A TECHNICIAN SHOWS A CORE SAMPLE FROM A MINERAL EXPLORATION DRILL, 2003-02-15 (photo)

A technician shows a core sample from a mineral exploration drill February 15, 2003 near San Marcos de Colon, Honduras. Exploration company First Point Minerals runs the drill 24-hours-a-day looking for gold rich veins. After finding evidence of the precious metal, the company can then auction it's property to a mining company for a profit. The Honduran government has received 60 applications for mining concessions in the last 6 months, double the average for the past four years, showing evidence of a mining boom in the Central American nation. (TO GO WITH BC HONDURAS GOLD. PHOTO TAKEN FEBRUARY 15) REUTERS/Daniel LeClair DNL