VANCOUVER, March 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - CanAlaska
Uranium Ltd. (CVV - TSX.V) (the "Company") is pleased to be able to
report that, after a 3-year hiatus, the Manitoba Government has
completed consultation with local First Nations and has issued
exploration permits for ground work and drilling on CanAlaska's NE
Wollaston Project. These permits now allow CanAlaska to proceed to
unlock the value of its previous $7
million of exploration expenditures, and entertain new
partnerships for ongoing intensive exploration, in an environment
where local communities are strongly supportive of the Company's
efforts.
In February 2008, the Company was
able to present evidence of extensive Uranium and REE
mineralization in over 40 separate mineralized zones within the
original permit area (See Feb 28,
2008 News Release). These samples showed high uranium
content surface rock and boulder samples collected from the NE
Wollaston project during 2005-2007 exploration. The project covers
a large area in North East Manitoba, where the uranium rich
basement rocks associated with the Athabasca Uranium deposits
intermittently come to surface. This release detailed 1,440 samples
from multiple zones with extensive high-grade boulder dispersion
trains and surface uranium mineralization for all samples over
0.05% U(3)O(8) (1 lb/ton).
There is associated heavy rare-earth elements mineralization
(REE) with many of the high uranium grades as well as molybdenum
and base metal mineralization for the hundreds of samples collected
from forty four separate target areas within this extensive (approx
80 km x 40 km) project land area. The extensive REE mineralization
associated with the majority of these targets areas are detailed in
the Company's previous October 20,
2009 News Release.
The NE Wollaston project area, shown in the attached location
map (http://www.canalaska.com/s/News.asp?ReportID=389851), was
historically explored for base metal mineralization between the
1960's to 1980's. In the late 1980's, reconnaissance work
identified several areas with anomalous uranium mineralization.
Limited exploration was carried out, but radon surveys, and a few
isolated drill holes, indicated that there was potential for
uranium mineralization in sediments and granites. In 2004,
CanAlaska acquired the mineral leases in the area and began
systematic prospecting and lake sediment sampling. With encouraging
results, this continued into reconnaissance, and then detailed
airborne surveys. In 2006, exploration was accelerated, and a
framework of discoveries highlighted extensive uranium-mineralized
belts, either within, or cutting across all rock types in the area.
In many of these areas, shallow glacial cover, or local swamps or
lakes, mask the basement rocks. However, the nature of the sample
distribution, and the characteristics of the glacial outwash, as
confirmed by Government surveys and CanAlaska observations,
provided encouragement that most boulder fields occur within 500
metres to 2,000 metres of their source. In many areas, CanAlaska's
geophysical surveys and mapping have targeted the postulated source
areas. The Company aborted drill testing of initial targets in
early 2007 due to drill contractor difficulties. However, further
detailed work was carried out in Summer, 2007 on each of the
current targets as well as on additional preliminary targets.
The geological targets across the NE Wollaston project match the
styles of mineralization reported from mineral deposits further
south in the Athabasca Basin.
There is clear observation of late replacement pitchblende
mineralization in vein zones, fractures, and as disseminations in
host rocks. There is also evidence of more disseminated
mineralization across stratigraphic horizons, and multitudes of
pegmatitic intrusive events, many of them containing primary
uranium mineralization, or with brecciation and later uranium
mineralization.
Previous announcements made public by CanAlaska of results from
the NE Wollaston project include our press releases of October,
2006, November, 2006, August 2007
November 2007 , February 2008, and October
2009. The Company is now providing complete data on all
forty seven zones, along with more detailed information and maps to
show sample distribution for some of the most advanced zones. There
is an extensive table of individual assay results attached to this
news release (http://www.canalaska.com/s/News.asp?ReportID=389851).
In the table, the 2007 results are highlighted in bold. Individual
zones are discussed as follows:
Grevstad 2 (GR2)
The Grevstad 2 showings, shown in the attached map
(http://www.canalaska.com/s/News.asp?ReportID=389851), cover an
area, 750 m x 500 metres with predominantly intrusive hosted
mineralization, with some pelites, but mostly as boulder trains.
Uranium averages 0.2% U(3)O(8), with a max of 0.8% U(3)O(8). There
are only two outcrop samples, one being at 0.18% U(3)O(8). Some of
the results from long linear zones in the SE have previously been
released (Nov 2006), but the new main
zone shows disseminated pegmatitic boulders within multiple
felsenmeer covered zones, over a 600 metre by 1,000 metre area.
There is a constant association with REE mineralization of up to
3.97% in the granites and molybdenum mineralization associated with
many of the samples. Of particular note is that uranium
mineralization is found in ALL rock types, and most specifically in
sediments. Elsewhere nearby, late-stage cross cutting pitchblende
stringers are also found in the sediments. There is extensive
structural deformation in the area and fracturing in the uranium
rich pegmatites, which is also expected to also occur in the
adjacent sedimentary package.
NW Grevstad 2
This is a 3.5 km zone of mineralized white granite boulders
discovered in the NW part of Grevstad 2 in 2007 and shown in the
attached map (http://www.canalaska.com/s/News.asp?ReportID=389851).
There is uranium mineralization with consistent REE mineralization
associated with the white granites in this area, with above-average
uranium values in the sample distribution, as well as distinctly
enriched molybdenum values. There are multiple target zones over
2,000 metres along a regular NE trend, all showing high REE and
uranium. However, one zone to the south supports uranium values but
no REE, so it is probably indicative of another local source.
Grevstad 3
Mostly white granite and pegmatite with some pelites, with good
uranium values and moderate REE enrichment. Some frost-heave and
outcrops, with up to 0.56% U(3)O(8).
Grevstad 1
Scattered boulders and a few outcrops over an area of 9,000
metres x 3,000 metres, predominantly white granite boulders with
values to 0.725%, U(3)O(8), but with some pelites with 0.25%
U(3)O(8). The samples are variably enriched in REE, including an
outcrop with 2% REE. There is molybdenum in some samples.
Snyder 4
A significant area of Archean gneisses to meta-psammites with
some white and pink granite and pegmatites. A large number of high
grade boulders, generally associated with moderate to high REE
enrichment in most samples, and very significant molybdenum values
is shown in the attached map
(http://www.canalaska.com/s/News.asp?ReportID=389851). There are
two significant zones of uranium bearing outcrop, (and some
pitchblende stringer mineralization, which was identified in the
1970's on nearby Hook Lake zone, where mineralization in outcrop
and boulders is of the same type, but lower grade.) The surface
exploration by CanAlaska crews in 2006 and 2007 identified separate
mineralized boulder trains with high grade uranium values in an
area 2,000 metres x 1,500 metres, located further to the east of
historical exploration. Airborne survey information for this area
identifies a number of structural and stratigraphic targets.
Snyder 12
High uranium values to over 3.0% U(3)O(8) with a very strong
association with rich REE, mostly in the mixed granite rocks, the
average REE/U equals 4. There are three probable source areas, over
a 2,000 metre x 3,000 metre area, as indicated by the dispersion
patterns shown in the attached map
(http://www.canalaska.com/s/News.asp?ReportID=389851). The boulders
are mostly pink and white granite, some calcsilicates with up to
3.3% U(3)O(8) in calcsilicate.
Snyder 13/15
Mostly pink and white granite boulders over a 5,000 metre trend,
some calcsilicates, with up to 1.15% U(3)O(8), and slight
enrichment in molybdenum and up to 1% REE.
Snyder 7
White pegmatite and granite boulders, and frost heave samples
from a newly discovered area. There is little uranium to go with
the radioactivity noted. Most of the radioactivity is due to
Thorium. There is highly anomalous REE mineralization, in the 0.6
to 10.16% range.
Snyder 17
Three zones of boulders of mostly pink and white granite, some
calcsilicates over an area of 2,000 metres x 3,000 metres. U(3)O(8)
averages 0.23%, with a max of 1.9% U(3)O(8). Each of these zones is
associated with slight enrichment in molybdenum and REE.
Kilpatrick
In this area, very high uranium values are sometimes associated
with REE and, locally, there is very good molybdenum mineralization
in boulders. There are four discrete zones of boulder
mineralization over a 500 metre x 1,000 metre area, within a
general target 1,000 metre x 1,500 metre. The zone was discovered
in 2007 and is predominantly fine-grained mafic-poor calcsilicate,
with uranium mineralization as fine wisps in the calcsilicate. The
uranium averages 0.98% U(3)O(8) with a maximum of 6.4% U(3)O(8).
There is minimal REE, but some high molybdenum and phosphate.
Peninsula
This zone is located adjacent to major structures and lineaments
and is approximately 2,000 metres long. The more significant
geophysical targets are linear, and mostly covered by narrow lakes.
There is a mixture of boulders and outcrop, the highest uranium
value in outcrop is 9.5% U(3)O(8). The lithologies, which are
mineralized, are varied, including calcsilicates, granitic and
psammitic/arkosic rocks, as well as some syenites. The uranium
averages 0.5% U(3)O(8) (excluding a sample at 65% U(3)O(8)). The
U/Th ratio is high with some REE and molybdenum (up to 0.5%). About
half the samples are enriched in P(2)O(5) (up to 28%).
Pitchburg
A concentration of higher grade boulders over a 150m long zone,
with outlying boulders to 500 metres away across strike. This is a
preliminary target, with U(3)O(8) values up to 1.63%.
Snyder 4 -Hook Lake-Island
A further area of Archean gneisses to meta-psammites with some
white and pink granite and pegmatites. A large number of high grade
boulders and some outcrops, generally associated with moderate REE
enrichment in most samples, and very significant molybdenum values
(see the attached map of the southern part of the zone
http://www.canalaska.com/s/News.asp?ReportID=389851). The
mineralized samples average 0.64% U(3)O(8), (0.38% U(3)O(8) on
outcrop) with a maximum of 3.6% U(3)O(8). U/Th ratio is 8,
molybdenum is occasionally high (up to 2.7% Mo), REE and phosphate
are slightly enriched. This area was previously drill tested by
Amax in the 1970-80's, but only locally, and with limited
success.
Hara 4
An area of white granite and pegmatites, relatively poor in
uranium, but enriched in thorium and high in REE (up to 1.4%).
Snyder Island
A smaller 100m long area of calcsilicates with some white
granite. The mineralization is in boulders and outcrop as pegmatoid
calcsilicates and as late cross cutting veins (massive pitchblende
and calcite). The uranium averages 0.6% U(3)O(8), excluding one
sample of pitchblende recovered from weathered vein material which
assayed at 56% U(3)O(8). The U/Th ratio is 8.6 and there is some
REE enrichment.
NE Miller
A 5,000 metre zone of varied lithologies of quartzites,
psammites, pelites, calcsilicates and white granite. The uranium
averages 0.76% U(3)O(8), with a max of 2.8% U(3)O(8). The U/Th
ratio is 13, and there is minor molybdenum enrichment. One of the
high grade samples has been described as coming from a shear zone.
This showing is the original showing from the 1970-80's work, and
there are early reports of 6% U(3)O(8) boulders combined with a
very high lake sediment sample (100+ ppm U)
VD-Mag
An interesting 3,000 metre, east-west trending target area, this
mineralization was newly-discovered in 2007. The mineralization is
mostly boulders of white granite with quartz veins and one outcrop
of uranium mineralized calc-silicates. The best mineralized
boulders assay to 1.4% U(3)O(8), some samples have moderate REE
enrichment.
Maguire Mag
This is a broad area along the NE shore of Maguire Lake with
mostly pink granite and pegmatite, but with some calc-silicates and
a quartzite. Uranium values are up to 1.6% U(3)O(8). One sample is
anomalous as it is a white granite sample low in uranium, but with
2.5% REE.
U-Th-1 (Oct 2, 2006)
A previously reported zone of uranium enrichment, mostly in
boulder trains. The newly reported samples on this 9,000 x 3,000
metre zone, discovered in 2006, are mostly from the southern
extension of the zone. The samples are mostly white granite and
pegmatite with some pelites. There is minor REE enrichment.
Pitchblende Ridge (Nov. 1,
2007)
This area is predominantly boulders of calcsilicate with a range
of mafic poor to mafic rich. The uranium average is 1.1% U(3)O(8),
with a maximum of 17% U(3)O(8). These are mostly boulders, but
frost-heave samples at 9.08% U(3)O(8) with outcrops at 3.72% and
1.91% U(3)O(8). There is low REE, but some high P(2)O(5) (max 13%).
There are two groups of samples: "pitchblende nodules" above 2%
U(3)O(8) and the remainder below 2% with a cubic radioactive
mineral disseminated or along laminae. The setting is a low
resistivity "structural" conductor, and graphite is present in some
samples.
Crazy Train (Aug 23, 2007)
This area is exclusively boulders of intrusive rock, mainly
white granite with strong alteration of alkali feldspar and
apatite, producing rocks composed exclusively of feldspar and
apatite.
The U(3)O(8) averages 0.39% with a maximum of 1.24% U(3)O(8).
Thorium and molybdenum are very low, but there is high phosphate
(P(2)O(5), average 9.7%). There is enriched in REE (max 8.80%) and
Yttrium, with a LREE/HREE ratio of 3.
Table of results samples over 0.05% U(3)O(8) (2005-2007) -
http://www.canalaska.com/s/News.asp?ReportID=389851
All of the samples were submitted to qualified Canadian
laboratories for analysis. Samples submitted to Saskatchewan
Research Laboratories were analysed for multi-element geochemistry
and including uranium by tri-acid digestion and ICP. Samples
submitted to Acme Laboratories in Vancouver, BC for assay for trace element
geochemistry were analysed by aqua regia digestion and ICP
analysis. The samples were collected by CanAlaska field geologists
under the supervision of Dr. Karl
Schimann, P. Geo. and were shipped in secure containment to
the laboratories noted above. Peter
Dasler, M.Sc. P Geo. is the Qualified Person responsible for
this news release.
About CanAlaska Uranium
CANALASKA URANIUM LTD. (CVV - TSX.V, CVVUF - OTCBB, DH7 -
Frankfurt) is undertaking uranium
exploration in twenty 100%-owned and three optioned uranium
projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin - the "Saudi Arabia of Uranium". Since September 2004, the Company has aggressively
acquired one of the largest land positions in the region,
comprising over 2,500,000 acres (10,117 sq. km or 3,906 sq. miles).
To-date, CanAlaska has expended over Cdn$60
million exploring its properties and has delineated multiple
uranium targets.
CanAlaska's geological expertise and high exploration profile
has attracted the attention of major international strategic
partners. Among others, Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi
Corporation has provided the Company C$11
mil. in exploration funding to earn a 50% ownership interest
in the West McArthur Project. Exploration of CanAlaska's Cree East
Project is also progressing under a C$19
mil. joint venture with a consortium of Korean companies led
by Hanwha Corporation, and comprising Korea Electric Power Corp.,
Korea Resources Corp. and SK Energy Co, Ltd., in which the Korean
Consortium presently holds a 40.6% ownership interest. Other
Company projects in the Athabasca
Basin scheduled for drill testing during this Winter 2010 season
include McTavish, Collins Bay Extension and Helmer.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
"signed"
Peter Dasler, M.Sc., P.Geo.
President & CEO, CanAlaska Uranium Ltd.
The TSX Venture has not reviewed and does not accept
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release: CUSIP
# 13708P 10 2. This news release contains certain "Forward-Looking
Statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other
than statements of historical fact, included herein are
forward-looking statements that involve various risks and
uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will
prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could
differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the
Company's documents filed from time to time with the British
Columbia Securities Commission and the United States Securities
& Exchange Commission.
SOURCE CanAlaska Uranium Ltd.