In many vein-gold systems grade complexity is created by the erratic, localized occurrence of coarse gold. Economic grades are generally contained within discrete ore shoots that are surrounded by barren to low-grade material. High-grade regions are generally erratic and have little spatial continuity, but the distribution of a few grains of gold may make a resource o block economic.
The presence of coarse gold makes sampling and assaying of this style of mineralization especially challenging based on drill data alone.
Hence the need for high density surface panel sampling of Keats Trench.
It is not uncommon that Comparisons between surface and underground drilling, panel sampling and bulk sampling indicate that drilling and panel samples generally understate bulk-sample grades.
These findings, though not unexpected, demonstrate the importance of bulk sampling in the grade evaluation process for coarse gold-bearing veins.
It will be very interesting to see these results and their 2D comparison with surface drill grades across Keats Trench
But, while diamond drilling provides an effective measure of geological continuity, grade distribution can be assessed reliably only from bulk sampling of the entire defined resource to be mined .
Thats why, in my opinion, NFG will be forced to undertake bulk sampling of its initial deposits to be mined.
No major would consider buying in the absence of such demonstrable economics ..