NGE manages exploration risk by focusing exploration resources in specific, planned stages. The results of each stage are used to direct the resources on the following stages. To date, NGE has completed the following exploration stages at Bull Creek (images are from Bull Creek):
 |
Hydrogeochemistry
NGE has collected 117 groundwater chemistry samples and has analyzed each sample for gold and 80 other trace elements using ultra low level mass spectrometry. With this large dataset, NGE has modeled the groundwater chemistry at Bull Creek and has delineated the spatial extent of a large target area exhibiting highly anomalous concentrations of gold and other trace elements. The data define a discrete target with elevated hydrogeochemical values that decrease quickly to undetectable levels away from the anomaly. |
 |
Soil Geochemistry
Guided by the detailed groundwater chemistry data, NGE conducted a soil geochemistry program across the target in November 2007 and March 2008. The survey included 1,258 samples spaced every 50 metres (164ft) along 11 east-west survey lines. The results identified several areas of anomalous gold and trace metal geochemistry coincident with, and adjacent to, gold in groundwater anomalies, further suggesting the presence of nearby gold mineralization in the underlying bedrock. |
 |
Seismic
In 2007, NGE completed a 4.5 km (2.8 mile) east-west seismic geophysics line across the center of the Bull Creek Project to test for deep-seated, steeply-dipping fault zones. Geophone receiver groups were spaced every 55 feet and 2.2 pound explosives were detonated at 160 foot intervals to generate energy. The program was successful in that the results show shallow bedrock, steeply dipping fault zones, clear geologic offsets along faults, and several horst and graben features. The seismic line confirmed that the groundwater chemistry target is underlain with a structural fabric that could be a conduit for mineralization. |
 |
Gravity
In March and April 2008, NGE collected 65 km2 (25 mi2) of new detailed gravity geophysics at Bull Creek. NGE collected 496 new gravity stations on a 400 by 400 metre grid (1,300 x 1,300ft), with more detailed coverage at the centre of the target. The survey successfully identified large areas where bedrock is believed to be very close to the surface, as well as areas of high relief suggestive of major, north-south block faulting. |
 |
Air Magnetics
In April and May 2008, NGE acquired 912 line kilometres (560mi) of detailed airborne magnetic data along 150 metre (500ft) spaced flight lines and 600 metre (2,000ft) spaced tie-lines; terrain clearance was approximately 100m (328ft); and total coverage was approximately 105 km2 (40 mi2) The magnetic survey at Bull Creek identified a pronounced fabric suggestive of varied sedimentary, volcanic, metamorphic, and igneous rock types, as well as covered structure and hydrothermal alteration beneath the target. |
 |
Phase I Drilling
The seismic, gravity, air magnetic, and geologic mapping surveys suggest a large target area of shallow, covered, meta-sedimentary, and intrusive basement at Bull Creek with lineal and circular patterns, suggesting emplacement of a younger volcanic/intrusive complex resulting in an altered and geochemically anomalous geologic setting. NGE completed 18 reverse circulation drill holes in 2008 and successfully defined a 6.6 km by 9.9 km (2 by 3 mile) area of hydrothermally altered and geochemically anomalous felsic volcanic rocks beneath 50 to 300 feet of sand and gravel cover. Drill sections included several >650 foot intervals of hydrothermally altered and geochemically anomalous volcanic rock and show increasing hydrothermal alteration and increasing bedrock geochemistry as the center of the interpreted system is approached a short distance to the east. |
