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Vancouver, B.C. November 17, 2009. Forum Uranium Corp. (FDC: TSX-V) is pleased to announce promising new geochemical and petrographic results from surface samples collected during the 2009 mapping and sampling program on the recently discovered Nutaaq rare earth element (REE) occurrence (Table 1). The Nutaaq occurrence is likely a multi-phase alkalic intrusive system, with fractions more enriched in heavy rare earth oxides (HREO) and others more enriched in light rare earth oxides (LREO). The recent sampling confirms the numerous high-grade REE values already returned from previous year's sampling (see news Release dated October 1, 2009). Furthermore, preliminary petrographic analysis shows strong alteration patterns and REE ore mineralogy favourable for extraction and processing.
Table 1: Rare earth and rare metal oxide values (wt %) from selected 2009 Nutaaq Project prospecting samples. All values are derived from ICP-OES total digestion analysis.
Sample ID 41-09_GS_01 41-09_GS_02 41-09_GS_26 41-09_GS_50
Light Rare Earth Oxides
La2O3 0.584 0.818 0.794 0.232
Ce2O3 1.02 1.27 0.728 0.354
Pr2O3 0.093 0.116 0.123 0.052
Nd2O3 0.284 0.363 0.434 0.174
Pm2O3 + + + +
Sm2O3 0.037 0.039 0.05 0.026
Heavy Rare Earth Oxides
Eu2O3 0.009 0.009 0.011 0.007
Gd2O3 0.026 0.024 0.028 0.02
Tb2O3 0.004 0.003 0.003 0.003
Dy2O3 0.018 0.011 0.01 0.013
Ho2O3 0.002 <0.002 <0.002 0.002
Er2O3 0.01 0.008 0.007 0.007
Tm2O3 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
Yb2O3 0.005 0.003 0.003 0.004
Lu2O3 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
Y2O3 0.077 0.048 0.04 0.087
TREO 2.173 2.718 2.237 0.985
+ Not analyzed. Promethium (Pm) is not a naturally occurring element.
<0.002 Values below detection limits of the Saskatchewan Research Council's
"Rare Earth Element Analysis - Package REE1"
To View an alternate version of above table, please copy and paste URL:
http://www.forumuranium.com/i/nr/200...taaq-table.jpg
The Nutaaq Project (Inuktitut for "Something New") is located within Forum's larger North Thelon Project approximately 13 km east of Areva Resources Canada Inc.'s feasibility-staged Kiggavik Uranium Project and 14 km west of Forum's recent high grade Ukaliq uranium discovery in Nunavut (See Figure 1).The Nutaaq Project is 100% owned by Forum, subject to a 2% net smelter royalty to Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Fifty five samples of representative rock types from the alkalic complex were collected during the 2009 program for geochemical and whole rock analysis. Twenty nine samples graded over 0.1% total rare earth oxide (TREO), with a peak of 2.7% TREO. Representative hand specimens were also collected during the 2009 sampling program and sent for petrographic analysis. The Nutaaq host rock is an alkali-feldspar syenite and the REE ore mineral monazite was identified. Also identified was a phase of alteration that may be fenitization, a metasomatic alteration which is characteristic of alkaline systems associated with rare earth deposits.
More detailed work is scheduled to be conducted at the University of Saskatchewan's Microprobe Laboratory in order to better determine the REE ore mineralogy as well as chemistry of those minerals. Further work on the property will be contingent on a completion of a full review of this new data and Forum is dedicated to developing this exciting new REE occurrence to its fullest potential.
Figure 1: The Location of the Nutaaq Project Area.
To View Figure One, Copy and Paste URL:
http://www.forumuranium.com/i/nr/2009-11-17-nutaaq.jpg
Ken Wheatley, Vice President, Exploration, P.Geo. (Saskatchewan and Nunavut) is the Qualified Person that has reviewed the contents of this news release.
UAbout Forum UraniumU
Forum Uranium Corp. is a Canadian-based energy company with a focus on the acquisition, exploration and development of Canadian uranium projects in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan and the Thelon Basin, Nunavut. Forum has assembled a highly experienced team of exploration professionals with a track record of mine discoveries for unconformity-style uranium deposits in Canada. The Company has a strategy to discover near surface uranium deposits nearby existing infrastructure by exploring on its 100% owned properties and through strategic partnerships and joint ventures.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo.
President & CEO
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information contact:
Rick MazurPresident & CEO Tel: 604-630-1585OrMark ProsserCorporate CommunicationsFORUM URANIUM CORP.910-475 Howe StreetVancouver, BC V6C 2B3Tel: 604-638-3947Fax: 604-689-3609Email:
HUinfo@forumuranium.comUWebsite: HUwww.forumuranium.comUH
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