Geologic Model. The CX and Range Front are two sub-parallel fault zones which are separated by approximately 600 feet and dip to the southeast at about 55 degrees. These fault zones range in thickness from 30 to over 300 feet and average approximately 150 feet. The majority of the fault is relatively barren of mineralization; however, it does host a distinct, somewhat dendritic web or zone that is highly enriched in gold. The nature and distribution of the mineralization is thought to result from solutions which passed through the “path(s) of least resistance” depositing microscopic gold in the receptive host. Grade estimations conducted without a distinct internal HG domain boundary would result in the averaging of high and low grade samples throughout the fault zone resulting in a large but low-grade model. This contradicts the nature and distribution of the gold seen in both open pit exposures and in the drill holes. The enriched, or high-grade (HG), portion of the fault zone is often defined by the presence of silica (veins), pyrite, or the visual identification of traces of orpiment, realgar, stibnite and/or cinnabar. Unfortunately, the various vintages of drilling on the property has resulted in a database which, in areas, lacks the details such as the identification of these trace minerals. As a result, it is difficult to produce a geologic model of the HG portion of the fault zone based on the available geological information. Therefore, in order to reproduce the natural distribution of the mineralization within the fault zones, a separate HG zone domain has been developed through a combination of geostatistical applications and geologic interpretation of the sample data. This approach has resulted in a grade model which closely reflects the trends observed in the surface exposures and the drilling results.
