the Namew Lake District Project.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.QMCMinerals.com
