Recently completed surface extension channel sampling at the Umuna Zone of WCB Resources’ Misima Island Gold-Silver Project in Papua New Guinea has returned strong results. Outcropping surface mineralisation has been identified over significant widths.

Preliminary sampling results include 68 metres @ 1.96 grams/tonne (g/t) gold and 6.08 g/t silver, and 18 metres @ 4.07 g/t gold and 5.56 g/t silver.

The channel sampling and associated mapping at Kulumalia is part of an ongoing systematic exploration program focused on the identification and evaluation of surface extensions to the Umuna Zone, the main zone of mineralisation on Misima, in preparation for further drill testing.

Kulumalia is the south-eastern extension of the plus 3km strike extensive Umuna Zone. Previous shallow mining at Kulumalia has extracted near-surface gold-bearing material over a length of 500 metres to depths of up to 100 metres below surface. Recent ongoing systematic studies have identified this zone extends outside of the historic pit confines an additional 500 metres to the southeast.

Mapping to the southeast has identified the extensions of the Umuna Fault Zone along with up to three multiple zones of base metal vein stockwork and disseminations developed with gold and silver. Further extensions to the southeast are also observed. Continuity will be further evaluated with subsequent trenching and channel sampling exploration activity.

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

“Historic scattered drilling in this area has been completed to a maximum depth below surface of 140 metres with good results.

“These channel samples in combination with the mapping data will allow with confidence the accurate interpretation of the mineralised zones to surface for resource modelling. The delineation of surface oxide mineralisation with good grade over significant width is highly encouraging.”

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

Misima Island has previously demonstrated mineral deposit pedigree through the 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. This mine ceased open pit production in 2001 and closed in 2004.