Alexco Resource Corp. has released additional results from its 2009 exploration core drilling program at the Keno Hill project, Yukon. In addition to the largely successful 2009 exploration program targeting expansion and/or extension of known high-grade silver mineralization related to historic mines, a regional exploration program was undertaken to identify new structural targets with potential to host significant silver deposits. This effort was initiated in the area of the historic Bermingham mine, located approximately 1.5 kilometres southwest of the historic Hector Calumet mine.

At Bermingham, two drill holes intersected a structural zone up to 20 metres wide containing extensive quartz veining with local siderite and associated galena and sphalerite. Intercepts include the following:

DDH K09-220 cut an interval grading 783 grams per tonne silver (22.8 ounces per ton), 2.7 per cent lead and 4.2 per cent zinc over 2.87 metres from 248.86 to 251.73 metres, within a 16.01-metre interval grading 174 grams per tonne silver (5.1 ounces per ton), 0.7 per cent lead and 1.2 per cent zinc, from 241.22 to 257.23 metres;

DDH K09-219 cut an interval grading 539 grams per tonne silver (15.7 ounces per ton), 0.6 per cent lead and 0.4 per cent zinc over 2.56 metres, from 220.76 to 223.32 metres, within a 12.83-metre interval grading 187 grams per tonne silver (5.5 ounces per ton), 0.3 per cent lead and 0.6 per cent zinc, from 210.49 to 223.32 metres.

Both holes were drilled from the same location testing the structure at varying depths. K09-220, the deeper hole, intersected the zone approximately 40 metres below K09-219 where mineralization remains open along strike and downdip. The northeast-trending hosting structure is on strike and is assumed to be the same structure which, at least, in part, hosts the historic Hector Calumet mine located approximately 1.5 kilometres to the northeast. Hector Calumet, the largest historic mine in the district, produced approximately 96 million ounces of silver with an average grade of approximately 35 ounces silver per ton over a plus-20-year mine life.

The Bermingham mine itself produced in excess of 3.5 million ounces, from minor underground workings and a small open pit in an area of limited past exploration. The Hector Calumet and Bermingham mines, and the area of current drilling, are all located on a common premineral fault zone which has been subsequently reactivated and mineralized. In addition, each of these areas is characterized by similar structural and stratigraphic features considered consistent with other major silver deposits in the district. Based on the favourable geologic setting and encouraging 2009 assay intercepts, the Bermingham mine area will be a focus of further exploration by Alexco in 2010 along with the Lucky Queen and Silver King mine areas.

Tags: Alexco Resource Corp.