Southern Arc resumes West Lombok drilling

Vancouver-based exploration firm Southern Arc Minerals Inc. announced Tuesday that after a hiatus of more than two and a half years, Phase 2 drilling activities are underway at the Pelangan Epithermal Au-Ag Prospect, located in the northwest section of the company's West Lombok property in West Nusa Tenggara province.

Drilling is progressing well with the completion of hole PLD004, and with three deeper holes (PLD003, PLD005 & PLD006) currently in progress, the company said.

An additional three (3) drill rigs, capable of coring to depths of 400-700 metres, have been mobilized to the Mencanggah Epithermal/Porphyry Prospect. These rigs will immediately be tasked to commence Phase 1 drilling.

Supported by the recent $28.3 million equity financing, the 2011 West Lombok drilling program is fully funded. Over the next 12 months, the company plans on completing more than 25,000 metres of diamond drilling into epithermal targets at Pelangan and Mencanggah. The field budget for this drilling program is US$6.4 million in the first 12 months, US$16.4 million over a 24 month period.

The diamond drilling program at Pelangan holds the objective of producing an NI43-101 compliant resource estimate within 12 months. The Mencanggah program holds the objective of producing an NI43-101 compliant resource estimate within 18 months.(alex)