NEWS OUT - NORTHWESTERN MINERAL - NWTNorthwestern confirms uranium occurrences on Niger properties
3/1/2007
TORONTO, Mar 1, 2007 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX News Network) --
Northwestern Mineral Ventures Inc. (TSXV: NWT; OTCBB: NWTMF) is pleased to announce initial assay results from rock samples collected during a first-pass reconnaissance program on its 100%-owned uranium properties in Niger. The results confirm uranium mineralization associated with several of the anomalies identified during an earlier airborne survey.
"We are extremely excited that ongoing exploration work has confirmed the presence of uranium on our Niger properties," said Marek J. Kreczmer, President and CEO of Northwestern. "These initial rock sample results further validate our belief that In Gall and Irhazer host the structures and sedimentary units that commonly host uranium deposits in Niger. We look forward to commencing a drill program in the spring to further test these and other targets."
Initial Results
Assay results from 61 surface grab samples, collected during a brief reconnaissance exploration of airborne anomalies, reveal uranium values of almost 0.1% U(3)O(8)(AZX_100). Details of the 13 assays that returned values above 0.03% U(3)O(8) are provided in the table below.
"These uranium values are significant because surface assay levels can be impacted by weathering oxidation in desert environments, which can cause surface uranium depletion. As such, the extent of the uranium grades on our properties has yet to be fully revealed," adds Mr. Kreczmer.
Producing mines and deposits in Niger typically grade from 0.1% to 0.42% U(3)O(8), with the highest grades being mined at greater depths.
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Uranium
Scintillometer (U_IMS40B) U(3)O(8) U(3)O(8)
Sample_ID Intensity (cps) (ppm) (ppm) (%)
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AZX_100 3600 760 904.8 0.090
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INX_011 4080 690 821.4 0.082
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AZX_101 2300 690 821.4 0.082
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AZX_105 5200 650 773.8 0.077
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INX_010 4080 640 761.9 0.076
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INX_007 1800 450 535.7 0.054
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INX_017 1500 360 428.6 0.043
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INX_014 2020 320 381.0 0.038
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INX_003 2600 300 357.1 0.036
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INX_005 2200 300 357.1 0.036
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CNX005 2100 300 357.1 0.036
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AZX_205 2375 290 345.2 0.035
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INX_013 1400 270 321.4 0.032
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RSG Global is currently conducting a systematic evaluation of 17 top-ranked near-surface uranium anomalies, which are on trend with known uranium deposits and occurrences. Areas are being evaluated in order of priority, with revisions made in the field based on results of the reconnaissance program. Rock samples were collected during a first-pass reconnaissance program, which was initiated in November 2006. Additional results from ongoing exploration work will be announced as they are received.
Uranium Deposits in Niger
According to the World Nuclear Association, Niger is one of the world's top uranium producers with all of its uranium currently being produced from two mines that are operated by Areva (Cogema). The Somaïr mine in Arlit and Cominak in Akouta together produced 3,093 metric tonnes of uranium in 2005, accounting for almost 10% of annual global production. Somaïr is an open pit mine that, since 1971, has produced more than 40,000 metric tonnes of uranium at an average assay of 2 kg of uranium oxide per ton of ore, (approximately 0.2% U(3)O(8)). Cominak has produced over 48,000 metric tonnes from underground mines, with the average grade ranging from 4.5 to 5 kg of uranium oxide per metric ton of ore (approximately 0.45-0.5% U(3)O(8)).
Located within the same stratigraphy as Somair and Cominak, Northwestern's Irhazer and In Gall concessions were selected for their favorable geology and exploration potential. Each concession is 494,000 acres (200,000 hectares) in size, representing a total land position of 988,000 acres (400,000 hectares).
Quality Assurance
Fieldwork in Niger is being conducted under the supervision of Abdelkarim Aksar, P.Geo., Northwestern's Niger Project Manager. Laboratory analysis was conducted by SGS Lakefield based out of South Africa by Aqua Regia Digest followed by ICP-OES.
ABOUT NORTHWESTERN:
Northwestern Mineral Ventures (www.northwestmineral.com) is an international resource exploration company with an experienced management team. The company is focused on properties in Niger and Canada with potential uranium targets. Northwestern also has a precious and base metal property in Mexico. Northwestern is listed on the NASD Bulletin Board under the symbol "NWTMF" and the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NWT."
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
This news release includes certain "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and resources, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward looking statements that involve various degrees of risk. The following are important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements: changes in the worldwide price of mineral commodities, general market conditions, risks inherent in mineral exploration, risks associated with development, construction and mining operations, the uncertainty of future profitability and the uncertainty of access to additional capital.
Potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource on Northwestern's Niger properties and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.
Additional information about Northwestern's Niger properties is contained in press releases dated December 14, 2006, October 25, 2006, September 29, 2006, September 22, 2006, June 15, 2006, May 23, 2006, May 2, 2006, March 27, 2006 and March 8, 2006.
SOURCE: Northwestern Mineral Ventures Inc.
Marek J. Kreczmer, M.Sc., P.Eng., President and CEO, (866) 437-9551, info@northwestmineral.com
Copyright (C) 2007 CNW Group. All rights reserved.