Province's Environment Department is testing on samples collected around the tailings pond following an alarm raised by environmental groups over what they believed was a leak at the facility.

However, the bullish joy may be premature, as the Fed is likely to taper this year.

The exploration budget at Rice Lake was set at C$1.2 million with work conducted on six targets.

Should the data exceed expectations, a stronger dollar would put “some pressure on gold,” an analyst said.

Highlights from ten drill holes include 24.64 g/t Au and 295.31 g/t Ag (28.44 g/t AuEq) over 5.18 metres.

Benz is earning a 100% interest in the Eastmain mine from Fury Gold Mine.