574 kg of rough ruby and pink sapphire recovered
Vancouver, January 15, 2008:
Today it was announced that True North Gems has recoved 574 kg of rough ruby and pink sapphire concentrate from Greenland bulk samples
True North Gems (TGX: TSX-V) is pleased to announce the successful completion of primary processing for six bulk samples collected during the 2006 and 2007 seasons from the Aappaluttoq, Kigutilik and Siggartartulik occurrences on True North’s 110 square kilometre Fiskenaesset ruby exploration license located on the southwest coast of Greenland.
The bulk samples completed and rough concentrates generated during the 2007 processing in the Fiskenaesset facilities are summarized as follows:
*2007 plant commissioning carried out successfully using 5.3 tonnes of tailings from the 2006 processing.
The rough concentrate from these samples consists of the higher density minerals extracted in the primary plant processing. The rough concentrate exceeds 1.7 mm screen size and is dominated by corundum, sapphire, ruby and other heavy minerals with host rock matrix attached to some of the sapphire and ruby material.
Preliminary observations of the Aappaluttoq rough concentrate indicate that the re-designed 2007 process plant has resulted in improved processing efficiencies and thus produced cleaner rough concentrates (a higher percentage of sapphire and ruby) than the concentrates extracted in 2006. For example, primary processing of the 2007 Aappaluttoq bedrock sample returned 5.2 kg/tonne of rough concentrate compared to 24.3 kg/tonne of rough concentrate from the 2006 bedrock sample. Some of these differences may be the result of lower average sapphire and ruby concentration due to host rock dilution in the 2007 Aappaluttoq bedrock sample compared to the 2006 sample. Final comparative grade determination between the 2006 and 2007 Aappaluttoq bedrock sample must await final rough concentrate cleaning and rough stone sorting.
“The 2007 bulk sample program has been successful in generating significant volumes of high quality concentrates for final cleaning, sorting, rough grade determination, and additional manufacturing tests followed by independent valuation of the polished rubies and pink sapphires from three priority occurrences”, said Greg Davison, True North VP Exploration, “We are very pleased with the design upgrades to the Fiskenaesset processing plant and the overall performance of the bulk sample program”
A seventh, 27.8 tonne bedrock bulk sample from Aappaluttoq was partially processed by crushing in late 2007 at the Fiskenaesset processing facilities and has been stored pending secure shipment to an independent processing facility. The processing of the second 2007 Aappaluttoq sample is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2008.
The planning and execution of the ruby exploration and quality control programs at the Fiskenaesset Ruby Project are under the supervision of Greg Davison, True North Gems’ VP Exploration. Mr. Davison is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
Information about True North Gems and the Fiskenaesset Ruby Project, including photos and videos, can be viewed at the Company’s website www.truenorthgems.com or at www.sedar.com
True North Gems Inc. is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and is engaged in the exploration and development of North American and Greenlandic coloured gemstone prospects. In Greenland, the Company has the rights to earn 100% interest in the Fiskenaesset ruby and pink sapphire property and holds a 100% interest in the Qaqqatsiaq ruby property. In Canada, True North Gems holds a 100% interest in the Tsa da Glisza emerald property, Yukon, and the Beluga sapphire property, Baffin Island, Nunavut.
For further information, contact:
Greg Davison, Vice President Exploration - or - Ken Shortt, Investor Relations
Telephone: 604-687-8055 or 1-800-399-8055
Visit our website: www.truenorthgems.com
Email: fekete@truenorthgems.com