Rompas Gold Uranium Project
Project
Rompas is a new gold and uranium discovery made by AREVA in 2008 and purchased by Mawson in April 2010. Bonanza grade gold and uranium mineralization has been discovered at surface over an area exceeding 6km in strike and 200m in width. From samples selected for assay, results include values up to 22,723 g/t gold and 43.6% uranium.
Ownership
Mawson is 100% owner of the project and purchased 11,870 hectares of claim applications from Areva NC in April 2010.
The Rompas area is situated a few kilometres south of the Arctic Circle. The area is located mainly in the municipality of Ylitornio, but some areas in the SE of the project belong to the town of Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland . The distance to both municipality centres is about 50 km.
Access to the area is good with a paved road located between between Ylitornio and Rovaniemi. A local forestry road network is also present in the area. The distance to the nearest railroad station is 30km east at Muurola. A railway station is also present at Ylitornio, which is currently under upgrade for three iron projects located in the Kolari and Pajala areas in Finland and Sweden. In addition, an international airport is situated ten kilometres north of Rovaniemi.
The landscape of the area consists of forest and flat mire terrains with shallow undulating hills in places. No houses are located in the claimed area.
Property History
The area was discovered by an airborne radiometric surveys in 2008. Follow-up exploration was conducted geologists who had previous Geological Survey of Finland ("GTK") experience in the area. Reconnaissance sampling and geological and radiometric mapping was started in 2008 with some follow-up work in 2009. More than 150 new, separate occurrences of high uranium and extremely high gold contents were located in bedrock. At that time, however, AREVA decided to reduce activities in Finland and subsequently Mawson purchased the property from AREVA in April 2010. As a consequence Areva is a major shareholder of Mawson, currently holding 9% of the Company, plus an option to purchase an additional 8% by exercising 4.2 million purchase warrants at $1/share.
Property Geology
Geologically Rompas is located in the northern part of the Early Proterozoic Perapohja schist belt.
The bedrock of the area is composed of clastic quartzites, dolomites, mafic lavas, dykes and sills, amphibolites and mica schists along with black schists. Quartzites, mafic lavas and dolomites belonging to the Kivalo group and mica schists to the Paakkola group. Black schists are concentrated to zones between these two groups.
Map of Rompas Project Secured by 11,870 Hectares of Claim Applications with Aeromagnetic Image Backdrop
Mineralization
On November 19, 2010 Mawson announced the first channel sample results from the Rompas gold-uranium project. Highlights from 39 surface channel samples included 0.3m @ 1,866 g/t Au and 8.0 % U, and 0.26m @ 1,510 g/t Au and 3.95 % U. The diamond saw-cut channel samples are considered the first representative samples collected at Rompas.
Included in this batch were 10 mineralized grab samples that averaged 672 g/t Au and 2.06 % U and ranged from 0.2 g/t to 3,230 g/t Au and 14.6 ppm to >15% U. Grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property.
On December 15, 2010, Mawson announced results from the second batch of channel samples received from Rompas. Results included 49 representative diamond saw cut channel samples that are comprised of 448 individual samples. Highlights include 0.95m @ 1,424 g/t Au and 1.3 % U, and 2.05m @ 191.3 g/t Au and 0.44 % U (Table 1). The average width and weighted average of 49 of 71 channel samples assayed is 0.43m @ 222.7 g/t Au and 0.6 % U.
Also included in this batch were 254 mineralized grab samples that averaged 406 g/t Au and 0.74 % U and ranged from 0.001 g/t to 22,723 g/t Au and 0.1 ppm to >15% U. Grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property.
On February 22, 2011, Mawson announced results from the third batch of results includes 31 diamond saw cut channel samples that are comprised of 268 individual samples. Highlights include 0.35 m @ 1,460 g/t Au and 1.4 % U, and 2.6 m @ 190.5 g/t Au and 0.25 % U.
Also included in this third batch of results were 64 mineralized grab samples that averaged 1,691.4 g/t Au and 6.5 % U and ranged from <0.03 g/t to 12,410 g/t Au and 1.6 ppm to 47.9% U. Grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property. To view a full list of the grab samples, click here.
The weighted average of all 80 channel samples from the 2010 program was 0.59 m @ 203.66 g/t Au and 0.73 % U within a sampling footprint of 6.0 km strike and 200-250 m width. More than 300 discovery sites have now been identified within the mineralized footprint. Channel samples are considered representative of the in-situ mineralization sampled and channel widths quoted approximate the true width of mineralization.
A detailed map showing the location and distribution of these and earlier channel and grab samples can be downloaded from http://www.mawsonresources.com/i/maps/Rompas_PLANFEB22.pdf.
Samples reported to date come from the entire Rompas trend. The channels were taken at Rompas South over a strike distance of 400 m by 100 m width and at Rompas North over 260 m strike by 120 m width. The distance between the most southerly and northerly channel sample was 5.4 km. Grab samples were taken over a strike of 1.9 km at Rompas South and 420 m in Rompas North. A total of 286 rock chip samples (including 47 highly radioactive samples) remain to be reported by the laboratory from the field program conducted this summer at Rompas.
Mineralization appears to be hydrothermal in nature and fracture-controlled, hosted mainly by metavolcanics which may in part be skarnified and/or hornfelsed. Uranium is found in the form of uraninite. Native gold and uraninite are generally identified at surface in limonitic fractures within metavolcanic host rocks. It would appear that the target would be of a large, bulk-tonnage, fracture-controlled nature that is probably related to a buried intrusive that may be an apophyse or down-dip extension of the granitoid complex the occurs just a few kilometers to the north of the property. The possibility of finding potentially economic high grade vein structures must also be considered. Rompas can be classified as a U-Au skarn or metasomatic vein deposit in metasedimentary and igneous bedrock.
Permitting
Being a new discovery the Rompas project is secured by claim applications. Drilling and trenching will be permitted on the granting of exploration claims. The granting of claims in Finland is currently slow and Mawson is working with the Finnish authorities to facilitate this process in the shortest possible time.
A 256 hectare Natura 2000 area ("Romppaat") is also contained within the Rompas project area and correlates in part, but not exclusively, with known mineralized areas due to the presence of carbonate-favoring plants over the mineralized/altered rocks. Natura 2000 sites cover about 10% of Finland and approximately 30% of Northern Finland. Mawson has engaged consultants who have completed a report examining the need for a Natura assessment on the planned exploration program and its possible effects. The report concluded a Natura assessment, as laid down in section 65(1--2) of the Nature Conservation Act, is not needed for exploration for the Romppaat area.
A detailed map showing the location and distribution of surface discoveries can be downloaded from http://www.mawsonresources.com/i/maps/Rompas_PLANOCT312011Natura.pdf.
A Guide to Exploration and Mining in Finland's Protected Areas, the Sami Homeland and the Reindeer Herding Area. For more information follow this link.
The EU recently (4 October 2010) published a guidance document and related press release for new guidelines to clarify rules for extractive industries in nature areas. For more information follow this link.
Finnish Nuclear History
World Nuclear Association Brief on Finland
In late April the Finnish government granted two permits for two new reactors based primarily on the need for Finnish energy security. Finland is the EU's highest consumer of electricity on a per capita basis (double Germany), and currently reliant on Russsian oil and gas: http://www.bloomberg.com.au/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=STEAV%3AFH&sid=a1W8vULVCk_g
Additionally, Talvivaara Mining has applied to the Finnish government for a permit to extract uranium as a by-product at its Talvivaara nickel and zinc mine in Sotkamo, eastern Finland:
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/ENF-Talvivaara_seeks_uranium_extraction_licence-2104104.html
In February 2010, 66% of the public surveyed from a group of 1000 pepole backed Talvivaara's plans to begin uranium extraction:
http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/htimes/domestic-news/general/9877-two-thirds-of-finnish-public-in-favour-of-talvivaara-uranium-mine-.html
Conclusion
Rompas is an exciting new gold and uranium discovery made by AREVA in Finland, now 100% owned by Mawson. This flagship project clearly defines Mawson's status as a gold and uranium explorer. To find such high gold and uranium grades at surface in an area with no previous exploration or drilling provides Mawson with a tremendous discovery opportunity. The broad extent of high grade samples over 6km of strike is extremely encouraging. We look forward to a busy and exciting summer field program in Finland.
Rompas is a new gold and uranium discovery made by AREVA in 2008 and purchased by Mawson in April 2010. Bonanza grade gold and uranium mineralization has been discovered at surface over an area exceeding 6km in strike and 200m in width. From samples selected for assay, results include values up to 22,723 g/t gold and 43.6% uranium.
Ownership
Mawson is 100% owner of the project and purchased 11,870 hectares of claim applications from Areva NC in April 2010.
The Rompas area is situated a few kilometres south of the Arctic Circle. The area is located mainly in the municipality of Ylitornio, but some areas in the SE of the project belong to the town of Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland . The distance to both municipality centres is about 50 km.
Access to the area is good with a paved road located between between Ylitornio and Rovaniemi. A local forestry road network is also present in the area. The distance to the nearest railroad station is 30km east at Muurola. A railway station is also present at Ylitornio, which is currently under upgrade for three iron projects located in the Kolari and Pajala areas in Finland and Sweden. In addition, an international airport is situated ten kilometres north of Rovaniemi.
The landscape of the area consists of forest and flat mire terrains with shallow undulating hills in places. No houses are located in the claimed area.
Property History
The area was discovered by an airborne radiometric surveys in 2008. Follow-up exploration was conducted geologists who had previous Geological Survey of Finland ("GTK") experience in the area. Reconnaissance sampling and geological and radiometric mapping was started in 2008 with some follow-up work in 2009. More than 150 new, separate occurrences of high uranium and extremely high gold contents were located in bedrock. At that time, however, AREVA decided to reduce activities in Finland and subsequently Mawson purchased the property from AREVA in April 2010. As a consequence Areva is a major shareholder of Mawson, currently holding 9% of the Company, plus an option to purchase an additional 8% by exercising 4.2 million purchase warrants at $1/share.
Property Geology
Geologically Rompas is located in the northern part of the Early Proterozoic Perapohja schist belt.
The bedrock of the area is composed of clastic quartzites, dolomites, mafic lavas, dykes and sills, amphibolites and mica schists along with black schists. Quartzites, mafic lavas and dolomites belonging to the Kivalo group and mica schists to the Paakkola group. Black schists are concentrated to zones between these two groups.
Map of Rompas Project Secured by 11,870 Hectares of Claim Applications with Aeromagnetic Image Backdrop
Mineralization
 Rompas Surface Sampling Plan with Aeromagnetic Backdrop , FEB 22, 2011 (2 Mb) |
On November 19, 2010 Mawson announced the first channel sample results from the Rompas gold-uranium project. Highlights from 39 surface channel samples included 0.3m @ 1,866 g/t Au and 8.0 % U, and 0.26m @ 1,510 g/t Au and 3.95 % U. The diamond saw-cut channel samples are considered the first representative samples collected at Rompas.
Included in this batch were 10 mineralized grab samples that averaged 672 g/t Au and 2.06 % U and ranged from 0.2 g/t to 3,230 g/t Au and 14.6 ppm to >15% U. Grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property.
On December 15, 2010, Mawson announced results from the second batch of channel samples received from Rompas. Results included 49 representative diamond saw cut channel samples that are comprised of 448 individual samples. Highlights include 0.95m @ 1,424 g/t Au and 1.3 % U, and 2.05m @ 191.3 g/t Au and 0.44 % U (Table 1). The average width and weighted average of 49 of 71 channel samples assayed is 0.43m @ 222.7 g/t Au and 0.6 % U.
Also included in this batch were 254 mineralized grab samples that averaged 406 g/t Au and 0.74 % U and ranged from 0.001 g/t to 22,723 g/t Au and 0.1 ppm to >15% U. Grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property.
On February 22, 2011, Mawson announced results from the third batch of results includes 31 diamond saw cut channel samples that are comprised of 268 individual samples. Highlights include 0.35 m @ 1,460 g/t Au and 1.4 % U, and 2.6 m @ 190.5 g/t Au and 0.25 % U.
Also included in this third batch of results were 64 mineralized grab samples that averaged 1,691.4 g/t Au and 6.5 % U and ranged from <0.03 g/t to 12,410 g/t Au and 1.6 ppm to 47.9% U. Grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property. To view a full list of the grab samples, click here.
The weighted average of all 80 channel samples from the 2010 program was 0.59 m @ 203.66 g/t Au and 0.73 % U within a sampling footprint of 6.0 km strike and 200-250 m width. More than 300 discovery sites have now been identified within the mineralized footprint. Channel samples are considered representative of the in-situ mineralization sampled and channel widths quoted approximate the true width of mineralization.
A detailed map showing the location and distribution of these and earlier channel and grab samples can be downloaded from http://www.mawsonresources.com/i/maps/Rompas_PLANFEB22.pdf.
Samples reported to date come from the entire Rompas trend. The channels were taken at Rompas South over a strike distance of 400 m by 100 m width and at Rompas North over 260 m strike by 120 m width. The distance between the most southerly and northerly channel sample was 5.4 km. Grab samples were taken over a strike of 1.9 km at Rompas South and 420 m in Rompas North. A total of 286 rock chip samples (including 47 highly radioactive samples) remain to be reported by the laboratory from the field program conducted this summer at Rompas.
Mineralization appears to be hydrothermal in nature and fracture-controlled, hosted mainly by metavolcanics which may in part be skarnified and/or hornfelsed. Uranium is found in the form of uraninite. Native gold and uraninite are generally identified at surface in limonitic fractures within metavolcanic host rocks. It would appear that the target would be of a large, bulk-tonnage, fracture-controlled nature that is probably related to a buried intrusive that may be an apophyse or down-dip extension of the granitoid complex the occurs just a few kilometers to the north of the property. The possibility of finding potentially economic high grade vein structures must also be considered. Rompas can be classified as a U-Au skarn or metasomatic vein deposit in metasedimentary and igneous bedrock.
Permitting
Being a new discovery the Rompas project is secured by claim applications. Drilling and trenching will be permitted on the granting of exploration claims. The granting of claims in Finland is currently slow and Mawson is working with the Finnish authorities to facilitate this process in the shortest possible time.
A 256 hectare Natura 2000 area ("Romppaat") is also contained within the Rompas project area and correlates in part, but not exclusively, with known mineralized areas due to the presence of carbonate-favoring plants over the mineralized/altered rocks. Natura 2000 sites cover about 10% of Finland and approximately 30% of Northern Finland. Mawson has engaged consultants who have completed a report examining the need for a Natura assessment on the planned exploration program and its possible effects. The report concluded a Natura assessment, as laid down in section 65(1--2) of the Nature Conservation Act, is not needed for exploration for the Romppaat area.
A detailed map showing the location and distribution of surface discoveries can be downloaded from http://www.mawsonresources.com/i/maps/Rompas_PLANOCT312011Natura.pdf.
A Guide to Exploration and Mining in Finland's Protected Areas, the Sami Homeland and the Reindeer Herding Area. For more information follow this link.
The EU recently (4 October 2010) published a guidance document and related press release for new guidelines to clarify rules for extractive industries in nature areas. For more information follow this link.
Finnish Nuclear History
World Nuclear Association Brief on Finland
- Finland has four nuclear reactors providing 27% of its electricity.
- A fifth reactor was approved by the government in 2002, on economic, energy security and environmental grounds. This is now under construction, behind schedule and over budget, for 2012 start-up. Two more are planned.
- Provisions for radioactive waste disposal are well advanced.
In late April the Finnish government granted two permits for two new reactors based primarily on the need for Finnish energy security. Finland is the EU's highest consumer of electricity on a per capita basis (double Germany), and currently reliant on Russsian oil and gas: http://www.bloomberg.com.au/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=STEAV%3AFH&sid=a1W8vULVCk_g
Additionally, Talvivaara Mining has applied to the Finnish government for a permit to extract uranium as a by-product at its Talvivaara nickel and zinc mine in Sotkamo, eastern Finland:
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/ENF-Talvivaara_seeks_uranium_extraction_licence-2104104.html
In February 2010, 66% of the public surveyed from a group of 1000 pepole backed Talvivaara's plans to begin uranium extraction:
http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/htimes/domestic-news/general/9877-two-thirds-of-finnish-public-in-favour-of-talvivaara-uranium-mine-.html
Conclusion
Rompas is an exciting new gold and uranium discovery made by AREVA in Finland, now 100% owned by Mawson. This flagship project clearly defines Mawson's status as a gold and uranium explorer. To find such high gold and uranium grades at surface in an area with no previous exploration or drilling provides Mawson with a tremendous discovery opportunity. The broad extent of high grade samples over 6km of strike is extremely encouraging. We look forward to a busy and exciting summer field program in Finland.
