MONTREAL, July 12, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The O. T. Mining Corporation (Pink Sheets:OTMN) ("O. T.") has initiated an aggressive exploration program on its 100% owned 10.3 square mile Ruby Property in Montana. The program consists of integrated geochemistry, geophysics and diamond drilling.
Geochemical and geophysical grid surveying and cutting began in early May on the Ruby West-Ruby Mine, the Kit Carson and the North Anomaly target areas. A total of 165 miles of grid will be surveyed, and the work is approximately 45% complete.
Soil samples are being collected for Mobile Metal Ion (MMI) geochemical analyses along the grid lines. This technique has been successfully used on the property in the past, and was responsible for siting 2004 core hole NA04-6 (discussed below).
Induced polarization geophysical data are also being collected along the grid lines. A proprietary method (Quantitative Section Induced Polarization) is being run by Matrix GeoTechnologies Ltd., who developed the technique.
Both the geochemical and geophysical data will be used to refine drill hole locations for silver-gold and porphyry copper targets.
On July 7, core drilling commenced at the past producing high-grade silver-gold Ruby Mine. Godbe Drilling has again been contracted for the job. All pre-existing data for the area has been compiled and evaluated by O. T.'s technical team. Three holes totaling approximately 2,500 feet are planned to test 4 high-grade vein targets. Additional holes have been permitted.
O. T. plans to drill porphyry copper targets later in the season, including deepening hole NA04-6. As previously announced, this hole encountered 1,329 feet of continuous porphyry copper mineralization in phyllic and potassic altered porphyry. The host rocks have been identified as part of the Boulder Batholith, host to the world-class porphyry copper/molybdenum mineralization at nearby Butte, Montana.
Necessary permits have been obtained. Two amendments to the U.S. Forest Service Plan of Operations were submitted and approved for cutting the grid lines. The Department of Environmental Quality has approved the drill holes in the Ruby Mine area. Additional holes for the porphyry copper target are also being permitted. A thirty-day public comment period was held for this proposal in April. A total of 23 comments were received, with the overwhelming majority being in support of the project. These included positive comments from local businesses and elected officials, demonstrating the strong support for mining in the local area.
Disclaimer: This news release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.