Lac Laura Gold Project

The 100% owned Lac Laura property consists of 39 claims covering 532 hectares located in Levy Township, Chibougamau Mining Camp, approximately five kilometres east of the town of Chapais and 30 kilometres west-southwest of Chibougamau, Quebec.  Between 1954 and 1984, the Chibougamau Mining Camp produced over 1.2 million tonnes of copper, 115 tonnes of gold, 650 tonnes of silver, 115 tonnes of zinc and 4 tonnes of lead.

Property and Ownership

The property is accessible year round by Highway 113, 36 kilometres to Chibougamau and eight kilometres to the town of Chapais, Quebec.  A new timber road has recently been built parallel to the Chapais-Senneterre Highway, which permits much better access to the northern part of the Lac Laura property.  A branch of the Canadian National Railway linking Chapais to Chibougamau and Lac St-Jean also crosses the property south of the old ramp.  Infrastructure in the area is excellent.  Several high tension power lines cross the northern part of the property.  Sufficient water for a mining operation is available from Laura Lake.

A portion of the property is situated on the northern side of Laura Lake and has an elevation of approximately 365 metres above sea level.  The highest elevation of the property is 411 metres above sea level, located north of Highway 113.  The property is primarily flat, but where the bedrock outcrops small gentle and rounded hills are observed.
        
The Chapais area is characterized by a cold temperate continental climate with cold winters and generally warm and short summers.  Temperatures in January average -20° Celcius.  July is the warmest month with an average temperature of 16° Celcius.  Snow accumulation and freeze-up of lakes begin in mid-November and snow remains on the ground until the beginning of May.  The annual precipitation is approximately 905 millimetres with approximately one-third of the annual precipitation occurring as snow mostly between October and April.

The Lac Laura property is located in the Chibougamau-Caopatina area situated in the eastern part of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt.  The property covers two geological formations:  the Blondeau Formation in the northern part and the Roy Group in the southern part.  The Blondeau Formation is known to be favourable for copper mineralization of the “Cooke Mine type” and for volcanogenic massive sulphide (“VMS”) type mineralization to be discovered.  It is comprised of volcanic rocks as well as gabbro sills.  The gabbro sills are known to contain chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite and sometimes sphalerite.  

Rocks of the Roy Group are mainly mafic to intermediary volcanic rocks (metabasalts and meta-andesites) that have been intruded by four types of dykes having different compositions and textures.  The metabasalts appear as a dark green to grey-green aphanitic to coarse grained rock, highly magnetic, cut by numerous chlorite, chlorite-carbonate and carbonates veinlets, stringers and hair like stringers, filling microfractures at various angles.  Several intersections show a lixiviated aspect with an increase in carbonate and epidote content.  These lixiviated intersections are often microfractured with injections of quartz- albite- epidote- calcite veinlets. 

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Mineralization

Five main types of mineralization have been identified in the Chibougamau Mining Camp:

•    Mineralization associated with mafic intrusions (e.g. Lac Doré Complex, Ferchib Project).
•    Volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits (e.g. Cooke Mine, Lemoine Mine).
•    Mineralization association with plutonic activities and to the large volcanic complexes (e.g. Devlin copper deposit, Principal Mine, Merill Mine).
•    Archean mesothermal gold deposit (e.g. Portage Mine).
•    Opemiska-type copper veins (e.g. veins of the Cummings Complex).

In the southern part of the Lac Laura property, several gold-silver mineralized zones have been intersected by the Minnova ramp and a number of diamond drill holes.  The first zone identified was referred to as the Portal mineralized occurrence and consists of 9% pyrrhotite, 6% pyrite and 0.5% chalcopyrite.  These sulphides are found in a quartz-calcite vein five to 16 centimetres in width that is associated with an east-west trending shear zone.  Two historic grab samples returned an average of 0.14% copper, 20 g/tonne gold and 6.51 g/tonne silver.

Approximately 30 metres from the Portal occurrence two mineralized shear zones have been identified in the first drawpoint at the base of the Minnova ventilation raise.  The first mineralized zone is 1.5 metres wide and contains several quartz-carbonate veins and veinlets of semi-massive sulfides (20% polonium, 3% pyrite) over 0.45 metres with a high gold value obtained of 0.24 g/tonne gold over 0.76 metres.  The second zone was identified at the end of the drawpoint in the ramp and at the base of the ventilation raise and varies in thickness from 15 centimetres to 1.5 metres.  In the drawpoint, a massive sulfide band was observed over a width of 75 centimetres containing values of 30% polonium, 5% pyrite and 3% chalcopyrite.  This band is followed by a quartz-carbonate vein containing 20% polonium, 2% pyrite and traces of free gold over 0.60 metres.  Gold values seem to be directly associated with the sulfide content.  Gold values obtained from the ventilation raise included 6.0 g/tonne gold over 0.45 metres from the left wall and 24.69 g/tonne gold over 1.5 metres from the right wall.

Mineralized veins, referred to as the 113 South mineralized zone, are of ribbon-type and discontinuous.  Mineralization consists of massive sulfide veins that change to quartz-carbonate veins on the lateral extensions.  These veins or lenses are made of pyrrhotite (50%-65%) and pyrite (10%-30%).  Quartz, chlorite, carbonate, sphalerite (up to 5%) and chalcopyrite (up to 3%) are present.  Numerous veinlets of quartz-calcite and sulfides have been observed outside the deformation corridor that correspond to tension release veinlets and may contain up to 10% sulfides.

The 113 North mineralized zone corresponds to a shear zone that contains numerous sub-parallel veins that are often discontinuous.  The mineralized zones are mainly associated with quartz-carbonate-sulfide veins and massive sulfide veins.  The west drift shows massive sulfide veins while the east drift shows veins that are highly discontinuous.  Pyrite is the main sulfide observed in this mineralized zone and can be disseminated (1% to 20%) or associated with massive sulfide veins (50%-90%). Chalcopyrite is more abundant on the west side in association with the massive sulfide veins.  On the east side, chalcopyrite is associated to quartz-carbonate veins and veinlets.  Sphalerite is more abundant on the east side, associated with massive sulfide veins and veinlets.

Gold values obtained from Apella Resources Inc.’s (“Apella”) drilling on the 113 South shear zone from 80.60 metres to 107.70 metres were 303 ppb gold over 0.60 metres; 6.58 g/tonne gold over 0.50 metres; 2.08 g/tonne gold over 0.60 metres; and, 3.54 g/tonne gold over 0.50 metres.  Additional drilling to verify the extension at depth of the 113 South mineralized zone intersected chloritized lava flows injected by narrow feldspar porphyry dykes.  Values obtained included 1.20 g/tonne gold from 53.15 to 54.15 metres, 7.56 g/tonne silver, 0.13% copper and 0.76% zinc; from 107.50 to 108.50 metres returned 3.40 g/tonne gold and 2.99 g/tonne silver; from 149.30 to 150.10 metres returned 10 g/tonne gold, 3.45 g/tonne silver and 0.24% zinc; and, from 178.48 to 179.00 metres 1.27% zinc and 1.12 g/tonne silver.

Additional mineralized structures identified include the following:

•    Several additional narrow mineralized zones have also been discovered that follow shear zones that contain veinlets and veins filling tension release fractures.  The veins are composed of quartz-carbonate-chlorite and sulfides.  Inside the shear zones veins are oriented to north-south and northwest-southeast.  Generally, shear zones contain 1% to 5% pyrite-pyrrhotite with traces of sphalerite.  Veins and veinlets may contain up to 30% sulfides. Pyrrhotite is the dominant sulfide.  Several high anomalous gold values were obtained, with the best one being 2.54 g/tonne gold over 1.2 metres that is associated with mineralized quartz veinlets and veins and a brecciated felsic dyke.  
•    A mineralized structure associated with a 128˚ oriented shear zone that dips to the south.  Mineralization is associated with an irregular quartz-carbonate-sulfide vein injected within the 0.45 to 0.60 metre wide shear zone.  Sulfide content is very variable and can be up to 50% of polonium+sphalerite+pyrite.  The mineralized zone in the left wall contains 3% polonium, 2% pyrite and 0.5% sphalerite and in the right wall contains  20% polonium, 8% sphalerite and 2% pyrite.  Base metal and gold values are also very irregular but seem to be in accordance with the sulfide content.  On the left wall, the vein graded 4.18 g/tonne gold, 1.72 g/tonne silver and 0.10% zinc over 0.60 metres.  On the right wall, assays returned: 18.17 g/tonne gold, 24 g/tonne silver and 4.20% zinc over 0.60 metres.

•    Two narrow mineralized zones associated with two undulating shear zones east-west oriented.  Sulfides were found in variable amount.  Up to 5% sphalerite has been observed with approximately 5% polonium.  Mineralization is associated with quartz-carbonate veins and veinlets emplaced within the 1.5 metre wide shear zone.

•    The area between the 113 South and 113 North structure contains several small shear zones that have been cut.  Mineralization in the first zone consists of pyrite and pyrrhotite (3%-10%) with quartz-calcite veins and veinlets associated with thin shear zones running parallel to an altered, brecciated and fractured felsic dike.  Mineralization in the second and third zones consists of pyrite-polonium (1%-5%) and is associated with the shearing and fracturing.  Up to 2.61% zinc was obtained from the third mineralized zone over 0.30 metres along with traces of gold.

Pro Minerals believes the Lac Laura property has very good potential for precious metal and VMS type mineralization based on the positive results of the most recent drilling program carried out in the southern part of the property as well as the prospecting carried out in the northern part of the property.

Previous Exploration

Sporadic exploration work in the Lac Laura area began in the 1950s following the discovery of base metals in the Chapais area.

From 1970 to 1989, Minnova carried out an aggressive exploration program in the area, including on the current Lac Laura property, following the results of compilation work that demonstrated the potential for copper-gold mineralization similar to the Cooke Mine located less than five kilometres away.  Work consisted of line cutting, geophysical surveys, mapping, stripping and channel sampling followed by three diamond drilling programs totalling 11,332 metres that resulted in the discovery of several gold bearing structures.

In 1987, Les Mines Messeguay Inc. and Oasis Resources Inc. entered into an agreement with Minnova for the development of the Lac Laura gold deposit.  Minnova was the operator of the joint venture.  Underground exploration work consisted of a 548 foot long decline and three drifts totalling 243.84 metres in three mineralized structures as well as a ventilation raise.  In addition to the underground work, an aggressive exploration program was undertaken that included a drill program (4 holes totalling 1,639.21 metres).  In December 1987, preparation work began for a portal followed by additional diamond drilling (13 holes totalling 417.97 metres) to test the numerous geophysical anomalies.

From 1989 to 2006, the Property stayed dormant until NovaWest Resources Inc., now Apella, optioned the Property.  In 2007, Apella conducted a geophysical survey to confirm the presence of three anomalies identified on the property and to test the extension at depth of EM conductors identified by previous owners.  Conductor 1A was found to exhibit high conductivity and ranks as a very high priority massive sulphide target.  This conductor is associated with felsic volcanic rocks that extend along the northern shore of Laura Lake.  Conductor 2A was found to be near surface (25 to 50 metres) with very good conductivity.  Conductors 3A and 4A were classified as low priority targets.

Also in 2007, Apella tested six diamond drill holes with 3D borehole pulse EM.  Several discrete anomalous sources were evident and showed subtle build-up in the middle and near the end suggesting the presence of a conductor located beyond the end of the hole.

In August, 2009, the Ministry of Northern Developments, Mines and Forestry conducted a mapping survey of the Lac Laura property and the surrounding area.  The Ministry, along with representatives of Apella, discovered a new gold-silver-copper showing in the northern part of the Lac Laura property approximately 800 metres north of the Chapais-Senneterre Highway.  Grab samples with chalcopyrite were collected and sent for analysis.  One representative grab sample from this showing returned a gold value of 128.5 g/tonne gold, a silver value of 113.0 g/tonne silver and a copper value of 2.61% copper.  In addition, this sample was found to be anomalous in arsenic, cobalt and tellurium.

To the north, sampling re-discovered a second historic showing.  The showing featured a trench that was dug in the 1950's.  The blasted trench showed a shear zone filled by massive to semi-massive pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite 30 centimetres thick, dipping vertically and oriented almost east-west.  One representative grab sample was taken from this trench that returned assay values of 0.20 g/tonne gold, 10.05 g/tonne silver, 0.74% copper, 185 ppm cobalt and 95 ppm nickel.  The rock stripped and blasted from the trench is a gabbro similar to the one containing the copper mineralization at the historic Cooke Mine that is also located in the Blondeau Formation a few kilometres west of the Lac Laura property.  During 1976, the Cooke Mine produced 1,084,000 tonnes grading 0.85 % copper, 5.69 g/tonne gold and 10 g/tonne silver.  As at 1985, the Cooke Mine had resources of 307,000 tonnes averaging 0.80% copper and 4.79 g/tonne gold.  


Work Conducted by Pro Minerals

Pro Minerals will be announcing the next program shortly.

Reserves/Resources

In 1989, following a surface exploration drilling, an underground exploration program and an underground diamond drilling program, Minnova calculated non NI 43-101 compliant mineral resources for the 113 North mineralized structure only consisting of the northwest drift and southeast drift.  This mineralization is located close to Highway 113 in the southern part of the current Lac Laura property.

In the northwest drift, a continuous block of mineral resources of 41.18 metres in length was been obtained.  The calculation totals 1,121.4 tonnes grading 4.11 g/tonne gold.  This tonnage includes an intersection of 7.89 g/tonne gold over 1.5 metres and 11.31 g/tonne gold over 2.75 metres.  In the southeast drift, the calculation returned 942 tonnes grading 2.19 g/tonne gold. The best blast round was 3.57 g/tonne gold over 2.74 metres.

In 2008, following the company’s drilling program, Apella recalculated and qualified the resources to NI 43-101 standards of the 113 North mineralized zone.  Mineral resources for the northwest and southeast drifts were estimated at 2,063 tonnes with an average grade of 3.22 g/tonne gold.  These resources can be classified as measured reserves and are compliant with NI 43-101 standards.  A 1.0 oz/ton gold cut-off was applied.