Manhattan Gold Corporation (ASX:MHC) has received approvals to commence reverse circulation drilling at the Hook Lake Project in Nunavut, Canada.
The company has received final formal approvals from the Kivalliq Inuit Association to construct camp and commence drilling on Inuit Owned Lands.
The Federal Minister has also accepted the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s positive screening decision, allowing exploration at the project for an initial period of seven years.
Camp mobilisation has begun on site, and the maiden 4,000m reverse circulation drilling program will start once the camp setup is complete.
Manhattan has also been awarded a C$250,000 ($253,190.75) cash grant to support the program. The funding follows the successful application to the Discover, Invest, Grow (DIG) Program as part of the Nunavut Exploration Support Program.
As previously reported by Mining.com.au, Manhattan expanded its Hook Lake Project by securing 81km² of additional claims west of the existing area, with surface channel sampling returning up to 5.75 grams per tonne gold over 1.5 metres.
Permits secured for seven‑year program
Following approval from the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB), the Government of Canada has issued formal land and water use permits to Manhattan’s subsidiary, 6106 Resources Limited, for the Hook Lake Project.
The permits have been issued for a period of seven years and allow for all expected exploration activities at the project.
Technical Advisor Eric Sondergaard says the approvals represent ‘important milestones for the company’.
“We welcome the Minister’s acceptance of NIRB’s positive screening decision and the approval from the Kivalliq Inuit Association to construct camp and commence RC drilling activities on Inuit Owned Lands. These … confirm that the Hook Lake Project can now move into the next phase of exploration,” Sondergaard says.
Sondergaard says Nunavut, including the Rankin-Ennadai Greenstone Belt, is quickly emerging as a top destination for mineral exploration and mining activities.
“A clear regulatory framework, world-class geology, and supportive governments are the hallmarks of a tier one mining jurisdiction,” he adds.
Following late-season inclement weather, the timing of the approvals is expected to support safer camp mobilisation, improved operating conditions, and a more efficient program at Hook Lake.
Manhattan Gold Corporation is an early-stage gold and polymetallic exploration company focused on emerging exploration projects in tier one jurisdictions, including Hook Lake and Tibooburra in New South Wales.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Manhattan Gold Corporation
