Canadian junior miner Military Metals (CSE: MILI; OTCQB: MILIF) has been awarded a C$100,000 (approximately $71,000) exploration grant from the Government of Nova Scotia's Mineral Resource Development Fund. The funding will support a diamond drilling campaign at the West Gore antimony-gold project in the province, the company announced.
The grant will cover part of the cost of a seven-hole drilling program totaling 1,750 metres. The company plans to target the down-plunge extension of the past-producing deposit below historical workings, as well as the Brook Vein, a separate occurrence that was historically exploited from a single stope. Drilling will also test the continuity of a significant historical intercept.
West Gore was a major antimony producer during World War One, contributing to the allied war effort. Commercial mining took place between 1883 and 1917, when a ship carrying antimony concentrate to Wales for processing was torpedoed and sunk. The loss of revenue bankrupted the mining company and operations ceased, according to the Mining Association of Nova Scotia.
High-grade historical results
The project was acquired by Military Metals in 2024. Historical drilling there returned grades as high as 10.6 grams per tonne gold and 3.4% antimony over 7.1 metres. Past production from the district is estimated at 7,761 tonnes of antimony concentrate (46% antimony) and 7,149 ounces of gold, based on a 1932 report.
Mineralisation at West Gore consists of stibnite, native antimony, aurostibnite, and antimony-gold alloys and oxides. The property lies within the Meguma gold camp, a region known for gold deposits in Nova Scotia.
Aside from minor exploration work in the 1960s, 1980s and 2010s, the West Gore system remains significantly under-explored after the First World War, the company noted.
Why antimony matters today
Antimony is classified as a critical mineral by several governments. It is essential for ammunition, explosives, infrared sensors and fireproofing military uniforms. The US Department of Defense has listed antimony as a strategic mineral, and supply concerns have boosted interest in North American projects.
The West Gore project is a past-producing underground mine with a second occurrence, the Brook vein. The current drilling program aims to test the down-plunge extension of both mineralised zones, building on historical data.
The grant from Nova Scotia's Mineral Resource Development Fund is a competitive programme that supports exploration activity in the province. It is open to companies that hold mineral rights in Nova Scotia.
Key takeaways
- Military Metals receives C$100,000 ($71,000) Nova Scotia government grant for West Gore antimony-gold project
- Drilling program comprises seven holes totaling 1,750 metres targeting down-plunge extensions below historical workings
- Historical drilling returned 10.6 g/t gold and 3.4% antimony over 7.1 metres
- West Gore produced antimony concentrate and gold during WWI before operations ended after a ship was sunk
Common questions
What is the Mineral Resource Development Fund?
The Mineral Resource Development Fund (MRDF) is a grant programme operated by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. It provides financial support to companies carrying out mineral exploration in the province. Awards are competitive and based on the technical merit of proposed work programs.
How much antimony was produced historically at West Gore?
Historical production from the West Gore district is estimated at 7,761 tonnes of antimony concentrate at a grade of 46% antimony, along with 7,149 ounces of gold, according to a 1932 report by Messervey.
Military Metals' drilling campaign is expected to provide modern data that could confirm and extend these historical figures. Investors often consider antimony-gold projects attractive due to the dual commodity exposure and the strategic status of antimony. For the latest spot prices, check the live gold price on GoldRate.info.