Exploration Properties
Exploration Properties :: San Anton
Sampling
 
Photographing the Core, Cerro del GalloReverse Circulation (RC) samples are collected under direct supervision of a geologist experienced with RC drilling and sampling techniques who is on-site at all times while drilling and sampling is in progress. Sampling procedures and sample numbers are constantly checked and monitored by the rig geologist and senior sampler. Sample depths are cross-checked with the driller and/or offsider at regular intervals, commonly at a rod change, and hole depth validated against the corresponding logged depth recorded by the geologist on the log sheet. Sample numbers are also checked by the senior sampler against the geologist’s log sheet.

RC Samples are collected continuously at 5 foot (1.52m) intervals from the drill collar at surface to the bottom of the hole. RC drill samples are sieved, washed, logged visually and bagged at the drill site.  Drill holes are recorded systematically and methodically by the geologist on site as hand written logs onto a pre-printed log sheet template and merged with assay results emailed directly from the laboratory at a later date. 

Diamond Drlll Hole (DDH) core is sampled at 1m intervals. Most of the diamond core recovered is HQ (63.5 mm) size and on rare occasions when a size reduction is required due to fractured ground conditions NQ (47.6 mm) is recovered.

The core is re-configured to its original in situ state, in core trays, to form a continuous cylinder. The core is first washed by a field technician and left to dry in preparation for mark-up and logging. The core is firstly marked longitudinally with a felt tipped pen and then marked at 1.0 m intervals for sampling for assay. The 1.0 m sample intervals are sawn transversely using a Target core saw with a 10” diameter diamond studded saw blade. The core is then sawn longitudinally in half. Only the “south side” of the core is sampled for assay, preserving a continuous longitudinal section of core for further investigation (the “north side”). The half sawn “south side” core is then progressively bagged for assay in 1.0 m intervals. Each 1 m sample interval is marked on the inside of the core tray.

The core is logged geologically using the same coding as that used in the RC logging, with geological information recorded using a 0 (not visible) – 3 (strong) code and grouped into alteration, mineralization, and structure.

All RC and DDH samples collected are immediately bagged, tied and placed collectively in larger polyweave bags and sealed.  Samples collected at the RC drill rig are under constant surveillance around the clock until collected by assay laboratory staff.  Samples collected from DDH core are stored at the secure core yard facility under constant surveillance until collected by assay laboratory staff.