Forte Energy reports high-grade uranium assays in Mauritania, maiden JORC estimate due in March

Forte Energy NL (AIM, ASX: FTE) has reported excellent results from the first batch of laboratory assays taken from the first eight diamond core drill holes at its Bir En Nar uranium project in the Republic of Mauritania, West Africa. The high-grade assays highlighted 16 metres at 1,617 parts per million (ppm) uranium, which included 8 metres at 2,470ppm.
In total 50 holes totalling more than 5,800ppm have been completed at Bir En Nar and will form the basis of a JORC-mineral estimate due in March 2010.

Forte said the results confirm the finding of previously conducted reverse circulation drilling which was undertaken two years ago. The company also noted the exceptionally high uranium grades recorded at Bir En Nar. Among the higher grading assays, BNRD007 returned 5 metres grading 2,326ppm uranium, including 1 metre with 4,890ppm.

Bir En Nar is Forte’s most advanced uranium exploration project in Mauritania, and the delineation of a maiden uranium resource estimate represents an important step towards its ultimate development and production goals.

The area is dominated by granites of different modes in an early proterozoic domain. According to Forte, the best parts of the mineralisation occur in the vicinity of fine-medium grained granite, occurring on both sides of a North-West trending fracture zone.

In-fill core drilling has given a better understanding of the mineralisation, where the best part is composed of 5 or 6 separate bodies within a 100m wide steeply dipping zone.

Forte noted that it has previously experienced delays in obtaining assay results from overseas laboratories in Mali and Canada. Consequently, it is sending the most recent samples to laboratiories in Perth, Australia, in order to accelerate the process. It envisages receiving the remaining results on a regular basis over the coming weeks. Forte said that the preparation of the initial JORC-compliant resource for Bir En Nar is set to be finalised by 31 March 2010.

Elsewhere in Mauritania, Forte Energy is currently conducting a reverse circulation  drilling program near Bir Moghrein. Drilling recently began on the first of 11 selected prospects to assess the potential for economic uranium deposits. In total, the company plans to drill between 200 and 300 holes totalling approximately 4,000 to 6,000 metres. The drilling program is scheduled to be completed in May 2010.

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