In a June 15 news release, Alexis Minerals reported the discovery of two new high-grade gold zones at its Snow Lake Mine.

"The new zones contain mineralization which is similar in character to that of the Main and the No.3 Zones; however, is of significantly higher grade," the release noted.

The company advised that compilation of these areas of the deposits is ongoing and from initial observations they feel that many of the areas previous drill holes may have been too shallow to test them.

"The Snow Lake Mine has produced over 1.44 million ounces of gold from the Main and No.3 Zones," read the release. "Surface drilling recently targeted both the Main Zone and No. 3 Zone in a program of delineation drilling in support of an ongoing Snow Lake Feasibility Study."

Results from the program include discovery of the Footwall (FW) Zone, 40 metres south of the Main Zone, and harbour 25.05 g. Au/t over 2.19 metres in hole HB 10-55; including 34.79 g. Au/t over 1.52 metres; 11.92 g. Au/t over 8.15 metres in hole HB 10-59; including 23.67 g. Au/t over 3.65 metres; or, 45.32 g. Au/t over 1.64 metres; and 41.04 g. Au/t over 0.88 metres, also in hole HB 10-59.

In addition to the discovery of the footwall zone drilling also discovered the Hangingwall (HW) Zone, 450 metres North of the No. 3 Zone. This drilling uncovered 5.28 g. Au/t over 1.73 metres in hole ZN03-10-65; 4.89 g. Au/t over 2.77 metres in hole ZN03-10-66; and 63.59 g. Au/t over 1.92 metres in hole ZN03-10-71. The company reports that assays are pending from eleven additional holes.

"Compilation has further confirmed strong potential for a new eastern extension to the Main Zone reported earlier in 2010," the release noted. " Although assay results from three unreported holes from the Feb 17, 2010 news release were low, there is growing evidence for additional ore potential in this area. An additional 800-m drill program is planned to test extensions of this mineralization in July.

Surface drilling on inferred resource areas of both the Main Zone and No.3 Zone has provided increased confidence in the resource areas and is expected to allow for additional Indicated Resources to be included in the ongoing Snow Lake feasibility work."

A preliminary assessment of the economic potential of current resources was completed and reported by Alexis in the spring. Alexis is targeting 150,000 oz. of annual gold production by latter 2011, which is anticipated to elevate the company to a mid-tier status gold-producing company.

In other Snow Lake news, organizers of the June 13 Rick Hansen Walk (Run, Ride) enjoyed one of the best turnouts in all the time the event has been held locally. Close to 40 took part in the event and others in attendance were involved in the organization and operation of the walk.

The eighth annual event was kicked off with a few words from Snow Lake's Rick Hansen ambassador, Roger Wiesner. He welcomed participants and read a message of thanks and appreciation from the Man in Motion himself. They were some fine words from a Canadian icon and were delivered by Wiesner, who is indeed one of our own local heroes. After explaining the order of the day's events and establishing the route of the walk, Wiesner signalled the start and it was underway.

After a somewhat shaky commencement (a couple of minor bicycle accidents) the event culminated approximately an hour later with everyone none the worse for the wear.

Once the final entrants had arrived back at the hall, Wiesner announced that refreshments were available and introduced local folk singer Alan Beilman, who was supplying the afternoon’s entertainment. Beilman, always outgoing and conversational between tunes, at one point brought a strong round of applause from the assembly. He noted what an inspiration that both Roger and Rhoda Wiesner are to him personally. The audience nodded and clapped loudly in agreement.

With everyone fed, watered and thoroughly entertained, the function got around to some of the statistics of the day... as well as the results of a few draws. The most money raised was $1,102 by Roger Wiesner. The most pledges were 41 by Joanne Beilman. The oldest person taking part was Hilda Anderson and the youngest was baby Dillan Evans. The first persons back from the walk were Pat and Stephan Conroy. The second person back was Wiesner`s grandson Rylan. The third was his Mother Connie Wiesner. The last person to arrive was Val Foord. The 50/50 draw ($238) was won by Dawn Roberts and the draw for a new barbeque and Jackie Cann won a $250 meat pack.

The total amount of money raised by the event was $2903. Additionally, the Diamond Willow Inn will donate $3 from every steak purchased during their weekly Steak Night to the Wheels in Motion campaign.

Half the funds raised locally stay in Snow Lake and the remainder goes to Spinal Cord Research. The half that stays in the community has historically gone towards making life easier for “differently-abled” people. This year it will go towards work on ramps at Simonhouse Camp and a short threshold ramp for the Elks Hall.