Look up to the skies over Saint John this week. You will see a helicopter conducting a massive magnetic survey. This marks the official start of a major exploration project for gold, copper and antimony in our region.

According to a recent report from Proactive via Yahoo Finance, Riversgold Ltd has launched its exploration activities at the Saint John project. Their partner A.I.S. Resources is running the operation.

Image source: Proactive

Mapping the Underground

The team is flying a helicopter survey covering 2125 line kilometres. They are flying tight lines spaced just 50 metres apart. This advanced sensor technology generates clear magnetic data. The data helps geologists map anomalies and pinpoint exact targets for future drilling.

A.I.S. Resources is funding this phase. They earn up to a 75 percent stake in the project by spending 4.4 million Canadian dollars over four years. Riversgold keeps a 25 percent free carried interest until the team decides to build a mine.

Image source: Proactive

High Grade Discoveries

The Saint John project covers 101 square kilometres. Geologists consider the area highly prospective for valuable minerals. Previous surface sampling brought back impressive numbers. Crews found up to 70.4 grams per tonne of gold and 1500 grams per tonne of silver. They also uncovered samples containing 17.6 percent copper and 10.8 percent antimony.

Riversgold chairman David Lenigas shared his optimism about the work ahead.

“We are pleased to report that AIS are now fully engaged in advancing their exploration efforts at the St John Project,” Lenigas said. “This project offers considerable potential for numerous high grade gold, copper, antimony, silver and rare earth maiden discoveries across its 101 square kilometre area. This airborne survey will be critical in refining drill targets for later this year.”

Image source: Proactive

Next Steps for the Project

The current aerial survey is the first step. Once the helicopter finishes flying, the team will interpret the magnetic data. They will follow up with ground mapping and more geophysical tests.

All this work leads to one goal. The companies plan to start drilling in 2026.

“With recent surface rock chip sampling showing encouraging results, with grades reaching up to 17.6 percent copper, 10.8 percent antimony, 70.4 grams per tonne gold, and an impressive 1500 grams per tonne silver, we and AIS are very keen to see drilling underway in 2026,” Lenigas added.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Saint John project?

It is a 101 square kilometre mineral exploration site in New Brunswick focused on finding gold, copper, silver and antimony.

Who is conducting the exploration?

A.I.S. Resources is running the current exploration program in partnership with Riversgold Ltd.

What are they looking for right now?

The team is using a helicopter to conduct a magnetic survey. This helps them map the geology underground and find the best spots to drill.

When will drilling begin?

The companies plan to start drilling operations in 2026 after they analyze the survey data.