ONGOING systematic studies by WCB Resources have identified an extension of the Kulumalia zone at Misima Island Gold-Silver Project by an additional 500 metres. This zone has potential to add resources to those identified at Umuna Zone and Ewatinona prospects at Misima Island.

Recent exploration by WCB has focused on systematic mapping and sampling along with further data interpretation and compilation aimed at identifying the highest priority targets.

Kulumalia is the south-eastern extension of the plus-3km strike extensive Umuna Zone. Previous mining at Kulumalia extracted near-surface gold-bearing material over a length of 500 metres to depths of up to 100 metres below surface.

The Kulumalia extension not included in the resource is identified by variably brecciated semi-continuous siliceous zones on surface associated with anomalous soil and rock chip results. Historic drill data is more sparse than the area mined with 37 holes completed on 50 metre sections over the 500 metres strike, but interpretation of the data suggests well developed continuity in multiple gold-bearing zones.

WCB expects that with minimal additional drilling the Kulumalia mineralization may be included in future mineral resource statements.

Historic drill data indicates significant upside. Intersections include 56 metres from 40 metres @ 1.30 grams/tonne gold and 14 grams/tonne silver; 36 metres from 48 metres @ 1.90 grams/tonne gold and 13 grams/tonne silver; and 34 metres from 100 metres @ 1.09 grams/tonne gold and 7 grams/tonne silver.

WCB president and CEO Cameron Switzer says, “The recognition of the Kulumalia extension by the team may prove to be critical factor in unlocking the gold potential as not only is this extension defined over a significant distance, but it also brings the opportunity for near-surface oxide mineralization that can be accessed early in any future start up.

“Drilling in this area has only been completed to a maximum depth below surface of 140 metres and we know that, based on drilling to the north on Umuna, well developed intersections several hundred metres deeper are still open at depth.”

Planning for future drill testing will focus on zones that validate the continuity and increase the level of confidence for future mineral resources.

Misima Island has previously demonstrated mineral deposit pedigree through past production of 4 million ounces of gold and 20 million ounces of silver from various operations but most recently the Misima Mine owned by Placer Dome Asia Pacific which closed in 2004.