HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Aug. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Morien Resources Corp. (“Morien” or the “Company“) (TSX-V:MOX), is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has declared a dividend of $0.0025 (one quarter of one cent) per common share for the third quarter of 2023. The dividend will be paid on September 28, 2023, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 12, 2023.
Morien’s quarterly dividend is intended to be step-variable in relation to Donkin Mine production expansion and coal price, having regard for the stability of cash flow, balance sheet protection and the need to maintain flexibility to secure new royalty assets. The declaration, amount and timing of future dividends will be subject to the Board’s determination that the payment of a dividend is in the best interest of Morien and its shareholders, having regard to the Company’s cash reserves, anticipated financial requirements, legal requirements for the declaration of dividends and other conditions existing at such time, including forward production guidance from Kameron Collieries LLC, owner/operator of the Donkin Mine. The Company’s Q3 2023 dividend payment will qualify as an ‘eligible dividend’ for Canadian income tax purposes.
Donkin Stop Work Order
As of the date of this news release, there remains a Stop Work Order (“SWO”) in effect at the Donkin Mine, put in place by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (“DOL”), the province’s regulator for the Mine, in response to a roof fall in one of Donkin’s two access tunnels. While SWO’s are meant to be temporary in duration, the timing for its release is unknown as it depends on DOL’s ability to timely assess the situation and suggest what corrective measures, if any, are required going forward. For additional detail, please see Morien’s recent news releases dated August 11, 2023, and August 15, 2023.
About Morien
Morien is a Canada based, mining development company that holds royalty interests in two tidewater accessed projects. The Donkin Coal Mine re-commenced production during the third quarter of 2022 and royalties to Morien have commenced. The Black Point Aggregate Project is permitted, and although production has not begun, Morien is receiving advanced minimum royalty payments on a quarterly basis. Morien’s management team exercises ruthless discipline in managing both the assets and liabilities of the Company. The Company’s management and its Board of Directors consider shareholder returns to be paramount over corporate size, number or scale of assets and industry recognition. The Company has 51,292,000 issued and outstanding common shares and a fully diluted position of 54,192,000. Further information is available at www.MorienRes.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” as defined under applicable securities laws. These statements reflect Morien’s current expectations of future revenues and business prospects and opportunities and are based on information currently available to Morien. Morien cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Morien currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties described in documents filed by Morien with the Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) from time to time. Morien cautions that its royalty revenue will be based on production by third party property owners and operators who will be responsible for determining the manner and timing for the properties forming part of Morien’s royalty portfolio. These third party owners and operators are also subject to risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted herein including: volatility in financial markets or general economic conditions; capital requirements and the need for additional financing; fluctuations in the rates of exchange for the currencies of Canada and the United States; prices for commodities including coal and aggregate; unanticipated changes in production, mineral reserves and mineral resources, metallurgical recoveries and/or exploration results; changes in regulations and unpredictable political or economic developments; loss of key personnel; labour disputes; and ineffective title to mineral claims or property. There are other business risks and hazards associated with mineral exploration, development and mining. Although Morien believes that the forward-looking information contained herein is based on reasonable assumptions (including assumptions relating to economic, market and political conditions, the Company’s working capital requirements and the accuracy of information supplied by the operators of the properties in which the Company has a royalty interest), readers cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with such statements. Morien expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information in this news release, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All dollar values discussed herein are in Canadian dollars. Any financial outlook or future-oriented financial information in this news release, as defined by applicable securities laws, has been approved by management of Morien as of the date of this news release. Such financial outlook or future-oriented financial information is provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such outlook or information should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed in this news release.
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.
For more information, please contact:
Dawson Brisco, President & CEO Phone: (902) 403-3149 dbrisco@MorienRes.com or John P.A. Budreski, Executive Chairman Phone: (416) 930-0914 www.MorienRes.com
Edmonton, Alberta–(Newsfile Corp. – August 15, 2023) – Grizzly Discoveries Inc. (TSXV: GZD) (FSE: G6H) (OTCQB: GZDIF) (“Grizzly” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that, on August 15, 2023, it closed on a private placement (the “Offering”) by the issuance of 1,771,859 Units (as defined below) at a price of $0.07 per Unit and 5,312,500 FT Units (as defined below) at a price of $0.08 per FT Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $549,030.
Under the terms of the Offering, each Unit consisted of one common share of the Company (“Common Share”) and one half of one warrant (“Warrant”). Each FT Unit consisted of one Common Share issued as a flow through share for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one half of one FT Warrant with each whole FT Warrant issued as a flow through share for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada). Each whole Warrant and FT Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Common Share (that is not a flow through share) at an exercise price of $0.10 per Common Share and shall expire on the earlier of: (a) 30 days following written notice by the Issuer to the Subscriber that the volume-weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange is at or greater than CA$0.12 per Common Share for 10 consecutive trading days; and (b) August 15, 2025.
The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Units for general working capital, and the proceeds from the Units and FT Units on exploration of its mineral projects in British Columbia, primarily targeting critical minerals. In particular, the proceeds from the FT Units will be used to incur flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures, as defined in the Income Tax Act.
In connection with the Offering, the Company issued 400,000 Units and 400,000 Finder Warrants (non-transferrable, with the same terms and expiry date as the Warrants) to Accilent Capital Management Inc.
The Common Shares and any Common Shares issued on exercise of the Warrants and Finder Warrants are subject to restrictions on trading until December 16, 2023 in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.
Following closing of the Offering, the Company has 149,644,119 Common Shares issued and outstanding. The Offering is subject to Final Acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.
Insiders subscribed for an aggregate of 142,857 Units, representing gross proceeds of $10,000. The purchase of such Units is considered to be a related-party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”),but is exempted from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and to obtain minority approval, as the purchase of securities does not exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101.
The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing of the Financing because the details of the participation therein by related parties of the Company were not settled until shortly prior to closing of the Financing and the Company wished to close on an expedited basis for business reasons.
ABOUT GRIZZLY DISCOVERIES INC.
Grizzly is a diversified Canadian mineral exploration company with its primary listing on the TSX Venture Exchange focused on developing its approximately 66,000 ha (approximately 165,000 acres) of precious and base metals properties in southeastern British Columbia. Grizzly is run by a highly experienced junior resource sector management team, who have a track record of advancing exploration projects from early exploration stage through to feasibility stage.
On behalf of the Board,
GRIZZLY DISCOVERIES INC. Brian Testo, CEO, President
Suite 363-9768 170 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5T 5L4
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.
Caution concerning forward-looking information
This press release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This information and statements address future activities, events, plans, developments and projections. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information and statements are frequently identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend” and similar terminology, and reflect assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management of Grizzly in light of its experience, current conditions, expectations of future developments and other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking information and statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause Grizzly’s actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information and statements and accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed thereon.
Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary include but are not limited to the availability of financing; fluctuations in commodity prices; changes to and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including environmental laws and obtaining requisite permits; political, economic and other risks; as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management’s Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedar.com. Grizzly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements except as may be required by law.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – July 26, 2023) – Emperor Metals Inc. (CSE: AUOZ) (OTC Pink: EMAUF) (FSE: 9NH) (“Emperor“) is pleased to announce the resumption of drilling operations at the Duquesne West Gold Project. The drilling activities had temporarily ceased between June 4th and June 30th due to a provincial ban on work in response to the significant forest fires in the Province of Quebec.
CEO John Florek commented:
“We are excited to have resumed our fully funded, +7,000 m drilling campaign now that the province-wide wildfire ban on field exploration has been lifted. Our program was designed to test several new scenarios developed from Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Models which highlighted evidence of the controls to mineralization following several gold-rich trends along a known plunge. Our drilling targets are designed to add ounces through several strategies based on our new understanding of these controls. Our exploration goals are to enhance grade and ounces internal to the deposit, to discover additional ounces external to the deposit, and to fill any data gaps in areas of trending gold-rich mineralization (See Figures 1 and 2).
Strategically located near Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, there are many opportunities for additional growth and discovery at the margin of this high-grade gold deposit on this property. Numerous mines are located nearby within a district dominated by Agnico Eagle, and Newmont. We have a tremendous opportunity to continue creating value on this property.”
Based on knowledge gained from in-house A.I. modelling, additional drilling permit applications were submitted on May 4th and granted on June 26th.. The additional permits will provide optionality to the Phase 1 drilling program as results emerge. Permits were also received for drilling in areas close to wetlands.
Emperor’s initial ~+7,000 meter Phase 1 Drill Program began on May 9th and a province-wide wildfire ban went into effect during the drilling of the second diamond drill hole. Geological processing for the first two holes was completed and samples have been sent to SGS Laboratories in Lakefield, ON.
Drilling resumed on June 30th and the first three diamond drill holes have now been completed:
DQ23-01: 1,068 meters
DQ23-02: 834 meters
DQ23-03: 948 meters
Drilling has commenced on the fourth diamond drill hole, DQ23-04.
The 2023 field program is expected to run until the end of September and complete 10 diamond drill holes of about 700m each on average, for a total of about 7,000m. To date, 3,000m have been completed. Each hole is carefully planned using the most current information and interpretation of results.
About the Duquesne West Gold Project
The Duquesne West Gold Property is located 32 km northwest of the city of Rouyn-Noranda and 10 km east of the town of Duparquet. The property lies within the historic Duparquet gold mining camp in the southern portion of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt in the Superior Province.
Under an Option Agreement, Emperor agreed to acquire a one hundred percent (100%) interest in a mineral claim package comprising 38 claims covering approximately 1,389 ha, located in the Duparquet Township of Quebec (the “Duquesne West Property”) from Duparquet Assets Ltd., a 50% owned subsidiary of Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. (TSX: GMX). For further information on the Duquesne West Property and Option Agreement, see Emperor’s press release dated October 12, 2022, available on SEDAR.
The Property hosts a historical inferred mineral resource estimate of 727,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 5.42 g/t Au.1,2 The mineral resource estimate predates modern CIM guidelines and a Qualified Person on behalf of Emperor has not reviewed or verified the mineral resource estimate, therefore it is considered historical in nature and is reported solely to provide an indication of the magnitude of mineralization that could be present on the property. The gold system remains open for resource identification and expansion.
Reinterpretation of the existing geological model was created using A.I. and Machine Learning. This model shows the opportunity for additional discovery of ounces by revealing gold trends unknown to previous workers and the potential to expand the resource along significant gold-endowed structural zones.
1 Watts, Griffis, and McOuat Consulting Geologists and Engineers, Oct 20, 2011, Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate Update for the Duquesne-Ottoman Property, Quebec, Canada for XMet Inc.
2 Power-Fardy and Breede, 2011. The Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) constructed in 2011 is considered historical in nature as it was constructed prior to the most recent Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIM) standards (2014) and guidelines (2019) for mineral resources. In addition, the economic factors used to demonstrate reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction for the MRE have changed since 2011. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to consider the MRE as a current MRE. Emperor is not treating the historical MRE as a current mineral resource. The reader is cautioned not to treat it, or any part of it, as a current mineral resource.
QP Disclosure
The technical content for the Duquesne West Project in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person pursuant to CIM guidelines.
About Emperor Metals Inc.
Emperor Metals Inc. is an innovative Canadian mineral exploration company focused on developing high-quality gold properties situated in the Canadian Shield. For more information, please refer to SEDAR (www.sedar.com), under the Company’s profile.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
s/ “John Florek”
John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol President, CEO and Director Emperor Metals Inc.
THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CERTAIN STATEMENTS MADE AND INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY CONSTITUTE “FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION” AND “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS” WITHIN THE MEANING OF APPLICABLE CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES SECURITIES LEGISLATION. THESE STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION ARE BASED ON FACTS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO THE COMPANY AND THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT ACTUAL RESULTS WILL MEET MANAGEMENT’S EXPECTATIONS. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION MAY BE IDENTIFIED BY SUCH TERMS AS “ANTICIPATES”, “BELIEVES”, “TARGETS”, “ESTIMATES”, “PLANS”, “EXPECTS”, “MAY”, “WILL”, “COULD” OR “WOULD”.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN ARE BASED ON CERTAIN FACTORS AND ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE ESTIMATION OF MINERAL RESOURCES AND RESERVES, THE REALIZATION OF RESOURCE AND RESERVE ESTIMATES, METAL PRICES, TAXATION, THE ESTIMATION, TIMING AND AMOUNT OF FUTURE EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT, CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS, THE AVAILABILITY OF FINANCING, THE RECEIPT OF REGULATORY APPROVALS, ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS, TITLE DISPUTES AND OTHER MATTERS. WHILE THE COMPANY CONSIDERS ITS ASSUMPTIONS TO BE REASONABLE AS OF THE DATE HEREOF, FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION ARE NOT GUARANTEES OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE AND READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON SUCH STATEMENTS AS ACTUAL EVENTS AND RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE DESCRIBED HEREIN. THE COMPANY DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS OR INFORMATION EXCEPT AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS.
High grade composite results increased in Zone 5 drilling
North Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 15, 2023) – Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) (“Lion One” or the “Company”) is issuing an update on composite drill results reported in the Company’s August 10, 2023 news release.
The August 10, 2023 news release reported infill and grade control drill results from Zone 5 of the Company’s Tuvatu alkaline gold project in Fiji. Several composite gold grades reported in that news release are here updated.
Gold analysis at Tuvatu is conducted using fire assay with an atomic absorption (AA) finish. Samples that return grades over 10 g/t Au are then re-analyzed by gravimetric method. The gravimetric method is considered more accurate than fire assay for high-grade samples. Lion One has therefore recently adopted a new protocol whereby gravimetric results are reported for samples that return over 10 g/t Au. In the August 10, 2023 news release, composite intervals were calculated using fire assay values rather than gravimetric values, whereas high-grade individual assays were quoted using the more accurate gravimetric results. This led to a discrepancy between the composite values and the underlying assay values for certain intervals. The difference between fire assay and gravimetric analyses tends to be greater for higher grade samples. A total of 21 composite values have been updated and are presented in Table 1 below. The majority of the updated results are greater than was initially reported.
Table 1. Updated composite intervals from Zone 5 infill and grade control drilling. Bolded text represents a positive change, italicized text represents a negative change. Intervals are ordered by decreasing gold content.
Hole ID
From
To
Interval (m)
Updated Au (g/t)
Original Au (g/t)
Change (g/t)
TGC-0067
48.2
50
1.8
314.27
261.93
52.34
TUDDH-643
242.7
249.3
6.6
83.47
80.78
2.69
TGC-0067
53.3
54.2
0.9
104.00
93.05
10.95
TUDDH-643
111.6
114.9
3.3
18.40
17.48
0.92
TUDDH-643
161.7
163.2
1.5
16.13
15.96
0.17
TUDDH-638
254.7
257
2.3
10.25
9.41
0.84
TUDDH-643
101.9
103.1
1.2
13.50
13.13
0.37
TUDDH-643
123.4
124
0.6
25.19
25.95
-0.76
TGC-0061
219.2
220.4
1.2
10.31
8.32
1.99
TUDDH-637
45.3
45.6
0.3
35.98
36.2
-0.22
TUDDH-643
52.2
52.5
0.3
31.87
33.51
-1.64
TUDDH-644
55.8
58.2
2.4
3.43
3.4
0.03
TGC-0065
53.1
55.2
2.1
3.91
3.82
0.09
TUDDH-634
49.2
50.7
1.5
5.44
5.68
-0.24
TUDDH-637
216.4
217
0.6
11.63
10.99
0.64
TGC-0065
128.5
129.4
0.9
7.42
6.8
0.62
TGC-0065
57.4
58.3
0.9
7.01
6.88
0.13
TUDDH-634
154.9
155.2
0.3
14.96
15.17
-0.21
TUDDH-656
173.6
173.9
0.3
11.66
10.14
1.52
TGC-0059
220.3
220.6
0.3
10.87
12.85
-1.98
TGC-0058
133.4
133.7
0.3
10.86
10.37
0.49
Tables 2 and 3 below are reproductions of Tables 1 and 2 from the August 10, 2023 news release updated to include composite intervals calculated using assay results from the gravimetric method. Composite values that have been changed are highlighted with bolded text representing positive changes and italicized text representing negative changes. Values with no bolding or italicization represent intervals for which there is no change.
Table 2. Highlights of composited infill drill results in the Zone 5 area. Reproduction of Table 1 from the August 10, 2023 news release, with updated composite grades. For full results see Table 4 in the appendix.
Hole ID
From
To
Interval (m)
Au (g/t)
Change (g/t)
TUDDH-634
123.4
124
0.6
25.19
-0.76
TUDDH-637
161.7
163.2
1.5
16.13
0.17
including
161.7
162.3
0.6
38.62
–
which includes
161.7
162
0.3
72.46
–
TUDDH-637
198.2
202.1
3.9
5.38
–
including
198.2
198.5
0.3
10.02
–
and
199.7
200.6
0.9
3.42
–
and
201.2
202.1
0.9
16.13
–
which includes
201.8
202.1
0.3
40.21
–
TUDDH-643
111.6
114.9
3.3
18.4
0.92
including
111.6
113.7
2.1
28.44
–
which includes
113.1
113.7
0.6
95.63
–
TUDDH-643
242.7
249.3
6.6
83.47
2.69
including
242.7
246.3
3.6
17.39
–
which includes
243.9
245.7
1.8
55.49
–
which includes
243.9
244.5
0.6
79.84
–
and
245.1
245.7
0.6
14.89
–
and also including
247.5
249.3
1.8
271.14
–
which includes
247.5
247.8
0.3
40.03
–
and
248.7
249.6
0.6
793.24
–
TUDDH-643
254.7
257
2.3
10.25
0.84
including
254.7
255.3
0.6
35.54
–
TUDDH-650
192.6
194.1
1.5
14.93
–
including
192.6
193.5
0.9
23.89
–
TUDDH-650
203.5
207.4
3.9
11.84
–
including
203.5
204.7
1.2
35.18
–
which includes
203.5
204.1
0.6
48.27
–
and
204.1
204.7
0.6
22.09
–
TUDDH-651
184.6
185.2
0.6
32.65
–
TUDDH-651
194.5
197.2
2.7
17.2
–
including
194.5
196
1.5
25.92
–
which includes
195.4
195.7
0.3
124.52
–
and also including
196.9
197.2
0.3
25.22
–
TUDDH-653
53
56.9
3.9
9.53
–
including
55.1
56.9
1.8
19.47
–
which includes
56
56.3
0.3
46.92
–
and
56.6
56.9
0.3
55.08
–
TUDDH-653
89.5
96.3
6.8
9.96
–
including
91.3
92.2
0.9
66.62
–
which includes
91.6
91.9
0.3
165.95
–
and
91.9
92.2
0.3
30.46
–
TUDDH-655
96.4
97.9
1.5
8.24
–
including
96.7
97
0.3
18.48
–
and
97.6
97.9
0.3
20.77
–
TUDDH-656
101.9
103.1
1.2
13.5
0.37
including
101.9
102.5
0.6
19.73
–
and
102.5
103.1
0.6
6.54
–
Table 3. Highlights of composited grade control drill results in the Zone 5 area. Reproduction of Table 2 from the August 10, 2023 news release, with updated composite grades. For full results see Table 5 in the appendix.
Hole ID
From
To
Interval (m)
Au (g/t)
Change (g/t)
TGC-0059
57.4
58.3
0.9
7.01
0.13
including
57.4
57.7
0.3
12.89
–
and
58
58.3
0.3
8.14
–
TGC-0061
55.8
58.2
2.4
3.43
0.03
including
57.3
37.6
0.3
12.84
–
TGC-0065
45.3
45.6
0.3
35.98
-0.22
TGC-0065
49.2
50.7
1.5
5.44
-0.24
including
49.2
49.5
0.3
9.59
–
and
50.4
50.7
0.3
15.76
–
TGC-0065
52.2
52.5
0.3
31.87
-1.64
TGC-0067
48.2
50
1.8
314.27
52.34
including
48.8
49.4
0.6
934.91
–
which includes
48.8
49.1
0.3
1839.55
–
and
49.1
49.4
0.3
30.26
–
TGC-0067
53.3
54.2
0.9
104
10.95
including
53.3
53.9
0.6
155.68
–
which includes
53.3
53.6
0.3
10.89
–
and
53.6
53.9
0.3
300.47
–
Figure 1. Location of Zone 5 Infill and Grade Control Drillholes. Reproduced from August 10, 2023 news release for context. Left image: Plan view of Tuvatu showing Zone 5 infill and grade control drillholes in relation to the mineralized lodes. Drillholes are shown in black, mineralized lodes in pale grey, and underground developments in red. The yellow dashed square represents the area illustrated in the image on the right. Right image: Oblique view of Zone 5 infill and grade control drilling looking approximately northeast. Infill drilling was conducted from surface whereas grade control drilling was conducted from underground.
Figure 2. Location of High-Grade Intercepts from Zone 5 Drilling. Updated figure from the August 10, 2023 news release, with updated composite gold intervals. Composite intervals with grades between 3 and 10 g/t Au are shown in yellow, intervals with grades between 10 and 30 g/t Au are shown in red, and intervals over 30 g/t Au are shown in purple. Select high-grade intervals are identified. Image is looking approximately north-northeast, grades are gold grades in g/t.
About Tuvatu The Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project is located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. The January 2018 mineral resource for Tuvatu as disclosed in the technical report “Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Tuvatu Gold Project, Republic of Fiji”, dated September 25, 2020, and prepared by Mining Associates Pty Ltd of Brisbane Qld, comprises 1,007,000 tonnes indicated at 8.50 g/t Au (274,600 oz. Au) and 1,325,000 tonnes inferred at 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at www.liononemetals.com and on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.
Qualified Person In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”), Sergio Cattalani, P.Geo, Senior Vice President Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and is responsible for the technical and scientific content of this news release.
QAQC Procedures Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its sampling, drilling, testing, and analyses. The Company utilizes its own fleet of diamond drill rigs, using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill core rods. Drill core is logged and split by Lion One personnel on site. Samples are delivered to and analyzed at the Company’s geochemical and metallurgical laboratory in Fiji. Duplicates of all samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are both re-assayed at Lion One’s lab and delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia (ALS) for check assay determinations. All samples for all high-grade intercepts are sent to ALS for check assays. All samples are pulverized to 85% passing through 75 microns. Gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that have returned grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are then re-analyzed by gravimetric method. For samples that return greater than 0.50 g/t Au, repeat fire assay runs are carried out and repeated until a result is obtained that is within 10% of the original fire assay run. Lion One’s laboratory can also assay for a range of 71 other elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 9 important pathfinder elements. All duplicate anomalous samples are sent to ALS labs in Townsville QLD and are analyzed by the same methods (Au-AA26, and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61).
About Lion One Metals Limited Lion One’s flagship asset is 100% owned, fully permitted high grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project, located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. Lion One envisions a low-cost high-grade underground gold mining operation at Tuvatu coupled with exciting exploration upside inside its tenements covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, an underexplored yet highly prospective 7km diameter alkaline gold system. Lion One’s CEO Walter Berukoff leads an experienced team of explorers and mine builders and has owned or operated over 20 mines in 7 countries. As the founder and former CEO of Miramar Mines, Northern Orion, and La Mancha Resources, Walter is credited with building over $3 billion of value for shareholders.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lion One Metals Limited “Walter Berukoff“, Chairman and CEO
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release
This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “proposed”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Appendix 1: Full Drill Results and Collar Information
Table 4. Updated composite results from infill drillholes in the Zone 5 area (grade >0.5 g/t Au). Bolded text indicates a positive change from the originally reported value, italicized text represents a negative change.
Hole ID
From
To
Interval (m)
Au (g/t)
Change (g/t)
TUDDH-634
92.2
92.8
0.6
0.52
–
TUDDH-634
93.7
94.3
0.6
0.5
–
TUDDH-634
123.4
124
0.6
25.19
-0.76
TUDDH-634
125.2
125.5
0.3
1
–
TUDDH-634
128.5
129.4
0.9
7.42
0.62
TUDDH-634
including
129.1
129.4
0.3
10.89
–
TUDDH-634
148.5
149.1
0.6
1.46
–
TUDDH-637
48.2
48.8
0.6
0.6
–
TUDDH-637
68.8
69.4
0.6
0.81
–
TUDDH-637
161.7
163.2
1.5
16.13
0.17
TUDDH-637
including
161.7
162.3
0.6
38.62
–
TUDDH-637
which includes
161.7
162
0.3
72.46
–
TUDDH-637
173.1
177.6
4.5
2.69
–
TUDDH-637
including
173.1
174
0.9
8.59
–
TUDDH-637
180
182.1
2.1
2.7
–
TUDDH-637
183.9
187.5
3.6
2.76
–
TUDDH-637
including
185.7
187.5
1.8
5.03
–
TUDDH-637
198.2
202.1
3.9
5.38
–
TUDDH-637
including
198.2
198.5
0.3
10.02
–
TUDDH-637
and
199.7
200.6
0.9
3.42
–
TUDDH-637
and
201.2
202.1
0.9
16.13
–
TUDDH-637
which includes
201.8
202.1
0.3
40.21
–
TUDDH-637
219.2
220.4
1.2
10.31
1.99
TUDDH-637
including
219.5
220.4
0.9
12.79
–
TUDDH-637
222.2
222.5
0.3
2.29
–
TUDDH-637
224
226.4
2.4
1.87
–
TUDDH-637
243.5
245
1.5
1.13
–
TUDDH-637
251.3
253.7
2.4
2.46
–
TUDDH-637
258.5
259.1
0.6
0.94
–
TUDDH-637
281.9
282.5
0.6
5.96
–
TUDDH-637
290.9
292.1
1.2
1.97
–
TUDDH-637
298.7
299.6
0.9
6.68
–
TUDDH-638
14.2
14.8
0.6
1.31
–
TUDDH-638
29.8
30.4
0.6
1.29
–
TUDDH-638
106.9
107.2
0.3
0.99
–
TUDDH-638
123.1
123.7
0.6
1.44
–
TUDDH-638
154.9
155.2
0.3
14.96
-0.21
TUDDH-638
162.4
163.3
0.9
3.19
–
TUDDH-638
166.3
167.5
1.2
6.23
–
TUDDH-638
including
166.3
166.9
0.6
8.43
–
TUDDH-638
169.9
171.7
1.8
3.6
–
TUDDH-638
including
170.8
171.7
0.9
6.07
–
TUDDH-638
179.8
181.3
1.5
1.62
–
TUDDH-638
235.9
236.5
0.6
0.87
–
TUDDH-638
241.3
242.5
1.2
4.8
–
TUDDH-638
including
241.9
242.5
0.6
9.06
–
TUDDH-639
50.3
50.6
0.3
5.17
–
TUDDH-641
153
153.7
0.7
2.78
–
TUDDH-641
including
153
153.3
0.3
5.1
–
TUDDH-641
174.5
174.8
0.3
0.57
–
TUDDH-641
176.9
178.7
1.8
2.32
–
TUDDH-641
including
176.9
177.5
0.6
5.1
–
TUDDH-643
111.6
114.9
3.3
18.4
0.92
TUDDH-643
including
111.6
113.7
2.1
28.44
–
TUDDH-643
which includes
113.1
113.7
0.6
95.63
–
TUDDH-643
133.4
133.7
0.3
10.86
0.49
TUDDH-643
158.8
159.1
0.3
0.83
–
TUDDH-643
163.3
163.9
0.6
5.3
–
TUDDH-643
173.6
173.9
0.3
11.66
1.52
TUDDH-643
213.7
214.6
0.9
0.61
–
TUDDH-643
216.4
217
0.6
11.63
0.64
TUDDH-643
233.8
234.4
0.6
5.48
–
TUDDH-643
242.7
249.3
6.6
83.47
2.69
TUDDH-643
including
242.7
246.3
3.6
17.39
–
TUDDH-643
which includes
243.9
245.7
1.8
55.49
–
TUDDH-643
which includes
243.9
244.5
0.6
79.84
–
TUDDH-643
and
245.1
245.7
0.6
14.89
–
TUDDH-643
and also including
247.5
249.3
1.8
271.14
–
TUDDH-643
which includes
247.5
247.8
0.3
40.03
–
TUDDH-643
and
248.7
249.6
0.6
793.24
–
TUDDH-643
251.7
252.9
1.2
0.97
–
TUDDH-643
254.7
257
2.3
10.25
0.84
TUDDH-643
including
254.7
255.3
0.6
35.54
–
TUDDH-643
260.4
261.3
0.9
0.69
–
TUDDH-643
262.8
266.1
3.3
1.63
–
TUDDH-643
268.3
268.8
0.5
1.3
–
TUDDH-644
172.3
175
2.7
2.33
–
TUDDH-644
including
173.8
174.4
0.6
5.83
–
TUDDH-644
208.6
208.9
0.3
4.37
–
TUDDH-644
220.3
220.6
0.3
10.87
-1.98
TUDDH-644
237.1
237.7
0.6
1.19
–
TUDDH-646
116.7
117.3
0.6
1.65
–
TUDDH-646
154.8
155.1
0.3
0.67
–
TUDDH-646
181.5
183.3
1.8
2.41
–
TUDDH-646
including
183
183.3
0.3
13.29
–
TUDDH-646
223.9
224.5
0.6
8.98
–
TUDDH-646
including
224.2
224.5
0.3
15.09
–
TUDDH-646
231.1
233.2
2.1
4.23
–
TUDDH-646
including
232
232.6
0.6
10.27
–
TUDDH-646
252.3
252.7
0.4
2.81
–
TUDDH-646
253.9
254.2
0.3
2.16
–
TUDDH-649
24.9
25.2
0.3
1.93
–
TUDDH-649
153.6
154.2
0.6
0.74
–
TUDDH-649
161.7
162.3
0.6
0.52
–
TUDDH-649
188.1
190.8
2.7
1.21
–
TUDDH-649
248.7
249.3
0.6
1.17
–
TUDDH-649
251.4
252.3
0.9
0.86
–
TUDDH-649
257.1
257.4
0.3
3.31
–
TUDDH-650
53.6
53.9
0.3
0.61
–
TUDDH-650
76.7
77
0.3
0.62
–
TUDDH-650
104.1
104.4
0.3
0.67
–
TUDDH-650
148.5
149.1
0.6
0.51
–
TUDDH-650
179.1
179.4
0.3
1.62
–
TUDDH-650
180.6
181.2
0.6
0.51
–
TUDDH-650
192.6
194.1
1.5
14.93
–
TUDDH-650
including
192.6
193.5
0.9
23.89
–
TUDDH-650
199
199.3
0.3
1.66
–
TUDDH-650
203.5
207.4
3.9
11.84
–
TUDDH-650
including
203.5
204.7
1.2
35.18
–
TUDDH-650
which includes
203.5
204.1
0.6
48.27
–
TUDDH-650
and
204.1
204.7
0.6
22.09
–
TUDDH-650
210.4
210.7
0.3
2.05
–
TUDDH-651
18.25
18.85
0.6
0.93
–
TUDDH-651
80.55
81.15
0.6
2.09
–
TUDDH-651
100.65
100.95
0.3
1.46
–
TUDDH-651
118.65
119.25
0.6
1.46
–
TUDDH-651
139.95
140.55
0.6
4.39
–
TUDDH-651
184.6
185.2
0.6
32.65
–
TUDDH-651
194.5
197.2
2.7
17.2
–
TUDDH-651
including
194.5
196
1.5
25.92
–
TUDDH-651
which includes
195.4
195.7
0.3
124.52
–
TUDDH-651
and also including
196.9
197.2
0.3
25.22
–
TUDDH-651
222.4
224.8
2.4
2.22
–
TUDDH-653
0
0.6
0.6
3.37
–
TUDDH-653
21.9
22.2
0.3
1.26
–
TUDDH-653
53
56.9
3.9
9.53
–
TUDDH-653
including
55.1
56.9
1.8
19.47
–
TUDDH-653
which includes
56
56.3
0.3
46.92
–
TUDDH-653
and
56.6
56.9
0.3
55.08
–
TUDDH-653
64.4
65
0.6
0.56
–
TUDDH-653
89.5
96.3
6.8
9.96
–
TUDDH-653
including
91.3
92.2
0.9
66.62
–
TUDDH-653
which includes
91.6
91.9
0.3
165.95
–
TUDDH-653
and
91.9
92.2
0.3
30.46
–
TUDDH-653
111.6
111.9
0.3
6.53
–
TUDDH-653
116.7
118.8
2.1
1.59
–
TUDDH-653
120
120.6
0.6
0.59
–
TUDDH-655
59.7
61.5
1.8
2.74
–
TUDDH-655
96.4
97.9
1.5
8.24
–
TUDDH-655
including
96.7
97
0.3
18.48
–
TUDDH-655
and
97.6
97.9
0.3
20.77
–
TUDDH-655
99.1
99.7
0.6
0.9
–
TUDDH-655
101.5
102.1
0.6
1.23
–
TUDDH-655
118.3
118.6
0.3
3.16
–
TUDDH-655
126.1
126.7
0.6
1.04
–
TUDDH-656
27.2
28.4
1.2
0.89
–
TUDDH-656
77
77.6
0.6
1.05
–
TUDDH-656
80.6
81.2
0.6
0.7
–
TUDDH-656
101.9
103.1
1.2
13.5
0.37
TUDDH-656
including
101.9
102.5
0.6
19.73
–
TUDDH-656
and
102.5
103.1
0.6
6.54
–
TUDDH-656
106.7
107
0.3
0.58
–
TUDDH-656
119.6
119.9
0.3
1.71
–
TUDDH-656
130.1
132.5
2.4
4.83
–
TUDDH-656
including
131.9
132.5
0.6
7.99
–
TUDDH-656
162.5
162.8
0.3
8.55
–
Table 5. Updated composite results from grade control drillholes in the Zone 5 area (grade >0.5 g/t Au). Bolded text indicates a positive change from the originally reported value, italicized text represents a negative change.
Hole ID
From
To
Interval (m)
Au (g/t)
Change (g/t)
TGC-0056
26.7
29.4
2.7
1.52
–
TGC-0056
38.1
38.4
0.3
2.31
–
TGC-0056
39.6
39.9
0.3
0.73
–
TGC-0058
34.2
34.8
0.6
0.66
–
TGC-0058
35.4
35.7
0.3
0.51
–
TGC-0058
48.3
48.6
0.3
4.83
–
TGC-0058
53.1
55.2
2.1
3.91
0.09
TGC-0058
including
53.1
54
0.9
8.74
–
TGC-0058
56.4
57
0.6
1.1
–
TGC-0059
39.4
40.3
0.9
0.53
–
TGC-0059
50.5
50.8
0.3
3.1
–
TGC-0059
53.2
54.4
1.2
0.88
–
TGC-0059
57.4
58.3
0.9
7.01
0.13
TGC-0059
including
57.4
57.7
0.3
12.89
–
TGC-0059
and
58
58.3
0.3
8.14
–
TGC-0061
34.2
34.5
0.3
0.69
–
TGC-0061
35.4
36
0.6
0.75
–
TGC-0061
45.6
46.8
1.2
0.56
–
TGC-0061
49.8
50.4
0.6
0.84
–
TGC-0061
55.8
58.2
2.4
3.43
0.03
TGC-0061
including
57.3
37.6
0.3
12.84
–
TGC-0065
29.7
30
0.3
0.61
–
TGC-0065
32.4
33.6
1.2
2.44
–
TGC-0065
45.3
45.6
0.3
35.98
-0.22
TGC-0065
49.2
50.7
1.5
5.44
-0.24
TGC-0065
including
49.2
49.5
0.3
9.59
–
TGC-0065
and
50.4
50.7
0.3
15.76
–
TGC-0065
52.2
52.5
0.3
31.87
-1.64
TGC-0067
23.6
23.9
0.3
1.06
–
TGC-0067
48.2
50
1.8
314.27
52.34
TGC-0067
including
48.8
49.4
0.6
934.91
–
TGC-0067
which includes
48.8
49.1
0.3
1839.55
–
TGC-0067
and
49.1
49.4
0.3
30.26
–
TGC-0067
53.3
54.2
0.9
104
10.95
TGC-0067
including
53.3
53.9
0.6
155.68
–
TGC-0067
which includes
53.3
53.6
0.3
10.89
–
TGC-0067
and
53.6
53.9
0.3
300.47
–
TGC-0067
63.2
63.8
0.6
2.89
–
TGC-0067
67.1
67.4
0.3
9.18
–
Table 6. Collar coordinates for grade control and infill drillholes reported in this release. Coordinates are in Fiji map grid.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd.(“West Red Lake Gold” or “WRLG” or the “Company”) (TSXV:WRLG)(OTCQB: WRLGF) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the “Offering”) for gross proceeds of $7,000,000 from the sale of 10,000,000 flow-through shares (“FT Shares”) at $0.70/FT Share.
The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for the exploration and advancement of the Company’s properties in Red Lake, Ontario.
Proceeds from the sale of Flow-Through Shares will be used to incur “Canadian exploration expenses” as defined in subsection 66.1(6) of the Income Tax Act and “flow through mining expenditures” as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act. Such proceeds will be renounced to the subscribers with an effective date not later than December 31, 2023 and incurred no later than December 31, 2024, in the aggregate amount of not less than the total amount of gross proceeds raised from the issue of FT Shares.
Certain Insiders of the Company purchased FT Shares under the Offering, constituting, to that extent, a “related party transaction” as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 (“MI 61-101”). The Company has relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the securities distributed in the Offering nor the consideration received for those securities, in so far as the Offering involves the directors and officers, exceeds 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The Offering remains subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
The connection with the financing, the Company paid an aggregate cash finders fee of $216,288.45 of which $64,800.12 was to Accilent Capital Management Inc., $55,500.06 to Red Cloud Securities Inc., $45,840.06 to Canaccord Genuity, $24,000.06 to Cypress Capital Management Ltd., $14,400.12 to PI Financial Corp., $9,900.03 to Haywood Securities Inc., $1,260 to StephenAvenue Securities Inc. and $588 to Leede Jones Gable Inc.
The securities issued under this Offering are subject to a four-month hold period ending on December 12, 2023. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and accordingly may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.
Deferred Consideration Payment to Sprott
Further to an unsecured convertible promissory note dated June 16, 2023 in the amount of US$6,783,932 for deferred consideration related to the acquisition of Pure Gold Mining Inc. (the “Obligation”) between the Company and a fund managed by Sprott Resource Lending Corp (“Sprott”), the Company has received A Conversion Election Notice from Sprott to convert US$1,250,838 of the Obligations into 2,400,000 common shares in the capital of the Company at a purchase price of C$0.70 per common share of the Company. (Refer to news release of June 19, 2023 for more details.) Issuance of the 2,400,000 common shares are subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
Investor Relations Contract with Zinger Ventures Inc.
The Company has entered into a consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with Zinger Ventures Inc. (the “Consultant”), based in Vancouver, British Columbia, pursuant to which the Consultant will provide the Company with investor relations services (the “Services”). The Consulting Agreement effective June 1, 2023 has an initial term of six (6) months, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the Consulting Agreement, and which may be extended for ensuing one month terms by agreement in writing between the Consultant and the Company.
The Services provided by the Consultant will include, but not be limited to, consulting with the Company’s management concerning marketing and investor relations services, building relationships with the Company’s investors, and attending conferences while representing the Company.
As consideration for the provision of the Services and in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Consulting Agreement, the Company will (i) pay the Consultant a monthly fee of $5,000 plus GST, (ii) grant the Consultant 300,000 stock options (the “Options”), and (iii) reimburse the Consultant for pre-approved out of pocket expenses actually and properly incurred by the Consultant in connection with the Services. The Options will vest in stages over a 12-month period with 75,000 Options vesting every three months following the grant date (June 26, 2023).
The Consultant and its principal, Dustin Zinger, are arm’s length from the Company and hold directly, or indirectly 17,500 common shares of the Company. The Company’s engagement of the Consultant and the issuance of the Options are subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.
Marketing Agreement with Gold Standard Media, LLC
The Company has entered into a 12-month marketing agreement (the “Marketing Agreement”) with Gold Standard Media, LLC (“GSM”), an internet marketing and advertising company, for an aggregate consideration of US$500,000. GSM will provide marketing services including email marketing campaigns, landing pages, advertisements, and other related services to assist the Company in raising public awareness of the Company and enhance its online presence.
GSM is a limited liability company existing under the laws of the State of Texas with an office at 723 W, University Ave. #110-283 Georgetown Texas. GSM uses third party service providers for the purpose of these marketing activities. The Marketing Agreement is subject to TSX Venture approval.
ABOUT WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES
West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. is a mineral exploration company that is publicly traded and focused on advancing and developing its flagship Madsen Gold Mine and the associated 47 km2 highly prospective land package in the Red Lake district of Ontario. The highly productive Red Lake Gold District of Northwest Ontario, Canada has yielded over 30 million ounces of gold from high-grade zones and hosts some of the world’s richest gold deposits. WRLG also holds the wholly owned Rowan Property in Red Lake, with an expansive property position covering 31 km2 including three past producing gold mines – Rowan, Mount Jamie, and Red Summit.
ON BEHALF OF WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES LTD.
“Shane Williams”
Shane Williams President & Chief Executive Officer
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.
Certain statements contained in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements”. When used in this document, the words “anticipated”, “expect”, “estimated”, “forecast”, “planned”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information. These statements are based on current expectations of management, however, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward- looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof, except as required by securities laws.
Ottawa, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – August 15, 2023) – Gold79 Mines Ltd. (TSXV: AUU) (OTCQB: AUSVF) (“Gold79” or the “Company”) announces that it has issued 2,062,548 common shares of the Company in connection with a US$48,000 ($63,283) share payment due under the option agreement covering a portion of the Company’s landholdings for the Gold Chain project in Arizona. The common shares issued have a statutory hold period until December 15, 2023.
About Gold79 Mines Ltd.
Gold79 Mines Ltd. is a TSX Venture listed company focused on building ounces in the Southwest USA. Gold79 holds 100% earn-in option to purchase agreements on three gold projects: the Jefferson Canyon Gold Project and the Tip Top Gold Project both located in Nevada, USA, and, the Gold Chain Project located in Arizona, USA. In addition, Gold79 holds a 32.3% interest in the Greyhound Project, Nunavut, Canada under JV by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited.
For further information regarding this press release contact:
This press release may contain forward looking statements that are made as of the date hereof and are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions which involve risks and uncertainties associated with our business including the uncertainty as to whether further exploration will result in the target(s) being delineated as a mineral resource, capital expenditures, operating costs, mineral resources, recovery rates, grades and prices, estimated goals, expansion and growth of the business and operations, plans and references to the Company’s future successes with its business and the economic environment in which the business operates. All such statements are made pursuant to the ‘safe harbour’ provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements contained herein that are statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution readers of this news release not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as a number of factors could cause actual results or conditions to differ materially from current expectations. Please refer to the risks set forth in the Company’s most recent annual MD&A and the Company’s continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Gold79 does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 14, 2023) – EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9) (the “Company” or “EMX”) is pleased to report results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 (“Q2-2023”). The Company’s filings for the quarter are available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca, on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, and on EMX’s website at www.EMXroyalty.com. Financial results were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. All dollar amounts in this news release are in USD unless otherwise noted.
HIGHLIGHTS
Financial Updates for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
Revenue and other income for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $3,408,000 compared to $7,034,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 (“Q2-2022”). Adjusted revenue and other income1 of $6,481,000 (Q2-2022 – $9,465,000) included $3,073,000 (Q2-2022 – $2,431,000) in revenue for the Company’s share of royalty revenue from the Caserones Mine (effective) royalty interest in Chile. Revenue and other income and adjusted revenue and other income1 for Q2-2022 included the accrual of a $4,000,000 milestone payment related to Gediktepe.
Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $4,722,000 (Q2-2022 – $3,315,000).
Cash used in operating activities for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $1,160,000 (Q2-2022 – $4,152,000). Adjusted cash1 provided by operating activities for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $1,294,000 (Q2-2022 – adjusted cash used in operating activities of $3,254,000). Operating cash flows for Q2-2023 include an accelerated $2,500,000 option payment by Aftermath Silver for the Berenguela property.
As at June 30, 2023, EMX had cash of $9,980,000 (December 31, 2022 – $15,508,000), investments, long-term investments and loans receivable valued at $14,346,000 (December 31, 2022 – $14,561,000) and loans payable of $41,428,000 (December 31, 2022 – $40,489,000).
Corporate Updates
Timok Dispute Update
On January 27, 2022 the Company announced that it had suspended the filing of a Notice of Arbitration to Zijin Mining Group Ltd (“Zijin”) regarding its royalty agreement covering the Timok project in Serbia, which includes the producing Cukaru Peki copper and gold mine. This suspension followed EMX’s previous announcement of its intention to file the Notice of Arbitration to formally dispute the royalty rate as defined under the Royalty Agreement (see EMX news release dated December 17, 2021). Discussions with Zijin have since proved amicable and productive and continued through Q2 2023. Both companies are expecting to execute a modified royalty agreement in 2023.
Acquisition of Additional Royalty Interest on Caserones
During Q2 2023, EMX acquired an additional 2.263% ownership in the underlying Caserones royalty holder, Sociedad Legal Minera California Una de la Sierra Peña Negra (“SLM”), for cash consideration of $3,517,000 pursuant to agreements with existing shareholders of SLM. The acquisition provides EMX with a further 0.044% (effective) net smelter royalty (“NSR”) interest in the Caserones property, increasing the Company’s NSR royalty interest to 0.7775%.
Acquisition Agreement for New Royalties with Franco-Nevada
During Q2 2023, EMX executed a term sheet with Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco-Nevada”) (NYSE: FNV) (TSX: FNV) for the joint acquisition of newly created precious metals and copper royalties sourced by EMX (the “Agreement”). Franco-Nevada will contribute 55% (up to $5.5 million) and EMX will contribute 45% (up to $4.5 million) towards the royalty acquisitions, with the resulting royalty interests equally split (i.e., 50/50). The initial term of the Agreement is for three years, or until the maximum contributions totaling $10 million from both companies have been met, and may be extended if mutually agreed by both companies.
Royalty and Royalty Generation Updates
During Q2 2023, the Company’s royalty generation business was active in North America, South America, Europe, Turkey, Australia and Morocco. The Company spent $4,255,000 (Q2-2022 – $5,108,000) on royalty generation costs and recovered $1,811,000 (Q2-2022 – $2,014,000) from partners. Royalty generation costs include exploration related activities, technical services, project marketing, land and legal costs, as well as third party due diligence for acquisitions. Included in revenue and other income was $807,000 in option, advance royalty, and other pre-production payments related to existing partnered projects as a result of the royalty generating activities. During Q2 2023, the Company also completed two new partnerships across the portfolio while continuing to replace partnered properties with new royalty generation projects.
Producing Royalties
6
Advanced Royalties
11
Exploration Royalties
152
Royalty Generation Properties
105
Figure 1. EMX’s royalty and mineral property portfolio.
EMX earned over $1,175,000 in royalty revenue from the Gediktepe mine. Mine operator Lidya advised EMX that Oxide Zone gold production will increase during the summer months of 2023.
The Caserones (effective) royalty distribution for Q1 was received in Q2 and totaled approximately $2,454,000. Lundin Mining completed the acquisition of fifty-one percent (51%) of the issued and outstanding equity of MLCC, the Caserones mine operator, from JX Nippon (see Lundin news release dated June 13, 2023). In connection with the acquisition, Lundin filed a technical report on SEDAR titled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Caserones Mining Operation, Atacama Region, Chile” that included current mineral resource and reserve estimates in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
Leeville payments to EMX totaled approximately $664,000 from royalty production that totaled 338 ounces of gold. Q2 marked another strong quarter of Leeville royalty production along with robust gold prices.
EMX earned, and subsequently received in Q3-2023 Gold Bar South royalty revenue of $54,000 from Q1 production of 2,966 gold ounces and $80,000 from Q2 production of 3,984 gold ounces. The receipt of initial royalty revenue from Gold Bar South now establishes the operation as a paying royalty for EMX.
Arizona Sonoran Copper released results of the Parks-Sayler infill drill program in preparation for a PFS planned for 2024, which included enriched (secondary sulfide) copper intercepts from EMX’s royalty property. Arizona Sonoran also provided an update on metallurgical programs being conducted in preparation for the PFS, which included recoveries of ~80% after 160 days from Parks-Sayler enriched copper mineralization (secondary sulfide).
Exploration drilling by South32 at the Hermosa property’s Peake prospect returned mineralized intercepts covered by EMX’s Hardshell royalty property included the best copper intercept to date of 139 meters averaging 1.88% copper, 0.51% lead, 0.34% zinc, and 52 g/t silver (true width not reported).
In Canada, EMX programs advanced available properties in the portfolio as partners conducted summer field programs on EMX royalty properties. EMX received $45,000 in cash payments and $Nil in share equity payments during the quarter from partnered projects.
EMX’s Latin American royalty portfolio was advanced with work programs that included drilling and metallurgical test work conducted by AbraSilver at the Diablillos project’s JAC Zone silver-gold discovery. GR Silver Mining Ltd (“GR Silver”) reported on successful exploration step-out drilling at the San Marcial epithermal silver project. Aftermath Silver made an accelerated $2,500,000 option payment to EMX for the Berenguela polymetallic CRD project.
The Company’s U.S. royalty generation portfolio progressed with ongoing partner-funded work programs, as well by the expansion of properties through the staking of new claims and permitting at key projects. EMX currently has 43 projects in partnership with other companies in the western U.S.
In Northern Europe the Company continued to develop and advance its portfolio of projects, with summer field programs commencing on numerous properties in Q2. EMX has 37 projects in partnership with other companies in Northern Europe and partner funded drill programs were completed in Q2 by Mahvie Minerals AB, a private Swedish corporation, at the Mo-I-Rana royalty property in Norway, and by Bayrock Resources, a private Australian company, at EMX’s Vuostok battery metals royalty property in Northern Sweden.
Kendrick Resources PLC (LSE: KEN) announced drill results from EMX’s Espedalen royalty property in Norway, including an intercept of 11.60 meters averaging 2.85% nickel, 1.04% copper and 0.08% cobalt from 52.4 meters depth in drill hole ESP23-08 (see Kendrick news release dated May 4, 2023). This hole was drilled at the Stormyra prospect on the Espedalen license (true width not reported, but can be estimated at 70-80% according to published cross sections). Kendrick plans to expand its exploration programs at Espedalen in the second half of 2023.
The Company optioned the Yarrol gold-copper (+ Co-Mn) project and the Mt Steadman gold project to Many Peaks Gold (“MPG”) during Q2. The agreement provides EMX with cash payments, equity interests in MPG, and work commitments during a fifteen month option period. Upon exercise of the option, EMX will receive additional payments of cash and shares of MPG along with annual advance royalty payments, royalty interests and other consideration.
Royalty generation programs proceeded in the Balkans and in Morocco in Q2, where multiple exploration license applications have been filed by the Company. New target areas are being assessed for further acquisitions.
Investment Updates
As at June 30, 2023, the Company had marketable securities of $8,626,000 (December 31, 2022 – $9,966,000), and $4,688,000 (December 31, 2022 – $4,591,000) in private investments. The Company will continue to generate cash flow by selling certain of its investments when appropriate.
OUTLOOK
The 2023 year will continue to see revenue and other income coming from our cash flowing royalties, including Leeville and Gold Bar South in Nevada, Gediktepe and Balya in Turkey, potentially Timok in Serbia (pending conclusion of discussions with Zijin), and our effective royalty interest on Caserones in Chile. As in previous years, production royalties will continue to be complemented by option, advance royalty, and other pre-production payments from partnered projects across the global asset portfolio.
The Company will continue to strengthen its balance sheet over the course of the year by looking to retire portions of our long-term debt, continuing to evaluate equity markets, and the ongoing monetization of the Company’s marketable securities.
EMX is well positioned to identify and pursue new royalty and investment opportunities, while further filling a pipeline of royalty generation properties that provide opportunities for additional cash flow, as well as exploration, development, and production success.
Qualified Person. Michael P. Sheehan, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified, and approved the above technical disclosure on North America and Latin America. Eric P. Jensen, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified, and approved the above technical disclosure on Europe, Turkey, and Australia.
About EMX. EMX is a precious, base and battery metals royalty company. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “EMX”, and also trade on the Frankfurt exchange under the symbol “6E9”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release
Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain “forward looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans, market prices for precious and base metal, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “believe”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the “MD&A”), and themost recently filed Annual Information Form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2022, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.
_________________________ 1 Adjusted revenue and other income and adjusted cash provided by (used in) operating activities are non-IFRS financial measures with no standardized meaning under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Refer to the “Non-IFRS financial measures” section on page 26 of the Q2-2023 MD&A for more information on each non-IFRS financial measure.
YERINGTON, Nev., Aug. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDF) (FSE: ZYTA) (“Nevada Copper” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide an update on restart activities at its Pumpkin Hollow underground mine located in Yerington, Nevada (the “Underground Mine”).
Restart Progress
Underground development completed in Q2 2023 increased 65% to 1,424 feet (“ft”) as compared with Q1 2023 (496 ft).
Small Mine Development, Inc. (“SMD”), Nevada Copper’s development mining contractor, continues to ramp-up following their mobilization in June, with a 25% increase in average daily development footage in July compared with June development.
In Q2 2023, restart preparations for the mill and process plant advanced as planned and the mill is on track to restart in September 2023.
The surface stockpile has increased to approximately 73,000 tons of crushed ore, in preparation for sustained process operations on planned mill restart in September 2023.
Mining of the first stope began in early August and is expected to be completed before the end of August to provide an open stope for paste backfill placement to allow for commissioning of the paste plant.
Dumas Contracting USA Inc. (“Dumas”) completed all vertical and lateral development for the underground ore handling project and, as a result, the project has been turned over to RAM Enterprise, Inc. for the installation and commissioning of all mechanical and electrical components including the conveyors and crusher systems.
Dumas also advanced the Geho de-watering system installation and expects to have the new Geho pumps running by the end of the third quarter of 2023.
To date, the Company has rehabilitated ore passes #1 and #2 and expects to complete ore pass #3 in August 2023.
The Nevada Copper workforce has increased year to date by 30% to 177 employees, not including the development and projects contractor workforce; the largest workforce in the Company’s history.
Randy Buffington, President & CEO, stated: “The team, alongside our contracting partners, has made significant strides in advancing the underground mining and development activities at Pumpkin Hollow to enable the restart of milling activities in the third quarter, as planned. The process plant preparation and restart activities are moving forward well with September representing a significant milestone for Nevada Copper. The restart of processing operations will mark the end of restart activities and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Nevada Copper as we realize the potential of this significant North American copper asset.”
2023 Outlook Reiterated
Nevada Copper reiterates its outlook for 2023 with the principal objective of achieving nameplate milling throughput of 5,000 tons per day (“tpd”) by the end of the year and all critical underground infrastructure complete and sufficient advance development to support sustained operations.
With the vent shaft project complete, underground lateral development continues to ramp-up as SMD increases staffing levels to meet development expectations. Lateral development over the second half of 2023 is planned to be 16,000 ft of combined primary and stope development. Commissioning of the underground crush and convey system is now scheduled for late October 2023 reflecting delays in underground excavation. To support the start of stope mining by the Company in September, existing ore passes and the surface crusher are being utilized until commissioning of the underground crusher is complete.
Mill restart is scheduled in September 2023 at an expected rate of approximately 3,500 tons per day. The mill and paste plant will be re-commissioned on low-grade stockpiled ore. Mill capacity and grade are expected to increase through the balance of 2023, however, milled grades will remain lower than average stope grades, as lower grade development ore constitutes a higher percentage of mill feed through these early commissioning months. The Company plans to truck its first concentrates in late September with first revenues expected in the fourth quarter.
Filing of Second Quarter 2023 Financial Statements and MD&A Nevada Copper filed its consolidated interim financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. These filings can be found on the Company’s website at www.nevadacopper.com and the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
QualifiedPerson The technical information and data in this news release has been reviewed by Steven Newman, member of SME, Vice President of Technical Services and Greg French, C.P.G., VP Exploration of Nevada Copper, each of whom are a non-independent Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101.
About Nevada Copper
Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) is the owner of the Pumpkin Hollow copper project located in Nevada, USA with 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 undergoing a restart of operations, and a large-scale open pit PFS stage project.
Randy Buffington President & CEO
For additional information, please see the Company’s website at www.nevadacopper.com, or contact:
Tracey Thom | Vice President, IR and Community Relations tthom@nevadacopper.com +1 775 391 9029
Cautionary Language on Forward Looking Statements This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” 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 information and forward-looking statements specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the advancement of restart operations at the Underground Mine. There can be no assurance that ramp-up of the Underground Mine will occur or will not cost more than expected and require the Company to raise additional financing. There can be no assurance that any such additional financing will be available on terms that are favourable to the Company or at all.
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: results of exploration programs, the potential need for additional capital and no assurance can be given regarding the availability thereof; the ability of the Company to complete the restart and ramp-up of the Underground Mine within the expected cost estimates and timeframe; the impact of COVID-19 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 restart 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 restart and ramp-up of the Underground Mine; loss of material properties; interest rate increases; 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; labour 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; dependence on management information systems and cyber security risks; 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, 2022 and in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 20, 2023. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: no adverse developments in respect of the property or operations at the project; no material changes to applicable laws; the restart and ramp-up of operations at the Underground Mine in accordance with management’s plans and expectations; no material adverse impacts from COVID-19 going forward; the Company will be able to obtain sufficient additional funding to complete the restart and ramp-up of the Underground Mine, if required, no material adverse change to the price of copper from current levels; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.
The forward-looking information and statements are stated as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. 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 information and statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Specific reference is made to “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended December 31, 2022 and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 20, 2023, for a discussion of factors that may affect forward-looking statements and information. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, should other risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and events may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements and information. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Company’s filings that are available at www.sedarplus.com.
The Company 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.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 10, 2023) – Ridgeline Minerals Corp. (TSXV: RDG) (OTCQB: RDGMF) (FSE: 0GC0) (“Ridgeline” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce that Nevada Gold Mines LLC (“NGM” or “Nevada Gold Mines“), a joint venture between Barrick Gold and Newmont Corp., has mobilized a drill rig to the Swift Gold Project (“Swift“) located in the Cortez District of the Battle Mountain – Eureka mine trend (Figure 1). Ridgeline entered into an exploration earn-in agreement with NGM on September 22, 2021 (see press release HERE) where NGM can incur a minimum of US$ 20 million (of which US$ 5 million has been spent to-date) in qualifying work expenditures over an initial five-year term to earn an initial 60% interest in Swift, and will have further options to increase its interest to a total 75% interest. Details of the proposed drill program are highlighted below.
Drill Program Highlights
Drill hole SW23-005 will target the intersection of proposed low-angle structures and favourable lower plate carbonate host rocks of the Wenban and Roberts Mountains Formations.
Drill hole will provide key litho-structural information between historical drill intercepts in hole MCK-99-5A (18.3 meters (“m”) grading 0.64 grams per tonne (“g/t”) gold (“Au”)) and 2022 NGM drill intercepts in SW22-002 (41.9 m grading 0.26 g/t Au) and SW22-003 (48.8 m grading 0.45 g/t Au), (see Figure 2 and February 16, 2023 press release HERE)
Drill hole SW22-004 will be extended from a starting depth of 1,104 m where the hole was previously halted by NGM in January 2023 due to severe winter weather conditions.
Drilling returned up to 3.0 m grading 2.27 g/t Au in Upper Plate rocks prior to intersecting Lower Plate host rocks at 1,065 m (Figure 2).
Hole will be extended through prospective host rocks to an anticipated depth of 1,500+ meters.
Chad Peters, Ridgeline’s President, CEO & Director commented, “To date, we are very encouraged by the exploration results at Swift with early results highlighting the potential to discover a large Carlin-Type gold system. The Nevada Gold Mines team has done an exceptional job generating a property-wide geologic model and SW23-005 will target a highly prospective structural corridor bounded by mineralized gold intercepts on both sides. We look forward to updating our shareholders as results are received.”
Figure 1: Plan view map showing the location of the Swift exploration earn-in agreement with Nevada Gold Mines. Modified from Barrick Investor Day presentation¹ (November 18, 2022 Presentation HERE)
Swift is located on the Cortez District of the historic Battle Mountain – Eureka Trend approximately 30 kilometers (“km”) south of the town of Battle Mountain, in Lander County, Nevada. The district-scale 75 km² property is on trend to the Pipeline, Cortez Hills, and Goldrush deposits (View our Swift VRIFY Presentation), which comprise the multi-million ounce Cortez Complex owned by Nevada Gold Mines (a joint venture between Barrick Gold and Newmont Corp.). Ridgeline entered into an exploration earn-in agreement with NGM on September 22, 2021, where NGM can incur a minimum US$20 million (of which US$ 5 million has been spent to-date) in qualifying work expenditures over an initial five-year term to earn an initial 60% interest in the Swift gold project. NGM will have further options to increase its interest to a total 75% interest (subject to additional expenditures and commitments).
QAQC Procedures
Samples are submitted to ALS Minerals, Elko Nevada, which is a certified and accredited laboratory, independent of Nevada Gold Mines. Samples are prepared using industry-standard prep methods and analysed using Au-AA23 (Au; 30 g fire assay) and ME-MS61 (48 element Suite; 0.25 g 4-acid digestion/ICP-MS) methods. ALS also undertakes its own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. Nevada Gold Mines QAQC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results completed internally by Nevada Gold Mines technical personnel.
Technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael T. Harp, CPG. the Company’s Vice President, Exploration, who is Ridgeline’s Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for technical matters of this release.
About Ridgeline Minerals Corp.
Ridgeline is a discovery focused gold-silver explorer with a proven management team and a 192 km² exploration portfolio across six projects in Nevada and Idaho, USA. More information about Ridgeline can be found at www.RidgelineMinerals.com.
On behalf of the Board “Chad Peters” President & CEO
Further Information: Chad Peters, P.Geo. President & CEO Ridgeline Minerals Corp. (775) 304-9773 | info@ridgelineminerals.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “Forward-Looking Information”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated benefits of the Earn-In Agreement and the transaction contemplated thereby. The words “potential”, “anticipate”, “meaningful”, “discovery”, “forecast”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “plan”, “historical”, “historic” and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Ridgeline has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that TSX Venture Exchange approval will be granted in a timely manner subject only to standard conditions; the current objectives concerning the Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; and that all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Ridgeline to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to dependence on key personnel; risks related to unforeseen delays; risks related to historical data that has not been verified by the Company; as well as those factors discussed in Ridgeline’s public disclosure record. Although Ridgeline has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Ridgeline and may cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-Looking Information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, Ridgeline does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.