Ashburton conducting diamond drilling at Obi gold project

Australia-listed firm Ashburton Minerals Ltd reported Thursday its diamond drilling at Obi gold project in South Halmahera province is underway and is progressing well.

The first hole, AOD 01, was completed to planned depth of 300 m at an inclination of -45 degrees. Drilling of Hole AOD 02 is in progress, also planned to a nominal depth of 300 m, at an inclination of-60 degrees to test below hole AOD 01.

Drilling is ongoing around the clock on a 2 x 12hr shift basis, with 10 m to 15 m production per shift. The programme is expected to take a further three months to complete. Due to the significant delay in commencement, a second rig is being sought to expedite completion of the programme.

Concurrent regional reconnaissance exploration has identified further clusters of artisanal diggings, including abandoned workings on 5 m-wide vein where mining apparently stopped due to influx of water at 10 m depth

Samples from regional exploration and the diamond drilling will be dispatched on a batch basis by airfreight to Perth for analysis through ALS Laboratories. Initial results are not expected for at least 6 weeks. (romel)