HISTORY OF THE NORTH ISLAND PROJECT
Modern Exploration Begins
Modern Exploration Begins Modern exploration at the north end of Vancouver Island began in the mid-1960s with the release by the Geological Survey of Canada of an airborne magnetic survey. Initial exploration by companies and individuals focused on the search for iron ore deposits with exploration targeting magnetic high anomalies identified by the airborne survey.
Copper Mineralization Discovered
In 1966, Dennis Milburn, a prospector, discovered copper mineralization at the eastern end of Rupert inlet. The property was subsequently optioned by Utah Construction and Mining, who drilled out the deposit between 1966 and 1969.
Red Dog Prospect Discovered
At the western area of what is now the Northisle claim block, Hans Veern and William Botel discovered the Red Dog prospect in the mid-1960s.
North Shore Claims Staked
In 1967, Utah staked claims along the north shore of Rupert and Holberg Inlets including the ground surrounding the Red Dog Property. Late- 1960s Discovery of Hushar Exploration of this large package of claims, referred to as the Expo Claims, led to the discovery of the Hushamu deposit in the late 1960s.
Discovery of Hushamu
Exploration of this large package of claims, referred to as the Expo Claims, led to the discovery of the Hushamu deposit in the late 1960s.
Exploration and Drilling of Hushamu
Up to 1980, Utah’s exploration was aimed at discovering additional porphyry copper mineralization and the drilling of the Hushamu deposit.
Discovery of Pemberton Hills Occurrence
In 1980, Utah shifted its focus to the search for gold. This work resulted in discovering the Pemberton Hills occurrence.
Expo Property Optioned
In 1987, Moraga Resources Ltd. optioned the Expo property from Utah. 1987-1994 Drilling and Scoping of From 1987 to 1994 Moraga carried out extensive drilling and scoping studies of the Hushamu deposit.
Drilling and Scoping of Hushamu
From 1987 to 1994 Moraga carried out extensive drilling and scoping studies of the Hushamu deposit.
Drilling of Red Dog
With the discovery of better mineralized breccias, drilling shifted in the early 1980s to the Red Dog Knoll. The Red Dog Knoll was drilled by Utah in the early 1980s and by Crew Resources and Moraga Resources in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Up until the recent drill program of Northisle, no drilling had been done on the Red Dog Property since 1991.
Drilling of NW Expo and Hushamu
From 2003 to 2008 successively, Lumina, Western Copper and IMA Exploration carried out airborne geophysical surveys and drilling of the NW Expo zone as well as some drilling on the Hushamu deposit.
NorthIsle is Created
During 2011 - 2012, Northisle re-logged historical core from Hushumu, carried out additional drilling and completed 12km of induced polarization survey over the projected northwest extension of mineralization and generated an updated NI 43-101 resource estimate.
Drilling at Hushumu
Four holes drilled to test the anomaly identified in 2012, and an additional hole to collect a metallurgical sample from the main deposit.
Exploration at Red Dog
Northisle optioned Red Dog in April 2015 and completed a 2 programs of geological mapping in that year. In 2016, a 1,112 metre drilling program was completed to verify historical mineralization and provide data for a 43-101 resource estimate. In 2017, the company attempted a deep drill hole to test for deeply buried copper, gold and molybdenum porphyry mineralization south of the Red Dog Deposit but the hole was lost prematurely.
Additional Drilling at Hushumu
Northisle drilled an additional five holes at Hushumu. These holes have all been included in the block model.
Initial PEA on North Island
Northisle released a positive PEA on the Hushumu and Red Dog deposits at its North Island Project.
Pemberton Hills Optioned and Explored
Northisle entered into a JV on the Pemberton Hills property with Freeport-McMoran. This partnership resulted in more than $2 million of geophysics, mapping and drilling, which helped to understand the structure of the Pemberton Hills target. Northisle has since regained 100% control of Pemberton Hills.
New Management Team, PEA and Accelerated Exploration
In 2020, a new management team completed more than $10 million in financing and has taken a number of steps to accelerate the development of the project. An updated PEA was completed, demonstrating a $1.1 billion NPV (8%) and a 19% IRR. In addition, a total of 10,000 metres of drilling, as well as extensive surface sampling, mapping, and geophysical surveys have been completed. This represents nearly 20% of the total drilling on the extent of the property and the numerous targets invite optimism for the future.
Project Development Begins in Earnest
Baseline environmental studies have commenced, and a pre-feasibility study is targeted for commencement in the first half of 2022. This will include in-fill drilling at Hushamu, as well as continued exploration drilling at various targets along the 50km porpphyry belt in the North Island Project. Northisle is also targeting the completion of Participation Agreements with rightsholders and the initiation of comprehensive community engagement.
All scientific information contained on this website has been reviewed and approved by Robin Tolbert, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration of NorthIsle Copper and Gold Inc. who is a “qualified person” as defined by National Instrument 43 – 101 of the Canadian Securities Administration.
