VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(CCNMatthews - July 12, 2006) - True North Gems (TSX VENTURE:TGX) is pleased to announce that 2005 exploration successfully identified several new emerald-bearing vein and alteration packages within the Summit and Far West Zones, and in addition, has confirmed the presence of a large, stacked multi-element geochemical anomaly in the Otter Zone located 200-500 metres to the north of the known emerald mineralization. The trenching and bulk assay program comprised twenty-one sites, ranging from 5 metres to 50 metres in length for a total of 680 metres. Prospective alteration and veining was intersected in each trench sample and emeralds were recovered from eleven of the eighteen bulk samples. Several samples remain stockpiled for processing.
Emeralds were identified in intersecting vertical and subhorizontal veins, and also from extensive discontinuous, structurally disrupted vein aggregates in highly altered schist. Emerald pockets contained specimens to more than 10% emerald with crystals up to 30 mm x 10 mm. Intensely altered schist, with abundant quartz-tourmaline veining up to 6 metres in thickness, similar to the Mattscar veins, were exposed in new trenches of the Far West Zone. Blocks of massive tourmaline to 1 cubic metre were discovered with quartz veins similar to and 300 metres south of the Southwest Vein. Trenching of the Southwest vein has exposed quartz-tourmaline-scheelite veins with emeralds measuring to 50 mm x 15 mm. Emeralds with moderate to intense green colouration, very pale bluish hues and excellent transparency were intergrown with quartz and scheelite.
The geochemical data, including 479 new soil and 201 silt samples, has confirmed that the stacked multi-element anomalies (Be, Sn, W, Cs, Bi, Cu) provide a valid guide to the identification of prospective ground. The spatial distribution and response ratio of specific elements indicates elemental zoning on a larger areal scale. The three principal anomalous zones correspond to the Otter, Summit and Shadow Zones. The Otter Zone will be targeted as a high priority in 2006; the geochemical signature is the strongest and largest of the three anomalies, and occurs within an ultramafic package, common to global schist-hosted emerald deposits.
Gemological grading of the 2005 emerald rough concentrate has returned the best results to date (6.2% gem, 53.4% near-gem). A total of 9,402 grams of gem and near-gem emerald rough were shipped for cutting. The polished goods have been received and the distribution data compilation is pending.
Rough emerald grades returned 3.6 g/t, including 2.15 g/t gem and near-gem, for the samples processed in 2005. Recovery of a higher quality emerald rough concentrate, improved cutting yields and increased carat production have been achieved. The emerald grade and gem distribution is consistent with operating emerald mines currently active in Brazil and southern Africa. Testing of optical sort technology for the recovery of emeralds has returned positive results and its successful application will be a key element in the economic analysis of the project. The Company's 2005/2006 sales have confirmed that the price point structures for its loose polished wholesale and prototype jewelry have not met with resistance and has provided significant feedback for marketing and product design.
The planning and execution of the Canadian emerald exploration programs, including Tsa da Glisza, are under the supervision of Greg Davison, P.Geo., VP Exploration, who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
True North Gems is a public company listed on the TSX Venture exchange and is engaged primarily in the exploration and development of coloured gemstone deposits in North America and Greenland.
The Company relies on litigation protection for "forward-looking" statements.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
True North Gems Inc.
Greg Davison, P. Geo.
Vice President Exploration
(604) 687-8055 or Toll Free: 1-800-399-8055
greg@truenorthgems.com
www.truenorthgems.com
