VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 23, 2023 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSX.V:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce it will be participating in the inaugural Yukon Mining Alliance (“YMA”) Invest Yukon Core Shack to be held in the main Investors Exchange exhibit hall at the Prospectors and Developers Annual Convention (“PDAC”) in Toronto. The Invest Yukon Core Shack will be located at Booth #3314, adjacent to the main PDAC Core Shack and Granite Creek will be displaying core from its flagship Carmacks Copper-Gold-Silver project in Yukon, Canada from March 5 and 8th. The Company will also have a presence in the main Investors Exchange from March 5-8 and investors are invited to visit booth # IE3024 to meet the team in person.
Invest Canada North Reception
The Metallic Group of Companies is proud to be a sponsor of the 2023 Invest Canada North reception to be held March 6 in MTCC North Room 106 from 4pm – 7pm EST. Leaders from its members, Granite Creek Copper, Stillwater Critical Minerals and Metallic Minerals will be in attendance and the Group will have a display table where guests are invited to meet the team. For more information, visit here.
About Yukon Mining Alliance
Yukon Mining Alliance – the globally recognized Invest Yukon brand – is a strategic alliance of Yukon’s leaders in exploration and mining who, in partnership with the Government of Yukon, connect investors with Yukon’s competitive advantages through innovative capital attraction initiatives. For more information visit InvestYukon.ca.
Invest Canada North connects global investors with the competitive advantages and opportunities in Canada’s North, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, at one of the world’s biggest annual mining conferences, the PDAC Convention. Our unique initiatives showcase each region, through keynote presentations, panels and special sessions, highlighting the leaders in exploration, development and production, as well as the mining ecosystem that is supported by significant geological potential, strong geopolitical stability and progressive Indigenous and community partnerships. Through our Invest Canada North mining portal catch up on the latest news in the north or dive into each region to discover your next great opportunity. To learn more visit https://investcanadanorth.ca.
About Granite Creek Copper
Granite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 176-square-kilometer Carmacks Project in the Minto Copper District of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The Project is on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine, operated by Minto Metals Corp., to the north, and features excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.
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, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2023 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) ( “Granite Creek” or the “Company” ) is pleased to report positive results from its Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) for the Carmacks Copper-Gold-Silver project (the “Project” or “Carmacks Project”), located in the Yukon, Canada’s Minto Copper District within the traditional territories of Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation.
The PEA demonstrates attractive project economics with significant opportunities for additional mine life expansion, reinforcing the potential of the Minto Copper District to become a top-tier global copper district.
Granite Creek Copper will be hosting a live webinar to review the PEA results on January 24th , 2023, at 9:00am PT | 12:00PM ET. To register, click here .
PEA Highlights
Attractive project economics:
Base case metal prices of US$3.75/lb Cu, US$1,800/oz Au and US$22/oz Ag: Pre-tax NPV 5%of C$324 million and 36% IRR After-tax NPV 5%of C$230 million and 29% IRR
Case 1 metal prices of US$4.25/lb Cu, US$2,000/oz Au and US$25/oz Ag: Pre-tax NPV 5%of C$475 million and 48% IRR After-tax NPV 5%of C$330 million and 38% IRR
Mine life of nine years at 7,000 tonnes per day with clear exploration potential to extend mine life with four target areas within 1km of the current resource.
Capital cost of C$220m with payback of 2 years from commencement of production.
Head grade of 1.10% copper equivalent (“CuEq”) consisting of 0.90% Cu, 0.30 g/t Au and 3.5 g/t Ag.
Average cash operating costs of US$1.76/lb CuEq and all-in sustaining costs of US$2.57/lb CuEq.
Option for tailings treatment: PEA study identifies additional potential cash flow through processing of oxide tailings to increase total copper recovery. Recovery sensitivity shows an additional $180M pre-tax NPV based of a 20% increase in recovery rates.
The Company envisions developing the Carmacks Project into a low-carbon source of copper. A critical mineral, as defined by the Canadian government, copper is key to the transition to a zero-carbon economy through the electrification of transportation and other industries, and the development of renewable energy production. The 2023 PEA clearly demonstrates the viability of the Carmacks Deposit as a robust open pit sulphide and oxide copper-gold-silver project with significant potential upside from both resource expansion and secondary processing of oxide material to further improve oxide recoveries. The Project is to be powered by the Yukon’s electrical grid which uses primarily renewable electricity.
“The completion of the PEA is a major accomplishment that doesn’t just advance the Project beyond previous studies but completely re-envisions Carmacks as a high-grade, open pit copper, gold and silver producer with excellent expansion potential in a tier one jurisdiction”, commented Timothy Johnson, President and CEO. “The inclusion of sulphide alongside oxide ore, either as a blend or a straight sulphide feed, has resulted in significant upside on the Project, with further opportunities recognized in both processing and exploration.”
“Potential for near mine resource expansion is demonstrated in new volumetrically significant targets identified by comparison of the geophysical signatures of known mineralization with similar signatures of untested targets near the proposed pits “, continued Mr. Johnson. “These strong geophysical responses have a high correlation with copper sulphide minerals on the Project, giving us high confidence in these new targets, which are a priority for testing in upcoming drill campaigns.”
PEA Study Approach
The PEA contemplates open pit mining using a conventional truck and shovel operation in two separate pits. Mining targets the high-grade, near surface oxide material in the 147 pit, then transitions to target sulphide material in the 1213 pit followed by final mining of the deeper oxide and sulphide material in 147. Mined material would be delivered to a crushing and grinding circuit consisting of a primary crusher, SAG mill and ball mill. Both oxide copper ore and sulphide copper ore would be processed via a simplified flow sheet consisting of well-established flotation technology producing a high-quality copper-gold-silver concentrate. Oxide and sulphide ore would be blended and sequenced to provide optimal cash flow and to minimise the environmental footprint with mined-out pits or portions of pits being reclaimed as mining commences in the next area. Both conceptual pits lie within 2km of the proposed mill site.
Tailings from the flotation circuit would be filtered and water recirculated into the flotation circuit. This would improve water management and limit environmental impact, with final tailings placement on a lined dry stack tailings facility at site.
A high-grade, premium copper, gold and silver concentrate would be shipped via deep seaports in Skagway, Alaska or other nearby facilities. Treatment and refining charges terms are within standard market rates.
Average copper recovery during life of mine (“LOM’) is calculated to be 64% with approximately 2/3 of material processed being oxide ore and 1/3 being sulphide ore. Metallurgical studies returned 93% copper recovery when processing sulphide ore, 40% copper recovery while processing oxide ore and 82% when processing a 50:50 blend. Metallurgical work highlights the opportunity for further optimization of the Project through more detailed mine sequencing or discovery of near mine sulphide or that could be blended with ore from the 147 pit.
Table 1: PEA Key Parameters
Parameter
Unit
Base Case 1
Case 1
Metal Prices
Copper Price
US$/pound
$3.75
$4.25
Gold Price
US$/troy ounce
$1,800.00
$2,000
Silver Price
US/troy ounce
$22.00
$25
Average Recovery to Cu Concentrate 2
Copper Recovery
%
64%
Gold Recovery
%
58%
Silver Recovery
%
60%
Concentrate Grade
Copper
%
40%
Gold
g/t
11.0 g/t
Silver
g/t
134.4 g/t
Production Data
Resource Tonnes
21,270,518
Copper Equiv. Grade
1.10%
Daily Mill Throughput
Tonnes / day
7,000 t
7,000 t
Annual Processing Rate
Kilo tonnes/ year
2,495 kt
2,495 kt
LOM Strip ratio
Waste: Ore
4.6:1
4.6:1
Mine Life
Years
9 years
9 years
Average annual production
Copper EQ production 6
Million Pounds / year
33.9 M
Copper in concentrate
Million Pounds / year
27 M
Gold in copper concentrate
Troy ounces / year
12 385
Silver in copper concentrate
Troy ounces / year
151 584
Operating Costs (LOM avg) 2
Mining
C$/t mined
$3.16
Milling
C$/t processed
$18.30
G&A
C$/t processed
$4.93
All in Sustaining Costs 4,5
US$/lb CuEq
$2.57
Capital Costs
Initial Capital Cost
C$
C$220M
LOM Sustaining Capital Cost
C$
C$130M
Financial Analysis
Pre-Tax NPV 5%
C$
C$324M
C$475M
Pre-Tax IRR
%
36%
48%
After Tax NPV 5%
C$
C$228M
C$330M
After Tax IRR
%
29%
38%
Payback period 7
Years
2.0
1.5
Base case metal prices based on 36-month trailing average from January 15, 2022.
Recovery includes both oxide and sulphide ore and is based on mining 2/3 oxide and 1/3 sulphide LOM.
Total operating costs include mining, processing, tailings, surface infrastructures, transport, and G&A costs.
AISC includes cash operating costs, sustaining capital expenses to support the on-going operations, concentrate transport and treatment charges, royalties and closure and rehabilitation costs divided by copper equivalent pounds produced.
AISC is a non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. Refer to note at end of this news release.
The copper equivalent grade (CuEq) is determined by (total copper x US$3.75) + (total gold x US$1800) + (total silver x $22)/$3.75)/total resource tonnes.
Payback period is from commencement of mining.
Capital Cost
The PEA for the Project outlines an initial (pre-production) capital cost estimate of C$220 million and LOM sustaining capital costs of C$130 million, including overall closure costs of C$5 million. Initial capital costs include the construction of milling and processing facilities, lined dry stack tailings and lined waste rock facilities, on-site infrastructure of 15km of access road and facilities for water capture and treatment. Construction of a powerline (12.8 km, 138 kV) from an existing substation is placed under sustaining capital to allow for construction time of the power grid.
Table 2: Capex Estimates 1
Cost Element
Base Case
Mine Costs
C$25M
Processing
C$84M
Infrastructure
C$27.7M
Tailings
C$14.7M
EPCM and Indirect Costs
C$34.1M
Sub total Capex
C$185 M
Sustaining Capital
C$130.M
Contingency
C$35.0M
Reclamation and Closure
C$5.0M
1 All values stated are undiscounted.
Operating Costs
Operating costs estimates were developed using first principles methodology, vendor quotes received in Q3 2022, and productivities being derived from benchmarking and industry best practices. Over the LOM, the average operating cost for the Project is estimated at C$3.16/t mined and C$18.30/t processed. Tailings costs are included in processing costs.
The average cash operating costs over the LOM is US$1.76/lb CuEq and the average AISC is US$2.57 /lb CuEq.
Economic Analysis and Sensitivities
The PEA indicates that the potential economic returns from the Project justify advancing to a feasibility study.
The Project generates cumulative cash flow of C$371.2 million on an after-tax basis and C$505.8 million pre-tax at a base case of $3.75/lb Cu based on an average mill throughput of 7,000 t/day over the 9-year life of mine.
Table 3: Summary of Economic Analysis 1,2
Element
Base Case
Case 1
Metal Price Assumptions (US$) Copper, Gold Silver
$3.75, $1800, $22
$4.25, $2000, $25
Exchange Rate
0.75
0.75
Average annual cash flow
C$61.8M
C$76.9M
Payback Period
2.5 years
1.5 years
EBITDA
C$505.8M
C$710M
LOM Undiscounted Net Cash Flow After Tax
C$371.2M
C$505M
NPV (5% discount) After Tax
C$230.5M
C$328M
IRR After Tax
29%
38%
1 The analysis assumes that the Project is 100% equity financed (unlevered). 2 Appropriate deductions are applied to the concentrate produced, including treatment, refining, transport and insurance costs.
The PEA is significantly influenced by copper price assumptions. Using the Case 1 metal price scenario consists of near current prices of US$4.25/lb Cu, US$2000/oz Au and US$25/oz silver, the Project generates an after-tax Net Present Value (“NPV”) using an 5% discount rate of $328 million and an after-tax IRR of 38% with a payback period of 1.5 years from the commencement of production. (Table 3), Outlined below in Table 4 is a detailed sensitivity analysis across gold and copper prices with silver kept at $22/ounce. Table 5 below highlights additional sensitivities to foreign exchange, recovery, CAPEX and OPEX.
Table 4: Copper and Gold Metal Price Sensitivity Analysis NPV- Pre-Tax values in Million CDN$
The third conceptual pit, 2000S as identified in the Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE), could be brought into the mine plan if sufficient additional resources were defined by drilling to offset pre-stripping costs.
Electrification of the mining fleet. Significant cost saving and reduction in greenhouse gas production may be possible through the sourcing of electric vs. diesel haul trucks for the Project. The PEA envisions using a contract mining fleet for the Project and preference will be given to suppliers that can provide either fully electric or hybrid equipment.
Further discovery. Exploration conducted in 2022 consisting of geophysics, trenching and soil sampling identified four areas proximal to the proposed mine plan that if successfully drilled could enable longer mine life beyond nine years or provide additional sulphide mill feed earlier in the mine’s life. Four targets on the Property require evaluation, all located within 1km of the current deposits. Two of the targets are located beneath the current resource and there is higher geological certainty that these may contain appreciable copper mineralization.
Zone 1213 shallow: Downward continuation of Zone 12 and 13. Estimated dimensions are 360m long, 15 – 40m wide, starting at approximately 65m below the current drilling.
Zone 12 deep: Downward continuation of Zone 12. Estimated from geophysics to be continuing for an additional 170m below current resource modelling. Approximated to be 580m long and 15-40m wide.
Gap Zone target: Geophysical anomaly that fits with current geological understanding of the fault offset between 147 and 2000S Zone. Estimated to be 500m long, up to 400m deep, and 30-50m wide.
Sourtoe target: Estimated from geophysics to be a lensoidal body of similar size to known deposits at 370m long x 370m deep with an estimated width of 15-50m. It has been lightly tested at surface by trenching and is weakly mineralized.
In addition, the Carmacks North target area is host to several mineralized zones that have the potential to add resources to the mine plan, all within 15 km of the proposed mill site.
Additional recovery through metallurgical improvements. The Company has retained Kemetco Laboratories to complete additional leaching and copper precipitating testing to evaluate the processing of tailings. The calculated grade of copper in tailings averages 0.32% with over 140 Mlbs of copper not recovered LOM. Recovery sensitivity show an additional $180M pretax NPV based of a 20% increase in recovery rates. Review of historical metallurgical testing has indicated that copper minerals present in oxidized material respond well to leaching. Once the copper is in solution the copper would be chemically precipitated to produce sulphide minerals that can be added back into the flotation cells.
Mineral Resources
The basis for the PEA uses an updated mineral resource estimate (“MRE”) for the Carmacks deposit (effective date March 30, 2022). The mine plan contemplates processing 62% of resources outlined in the MRE. The MRE includes inferred resources that are too speculative to have economic parameters applied to them. Resources are not reserves and there is no certainty that the resources outlined on the Project can be converted to reserves.
Table 6: Mineral Resource Estimates
CATEGORY
Cut -Off Cu (%)
Quantity (Mt)
Grade
Cu†
Au
Ag
Mo
CuEq
Total (%)
(g/t)
(g/t)
(%)
Total (%)
In Pit Oxide
Measured
0.30
11.361
0.96
0.40
4.11
0.006
1.30
Indicated
0.30
4.330
0.91
0.28
3.37
0.007
1.16
Measured &Indicated
0.30
15.691
0.94
0.36
3.91
0.006
1.26
Inferred
0.30
0.216
0.52
0.09
2.44
0.006
0.63
In Pit Sulphide
Measured
0.30
5.705
0.68
0.16
2.54
0.016
0.88
Indicated
0.30
13.486
0.72
0.19
2.83
0.013
0.93
Measured &Indicated
0.30
19.191
0.71
0.18
2.74
0.014
0.92
Inferred
0.30
1.675
0.51
0.13
2.24
0.020
0.70
Below Pit Sulphide
Measured
0.60
0.026
0.71
0.16
2.54
0.010
0.88
Indicated
0.60
1.341
0.82
0.19
2.88
0.012
1.03
Measured &Indicated
0.60
1.367
0.82
0.19
2.88
0.012
1.03
Inferred
0.60
0.967
0.77
0.17
2.48
0.012
0.96
Notes:
CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Resources.
The effective date of the Mineral Resources is March 30, 2022.
Mineral Resources are estimated using an exchange rate of US$0.75/C$1.00.
Mineral Resources are estimated using a long-term gold price of US$1,800/oz Au with a metallurgical gold recovery of 60%, and a long-term copper price of US$3.75/lb with a metallurgical copper recovery of 95% for sulphide material and 60% for oxide material.
Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.30 copper equivalent.
Bulk density of 2.83 t/m 3 was used for tonnage calculations.
Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Numbers may not add up due to rounding.
Mining
The overall mining operation is expected to consist of two open pits completed over three phases. Phase I contemplates development of the 147 zone with low strip ratio. Phase 2 contemplates the mining of 1213 zone with a slightly higher strip ratio. Phase 3 contemplates pushback on the 147 pit to a final LOM strip ratio of 4.6:1, resulting in a total of 9 years of operation, plus one year of pre-stripping. Following this mining period, a low-grade stockpile of 2Mt grading 0.18% Cu, 0.06 g/t Au and 0.8 g/t Ag may be reprocessed once mining operations cease. All waste and tailings will be disposed near the mining infrastructure.
The contract mining operation is planned to be a conventional truck and shovel open pit operation, moving approximately 118Mt of material over the 9-year life of mine. This would provide the floatation processing plant with 21.3Mt of ore at a rate of 7 000 tonnes per day.
Metallurgy and Processing
The processing facilities and saleable mineral products are fundamentally different from the beneficiation procedures that were contemplated in the 2006 Feasibility Study and updated in the 2017 PEA. The processing facilities currently being recommended for the Project would include a simplified flotation circuit, capable of processing three individual types of feed materials, oxide, sulphide, and blended ores, each of which would produce a high grade, premium concentrate.
Metallurgical testing both by Bureau Veritas in 2021 and by SGS Vancouver in preparation for the PEA study support the simplified flotation circuit. Flotation testing of individual oxide copper ores, sulphide copper ores as well as blended ores has been completed in this initial phase of the process investigation.
A test program including mineralogy and flotation was completed on samples from the Carmacks Project. The flotation test program included test work on sulphide, oxide, and blend ores.
The sulphide ore assayed 0.92% Cu, 0.67% S, and 0.24 g/t Au. Gold and copper head grades calculated from the flotation test assays agreed well with the direct head assays.
The oxide ore assayed, 0.60% Cu, 0.06% S, and 0.25-0.82 g/t Au, indicating that nugget gold may exist. However, the gold head grade calculated from the flotation tests was consistently between 0.20 g/t to 0.23 g/t with an average of 0.21 g/t.
Sulphide flotation recovered 93.7% of copper and 69.0% of gold at 42.7 % Cu and 7.7 g/t Au grade (Sulphide F4) while oxide flotation recovered 39.8% of copper and 57.5% of gold at 26.2% Cu and 13.6 g/t Au grade.
A 50/50 oxide/sulphide blend batch flotation program recovered 75.3% of copper and 65.7% of gold at 40.8 % Cu and 12.4 g/t Au grade (Blend F4).
Locked cycle flotation on blend sample recovered 82.0% of copper and 70.1% of gold at 40.1% Cu and 10.6 g/t Au grade (Blend LCT1).
Flotation optimization and an economical evaluation of the target copper grade versus recovery is recommended in future test work.
As mentioned above, the Company has commissioned additional test work to evaluate the potential for further recovery of copper from tailings when material in the mill contains a significant percentage of oxide material. Review of historical metallurgical testing has indicated that copper minerals present in oxidised material respond well to leaching. Once the copper is in solution the copper will be chemically precipitated to produce sulphide minerals that can be added back into the flotation cells.
Infrastructure
The Project lies along the Freegold Road, a Yukon government-maintained gravel road, currently being upgraded as part of the Yukon Resource Gateway Program. The road would ultimately lead to the near by Casino Project and other significant development projects in the area. A 12.8 km transmission line would be constructed to access the 138 kV Carmacks-Stewart transmission at McGregor Creek. Future studies will look at alternate routes for powerlines that could also benefit projects near the proposed Carmacks Project.
Next Steps
Additional Metallurgical work. In addition to the metallurgical work underway to assess further recovery from tailings work will be completed to optimise recoveries of both copper and precious metal. Additional studies will also be completed to identify any metallurgical variability between the two proposed mining areas to assist in further mine plan optimization through sequencing and blending of ore.
Exploration Drilling. Significant resource expansion potential exists within 1 km of the proposed pits. In addition to the new zones identified by 2022 geophysical and geochemical surveys, and trenching, many areas of both the 2000S and 12-13 zones remain open for expansion.
Geotechnical drilling on 1213 pit. In order to advance the Project towards feasibility geotechnical drilling will need to be completed on the proposed 1213 pit. Significant geotechnical drilling in the 147 area dating back to 2006 when a full feasibility study was completed on that portion of the Project will also be reviewed.
Baseline environmental studies. In preparation for advancing the Project towards feasibility existing environmental studies including ongoing water sampling programs will be reviewed and updated.
Continued community engagement. The Company is dedicated to working with communities effected by the Project including Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation to ensure that the Project advances in a respectful way with maximum benefit to the effected communities.
Technical Report and Qualified Persons
The PEA was prepared by SGS Geological Services. (“SGS”). with several individuals and departments within SGS contributing to sections of the study. William Van Breugel P.Eng., is the lead consultant for this study. SGS Geological Services is known globally as the expert in ore body modelling and resource/reserve evaluation with over 40 years and 1000 consulting projects of experience providing the mining industry with computer-assisted mineral resource estimation services using cutting edge geostatistical techniques. SGS bring the disciplines of geology, geostatistics, and mining engineering together to provide accurate and timely mineral project evaluation solutions.
As part of the larger SGS Natural Resources group, they draw upon their massive network of laboratories, metallurgists, process engineers and other professionals to help bring mineral projects to the next level.
Table 7: Qualified Person
Department
Area of Responsibility
Qualified Person
SGS
Mine Design
Johnny Canosa, P.Eng and William Van Breugel, P.Eng
Mine Infrastructure
Johnny Canosa, P.Eng
SGS Tucson
Metallurgy. Processing and process plant operating costs
Joseph Keane PE
SGS Tucson
Process plant and infrastructure capital costs
Joseph Keane PE
Financial analysis
William Van Breugel, P.Eng
Note: The Qualified Persons are independent as defined by Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects”. The Qualified Persons are not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, or other relevant factors that could materially affect the PEA.
The Company cautions that the results of the PEA are preliminary in nature and do not include the calculation of mineral reserves as defined by NI 43-101. There is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized.
A NI 43-101 technical report supporting the PEA will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release and will be available at that time on the Company’s website. Readers are encouraged to read the Technical Report in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the details summarized in this news release. The Technical Report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.
A presentation summarizing the Project’s PEA results is available on the Company’s website.
Qualified Persons
All scientific and technical data contained in this presentation relating to the PEA has been reviewed and approved by William Van Breugel P.Eng., a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. All exploration data including exploration upside potential has been reviewed and approved by Debbie James P.Geo., for the purposes of NI 43-101 The Qualified Persons mentioned above have reviewed and approved their respective technical information contained in this news release.
About Granite Creek Copper
Granite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 176-square-kilometer Carmacks Project in the Minto Copper District of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The Project is on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine, operated by Minto Metals Corp., to the north, and features excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com .
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, potential economic estimates, capital costs, operating costs, potential cash flows, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Granite Creek Copper and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com .
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, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2023 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX | OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company“)is pleased to report positive metallurgical results in support of the upcoming Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) for the Carmacks copper-gold-silver project (“the Project” or “Carmacks Project”) located in the Minto copper district, within the traditional territories of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation and the Selkirk First Nation, Yukon Canada.
Metallurgical testing completed by SGS Vancouver Metallurgy (“SGS”) supports a simplified process consisting of froth flotation for the recovery of copper, gold and silver from both sulphide and oxide ores at Carmacks. These tests demonstrate outstanding recovery levels and concentrate grades in both the sulphide only and blended sulphide/oxide samples, which would be utilized by the mine. Testing was done on samples consisting of material in which copper was present primarily in oxide minerals, where the copper was present as primarily sulphide minerals, and samples that were a blend of oxide and sulphide minerals. Table 1 below highlights selected results from this testing:
Table 1 – Flotation Recovery and concentrate grade.
Recovery %
Concentrate Grade
Sample
Cu
Au
Ag
Cu %
Au g/t
Ag g/t
Sulphide/Oxide blend1
82.0
70.1
68.6
40.1
10.6
104
Sulphide Sample2
93.7
69.0
78.4
42.7
7.7
117
Oxide Sample3
39.8
57.5
37.4
26.2
13.6
93
Locked cycle flotation on blend sample consisting of 60% sulfide and 40% oxide.
The sulphide ore assayed 0.92% Cu, 0.67% S, and 0.24 g/t Au. Gold and copper head grades calculated from the flotation test assays agreed well with the direct head assays.
The oxide ore assayed, 0.60% Cu, 0.06% S, and 0.25-0.82 g/t Au indicating that nugget gold may exist. However, the gold head grade calculated from the flotation tests was consistently between 0.20 g/t to 0.23 g/t with an average of 0.21 g/t. Locked cycle testing was not completed on the oxide samples.
Test work produced a very clean, premium, high-grade concentrate that forms the metallurgical basis for the process flow sheet of the PEA, which the company expects to publish by the end of the current quarter. Flotation optimization and an economic evaluation of the target copper grade versus recovery has been recommended by SGS and will be considered in future test work.
President and CEO, Tim Johnson, stated, “Building on the success of sulphide flotation testing completed in 2021, this study directly supports the PEA allowing a simplified flow sheet consisting of well-established froth flotation technology to be considered for increased overall recoveries at the Carmacks Project. Metallurgy is a key component of the upcoming PEA and with this important work complete we look forward to delivering the updated study to the market within the current quarter.”
Options
Granite Creek also announces that, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, it has granted 1,250,000 incentive stock options to directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Company, under its long-term incentive plan. The options are exercisable for up to five years, expiring on January 10th, 2028 and each option will allow the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.08 per share.
About Granite Creek Copper
Granite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 176 square kilometer Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The project is on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine, operated by Minto Metals Corp., to the north, and features excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.
Ms. Debbie James, P.Geo., a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. Ms. James is a Senior Geologist with TruePoint Exploration and a Project Manager at Carmacks.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Granite Creek Copper and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
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 press release corrects, replaces and entirely supersedes the prior version published on November 21, 2022 at 4:00 PM ET
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 22, 2022 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce results from an Induced Polarization (“IP”) survey conducted on the Company’s 100%-owned Carmacks copper-gold-silver project (“Carmacks” or the “Deposit”) in the Minto Copper District of central Yukon, Canada. The large, highly prospective, potential resource expansion targets identified adjacent to or near the proposed open pits warrant follow-up exploration in upcoming campaigns. The Company further announces it has closed the second and final tranche of the private placement financing described in a news release dated October 5, 2022.
President & CEO, Tim Johnson, stated, “These multiple new zones and targets adjacent to the conceptual open pits, as defined by the March NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate update, further highlight the prospectivity of our Carmacks project. Our team continues to do excellent work at Carmacks and we are confident in our ability to expand known mineralization and make new discoveries in the lesser explored parts of the 176km2 project. The current focus is the completion of the upcoming PEA and we look forward to reporting on the robust economics of the Carmacks project in the near term.”
Survey Overview
The first survey line (Line 1100S) was conducted over Zone 147 to investigate the correlation between known copper sulphide mineralization and the chargeability response from the Simcoe Geophysics deep-penetrating IP survey (see Figure 2 below). Subsequent survey lines were conducted over near-deposit target areas.
The results of the survey were enhanced by Resistivity Scaled Chargeability (“RSC”). RSC is a ratio of chargeability to resistivity (electrical properties measured by the IP survey) with the applied ratio determined by comparing various ratios to known mineralized bodies. The well-defined Zone 147 was used as a model to determine the RSC ratio that best fit the known mineralization. (See Figure 4 below).
Figure 1 – Carmacks Copper-Gold Project Location
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Monday, November 21, 2022, Press release picture
Line 1100S, surveyed over defined sulfide copper mineralization in Zone 147, established a model for the RSC response and identified a new zone ~920 meters to the west. This new zone, named the Sourtoe Zone, extends 200m south to Line 1300S. This zone has been investigated with soil samples and trenching, exposing visually mineralized material close to surface (results pending). The soils and trenching were designed to evaluate the geochemical and geological signatures of this near-surface IP response and their similarities to known mineralized zones.
Figure 3 – 2022 IP Survey Line 1100S
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Monday, November 21, 2022, Press release picture
Line 1300S shows a potential continuation of the Sourtoe Zone, giving the zone a minimum of 200m strike length as well as a new, deeper target, the 147 Deep Target, several hundred meters below the proposed 147 pit.
Figure 4 – 2022 IP Survey Line 1300S
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Monday, November 21, 2022, Press release picture
Line 1500S, designed to test the gap area between zones 2000 and 147 (the “Gap Zone”), was successful in identifying a significant anomaly that is offset to the west from both zones. 3D modeling of historic drilling shows that this target has not been drill tested and could represent a southern extension of the 147 zone. The Gap Zone Target is a top candidate for additional near-deposit exploration (See figure 4). Additionally, a new, deeper target area that appears on this line and extends to line 1700S has been identified as the 58 Target.
Figure 5 – 2022 IP Survey Line 1500S
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Monday, November 21, 2022, Press release picture
Line 1700S, located 200m south of Line 1500S, shows the probable Gap Zone Target continuing southwards towards Zone 2000 as well as the newly identified 58 Target. Additionally, a shallow anomaly east of the proposed pit is identified as a possible continuation of Zone 4 proximal to the 147 pit.
Figure 6 – 2022 IP Survey Line 1700S
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Monday, November 21, 2022, Press release picture
Line 3300S, the southern most line completed in this survey highlights the potentiality of the area underneath the proposed 1213 pit. Additionally, an anomaly on the western portion of the line has been identified as 1213 west target for further follow up. With the current pit design bottoming out at 180 meters there remains significant room to grow the resource in this area. Additional lines on 200m spacing over the 1213 area are planned for subsequent geophysical campaigns to further define the zone.
Figure 7 – 2022 IP Survey Line 3300S
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Monday, November 21, 2022, Press release picture
The Company announces the completion of the second tranche of the previously announced private placement offering (the “Offering”) which has raised aggregate proceeds of $148,700 through the issuance of a total of 1,142,667 non-flow-through units and 572,727 flow-through shares (the “Offering”). The Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
The Company issued an aggregate of 1,933,273 flow-through shares (“FT shares”) at a price of $0.11 per share, to raise proceeds of $212,660.03 to incur Canadian Exploration Expenses (“CEE”) under the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Company raised a further $193,799.93 through the issuance of 2,583,999 non flow-through units at a price of $0.075 with each unit consisting of one common share of the Company and one warrant (a “Warrant”), with each Warrant allowing the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.10 per share for twenty-four months from the Closing Date of the Offering.
All shares issued under the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. The Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
The Company has agreed to pay finders’ fees totalling of $13,259 in cash or shares on a portion of the Private Placement and to issue 127,042 finder warrants. Each finder warrant is exercisable into one common share of the Company at a price of $0.10 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of closing.
The Offering constitutes a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”), as insiders of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 600,001 units for proceeds of $48,500.08. The Company relied on the exemptions in Section 5.5(b) – Issuer Not Listed on Specified Markets from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 and relied on the exemption in Section 5.7(1)(a) – Fair Market Value Not More Than 25 Per Cent of Market Capitalization from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report at least 21 days before the expected closing date of the Offering as the aforementioned insider participation had not been confirmed at that time and the Company wished to close the Offering as expeditiously as possible.
Qualified Persons
Ms. Debbie James, P.Geo., a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. Ms. James is a Senior Geologist with TruePoint Exploration and a Project Manager at Carmacks.
About Granite Creek Copper
Granite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 176km2 Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The project hosts a National Instrument 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate consisting of 36.2 million tonnes grading 0.81% Cu, 0.31 g/t Au and 3.41 g/t Ag on trend with Minto Metals’ high-grade Minto copper-gold mine and features excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Granite Creek Copper and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
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, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 21, 2022 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX | OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce results from an Induced Polarization (“IP”) survey conducted on the Company’s 100%-owned Carmacks copper-gold-silver project (“Carmacks” or the “Deposit”) in the Minto Copper District of central Yukon, Canada. The large, highly prospective, potential resource expansion targets identified adjacent to or near the proposed open pits warrant follow-up exploration in upcoming campaigns. The Company further announces it has closed the second and final tranche of the private placement financing described in a news release dated October 5, 2022.
President & CEO, Tim Johnson, stated, “These multiple new zones and targets adjacent to the conceptual open pits, as defined by the March NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate update, further highlight the prospectivity of our Carmacks project. Our team continues to do excellent work at Carmacks and we are confident in our ability to expand known mineralization and make new discoveries in the lesser explored parts of the 176km2 project. The current focus is the completion of the upcoming PEA and we look forward to reporting on the robust economics of the Carmacks project in the near term.”
Survey Overview
The first survey line (Line 1100S) was conducted over Zone 147 to investigate the correlation between known copper sulphide mineralization and the chargeability response from the Simcoe Geophysics deep-penetrating IP survey (see Figure 2 below). Subsequent survey lines were conducted over near-deposit target areas.
The results of the survey were enhanced by Resistivity Scaled Chargeability (“RSC”). RSC is a ratio of chargeability to resistivity (electrical properties measured by the IP survey) with the applied ratio determined by comparing various ratios to known mineralized bodies. The well-defined Zone 147 was used as a model to determine the RSC ratio that best fit the known mineralization. (See Figure 4 below).
Figure 1 – Carmacks Copper-Gold Project Location
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Monday, November 21, 2022, Press release picture
Figure 2 – Location of 2022 Simcoe IP Lines
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Monday, November 21, 2022, Press release picture
Select Results
Line 1100S, surveyed over defined sulfide copper mineralization in Zone 147, established a model for the RSC response and identified a new zone ~920 meters to the west. This new zone, named the Sourtoe Zone, extends 200m south to Line 1300S. This zone has been investigated with soil samples and trenching, exposing visually mineralized material close to surface (results pending). The soils and trenching were designed to evaluate the geochemical and geological signatures of this near-surface IP response and their similarities to known mineralized zones.
Figure 3 – 2022 IP Survey Line 1100S
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Monday, November 21, 2022, Press release picture
Line 1300S shows a potential continuation of the Sourtoe Zone, giving the zone a minimum of 200m strike length as well as a new, deeper target, the 147 Deep Target, several hundred meters below the proposed 147 pit.
Figure 4 – 2022 IP Survey Line 1300S
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Monday, November 21, 2022, Press release picture
Line 1500S, designed to test the gap area between zones 2000 and 147 (the “Gap Zone”), was successful in identifying a significant anomaly that is offset to the west from both zones. 3D modeling of historic drilling shows that this target has not been drill tested and could represent a southern extension of the 147 zone. The Gap Zone Target is a top candidate for additional near-deposit exploration (See figure 4). Additionally, a new, deeper target area that appears on this line and extends to line 1700S has been identified as the 58 Target.
Figure 5 – 2022 IP Survey Line 1500S
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Monday, November 21, 2022, Press release picture
Line 1700S, located 200m south of Line 1500S, shows the probable Gap Zone Target continuing southwards towards Zone 2000 as well as the newly identified 58 Target. Additionally, a shallow anomaly east of the proposed pit is identified as a possible continuation of Zone 4 proximal to the 147 pit.
Figure 6 – 2022 IP Survey Line 1700S
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Monday, November 21, 2022, Press release picture
Line 3300S, the southern most line completed in this survey highlights the potentiality of the area underneath the proposed 1213 pit. Additionally, an anomaly on the western portion of the line has been identified as 1213 west target for further follow up. With the current pit design bottoming out at 180 meters there remains significant room to grow the resource in this area. Additional lines on 200m spacing over the 1213 area are planned for subsequent geophysical campaigns to further define the zone.
Figure 7 – 2022 IP Survey Line 3300S
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Monday, November 21, 2022, Press release picture
Closing of Second Tranche of Private Placement
The Company announces the completion of the previously announced private placement offering which has raised aggregate proceeds of $148,700 through the issuance of a total of 1,142,667 non-flow-through units and 572,727 flow-through shares (the “Offering”). The Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
The Company issued XX flow-through shares (“FT shares”) at a price of $0.11 per share, to raise proceeds of $XX to incur Canadian Exploration Expenses (“CEE”) under the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Company issued a total of XX units at a price of $0.075 with each unit consisting of one common share of the Company and one warrant (a “Warrant”), with each Warrant allowing the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.10 per share for twenty-four months from the Closing Date of the Offering.
The Shares are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Shares have not been, and will not be, regis-tered under the U.S. Securities Act or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws.
The Company has agreed to pay finders’ fees totalling of $13,259 in cash or shares on a portion of the Private Placement and to issue 127,042 finder warrants. Each finder warrant is exercisable into one common share of the Company at a price of $0.10 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of closing.
The Offering constitutes a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”), as insiders of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 600,001 units for proceeds of $48,500.08. The Company relied on the exemptions in Section 5.5(b) – Issuer Not Listed on Specified Markets from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 and relied on the exemption in Section 5.7(1)(a) – Fair Market Value Not More Than 25 Per Cent of Market Capitalization from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report at least 21 days before the expected closing date of the Offering as the aforementioned insider participation had not been confirmed at that time and the Company wished to close the Offering as expeditiously as possible.
Qualified Persons
Ms. Debbie James, P.Geo., a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. Ms. James is a Senior Geologist with TruePoint Exploration and a Project Manager at Carmacks.
About Granite Creek Copper
Granite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 176km2 Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The project hosts a National Instrument 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate consisting of 36.2 million tonnes grading 0.81% Cu, 0.31 g/t Au and 3.41 g/t Ag on trend with Minto Metals’ high-grade Minto copper-gold mine and features excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Granite Creek Copper and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
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, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2022 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX | OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Star Cu-Ni-Platinum Group Metal (“PGM”) project, located in the Omineca mineral belt of northern British Columbia.
Granite Creek will secure a 100% interest in the Star project, with no underlying royalty or further obligation, for a total consideration of $10,000 CDN and the issuance of 500,000 common shares of the Company to the estate of Ursula Mowat. The issued shares will have a hold period of 4 months plus one day from the date of issuance. The Company anticipates closing the transaction on or about the August 30, 2022, subject to TSX Venture approval.
Tim Johnson, CEO of Granite Creek Copper, stated, “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Ursula Mowat who had been a pioneer in prospecting for platinum group metals and associated nickel and copper mineralisation in the Omineca region of British Columbia. As one of the first geologists to recognize the potential for the native iron-nickel alloy awaruite to be a significant source of low-cost nickel in the Omineca area, she will be remembered for her ground-breaking work in the industry. To be able to acquire the Star project claims and continue the development work to unlock the potential that Ursula obviously saw is an honour. We look forward to completing our initial work on the claims and relaying to investors the potential for both precious and battery metals on the project.”
“Although Granite Creek’s primary focus remains our flagship Carmacks Copper-Gold-Silver project with the pending updated preliminary economic assessment expected in Q4 2022, the Star project increases our exposure to critical minerals at a time when the Canadian government is incentivizing exploration of listed critical commodities in Canada, as part of a broader push to secure supplies of the minerals in North America for national security and to support the development of carbon free energy sources.”
About the Star Project
The Star project is located 190 kilometers northeast of Smithers, BC and is within 5 kilometers of the Omineca Resource Road and powerline that served the Kemess Mine. The 2500-hectare project is underlain by ultramafic rocks that are prospective for copper, nickel, cobalt, PGMs and gold. Previous work identified multiple showings consisting of copper and nickel sulphide mineralisation with accompanying PGM and gold values. The showings are identified within six distinct zones spread over a 12-kilometer strike length including Queen Zone, GL Zone, HB Zone, HC Zone, Libra Zone, and Ridge Zone (see accompanying Figure 1 for Zone locations as well as additional areas identified for follow up).
Highlights of some of the best mineralised copper and nickel sulfide bearing rock sampled by Ms. Mowat from the various are identified below:
1.18% Cu, 0.17 g/t Au, 0.11 g/t Pd from the Queen Zone
0.78% Cu, 0.25% Ni, 833 ppm Co and 0.27% Cu from the GL Zone.
0.09 % Cu, 1.32 g/t Pt and 1.82 g/t Pd from the HB Zone.
0.87% Cu, 0.18 % Ni, 0.12 g/t Au, 0.41 g/t Pt and 0.83 g/t Pd from the HC Zone.
0.31% Cu Cu from Libra Zone
0.30% Cu, 0.28 g/t Pt, 0.25 g/t Pd from the Ridge Zone.
Figure 1 Claim Block and Zone Location
Qualified Persons
Ms. Debbie James, P.Geo., a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical in this news release. Ms. James is a Senior Geologist with TruePoint Exploration and a Project Manager for Granite Creek Copper.
About Granite Creek Copper
Granite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 176-square-kilometer Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The project is on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine, operated by Minto Metals Corp., to the north, and features excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. The project is located within the Traditional Territory of Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Granite Creek Copper and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
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, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 3, 2022 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSX.V:GCX | OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Geordan Clark as an Independent Director.
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Wednesday, August 3, 2022, Press release picture
Geordan Clark is a Yukon-based entrepreneur with extensive project management and business development experience including an MBA from Cape Breton University. A citizen of the Kluane First Nation from Burwash Landing, Geordan worked as a business consultant with the Kluane First Nation, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation, Carcross Tagish First Nation, Chu Níikwän LP (Kwanlin Dun), Champagne Aishihik Community Development Corporation, as well as providing consulting services to many other Yukon First Nations small business owners. Mr. Clark was formerly the Executive Director of the Kluane Development Corporation and is currently General Manager and co-owner of Vision Quest Explorations, a Yukon First Nation drilling and exploration company. With a passion for Community Economic Development, Geordan is dedicated to supporting the progression of Yukon First Nation’s business and advancement of the Yukon’s economy.
Geordan Clark, Director, stated, “I am very pleased to be joining Granite Creek Copper and look forward to working with the team to further advance the project including developing and strengthening relationships within the local communities and First Nations in Yukon.”
Tim Johnson, President & CEO, stated, “Geordan is a well-known and respected Yukon businessman and leader. It is an absolute pleasure to have him join our team and we very much look forward to his involvement and guidance as we continue to advance the Carmacks Copper project. Our goal is to continue to develop and build on our relationships with First Nations, including Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation on whose Traditional Territory the project is located, and to have a positive impact within local communities, as well as the Yukon at large. We look forward to providing additional updates on both the project and other initiatives in the coming weeks, including the updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) which remains on track for completion in Q4.”
Granite Creek further announces it has granted 360,000 incentive stock options (the “Options”) to certain Directors, Officers, employees and consultants of the Company. Each Option will allow the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.10 per share and is exercisable for up to five years, expiring on August 3, 2027.
About Granite Creek Copper
Granite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 176-square-kilometer Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The project is on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine, operated by Minto Metals Corp., to the north, and features excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. The project is located within the Traditional Territory of Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.
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, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 4, 2022 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce the creation of a dedicated Community & First Nations Relations Team for the Metallic Group of Companies and the appointment of Lindsay Wilson to the role of Manager, Community and Investor Relations. Ms. Wilson will be working alongside Lauren Blackburn, the Company’s Yukon-based Regulatory & Permitting Manager, in further strengthening our relationships with First Nations, local communities and governments.
The Metallic Group is well established in the Yukon with multiple projects under development by member companies. The Group employs dedicated personnel in Whitehorse, who are long-time residents of the Yukon and, as such, have an affinity for and understanding of its people, its history and its robust mineral endowment. Ms. Blackburn has been with Metallic Minerals and the Metallic Group since its founding and has taken a leading role in the Company’s community, permitting and regulatory initiatives. The addition of Ms. Wilson greatly increases our capacity to build meaningful and long-lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships in keeping with our strong commitment to environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) aspects of the resource sector. The Metallic Group is committed to applying best industry practices to exploration and to make positive contributions in the Territory and the specific communities in which we work.
Lauren Blackburn – Manager, Regulatory and Permitting
Ms. Blackburn has over 15 years of Yukon-based experience in the mineral exploration sector focused on the exploration and development of early to advanced-stage silver, gold, and base metal deposits. Her primary concentration has been in northern Canada where she has garnered a dynamic skill set that includes expertise in the exploration process, permitting, lands management, regulatory lobbying, land-use planning and community engagement. Ms. Blackburn is highly involved in Territorial legislation and policy review, permitting activities and assists in evaluation of potential project acquisitions and strategic development.
Lindsay Wilson – Manager, Community & Investor Relations
A member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation on Vancouver Island, Ms. Wilson is focused on incorporating traditional ways of being into her work within the resource sector and seeking to develop sustainable and credible partnerships within the communities that she works. Ms. Wilson has a comprehensive background in indigenous studies and public relations, alongside practical experience in the mineral resource sector. Having worked previously in the Yukon with the Yukon Mining Alliance, Ms. Wilson is excited about the opportunity to return to work in the Yukon and looking forward to reconnecting with the communities there.
Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference (AIIC)
The Metallic Group Community and First Nations Team will be attending the AIIC on May 4th & 5th in Whitehorse, Yukon.
Connecting globally – through a hybrid (in-person & virtual) experience – AIIC 2022 will highlight and promote indigenous development corporations and businesses in the northern economy, alongside the north’s business community and colleagues across sectors. The goals of AIIC 2022 are to support economic reconciliation and growth, and youth entrepreneurship by forging new and stronger relationships, advancing meaningful partnerships, and connecting people across the arctic. Indigenous development corporations and businesses play a key role across northern Canada. These efforts are supported when we stand together with a collaborative voice for business, northern investment and our citizens, to ensure a diverse and prosperous economy, community and future.
About the Metallic Group of Companies
The Metallic Group is a collaboration of leading precious and base metals exploration and development companies, with a portfolio of large, brownfields assets in established mining districts adjacent to some of the industry’s highest-grade producers of silver and gold, platinum and palladium, and copper. Member companies include Granite Creek Copper in the Yukon’s Minto copper district, Metallic Minerals in the Yukon’s high-grade Keno Hill silver district and La Plata silver-gold-copper district of Colorado, and Group Ten Metals in the Stillwater PGM-nickel-copper district of Montana and Kluane district in the Yukon. The founders and team members of the Metallic Group include highly successful explorationists formerly with some of the industry’s leading explorer/developers and major producers. With this expertise, the companies are undertaking a systematic approach to exploration and development using new models and technologies to facilitate discoveries in these proven, but under-explored, mining districts. Members of the Metallic Group have been recognized as recipients of awards for excellence in environmental stewardship demonstrating commitment to responsible resource development and appropriate ESG practices. The Metallic Group is headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and its member companies are listed on the Toronto Venture, US OTCQB, and Frankfurt stock exchanges.
About Granite Creek Copper
Granite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 176 square kilometer Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The project is south of the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine, operated by Minto Metals Corp., and features a high-grade copper, gold and silver resource with excellent access to road, power and port infrastructure. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.
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, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 3, 2022 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce that it has retained SGS to complete an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) on the Carmacks project. The PEA will use the 2022 Resource Estimate (Table 1), consisting of 36.2 million tonnes (Mt) in Measured and Indicated categories (M&I), grading 1.07% CuEq (0.81% Cu, 0.26g/t Au, 3.23g/t Ag and 0.011% Mo) for a total of 651 million pounds (Mlbs) of contained M&I copper and an additional 38 Mlbs Cu Inferred as the main input. Building off a 2017 PEA(1), the updated study will encompass the following:
Significant Increase in Contained Copper – The 2022 resource estimate marked a 43% increase in contained copper over the previous estimate referenced(2)
Inclusion of Sulphide Processing – As of the publication of the 2022 resource estimate the Carmacks project consists of roughly 50/50 sulfide and oxide resources by contained metal. The Company sees the inclusion of sulphide resources as a significant potential value driver having a positive impact on the economics of the project; and
High Proportion of Resources Modeled in Three Conceptual Open Pits – 96% of the 2022 resources are contained within the conceptual pits (Figure 1). With a high percentage of current resources reporting in conceptual pits the cash cost per pound of copper is expected to be significantly lower when compared to a similar sized underground operation.
Timothy Johnson, Granite Creek President & CEO, stated, “The launch of the updated Preliminary Economic Assessment study marks a major milestone in the development of the Carmacks deposit at a time when commodities demand is seeing rapid growth. The Carmacks project is well-positioned by its location, access to infrastructure, and proximity to the operating, high-grade Minto mine just to the north. Both copper and molybdenum have been deemed by the Canadian government to be ‘critical minerals‘ based on their role in the transition to a low-carbon economy which we expect will provide prolonged price strength well into the future. We look forward to continuing to bring positive news as we develop this high-grade copper project.”
Upcoming Events
OTC Markets Mining and Metals Virtual Conference – Tim Johnson, President & CEO, will present live at VirtualInvestorConferences.com on May 5th, 2022 at 10am PT | 1pm ET. To register, click here.
Vancouver Resource Investment Conference – Granite Creek Copper will join fellow members of the Metallic Group of Companies at the 2022 VRIC event at the Vancouver Convention Centre on May 17-18. Visit us in Booth 111.
2022 Technical Report Filing
Granite Creek also announces that further to its news release dated March 15, 2022 it has filed on SEDAR a National Instrument 43-101 technical report (the “Technical Report”) for the Carmacks project, located in the Yukon, Canada.
The report, entitled “Technical Report on the Updated Mineral Resource Estimates for the Carmacks Cu-Au-Ag Project Near Carmacks, Yukon, Canada”, has an effective date of February 25, 2022. The Technical Report was authored Allan Armitage Ph.D., P.Geo of SGS Geological Services(“SGS”) an independent Qualified Person and was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
The Technical Report is available under the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com and will also be available on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.
Table 1 – 2022 Carmacks Copper Project Mineral Resources
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Tuesday, May 3, 2022, Press release picture
Cu=copper, Au=gold, Mo=molybdenum, Ag=silver, Mt=millions of tonnes, Mlbs=millions of pounds, klbs=thousands of pounds, koz=thousands of ounces. Mineral Resources are reported using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. Mineral Resources are reported within a conceptual constraining pit shell that includes the following input parameters: Metal prices of $3.60/lb Cu, $1,750/Au, $22/oz Ag, $14/lb Mo and pit slope angles that vary from 35° for overburden to 55°for granodiorite host. Metal prices are in US$. Metallurgical recoveries reflective of prior test work that averages: 85% Cu, 85% Au, 65% Ag in the oxide domain and 90% Cu, 76% Au, 65% Ag in the sulphide domain. Mo recovery is assumed to be 70% in both oxide and sulphide domain. Tonnes are metric tonnes, with Cu and Mo grades as percentages and Au and Ag grades as gram per tonne units. Cu and Mo metal content is reported in lb and Au and Ag content is reported in troy oz. Totals and Metal content may not sum due to rounding and significant digits used in calculations. Cu Eq calculation is based on 100% recovery of all metals using the same metal prices used in the resource calculation: $3.60/lb Cu, $1,750/Au, $22/oz Ag, $14/lb Mo.
Figure 1 – Oblique view of 2022 resources and proposed pits (total strike length of 2,950 m)
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Tuesday, May 3, 2022, Press release picture
Qualified Persons
The Carmacks project 2022 Resource Estimate was prepared by Allan Armitage, P.Geo., of SGS Geological Services, an independent Qualified Person, in accordance with the guidelines of the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) with an effective date of February 25, 2022. Armitage conducted a site visit to the property on November 9, 2021.
Ms. Debbie James, P.Geo., a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure not pertaining to the resource estimate contained in this news release. Ms. James is a Senior Geologist with TruePoint Exploration and a Project Manager at Carmacks.
1PEA: “NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment Technical Report on the Carmacks Project, Yukon, Canada” Effective Date 12 October 2016. Report Date: 25 November 2016. SEDAR Filing Date: 9 February 2017
1News Release: “Copper North Expands Oxide Mineral resources at Carmacks” Published on SEDAR 9 April 2018.
About Granite Creek Copper
Granite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 176 square kilometer Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The project is on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine, operated by Minto Metals Corp., to the north, and features excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Granite Creek Copper and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
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.
