Categories
Base Metals Emx Royalty Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

EMX Royalty Announces Second Quarter 2023 Results

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 14, 2023) – EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9) (the “Company” or “EMX”) is pleased to report results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 (“Q2-2023”). The Company’s filings for the quarter are available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca, on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, and on EMX’s website at www.EMXroyalty.com. Financial results were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. All dollar amounts in this news release are in USD unless otherwise noted.

HIGHLIGHTS

Financial Updates for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

  • Revenue and other income for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $3,408,000 compared to $7,034,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 (“Q2-2022”). Adjusted revenue and other income1 of $6,481,000 (Q2-2022 – $9,465,000) included $3,073,000 (Q2-2022 – $2,431,000) in revenue for the Company’s share of royalty revenue from the Caserones Mine (effective) royalty interest in Chile. Revenue and other income and adjusted revenue and other income1 for Q2-2022 included the accrual of a $4,000,000 milestone payment related to Gediktepe.
  • Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $4,722,000 (Q2-2022 – $3,315,000).
  • Cash used in operating activities for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $1,160,000 (Q2-2022 – $4,152,000). Adjusted cash1 provided by operating activities for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $1,294,000 (Q2-2022 – adjusted cash used in operating activities of $3,254,000). Operating cash flows for Q2-2023 include an accelerated $2,500,000 option payment by Aftermath Silver for the Berenguela property.
  • As at June 30, 2023, EMX had cash of $9,980,000 (December 31, 2022 – $15,508,000), investments, long-term investments and loans receivable valued at $14,346,000 (December 31, 2022 – $14,561,000) and loans payable of $41,428,000 (December 31, 2022 – $40,489,000).

Corporate Updates

Timok Dispute Update

On January 27, 2022 the Company announced that it had suspended the filing of a Notice of Arbitration to Zijin Mining Group Ltd (“Zijin”) regarding its royalty agreement covering the Timok project in Serbia, which includes the producing Cukaru Peki copper and gold mine. This suspension followed EMX’s previous announcement of its intention to file the Notice of Arbitration to formally dispute the royalty rate as defined under the Royalty Agreement (see EMX news release dated December 17, 2021). Discussions with Zijin have since proved amicable and productive and continued through Q2 2023. Both companies are expecting to execute a modified royalty agreement in 2023.

Acquisition of Additional Royalty Interest on Caserones

During Q2 2023, EMX acquired an additional 2.263% ownership in the underlying Caserones royalty holder, Sociedad Legal Minera California Una de la Sierra Peña Negra (“SLM”), for cash consideration of $3,517,000 pursuant to agreements with existing shareholders of SLM. The acquisition provides EMX with a further 0.044% (effective) net smelter royalty (“NSR”) interest in the Caserones property, increasing the Company’s NSR royalty interest to 0.7775%.

Acquisition Agreement for New Royalties with Franco-Nevada

During Q2 2023, EMX executed a term sheet with Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco-Nevada”) (NYSE: FNV) (TSX: FNV) for the joint acquisition of newly created precious metals and copper royalties sourced by EMX (the “Agreement”). Franco-Nevada will contribute 55% (up to $5.5 million) and EMX will contribute 45% (up to $4.5 million) towards the royalty acquisitions, with the resulting royalty interests equally split (i.e., 50/50). The initial term of the Agreement is for three years, or until the maximum contributions totaling $10 million from both companies have been met, and may be extended if mutually agreed by both companies.

Royalty and Royalty Generation Updates

During Q2 2023, the Company’s royalty generation business was active in North America, South America, Europe, Turkey, Australia and Morocco. The Company spent $4,255,000 (Q2-2022 – $5,108,000) on royalty generation costs and recovered $1,811,000 (Q2-2022 – $2,014,000) from partners. Royalty generation costs include exploration related activities, technical services, project marketing, land and legal costs, as well as third party due diligence for acquisitions. Included in revenue and other income was $807,000 in option, advance royalty, and other pre-production payments related to existing partnered projects as a result of the royalty generating activities. During Q2 2023, the Company also completed two new partnerships across the portfolio while continuing to replace partnered properties with new royalty generation projects.

 Producing Royalties6 
 Advanced Royalties11 
 Exploration Royalties152 
 Royalty Generation Properties105 


 
Figure 1. EMX’s royalty and mineral property portfolio.
 
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1508/177053_e4277d9504086a82_002full.jpg

Highlights from Q2 2023 include the following:

  • EMX earned over $1,175,000 in royalty revenue from the Gediktepe mine. Mine operator Lidya advised EMX that Oxide Zone gold production will increase during the summer months of 2023.
  • The Caserones (effective) royalty distribution for Q1 was received in Q2 and totaled approximately $2,454,000. Lundin Mining completed the acquisition of fifty-one percent (51%) of the issued and outstanding equity of MLCC, the Caserones mine operator, from JX Nippon (see Lundin news release dated June 13, 2023). In connection with the acquisition, Lundin filed a technical report on SEDAR titled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Caserones Mining Operation, Atacama Region, Chile” that included current mineral resource and reserve estimates in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
  • Leeville payments to EMX totaled approximately $664,000 from royalty production that totaled 338 ounces of gold. Q2 marked another strong quarter of Leeville royalty production along with robust gold prices.
  • EMX earned, and subsequently received in Q3-2023 Gold Bar South royalty revenue of $54,000 from Q1 production of 2,966 gold ounces and $80,000 from Q2 production of 3,984 gold ounces. The receipt of initial royalty revenue from Gold Bar South now establishes the operation as a paying royalty for EMX.
  • Arizona Sonoran Copper released results of the Parks-Sayler infill drill program in preparation for a PFS planned for 2024, which included enriched (secondary sulfide) copper intercepts from EMX’s royalty property. Arizona Sonoran also provided an update on metallurgical programs being conducted in preparation for the PFS, which included recoveries of ~80% after 160 days from Parks-Sayler enriched copper mineralization (secondary sulfide).
  • Exploration drilling by South32 at the Hermosa property’s Peake prospect returned mineralized intercepts covered by EMX’s Hardshell royalty property included the best copper intercept to date of 139 meters averaging 1.88% copper, 0.51% lead, 0.34% zinc, and 52 g/t silver (true width not reported).
  • In Canada, EMX programs advanced available properties in the portfolio as partners conducted summer field programs on EMX royalty properties. EMX received $45,000 in cash payments and $Nil in share equity payments during the quarter from partnered projects.
  • EMX’s Latin American royalty portfolio was advanced with work programs that included drilling and metallurgical test work conducted by AbraSilver at the Diablillos project’s JAC Zone silver-gold discovery. GR Silver Mining Ltd (“GR Silver”) reported on successful exploration step-out drilling at the San Marcial epithermal silver project. Aftermath Silver made an accelerated $2,500,000 option payment to EMX for the Berenguela polymetallic CRD project.
  • The Company’s U.S. royalty generation portfolio progressed with ongoing partner-funded work programs, as well by the expansion of properties through the staking of new claims and permitting at key projects. EMX currently has 43 projects in partnership with other companies in the western U.S.
  • In Northern Europe the Company continued to develop and advance its portfolio of projects, with summer field programs commencing on numerous properties in Q2. EMX has 37 projects in partnership with other companies in Northern Europe and partner funded drill programs were completed in Q2 by Mahvie Minerals AB, a private Swedish corporation, at the Mo-I-Rana royalty property in Norway, and by Bayrock Resources, a private Australian company, at EMX’s Vuostok battery metals royalty property in Northern Sweden.
  • Kendrick Resources PLC (LSE: KEN) announced drill results from EMX’s Espedalen royalty property in Norway, including an intercept of 11.60 meters averaging 2.85% nickel, 1.04% copper and 0.08% cobalt from 52.4 meters depth in drill hole ESP23-08 (see Kendrick news release dated May 4, 2023). This hole was drilled at the Stormyra prospect on the Espedalen license (true width not reported, but can be estimated at 70-80% according to published cross sections). Kendrick plans to expand its exploration programs at Espedalen in the second half of 2023.
  • The Company optioned the Yarrol gold-copper (+ Co-Mn) project and the Mt Steadman gold project to Many Peaks Gold (“MPG”) during Q2. The agreement provides EMX with cash payments, equity interests in MPG, and work commitments during a fifteen month option period. Upon exercise of the option, EMX will receive additional payments of cash and shares of MPG along with annual advance royalty payments, royalty interests and other consideration.
  • Royalty generation programs proceeded in the Balkans and in Morocco in Q2, where multiple exploration license applications have been filed by the Company. New target areas are being assessed for further acquisitions.

Investment Updates

As at June 30, 2023, the Company had marketable securities of $8,626,000 (December 31, 2022 – $9,966,000), and $4,688,000 (December 31, 2022 – $4,591,000) in private investments. The Company will continue to generate cash flow by selling certain of its investments when appropriate.

OUTLOOK

The 2023 year will continue to see revenue and other income coming from our cash flowing royalties, including Leeville and Gold Bar South in Nevada, Gediktepe and Balya in Turkey, potentially Timok in Serbia (pending conclusion of discussions with Zijin), and our effective royalty interest on Caserones in Chile. As in previous years, production royalties will continue to be complemented by option, advance royalty, and other pre-production payments from partnered projects across the global asset portfolio.

The Company will continue to strengthen its balance sheet over the course of the year by looking to retire portions of our long-term debt, continuing to evaluate equity markets, and the ongoing monetization of the Company’s marketable securities.

EMX is well positioned to identify and pursue new royalty and investment opportunities, while further filling a pipeline of royalty generation properties that provide opportunities for additional cash flow, as well as exploration, development, and production success.

Qualified Person. Michael P. Sheehan, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified, and approved the above technical disclosure on North America and Latin America. Eric P. Jensen, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified, and approved the above technical disclosure on Europe, Turkey, and Australia.

About EMX. EMX is a precious, base and battery metals royalty company. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “EMX”, and also trade on the Frankfurt exchange under the symbol “6E9”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.

For further information contact:

David M. Cole
President and CEO
Phone: (303) 973-8585
Dave@EMXroyalty.com

Scott Close
Director of Investor Relations
Phone: (303) 973-8585
SClose@EMXroyalty.com

Isabel Belger
Investor Relations (Europe) Phone: +49 178 4909039
IBelger@EMXroyalty.com

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

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain “forward looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans, market prices for precious and base metal, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “believe”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the “MD&A”), and the most recently filed Annual Information Form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2022, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.

_________________________
1 Adjusted revenue and other income and adjusted cash provided by (used in) operating activities are non-IFRS financial measures with no standardized meaning under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Refer to the “Non-IFRS financial measures” section on page 26 of the Q2-2023 MD&A for more information on each non-IFRS financial measure.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/177053

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Nevada Copper

Nevada Copper Provides Update on Pumpkin Hollow Restart Progress

YERINGTON, Nev., Aug. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDF) (FSE: ZYTA) (“Nevada Copper” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide an update on restart activities at its Pumpkin Hollow underground mine located in Yerington, Nevada (the “Underground Mine”).

Restart Progress

  • Underground development completed in Q2 2023 increased 65% to 1,424 feet (“ft”) as compared with Q1 2023 (496 ft).
  • Small Mine Development, Inc. (“SMD”), Nevada Copper’s development mining contractor, continues to ramp-up following their mobilization in June, with a 25% increase in average daily development footage in July compared with June development.
  • In Q2 2023, restart preparations for the mill and process plant advanced as planned and the mill is on track to restart in September 2023.
  • The surface stockpile has increased to approximately 73,000 tons of crushed ore, in preparation for sustained process operations on planned mill restart in September 2023.
  • Mining of the first stope began in early August and is expected to be completed before the end of August to provide an open stope for paste backfill placement to allow for commissioning of the paste plant.
  • Dumas Contracting USA Inc. (“Dumas”) completed all vertical and lateral development for the underground ore handling project and, as a result, the project has been turned over to RAM Enterprise, Inc. for the installation and commissioning of all mechanical and electrical components including the conveyors and crusher systems.
  • Dumas also advanced the Geho de-watering system installation and expects to have the new Geho pumps running by the end of the third quarter of 2023.
  • To date, the Company has rehabilitated ore passes #1 and #2 and expects to complete ore pass #3 in August 2023.
  • The Nevada Copper workforce has increased year to date by 30% to 177 employees, not including the development and projects contractor workforce; the largest workforce in the Company’s history.

Randy Buffington, President & CEO, stated: “The team, alongside our contracting partners, has made significant strides in advancing the underground mining and development activities at Pumpkin Hollow to enable the restart of milling activities in the third quarter, as planned. The process plant preparation and restart activities are moving forward well with September representing a significant milestone for Nevada Copper. The restart of processing operations will mark the end of restart activities and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Nevada Copper as we realize the potential of this significant North American copper asset.”

2023 Outlook Reiterated

Nevada Copper reiterates its outlook for 2023 with the principal objective of achieving nameplate milling throughput of 5,000 tons per day (“tpd”) by the end of the year and all critical underground infrastructure complete and sufficient advance development to support sustained operations.

With the vent shaft project complete, underground lateral development continues to ramp-up as SMD increases staffing levels to meet development expectations. Lateral development over the second half of 2023 is planned to be 16,000 ft of combined primary and stope development. Commissioning of the underground crush and convey system is now scheduled for late October 2023 reflecting delays in underground excavation. To support the start of stope mining by the Company in September, existing ore passes and the surface crusher are being utilized until commissioning of the underground crusher is complete.

Mill restart is scheduled in September 2023 at an expected rate of approximately 3,500 tons per day. The mill and paste plant will be re-commissioned on low-grade stockpiled ore. Mill capacity and grade are expected to increase through the balance of 2023, however, milled grades will remain lower than average stope grades, as lower grade development ore constitutes a higher percentage of mill feed through these early commissioning months. The Company plans to truck its first concentrates in late September with first revenues expected in the fourth quarter.

Filing of Second Quarter 2023 Financial Statements and MD&A
Nevada Copper filed its consolidated interim financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.  These filings can be found on the Company’s website at www.nevadacopper.com and the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Qualified Person
The technical information and data in this news release has been reviewed by Steven Newman, member of SME, Vice President of Technical Services and Greg French, C.P.G., VP Exploration of Nevada Copper, each of whom are a non-independent Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101.

About Nevada Copper

Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) is the owner of the Pumpkin Hollow copper project located in Nevada, USA with substantial reserves and resources including copper, gold and silver. Its two fully permitted projects include the high-grade Underground Mine and processing facility, which is undergoing a restart of operations, and a large-scale open pit PFS stage project.

Randy Buffington
President & CEO

For additional information, please see the Company’s website at www.nevadacopper.com, or contact:

Tracey Thom Vice President, IR and Community Relations
tthom@nevadacopper.com
+1 775 391 9029

Cautionary Language on Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the advancement of restart operations at the Underground Mine. There can be no assurance that ramp-up of the Underground Mine will occur or will not cost more than expected and require the Company to raise additional financing. There can be no assurance that any such additional financing will be available on terms that are favourable to the Company or at all.

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

Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those relating to: results of exploration programs, the potential need for additional capital and no assurance can be given regarding the availability thereof; the ability of the Company to complete the restart and ramp-up of the Underground Mine within the expected cost estimates and timeframe; the impact of COVID-19 on the business and operations of the Company; the state of financial markets; history of losses; dilution; adverse events relating to milling operations, construction, development and restart and ramp-up, including the ability of the Company to address underground development and process plant issues; ground conditions; cost overruns relating to development, construction and restart and ramp-up of the Underground Mine; loss of material properties; interest rate increases; global economy; limited history of production; future metals price fluctuations; speculative nature of exploration activities; periodic interruptions to exploration, development and mining activities; environmental hazards and liability; industrial accidents; failure of processing and mining equipment to perform as expected; labour disputes; supply problems; uncertainty of production and cost estimates; the interpretation of drill results and the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; possible variations in ore reserves, grade of mineralization or recovery rates from management’s expectations and the difference may be material; legal and regulatory proceedings and community actions; accidents; title matters; regulatory approvals and restrictions; increased costs and physical risks relating to climate change, including extreme weather events, and new or revised regulations relating to climate change; permitting and licensing; dependence on management information systems and cyber security risks; volatility of the market price of the Company’s securities; insurance; competition; hedging activities; currency fluctuations; loss of key employees; other risks of the mining industry as well as those risks discussed in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended December 31, 2022 and in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 20, 2023. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: no adverse developments in respect of the property or operations at the project; no material changes to applicable laws; the restart and ramp-up of operations at the Underground Mine in accordance with management’s plans and expectations; no material adverse impacts from COVID-19 going forward; the Company will be able to obtain sufficient additional funding to complete the restart and ramp-up of the Underground Mine, if required, no material adverse change to the price of copper from current levels; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

The forward-looking information and statements are stated as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information and statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Specific reference is made to “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended December 31, 2022 and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 20, 2023, for a discussion of factors that may affect forward-looking statements and information. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, should other risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and events may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements and information. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Company’s filings that are available at www.sedarplus.com.

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

Categories
Junior Mining Lion One Metals Precious Metals

Lion One Drills 6.6 m of 80.78 g/t Au in the Main Zone at Tuvatu, Fiji

Exceptional results include 1839.55 g/t, 779.81 g/t, and 300.47 g/t Au from Zone 5

North Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 10, 2023) – Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) (“Lion One” or the “Company”) is pleased to report exceptional high-grade gold results from ongoing infill and grade control drilling at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji.

Assay results are presented here for infill and grade control drilling completed in the Zone 5 area of the deposit, which encompasses the near-surface portions of lodes UR1 to UR8, as well as URW2A and URW3. The Zone 5 area of the deposit is scheduled for mining in early 2024. Grade control drilling is being conducted in anticipation of future mining and is therefore focused on the first part of Zone 5 to be mined whereas infill drilling is focused on the parts of Zone 5 scheduled to be mined later. Zone 5 includes the main north-south oriented lodes at Tuvatu (UR1, UR2, and UR3), and represents the upward extension of the Zone 500 feeder zone, which includes intercepts such as 20.86 g/t Au over 75.9 m (TUG-141), 12.22 g/t Au over 54.90 m (TUDDH-601), and 17.52 g/t Au over 23.7 m (TUDDH-608) (see June 6, 2022August 15, 2022 and November 7, 2022 news releases). Zone 5 will be the second major part of Tuvatu to commence mining after mining in the URW1 area began on May 18, 2023. Once Zone 5 is in production, Tuvatu will have two major zones of very high-grade, near surface mineralization developing and producing simultaneously.

Highlights of new Zone 5 drilling:

  • 80.78 g/t Au over 6.6 m (including 793.24 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (TUDDH-643, from 242.7 m depth)
  • 261.93 g/t Au over 1.8 m (including 1839.55 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0067, from 48.2 m depth)
  • 93.05 g/t Au over 0.9 m (including 300.47 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0067, from 53.3 m depth)
  • 9.96 g/t Au over 6.8 m (including 165.95 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-653, from 89.5 m depth)
  • 17.48 g/t Au over 3.3 m (including 95.63 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (TUDDH-643, from 111.6 m depth)
  • 17.2 g/t Au over 2.7 m (including 124.52 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-651, from 194.5 m depth)
  • 11.84 g/t Au over 3.9 m (including 48.27 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (TUDDH-650, from 203.5 m depth)
  • 9.53 g/t Au over 3.9 m (including 55.08 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-653, from 53.0 m depth)
  • 15.96 g/t Au over 1.5 m (including 72.46 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-637, from 161.7 m depth)
  • 14.93 g/t Au over 1.5 m (including 23.89 g/t Au over 0.9 m) (TUDDH-650, from 192.6 m depth)

Infill drilling is being conducted from surface on approximately 20 m centers while grade control drilling is being conducted from underground on 5-10 m centers. Infill drilling is considered an intermediate stage of drilling and is designed to increase understanding of the deposit in targeted areas whereas grade control drilling is designed to provide much higher resolution and detailed understanding of the geometry and mineralization of lode arrays in advance of underground development.

Figure 1. Location of Zone 5 Infill and Grade Control Drillholes. Left image: Plan view of Tuvatu showing Zone 5 infill and grade control drillholes in relation to the mineralized lodes. Drillholes are shown in black, mineralized lodes in pale grey, and underground developments in red. The yellow dashed square represents the area illustrated in the image on the right. Right image: Oblique view of Zone 5 infill and grade control drilling looking approximately northeast. Infill drilling was conducted from surface whereas grade control drilling was conducted from underground.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2178/176686_500e14428483aaf2_001full.jpg

Table 1. Highlights of composited infill drill results in the Zone 5 area. For full results see Table 4 in the appendix.

Hole IDFromToInterval (m)Au (g/t)
TUDDH-634123.41240.625.95
TUDDH-637161.7163.21.515.96
including161.7162.30.638.62
which includes161.71620.372.46
TUDDH-637198.2202.13.95.38
including198.2198.50.310.02
and201.2202.10.916.13
which includes201.8202.10.340.21
TUDDH-643111.6114.93.317.48
including111.6113.72.128.44
which includes113.1113.70.695.63
TUDDH-643242.7249.36.680.78
including242.7246.33.617.39
which includes243.9245.71.855.49
which includes243.9244.50.679.84
and245.1245.70.614.89
and also including247.5249.31.8271.14
which includes247.5247.80.340.03
and248.7249.60.6793.24
TUDDH-643254.72572.39.41
including254.7255.30.635.54
TUDDH-650192.6194.11.514.93
including192.6193.50.923.89
TUDDH-650203.5207.43.911.84
including203.5204.71.235.18
which includes203.5204.10.648.27
and204.1204.70.622.09
TUDDH-651184.6185.20.632.65
TUDDH-651194.5197.22.717.2
including194.51961.525.92
which includes195.4195.70.3124.52
and also including196.9197.20.325.22
TUDDH-6535356.93.99.53
including55.156.91.819.47
which includes5656.30.346.92
and56.656.90.355.08
TUDDH-65389.596.36.89.96
including91.392.20.966.62
which includes91.691.90.3165.95
and91.992.20.330.46
TUDDH-656101.9103.11.213.13
including101.9102.50.619.73
and102.5103.10.66.54

Table 2. Highlights of composited grade control drill results in the Zone 5 area. For full results see Table 4 in the appendix.

Hole IDFromToInterval (m)Au (g/t)
TGC-005957.458.30.96.88
including57.457.70.312.89
and5858.30.38.14
TGC-006155.858.22.43.4
including57.337.60.312.84
TGC-006545.345.60.336.2
TGC-006549.250.71.55.68
including49.249.50.39.59
and50.450.70.315.76
TGC-006552.252.50.333.51
TGC-006748.2501.8261.93
including48.849.40.6934.91
which includes48.849.10.31839.55
and49.149.40.330.26
TGC-006753.354.20.993.05
including53.353.90.6155.68
which includes53.353.60.310.89
and53.653.90.3300.47

Zone 5

Zone 5 is located along the main north-south corridor of Tuvatu and represents the shallower portions of the UR lodes, occurring between the surface and the exploration decline. It encompasses a series of closely spaced, narrow, high-grade to locally bonanza-grade vein arrays that strike approximately north-south to northeast-southwest and dip sub-vertically to steeply east. The lodes in the center of the corridor (UR1, UR2, UR3, URW2, URW3) are very closely spaced and strike north-south. They have an east-west width of approximately 75 m and a strike length of approximately 600 m. The lodes in the east and southeast (UR4, UR5, UR6, UR7, UR8) strike approximately northeast-southwest, are slightly wider spaced, and fan out to the east. They have a northwest-southeast width of approximately 250 m and a strike length of approximately 600 m (see Figure 2).

The lodes within the main corridor at Tuvatu have a vertical extent in excess of 1000 m and appear to coalesce at approximately 450 m depth where they transition to Zone 500 – the very high-grade feeder zone at Tuvatu. Zone 5 is located approximately 250 m directly above Zone 500. The results reported in this news release therefore represent high-grade mineralization that is the direct vertical upward extension of the Zone 500 feeder zone. The region between Zone 5 and Zone 500 has only been tested by relatively wide-spaced exploration drilling. The results reported here represent the initial stages of a more systematic infill and locally grade control drilling program in Zone 5, which has a strike length in excess of 300 m in the north-south direction and a vertical extent of approximately 250 m (see Figure 3).

Figure 2. Main Zone at Tuvatu. Left image: Plan view of Tuvatu identifying the lodes referenced in this report. Right image: Section view looking approximately northeast, showing the location of Zone 5 and Zone 500 relative to the lodes. Drillholes reported in this news release are shown in yellow for visibility.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2178/176686_500e14428483aaf2_002full.jpg

Figure 3. Location of High-Grade Intercepts from Zone 5 Drilling. High-grade intervals are shown for Zone 5 infill and grade control drillholes reported in this news release. Composite intervals with grades between 3 and 10 g/t Au are shown in yellow, intervals with grades between 10 and 30 g/t Au shown in red, and intervals over 30 g/t Au are shown in purple. Select high-grade intervals are identified. Image is looking approximately north-northeast, grades are gold grades in g/t.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2178/176686_500e14428483aaf2_003full.jpg

Infill Drilling

A total of 14 Zone 5 infill drillholes are included in this news release. The infill drill program was drilled from surface and was designed to target the near-surface portions of the main UR lodes. The goal of the program is to increase the understanding of mineralization and lode geometry in this part of the deposit, which is scheduled for mining in late 2024 and beyond. Zone 5 mining will progress upwards from the exploration decline and thus the lower portions of Zone 5 are the first scheduled for extraction. The Zone 5 infill drill program is ongoing. Examples of mineralization observed in the Zone 5 infill drillholes are shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Example Mineralization from Zone 5 Infill Drilling. Top left: UR5 lode. Colloform quartz vein with abundant coarse grained honey sphalerite rimmed by fine-grained sooty pyrite (TUDDH-637, 162.0 m). Top center: UR2 lode. Narrow chalcedonic quartz vein with fine grained pyrite and sphalerite, weak potassic alteration halo (TUDDH-644, 220.3 m). Top right: Banded, vuggy and colloform chalcedonic quartz vein with coarse grained sphalerite and fine-grained pyrite and galena. Strong chocolate brown alteration halo (TUDDH-637, 220.3m). Bottom left: UR1/UR2 lodes. Wide variable white to grey silica vein with coarse grained sphalerite and pyrite (TUDDH-643, 243.9 m). Bottom center: UR1/UR2 lodes. Vuggy white silica vein with coarse grained sphalerite and pyrite (TUDDH-643, 247.6 m). Bottom right: UR1/UR2 lodes. Quartz-sphalerite-pyrite vein with abundant coarse-grained sphalerite and narrow potassic alteration halo. The inset image identifies a speck of visible gold within the yellow circle (TUDDH-643. 249.0 m). Pen used for scale.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2178/176686_500e14428483aaf2_004full.jpg

Grade Control Drilling

A total of 12 grade control drillholes have been completed to date in the Zone 5 area of Tuvatu, six of which are reported here. Results from the first six grade control drillholes completed in Zone 5 were reported in the news release from June 14, 2023. The grade control drillholes were drilled from underground and were designed to target the Zone 5 blocks scheduled for near-term production. This area is planned to be mined in early 2024 and results from the grade control drill program will provide increased understanding of the geometry and continuity of mineralization in those blocks and will help to optimize mine development and extraction in the near future. The grade control drill program is on schedule and the results to date confirm the local understanding of the Zone 5 geological model. Zone 5 grade control drill programs are ongoing. Examples of mineralization observed in the grade control drillholes are shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5. Example Mineralization from Zone 5 Grade Control Drilling. Left: URW3 lode. Monzonite hosted hydrothermal breccia with coarse grained sphalerite and pyrite (TGC-0056, 29.1 m). Center: Vuggy hydrothermal breccia with colloform silica, coarse grained sphalerite and pyrite, and strong potassic alteration halo (TGC-0067, 48.3 m). Right: Hydrothermal breccia with grey chalcedonic silica, coarse grained pyrite and sphalerite rimmed by fine grained sooty pyrite. Strong potassic alteration halo (TGC-0067, 49.0 m). Width of core is 4.76 cm in each photo.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2178/176686_500e14428483aaf2_005full.jpg

About Tuvatu

The Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project is located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. The January 2018 mineral resource for Tuvatu as disclosed in the technical report “Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Tuvatu Gold Project, Republic of Fiji”, dated September 25, 2020, and prepared by Mining Associates Pty Ltd of Brisbane Qld, comprises 1,007,000 tonnes indicated at 8.50 g/t Au (274,600 oz. Au) and 1,325,000 tonnes inferred at 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at www.liononemetals.com and on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

Qualified Person

In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43- 101”), Sergio Cattalani, P.Geo, Senior Vice President Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and is responsible for the technical and scientific content of this news release.

QAQC Procedures

Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its sampling, drilling, testing, and analyses. The Company utilizes its own fleet of diamond drill rigs, using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill core rods. Drill core is logged and split by Lion One personnel on site. Samples are delivered to and analyzed at the Company’s geochemical and metallurgical laboratory in Fiji. Duplicates of all samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are both re-assayed at Lion One’s lab and delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia (ALS) for check assay determinations. All samples for all high-grade intercepts are sent to ALS for check assays. All samples are pulverized to 85% passing through 75 microns. Gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that have returned grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are then re-analyzed by gravimetric method. For samples that return greater than 0.50 g/t Au, repeat fire assay runs are carried out and repeated until a result is obtained that is within 10% of the original fire assay run. Lion One’s laboratory can also assay for a range of 71 other elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 9 important pathfinder elements. All duplicate anomalous samples are sent to ALS labs in Townsville QLD and are analyzed by the same methods (Au-AA26, and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61).

About Lion One Metals Limited

Lion One’s flagship asset is 100% owned, fully permitted high grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project, located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. Lion One envisions a low-cost high-grade underground gold mining operation at Tuvatu coupled with exciting exploration upside inside its tenements covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, an underexplored yet highly prospective 7km diameter alkaline gold system. Lion One’s CEO Walter Berukoff leads an experienced team of explorers and mine builders and has owned or operated over 20 mines in 7 countries. As the founder and former CEO of Miramar Mines, Northern Orion, and La Mancha Resources, Walter is credited with building over $3 billion of value for shareholders.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of
Lion One Metals Limited

Walter Berukoff“, Chairman and CEO

Contact Investor Relations
Toll Free (North America) Tel: 1-855-805-1250
Email: info@liononemetals.com
Website: www.liononemetals.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “proposed”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Appendix 1: Full Drill Results and Collar Information

Table 3. Composited results from infill drillholes in the Zone 5 area (grade >0.5 g/t Au)

Hole IDFromToInterval (m)Au (g/t)
TUDDH-63492.292.80.60.52
TUDDH-63493.794.30.60.5
TUDDH-634123.41240.625.95
TUDDH-634125.2125.50.31
TUDDH-634128.5129.40.96.8
TUDDH-634including129.1129.40.310.89
TUDDH-634148.5149.10.61.46
TUDDH-63748.248.80.60.6
TUDDH-63768.869.40.60.81
TUDDH-637161.7163.21.515.96
TUDDH-637including161.7162.30.638.62
TUDDH-637which includes161.71620.372.46
TUDDH-637173.1177.64.52.69
TUDDH-637including173.11740.98.59
TUDDH-637180182.12.12.7
TUDDH-637183.9187.53.62.76
TUDDH-637including185.7187.51.85.03
TUDDH-637198.2202.13.95.38
TUDDH-637including198.2198.50.310.02
TUDDH-637and199.7200.60.93.42
TUDDH-637and201.2202.10.916.13
TUDDH-637which includes201.8202.10.340.21
TUDDH-637219.2220.41.28.32
TUDDH-637including219.5220.40.912.79
TUDDH-637222.2222.50.32.29
TUDDH-637224226.42.41.87
TUDDH-637243.52451.51.13
TUDDH-637251.3253.72.42.46
TUDDH-637258.5259.10.60.94
TUDDH-637281.9282.50.65.96
TUDDH-637290.9292.11.21.97
TUDDH-637298.7299.60.96.68
TUDDH-63814.214.80.61.31
TUDDH-63829.830.40.61.29
TUDDH-638106.9107.20.30.99
TUDDH-638123.1123.70.61.44
TUDDH-638154.9155.20.315.17
TUDDH-638162.4163.30.93.19
TUDDH-638166.3167.51.26.23
TUDDH-638including166.3166.90.68.43
TUDDH-638169.9171.71.83.6
TUDDH-638including170.8171.70.96.07
TUDDH-638179.8181.31.51.62
TUDDH-638235.9236.50.60.87
TUDDH-638241.3242.51.24.8
TUDDH-638including241.9242.50.69.06
TUDDH-63950.350.60.35.17
TUDDH-641153153.70.72.78
TUDDH-641including153153.30.35.1
TUDDH-641174.5174.80.30.57
TUDDH-641176.9178.71.82.32
TUDDH-641including176.9177.50.65.1
TUDDH-643111.6114.93.317.48
TUDDH-643including111.6113.72.128.44
TUDDH-643which includes113.1113.70.695.63
TUDDH-643133.4133.70.310.37
TUDDH-643158.8159.10.30.83
TUDDH-643163.3163.90.65.3
TUDDH-643173.6173.90.310.14
TUDDH-643213.7214.60.90.61
TUDDH-643216.42170.610.99
TUDDH-643233.8234.40.65.48
TUDDH-643242.7249.36.680.78
TUDDH-643including242.7246.33.617.39
TUDDH-643which includes243.9245.71.855.49
TUDDH-643which includes243.9244.50.679.84
TUDDH-643and245.1245.70.614.89
TUDDH-643and also including247.5249.31.8271.14
TUDDH-643which includes247.5247.80.340.03
TUDDH-643and248.7249.60.6793.24
TUDDH-643251.7252.91.20.97
TUDDH-643254.72572.39.41
TUDDH-643including254.7255.30.635.54
TUDDH-643260.4261.30.90.69
TUDDH-643262.8266.13.31.63
TUDDH-643268.3268.80.51.3
TUDDH-644172.31752.72.33
TUDDH-644including173.8174.40.65.83
TUDDH-644208.6208.90.34.37
TUDDH-644220.3220.60.312.85
TUDDH-644237.1237.70.61.19
TUDDH-646116.7117.30.61.65
TUDDH-646154.8155.10.30.67
TUDDH-646181.5183.31.82.41
TUDDH-646including183183.30.313.29
TUDDH-646223.9224.50.68.98
TUDDH-646including224.2224.50.315.09
TUDDH-646231.1233.22.14.23
TUDDH-646including232232.60.610.27
TUDDH-646252.3252.70.42.81
TUDDH-646253.9254.20.32.16
TUDDH-64924.925.20.31.93
TUDDH-649153.6154.20.60.74
TUDDH-649161.7162.30.60.52
TUDDH-649188.1190.82.71.21
TUDDH-649248.7249.30.61.17
TUDDH-649251.4252.30.90.86
TUDDH-649257.1257.40.33.31
TUDDH-65053.653.90.30.61
TUDDH-65076.7770.30.62
TUDDH-650104.1104.40.30.67
TUDDH-650148.5149.10.60.51
TUDDH-650179.1179.40.31.62
TUDDH-650180.6181.20.60.51
TUDDH-650192.6194.11.514.93
TUDDH-650including192.6193.50.923.89
TUDDH-650199199.30.31.66
TUDDH-650203.5207.43.911.84
TUDDH-650including203.5204.71.235.18
TUDDH-650which includes203.5204.10.648.27
TUDDH-650and204.1204.70.622.09
TUDDH-650210.4210.70.32.05
TUDDH-65118.2518.850.60.93
TUDDH-65180.5581.150.62.09
TUDDH-651100.65100.950.31.46
TUDDH-651118.65119.250.61.46
TUDDH-651139.95140.550.64.39
TUDDH-651184.6185.20.632.65
TUDDH-651194.5197.22.717.2
TUDDH-651including194.51961.525.92
TUDDH-651which includes195.4195.70.3124.52
TUDDH-651and also including196.9197.20.325.22
TUDDH-651222.4224.82.42.22
TUDDH-65300.60.63.37
TUDDH-65321.922.20.31.26
TUDDH-6535356.93.99.53
TUDDH-653including55.156.91.819.47
TUDDH-653which includes5656.30.346.92
TUDDH-653and56.656.90.355.08
TUDDH-65364.4650.60.56
TUDDH-65389.596.36.89.96
TUDDH-653including91.392.20.966.62
TUDDH-653which includes91.691.90.3165.95
TUDDH-653and91.992.20.330.46
TUDDH-653111.6111.90.36.53
TUDDH-653116.7118.82.11.59
TUDDH-653120120.60.60.59
TUDDH-65559.761.51.82.74
TUDDH-65627.228.41.20.89
TUDDH-6567777.60.61.05
TUDDH-65680.681.20.60.7
TUDDH-656101.9103.11.213.13
TUDDH-656including101.9102.50.619.73
TUDDH-656and102.5103.10.66.54
TUDDH-656106.71070.30.58
TUDDH-656119.6119.90.31.71

Table 4. Composited results from grade control drillholes in the Zone 5 area (grade >0.5 g/t Au)

Hole IDFromToInterval (m)Au (g/t)
TGC-005626.729.42.71.52
TGC-005638.138.40.32.31
TGC-005639.639.90.30.73
TGC-005834.234.80.60.66
TGC-005835.435.70.30.51
TGC-005848.348.60.34.83
TGC-005853.155.22.13.82
TGC-0058including53.1540.98.74
TGC-005856.4570.61.1
TGC-005939.440.30.90.53
TGC-005950.550.80.33.1
TGC-005953.254.41.20.88
TGC-005957.458.30.96.88
TGC-0059including57.457.70.312.89
TGC-0059and5858.30.38.14
TGC-006134.234.50.30.69
TGC-006135.4360.60.75
TGC-006145.646.81.20.56
TGC-006149.850.40.60.84
TGC-006155.858.22.43.4
TGC-0061including57.337.60.312.84
TGC-006529.7300.30.61
TGC-006532.433.61.22.44
TGC-006545.345.60.336.2
TGC-006549.250.71.55.68
TGC-0065including49.249.50.39.59
TGC-0065and50.450.70.315.76
TGC-006552.252.50.333.51
TGC-006723.623.90.31.06
TGC-006748.2501.8261.93
TGC-0067including48.849.40.6934.91
TGC-0067which includes48.849.10.31839.55
TGC-0067and49.149.40.330.26
TGC-006753.354.20.993.05
TGC-0067including53.353.90.6155.68
TGC-0067which includes53.353.60.310.89
TGC-0067and53.653.90.3300.47
TGC-006763.263.80.62.89
TGC-006767.167.40.39.18

Table 5. Collar coordinates for grade control and infill drillholes reported in this release. Coordinates are in Fiji map grid.

Hole IDEastingNorthingElevationAzimuthDipDEPTH
TGC-00561876439392058311779.6121.29.5
TGC-00581876438392058311662.2124.6-11.3
TGC-00591876438392058311674.1122.5-22.0
TGC-00611876438392058211882.8142.620.1
TGC-00651876438392058211771.2133.210.6
TGC-00671876437392058111886.9155.612.4
TUDDH-63418765283920501310182.5257.6-55.3
TUDDH-63718765573920389352320.3292.0-60.5
TUDDH-63818765093920445349257.5294.3-66.4
TUDDH-6391876556392038935256.6297.3-57.0
TUDDH-64118764773920293402185.7309.3-66.1
TUDDH-64318765563920389352274.8297.1-63.4
TUDDH-64418764763920293402248.5307.0-64.3
TUDDH-64618765573920388352270.5283.6-63.1
TUDDH-64918764763920294402262.3315.7-66.5
TUDDH-65018765393920395352230.8283.0-52.0
TUDDH-65118765393920395352240.3293.5-53.3
TUDDH-65318764963920546296131.4281.2-46.3
TUDDH-65518764963920546296151.7282.7-51.5
TUDDH-65618765393920395352215.3306.9-52.2

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/176686

Categories
Gold Shore Resources Junior Mining Precious Metals

Goldshore Resources Provides Corporate Update

Preliminary Economic Assessment On-Schedule; Robust Mineral Resource Independently Confirmed

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 10, 2023) – Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: 8X00) (“Goldshore” or the “Company“), is pleased to share a corporate update in regards to its ongoing activities.

Highlights:

  • The Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) on the Moss Gold Project is progressing well and is on schedule for release mid Q4 2023.
  • The PEA is being managed by an independent multidisciplinary team at Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. (“Ausenco”).
  • Base Metallurgical Laboratories Ltd. (“BaseMet”) has completed a gold deportment study with positive results and additional heap leach metallurgical test work is in progress at Kappes, Cassaday and Associates (“KCA”) to maximize potential gold recoveries.
  • Independent review of the May 5, 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate for the Moss Gold Project recently completed by SRK Consulting (Canada) Ltd. (“SRK”) confirms that the resource meets the CIM guidelines for the reporting of inferred mineral resources.
  • Independent review of project permitting paths by CSL Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd. (“CSL”) confirms that the permitting process is on-track for development with significant studies already completed and no major information or timeline hurdles expected.
  • Goldshore continues to take a proactive approach to community engagement, with regular information sharing meetings with host indigenous communities and benefiting greatly from feedback on all aspects of the PEA process.
  • The Company has been approved to receive an Ontario Junior Exploration Program grant of $200,000.
  • An additional >8,000 ha of new mineral claims have been staked 15-25 km north of the Moss Gold Project.

President and CEO Brett Richards stated: “In the wake of this market turbulence, we continue to pursue our goals of establishing the economic viability of the Moss Gold Project; as well as increasing our footprint in the region in a responsible manner. We continue to see great potential for the Moss Gold Project to grow well beyond the scope of the PEA we are currently conducting, but appreciate we need to establish the Project as an economically viable resource in its existing size, grade, and metallurgy. Initial indications are extremely encouraging, and we are looking forward to releasing the complete economic results in mid Q4 2023.”

PEA Update

Ausenco has completed Phase One of the ongoing PEA for the Moss Gold Project. Phase One was an initial high-level review of various mining and milling rates and different plant processes that is conducted to select the optimal configuration for the detailed PEA (Phase Two). While not definitive in and of itself, Phase One indicated that the most effective method to process mineralized material from the Moss Gold Project is conventional cyanide leaching with stockpiling of low-grade material for processing at the end of mine life. The Phase One results also indicated that an alternate (though more complex) flotation-leach process with heap-leaching of low-grade material provided similar returns, but size and scope of this approach needs to be studied in the future for project scoping on a larger resource (in both geological domains).

During Phase Two, further test work will be conducted to better define the cost and recovery profile entailed by the alternative of heap-leaching low-grade material. To this end, the Company will soon commence column leach testing of mineralization with KCA, who are recognized leaders in heap leach technology.

Alternate processing options highlight the flexibility of the Moss Gold Project, and future test work may unlock potential opportunity for upside on creating a different size scoped project in the future, with different recovery methods.

Mineral Deportment Study

Sixteen samples were submitted to BaseMet in Kamloops, BC, for gold deportment studies that evaluated the gold associations, gold particle size distribution, degree of gold liberation and gold mineralogy. The samples are composites from shear and intrusion domains, plus combined composites, from the Main, Central and QES Zones (the “Moss Pit”), Moss Southwest Zone and East Coldstream. Within the Moss Pit, combined samples were prepared for the three zones as well as an overall pit composite.

In general, observed gold grains in all samples are ultrafine, predominantly in -20 µm size fraction. This is at the very bottom end where centrifugal gold concentrators operate, hence the low recoveries observed in the E-GRG test. The strong association with pyrite in several samples shows why flotation was successful and, with regrind, leach extractions improved significantly. The bulk mineralogy shows high amounts of quartz and plagioclase in all samples which corelate to the high competency and hardness seen in the comminution results.

Mineral Resource Audit

Following the inclusion of external comments within the technical report drafted by CSA Global; Goldshore retained SRK to conduct an independent review of the mineral resource estimate and its reliability. Dr. Gilles Arseneau, Principal Consultant at SRK, conducted an independent review of the May 2023 mineral resource estimate reported by CSA. He also completed an in-depth review of the drill data and wireframes used for this estimate.

Dr. Arseneau concluded that, the mineral resource reported by CSA Global effective May 5, 2023, meets the criteria under CIM guidelines for reporting inferred mineral resources.”

Although Dr. Arseneau noted concerns with the historical drilling data, they were fewer than those noted by CSA, and he also noted that with further analysis it may be possible to reclassify part of the Mineral Resource as indicated mineral resources under CIM guidelines.

Goldshore has concluded that the mineral resource estimate is suitable for the purpose of advancing the current PEA.

Independent Outlook for Permitting

CSL are Goldshore’s independent environmental site auditors as well as project managers for current baseline studies. CSL have considerable experience in this field through their work on the permitting for Impala’s Lac des Iles mine, north of Thunder Bay. This positions them perfectly to manage the Section 20 environmental studies for the PEA. As part of this, CSL produced an independent position paper on the steps required to permit the Moss Gold Project.

CSL has used the rigour around site layout and engineering to identify additional baseline studies that will need to be undertaken and completed as part of the permitting and approvals process. This includes future engagement with indigenous communities on site layout as well as long lead time permits (federal and provincial).

Key permits that Goldshore will be seeking include:

  • Federally, an Impact Assessment and a Fisheries Habitat Compensation Plan, and various approvals, authorizations and licenses; and
  • Provincially, a Closure Plan, various Environmental Compliance Approvals and several standard work permits. All of these permits have been factored into internal planning timelines.

Chris Perusse, P.Geo., President and Senior Geoscientist with CSL, noted, “there are no major informational or timeline hurdles to permitting the Moss Gold Project and a relatively straightforward path with Goldshore well on track with studies completed to date. There is no major lake remediation process, rather a diversion of the Wawiag River, which broadens into the very shallow Snodgrass Lake, around the proposed mine site.”

Goldshore is taking a proactive approach to consultation with our host indigenous communities through regular meetings to share information and benefit from feedback on all aspects of the PEA process.

Hillcrest Project

As part of the Company’s strategy for an exploration and development pipeline, Goldshore has acquired 390 cell claims covering 8,261 hectares in the Quetico Subprovince, 15-25km kilometres north of Moss. This has been named the Hillcrest Project.

The Hillcrest Project represents a blue-sky approach to gold exploration. Fault systems cutting the area appear to be deep-seated structures, “plumbing” the mantle, that were active in the same timeframe as the “Timiskaming-type” deformation zones which have a known, close association with gold mineralization within the Shebandowan Belt (specifically, the high-grade Delta-1 and Tower gold deposits, held by Delta Resources and Thunder Gold, respectively). The interpreted tectonic regime predicts a relatively high density of subvertical second-order deformation zones which acted as fluid conduits. Lake sediment geochemistry is anomalous in gold and other pathfinder elements, which highlights the unrecognized prospectivity of the area.

The Hillcrest Project is also prospective for critical minerals – specifically, Alaska-type Ni-Cu-PGE±Au and lithium pegmatites – as suggested by pre-staking prospecting conducted by Goldshore’s geologists.

The current focus remains on the Moss Gold Project and fieldwork is not planned on the Hillcrest Project until 2024-25.



Hillcrest Project

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Ontario Junior Exploration Program Funding

The Company applied for a $200,000 grant under Ontario’s Junior Exploration Program (OJEP), which was approved on July 13, 2023. Goldshore has been using these funds to conduct geological mapping and geochemical sampling that is focused on potential copper-cobalt targets within the Moss Gold Project. The Company has received approval for the full $200,000 grant under OJEP which consists of a 50% rebate on $400,000 of grassroots focused exploration expenses incurred in 2023.

The Company mobilized field crews in May which have been actively exploring the northern tenement of the project targeting favourable geological horizons and alteration envelopes associated with VMS mineralization as identified at the Vanguard and North Coldstream deposits. The program will progressively move south exploring regional targets around the Moss deposit and Hamlin prospect identified through the earlier completed airborne geophysics survey including many unexplained EM anomalies.

The Company looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Ontario government through OJEP and will be monitoring the program for additional opportunities for funding.

President and CEO Brett Richards stated: “I would like send a note of thanks to the Minister of Mines, for the creation of the Ontario Junior Exploration Program funding, and for our acceptance to receive the generous grant to continue our field work.”

Pete Flindell, VP Exploration for Goldshore, said, “Goldshore remains active with field mapping and geochemical sampling programs to prioritize scout drilling targets for when the drill rigs return later this year. At the same time, we are pursuing studies to determine the economic value of the Moss Gold Project. Initial results are highly encouraging, exceeding all of the Company’s economic metrics given to Ausenco as the framework for scoping the project.”

Qualified Persons

Peter Flindell, P.Geo., MAusIMM, MAIG, Vice President – Exploration of the Company is a “Qualified Person” as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He has reviewed and verified the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

Dr Gilles Arseneau, P. Geo. is an associate with SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. SRK Consulting is an independent, global network of consulting practices in over 45 countries on six continents. Its experienced engineers and scientists work with clients in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver integrated, sustainable solutions across a range of sectors – mining, water, environment, infrastructure, and energy. He has reviewed and verified the information regarding the Mineral Resource audit on the Moss Gold Project disclosed in this news release.

Robert Raponi, P.Eng is a Senior Mining Engineer Specialist with Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. He has reviewed and verified the information regarding the metallurgical and processing results on the Moss Gold project disclosed in the news release.

Chris Perusse, P.Geo, is President and Senior Geoscientist with CSL Environmental and Geotechnical Ltd. He has reviewed and verified the information regarding the independent outlook on permitting on the Moss Gold project disclosed in the news release.

About Goldshore

Goldshore is an emerging junior gold development company, and owns 100% of the Moss Gold Project located in Ontario. Wesdome is currently a large shareholder of Goldshore, and the Company is supported by an industry-leading management group, board of directors and advisory board. Goldshore is well positioned to advance the Moss Gold Project through the next stages of exploration and development.

About Ausenco

Ausenco is a global diversified engineering, construction and project management company providing consulting, project delivery and asset management solutions to the resources, energy and infrastructure sectors. Ausenco’s experience in gold projects ranges from conceptual, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for new project developments to project execution with EPCM and EPC delivery. Ausenco is currently engaged on a number of global projects with similar characteristics and opportunities to the Moss Gold Project.

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

For More Information – Please Contact:

Brett A. Richards
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Goldshore Resources Inc.

P. +1 604 288 4416 M. +1 905 449 1500
E. brichards@goldshoreresources.com
W. www.goldshoreresources.com

Facebook: GoldShoreRes | Twitter: GoldShoreRes | LinkedIn: goldshoreres

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to expectations regarding the exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project and the Hillcrest Project, the release of an updated mineral resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment, and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; compliance with extensive government regulation; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations; the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Company’s securities, regardless of its operating performance; and the impact of COVID-19.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/176639

Categories
Base Metals Emx Royalty Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals Project Generators

EMX Royalty Sells Two Additional Battery Metal Projects to Kendrick Resources PLC

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 8, 2023) – EMX Royalty Corporation (TSXV: EMX) (NYSE American: EMX) (the “Company” or “EMX”) is pleased to announce the execution of an agreement (the “Agreement”) to add its Mjövattnet and Njuggträskliden nickel-copper-PGE-cobalt projects in Sweden (the “Swedish Projects”) to an existing arrangement with Kendrick Resources PLC (“Kendrick”), a current EMX partner. Mjövattnet and Njuggträskliden battery metals projects will follow the same schedule of work commitments, advance royalty payments and milestone payments as the Espedalen battery metals project in Norway, another EMX royalty property being advanced by Kendrick. EMX will retain a 3% NSR royalty on the Swedish Projects along with other considerations summarized below. Kendrick is a Scandinavian focused energy metal exploration and development company currently listed on the London Stock Exchange (“LSE”) under the trading symbol “KEN”. See Figure 1 for project locations.

Each of the Swedish Projects contain nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE (Ni-Cu-Co-PGE) sulfide deposits associated with mafic-ultramafic intrusive complexes in the Skellefteå region of north-central Sweden, and both contain historical mineral resources. The Skellefteå area is known for its mining culture and heritage and is home to multiple actives mines, processing facilities and Boliden AB’s Rönnskär smelting complex.

The addition of the Swedish Projects follows Kendrick’s recent announcement of compelling drill results from the Espedalen battery metals project in Norway, a key EMX royalty property. Kendrick recently announced drill reported but Espedalen, including 11.60 meters averaging 2.85% nickel, 1.04% copper and 0.08% cobalt from 52.4 meters depth in drill hole ESP23-08, drilled at the Stormyra prospect on the Espedalen license (true width not reported, but can be estimated at 70-80% according to published cross sections)1. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information on these and other battery metal projects in EMX’s portfolio.

Commercial Terms Overview. In accordance with the Agreement, Kendrick will issue to EMX 15,000,000 options exercisable at a strike price of 1.3 pence (GBX) for 60 months. EMX currently holds an 8.8% equity stake in Kendrick, and the options will allow EMX to maintain its equity position for the foreseeable future. Additional provisions include:

  • A 3% NSR royalty in favor of EMX, 1% of which can be bought down by Kendrick by paying EMX $1,000,000 by the fifth anniversary of the agreement (leaving EMX with a minimum 2% NSR royalty).
  • Annual work commitments of 1,000 meters of drilling on each of the Swedish Projects.
  • Annual Advance Royalty Payments (“AAR’s”) on each of the Swedish Projects beginning at $30,000 in 2024 and escalating by $5,000 per year.

Overview of the Swedish Projects. Regional nickel exploration became a focus of the Swedish Geological Survey (“SGU”) and other state-run mining concerns in the 1970’s and early 1980’s, leading to the discoveries of the Mjövattnet and Njuggträskliden nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE deposits along what became known as the “Nickel Line” in north central Sweden. The Nickel Line is broadly coincident with a belt of similar aged volcanogenic massive sulfide (“VMS”) type deposits and orogenic gold deposits that comprise the greater Skellefteå Mining Region.

Mjövattnet Project. The translation of Mjövattnet is “mead water” in English, which was one of the first nickel sulfide discoveries made along the Nickel Line. Discovered in 1971, the Mjövattnet nickel sulfide deposit occurs along a structural corridor of similar mineralized bodies, including the Lappvattnet Brannorna, and Lappbacken zones to the southwest, each of which have drill defined zones of mineralization, with the latter two also lying within the EMX license (See Figure 2; note that Lappvattnet is currently held by a third party). Notes from the Swedish Geological Company (“NSG”) in 1987 state that Mjövattnet has only been partly explored and its depth potential remains unknown2. Likewise, several clusters of nickel sulfide bearing boulders lie to the northeast and southeast (the Frangsmyran, Holmsvattnet, Långbacken and Vallen occurrences), the bedrock sources of which have yet to be identified.

This combination of known, drilled defined nickel sulfide mineralization which remains open in multiple directions, and the upside potential in the vicinities of the clusters of mineralized boulders makes the Mjövattnet project particularly attractive for further exploration.

Njuggträskliden Project. This deposit was discovered in the early 1970’s via boulder tracing, which led to the identification of several mineralized outcrops. Multiple drill defined zones of nickel sulfide mineralization were delineated in the early 1980’s, many of which were recognized as being enriched in PGE’s, but only some of the collected drill core samples were analyzed for PGE’s.

The drill defined zones of mineralization at Njuggträskliden remain open at depth, and the NSG noted in their summary report that a 10 kilometer corridor of similar boulder clusters with nickel sulfide mineralization remains to be explored at Njuggträskliden (see Figure 3)3. These occurrences all lie within the EMX license and represent considerable upside exploration potential. Since being drilled by the NSG, a few smaller companies have conducted limited exploration in the area, including twinning of some of the historic holes and reanalyzing the historic drill core for PGE’s. However, little to no systematic exploration has taken place.

Recent exploration programs conducted by EMX have identified numerous new copper and nickel soil anomalies on the Njuggträskliden project. Some of these newly recognized anomalies coincide with clusters of mineralized glacially transported boulders, the source(s) of which have not yet been discovered.

Exploration Plans for 2023. Permitting for drill testing has already begun, and Kendrick expects to commence a maiden drill program at Mjövattnet in later 2023 or early 2024.

Comments on Nearby and Adjacent Properties. The mines and deposits discussed in this news release provide context for EMX’s Projects, which occur in a similar geologic setting, but this is not necessarily indicative that the Projects host similar quantities, grades or styles of mineralization.

Dr. Eric P. Jensen, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the disclosure of the technical information contained in this news release.

About EMX. EMX is a precious, base and battery metals royalty company. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “EMX”, and also trade on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol “6E9”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.

For further information contact:

David M. Cole
President and Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (303) 973-8585
Dave@emxroyalty.com

Scott Close
Director of Investor Relations
Phone: (303) 973-8585
SClose@emxroyalty.com

Isabel Belger
Investor Relations (Europe)
Phone: +49 178 4909039
IBelger@EMXroyalty.com

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

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserve and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans, market prices for precious and base metal, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “believe”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to: unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company’s MD&A for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 (the “MD&A”), and the most recently filed Annual Information Form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2022, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.



Figure 1: Location map of the Swedish Projects.

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Figure 2: Mineralized trends, occurrences and geophysical map of the Mjövattnet project.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1508/176252_c1e423f684f889d1_003full.jpg



Figure 3: Mineralized trends, occurrences and geophysical map of the Njuggträskliden project.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1508/176252_c1e423f684f889d1_004full.jpg

1 See Kendrick Resources PLC News Release dated May 4, 2023: “Stormyra Second Batch Assay Results Maiden Diamond Drill Programme”. EMX has not performed sufficient work to verify the published assay results, and these data cannot be verified as being compliant with NI43-101 standards. However, EMX believes these results to be reliable and relevant.
2 Information from the Geological Survey of Sweden archives in Malå., Sweden.
3 Information from the Geological Survey of Sweden archives in Malå., Sweden., including report BRAP 81007, 1981, Nickelmineraliseringarna i Njuggtraskliden.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/176252

Categories
Base Metals Breaking Emx Royalty Energy Exclusive Interviews Junior Mining Precious Metals Project Generators

(16 Min.) EMX Royalty and Franco Nevada Announce $10M Acquisition Agreement for New Royalties

Website| https://provenandprobable.com/
Call Me |855.505.1900 or email: Maurice@MilesFranklin.com
Precious Metals – https://www.milesfranklin.com/

Categories
Base Metals Emx Royalty Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

EMX Announces an Acquisition Agreement for New Royalties with Franco-Nevada

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 1, 2023) – EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9) (the “Company” or “EMX”) is pleased to announce the execution of a binding term sheet with Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco-Nevada”) for the joint acquisition of newly created precious metals and copper royalties sourced by EMX (the “Agreement”). Franco-Nevada will contribute 55% (up to US$5.5 million) and EMX will contribute 45% (up to US$4.5 million) towards the royalty acquisitions, with the resulting royalty interests equally split (i.e. 50/50). The initial term is for three years from the signing date, or until the maximum contributions totaling US$10 million from both companies have been met, and may be extended if mutually agreed by both companies.

EMX and Franco-Nevada believe that royalty financing capital is sorely needed in an exploration sector where equity capital is difficult to source. The Agreement allows EMX to direct a large amount of capital towards the royalty generation aspect of its business model, and Franco-Nevada to participate in exploration stage royalty financing opportunities identified by EMX. Franco-Nevada is already an EMX shareholder (6.1% fully diluted), having made a $10 million private placement to facilitate the Company’s purchase of additional royalty interests in the Caserones copper (molybdenum) mine in Chile last year (see EMX news release dated April 14, 2022). In parallel with EMX’s royalty acquisition, Franco-Nevada also purchased a royalty interest in Caserones.

Commercial Terms Overview. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement dated June 27, 2023, EMX will source newly created precious metals royalties (“Precious Metals Royalties”) and/or copper royalties (“Copper Royalties”, and together with Precious Metals Royalties, “Royalties” and each a “Royalty”) exclusively for the benefit of EMX and Franco-Nevada (jointly the “Parties”). The Royalties will be for all minerals from mining projects having primary economic metal(s) that are precious metals or copper, but the Agreement will not apply to the purchase of existing third-party royalty interests or exploration lands.

The material Agreement terms are (all dollar amounts are in U.S. dollars (USD)):

  • Franco-Nevada will contribute 55% and EMX will contribute 45% of the purchase price of all Royalties, with such Royalties being equally split (i.e. 50/50) between each Party. Franco-Nevada will commit up to $5.5 million and EMX will commit up to $4.5 million for the acquisition of Royalties, totaling $10 million from both Parties (the “Capital Commitment”).
  • To illustrate the above, for a new 1% Royalty with a $1 million dollar purchase price, Franco-Nevada would contribute $550 thousand and EMX would contribute $450 thousand, with each Party receiving a 0.5% Royalty.
  • EMX will be responsible for managing all Royalty transaction sourcing, asset analysis, due diligence review, contract negotiations and other related activities in connection with the acquisition of Royalties.
  • The Agreement will expire upon the earlier of: (i) the contribution of the full Capital Commitment; or (ii) the date that is three years after the execution of the Agreement (the “Initial Term”), subject to extension upon mutual agreement of the Parties.

Discussion. The Agreement with Franco-Nevada is expected to accelerate the growth of the Company’s royalty portfolio by allowing EMX to direct a larger amount of capital towards new royalty acquisitions through exploration royalty financing or other entrepreneurial means. EMX’s assets currently include over 250 exploration and early stage royalty generation projects, in addition to six producing and eleven advanced royalty properties. The Company has active programs and important assets in North America (the western U.S., Canada, and Mexico), South America (Chile, Peru, and Argentina), Europe (Fennoscandia, Serbia and the other Balkans), western Asia (Turkey), Africa (Morocco and Botswana), and Australia. From these countries and regions, the Company manages its portfolio utilizing in-country or in-region exploration teams, consultants, and advisers. EMX’s search for new royalty opportunities will be led in the western hemisphere by Chief Geologist, Dr. David Johnson, in the eastern hemisphere by General Manager of Exploration, Dr. Eric Jensen, and globally by General Manager of Corporate Development, Thomas Mair.

The precious metals and copper focused search for new royalties leverages EMX’s experience in assessing opportunities for these commodities. The Company’s portfolio is principally comprised of gold (59%) and copper (21%) assets, with battery (e.g., cobalt, nickel, etc.) and other metals (e.g., lead, zinc, etc.) accounting for the remaining 20%. The Company’s current portfolio provides a strong base from which to source new royalties for both companies.

EMX is well positioned to source new royalty opportunities under the Agreement. In particular, the EMX – Franco-Nevada initiative well-suited for the acquisition of new royalties from companies that have promising precious metals or copper projects, but are confronted by the current challenging environment for exploration funding. Interested third parties are encouraged to see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information regarding key management contacts, as well as the Company’s portfolio and business strategy.

Qualified Person. Michael P. Sheehan, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the disclosure of the technical information contained in this news release.

About EMX. EMX is a precious, base and battery metals royalty company. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “EMX”, and also trade on the Frankfurt exchange under the symbol “6E9”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.

About Franco-Nevada. Franco-Nevada Corporation is the leading gold-focused royalty and streaming company with the largest and most diversified portfolio of cash-flow producing assets. Its business model provides investors with gold price and exploration optionality while limiting exposure to cost inflation. Franco-Nevada uses its free cash flow to expand its portfolio and pay dividends. It trades under the symbol FNV on both the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.

For further information contact:

David M. Cole
President and Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (303) 973-8585
Dave@emxroyalty.com

Scott Close
Director of Investor Relations
Phone: (303) 973-8585
SClose@emxroyalty.com

Isabel Belger
Investor Relations (Europe)
Phone: +49 178 4909039
IBelger@EMXroyalty.com

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

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans, market prices for precious and base metal, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “believe”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company’s MD&A for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 (the “MD&A”), and the most recently filed Annual Information Form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2022, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175578

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Metallic Group Metallic Minerals Precious Metals

Metallic Minerals Expands Resource at La Plata Copper-Silver-Gold-PGE Project in Southwestern Colorado, USA

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 31, 2023 / Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSX.V:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) (“Metallic Minerals” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce an updated National Instrument 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate representing a 25% increase in contained metal based on an additional 1,730 meters of diamond drilling completed at its La Plata project in 2022. Inferred mineral resources at the Allard deposit now total 1,211 million pounds of copper (“Mlbs”) and 17.6 million ounces (“Moz”) of silver in a constrained model with 147.3 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.41% Copper Equivalent (“CuEq”) (0.37% Cu and 3.72 g/t Ag) using a 0.25% CuEq cut-off grade (See Table 1 notes).

Metallic Minerals Corp., Monday, July 31, 2023, Press release picture
Metallic Minerals Corp., Monday, July 31, 2023, Press release picture

The expansion from the inaugural resource to the current 1,317 Mlbs CuEq is largely driven by the major discovery in drill hole LAP22-04 (drilled in 2022), which intersected 816 meters of 0.41% CuEq recovered (0.30% Cu, 2.47 g/t Ag, 0.038 g/t Au, 0.055 g/t Pd and 0.093 g/t Pd) bottoming in 5.39% CuEq recovered over 5.2 m (2.44% Cu, 18.7 g/t Ag, 5.0 g/t Au+PGE). Follow-up drilling is currently underway to test the extent of this newly discovered high-grade mineralization, and at the time of this news release, the first offset drill hole was drilling in porphyry mineralization and had reached approximately 500 m depth.

The Allard deposit resource remains completely open to expansion laterally and to depth. Future mineral resource estimates will add gold, platinum and palladium to the copper and silver resource with additional drilling. These metals were not previously assayed for in historic drilling but add significant value to the recent drill intercepts. Furthermore, the greater La Plata copper-silver-gold-PGE project remains underexplored and open to new discoveries of both additional copper porphyry centers, as well as high-grade epithermal silver, gold and telluride mineralization that were the focus of historic mining in the district.

Highlights

  • Inferred mineral resources at the Allard deposit now total 1,211 million pounds of copper and 17.6 million ounces of silver in a constrained model with 147.3 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.41% CuEq (0.37% Cu and 3.72 g/t Ag) using a 0.25% CuEq cut-off grade.
  • Contained copper equivalent metal has increased by 25% to 1,317 million pounds and the overall grade of the deposit also increased 5% to 0.41% CuEq.
  • Significant upside exists for both increases in equivalent grade and precious metal ounces due to limited historic assaying for gold, platinum and palladium. These metals, which are found in high concentrations in the 2022 drilling but are not included in the current resource estimate, are anticipated to be added with additional drilling. The precious metals component of LAP22-04 (silver, gold, platinum, and palladium) can add 50% or more in equivalent value above the copper only values in that hole.
  • The Allard resource remains open to expansion at depth and along strike with the discovery drill hole LAP22-04 being the easternmost hole drilled in the deposit.
  • Sixteen (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, gold and telluride mineralization.
  • Resource expansion drilling in 2022 totaled 1,780 m bringing the project total to 16,930 m in 59 drill holes.

An NI 43-101-compliant technical report on the 2023 La Plata Resource will be filed on Sedar.com within 45 days.

Scott Petsel, Metallic Minerals’ President, states, “The current expansion of the La Plata resource is an early first step in realizing the true potential of the project and the fact that we were able to achieve a 25% increase over the inaugural resource with a modest amount of drilling in 2022 speaks to the well mineralized yet underexplored nature of the project. Hole LAP22-04 resulted in the discovery of new, extremely rich mineralization that is unconstrained to the east, north and at depth and clearly requires follow-up drilling to understand the true size and nature of the Allard resource. Metallic Minerals in collaboration with our strategic investor Newcrest Mining is excited to pursue expansion on this discovery in 2023 and have secured a drill capable of penetrating well beyond the current resource extent. The continuity of mineralization starting from surface, coupled with the very high grades at depth, represent significant upside to both scale and grade in future resource updates. We expect considerable expansion of the contained precious metals and copper with subsequent drilling and envision the potential scale for a Tier 1 asset. In addition, numerous high-priority untested targets have been identified outside of the resource area that we hope to begin testing in 2023.”

Table 1 – 2023 Updated 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.

ClassCuEq (%)TonnesCuAgCuEq (%)
Cut-offGrade (%)MlbsGrade (g/t)OuncesGrade (%)Mlbs
Inferred0.15212,243,0000.321,4803.2422,131,0000.341,613
Inferred0.20187,173,0000.341,3913.4220,597,0000.371,515
Inferred0.25147,344,0000.371,2113.7217,604,0000.411,317
Inferred0.30116,438,0000.411,0413.9514,783,0000.441,130
Inferred0.3587,871,0000.448544.2011,861,0000.48925
  1. The Allard deposit mineral resource estimate (the “2023 Resource Estimate”) generally respects industry standard practices as recently established by the CIM in the Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (2019). The classification of the 2023 Resource Estimate is consistent with current CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (2014).
  2. Completion of the 2023 Resource Estimate involved the assessment of a validated database, which included all data for surface and underground sampling completed through the fall of 2022, 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 59 drillholes and 2 channels, and 17,215 m of data from 1959 to 2022 to delineate the Allard deposit.
  3. Inverse Distance squared (“ID2“) restricted to a mineralized domain is used to Interpolate grades for the main elements of interest including Cu (ppm) and Ag (g/t) into a block model.
  4. Based on a review of the project location and size, geometry, and continuity of mineralization of the Allard deposit, and its spatial distribution, it is envisioned that the Allard deposit may be mined using a large-scale underground bulk mining method.
  5. The 2023 Resource Estimate is reported at a base case cut-off grade of 0.25% CuEq, based on metal prices of $3.75/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. CuEq % = Cu % + (Ag g/t x Ag price/gram).
  6. The values in the 2023 Resource Estimate table reported above and below the base-case cut-off 0.25% CuEq should not be misconstrued with a Mineral Resource Statement. The values are only presented to show the sensitivity of the block model estimates to the selection of the base case cut-off grade.
  7. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. Totals may not add or calculate exactly due to rounding.
  8. The 2023 Resource Estimate is presented undiluted and in situ, constrained by a continuous 3D wireframe model (the constraining volume) and below topography, and is considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
  9. The 2023 Resource Estimate is not a Mineral Reserve as it does not have demonstrated economic viability. The Inferred Mineral Resource in the 2023 Resource Estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration.
  10. A fixed specific gravity value of 2.60 g/cm3 is used to estimate the Mineral Resource tonnage from a block model volume.
  11. Composites of 3.05 m in length, constrained to the Allard domain, are used for the resource estimation procedure. Grades for Cu and Ag were interpolated into blocks by the ID2 calculation method.
  12. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that most of the Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
  13. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues.

La Plata Property Overview

Metallic Minerals’ La Plata project covers 44 square kilometers 20 km north of Mancos, Colorado, within the historic La Plata mining district, that is in the southwest portion of the prolific Colorado Mineral Belt. The La Plata project is easily accessible by highways and improved gravel roads and is near significant power transmission lines.

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 mineralized deposits at over 90 individual mines and prospects1. From the 1950s to 1970s, major miners, including Rio Tinto (Bear Creek) and Freeport-McMoRan (Phelps Dodge), explored the 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 17,215 meters in 59 drill holes has been drilled on the property from the 1950s to present, this drilling has demonstrated the presence of a large multi-phase porphyry system with copper, silver, gold with more recent discoveries highlighting the potential for significant PGEs, rare earth minerals and tellurium. This large-scale mineralized system is associated with a 10 km2 strongly magnetic signature with intense hydrothermal alteration. Surrounding the central porphyry system is an associated high-grade silver and gold-rich epithermal system measuring at least 8 km by 2 km that hosts 56 identified mineralized veins, replacement, and breccia structures. Historical production from some of these high-grade structures included bonanza grades for silver and gold.

Copper mineralization with associated silver, gold, platinum, and palladium is hosted by a large-scale, Late Mesozoic age, alkalic porphyry system with related silver, gold, telluride epithermal vein, breccia and replacement deposits hosted in adjacent sedimentary rocks. Porphyry copper systems are some of the largest sources of copper and precious metals production worldwide and are frequently cornerstone Tier 1 assets for the major mining companies. The sub-type of porphyry systems, known as alkalic porphyry deposits, commonly contain higher-grade precious metal content like at La Plata and can demonstrate significant scale.

Figure 1 – La Plata Cross Section with Significant Drill Intervals and Mineralized Grade Shells

Metallic Minerals Corp., Monday, July 31, 2023, Press release picture
Metallic Minerals Corp., Monday, July 31, 2023, Press release picture

Critical Minerals

The Allard deposit at La Plata is a significant potential source of copper and silver, both important industrial metals used for modern technologies broadly and particularly in renewable and clean energy applications. Recent and historical work has also demonstrated that the broader La Plata district is also a potential source of other critical minerals identified by the U.S. Government as requirements for economic and national security3. Drilling by Metallic Minerals in 2022 returned multi-gram intervals of platinum group elements with individual grades up to 5 g/t platinum and palladium, as well as critical minerals such as vanadium, and rare earth elements. Tellurium, another element on the critical mineral list, was a by-product of historic high-grade gold and silver production in the district. The potential for these critical minerals to add additional economic value to the La Plata project will be evaluated as part of ongoing exploration efforts.

U.S. Geological Survey Earth Mapping Resources Initiative

The U.S. Geological Survey (“USGS”) is funding the Colorado Geological Survey for geological studies in the La Plata Mountains as part of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative. The work to be carried out by the Colorado Geological Survey includes geologic mapping as well as geochemical and mineralogical studies in the La Plata Mining District to generate a greater understanding of the area’s potential to host critical minerals. See USGS news release dated January 25, 2023.

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 leading exploration and development stage company focused on copper, silver, gold, and other critical minerals in the La Plata mining district in Colorado, and silver and gold in the high-grade Keno Hill and Klondike districts of the Yukon. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources, and advancing projects toward development.

At the Company’s La Plata project in southwestern Colorado, the new 2023 NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate identifies a significant porphyry copper-silver resource containing 1,211 Mlbs copper and 17.6 Moz of silver. Results from 2022 expansion drilling providing the basis for the updated resource, included the longest and highest-grade interval ever encountered at La Plata and one of the top intersections for any North American copper project in the past several years. In May 2023, the Company announced a 9.5% strategic investment by Newcrest Mining Limited to accelerate the advancement of the Company’s La Plata project. In the 2023 Fraser Institute’s Annual Survey of Mining Companies, Colorado ranked 5th globally for investment attractiveness and 2nd in the USA.

In Canada’s Yukon Territory, Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic high-grade Keno Hill silver district, directly adjacent to Hecla Mining Company’s (“Hecla”) operations, with more than 300 Moz of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources. Hecla, the largest primary silver producer in the USA and third largest in the world, completed the acquisition of Alexco Resource Corp and its Keno Hill operations in September 2022. Hecla is targeting to start production at the Keno Hill operations by Q3 2023. Metallic Minerals is anticipating the announcement of inaugural mineral resource estimate at Keno Silver in the second half of 2023.

The Company is also one of the largest holders of alluvial gold claims in the Yukon and is building a production royalty business by partnering with experienced mining operators, including Parker Schnabel of Little Flake Mining from the hit television show, Gold Rush, on the Discovery Channel.

All of the districts in which Metallic Minerals operates 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 in the region, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise. The Metallic Minerals team has been recognized for its environmental stewardship practices and is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Website: www.mmgsilver.com Phone: 604-629-7800
Email: cackerman@mmgsilver.com Toll Free: 1-888-570-4420

Footnotes:

  1. 1) Eckel, USGS Prof Paper 219, Geology and Ore Deposits of the La Plata Mining District, 1949.
  2. 2) Bear Creek Mining (now Rio Tinto), Humble Oil (now Exxon) and Phelps Dodge (now Freeport-McMoRan) company reports.
  3. 4) The US Geological Survey has released a list of 50 critical minerals that the US economy requires for economic and national security. Earth Mapping Resources Initiative.

Qualified Persons

The La Plata copper-silver project 2023 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 July 10, 2023. Armitage conducted a site visit to the property on August 13, 2021, and again on April 18 and 19, 2023. 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.

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, statements about expected results of operations, royalties, cash flows, financial position and future dividends as well as financial position, prospects, 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, unsuccessful operations, 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 Company with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration, development of mines and mining operations 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.

SOURCE: Metallic Minerals Corp.



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Categories
Junior Mining Lion One Metals

Lion One Expands Gold Mineralization at Tuvatu Mine in Fiji

Wall Sampling Returns 18.70 g/t Au over 17.8 m, Peak Value of 150.77 g/t Au

North Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – July 27, 2023) – Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) (“Lion One” or the “Company”) is pleased to report high-grade gold results from underground sampling and announces the expansion of gold mineralization at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji.

Sampling along the walls of the URW1a and URW1b mine drives at Tuvatu has returned high-grade gold results, indicating that the gold mineralization associated with both the URW1a and URW1b lodes extends beyond the walls of the current drives. As reported on July 13, 2023, the grades associated with the URW1a and URW1b lodes are higher than anticipated and the results reported here indicate that the high-grade gold mineralization associated with these lodes is also greater in width than that which was estimated from drilling.

Highlights of wall sampling, parallel to sub-parallel to strike-drives, on URW1a and URW1b:

  • 18.70 g/t Au over 17.8 m (including 91.15 g/t Au over 1.0m) (URW1b – Right Wall)
  • 32.34 g/t Au over 10 m (including 149.86 and 80.11 g/t Au over 1.0m each) (URW1b – Left Wall)
  • 17.11 g/t Au over 18 m (including 150.77 g/t Au over 1.0m) (URW1a – Right Wall)
  • 20.72 g/t Au over 11 m (including 107.56 g/t Au over 1.0m) (URW1a – Left Wall)
  • 24.76 g/t Au over 7 m (including 67.06 g/t Au over 1.0m) (URW1a – Left Wall)

Lion One Chairman and CEO Walter Berukoff commented: “We’re very pleased with the results from our wall sampling program. The program was initiated following the identification of coarse visible gold in veinlets in the walls of both the URW1a and URW1b mine drives. The results indicate that there is significant gold mineralization present in the walls of both drives, and that the mineable width of both drives is therefore considerably wider than we expected based on drill results. An investigation is now underway to determine how far this additional gold mineralization extends into the walls of both drives and how much additional high-grade material we can expect to mine from these lodes. Mining is ongoing in both drives and we’re hopeful that this additional gold mineralization will provide a further boost to our growing stockpile in advance of our plant commissioning later this year.”

Wall Sampling

Table 1. Highlights of Wall Sampling, parallel/subparallel to strike drives from the URW1a and URW1b lodes

LocationFromToInterval (m)Au (g/t)
URW1a Left Wall07724.76
including02246.71
which includes12167.06
and also including36324.65
URW1a Left Wall12291714.55
including18291120.72
which includes1822417.54
and2326350.84
which includes25261107.56
URW1a Right Wall9271817.11
including910135.90
and1112110.46
and13241123.54
which includes1522735.47
which includes15161150.77
URW1b Left Wall2121032.34
including68276.85
which includes671149.86
and also including912354.50
which includes910180.11
and1011123.20
and1112160.18
URW1b Left Wall141957.48
including1417311.51
URW1b Right Wall017.817.818.70
including5.810.8530.24
which includes5.86.8127.71
and9.49.80.450.76
and9.810.8191.15
and also including11.817.8628.57
which includes14.817.8344.53

Figure 1. Location of the URW1a and URW1b lodes in relation to the Tuvatu system. Mining is progressing north along both the URW1a lode (modelled in purple) and the URW1b lode (modelled in green). Inset image shows the location of the URW1a and URW1b lodes in relation to the Tuvatu system, with all other lodes shown in pale grey. Underground developments are shown in red. The dashed black square is the area highlighted in Figure 2. The URW1 mineralized trend has a N-S strike length of approximately 300 m and a vertical extent also of approximately 300 m. The URW1a and URW1b lodes occupy approximately 75m of this mineralized strike length. Extensional drilling is ongoing.

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Figure 2. Location of URW1a and URW1b wall samples. Yellow lines indicate the location of the wall sample lines in relation to the URW1a and URW1b mine drives, shown in red. Sample lines start with 0 m at the southern (bottom) end of the mine drives and progress north along the drives. Yellow arrows indicate the possible expansion of the mine drives, pending investigation into the lateral extent of additional gold mineralization.

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Mining of the URW1 lodes has been ongoing since May 18th, 2023 and is being conducted through the use of airleg mining. Airleg mining is a very precise method of mining which is ideal for narrow vein mineralization such as at Tuvatu as it enables the extraction of the vein material with minimal dilution.

As mining progressed along the URW1a and URW1b lodes, gold mineralization was identified within narrow stockwork-style veining in the walls of both drives following extraction. A systematic program of wall sampling was therefore initiated to determine the extent of gold mineralization along the walls. Samples were collected at approximately 1m intervals along the entire length of both the lefthand and righthand walls of both the URW1a and URW1b mine drives. The samples were collected by chipping material off the face of the wall along a continuous horizontal line irrespective of veining, mineralization, alteration, or lithology. The sampling results are therefore considered representative of the wall material.

The wall sampling results indicate significant gold mineralization is present in the walls of both the URW1a and URW1b mine drives, yet the lateral extent of this mineralization is unknown. An investigation is underway to determine how far mineralization extends beyond the current walls of the drives and how much additional material can be mined from these drives. Information gained from this investigation will then be applied to adapt the mine design for these lodes moving forward. As a general strategy, the early recognition of gold-bearing stockwork-style veining beyond the primary vein is significant as it provides the opportunity for the mining team to take advantage of increased mining volumes early in the life of the mine. The mining method at Tuvatu is being assessed locally and where it can be demonstrated to be beneficial a switch from airleg to mechanized mining will be considered. The effect of mechanized mining as compared to airleg mining is that it has a higher production rate but wider minimum mining widths. It is therefore efficient for wide zones of mineralization but increases dilution in narrow zones.

Modes of Mineralization at URW1 lodes

The discovery of widespread gold mineralization in the walls of the URW1a and URW1b mine drives has indicated that high-grade gold mineralization extends for several meters on either side of the main URW1 lodes. This has led to an increased understanding of the gold grade distribution in this portion of the Tuvatu deposit. It is well established that high-grade gold mineralization at Tuvatu occurs within the main subvertical lodes, such as the URW1a and URW1b lodes, which are likely the primary fluid-flow pathways in this part of the system. Results from the wall sampling program confirm the presence of a secondary, but no less important, mode of occurrence of gold mineralization of considerable significance. This second mode of mineralization occurs as a network of stockwork-style veining that forms a halo of metric extent peripheral to the main sub-vertical lodes (Figure 3).



Figure 3. Example of grade distribution in URW1a. Photo of the face of the URW1a mine drive at approximately 24 m into the drive. The main lode is shown to the right of the photo within the dashed yellow lines. Stockwork style veining is shown to the left of the main lode, with some of the veining highlighted by dashed orange lines. Gold grades from face sampling are shown in white, while gold grades from the wall sampling at this location are shown in orange. The main lode at this part of the drive is quite close to the righthand wall of the drive so we can see that high-grade gold in the form of stockwork style veining extends at least 2 m to the lefthand wall of the drive, where wall sampling returned a grade of 24.00 g/t Au. High grade material at this location therefore extends beyond the lefthand wall, as well as beyond the righthand wall where the wall sample returned 10.22 g/t Au. The lateral extent of high-grade mineralization peripheral to the main subvertical lodes is currently unknown.

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Gold mineralization in the main lodes typically occurs within chalcedonic quartz veins both as native gold resulting from fluid flashing events and as a very fine-grained gold overprint in association with coarse grained pyrite and sphalerite. Gold mineralization within the halo of stockwork-style veining around the main lode occurs as native gold within a network of thin (<1 cm wide) quartz veinlets (Figure 4). The discovery of this second form of gold mineralization represents a potentially significant upside for gold grades and tonnage at the URW1a and URW1b lodes, and possibly for Tuvatu as a whole.



Figure 4. Examples of different visible gold-bearing veinlets identified during sampling. Examples of thin, visible gold-bearing veinlets from stockwork-style veining peripheral to the URW1a and URW1b main lodes. Scratcher pen used for scale.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where metal concentrations or grades are the factors of principal economic interest. At Tuvatu, coarse visible gold generally correlates well to high-grade mineralization. However, the actual grades can only be determined by systematic sampling and assaying.

About Tuvatu

The Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project is located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. The January 2018 mineral resource for Tuvatu as disclosed in the technical report “Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Tuvatu Gold Project, Republic of Fiji”, dated September 25, 2020, and prepared by Mining Associates Pty Ltd of Brisbane Qld, comprises 1,007,000 tonnes indicated at 8.50 g/t Au (274,600 oz. Au) and 1,325,000 tonnes inferred at 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at www.liononemetals.com and on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

Qualified Person

In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43- 101”), Sergio Cattalani, P.Geo, Senior Vice President Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and is responsible for the technical and scientific content of this news release.

QAQC Procedures

Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its sampling, drilling, testing, and analyses. The Company utilizes its own fleet of diamond drill rigs, using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill core rods. Drill core is logged and split by Lion One personnel on site. Samples are delivered to and analyzed at the Company’s geochemical and metallurgical laboratory in Fiji. Duplicates of all samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are both re-assayed at Lion One’s lab and delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia (ALS) for check assay determinations. All samples for all high-grade intercepts are sent to ALS for check assays. All samples are pulverized to 85% passing through 75 microns. Gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that have returned grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are then re-analyzed by gravimetric method. For samples that return greater than 0.50 g/t Au, repeat fire assay runs are carried out and repeated until a result is obtained that is within 10% of the original fire assay run. Lion One’s laboratory can also assay for a range of 71 other elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 9 important pathfinder elements. All duplicate anomalous samples are sent to ALS labs in Townsville QLD and are analyzed by the same methods (Au-AA26, and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61).

About Lion One Metals Limited

Lion One’s flagship asset is 100% owned, fully permitted high grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project, located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. Lion One envisions a low-cost high-grade underground gold mining operation at Tuvatu coupled with exciting exploration upside inside its tenements covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, an underexplored yet highly prospective 7km diameter alkaline gold system. Lion One’s CEO Walter Berukoff leads an experienced team of explorers and mine builders and has owned or operated over 20 mines in 7 countries. As the founder and former CEO of Miramar Mines, Northern Orion, and La Mancha Resources, Walter is credited with building over $3 billion of value for shareholders.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lion One Metals Limited
Walter Berukoff“, Chairman and CEO

Contact Investor Relations
Toll Free (North America)
Tel: 1-855-805-1250
Email: info@liononemetals.com
Website: www.liononemetals.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “proposed”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Appendix 1: Complete Wall Sample Results and Location Information

Table 2. Wall Sample results from the URW1a lode

URW1a – Left WallURW1a – Right Wall
FromToInterval (m)Au g/tFromToInterval (m)Au g/t
01126.360110.94
12167.061215.25
2311.42311.04
34139.563412.84
45117.434511.45
56116.965619.39
6714.576710.13
7810.017810.01
8910.288910.73
91010.04910135.9
101110.15101110.13
111210.011112110.46
121319.01121310.21
131413.36131414.39
141510.01141511.63
151614.2415161150.77
161712.521617114.19
171810.281718112.77
1819137.881819123.02
192011.341920111.57
202116.932021110.22
21221242122125.76
222311.43222312.48
232417.93232412.16
2425137.03242510.37
25261107.56252611.35
262711.97262710.54
272810.14272810.11
282911.73282910.04
293010.21293013.31
303110.01303110.06

Table 3. Wall Sample results from the URW1b lode

URW1b – Left WallURW1b – Right Wall
FromToInterval (m)Au g/tFromToInterval (m)Au g/t
0110.000110.73
1210.481213.02
2311.1722.80.81.33
3412.212.83.813.41
4512.623.84.811.67
5610.204.85.810.12
671149.865.86.8127.71
7813.836.87.40.65.14
8910.007.48.413.96
910180.118.49.415.01
1011123.209.49.80.450.76
1111.20.227.149.810.8191.15
11.2120.868.4410.811.810.17
121310.0011.812.816.4
131410.0012.813.8119.68
1415112.0013.814.8111.76
1516112.3614.815.8147.29
1617110.1915.816.8149.02
171810.8216.817.8137.29
181912.03
192010.00
202110.00
212212.16

Table 4. Coordinates for wall sample lines reported in this release, using the end of the sample line as the reference point (i.e. the northern most point). Coordinates are in Fiji map grid.

Sample LineEasting (m)Northing (m)Elevation (m)Sample Line Length
URW1a – Left Wall1876335392073514131
URW1a – Right Wall1876338392073614131
URW1b – Left Wall1876347392073814222
URW1b – Right Wall1876350392073714217.8

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175090

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Nevada Copper

Pumpkin Hollow Underground Drill Program Extends Mineralization Highlighted by 36.5 feet of 2.46% Copper

Nevada Copper Corp.
Nevada Copper Corp.

Update on Underground and Regional Exploration Opportunities

Figure 1

Recent Underground Drilling
Recent Underground Drilling

Figure 2

Property Map with Exploration Target Locations
Property Map with Exploration Target Locations

Figure 3

Dimples Sampling (Gold)
Dimples Sampling (Gold)

Figure 4

Dimples Sampling (Copper)
Dimples Sampling (Copper)

YERINGTON, Nev., July 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDF) (FSE: ZYTA) (“Nevada Copper” or the “Company”) today provides an update on its 2023 regional and underground exploration plans and recent exploration results at its approximate 36 square mile Pumpkin Hollow property located in Yerington, NV.  

Randy Buffington, President & CEO, commented, “The Pumpkin Hollow property is a significant land package, in a well-known copper belt, in a strong mining jurisdiction and with substantial mineral resources already identified. These recent underground drill results indicate expansion to known copper mineralization. Additionally, our review of historical data, coupled with recent surface sampling and analysis, has identified several targets of interest that warrant follow-up. Our team is currently focused on bringing the underground back into operation, including completion of the remaining capital projects, and advancing development activities, both of which are well underway. The planned start-up of milling operations and concentrate sales in Q3 2023 is on track with targeted nameplate milling rates of 5,000 tons per day expected to be achieved by the end of 2023. With a significant portion of the property located on private land, we are in a rare position to quickly take advantage of growth opportunities once we achieve steady state underground operations.”

2023 Underground Drilling Highlights

  • Approximately 31,500 feet of drilling planned (approximately US$5 million program).
  • Approximately 4,900 feet drilled to date with one drill rig, and a second drill rig recently deployed.
  • Results of drilling indicate mineralization extension in the ES zone (see Figure 1), including 36.5 feet of 2.46% copper within a larger interval of 99 feet of 1.4% copper (Cu) in hole NC23U-007. Other notable results include:
DDH IDFrom
(ft)
To
(ft)
Length
(ft)
Cu %Ag gptAu gpt
NC23U-0021424101.6214.2000.251
NC23U-002294304.810.81.768.4020.132
NC23U-0046070101.6311.6000.316
NC23U-005128143151.269.9130.267
NC23U-00668.479.811.41.275.7380.165
NC23U-007246344.598.51.43.5580.144
including300336.536.52.465.3420.318
NC23U-008123.515531.51.594.3420.264
NC23U-008425435101.563.2500.190
NC23U-008445480351.823.9860.291
NC23U-009188203151.321.4330.087
gpt = grams per tonne; Ag = silver
 

The 2023 East North (EN) and East South (ES) underground drill program began in the first quarter of 2023 and is focused on stope definition drilling and near-mine resource expansion targets. Drilling is expected to continue in the ES and EN zone through the remainder of the year. The deposit remains open in all directions.

The Pumpkin Hollow property has not been extensively explored in the past as the Company was focused on developing the known mineral resources, resulting in the development of the underground mine and advancement of the open pit project. Recent drone magnetic surveys have identified several high-quality targets of interest. Surface reconnaissance targeting these high-quality areas demonstrates that these targets have the potential to host additional independent mineralized systems, outside of the existing deposits.

New Area Identified in Pumpkin Hollow Site Wide Exploration – Dimples

Nevada Copper has identified a new exploration target, the Dimples target, located just south of the proposed open pit area in the southern area of the property (Figure 2). Analysis of recent surface grab samples has returned encouraging results including gold values of up to 61 gpt gold (Au). A total of 55 grab samples have been collected in 2023 with 42 of those samples returning gold values greater than 0.1 gpt Au and 14 samples being greater than 1 gpt Au, in quartz rich veins within granodiorite porphyry (Figure 3). Higher-grade copper was identified in eleven samples, with values greater than 1.0% Cu (Figure 4). High-grade copper rich zones are found in the granodiorite porphyry veins as well as skarns within metavolcanics. The Mesozoic rocks in the area are dominated by granodiorite porphyries and metavolcanics.

Additional News from the Copper Ridge Target

Surface sampling results from surface outcrops and prospect pits in the Copper Ridge area have indicated a potential for high-grade copper, highlighted by grades including 5.03% and 5.43% Cu. The Copper Ridge property is located north of the main Pumpkin Hollow property covered by 103 hectares through unpatented and patented claims. The target was mined for high-grade copper in the early 1900’s through several adits as well as a 122-meter inclined shaft.

The 2023 program is designed to follow-up on historic reconnaissance work completed in the early 1990s by a major copper company and has the potential to provide additional high-grade feed for the existing underground mill. A total of 70 historic and new rock samples were collected to confirm and extend the known mineralization along the vein and dike structures in the Yerington Batholith granodiorites. Forty-four samples assayed greater than 0.1% copper. Samples greater than 2.0% Cu were summarized in Table 1 of the Company’s February 13th, 2023, news release.

Follow-up trenching and a reverse circulation drill program are planned to further evaluate these high potential targets.

The grades identified in this press release are conceptual in nature as there has not been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the delineation of a mineral resource.

Qualified Person
The technical information and data in this news release has been reviewed by Greg French, C.P.G., VP Exploration of Nevada Copper, who is a non-independent Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control
The analytical work referred to herein was performed by American Assay Labs (AAL) located in Sparks, Nevada.  AAL is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. The Samples were crushed so that >80% passes 10 mesh, followed by pulverizing to >90% passes 75 < 150 mesh. Prepared samples were run using a three-acid digestion process and conventional ICP-AES analysis. Gold determination was via standard atomic absorption (AA) finish 30-gram fire-assay (FA) analysis.  Blank, standard and duplicate samples were routinely inserted and monitored for quality assurance and quality control.

The historic analytical work was performed by Chemex Labs Inc. and ALS Minerals, currently ALS Geochemistry (ALS) located in Nevada.  ALS is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. The samples were crushed so that >80% passes 10 mesh, followed by pulverizing split to < 150 mesh. Prepared samples were run using an acid digestion process and conventional ICP-AES analysis. Gold determination was via standard atomic absorption (AA) finish 30-gram fire-assay (FA) analysis.

Nevada Copper detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data and is not aware of any sampling or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to herein.

About Nevada Copper

Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) is the owner of the Pumpkin Hollow copper project located in Nevada, USA with substantial reserves and resources including copper, gold and silver. Its two fully permitted projects include the high-grade Underground Mine and processing facility, which is expected to restart milling operations in 2023, and a large-scale open pit PFS stage project.

Randy Buffington
President & CEO

For additional information, please see the Company’s website at www.nevadacopper.com, or contact:

Tracey Thom Vice President, IR and Community Relations
tthom@nevadacopper.com
+1 775 391 9029

Figure 1 – Recent Underground Drilling

Recent Underground Drilling
Recent Underground Drilling

*Grey holes – assays pending

Figure 2 – Property Map with Exploration Target Locations

Property Map with Exploration Target Locations
Property Map with Exploration Target Locations

Figure 3 – Dimples Sampling (Gold)

Dimples Sampling (Gold)
Dimples Sampling (Gold)

Figure 4 – Dimples Sampling (Copper)

Dimples Sampling (Copper)
Dimples Sampling (Copper)

Cautionary Language on Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to future exploration and the potential outcome of exploration programs, development and restart and ramp-up plans and activities at the Underground Mine and the timing in respect thereof.

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

Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those relating to: results of exploration programs, requirements for additional capital and no assurance can be given regarding the availability thereof; the ability of the Company to complete the restart and ramp-up of the Underground Mine within the expected cost estimates and timeframe; the impact of COVID-19 on the business and operations of the Company; the state of financial markets; history of losses; dilution; adverse events relating to milling operations, construction, development and restart and ramp-up, including the ability of the Company to address underground development and process plant issues; ground conditions; cost overruns relating to development, construction and restart and ramp-up of the Underground Mine; loss of material properties; interest rate increases; global economy; limited history of production; future metals price fluctuations; speculative nature of exploration activities; periodic interruptions to exploration, development and mining activities; environmental hazards and liability; industrial accidents; failure of processing and mining equipment to perform as expected; labour disputes; supply problems; uncertainty of production and cost estimates; the interpretation of drill results and the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; possible variations in ore reserves, grade of mineralization or recovery rates from management’s expectations and the difference may be material; legal and regulatory proceedings and community actions; accidents; title matters; regulatory approvals and restrictions; increased costs and physical risks relating to climate change, including extreme weather events, and new or revised regulations relating to climate change; permitting and licensing; dependence on management information systems and cyber security risks; volatility of the market price of the Company’s securities; insurance; competition; hedging activities; currency fluctuations; loss of key employees; other risks of the mining industry as well as those risks discussed in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended December 31, 2022 and in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 20, 2023. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: no adverse developments in respect of the property or operations at the project; no material changes to applicable laws; the restart and ramp-up of operations at the Underground Mine in accordance with management’s plans and expectations; no material adverse impacts from COVID-19 going forward; the Company will be able to obtain sufficient additional funding to complete the restart and ramp-up of the Underground Mine, no material adverse change to the price of copper from current levels; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

The forward-looking information and statements are stated as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information and statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Specific reference is made to “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended December 31, 2022 and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 20, 2023, for a discussion of factors that may affect forward-looking statements and information. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, should other risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and events may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements and information. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Company’s filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

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

Photos accompanying this announcement arer available at
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