Transmitted At: 2008-01-16 14:51
Attention Business Editors:
Mantis Mineral Corp. identifies significant Ni-Cu-Zn-Pb soil geochemical anomalies on Oke, Ontario Project
TORONTO, Jan. 16 /CNW/ - Mantis Mineral Corp ('Mantis'--CNQ 'MINE') is pleased to announce the results of an MMI survey (Mobile Metal Ion High Resolution Soil Geochemical Survey) conducted on its 100% owned Oke property.The Oke property is located 70-kilometers northwest of Timmins and lies within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt.
The survey was conducted over the entire property along a grid that generated 93-samples. From these samples a background level was established for various elements and from which a response ratio was calculated. At the west end of the property the most westerly sampling line returned highly anomalous nickel response ratios of 12.3, 13.1 and 13.7 along a continuous sampling string. Along the same line the copper response ratios returned values of 6.8 and 9.3. The next line 200-meters to the east returned zinc response ratios ranging from 8.2 to 15.6 and lead response ratios ranging from 25.5 to 52.4. Response ratios above five are considered significantly anomalous.
The geological environments targeted on this property are ultramafic flow nickel-copper and volcanic massive sulphide deposits as evidenced by the Ontario Geological Survey interpreted maps of the area that indicate ultramafic rocks to north and volcanic rocks within the property area itself.
The closest significant volcanic massive sulphide deposit to the property is the world renowned giant Kidd Creek deposit, that contained 147 million tonnes of ore grading 2.3% copper and 6.2% zinc and 87 grams per tonne silver, which is located 50-kilometers to the southeast.
Mantis is excited by these findings as the MMI technique has been shown to accurately locate buried mineral targets.
This property has had previous limited exploration work performed on it including magnetic and electromagnetic surveys. A ground magnetometer survey in 2001 confirmed the existence of several magnetic highs. Regional airborne electromagnetic surveys indicate the presence of conductors within the property.
A 43-101 compliant report recommends ground geophysical surveying and follow-up drilling.
Mantis is planning to conduct a VTEM geophysical (high resolution, deep penetrating electro-magnetic) survey over the property focused on the area containing the coincident geochemical and magnetic anomalies. This program will be followed by a diamond drilling program to test the anomalies.
Commented Robin Ross, CEO, "The positive results from the soil program support the potential for nickel- and copper-bearing sulphide mineralization and the property will be a focus for exploration in 2008."
Walter Hanych is the qualified person for all technical information in
this release.
About Mantis Mineral Corp.
Mantis Mineral Corp. is a Canadian based resource and exploration company traded publicly under the symbol MINE on the CNQ. Mantis is focused on creating shareholder value through the exploration and development of its suite of strategically located, high-impact Canadian exploration projects.
The CNQ has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy of this release.
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For further information: Mr. Robin Ross, Chairman & CEO: (416) 362-1800,
, or visit our corporate website at