Japan Gold Corp’s three compact portable diamond core drill rigs have arrived at the company’s base of operations in Ikutahara, Japan. The rigs have been purchased from PT Promincon Indonesia for use on Japan Gold’s prospects.
Due to the low levels of mineral exploration carried out in Japan in recent years, there is very limited availability of drill rigs suitable for mineral exploration in country.
Acquisition of the two PMC400 drill rigs and one PMC700 drill rig will give Japan Gold independence and flexibility on the timing and execution of its drill programs.
The compact nature of these diamond core drill rigs allows for rapid set-up, move and the remediation of drill sites. They also have a smaller environmental footprint when compared to conventional equipment.
The drill rigs have been proven and tested in similar geological environments. The PMC400 and the PMC700 drill rigs can core-drill to depths of over 400 metres and 700 metres in NQ core size respectively.
Japan Gold has engaged Sumiko Resources Exploration & Development Co Ltd (SRED) to manage its drilling programs in Japan and operate the Japan Gold drill rigs. SRED is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Ltd, a major non-ferrous metal mining and smelting company based in Japan.
SRED offers consulting services for resource exploration and environmental investigation using geological, geophysical exploration and related technologies including drilling. SRED was instrumental in the prospecting, development and exploitation of the Hishikari mine, Japan’s largest and highest grade operating gold mine.
Japan Gold's chairman and CEO John Proust said, “The arrival of our compact diamond core drill rigs at the base of operations in Ikutahara is a positive step towards becoming a fully operational explorer in Japan.
“The company sees significant time and cost saving benefits in owning its own drill rigs. Our first drill program will commence upon receipt of the requisite drilling permits.”
Japan Gold