VANCOUVER, B.C. Aug. 6, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Management of Bright Star Ventures Ltd. (TSX Venture Exchange:BSV) is pleased to announce positive exploration results on its Tulameen property located in south-central BC. Highly anomalous platinum-palladium and copper mineralization was recently identified in bedrock as a result of this year's follow-up sampling program over a recently flown helicopter airborne (DIGHEM) magnetic anomaly.
The magnetic anomaly (labeled the DP Zone), trends NNW over a surface area measuring 1.2 km x 500 meters in size, in an area that has received very little systematic exploration work in the Tulameen Ultramafic Complex. A contoured EM Magnetite map over the target area indicates that the central core of the DP Zone contains greater than 35% magnetite.
Disseminated and fracture-controlled pyrite-chalcopyrite mineralization with malachite staining has been sampled over a large area within magnetite-rich hornblende clinopyroxenite. A Pd-Pt-Cu-Au lithogeochemical anomaly measuring 300 m x 200 m in size has been identified at this time, and this anomaly is open to the north, east and south.
Recent grab samples obtained from the north end of a Pt-Pd-Cu lithogeochemistry anomaly returned assays of .435 gram/t of Palladium with .205 gram/t of Platinum and 0.14% copper. Prospector samples taken along the western margin of the magnetic anomaly returned Pd-Pt-Cu values including sample DO07503 which contained .400 gram/t of Palladium, .185 gram/t of Platinum, and 0.26% Cu. This latter sample was taken 500 meters southwest from the main lithogeochemistry anomaly.
A closely spaced grid is being completed over the DP Zone and will be subjected to detailed soil and lithogeochemistry surveys, IP and ground magnetic geophysical surveys, before drilling this fall. A suite of polished thin sections selected from the DP Zone will assist Bright Star geologists in identifying PGE mineralogy and hydrothermal alteration features over the mineralized zones.
The new discovery zone is located on the J & L claims, and the BJP1 claim, of which the latter is in a 50%-50% joint venture between Bright Star and Cusac Gold Mines Ltd. (TSE: CQC).
Historically, magnetite-rich black sands have been recognized as being a favorable indicator mineral for platinum nuggets recovered from the alluvial gravels in the Tulameen River. The DP Zone is the single largest metallic body in the entire Tulameen Complex and represents a highly favorable source for platinum mineralization on Bright Star's property.
For information on the company call 1-800-884-3864, or visit our website at www.brightstar-ventures.com
On behalf of the Board
"Reg Handford"
President & Director
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.