Business
Operational Update
Operational Update.
About this update from Zephyr Energy Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n RNS Number : 0504Z Vane Minerals PLC 15 July 2008 \n \n15th July 2008\n\nVANE Minerals Plc (AIM: VML)\n\nOperational Update\n\n\nVANE Minerals Plc ('VANE' or the 'Company') announces an update on its operations in the US, Mexico and Paraguay.\n\nVANE Minerals (US) LLC - Uranium\n\nArizona Breccia Pipe Projects\n\nInitial drilling has been completed on three targets on the north rim. Shallow drilling has verified encouraging depressions on two of the three targets drilled. Drilling was inconclusive on the third target. An initial deep drill hole completed on one of the two favourable targets encountered weak uranium and significant sulfide mineralization, and altered rock indicating the target is a breccia pipe. Core obtained at various depths encountered fractured rock indicating the hole is along the edge of, but outside, the pipe. Drilling continues on north rim projects.\n\nIn addition, a geophysical contractor has been selected to conduct down-hole transient electromagnetics (DHTEM) in the deep drill holes completed on six projects with favourable initial drilling results. This program, scheduled to commence this month, is designed to detect the sulfide bodies that are inherent with uranium mineralization in breccia pipes and assist in planning follow-up drill holes.\n\nThe Company announced on 8 April 2008, that drilling had been postponed at VANE's operations within the Kaibab National Forest following the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) by the US District Court in Phoenix, Arizona. The TRO was issued as a result of questions raised by various environmental groups in a lawsuit asserting that the US Forest Service had approved VANE's Plans of Operations for exploratory drilling on seven projects in the Kaibab National Forest without full compliance with environmental procedures. VANE believes that all environmental requirements and procedures have been followed fully, but negotiations are in progress to settle the lawsuit. The Company is working to complete additional submissions to address environmental concerns in order to resume drilling operations. Drilling was completed at three targets prior to issuance of the TRO. T...