TORONTO, Ontario, Sept. 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Eastmain Resources Inc. (TSX:ER) announced that 7 diamond drill holes, totalling 3,682 metres, have been completed to date at its Clearwater Project, Quebec. Partial assay data for drill hole ER04-38 yields 13.7 g/t gold across 5.0 metres (0.40 oz/16.4 ft), including an interval assaying 42.6 g/t gold across 1.5 metres (1.24 oz/4.92 ft). This interval is at the same elevation and 113 metres east of a gold-bearing interval in hole ER03-21, which assayed 7.69 grams gold per tonne across 2.5 metres. Two other veins located higher in hole 38 assayed 15.9 g/t gold across 1.5 metres (0.46 oz/4.92 ft) and 10.8 g/t gold across 1.0 metre (0.32 oz/3.28 ft).
Five drill holes collared to test the eastern perimeter of the Eau Claire deposit have extended the limits of the deposit by 411 metres (1,348 ft). Quartz-tourmaline veins and schist zones have been intersected in holes ER04-40, 41 and 42 at or near the same elevation as intersections in holes 21 and 38. Minor visible gold was noted in each of these holes. Hole ER04-44 intersected three quartz-tourmaline veins 203 metres (665 ft) vertically below hole 21. Minor visible gold was also noted in these veins. Samples are shipped weekly to ALS Chemex Labs in Mississauga, Ontario, for analysis. Additional assays are pending.
One of the objectives of the current drill program is to test lateral and vertical limits of three major gold-bearing trends previously identified within the Eau Claire gold deposit. The first trend, represented by the D Vein, is located at the eastern limit of the deposit and has been tested by holes ER04-38, 40, 41, 42, 43 and 44. The Main Group of Veins (MGV), located near the middle of Eau Claire, forms the second trend. Veins 6V1 to 6V4 form the third trend occurring at the western end of the deposit 500 metres below surface. A series of holes spaced at 200-metre intervals will test the depth extension of the MGV and 6V gold-bearing trends.
A second major objective of the 2004 program is to obtain permitting for a 10,000-tonne bulk sample from the P, JQ and R veins. Extensive surface and drill core sampling has been completed for this purpose. Permit applications are also being prepared to upgrade a 2.5-kilometre-long drill road to an all-weather road, for the purposes of continued drilling and future haulage of bulk sample muck from the Eau Claire gold deposit to a mill, via Hydro Quebec's main road system. Richard Roy, P.Geo, is the qualified person for the project. Mr. Roy is also supervising the preparations for the bulk sample.
The third objective of the current program is to systematically explore the key Eau Claire basalt formation through prospecting and trenching at 500 metre-intervals. Recent work confirms that the Eau Claire gold deposit occurs within this formation, which has a pronounced magnetic signature. Aerial magnetic surveys indicate that this favourable horizon, which may host a second gold deposit, extends across the entire property.
Note: Drill Plan and long section available on website.
The statements made in this Press Release may contain forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations and projections.