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Junior Mining Uncategorized

Mining Review Delivers Optimized Five-Year Plan

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HIGHLIGHTS

  • Implementation of revised mining approach 1 at Beatons Creek Oxide resource has delivered, as expected, higher processing grades in November 2021 of 1.58 g/t Au over 117 kt processed, for total monthly production of 5,498 ounces
  • Completion of Beatons Creek Gold Project (“ Beatons Creek ”) mining review outlines optimized five-year plan through to 2026
  • A three-phase approach for the plan has been adopted for development and mining activities
    • Mining of the Beatons Creek Oxide resource to continue through Q2 2022, with low-grade stockpiles to be processed through Q3 2022
    • Transition to mining of higher-grade free-milling Beatons Creek Fresh resource, which provides production through 2026
    • Mining of the Golden Eagle deposit (“ Golden Eagle ”) may commence and continue through the transition from Beatons Creek Oxide to Fresh material, depending on timing of Beatons Creek Fresh mining approvals
  • Beatons Creek Fresh resource drill out to 20 m by 20 m drill spacing for completion of a Feasibility Study in Q2 2022 has commenced
  • Ongoing brownfields and regional exploration underway to further optimize and extend mine life beyond 2026, e.g. current drilling of the Parnell deposit
  • Five-year plan supported by a strong balance sheet with cash balance of C$39.1 million and an investment portfolio with a fair value of approximately C$119 million 2


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Novo Resources Corp. ( “Novo” or the “Company” ) (TSX: NVO, NVO.WT & NVO.WT.A) (OTCQX: NSRPF) is pleased to announce completion of the Beatons Creek mining review, which has delivered an optimized five-year plan through to 2026 for its Beatons Creek conglomerate gold project 3 ( Figure 1 ).

Novo commenced a detailed review of Beatons Creek and nearby projects in October 2021, with a primary focus on developing a detailed plan to ensure optimized production and profitability from the Beatons Creek Oxide resource, given the nature of the deposit and incorporating the learnings to date.

Mining and processing target rates at Beatons Creek have been achieved during the ramp-up since February 2021, however gold production has been below expectations due to predominantly wide-spaced grade control drilling at the high-nugget oxide mineralization and higher mining dilution from more complex mining areas.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b2d656db-28a9-45b7-885c-81569f0bedbc

( Figure 1 : Beatons Creek; Grant’s Hill in the foreground, with (from left to right) Edwards, Central, Golden Crown, and South Hill mining areas in the background.)

A program of closer-spaced grade control drilling at Beatons Creek has provided more certainty for mine forecasting. These results, along with additional data and analysis, have been incorporated into the mining review to develop the optimized production profile for Beatons Creek. As expected, implementation of the revised mining approach has delivered higher grades to the Company’s Golden Eagle processing facility (the “ Golden Eagle Mill ”). The Company processed 240,731 tonnes of mineralized material during October and November 2021 at an average head grade of 1.30 g/t Au and average recovery of approximately 93% to produce 9,223 oz Au.

The Company expects to produce between 5,000 – 5,500 oz Au in December, for an anticipated total of between 14,200 – 14,700 oz Au for Q4 2021.

The revised mining approach is expected to be implemented for the life of the Beatons Creek Oxide resource with continued closer-spaced grade control drilling.

Following completion of the detailed review, Novo has developed a five-year, three-phase plan through to 2026:

  1. Mining of the Beatons Creek Oxide resource to continue through Q2 2022. Between Q2 and Q3 2022, lower-grade oxide stockpiles will supplement transitional mill feed.
  2. Mining of the Beatons Creek free-milling Fresh Resource targeted to commence in Q3 2022 and continue through 2026.
  3. The Golden Eagle deposit, which is adjacent to the Golden Eagle Mill, will be used for a transition period of production as preparations are completed for the Beatons Creek Fresh resource, depending on timing of Beatons Creek Fresh mining approvals.

Novo expects to produce 27 koz – 33 koz Au in H1 2022.

Through the Company’s robust balance sheet, which is comprised of cash holdings of C$39.1 million and an investment portfolio with a fair value of approximately C$119 million 2 , Novo remains in a strong financial position to ensure effective execution of the five-year plan.

Commenting on the outcomes and delivery of the optimized five-year plan, Executive Co-Chairman Mike Spreadborough said, “We are pleased with the results from our detailed mining review at Beatons Creek. Key objectives of the review were to ensure we optimize our production profile and profitability as we transition between mining the Beatons Creek Oxide and Fresh resources and we now have an optimized plan for the future. Our team now has a year of experience mining the Beatons Creek conglomerate gold resource and the learnings have been incorporated into our plan.”

“We are in a strong position with solid mining and development assets, a healthy balance sheet and an enviable exploration program to continue to deliver value to our shareholders.”

PHASE ONE – BEATONS CREEK OXIDE RESOURCE

Mining of the Beatons Creek Oxide resource continues and assuming receipt of approvals, is expected to continue through completion of the Beatons Creek Oxide resource using the revised mining approach through Q2 2022.

The optimized mine plan includes mining further Beatons Creek Oxide resource, beyond the area that was approved for mining in 2020. Receipt of approvals from the Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (“ DMIRS ”) and the Western Australian Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (“ DWER ”) for the mining of this extended Beatons Creek Oxide resource is anticipated in Q1 2022.

Upon completion of the Beatons Creek Oxide resource mining fleets are expected to begin pre-stripping for the Beatons Creek Fresh resource or, if required, and dependent on timing of approvals for the mining of the Beatons Creek Fresh resource, shift to Golden Eagle.

Mining and haulage are expected to generate stockpiles at the Golden Eagle ROM pad which will provide mill feed through Q3 2022, allowing for a transition to the Beatons Creek Fresh resource upon completion of requisite pre-stripping.

PHASE TWO – BEATONS CREEK FRESH RESOURCE

Mining of the Beatons Creek Fresh resource is targeted to commence Q3 2022.

The most recently announced Beatons Creek mineral resource estimate includes a fresh component comprising approximately 65% of the global estimate, including an indicated mineral resource component of 2,145,000 tonnes at 2.7g/t Au for 185,000 oz Au and an additional inferred mineral resource component of 2,645,000 tonnes at 2.9g/t Au for 250,000 oz Au 4 . Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

The Beatons Creek Fresh resource drill out to 20 m by 20 m drill spacing required for completion of a Feasibility Study in Q2 2022 has commenced. The Feasibility Study is expected to deliver an updated mineral resource and will focus on optimizing haulage, power, water and tailings storage facility life-of-mine costs.

Mining is expected to commence on the higher-grade free-milling Beatons Creek Fresh resource, with a targeted start date of Q3 2022, assuming the timely receipt of approvals from DMIRS, DWER, and (if required) the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (“ EPA ”). Approximately two months of mining pre-strip will likely be required prior to accessing mineralized material.

Milling is expected to continue at a rate of approximately 1.8 million tonnes per annum through the Golden Eagle Mill, being higher that the 1.5 million tonnes per annum rates assumed in the PEA.

In July 2021, a test package of approximately 43 kt of Beatons Creek Fresh mineralized material was processed at an average head grade of 1.83 g/t Au, confirming free-milling properties, processing throughputs and recovery with good grade predictability 5 . This data will be used to optimize the Beatons Creek Fresh mining plan as part of the Feasibility Study.

Mining of the Beatons Creek Fresh resource is expected to continue through to 2026.

PHASE THREE – GOLDEN EAGLE

If approvals for the Beatons Creek Fresh resource are not received from DMIRS, DWER, or the EPA (as applicable) by the end of Q2 2022, the Company is expected to transition its mining fleet to Golden Eagle, which is located adjacent to the Golden Eagle Plant ( Figure 2 ). Mining at Golden Eagle is expected to continue until approvals are received to mine the Beatons Creek Fresh resource. Studies related to the mining and processing of Golden Eagle are underway. Golden Eagle was mined by Millennium Minerals Limited (“ Millennium ”) prior to Novo’s acquisition of Millennium in September 2020 6 . There is no current technical report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“ NI 43-101 ”) or the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 2012 edition (“ JORC 2012 ”) in respect of Golden Eagle.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23330bbb-2a72-4832-8b4d-8fa174068673

( Figure 2 : Golden Eagle location relative to the Golden Eagle Plant.)

STRONG FINANCIAL POSITION

Novo’s cash and working capital positions remain strong, with cash reserves of C$39.1 million as at December 13, 2021.

In addition to its cash reserves, the Company’s strategic portfolio of investments held a fair value of approximately C$119 million 2 as at December 13, 2021, including its 9.2% investment in New Found Gold Corp. (TSXV: NFG) which was worth approximately C$108 million 2 .

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

The decision by the Company to produce at Beatons Creek and the Nullagine Gold Project, and potentially at Golden Eagle, was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and, as a result, there is an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit. In addition, there is no current technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 or JORC 2012 in respect of Golden Eagle. Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. There is no guarantee that that anticipated production costs will be achieved. Failure to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s cash flow and future profitability. The Company cautions that the declaration of commercial production effective October 1, 2021 7 only indicates that Beatons Creek and the Nullagine Gold Project are operating at anticipated and sustainable levels and it does not indicate that economic results will be realized.

QP STATEMENT

Dr. Quinton Hennigh (P.Geo.) is the qualified person, as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects , responsible for, and having reviewed and approved, the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Hennigh is the non-executive co-chairman and a director of Novo.

ABOUT NOVO

Novo operates its flagship Beatons Creek gold project while exploring and developing its prospective land package covering approximately 13,250 square kilometres in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. In addition to the Company’s primary focus, Novo seeks to leverage its internal geological expertise to deliver value-accretive opportunities to its shareholders. For more information, please contact Leo Karabelas at (416) 543-3120 or e-mail leo@novoresources.com .

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Novo Resources Corp.

“ Michael Spreadborough ”

Michael Spreadborough

Executive Co-Chairman

Forward-looking information

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including, without limitation, Novo’s five-year production plan. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, customary risks of the resource industry and the risk factors identified in Novo’s management’s discussion and analysis for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021, including but not limited to those under headings Construction, Development, and Operation of Mines, No Prefeasibility or Feasibility Study for the Beatons Creek Project, Permitting and License Risks, and Uncertainty in the Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves , which is available under Novo’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, Novo assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If Novo updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

_______________________________________

1 Refer to the Company’s news release dated October 12, 2021 .

2 This value excludes the fair value of warrants held in GBM Resources Ltd. Novo’s ability to dispose of its investments is subject to certain thresholds pursuant to its senior secured credit facility with Sprott Private Resource Lending II (Collector), LP. Please refer to the Company’s management discussion and analysis for the 9-month period ended September 30, 2021, which is available under Novo’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . Novo’s investment in New Found Gold Corp. is subject to escrow requirements pursuant to National Instrument 46-201 Escrow for Initial Public Offerings. The value of Novo’s holdings in Elementum 3D, Inc. (“ E3D ”) is based on E3D’s most recent financing price of US$2.50 per share. Except for its investment in E3D, the fair value of Novo’s investments is based on closing prices of its investments and relevant foreign exchanges rate as at December 10, 2021.

3 Refer to the Company’s news release dated April 30, 2021 and the report titled “Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Beatons Creek Gold Project, Western Australia” (the “ PEA ”) with an effective date of February 5, 2021 and an issue date of April 30, 2021. The mineral resource estimate in the PEA has not been adjusted for depletion. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

4 These figures do not include the underground component of the Fresh mineral resource estimate; refer to the Company’s news release dated April 30, 2021 and the PEA which is available under Novo’s profile on SEDAR.

5 Refer to the Company’s news release dated October 12, 2021 .

6 Refer to the Company’s news releases dated August 4, 2020 , and September 8, 2020 .

7 Refer to the Company’s news release dated October 12, 2021 .

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Junior Mining Uncategorized

Irving Resources Discovers New, Buried Hot Spring System at Omui Mine Site, Omu Au-Ag Vein Project, Hokkaido, Japan

Figure 1

Laminated gray and white hot spring silica sinter overlain by dark gray silty mudstone in core. Dark coloration partially originates from fine sulfide mineralization. Down hole depth is 303.8 m.
Laminated gray and white hot spring silica sinter overlain by dark gray silty mudstone in core. Dark coloration partially originates from fine sulfide mineralization. Down hole depth is 303.8 m.
Laminated gray and white hot spring silica sinter overlain by dark gray silty mudstone in core. Dark coloration partially originates from fine sulfide mineralization. Down hole depth is 303.8 m.

Figure 2

Fibrous columnar algal remains, now silicified, occurring within a bed of sinter in core. Down hole depth is 314 m.
Fibrous columnar algal remains, now silicified, occurring within a bed of sinter in core. Down hole depth is 314 m.
Fibrous columnar algal remains, now silicified, occurring within a bed of sinter in core. Down hole depth is 314 m.

Figure 3

Examples of sulfide rich sinter from various intervals in hole 21OMI-002. Brassy and gray material is pyrite. Light gray, white and tan areas are silica.
Examples of sulfide rich sinter from various intervals in hole 21OMI-002. Brassy and gray material is pyrite. Light gray, white and tan areas are silica.
Examples of sulfide rich sinter from various intervals in hole 21OMI-002. Brassy and gray material is pyrite. Light gray, white and tan areas are silica.

Figure 4

Model illustrating the geologic evolution of Honpi looking ESE. Top shows the initial epithermal system with a feeder and sinter. Second shows this system buried by the Omu Sequence and re-establishment of the epithermal system. It was this phase that produced the veins that come to surface around Honpi. Bottom shows Honpi in its current state, somewhat tilted and eroded. Irving drilled shallow holes to test for near-surface veins. Hole 21OMI-002 tested these same veins but encountered a sinter-rich sequence from approximately 240-340m down hole ending in volcanic and sedimentary rocks, the Kamiomu Formation. Sinter was found down slope from Honpi where it comes to surface. Irving believes the feeder for the sinter to be below the main vein, Honpi. Deep Au-Ag-rich veins encountered in hole 19OMI-010, a deep hole drilled off section from this image, may be part of this lower feeder. Irving rates this target with highest priority for follow up drilling in early 2022.
Model illustrating the geologic evolution of Honpi looking ESE. Top shows the initial epithermal system with a feeder and sinter. Second shows this system buried by the Omu Sequence and re-establishment of the epithermal system. It was this phase that produced the veins that come to surface around Honpi. Bottom shows Honpi in its current state, somewhat tilted and eroded. Irving drilled shallow holes to test for near-surface veins. Hole 21OMI-002 tested these same veins but encountered a sinter-rich sequence from approximately 240-340m down hole ending in volcanic and sedimentary rocks, the Kamiomu Formation. Sinter was found down slope from Honpi where it comes to surface. Irving believes the feeder for the sinter to be below the main vein, Honpi. Deep Au-Ag-rich veins encountered in hole 19OMI-010, a deep hole drilled off section from this image, may be part of this lower feeder. Irving rates this target with highest priority for follow up drilling in early 2022.
Model illustrating the geologic evolution of Honpi looking ESE. Top shows the initial epithermal system with a feeder and sinter. Second shows this system buried by the Omu Sequence and re-establishment of the epithermal system. It was this phase that produced the veins that come to surface around Honpi. Bottom shows Honpi in its current state, somewhat tilted and eroded. Irving drilled shallow holes to test for near-surface veins. Hole 21OMI-002 tested these same veins but encountered a sinter-rich sequence from approximately 240-340m down hole ending in volcanic and sedimentary rocks, the Kamiomu Formation. Sinter was found down slope from Honpi where it comes to surface. Irving believes the feeder for the sinter to be below the main vein, Honpi. Deep Au-Ag-rich veins encountered in hole 19OMI-010, a deep hole drilled off section from this image, may be part of this lower feeder. Irving rates this target with highest priority for follow up drilling in early 2022.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Irving Resources Inc. (CSE:IRV; OTCQX: IRVRF) (“Irving” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has discovered a new, buried hot spring system immediately beneath areas previously targeted with shallow drilling at the Omui Mine Site, part of Irving’s 100% controlled Omu Au-Ag Vein Project, Hokkaido, Japan. Also, the Company completed one diamond drill hole at Hokuryu, also part of the Omu Au-Ag Vein Project with at least one notable vein intercept.

Summary of New Discovery at Omui Mine Site and Implications for Exploration Potential

  • Hole 21OMI-002, the second diamond drill hole of a two-hole follow up drill program recently completed by Irving has encountered an approximately 100 m long intercept of beds of siliceous hot spring sinter interbedded with various clastic rocks (Figure 1) at a depth of approximately 200 vertical meters beneath the historic Honpi mine area.
  • Textures of silica sinter include fossil algae, a common occurrence in terrestrial hot spring sinter deposits (Figure 2). Sulfide mineralization is abundant in select bands of sinter (Figure 3) suggesting this older system has potential to be associated with precious metal mineralization.
  • The presence of this new sinter horizon suggests the presence of an older, extensive hot spring system buried underneath Honpi (Figure 4). This raises the exciting possibility that the feeder for this sinter may lie at deeper levels below Honpi. Hole 19OMI-010, a deep hole drilled by Irving in 2019, encountered numerous deep high-grade vein intercepts that might be part of the feeder system for this lower hot spring deposit.
  • Further evidence for potential high-grade mineralization at depth comes from fragments of dark banded silica found in some Honpi vein samples. Such dark silica fragments sometimes bear abundant fine particles of electrum, a natural Au-Ag alloy, and silver sulfosalt minerals. The source of these fragments is believed to be somewhere below Honpi, but until now, a viable source could not be rationalized. It is possible that these fragments were ripped up from the lower hot spring system by hydrothermal activity and carried upward into Honpi vein where they were incorporated into later quartz veining.
  • Other notable epithermal deposits are buried, or “blind,” including the Fruta del Norte (“FDN”) deposit in Ecuador. The sinter cap of the FDN system was discovered under approximately 200m of post mineral cover and the deposit occurs immediately beneath the sinter.

Because of the very important nature of this discovery, Irving is currently working on plans to conduct follow up drilling around Honpi at Omui beginning in February 2022.

“The discovery of a new, older hot spring system beneath Honpi raises exciting possibilities,” commented Quinton Hennigh, technical advisor and director of Irving. “We appear to have an entirely new level to test. Hole 19OMI-010 encountered multiple high-grade veins at depth, ones that are somewhat distinct from those encountered at shallow levels around Honpi. Until now, we have been challenged to understand this dichotomy. We have also been challenged to point to the source of Au- and Ag-rich fragments of silica found trapped in Honpi vein material. It could be the answer is right below our feet. Because this is an exceptionally important target, we are making plans for follow up drilling at Omui beginning in February of next year. We are very excited what might be discovered.”

Summary of Diamond Drilling at Hokuryu

  • One diamond drill hole, 21HKR-001, was completed to a depth of 294.7m at Irving’s Hokuryu vein target during October. Drilling of additional holes was postponed due to inclement weather.
  • In a position approximately 50m west of historic Hokuryu mine workings, hole 21HKR-001 encountered a narrow intercept of banded epithermal vein displaying giguro bands. Veins mined at Hokuryu were reportedly narrow, but very high-grade. Assays from 21HKR-001 will be announced upon receipt.
  • Depending on results, Irving may elect to extend hole 21HKR-001. The remaining two holes of the Hokuryu Phase One drill program will be completed in 2022.

Quinton Hennigh (Ph.D., P.Geo.) is the qualified person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 responsible for, and having reviewed and approved, the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Hennigh is a technical advisor and director of Irving Resources Inc.

About Irving Resources Inc.:

Irving is a junior exploration company with a focus on gold in Japan. Irving also holds, through a subsidiary, a Joint Exploration Agreement with Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC). JOGMEC is a government organization established under the law of Japan, administrated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, and is responsible for stable supply of various resources to Japan through the discovery of sizable economic deposits of base, precious and rare metals.

Additional information can be found on the Company’s website: www.IRVresources.com.

Akiko Levinson,
President, CEO & Director

Forward-looking information
Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation including, without limitation, statements as to the potential for high-grade mineralization at the Omui Mine site and as to planned exploration activities. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, customary risks of the mineral resource exploration industry, the availability to Irving of sufficient cash to fund any planned drilling and other exploration activities, as well as the performance of services by third parties.

THE CSE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4cb5336f-55df-4f23-af8f-67aa73906be2
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25204b6c-a086-49dd-b72d-53033621c0c9
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c1ed36c-91c5-4d67-976a-92f7279c2678
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cf0432ed-a39d-4a08-a5cc-f649876c837c 
CONTACT: For further information, please contact: Tel: (604) 682-3234 Toll free: 1 (888) 242-3234 Fax: (604) 971-0209 info@IRVresources.com
Categories
Junior Mining Precious Metals

Strikepoint Gold’s Step-out Drilling at Willoughby Intersects 10.24g/t Gold-Equivalent over 6.16 Meters

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – December 9, 2021) – StrikePoint Gold Inc. (TSXV: SKP) (OTCQB: STKXF) (“StrikePoint” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the initial drill results from the 2021 exploration program at the 100%-owned Willoughby gold-silver property, located east of Stewart in British Columbia’s prolific Golden Triangle.

Results have been received from the first of four areas drilled during the 2021 season targeting extensions to mineralization along strike identified during the 2020 drilling program. Gold-silver mineralization was encountered in all holes. Highlights include:

  • 7.34 g/t Au and 202.85 g/t Ag or 10.24 g/t AuEq over 6.16 meters in W21-109
  • 3.78 g/t Au and 10.45 g/t Ag or 3.93 g/t AuEq over 4.0 meters in W21-110
  • 4.18 g/t Au and 3.47 g/t Ag or 4.23 g/t AuEq over 7.0 meters in W21-110

High-grade gold-silver mineralization encountered in drill hole W21-109 is a step-out of approximately 25 meters down-dip from 2020 intercept W20-106 which intersected 10.04 g/t Au and 5.61 g/t Ag or 10.12 g/t AuEq over 7.72 meters within a broader interval of 4.19 g/t Au and 18.28 g/t Ag over 27.78 meters.

“Willoughby continues to deliver wide, high-grade intervals of gold-silver mineralization in multiple areas. We are building continuity of structurally-controlled and intrusive-related mineralization and are excited for further incoming results from the rest of the 2021 Willoughby program as well as drill results from our Porter Silver project,” said Shawn Khunkhun, President and CEO of Strikepoint Gold.

During the 2021 program, 4,050 meters of core drilling in seventeen holes were completed at the Willoughby Property as well as extensive surface chip-channel sampling and mapping of well-exposed, gold-silver mineralization within disseminated to massive sulphides that were follow up to 2020 surface results and in-field observations. The objective of the program was to targets gaps between previously drilled high-grade zones at Willoughby as well as the Willow zone one-kilometer to the north that hosts analogous high-grade mineralization. Assays are currently pending for the remaining 13-holes, as well as all surface sampling results.

Drill holes W20-108 to W20-111 were collared from the same site, testing extensions of the mineralization identified during the 2020 drill program. Drill hole W21-109 intersected 7.34 g/t Au and 202.85 g/t Ag or 10.24 g/t AuEq over 6.16 meters and W21-110 intersected 2.48 g/t Au and 5.30 g/t Ag or 4.23 g/t AuEq over 4.0 meters and 4.18 g/t Au and 3.47 g/t Ag or 4.23 g/t AuEq over 7.0 meters. These holes are interpreted to occurs within the hanging wall of a shear structure with steep southwest dip associated with dominant sulphide mineralization including semi-massive to sheeted pyrite-galena-sphalerite-chalcopyrite. Holes W21-108 & W21-111 stayed in the footwall to the zone, however sheeted vein sets were observed at depth and are interpreted to indicate close proximity to the mineralized structure which is consistent with surface observation.



Figure 1. 2021 & historic Willoughby Drillhole plan view map with gold assay results for the 2021 drill results

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5044/107177_0e5c81a9e4471b00_001full.jpg

The causative, diorite intrusive rocks at Willoughby are considered comparable to, and potentially co-magmatic with, the Goldslide intrusive suite associated with mineralization at Ascot’s Red Mountain deposit, located seven kilometers west of the property. These intrusive sills are interpreted to have pooled gold bearing-sulphides in permissive Jurassic-aged volcanic rock package below the intrusion creating wide areas of disseminated gold-silver mineralization. This was encountered in the following intercepts: W21-108 1.24 g/t Au and 1.51 g/t Ag over 15-meters, W21-109 2.66 g/t Au and 13.18 g/t Ag over 4.7 meters, W21-110 1.60 g/t Au and 3.19 g/t Ag over 8.5 meters, and W21-111 0.86 g/t Au and 1.70 g/t Ag over 11.0 meters.

Complete results are as follows:

Hole-IDAzimuth/DipFrom (metres)To (metres)Length (metres)Gold (g/t)Silver (g/t)Gold Equivalent (g/t)
W21-10879/-68183.00186.003.000.9611.251.12
210.00225.0015.001.241.701.26
incl.210.00217.007.001.950.891.96
235.00241.006.002.576.522.66
incl.235.00238.003.003.836.833.93
257.50258.501.003.662.403.69
314.00315.001.002.3511.502.51
W21-10945/-70171.30176.004.702.6613.182.84
184.00188.004.001.062.431.09
271.00272.501.500.892.60.89
285.34291.506.167.34202.8410.24
306.50308.001.502.003.002.04
W21-11045/-73188.00192.004.003.7810.453.93
199.50208.008.501.603.191.65
incl.199.50203.504.002.645.212.71
237.00241.004.002.484.12.54
284.00291.007.004.183.474.23
W21-11163/-74202.00213.0011.000.861.700.88
incl.202.00204.002.002.414.102.47
incl.212.00213.001.001.102.201.13
223.50225.001.500.949.801.08
243.00249.006.000.7010.60.85

Table 1: Highlight drill intercepts from oriented core diamond drilling at the Willoughby project. Gold equivalent calculated using a 70:1 Ag:Au ratio.
**True widths are not known at this time. All widths reported are drilled length.

StrikePoint also announces that it has adopted a new stock option plan (the “Fixed Stock Option Plan Up To 10%”). The Plan is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval and can be viewed in its entirety on SEDAR.

Willoughby Gold-Silver Project

Willoughby is located along the eastern margin of the Cambria Icefield, approximately seven kilometres east of Ascot Resources advanced-staged Red Mountain deposit. The property is underlain by Upper Triassic Stuhini rocks and Lower Jurassic Hazelton volcano-sedimentary rocks that have been intruded by an early Jurassic-aged hornblende-feldspar porphyry, potentially comagmatic with the Goldslide Intrusive suite at Red Mountain deposit. Intrusive-related, structurally-controlled and replacement-style mineralized linked consist of primary pyrite with lesser pyrrhotite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, native gold. Eight gold and silver mineralized zones have been identified to-date over a one-kilometre strike-length mineralization trend.

QA/QC

Samples for the 2021 exploration program were all NQ sized (47.6mm diameter) drill core labelled, sawn in half, with one-half placed in sealed bags and shipped with a chain of custody controls to the laboratory. The remaining drill core is subsequently securely stored in Stewart, BC. The company implements a rigorous Quality Control/Quality Assurance program, including the insertion of standards, blanks, and duplicates at regular intervals in the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance.

Drill core samples are submitted to the ALS Geochemistry facility in Terrace, British Columbia, for preparation and subsequently to the ALS Geochemistry facility in North Vancouver for analysis. The ALS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold assays, and all analytical methods include quality control materials at set frequencies with established data acceptance criteria. The entire sample is crushed, split into a representative sub-sample using a riffle splitter, and subsequently, 250 g is pulverized. Analysis for gold is by 30g fire assay fusion with atomic absorption (AAS) finish with a lower limit of 0.005 ppm and an upper limit of 10ppm. Samples with gold assays greater than 10ppm are re-analyzed using a 30g fire assay fusion with a gravimetric finish. Analysis for silver is by 30 g fire assay fusion with gravimetric finish with a lower limit of 0.5 ppm and an upper limit of 100 ppm. Samples with silver assays greater than 100 ppm are re-analyzed using a gravimetric silver concentrate method. All samples are also analyzed using a 33 multi-elemental geochemical package by 4-acid digestion (ICP-AES).

Qualified Person

The Qualified Person for this news release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 is Andrew Hamilton, P. Geo, technical advisor to Strikepoint. He has read and approved the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the disclosure contained in this news release.

About StrikePoint

StrikePoint Gold is a gold exploration company focused on building high-grade precious metals resources in Canada. The company controls two advanced stage exploration assets in BC’s Golden Triangle. The past-producing high-grade silver Porter project and the high-grade gold Willoughby property, adjacent to Red Mountain. The company also owns a portfolio of gold properties in the Yukon.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
STRIKEPOINT GOLD INC.

“Shawn Khunkhun”

Shawn Khunkhun
Chief Executive Officer and Director

Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such information contained herein represents management’s best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. The company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, save and except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information, please contact
StrikePoint Gold Inc.
Shawn Khunkhun, CEO and Director
T: (604) 602-1440
E: sk@strikepointgold.com
W: www.strikepointgold.com

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining

Nevada Copper Provides Operational Activity Update

YERINGTON, Nev., Dec. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDF) (FSE: ZYTA) (“Nevada Copper” or the “Company”) today provided an operations update and overview of the H2 2021 milestones achieved at its underground mine at the Company’s Pumpkin Hollow Project (the “Underground Mine”).

The Company has experienced a significant reset and demonstrated significant operational and corporate improvements in H2 2021. These milestones provide a foundation for an accelerating pace of operational ramp-up.

“I am very pleased with the progress the Company has made in H2 of this year,” stated Randy Buffington, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our mining rates, a key metric for ramp-up production advancement, have been increasing month over month. We are now seeing the efficiencies generated from the advanced management systems implemented in Q3 of this year. The building blocks are in place for increased mining rates and production as we move into H1 of next year.”

Operations

  • Equipment availabilities materially improved: 14% improvement from 65% to 74% in total fleet availability since the beginning of Q4, 2021. Additional equipment expected to be added in Q4, 2021.
  • Contractor performance improved: Productivity increased by 31% from 1.75 to 2.29ft per person shift between October and November resulting in substantial improvement in operating efficiency as well as cost reductions.
  • Increased mining development rates: Sequential monthly increases in development rates, a key leading indicator of production ramp-up, delivered since management changes in August 2021. Rates achieved in December are currently 50% higher than August. Commissioning of additional bolters planned to deliver a further 50% increase in development rates in the coming weeks.
  • Consistent mill performance: Milling operations have performed well throughout 2021, with batch processing reaching 4700tpd, recoveries over 90% and concentrate quality performing in-line with design specifications.
  • Dike crossing completion: First crossing of the water bearing dike was completed in August 2021, and the second crossing is anticipated to occur later this year. No further crossings are required during the ramp up to 3ktpd expected in H1, 2022.
  • Ventilation infrastructure in place: All underground ventilation infrastructure was completed in H1 2021. Final addition of surface ventilation fans remains on schedule, with commissioning planned to be completed in January, 2022, with ventilation no longer expected to be a constraint to production rates thereafter.

Corporate

  • Transformational financing completed:
    • Closed C$125m public equity offering in November 2021, with a significant portion of the funds provided by select mining sector corporates. This was further complemented by broad participation from other new and existing institutional investors.
    • The upsized financing provides additional liquidity to fund exploration and expansion studies at the Company’s open pit project (the “Open Pit Project”) in addition to the ramp-up of Underground Mine.
  • Significantly enhanced balance sheet flexibility:
    • Long term debt reduced by approximately 30% during Q4, 2021.
    • First debt repayment under the Company’s senior credit facility with KfW-IPEX Bank deferred by 2 years to July 2024.
  • Hiring of key management positions:
    • Joining as Chief Executive Officer on October 6, 2021, Randy Buffington brings substantial operational and development experience in both underground and open pit mines in Nevada and internationally.
    • 8 key operational management positions added in H2 2021, resulting in operational improvement and enhanced planning and execution systems.
  • Development
    • Developed program for Open Pit Project resource extension and feasibility study: The budget and execution plan have been defined and the Company expects that drilling to support the updated open pit feasibility study will commence in Q2 2022, potentially sooner depending on drill rig availability.
    • Open Pit Project Decarbonization Program Advanced:
      • Solar power studies were completed in 2021, which show:
        • Pumpkin Hollow benefits from ample sun and land to support a large solar project with the capacity to meet a significant portion of the Open Pit Project’s power requirements;
        • The solar potential at the site is up to 200MW;
        • The already low grid power costs in Nevada could be further reduced through an on-site solar plant; and
        • A third-party solar project provides an option to remove upfront power infrastructure costs from the Open Pit Project.
      • Electric fleet study for mobile mining equipment fleet electrification at the Open Pit Project was completed by US-based energy and sustainability consultant Sprout Energy, which concluded:
        • Scope 1 carbon emissions over the life of mine could be reduced by approximately 10% of total estimated emissions; and
        • Fuel and maintenance costs could be reduced by up to approximately US$200m over the life of mine.
  • Exploration
    • Undertook further property reconnaissance on the Copper Ridge Area, which is located to the northeast of the Open Pit.
    • Defined target exploration plan: Initiated further refinement and interpretation of the newer geophysics in key areas such as Tedeboy, Tedeboy porphyry and Copper Ridge.
    • Initial grab sampling and mapping of these areas have resulted in areas with high grade copper samples. Surface mapping and sampling are planned for Q1 of 2022, supporting the commencement of drilling in Q2 2022.

Qualified Persons
The technical information and data in this news release was reviewed by Greg French, C.P.G., VP Head of Exploration of Nevada Copper, and Neil Schunke, P.Eng., a consultant to Nevada Copper, who are non-independent Qualified Persons within the meaning of NI 43-101.

About Nevada Copper
Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) is a copper producer and owner of the Pumpkin Hollow copper project. Located in Nevada, USA, Pumpkin Hollow has substantial reserves and resources including copper, gold and silver. Its two fully permitted projects include the high-grade Underground Mine and processing facility, which is now in the production stage, and a large-scale Open Pit Project, which is advancing towards feasibility status.

NEVADA COPPER CORP.
www.nevadacopper.com

Randy Buffington, President and CEO

For further information contact:
Rich Matthews, Investor Relations
Integrous Communications
rmatthews@integcom.us
+1 604 757 7179

Cautionary Language

This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to mine development, production and ramp-up objectives, exploration activities, equipment installation and the completion of a new feasibility study.

Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “potential”, “is expected”, “anticipated”, “is targeted”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information should not be read as guarantees of future performance and results. They are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and events to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information.

Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those relating to: the ability of the Company to complete the ramp-up of the Underground Mine within the expected cost estimates and timeframe; requirements for additional capital and no assurance can be given regarding the availability thereof; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business and operations of the Company; the state of financial markets; history of losses; dilution; adverse events relating to milling operations, construction, development and ramp-up, including the ability of the Company to address underground development and process plant issues; ground conditions; cost overruns relating to development, construction and ramp-up of the Underground Mine; loss of material properties; interest rates increase; global economy; limited history of production; future metals price fluctuations; speculative nature of exploration activities; periodic interruptions to exploration, development and mining activities; environmental hazards and liability; industrial accidents; failure of processing and mining equipment to perform as expected; labor disputes; supply problems; uncertainty of production and cost estimates; the interpretation of drill results and the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; possible variations in ore reserves, grade of mineralization or recovery rates from management’s expectations and the difference may be material; legal and regulatory proceedings and community actions; accidents; title matters; regulatory approvals and restrictions; increased costs and physical risks relating to climate change, including extreme weather events, and new or revised regulations relating to climate change; permitting and licensing; volatility of the market price of the Company’s securities; insurance; competition; hedging activities; currency fluctuations; loss of key employees; other risks of the mining industry as well as those risks discussed in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended December 31, 2020 and in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 18, 2021. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking information or statements are stated as of the date hereof. Nevada Copper disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Readers are referred to the additional information regarding Nevada Copper’s business contained in Nevada Copper’s reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on Nevada Copper and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review Nevada Copper’s filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Nevada Copper provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Categories
Uncategorized

Jayant Bhandari | Wokeness or Honor

Wokeness or Honor

Aztec Minerals

I have often wondered what honorable people feel when offered advantages based on their sex or skin color. I indeed find such offers condescending and degrading, the exact opposite of what they claim to achieve. Here is a conversation with David Forsyth:

https://freedomadventure.libsyn.com/306-wokeness-or-honor-with-jayant-bhandari?tdest_id=2096933

On Investments

Aztec Minerals (AZT; C$0.26) has released some excellent results from its Tombstone project in Arizona. AZT is well-financed and is expected to start soon drilling at its Cervantes project in Mexico. I consider it an excellent buy at the current price.

Also, Cory, Shad and I talked about two companies that are suffering likely because of the tax-loss selling. Linked is the discussion.

Jayant Bhandari

Disclaimer: All information found here, including any ideas, opinions, views, predictions, forecasts, commentaries, suggestions, or stock picks, expressed or implied herein, are for informational, entertainment, or educational purposes only and should not be construed as personal investment advice. While the information provided is believed to be accurate, it may include errors or inaccuracies. The sole purpose of these musings is to show my thinking process when analyzing a stock, not to provide any recommendation. I will not and cannot be held liable for any actions you take as a result of anything you read here. Conduct your own due diligence, or consult a licensed financial advisor or broker before making any and all investment decisions. Any investments, trades, speculations, or decisions made on the basis of any information found on this site, expressed or implied herein, are committed at your own risk, financial or otherwise.

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining

Noram Lithium Corp: Zeus PEA shows 31% After-Tax IRR USD$1.299 Billion After-Tax NPV

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 8, 2021 / Noram Lithium Corp. (“Noram” or the “Company”) (TSX – Venture: NRM / Frankfurt:N7R / OTCQB:NRVTF) today announced the summary results of a National Instrument 43-101 compliant Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) for the high-grade lithium deposit at its wholly-owned Zeus Lithium Project (“Zeus” or the “Project”) located less than 1 mile from Albermarle’s Silver Peak Mine, which is currently the only lithium production facility in the United States. The PEA was prepared by ABH Engineering (“ABH”,) an independent engineering services firm with extensive experience in mining and mineral processing. All dollar values are in US dollars.

PEA Highlights

  • Robust Economics.
    • $1.299 Billion Net Present Value (“NPV”). Base case after-tax Net Present Value (“NPV”) of $1.299 billion (8% discount rate).
    • 31% Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”). Base case after-tax IRR of 31%.
    • Capital Costs(“CAPEX”). Estimated initial CAPEX of $528M with after-tax payback period of 3.23 years.
    • Gross Revenue of $303.4 Million/year
    • Low Operating Cost. Operating Cost (“OPEX”) of $3,355.30/tonne Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (“LCE”) with a break-even price of $4016.6/tonne LCE LOM.
  • Long Mine Life (“LOM). The mine production rate during full operation is set at 17,000 tpd. The production schedule uses ore from the first 11 phases, which results in 40-year mine life (“LOM”). The mine production schedule results in 245.4 million tonnes averaging 1,093 ppm Li.
  • Very Low Strip Ratio. Mining strip ratios are very low, averaging 0.07:1 for LOM. Mining consists of a truck and shovel method, with blasting being unnecessary due to the ore softness.
  • Low Environmental Impact. The leaching and filtration flowsheet includes dry stack tailings, thus, eliminating the environmental risk and long-term management issues associated with tailings ponds.
  • LCE market Price. Base case market price of $9500/tonne LCE is well below long term forecasted rate of $14,000/tonne[1].
  • Price Sensitivity. As noted in the sensitivity chart below, the after-tax NPV reaches $2.665 billion at $14,250/Tonne LCE (8% discount rate).

“We are thrilled with the results of this PEA,” stated Sandy MacDougall, Noram’s Chief Executive Officer and Director. “This study represents the most significant milestone to date for Noram and establishes us among limited peers as the newest low cost, high-grade, near-term lithium producer in North America. I am very pleased with what our team has achieved quickly, on schedule, and at the opportune time considering current and forecasted demand for Lithium Carbonate. This initial economic assessment is the most significant step to date towards our goal of lithium production and provides the market with a benchmark to evaluate our project’s viability and value compared with other lithium developers. We are excited as we enter 2022 pushing aggressively towards the completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study.”

Net Present Value (“NPV”)US$1.299 Billion
Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”)31%
Life of Mine (“LOM”)40 years
Operating Cost (“OPEX”)US$3355.30/tonne
Capital Cost EstimateUS$528 Million
Average Annual Production Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (“LCE”)31,900 tonnes
Average Daily Mine Production Rate LOM17,000 tpd
LOM Production245.4 MT @ 1093 ppm Li
LCE Market Price used in PEA Study*US$9500/tonne
Strip Ratio0.07 : 1.00
Pay Back Period3.23 years
Gross Revenue per YearUS$303.4 Million

PEA Summary

Infrastructure

The project is located next to the Cypress Development’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project and within 1 mile of Albermarle’s Silver Peak Lithium Mine. The Project is accessible via the Silver Peak Road, a two-lane road that connects the Silver Peak mine with Highway 95 to the east. General site infrastructure includes administration, laboratory, warehouse, reagent, comminution plant, and lithium recovery plant. Tailings are to be conveyed to the tailings storage areas for final spreading and contouring by dozers.

Metallurgical Testing

The objective of the metallurgical test program conducted on the Zeus Lithium deposit was to develop a viable process flowsheet to produce lithium carbonate. Information generated during the test program was used to define the process variables. Metallurgical testing began in 2018 at Actlabs Ltd (Actlabs) and AuTec Innovative Extractive Solutions Ltd (AuTec). This PEA report includes metallurgical test work conducted by SGS Canada Inc. in collaboration with ABH Engineering.

The following observations, conclusions and interpretations were obtained from the metallurgical test program:

  • Zeus Lithium deposit ore is soft and disintegrates easily if agitated in water.
  • Sulfuric acid solution effectively leaches lithium at high extraction.
  • Test work achieved 90% lithium extraction at 65°C, 30% solids density and 2 hours residence time.

Mine Option Selection

An ultimate pit of processable material will be created, consuming most of the property area. The ultimate pit has been divided into phases of which the first 11 contain enough resources for 40 years of production at a 17,000 tpd production rate. Resources contained within the entire ultimate pit limits provide enough ore for over 190 years of production at 17,000 tpd. All resources regardless of the material classification are treated equally for the purpose of this study.

An optimized cut-off grade of 850 ppm was used to schedule the processed feed, compared to the economic cut-off grade of 400 ppm. Low-grade ore with grades between the economic cut-off of 400 ppm and optimized cut-off of 850 ppm are scheduled to be deposited in the low-grade ore stockpile. This is done to initially increase the average processed ore grade and improve the overall economics of the project by accelerating higher grade material to earlier years.

CategoryUnitsValue
Gross Revenue$M303.4
Operating Cost$/tonne LCE3,355.3
Capital Cost$M528.0
Property tax% of Capex1.05%
State Tax%Up to 5%
Federal Tax% of net income21%
Discount Rate%8%
Pre-Tax NPV (8%)$M1,675.1
After-Tax NPV (8%)$M1,299.9
Pre-Tax IRR%36%
After-Tax IRR%31%
Payback Periodyears3.23
Break-even Price (0% IRR)$/tonne LCE4,016.6

Economic Analysis for Zeus Lithium Project

Sensitivity Analysis at 8% NPV with Varying Conditions

Measured
Li Cutoff (ppm)Tonnes x 1,000,000Li Grade (ppm)Contained Li (tonnes)LCE (tonnes)
40066.7492761,863329,299
60061.3496459,128314,738
80046.47105148,840259,975
100027.70115031,854169,558
Indicated
Li Cutoff (ppm)Tonnes x 1,000,000Li Grade (ppm)Contained Li (tonnes)LCE (tonnes)
400296.42922272,2971,454,762
600279.66947264,8371,409,728
800221.641007223,1931,188,059
1000103.761128117,044623,023
Measured + Indicated
Li Cutoff (ppm)Tonnes x 1,000,000Li Grade (ppm)Contained Li (tonnes)LCE (tonnes)
400363.15923335,1911,784,222
600341.00950323,9451,724,361
800268.111014271,8651,447,135
1000131.461133148,945792,836
Inferred
Li Cutoff (ppm)Tonnes x 1,000,000Li Grade (ppm)Contained Li (tonnes)LCE (tonnes)
400827.22884731,2613,892,501
600715.91942674,3833,589,743
800546.481013553,5882,946,750
1000265.471134301,0431,602,452

Final Tonnages and Grades of the Classes of Mineral Resources

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Brad Peek., M.Sc., CPG, who is a Qualified Person with respect to Noram’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

About Noram Lithium Corp.

Noram Lithium Corp (TSX – Venture: NRM / Frankfurt: N7R / OTCQB: NRVTF) is a Canadian based junior exploration company, with a goal of developing lithium deposits and becoming a low – cost supplier. The Company’s primary business is the Zeus Lithium Project (“Zeus”) in Clayton Valley, Nevada. The Zeus Project has a recently updated resource estimate of 363 million tonnes at 923 ppm lithium measured + indicated resources, and 827 million tonnes lithium at 884 ppm lithium inferred resources (400 ppm Li cut-off).

Noram’s long term strategy is to build a multi-national lithium minerals company to produce and sell lithium into the markets of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Please visit our web site for further information: www.noramlithiumcorp.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sandy MacDougall
CEO, Director

Investor Relations Contact:
Rich Matthews
Managing Partner
Integrous Communications
rmatthews@integcom.us
+1 604 757 7179

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding, among other things, the completion transactions completed in the Agreement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, regulatory approval processes. Although Noram believes that the assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, including that all necessary regulatory approvals will be obtained in a timely manner, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Noram disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

[1] Lithium Carbonate Price (2015-2040) (Lane, T.; Harvey, J. T.; Fayram, T.; Samari, H.; Brown, J. J.;, 2018)

SOURCE: Noram Lithium Corp.



View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/676501/Noram-Lithium-Corp-Zeus-PEA-shows-31-After-Tax-IRR-USD1299-Billion-After-Tax-NPV

Categories
Breaking Exclusive Interviews Junior Mining Precious Metals

Dolly Varden Silver – Size Meets Grade

Maurice Jackson:

Joining us for a conversation is Shawn Khunkhun, the CEO of Dolly Varden Silver Corp. It’s a great time to be speaking with you as Dolly Varden Silver has just expanded their footprint in the highly prospective Kitsault Valley trend located in the prolific Golden Triangle of British Columbia. Before we begin, Mr. Khunkhun, please introduce us to Dolly Varden Silver and the opportunity the company presents to shareholders.

Shawn Khunkhun:

Dolly Varden has just announced today that we are set to acquire Homestake Ridge from Fury. Up until this moment, Dolly Varden was a silver-focused company in the Golden Triangle with a mineral endowment of 44 million ounces of high-grade silver. What today’s announcement proposes, is Dolly Varden is going to have a shareholder vote. We’ve got support from one our larger shareholders, Eric Sprott, who has not only publicly given his support, but he’s actually signed up support and lockup agreements for this transaction.

Shawn Khunkhun:

We are looking to unify the Kitsault Valley trend, which is comprised of 7 known deposits along 15 kilometers of Hazleton Rocks in the Golden Triangle, of which  4 of these deposits are on the Dolly Varden side and 3  are on the Homestake Ridge side. The amalgamation would also dramatically increase our mineral inventory taking us from 44 million ounces of high-grade silver to 137 million ounces of high-grade silver equivalent. To look at it through a gold lens, we would be at over 1.8 million ounces of high-grade gold.

Maurice Jackson:

Now before we get into the details of the transaction, please acquaint us with the Homestake Ridge Project, which hosts a resource in the inferred and indicated category of both gold and silver, along with a PEA.

Shawn Khunkhun:

Homestake Ridge, looking at it based on their gold ounces, has about 900,000 ounces of gold, about 18 million ounces silver, or one could look at it through a gold lens of 1.2 million ounces gold equivalent or 93 million ounces silver equivalent. It’s a project that is situated in the Golden Triangle. It’s a project that is open at depth and along strike. And it’s a project that hosts some very, very impressive grades.

And some of the opportunities at Homestake Ridge are there are some high-grade areas that not only do you have 20, 30 gram per ton gold material, but you have it over wide intervals. There are some tremendous opportunities to take some of the inferred resources and move them along into the indicated category. But you’re probably going to have some big surprises there in that just as Dolly Varden saw last year at our Torbrit Mine, which is a silver-rich mine, there is a tremendous opportunity when you vector into the high-grade.

Shawn Khunkhun:

For example, our resource on our side of the property is 300-gram silver. We did some infill drilling last year and we were finding that the resources were understated, as we were finding 450 gram material over big wide intervals. I suspect those same opportunities are going to persist on the Homestake side of the trend.

But the real story here, is that there are 5.5 kilometers in between the two projects that have never been explored. And both companies independently had done some geophysical work that has both concluded in three large geophysical anomalies in between, so I suspect we’ll move from seven deposits potentially to 10 and counting.  We feel confident that there’s a huge, huge exploration upside before us.

Shawn Khunkhun:

I came into Dolly Varden in February 2020. This was a company that had $3 million in the bank. It had 44 million ounces in the ground and it had a $20 million market cap. Post this transaction, this is a $125 million company with 140 million ounces of silver equivalent in the ground, boasting an impressive treasury and with an experienced technical team that will continue to unlock discovery opportunities.

Maurice Jackson:

Now I have to ask you, sir, how were you able to acquire the Homestake Ridge? Could you walk us through the details of the transaction?

Shawn Khunkhun:

I think it was just one of these situations where when an M&A deal works for both parties, it’s the best. I really believe in business, how do you create win-win-win opportunities, whether it’s with our first nations partners, the Nisga’a, where we bring employment opportunities and they give us social license to do our exploration work.

Or whether it’s in the case of this M&A transaction where Fury is undervalued based on the incredible mineral endowment they have. And they’ve got 3 great projects in Canada, but the challenge with 3 great projects is how do you advance them all?  Therefore, what Fury Gold Mines will be doing is they’re partnering with us. Ivan Bebek, Fury’s chairman, wants to ride the upside in Dolly Varden stock. So we structured a deal where we allowed him to ride the upside by becoming a 37% shareholder.

Shawn Khunkhun:

Now that’s a lot of trust to place in an outside party. They signed escrow agreements so that their stock is held up longer than the traditional hold periods. And there are all sorts of other parts of the investor rights agreement that are quite favorable for Dolly Varden shareholders, but they’re able to ride in the upside. As this project gets re-rated because it’s now got scale and there are the obvious synergies when his shares become re-rated and as we move into the latter stages of a precious metals bull market, these shares are going to be worth a lot more than 60 cents a share. And there was a pretty meaningful cash component to the deal as well. Dolly Varden is parting with $5 million worth of cash that Fury now can then take to advance either Eau Claire or Committee Bay.

Maurice Jackson:

Now we’ve covered the current resources. What can you tell us about further exploration upside potential?

Shawn Khunkhun:

The key is, so we have a northern property, northern deposit called Wolf, which is nearby Torbrit, which is the big granddaddy, 50 million ounce silver discovery on our property. Two kilometers away you have the Wolf and there’s a tremendous two-kilometer opportunity between Torbrit and Wolf.

Now going north from Wolf, you’ve got South Reef, which is Fury’s southern-most project. The big exploration opportunity is in the five and a half kilometers that lie in between South Reef and Wolf. I haven’t had the incentive to drill north. I’m not going to be positioning my drill rigs going on to Fury’s ground, defining mineral inventory on their side of the property. Likewise, Tim Clark and the team at Fury weren’t going to be drilling south. Now that we’ve unified, now that there’s 100% interest in one entity, that is going to be a huge area of focus going forward.

Maurice Jackson:

Now to coincide with this upside potential. How will the addition of the Homestake Ridge Project impact infrastructure?

Shawn Khunkhun:

There was a PEA that was produced that looked at one mill to develop the project at Homestake Ridge. The obvious synergy is for the company to release a PEA where you’ve got one mill, two projects. So from CAPEX to exploration to development, there are tremendous synergies by having one entity. And then I think as we are demonstrating that we are the lead consolidator in the area and if we have the hub, the mill will attract other projects that are in the area that don’t have the capital, or maybe not large enough as a standalone operation, they will be coming into the Dolly Varden Mill.

Maurice Jackson:

By consolidating the region Dolly Varden Silver now has a commanding land position at the southern tip of the Golden Triangle. But there’s more to the transaction. You’ve added some icing on the cake by merging the synergies and expertise from Fury Gold Mine’s technical team as well.

Shawn Khunkhun:

Thank you. No, and it’s not just technical, you’re absolutely right. But you know, Tim Clark, his capital markets and his banking contacts, Tim, as a CEO of Fury, he spent a career in the precious metals business. He’s got a Rolodex of contacts. Tim’s rolling up his sleeves, he’s coming on the board. In addition to having Michael Hendrickson, who is a very, very talented exploration geologist joining our board and working together as a group to unlock the true potential with the capital market’s expertise, with the technical expertise, we already had a lot of depth on the technical side, right from the top with Rob McLeod, Rob van Egmond, Jodie Gibson, Ryan Weymark, Andrew Hamilton’s just joined the team. And then we’ve got this new generation of project managers, Amanda Bennett. We’ve got a new gentleman joining our team here imminently, Joaquin.

Shawn Khunkhun:

We’ve just got, this is not going to be set out to consultants. This is in-house where the incentives are aligned with shareholders. And I’ve been through projects in the past where you have strong teams where the incentives are aligned with shareholders and it produces the best results. And we’ve got first-class people from even looking at this transaction, how it was put together from our banking advisors at Haywood to our legal counsel at Stikeman, I’m just floored and honored to work with just a high caliber of people. I’ve got a tremendous partner in our CFO, Ann Fehr. We’ve got a supportive, active board. I’m not going to mention every board member, but I want to thank our chairman, Darren Devine. We’ve just got a tremendous opportunity. It’s a great culture. It’s a culture that wants to grow, that wants to win. And now we have a platform and with size and scale that is going to attract larger investors.

I’ve listened to investors, I’ve gone out into the world. They told me to consolidate. They told me to get bigger. I’ve done it. And we’re just getting started.

Maurice Jackson:

Now before we leave the Golden Triangle, let’s visit the Dolly Varden Silver Project, which conducted a 10,000-meter drill program, which was a 50/50 split between infill and expansion drilling on the high-grade Torbrit Deposit. Any updates for us and when we might expect to see some results?

Shawn Khunkhun:

The labs have been extremely backed up in this part of the world. I’m anticipating results imminently and will continue to report results going into Q1. We allocated about 35% of our meters to exploration and we allocated about 65% of those meters in and around known resources. I would envision putting out two result-oriented press releases, one on exploration drilling, and one on resource expansion and extension drilling. Last year, we were extremely successful. A year hasn’t gone by where Dolly Varden hasn’t had dual success. I anticipate that to be the case, but what we’ve done here with this transaction is a material change to our mineral inventory definitively. And so I look forward to following up on exciting discoveries and drilling them out. But this is a real shot in the arm in terms of going from 44 million ounces to 140 million ounces. It’s quite a feat.

Maurice Jackson:

It certainly is. All right, switching gears, sir. Let’s look at some numbers. Please provide us with the capital structure for Dolly Varden Silver.

Shawn Khunkhun:

We currently have 130 million shares. Assuming our shareholders vote for this transaction, we’re going to issue 76 million shares to Fury. Again, they’re an insider. They’re locking up that stock. They’re riding this precious metals market with us, and they’re going to help us extract maximum value from this opportunity. If the transaction is supported, Dolly Varden Silver Corp will go to 207 million shares. But again, that’s 37% held by Fury. That’s 37% held by precious metal institutional investors, some of them are 9.9% shareholders, that’s 11% Eric Sprott, 8% retail. In addition, Hecla, which is a 10% shareholder has an opportunity to do a top-up. So they have a participation right. If Hecla exercises their participation right, they will come in for 9 million shares and they will resume having a 10.5 % percent ownership. Which coincidentally nets out the cash component of the transaction.

Maurice:

Now, before we close Mr. Khunkhun, what would you like to say to shareholders?

Shawn Khunkhun:

I came in in year one in 2020. We had a great market and we raised $27 million in a non-dilutive way. We put money in the ground. We started growing the deposit and saw an opportunity to transform the company. There were opportunities to transform the company outside of our region, we chose to expand our footprint next door, which now gives us a commanding position at the southern tip of the Golden Triangle. We’re a prominent player in the area now. 

And we shouldn’t ignore the catalysts’ In the region such as Pretium being subject to a takeover bid from Newmont. We saw the big takeout last year with GT Gold. This is an area that the majors want to be and we’ve positioned our shareholders with a commanding position at the southern tip of the Golden Triangle.

Shawn Khunkhun:

But beyond that, this is what I want to leave the readers with. There are a lot of gold projects that have ounces in the ground in North America. There are a few projects that have ounces in the ground in North America that are silver. There are only 14 companies that have both gold and silver of this size. None of them have it at this grade. We are number one. We are number one for size meets grade in precious metals.

Shawn Khunkhun:

You missed nothing Maurice. You got it all covered.

Maurice:

Mr. Khunkhun, for someone that wants to learn more about Dolly Varden Silver, please share the contact details.

Shawn Khunkhun:

Please visit our website, www.dollyvardensilver.com. You can follow us on Twitter @silvervarden, or you can call us toll-free at +1 800-321-8564.

Maurice:

Mr. Khunkhun, it’s been a pleasure speaking with you. Wishing you and Dolly Varden Silver the absolute best, sir.

And as a reminder, I’m a licensed representative for Miles Franklin Precious Metals Investments, where we provide several options to expand your precious metals portfolio from physical delivery directly to your home, off-shore depositories secured by Brinks, and precious metal IRAs. Call me directly at 855-505-1900 or you may email, maurice@milesfranklin.com. And finally, please subscribe to provenandprobable.com, where we provide mining insights and bullion sales.