VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(CCNMatthews - July 25, 2006) - True North Gems (TSX VENTURE:TGX) is pleased to announce the commencement of bulk sampling of the Aappaluttoq ruby discovery and the commissioning of a gravity concentrator as part of the 2006 exploration program at the Company's 110 km2 property located near the village of Fiskenaesset, on the west coast of Greenland.
The Aappaluttoq occurrence is an important discovery for the Company and is a primary target for detailed geological mapping and bulk sampling in 2006. The bulk sampling program is expected to result in the extraction of 30 tonnes of ruby mineralization from the discovery locality, first identified in 2005. The ruby material will be processed on-site using a portable gravity concentrator recently commissioned by the Company in the village of Fiskenaesset. Once the sampling at Aappaluttoq is complete, True North Gems' is scheduled to continue the bulk sampling program with the extraction of a second 30 tonne bulk sample from the Kigutilik site.
The gravity wash plant is currently on site in Fiskenaesset, and is capable of processing from 0.15 to 0.33 cubic meters per day. True North anticipates generating around 1 cubic meter of gravity concentrate from each of the two bulk samples (Aappaluttoq and Kigutilik). The gravity concentrate, approximately six tonnes in total weight, will be exported final stage optic sorting.
The gravity concentrator is an important addition to the infrastructure True North Gems is developing around its Greenland ruby projects. The gravity concentrator will reduce mineral processing costs, result in more efficient handling of ruby bearing material and provide local employment.
In 2005, True North Gems recovered 244 grams (1,220 carats) of coarse gem-grade material and 533 grams (2,665 carats) of total gem from 100 kilograms of talus extracted from the Aappaluttoq discovery (see press release - 09/15/05).
Additional information on Greenland Rubies, technical reports on ruby exploration and other public documents are available at www.sedar.com or, at the company's website, www.truenorthgems.com.
The planning and execution of the ruby exploration and quality control programs at the Greenland ruby project are under the supervision of William Rohtert, True North's chief operating officer. Mr. Rohtert is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
True North Gems Inc. is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and is engaged in the exploration and development of North American coloured gemstone prospects. The Company is a pioneer in coloured gemstone exploration and owns 100% interest in the Yukon-based Tsa da Glisza emerald property and the rights to earn 100% interest in the Baffin sapphire property located on Baffin Island and the Fiskenaesset ruby and pink sapphire property in Greenland.
The Company relies on litigation protection for "forward-looking" statements.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
True North Gems
William Rohtert
C.O.O.
(604) 687-8055 or 1-800-399-8055
True North Gems
Ken Shortt
Investor Relations
(604) 687-8055 or 1-800-399-8055
Email: ken@truenorthgems.com
Website: www.truenorthgems.com
