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.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 27, 2022 / Group Ten Metals, Inc. (TSXV:PGE) (OTCQB:PGEZF) (FSE:5D32) (the “Company” or “Group Ten”) is very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Danie Grobler to the role of Vice-President, Exploration and Mr. Albie Brits to the role of Senior Geologist, as of May 1st, 2022. Dr. Grobler and Mr. Brits both have extensive senior level experience from more than two decades of advancing major deposits on the northern limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa including, most recently, at Ivanhoe Mines’ Platreef PGE-Ni-Cu-Au mine, which is now in construction.
The addition of Dr. Grobler and Mr. Brits to the Group Ten Metals team is an important step in the advancement of the Company’s Stillwater West project as a major U.S.-based source of critical minerals – nickel, palladium, copper, cobalt, platinum, and rhodium – in Montana’s productive and famously metal-rich Stilllwater Igneous Complex. Their expertise in similar geologic models from the giant mines of South Africa’s Bushveld Igneous Complex is expected to drive expansion of Group Ten’s inaugural NI 43-101 resource estimates, announced October 2021, which delineated five deposits totaling 1.1 billion pounds of nickel, copper and cobalt and 2.4 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold in Platreef-style mineralization in the lower Stillwater Igneous Complex. All deposits are open for expansion at depth and along trend within the 12-kilometer core project area, and more broadly within earlier stage targets across the 32-kilometer span of the Stillwater West PGE-Ni-Cu-Co + Au project.
Dr. Danie Grobler has more than 25 years of industry experience as an exploration and mine geologist including most recently as Head of Geology and Exploration for Ivanplats Pty Ltd (an Ivanhoe Mines company) where since 2011 he led the delineation and advancement of Ivanhoe’s world-class Platreef PGE-Ni-Cu mine on the northern limb of the Bushveld complex. Including previous experience as Project Manager at Platinum Group Metals’ at their project on the Bushveld’s northern limb, Dr. Grobler brings decades of senior level experience focused on the discovery and mining of battery and platinum group metals in ultramafic magmatic systems and has published numerous papers on Ivanhoe’s Flatreef deposit.
Dr. Danie Grobler commented, “The geological parallels between Stillwater West and the Platreef/Flatreef-type mineralized ore bodies in South Africa are truly exceptional. I am very enthusiastic to be joining the highly experienced Group Ten Metals team and am excited to be able to apply my extensive Bushveld and Platreef experience at Stillwater West, with a focus on expanding the recently announced mineral resource. Utilizing the wealth of exploration data available, our immediate goal will be to continue to identify and grow shallow, continuous high-grade Platreef-style PGE-Ni-Cu mineralization within the lower part of the Stillwater Igneous Complex.”
Mr. Albie Brits has more than 28 years focused on the advancement of projects from grassroots stage to advanced exploration and full-scale mining operations, starting at Gold Fields of South Africa and including, most recently, the role of Senior Geologist and Manager Project Geology for Ivanplats Pty Ltd (an Ivanhoe Mines company). Focused on exploration for platinum group and base metals on the northern limb of the Bushveld complex since 2001, Mr. Brits was part of the team that discovered Ivanhoe’s Flatreef deposit. He has extensive experience in the exploration of mafic-ultramafic magmatic systems and has presented and co-authored numerous papers on the Flatreef deposit.
Mr. Brits commented, “I am very excited to be joining Group Ten’s excellent Stillwater West team and looking forward to applying my experience developing geological and structural models for the feasibility study of the Platreef project to drive new success in Montana. The Stillwater district is truly world class and Stillwater West shows remarkable expansion potential based on the geologic similarities with the Bushveld complex.”https://embed.fireplace.yahoo.com/embed?ctrl=Monalixa&m_id=monalixa&m_mode=document&site=sports&os=android&pageContext=%257B%2522ctopid%2522%253A%25221542500%253B1577000%253B1480989%2522%252C%2522hashtag%2522%253A%25221542500%253B1577000%253B1480989%2522%252C%2522wiki_topics%2522%253A%2522Platinum_group%253BBushveld_Igneous_Complex%253BIvanhoe_Mines%253BStillwater_igneous_complex%253BMontana%253BExploration%253BSouth_Africa%253BNatural_resource%2522%252C%2522lmsid%2522%253A%2522a077000000LnOyOAAV%2522%252C%2522revsp%2522%253A%2522accesswire.ca%2522%252C%2522lpstaid%2522%253A%252231c0ceeb-bd8e-34f0-832d-e67ffef5ff62%2522%252C%2522pageContentType%2522%253A%2522story%2522%257D
Michael Rowley, President and CEO, commented, “Developments at the Stillwater Igneous Complex have generally paralleled those at the Bushveld Igneous Complex, highlighting their significant geologic similarities. For example, the discovery and large-scale production of platinum group metals from the high-grade Merensky reef deposit in the Bushveld preceded the discovery and mining of the high-grade J-M Reef deposit at Stillwater by many decades. The more recent development of the Platreef deposits, starting with Anglo American’s bulk mineable PGE-Ni-Cu Mogalakwena mines in 1993 and continuing today with Ivanhoe’s Platreef mine, have demonstrated the world-class nature of these bulk-tonnage, critical mineral systems within the Bushveld complex. Our recent discoveries of comparable bulk-tonnage Platreef-style systems at Stillwater West demonstrate the continuation of the geologic parallels between the systems and highlight the incredible potential value creation for Group Ten Metals.”
Mr. Rowley continued “The addition of two such renowned experts, literally among the very top globally in large-scale critical mineral systems, is a watershed moment in the advancement of the Stillwater West project. Their unique expertise and perspective, earned from decades of work on world-class systems in the Bushveld, will directly complement the knowledge of our existing team which has decades of experience in the Stillwater district. We look forward to further announcements including our 2022 exploration plans and further assay results from our 2021 resource expansion drill campaign in the very near term.”
Upcoming News and Events
Graphical user interfaceDescription automatically generated with medium confidence
Live Webinar with Q&A
Group Ten will be hosting a live webinar on Wednesday, May 4th at 10am PT (1PM ET). To register click here or the thumbnail.
OTC Markets Metals and Mining Conference Virtual Conference
Michael Rowley will present on Thursday, May 5 at 10:30am PT (1:30PM ET). To register, click here.
About Stillwater West
Group Ten is advancing the Stillwater West PGE-Ni-Cu-Co + Au project towards becoming a world-class source of low-carbon, sulphide-hosted nickel, copper, and cobalt, critical to the electrification movement, as well as platinum, palladium and rhodium used in catalytic converters, fuel cells, and the production of green hydrogen. Stillwater West positions Group Ten as the second-largest landholder in the Stillwater Complex, with a 100%-owned position adjoining and adjacent to Sibanye-Stillwater’s PGE mines in south-central Montana, USA1. The Stillwater Complex is recognized as one of the top regions in the world for PGE-Ni-Cu-Co mineralization, alongside the Bushveld Complex and Great Dyke in southern Africa, which are similar layered intrusions. The J-M Reef, and other PGE-enriched sulphide horizons in the Stillwater Complex, share many similarities with the highly prolific Merensky and UG2 Reefs in the Bushveld Complex. Group Ten’s work in the lower Stillwater Complex has demonstrated the presence of large-scale disseminated and high-sulphide battery metals and PGE mineralization, similar to the Platreef in the Bushveld Complex2. Drill campaigns by the Company, complemented by a substantial historic drill database, have delineated five deposits of Platreef-style mineralization across a core 12-kilometer span of the project, all of which are open for expansion into adjacent targets. Multiple earlier-stage Platreef-style and reef-type targets are also being advanced across the remainder of the 32-kilometer length of the project based on strong correlations seen in soil and rock geochemistry, geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, and drilling.
About Group Ten Metals Inc.
Group Ten Metals Inc. is a TSX-V-listed Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the development of high-quality platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, cobalt, and gold exploration assets in top North American mining jurisdictions. The Company’s core asset is the Stillwater West PGE-Ni-Cu-Co + Au project adjacent to Sibanye-Stillwater’s high-grade PGE mines in Montana, USA. Group Ten also holds the high-grade Black Lake-Drayton Gold project adjacent to Treasury Metals’ development-stage Goliath Gold Complex in northwest Ontario, and the Kluane PGE-Ni-Cu-Co project on trend with Nickel Creek Platinum‘s Wellgreen deposit in Canada‘s Yukon Territory.
About the Metallic Group of Companies
The Metallic Group is a collaboration of leading precious and base metals exploration companies, with a portfolio of large, brownfield 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 Metallic Minerals in the Yukon’s high-grade Keno Hill silver district and La Plata silver-gold-copper district of Colorado, Group Ten Metals in the Stillwater PGM-nickel-copper district of Montana, and Granite Creek Copper in the Yukon’s Minto copper district. The founders and team members of the Metallic Group include highly successful explorationists formerly with some of the industry’s leading explorers/developers and major producers. With this expertise, the companies are undertaking a systematic approach to exploration using new models and technologies to facilitate discoveries in these proven, but under-explored, mining districts. The Metallic Group is headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and its member companies are listed on the Toronto Venture, US OTC, and Frankfurt stock exchanges.
Note 1: References to adjoining properties are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the exploration potential, extent or nature of mineralization or potential future results of the Company’s projects.
Note 2: Magmatic Ore Deposits in Layered Intrusions-Descriptive Model for Reef-Type PGE and Contact-Type Cu-Ni-PGE Deposits, Michael Zientek, USGS Open-File Report 2012-1010.
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 Group Ten 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 Group Ten and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available on the company’s profile 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 / April 26, 2022 / Metallic Minerals (TSXV:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) (“Metallic Minerals“, , or the “Company“) is pleased to announce the first National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) mineral resource estimate (the “2022 Resource Estimate”) on the Company’s La Plata project, which focuses on the central Allard copper-silver porphyry deposit. The Company acquired the project in 2019 and with confirmatory drilling and sampling has quickly generated a NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate consisting of 115.7 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.39% copper equivalent (“Cu Eq”) (0.35% Cu and 4.02 g/t Ag) using a 0.25% Cu Eq cut-off grade.
The Allard deposit remains open to significant expansion within the resource area. In addition, the greater La Plata silver-gold-copper project remains underexplored and open to new discoveries of both additional copper porphyry centers as well as high-grade epithermal silver and gold systems. A robust campaign of follow-up drilling and geophysical surveys is planned for the project in 2022 with the objective of expanding the 2022 Resource and advancing new targets.
Metallic Minerals Corp., Tuesday, April 26, 2022, Press release picture
Metallic Minerals will host a live webinar on Wednesday April 27th at 10am PT (1pm ET) to discuss the 2022 Resource, current activities, and upcoming plans for the La Plata and Keno Silver projects. To register, click here or the thumbnail.
Highlights
Inferred mineral resources at the Allard deposit total 889 million pounds of copper and 14.975 million ounces of silver in a constrained model with 115.7 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.39% Cu Eq (0.35% Cu and 4.02 g/t Ag) using a 0.25% Cu Eq cut-off grade (see Table 1).
The 2022 Resource Estimate area incorporates a single porphyry intrusive-hosted sulphide system that is drill defined over a kilometer (“km”) in length, 400 meters (m) in width and to a kilometer of vertical extent and remains open to expansion in all directions. The resource area shows strong spatial correlation with large-scale anomalies in geophysics and metal in soil values, providing a compelling basis for expansion of the 2022 Resource Estimate and for potential new discoveries in future drill campaigns.
The 2022 Resource Estimate was completed by SGS Geological Services (“SGS”) and is based on 56 diamond core drill holes, totalling 15,200 meters completed by Rio Tinto, Freeport and others along with new drilling and underground sampling by Metallic Minerals.
Exploration activities by Metallic Minerals in 2020 and 2021 included 1,980 meters of core drilling, resampling of historical drill core, underground sampling from the Allard deposit, airborne and ground-based geophysics and surface sampling across the broader property.
Drilling highlights at the Allard porphyry system include 395 m grading 0.57% copper equivalent (0.51% Cu, 6.3 g/t Ag and 0.017 g/t Au) in LP-03, and 854 m at 0.26% Cu, including 254 m grading 0.41% Cu, in drill hole LP-01. Both drill holes started and ended in mineralization (see Figure 1).
In addition to the 2022 Resource Estimate, which remains fully open to expansion at depth and along strike, 16 untested potential porphyry centers have been identified on the greater La Plata project area, as well as target areas with potential for significant high-grade epithermal silver and gold.
Scott Petsel, Metallic Minerals’ President, states, “This inaugural resource is a major milestone for Metallic Minerals and the La Plata project and puts us on the map in the U.S. with a new resource containing important base and precious metals, that fall under the US government’s critical minerals strategy, in a past-producing yet underexplored district in the southwestern U.S. With 15 million ounces of silver and nearly a billion pounds of copper, at recent metal prices of over $25/oz silver and $4.50/lb copper, the Company has demonstrated the exceptional value opportunity of the La Plata project for Metallic Minerals shareholders.”
Mr. Petsel continued, “We feel this is just the start for us at La Plata and it validates our strategy of identifying and acquiring high-quality district-scale assets during lows in the metal price cycle and applying modern, systematic exploration techniques as a means of value creation. This is also the process we are seeing to fruition at our high-grade Keno Silver property in the Yukon, Canada. Work at La Plata in 2022 will focus on expanding this new resource and testing new priority target areas for porphyry and high-grade silver and gold mineralization.”
The 2022 Resource Estimate will be incorporated into an NI 43-101-compliant technical report for the La Plata project which will be available within 45 days.
Table 1 – La Plata Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate at a Base Case Cut-off Grade of 0.25% CuEq with Grade and Contained Metal Sensitivity Analysis at Various CuEq Cut-off Grades.
Class
CuEq (%)
Tonnes
Cu
Ag
CuEq (%)
Cut-off
Grade (%)
Mlbs
Grade (g/t)
Ounces
Grade (%)
Mlbs
Inferred
0.15
151,327,000
0.31
1,040
3.68
17,888,000
0.35
1,154
Inferred
0.2
142,378,000
0.32
1,008
3.77
17,273,000
0.36
1,118
Inferred
0.25
115,731,000
0.35
889
4.02
14,975,000
0.39
985
Inferred
0.3
86,986,000
0.38
733
4.31
12,056,000
0.42
810
Inferred
0.35
60,752,000
0.42
565
4.61
9,000,000
0.46
622
The 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate has been estimated in conformity with CIM Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Best Practices Guidelines (2019) and current CIM Definition Standards – For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (2014). The constrained Mineral Resources are reported at a base case cut-off grade of 0.25% CuEq, based on metal prices of $3.60/lb Cu and $22.50/oz Ag, assumed metal recoveries of 90% for Cu and 65% for Ag, a mining cost of US$5.30/t rock and processing and G&A cost of US$11.50/t mineralized material. Cu Eq calculations are based on 100% recovery of all metals using the same metal prices used for the resource calculation. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.
The current Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Resources in this Mineral Resource Estimate are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Resources as Indicated or Measured. However, based on the current knowledge of the deposits, it is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
Figure 1 – La Plata Cross Section with Significant Drill Intervals and Mineralized Grade Shells
Metallic Minerals Corp., Tuesday, April 26, 2022, Press release picture
Sensitivity Analysis
In addition to the base case scenario at an economic cut-off grade of 0.25% Cu Eq, a sensitivity analysis is provided in Table 1 above, which demonstrates the variation in grade, tonnage and contained metal for the 2022 Resource Estimate at various cut-off grades. Different cut-off grades may be employed depending on variations in prevailing metal prices and mining costs.
Project Review and Exploration Update
The road accessible La Plata project covers 33 km2 approximately 26 km northwest of Durango, Colorado within the historic high-grade La Plata mining district located at the southwest end of the prolific Colorado Mineral Belt. Mineralization is related to a large-scale precious-metals-rich porphyry copper system with associated high-grade silver and gold epithermal vein and replacement deposits.
The La Plata district has a long and rich history of mining with the first silver deposits discovered in the 1700s by Spanish explorers. High-grade silver and gold production has been documented from the 1870s through the early 1940s from vein structures, replacement bodies and breccia zones at over 90 individual mines and prospects1. Historical production from some of these high-grade structures exceeded 1,000 grams per tonne (“g/t”) silver and over 15 g/t gold with some of the richest deposits delivering true bonanza grades for silver and gold.
From the 1950s to 1970s, major miners including Rio Tinto (Bear Creek) and Freeport-McMoRan (Phelps Dodge) explored in the La Plata district focusing on the significant potential for bulk-tonnage disseminated and stockwork hosted mineralization2. Freeport-McMoRan retained ownership of claims in the district until 2002 when they sold their holdings to the current underlying vendors during the lows of the last metal price cycle.
A total of 56 drill holes, totaling 15,200 m, have been drilled on the property since the 1950s which confirms the presence of a large-scale, multi-phase porphyry system with significant silver, gold and copper. This large-scale mineralized system is associated with a 10 km2, strong magnetic signature with intense hydrothermal alteration mapped in satellite based multispectral imaging.
The new 2022 Resource Estimate, at the Allard deposit, covers a relatively small part of the overall 33 km2 property. The deposit is steeply dipping and roughly tabular in shape, occurring over 1 km in length, 400 m in width with over 1 km in vertical extent based on drilling to date. The Allard deposit remains open to expansion in all directions.
The Allard deposit is a significant potential source of copper and silver, both important metals for the modernization and electrification of the economy. In addition, the broader La Plata property is known for Critical Minerals also important for the green energy revolution2. The resampling of hole 95-1 during the 2021 field season returned significant platinum and palladium assays (0.14 g/t platinum and 0.10 g/t palladium) associated with the Copper Hill target area east of the Allard resource area and corroborated historic accounts of its presence. Tellurium, another element on the critical mineral list, was a by-product of historic high-grade gold and silver production in the district. These and other important metals noted in the district will be evaluated as part of ongoing exploration of the project.
Work during the 2021 field season focused on the Allard target area with the completion 1,980 m of confirmation drilling, resampling of historical core and the resampling of the underground adit. Metallic Minerals is the first Company to complete significant exploration on the La Plata project in 50 years. Since acquisition, the Company has systematically explored the project by employing an array of modern exploration techniques. Through this work the Company has identified new high-grade epithermal-style targets and over 16 potential porphyry style mineralized zones across the broader property including at the adjacent Copper Hill target area, 1 km from the Allard deposit.
Planning for exploration work in 2022 is currently underway with a focus on resource expansion drilling, geophysics, and follow-up exploration on newly identified porphyry and high-grade silver and gold targets.
Estimation Methodology and Parameters
Completion of the 2022 Resource Estimate involved the assessment of a drill hole database, which included all data for surface and underground sampling completed through the fall of 2021, as well as a three-dimensional (“3D”) mineral resource model, a topographic surface model, models of the underground workings and underground channel samples, and available written reports. SGS used 56 drillholes and 15,200 m of drill data from 1959 to 2021 to delineate the Allard deposit in the 2022 Resource Estimate. All drill data and underground sampling completed by Metallic Minerals in 2021 were included in the 2022 Resource Estimate.
Inverse Distance squared restricted to a relevant underground mining mineralized domain was used to Interpolate grades for the main elements of interest including Cu (ppm) and Ag (g/t) into a block model. Composites of 3.05 m were used for the resource estimation with a 5 x 5 x 5-meter block size. A fixed specific gravity value of 2.65 g/cm3 is used to estimate the Mineral Resource tonnage from the block model volume and for waste density. While gold is seen associated with copper and silver in the deposit, historic assays for gold were limited and as such were not included in the estimate.
The mineral resources are presented undiluted and in situ (no minimum thickness), constrained by a continuous 3D wireframe model, and are considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. Based on a review of the project location and size, geometry and continuity of mineralization of the La Plata deposit, and its spatial distribution, it is envisioned that the La Plata deposit may be mined using a large-scale underground bulk mining method.
The base case cut-off grade of 0.25 % Cu Eq has been used to define Inferred underground resources on the La Plata deposits using bulk underground mining costs of US$5.30/tonne, US$11.50/tonne processing and G&A costs and assumed processing recoveries of 90% for Cu, 65% for Ag at long term metal prices of $3.60/lb Cu and $22.50/oz Ag. The constrained 2022 Resource Estimate grade blocks were quantified above the base case cut-off grade. At this base case economic cut-off grade the deposit shows good geologic and grade continuity.
The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Inferred Mineral Resource will be upgraded to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource as a result of continued exploration.
About SGS Geological Services
SGS Geological Services has an experienced and respected mining team focused on the domestic and international mining industry. The team has considerable experience in estimation and modeling of deposits of all types and practical and theoretical experience having realized hundreds of assessments for clients. The SGS team consists of a multi-disciplinary group of qualified persons with a strong understanding of the disclosure requirements for Mineral Resources set out in the NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (2016), CIM Definition Standards – For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (2014) and a strong understanding of the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines 2019.
About Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals Corp. is a growth-stage exploration Company, focused on high-grade silver and gold projects in underexplored, brownfields mining districts of North America. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to exploration in the Keno Hill silver district, La Plata silver-gold-copper district, and Klondike gold district through new discoveries and advancing resources to development. Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic Keno Hill silver district of Canada’s Yukon Territory, directly adjacent to Alexco Resource Corp’s operations, with more than 300 million ounces of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources. In addition, exploration at the recently acquired La Plata silver-gold-copper project in southwestern Colorado is targeting a silver and gold-enriched copper porphyry and adjacent high-grade silver and gold epithermal systems. The Company also continues to add new production royalty leases on its holdings in the Klondike gold district in the Yukon. All three districts have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise.
About the Metallic Group of Companies
The Metallic Group is a collaboration of leading precious and base metals exploration 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 Metallic Minerals in the Yukon’s high-grade Keno Hill silver district and La Plata silver-gold-copper district of Colorado, Group Ten Metals in the Stillwater PGM-nickel-copper district of Montana, and Granite Creek Copper in the Yukon’s Minto copper district. 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 using new models and technologies to facilitate discoveries in these proven, but under-explored, mining districts. 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.
1) Eckel, USGS Prof Paper 219, Geology and Ore Deposits of the La Plata Mining District, 1949; 2) Bear Creek Mining (now Rio Tinto), Humble Oil (now Exxon) and Phelps Dodge (now Freeport-McMoRan) company reports; 3) Christoffersen, Geological report on the Allard Copper-Silver-Gold-PGM deposit, La Plata Mining District, Durango, Colorado, 2005.
2) The US Geological Survey has released a list of 50 critical minerals that the USA economy requires for economic and national security.
Qualified Persons
The La Plata copper-silver project 2022 mineral 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 October 7, 2021. Armitage conducted a site visit to the property on August 13, 2021. Jeff Cary, CPG, 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. Mr. Cary is a Senior Geologist and La Plata Project Manager for Metallic Minerals.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Quality assurance and quality control procedures for drilling completed by the Company and consultants to the Company in 2021 include the systematic insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples, making up 12% of the sample stream. Drill core samples were sawn in half, labelled, placed in sealed bags and shipped directly to the Bureau Veritas preparation laboratory in their Sparks, Nevada facility and analyzed at the Burnaby, B.C. facility. All samples were analyzed using a 30 g multi-acid digestion with an ICP-ES/MS analysis. Samples with over limit gold, platinum or palladium were re-analyzed using a 30-gram fire assay fusion with an ICP-ES analysis. Over-limit copper and silver samples were analyzed by multi-acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrometry analysis. All results have passed the QAQC screening by the lab and the Company utilized a quality control and quality assurance protocol for the project, including blank, duplicate and standard reference samples.
Forward-Looking Statements
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 Metallic Minerals 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 Metallic Minerals 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 / April 12, 2022 / Metallic Minerals (TSXV:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) (“Metallic Minerals“, or the “Company“) is pleased to announce further results from the 2021 field program at the Company’s flagship Keno Silver project located in the productive and historic high-grade Keno Hill Silver District of Yukon, Canada.
The 2021 East Keno program focused on drilling, mapping, soil sampling and geophysical surveying with the objective of expanding upon pivotal discoveries made by the Company in 2020 at the East Keno target area where the first drill campaign ever conducted in the area identified high-grade, Keno-style silver veins within broad continuous zones of bulk-tonnage silver mineralization (Figure 1).
Results from the 2021 program have successfully expanded the footprint of known mineralization at East Keno down dip and along trend. Additionally, new mapping has demonstrated the importance of stacked regional scale thrust faulting in the district and identified associated epithermal mineralization, potentially coincident with bulk tonnage type mineralization, providing a new model for the occurrence of silver deposits in a district with over a century of exploration and production.
2021 East Keno Exploration Highlights:
Silver mineralization was encountered in 10 of 12 holes drilled at East Keno in 2021, including 24 separate high-grade intervals exceeding 100 g/t silver equivalent (“Ag Eq”) with individual sample grades up to 1,049 g/t Ag Eq.
Seven of the 12 holes at East Keno highlighted broad zones over 15 m widths of continuous mineralization.
Very wide, near-surface, bulk-tonnage style intersects continue to be prevalent in the area (Hole KS21-71 intersected 112.8 m of 36.5 g/t Ag Eq and Hole KS21-72 intersected 88.4 of 28 g/t Ag Eq).
At the UKHM target, Hole KS21-73 intersected 1.53 m of 1,049 g/t Ag Eq of high-grade Keno-style vein mineralization (788 g/t Ag, 3.5% Pb, 2.3% Zn). This hole represents a 30 m step-out from 2020 Reverse Circulation (“RC”) Hole KE20-12, which returned 0.76 m of 809 Ag Eq (462 g/t Ag, 2.2% Pb, 5.2% Zn) extending the known length of the high-grade structure.
At the Fox showing, 10 mineralized holes (of 11) have been drilled in the past two seasons defining the mineralized zone over 300 m meters of strike length with 26 intersects over 100 g/t Ag Eq.
Drilling expanded known mineralized zones in all areas that were drilled in 2021 (Fox, UKHM and Zone 2), and mineralization remains open for expansion at depth and on strike at all East Keno target areas.
Five lines totalling 20.3-line-kilometers of Simcoe Geosciences Alpha IPTM system returning Induced Polarization (“IP”) and resistivity anomalies identified 35 new conductive features of interest associated with soil and magnetic targets.
Scott Petsel, President, stated: “We are very encouraged with the results from the new RC drilling, and first ever diamond core drilling, at East Keno that is expanding the scope of the target areas and continuing to validate these discoveries as potential future resource areas worthy of continued investigation. What’s really exciting for the 2022 field season is our ability to now incorporate the new mapping into an updated geologic understanding of the interplay of the regional-scale structures and the newly recognized broader and lower grade style of epithermal mineralization broader and lower grade with what we already know about the Keno style high-grade veins. This should significantly increase our ability to make new discoveries.”
“During the 2022 field season, the Company intends to use core drilling at the Fox, UKHM and Zone 2 discovers with the aim of extending these areas and evaluating resource potential. The potential we see at East Keno cannot be overstated and, with our targeting methodology honed, we expect to make major strides in continuing to advance these top priority targets towards resource definition. We look forward to providing further news including final results from West Keno, as well as an update with respect to our NI 43-101 resource definition at the La Plata silver-gold-copper project in Colorado and our exploration plans for both Keno and La Plata in 2022.”
Figure 1. Keno Silver District Geology and Deposits
2021 East Keno Exploration Program
The East Keno Area is represented by 12 multi-kilometer-scale anomalies which indicate potential for large scale mineralization in the least explored part of the district. The largest of the target areas extends up to five kilometers in length and two kilometers in width with values in soil exceeding 100 g/t Ag Eq. The initial drill campaign in the target area was completed in 2020 and returned several significant high-grade Ag-Pb-Zn massive sulphide vein intervals (KE20-01, 0.77 m @ 1,416.9 Ag Eq) and numerous broad potential bulk tonnage scale intervals (KE20-01, 28.2 m @ 70.1 g/t Ag Eq and KE20-02, 22.1 m @ 52.3 g/t Ag Eq).
The 2021 field program at East Keno was designed to conduct follow-up drilling at the new discovery areas identified in 2020 to define the scale of the subsurface mineralization along trend and at depth within these multi-kilometer-scale soil and geophysical targets. Exploration in 2021 consisted of geophysics, soil sampling, mapping and a total of 2,824 m of drilling comprising 1,507 m in four diamond core holes and 1,317 m in eight RC holes. Drilling at the East Keno target area, since the initial drill discovery in 2020, now totals 4,702 m in 31 holes.
Drilling returned new intervals of higher-grade Keno Style Ag-Pb-Zn mineralization within broad intervals of lower grade, bulk-tonnage style mineralization. The highest grades encountered in 2021 were found at the UKHM showing at the southern end of the five-kilometer-long soil anomaly where hole KS21-73 returned 1.53m of 1,049 g/t Ag Eq (778 g/t Ag, 3.54% Pb and 2.3% Zn) (Table 1). Zones of combined higher-grade zinc and lower-grade silver seen in the 2021 drill results are a result of metal zonation in the vein structures and provide information that can be used to direct future exploration efforts towards more silver-rich areas.
At the Fox showing, the most advanced of the East Keno target areas, broad intervals of bulk-tonnage-style mineralization have been returned in 10 of 11 holes drilled to date with 26 intersections greater than 100 g/t Ag Eq. Six holes (1 core, 5 RC) were drilled at Fox in 2021, expanding the total defined strike length to over 300 m. The best intervals, representing both high-grade Keno Style Ag-Pb-Zn veins and broader bulk tonnage mineralization, found at Fox are KE20-01: 0.77 m @ 1,417 g/t Ag Eq (1,145 g/t Ag, 2.2% Pb and 3.7% Zn) and KS21-71: 112.8 m @ 36.5 g/t Ag Eq (9.5 g/t Ag, 0.04% Pb and 0.5% Zn) (Table 1). The Fox target will be a focus of further off-set and expansion drill testing in 2022 as the target area advances towards resource definition.
Zone 2 and the UKHM target also returned similar broad envelopes of mineralization. The intervals are at shallow depths and may represent epithermal mineralization associated with stacked thrust faults as defined by mapping during the 2021 season. A focus on core drilling for 2022, which provides enhanced structural information, should help further characterize these styles of mineralization and their structural setting and associations.
Soil sampling at East Keno extended the existing +3 km silver in soil anomalies at the Fox target and defined a new zone, Fox Northeast, which appears to connect the previously identified Zone 2 and Fox targets. The Fox Northeast zone expands the known extent of anomalous soils 500 m east and 1,100 m to the north. This strong northerly anomaly coincides with observable lineaments from satellite imagery. A second new zone, Fox North, was also delineated as a 600 m by 350 m north-south trending silver in soil anomaly. Additional surface sampling will be a priority during the 2022 season to see if the Fox North anomaly can be linked with the broader 3 km anomaly to the south which encompasses the Fox, Zone 2 and UKHM target zones.
Table 1 – Highlight 2021 and 2020 Drill Results from the East Keno Target Areas
Hole
From (m)
To (m)
Width (m)
Ag Eq (g/t)
Ag (g/t)
Au (g/t)
Pb (%)
Zn (%)
KS21-68
143.26
210.31
67.05
15.2
7.4
0
0.02
0.13
incl
146.3
147.83
1.53
156.1
106
0
0.24
0.83
incl
207.26
208.79
1.53
122.8
36
0.01
0.26
1.6
KS21-69
16.76
38.1
21.34
17
9.2
0
0.05
0.08
KS21-69
83.82
85.34
1.52
233.3
117
0.01
0.94
1.69
KS21-70
19.81
27.43
7.62
25.3
16.2
0
0.1
0.06
KS21-70
57.91
73.15
15.24
21
4.3
0.05
0.02
0.23
KS21-71
12.19
124.97
112.78
36.5
9.5
0.01
0.04
0.5
incl
22.86
24.38
1.52
198.5
123
0.01
0.99
0.74
incl
60.96
64.01
3.05
215
48.9
0.05
0.16
3.24
incl
60.96
70.1
9.14
108.7
22.2
0.02
0.07
1.7
incl
80.77
91.44
10.67
105.3
22.2
0.02
0.04
1.66
incl
86.87
88.39
1.52
448.4
68
0.05
0.04
7.77
incl
100.58
102.11
1.53
218
32
0.18
0.02
3.53
incl
115.82
117.35
1.53
155.6
36
0.01
0.03
2.47
KS21-72
60.96
149.35
88.39
28
10
0.01
0.05
0.31
incl
60.96
62.48
1.52
314.9
162
0.02
0.89
2.44
incl
89.92
91.44
1.52
130.9
84.2
0.01
0.46
0.59
incl
99.06
102.11
3.05
119.7
31.2
0.04
0.05
1.74
incl
117.35
118.87
1.52
97.1
49
0
0.4
0.68
incl
138.68
140.21
1.53
242.9
33
0
0.07
4.34
KS21-73
111.25
115.82
4.57
424.9
305.2
0.12
1.39
1.11
incl
111.25
112.78
1.53
1049.1
788
0.11
3.54
2.3
KS21-73
146.3
147.83
1.53
85.4
64.1
0.03
0.23
0.18
KS21-74
19.81
44.2
24.39
18.4
14.3
0.01
0.07
0.02
incl
38.1
39.62
1.52
103.4
91
0.02
0.25
0.01
KS21-74
108.2
147.83
39.63
18.4
11.9
0.01
0.05
0.07
incl
115.82
117.35
1.53
105.3
69.1
0.07
0.19
0.42
incl
138.68
144.78
6.1
41.2
30.6
0.01
0.12
0.11
KS21-75
39.62
44.2
4.58
54.5
39.6
0.01
0.2
0.1
KS21-75
117.35
131.06
13.71
49.7
40.8
0.01
0.02
0.16
incl
121.92
123.44
1.52
326.8
281
0.03
0.03
0.86
FX21-01
19.8
20.8
1
111.2
71.1
0
0.44
0.49
FX21-01
115.6
116.1
0.5
114.4
9
0.2
0.02
1.78
FX21-01
326.3
326.8
0.5
177.7
15
0
0.02
3.37
Z221-02
137.5
138.4
0.9
135
59.4
0.04
0.68
0.93
KE20-01
41.15
69.34
28.19
70.1
44
0.01
0.14
0.39
incl
67.81
68.58
0.77
1416.9
1145
0.03
2.19
3.72
KE20-02
48
70.1
22.10
52.3
18
0.01
0.05
0.63
incl
62.24
64
0.76
683.5
301
0.13
0.68
7.14
KE20-08
41.91
42.67
0.76
387.2
293
0.01
0.03
1.89
KE20-11
22.86
41.15
18.29
63
54
0.02
0.19
0.01
incl
38.86
39.62
0.76
571.3
493
0.07
1.82
0.02
KE20-12
85.34
89.91
4.57
254.7
139
0.02
0.89
1.63
incl
89/15
89.91
0.76
809
462
0.09
2.18
5.15
KE20-16
64.77
68.58
3.81
594.3
28
0.00
0.52
11.41
1Silver equivalent (Ag Eq) values assume Ag $19/oz, Pb $1.05/lb, Zn $1.30/lb, Au $1,800/oz and 100% metallurgical recovery. Sample intervals are based on measured drill intersect lengths
Figure 2 – East Keno Area Plan Map with 2021 and 2020 Drill Hole Locations
2021 Geophysical Survey
Simcoe Geosciences completed five lines (20.3-line km) of its Alpha IPTM system measuring IP and resistivity on both the Central and East Keno target areas. The survey identified areas of high IP response and 35 conductive features of interest associated with elevated silver in soil and coincident magnetic anomalies. Drilling at Fox North, a new soil anomaly identified in 2021, has provided insight into the potential for a buried intrusive body 500 to 1000 meters below East Keno that may be a driver of mineralizing fluids in the district. The drill hole returned sulphide mineralization and hornfels in association with the edge of the chargeability anomaly, potentially representing alteration by a significant nearby intrusion. The stacked thrusts mapped in 2021 may represent pathways for the epithermal mineralization from these buried intrusive bodies that could be responsible for the wider zones of 20-100 g/t Ag Eq bulk tonnage mineralization seen at East Keno. Further drilling and field work will be required to ground truth the anomalies in 2022.
About Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals Corp. is a growth-stage exploration company, focused on high-grade silver and gold projects in underexplored, brownfields mining districts of North America. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to exploration in the Keno Hill silver district, La Plata silver-gold-copper district, and Klondike gold district through new discoveries and advancing resources to development. Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic Keno Hill silver district of Canada’s Yukon Territory, directly adjacent to Alexco Resource Corp’s operations, with nearly 300 million ounces of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources. In addition, exploration at the recently acquired La Plata silver-gold-copper project in southwestern Colorado is targeting a silver and gold-enriched copper porphyry and adjacent high-grade silver and gold epithermal systems. The Company also continues to add new production royalty leases on its holdings in the Klondike gold district in the Yukon. All three districts have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise.
About the Metallic Group of Companies
The Metallic Group is a collaboration of leading precious and base metals exploration 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 Metallic Minerals in the Yukon’s high-grade Keno Hill silver district and La Plata silver-gold-copper district of Colorado, Group Ten Metals in the Stillwater PGM-nickel-copper district of Montana, and Granite Creek Copper in the Yukon’s Minto copper district. 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 using new models and technologies to facilitate discoveries in these proven, but under-explored, mining districts. The Metallic Group is headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and its member companies are listed on the Toronto Venture, US OTC, and Frankfurt stock exchanges.
The disclosure in this news release of scientific and technical information regarding exploration projects on Metallic Minerals’ mineral properties has been reviewed and approved by Scott Petsel, P.Geo., President, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).
Quality Assurance / Quality Control
All samples were assayed by 36 Element Aqua Regia Digestion ICP-MS methods at Bureau Veritas labs in Vancouver. with sample preparation in Whitehorse, Yukon and geochemical analysis in Vancouver, British Columbia. Samples with over limit silver and gold were re-analyzed using a 30-gram fire assay fusion with a gravimetric finish. Over-limit lead and zinc samples were analyzed by multi-acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrometry. All results have passed the QAQC screening by the lab and the company utilized a quality control and quality assurance protocol for the project, including blank, duplicate, and standard reference samples.
Forward-Looking Statements
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 Metallic Minerals 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 Metallic Minerals 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.
Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSX-V: MMG / US OTC: MMNGF) is a growth stage exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of high-grade silver and gold projects within underexplored districts proven to produce top-tier assets. Our objective is to create value through a disciplined, systematic approach to exploration, reducing investment risk and maximizing probability of long-term success. Our core Keno Silver Project is located in the historic Keno Hill Silver District of Canada’s Yukon Territory, a region which has produced over 200 million ounces of silver and currently hosts one of the world’s highest-grade silver resources. The Company’s La Plata silver-gold-copper project is located in the high-grade La Plata district of the prolific Colorado Mineral Belt and our McKay Hill project northeast of Keno Hill is a high-grade historic silver-gold producer. Metallic Minerals is also building a portfolio of gold royalties in the historic Klondike Gold District. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success, including large scale development, permitting and project financing.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 30, 2022 / Metallic Minerals (TSXV:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) (“Metallic Minerals” or the “Company“) announces that, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, it has granted 1,590,000 stock options (each, an “Option”) to certain insiders, directors and employees of the Company in accordance with the Company’s Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan. Each Option is exercisable into one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a “Share”) at a price of $0.41 per Share, being the closing price of the Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on March 29, 2022, for a period of five years from the date of grant. The Options are subject to certain vesting requirements in accordance with the Company’s option plan.
About Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals Corp. is a growth-stage exploration company, focused on high-grade silver, gold and copper projects in underexplored, brownfields mining districts of North America. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to exploration in the Keno Hill silver district, La Plata silver-gold-copper district, and Klondike gold district through new discoveries and advancing resources to development. Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic Keno Hill silver district of Canada’s Yukon Territory, directly adjacent to Alexco Resource Corp’s operations, with nearly 300 million ounces of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources. In addition, exploration at the recently acquired La Plata silver-gold-copper project in southwestern Colorado is targeting a silver and gold-enriched copper porphyry and adjacent high-grade silver and gold epithermal systems. The Company also continues to add new production royalty leases on its holdings in the Klondike gold district in the Yukon. All three districts have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise.
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.
ABOUT GRANITE CREEK COPPER Granite Creek Copper is a Canadian junior mining, exploration company focused on the advancement of its 100%-owned Stu Copper-Gold project located in the Yukon’s Minto Copper District. This 115-square-kilometer property is between, and on trend with, Pembridge Resources’ high-grade Minto Copper-Gold Mine and, to the south, the Carmacks Copper-Gold-Silver project held by Copper North of which Granite Creek holds a 30% interest. The Stu project has excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. Granite Creek Copper is one of top junior mining stocks and copper stocks 2021.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 29, 2022 / Metallic Minerals (TSXV:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) (“Metallic Minerals” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Scott Petsel as President of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Petsel has been Vice President of Exploration for Metallic Minerals since 2016 and will be supported in this key executive leadership position by Chairman and CEO, Greg Johnson.
Mr. Scott Petsel, MBA, P.Geo., has over 34 years of experience in all facets of mineral exploration with particular focus on large scale precious and base metals systems. In addition to having extensive international experience, he has spent more than 20 years working in the Yukon, Alaska and British Columbia on significant advanced exploration and development stage projects including the Galore copper-gold-silver project (Teck/Newmont), Donlin gold project (NovaGold/Barrick), Upper Kobuk copper-zinc-silver-gold projects (Trilogy/South 32), and the Kensington gold mine (Coeur) amongst others. Mr Petsel received his geology degree from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, near Metallic’s La Plata Project, and his MBA at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His extensive experience in, and knowledge of, the jurisdictions where Metallic Minerals is active represents a great asset to the Company.
Scott Petsel, Metallic Minerals President, stated, “I look forward to this expanded role with Metallic Minerals, engaging with the shareholder base and broader investment community in collaboration with, Greg, and working with our strong technical teams to advance our exceptional portfolio of assets. It’s an exciting time in the precious and base metals markets for a dynamic exploration and development company like Metallic Minerals. We expect 2022 to be pivotal year for the Company and we have significant and substantive news to deliver over the ensuing weeks, including the Company’s inaugural resource estimate at La Plata and a robust and dynamic field exploration season on all three of the Company’s projects.”
Metallic Minerals Chairman & CEO, Greg Johnson, stated, “Through his successful career, Scott has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to recognize potential tier one quality deposits, efficiently advancing significant exploration projects through discovery, resource expansion, and subsequent engineering and de-risking to generate shareholder value. Scott is a leader and consensus builder with extensive ESG experience developed through his hands-on engagement with First Nations, Alaska Native Corporations and local communities. As the Company enters this next period of rapid development on multiple projects, I am confident that Scott will contribute significantly to Metallic Minerals in this expanded role going forward.”
About Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals Corp. is a growth-stage exploration company, focused on high-grade silver, gold and copper projects in underexplored, brownfields mining districts of North America. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to exploration in the Keno Hill silver district, La Plata silver-gold-copper district, and Klondike gold district through new discoveries and advancing resources to development. Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic Keno Hill silver district of Canada’s Yukon Territory, directly adjacent to Alexco Resource Corp’s operations, with nearly 300 million ounces of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources. In addition, exploration at the recently acquired La Plata silver-gold-copper project in southwestern Colorado is targeting a silver and gold-enriched copper porphyry and adjacent high-grade silver and gold epithermal systems. The Company also continues to add new production royalty leases on its holdings in the Klondike gold district in the Yukon. All three districts have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise.https://embed.fireplace.yahoo.com/embed?ctrl=Monalixa&m_id=monalixa&m_mode=document&site=sports&os=android&pageContext=%257B%2522ctopid%2522%253A%25221542500%253B1480989%253B1481489%253B1577000%253B1580500%2522%252C%2522hashtag%2522%253A%25221542500%253B1480989%253B1481489%253B1577000%253B1580500%2522%252C%2522wiki_topics%2522%253A%2522La_Plata%253BCompany%253BScotty_(Star_Trek)%253BMining_engineering%253BMineral%253BKlondike_Gold_Rush%253BExploration%253BBase_metal%2522%252C%2522lmsid%2522%253A%2522a077000000LnOyOAAV%2522%252C%2522revsp%2522%253A%2522accesswire.ca%2522%252C%2522lpstaid%2522%253A%252215bf794c-3e55-3efd-bd26-8a63306ab511%2522%252C%2522pageContentType%2522%253A%2522story%2522%257D
About the Metallic Group of Companies
The Metallic Group is a collaboration of leading precious and base metals exploration 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 Metallic Minerals in the Yukon’s high-grade Keno Hill silver district and La Plata silver-gold-copper district of Colorado, Group Ten Metals in the Stillwater PGM-nickel-copper district of Montana, and Granite Creek Copper in the Yukon’s Minto copper district. 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 using new models and technologies to facilitate discoveries in these proven, but under-explored, mining districts. The Metallic Group is headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and its member companies are listed on the Toronto Venture, US OTC, and Frankfurt stock exchanges.
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 / March 15, 2022 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce an updated mineral resource estimate (the “2022 Resource Estimate”) for the Company’s 100%-owned Carmacks copper-gold-silver deposit (“Carmacks” or the “Deposit”) located in the Minto Copper District of central Yukon, Canada. The 2022 Resource Estimate represents a major increase in tonnage and contained metal at Carmacks compared to the previous resource estimate1,2, with over 8,200 m of infill and expansion drilling in 25 holes completed by Granite Creek since its acquisition in 2020. The project remains open to significant expansion within the resource area and to new discovery at the underexplored, yet highly prospective, Carmacks North target area.
Highlights
43% Increase in Contained Copper – The high grade Carmacks deposit now hosts 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 (see table 1). The previous resource estimate published in 2018 defined 25.0 Mt M&I, grading 0.83% Cu, equating to 457 Mlbs of contained copper. (Figure1)
Expansion of Gold and Silver Resources – Contained gold (M&I) increased 24% from 243,000 ounces to 302,000 ounces and contained silver (M&I) increased 41% from 2,684,000 ounces to 3,790,000 ounces.
Addition of Molybdenum Resources – For the first time, molybdenum has been included in the resource estimate, with 8.5 Mlbs lbs in M&I.
93% of Resources in the M&I Categories – Only 7% of the 2022 resource remains in the Inferred category.
High Proportion of Resources Modeled in Three Conceptual Open Pits – 96% of the 2022 resources are contained within the conceptual pits. (Figure 2)
High Grade Copper-Gold in a Producing District – The 2022 Resource Estimate continues to advance the Carmacks project as one of the highest-grade resource-stage copper projects in North America.
Timothy Johnson, Granite Creek President & CEO, stated, “Since completing the acquisition the Carmacks deposit in November 2020, the Company has been successful in significantly growing copper, gold and silver resources through highly targeted drilling in 2020 and 2021. Our conceptual deposit model held up extremely well, with significant mineralized intercepts encountered in 22 of the 25 holes we drilled. The mineral resources contained within the conceptual pits will form the basis for an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) which the Company intends to initiate immediately. This study will assess the economics of processing both oxide and sulphide material as well as by product credits including gold, silver and molybdenum.”
“From an exploration perspective, there remains the opportunity continue increasing copper resources by continued step out drilling on existing zones, adding to this resource. There is also high potential for discovery of new zones by applying the Company’s increased understanding of the geological controls of mineralization and we remain committed to adding to this mineral inventory through continued exploration. “
Live Webinar
Granite Creek Copper will be hosting a live webinar on Thursday, March 17 at 10am PT (1pm ET), during which President & CEO, Timothy Johnson will be joined by Project Geologist, Dr Jacob Longridge, for a comprehensive update on the Company’s Carmacks copper-gold silver project, including Q&A.
Table 1 – 2022 Carmacks Copper Project Mineral Resources
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.
Grade Sensitivity
A copper and copper equivalent grade sensitivity analysis for both oxide and sulphide resources contained in the proposed pits is provided in Table 2 below, which demonstrates the variation in grade and tonnage in the deposit at these various cut-off grades. This sensitivity analysis is reflective of the discrete nature of the mineralized bodies. Comparing the cut-off grade of 0.30% Cu with a 0.25% Cu and a 0.35% Cu cut-off, show a <3% variation in contained copper and a ~5% variation in the tonnage.
Table 2 – Grade Sensitivity Table
Mineralization
Mineralization is constrained to discrete tabular bodies of schistose to gneissic metamorphic rock. These tabular bodies are enveloped in granodiorite that dominates the majority of the Carmacks project. The contact between these tabular metamorphic bodies and granodiorite is sharp, with little to no gradation between these units. This sharp contact creates a very distinct geochemical and geophysical pattern between the two rock types assisting in exploration vectoring.
Upon acquiring the Carmacks Deposit in 2020, Granite Creek immediately recognized the potential of the relatively untested sulphide portion that may significantly alter the scope and scale of the deposit. This conceptual understanding has been validated with the sulphide resources now roughly equal in size to the oxide resources and provides the case for an updated PEA, which will evaluate the economics of both the oxide and the sulphide portions of the resource.
Copper mineralization in the oxide domain is primarily malachite and azurite with copper sulphides accounting for up to 20% of the copper tenor in the form of chalcopyrite. A surface representing the boundary between the upper oxide and lower sulphide mineralization was interpolated based on drill hole intersections. The depth of transition between oxide to sulphide is variable in each zone. The boundary between the oxide and sulphide is defined by the solubility of copper in sulphuric acid, when >20% of total copper total tenor is soluble in sulphuric acid, the domain is classified as a copper oxide domain. Conversely, the sulphide domain is defined where <20% of the total copper is soluble in sulphuric acid, as per the previous resource. The previously defined ‘transitional zone’ is largely re-classified as part of the sulphide domain. The copper in the upper 200m of zone 1, is oxidized, whereas in zones 13 and 12, the oxidized zone can be as thin as 40m, zones 4 and 7 are primarily oxide (Figure 2). The copper sulphides in the sulphide domain consist primarily of course grained chalcopyrite, bornite and minor chalcocite and covellite.
Previous metallurgical testing has shown that the oxide copper is very amenable to leach extraction with recoveries of greater than 85% New metallurgical results from 2021 test work showed that a ~67% liberation of copper sulphide minerals is possible at 154um P80 primary grind, considering most two-product copper concentrations operate with 50-60% liberation in floatation feed, this is considered excellent and possibly coarser grinds may be sufficient in liberating copper. Flotation testing showed a 25% copper concentrate grade could be produced with recoveries of up to 95% of copper and 85% for gold, with gold reporting closely to the copper. Continuing metallurgical test work will include determining recoveries for silver and molybdenum as well as additional testing to confirm the copper and gold recoveries.
Figure 2 Oblique view of 2022 resources and proposed pits (total strike length of 2,950 m )
Estimation Methodology and Parameters
The classification of the current Mineral Resource Estimates into Measured, Indicated and Inferred are consistent with current 2014 CIM Definition Standards – For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.
Completion of the 2022 Resource Estimate involved the assessment of a drill hole database, which included all data for surface drilling completed through the fall of 2021, as well as 3D mineral resource models, and available written reports. SGS used 489 surface drillholes and 56,679 meters of drill data from 1970 to 2021 to delineate three deposits (zones 147 combined, zone 2000S and zones 12 and 13 combined) in the 2022 resource estimate. Thirty-six holes (RC and diamond) totalling 9,413m completed by Granite Creek between October 2020 and October 2021 are included.
Composites of 2.0 metre used for the resource estimation procedure have been capped where appropriate. Grades for Cu (oxide, sulphide and total), Ag, Au and Mo for each deposit were interpolated into blocks 5m by 5m by 5m by the Inverse Distance Squared (ID2) calculation method. Appropriate interpolation parameters were generated for each deposit based on drill hole spacing, mineralization style and geometry.
All Resources are presented undiluted and in situ, constrained by continuous 3D wireframe models, and are considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. It is envisioned that parts of the Carmacks Project deposits may be mined using open pit mining methods. In- pit mineral resources are reported at a base-case cut-off grade of 0.30 % total copper(“Cu_T”) within conceptual pit shells. A pit slope of 55 degrees for rock and 35 degrees for overburden are used for the pit optimization. It is envisioned that parts of the Carmacks Project deposits may be mined using lower cost underground bulk mining methods. A selected base-case cut-off grade of 0.6 % Cu_T is used to determine the below pit resources.
Cut-off grades are based on metal prices of $3.60/lb Cu, $22.00/oz Ag, $1,750/oz Au and $14.00/lb for Mo, processing and G&A cost of $US23.00 per tonne milled, and variable mining costs including $US2.10 for open pit and $US25.00 for underground. The cut-off grades should be re-evaluated in light of future prevailing market conditions (metal prices, mining costs, processing costs etc.).
Metal recoveries used for pit optimization and calculation of base-case cut-off grades include: for oxide material 85% for copper, 65% for Ag, 85% for Au and 70% for Mo; for sulphide material, 90% for copper, 65% for Ag, 76% for Au and 70% for Mo. Fixed specific gravity values of 2.64 for oxide material and 2.71 – 2.78 (depending on deposit) were used to estimate the Mineral Resource tonnage from block model volumes. Waste in all areas was given a fixed density of 2.66.
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. The results from the pit optimization are used solely for the purpose of testing the “reasonable prospects for economic extraction” by an open pit and do not represent an attempt to estimate mineral reserves. There are no mineral reserves on the Carmacks Property. The results are used as a guide to assist in the preparation of a Mineral Resource statement and to select an appropriate resource reporting cut-off grade.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Quality assurance and quality control procedures for drilling completed by the Company and consultants to the Company include the systematic insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples, making up 12% of the sample stream. Drill core samples were sawn in half, labelled, placed in sealed bags and shipped directly to the Bureau Veritas preparation laboratory in Whitehorse. All geochemical analyses were performed by Bureau Veritas in Vancouver. Copper, molybdenum and silver analysis was performed by four-acid digestion with an ICP-ES finish. Non-sulphide copper was determined through a sulphuric acid leach with an AAS finish. Gold was analyzed by igniting a 15 g sample followed by an aqua regia digestion with an ICP-MS finish.
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.
[1]PEA: “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
[2]News 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.
