Wescan Goldfields Inc. was the first public company after Goldsource Mines Inc. to be involved in the recent staking rush following the discovery of significant coal in drill core near Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan.  During the later part of April Wescan had applied for an extensive package of coal dispositions covering over 250,000 hectares adjacent to and partially surrounding the coal discovery made by Goldsource Mines. Wescan has received a “Letter of Comfort” from Saskatchewan Energy and Resources on May 27th, 2008 stating that the majority of all coal permit applications made on behalf of the company are ‘first in line’ and will be given priority sequence.

Wescan Goldfields Inc. has been able to acquire a significant, well-positioned block of land within the area of the coal discovery by Goldsource Mines near Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan.  Wescan has received an initial package of 83 coal permit certificates from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources. These permits are adjacent to the claim block hosting the major coal discovery previously announced by Goldsource. The permits allow Wescan to aggressively explore the area for coal and cover a period of one year with two possible six-month extensions and convertible to a 15-year lease.

Wescan received the final 52 coal permit certificates from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources.   This completes the coal permit applications made by Wescan Goldfields for the Hudson Bay region of Saskatchewan.  The company has been issued a total of 281 coal permits covering 190,992 hectares (1,910 square kilometres), in the Hudson Bay region, and include the area adjacent to the coal discovery by Goldsource Mines Inc.

A comprehensive drilling program is being planned to test several anomalies within the permit areas.  A review of regional geophysics and detailed topographic data is underway to define drill targets.  Environmental permitting for drilling is in progress with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment.

The 2009 budget, currently in preparation, will allow Wescan to develop its exploration programs as economically as possible.  Use of  Wecan’s internal experience will maximize our efficiency and will keep costs low during these current market conditions.

Wescan will focus expenditures on its core assets of coal and gold but is also be poised to take advantage of opportunities that may present themselves through 2009.

Exploration permitting with Saskatchewan Environment is in progress with an initial program proposal submitted to that department. This primary drilling will focus on Wescan’s southeasterly permits, located adjacent to Goldsource and proximal to their recent drilling activity.

Patrick Hannon, MASc, PEng, is Wescan's qualified person and is experienced both in the exploration and evaluation of coal deposits in Canada.

For more information on the recent coal discovery and to learn more about the global production and consumption of coal, click onto our "Presentation".