Categories
Junior Mining Lion One Metals

Lion One Now Mining. Gold Production in Six Weeks

Bob Moriarty
Archives
Aug 23, 2023

I’ve written about Lion One (LIO-V) probably a dozen times over the last couple of years. They are the only junior in the world with 100% ownership of a major alkaline gold system. Their Tuvatu gold project is located in Fiji on the Pacific Ring of Fire with multiple 20 million ounces high-grade gold mines on the same structure.

With a market cap of only about $171 million CAD the market seems to value the company for only their 2018 43-101 resource estimate of just over 720,000 ounces. But the company is about to be revalued in three different ways.

First of all, the resource does not reflect an accurate count of how much gold they have. The Tuvatu Gold project is similar in size to the Vatukoula Gold Mine in production since 1938 having shipped over seven million ounces of gold. Vatukoula is about 35 km from Tuvatu on the same structure. Vatukoula still reports about 3.8 million ounces in a resource.

These alkaline gold systems have an unusual form of gold. There will be hundreds of tiny fractures in the rock where flash gold has appeared. The veins may only be a couple of centimeters but are ultra-high grade. Since they vary widely in orientation it is not possible to get a representative assay of the real grade because there is no angle that you can drill that catches all of the tiny veins. Actually in one of the latest press releases the company changed how they sample assays of greater than 10 g/t gold to more accurately reflect the real grade.

What I’m trying to say is that in spite of having spent tens of millions of dollars in drilling, the company still does not know what an accurate grade is for the gold. But the good side of that issue is that no matter how you drill and sample it, you are always showing a lower grade than actually exists. Which means regardless of what they say they have for grade, production will in almost all cases show higher values for gold. It’s a good problem to have.

Lion One reported actually starting to mine in a May press release. The company has been predicting actual milling and gold production in the 4th quarter. Chief Operating Officer Patrick Hickey has been struggling to make the 4th quarter goal. He is so far ahead of schedule that there may be some “TRIAL” gold processing in the 3rd quarter, i.e. in a month.

In that May 18th press release there was a vital visual drawing of why grade control is always inaccurate. No matter how you drill, you miss veins. Here is an image from the press release.

The official first gold pour is scheduled for Fiji Day on October 10th in conjunction with a bunch of officials from the government who are thrilled to see a 2nd gold mine getting into production in Fiji. I know of no other jurisdiction where a junior company was able to go from exploration to production with greater support from the host country.

Lion One is on the sweet spot of valuation on the Lassonde Curve as the project begins production. That will give the stock a revaluation based on the risk has been removed from the stock.

The third part of the revaluation will be when gold and gold stocks start their next bull run. I see a general market crash between now and October. It could well take the metals and resource stocks with it. But when the dust settles, gold and gold stocks are going to be the only safe haven in town. The brilliant Bob Hoye is calling for October-November to be a good time to buy shares.

At startup the company is planning on production of 300 tonnes per day. The crushing circuit can do 1,000 TPD but for now the grinding circuit is limited to about 300 TPD. The company has already stockpiled over a two-month supply of material to mill. Plans are in progress to expand production to 500 TPD by September of 2024.

Guess estimates for grade are 6-7 g/t gold for the startup phase but COO Patrick Hickey has his fingers crossed and is hoping for 10 g/t gold. I think I have an understanding of the vein swarms and how they are always undercounted in assays. I’ll climb out on a limb and suggest that they will be doing 13-15 g/t gold a lot sooner than current investors understand.

I’ll make an important comment for investors to know here. I’ve been a small part of this story since Wally brought Quinton Hennigh on board in early 2019. Wally was making progress but it wasn’t visible. Quinton offered a lot of suggestions as to how and where to drill and what changes they needed to make in terms of personnel.

Quinton realized the company needed a professional team on site. He contacted two of the leading guys in mining, Patrick Hickey and Sergio Cattalani and convinced them to come on board. Prior to their entry management was being run out of Perth in Western Australia and frankly that just didn’t work. Investors should read the press release. I am triple impressed with both of them. I shared an hour-long update with Patrick last week. He has things totally under control. He’s the most impressive mine builder I have ever talked to.

Lion One is cashed up to production as a result of the last couple of private placements. Between standard warrants and broker warrants issued with prior placements, there are about 41 million outstanding warrants at prices between $0.77 and $1.49 dated for just over two years. As the warrants are exercised, it will bring in about $53 million. I don’t see cash being a problem for the company. There are about 15 million tradable warrants at $1.25 and I suspect they will add to the liquidity of the company since it allows investors to speculate on the price of the company with a degree of leverage. They expire in November of 2025.

I was in on a call with management of Lion One a week ago after I enquired as to the status of going into production. I was very impressed with the quality of the team and the direction the company is moving. I think the price will soon reflect the quality of management and high-grade of the ore. This should be one of the lowest cost producers in the industry. The government of Fiji is solidly supportive of the company and I see no problems on the horizon at any level.

Lion One has been my largest position for a couple of years now. The company is an advertiser and I couldn’t be more biased. Do your own due diligence.

Lion One Metals
LIO-V $.84 (Aug 22, 2023)
LOMLF OTCQX 206 million shares
Lion One website

###

Bob Moriarty
President: 321gold
Archives

321gold Ltd

Categories
Base Metals Energy Granite Creek Copper Junior Mining Metallic Group

Granite Creek Copper Receives Preliminary Metallurgical Results Demonstrating Potential for Significant Additional Copper Recovery

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSX.V:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce the preliminary results of a metallurgical study designed to increase recovery of copper from oxide material at its Carmacks Copper-Gold-Silver project (“Carmacks Project” or the “Project“)

Kemetco Research Inc. (“Kemetco”) has been contracted to carry out an initial series of scoping tests to evaluate the potential for extraction and recovery of copper from unrecovered copper oxide minerals in Carmacks Project flotation tailings as referenced in the Company’s 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment (“2023 PEA”) *. Testing involves the leaching of tailings from previous flotation testing of oxidised copper material to dissolve copper into solution and subsequently precipitate copper in a form that could be added to a concentrate being produced by sulphide flotation. The leaching portion of the test work has now been completed with up to 81% of the copper present in the test samples going into solution. The remaining project task, currently underway at Kemetco, is to complete a series of bench tests to evaluate methods for selective recovery of the leached copper from solution. The planned tests will focus on copper sulphide precipitation to target generation of a high-grade copper sulphide product that could potentially be combined with a copper flotation concentrate in an overall production flowsheet, resulting in significant potential increases to both overall copper recovery and the copper grade of the final concentrate product.

The 2023 PEA was based on an average recovery of copper, life of mine (“LOM“) of 64%, with up to 93.7% recovery of copper when processing sulfide material but only 39.8% when processing oxide material. The current mine plan as outlined in the 2023 PEA contemplates processing material with a high oxide content of up to 80% oxide ore in the first five years of the mine life during which time over 8.4 million tonnes of oxide material would be processed versus 2.88 million tonnes of sulphide material. Sensitivity analysis completed in the 2023 PEA identified over $180M of Net Present Value (“NPV“) to be gained from a combined sulphide-oxide recovery system by increasing the LOM recovery of copper by 20% from the current projected 64% to 77% total copper recovery.

The material used for the current test consists of tailings from flotation testing of oxide material, where 39.8% recovery of copper was achieved prior to the current leach testing. With up to 81% of the remaining copper going into solution an additional 48% recovery of copper in oxide is possible (81% of remaining 60.2% copper from original test sample) which would increase the total copper recovery of oxide material to over 80% (original 39.8% plus 48%). This could potentially provide a path to exceed the 20% increase in total LOM copper recovery opportunity, which was referenced in the 2023 PEA. While the current work is being conducted on the most representative material available, it should be noted that this work is preliminary in nature and has not yet been tested on a range of potential feed blends.

Tim Johnson, President & CEO stated, “The 2023 PEA, a major milestone for the Company, identified several opportunities for the Project including increased recovery, resource expansion and additional mine and process optimisation. The unlocking of additional value through the improved recovery that this testing represents, especially in the early years of mine life, has the potential to add significantly to the NPV of the project. These results could allow for re-evaluation of resources that didn’t make it into the mine plan due to lower grades or assumed recoveries. The process being developed by the company also has the possibility of being used in other parts of the Minto Copper belt where oxidised or partially oxidised (POX) copper ores have not been processed by other operators.”

Table 1 Summary of flotation testing results and average values used in PEA.

Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Press release picture
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Press release picture

1. Sulphide flotation testing completed by SGS prior to PEA Study see news release dated January 10, 2023.
2. Oxide flotation testing completed by SGS prior to PEA study see news release dated January 10, 2023.
3. Calculated LOM average recovery based on a regression curve dependant on oxide content.
4. Projected target based on successful completion of current testing.

Table 2 2023 – PEA Copper Recovery Sensitivity Table

Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Press release picture
Granite Creek Copper Ltd., Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Press release picture

BCSC continuous disclosure review.

Following a recent review of Granite Creek’s continuous disclosure by the British Columbia Securities Commission, the Company provides the following corrections:

In a news release dated January 19, 2023, announcing the completion of the PEA, the Company stated, “The PEA indicates that the potential economic returns from the Project justify advancing to a feasibility study”. This statement could be construed that the Company is treating the PEA as a pre-feasibility level study, which is not the case. While the Company maintains that the PEA was positive, additional work will need to be done before a full feasibility study could be initiated. The Company also wishes to retract to word “robust” when describing the economics of the Project as this may be misleading to some readers. Granite Creek has also added the following cautionary language to materials that are disseminated to the public including the Company’s corporate presentation, fact sheet and website. “The Company cautions that the results of the PEA are preliminary in nature and do not include the calculation of mineral reserves as defined by NI 43-101. There is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized.” The Company encourages the reader to reference the NI 43-101 technical report entitled CARMACKS PROJECT PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESMENT (PEA) YUKON, CANADA, available on SEDAR and the Company’s website for further details on the Project.

Qualified Persons

Mr. Douglas Warkentin, P.Eng., a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. Mr. Warkentin is a Senior Metallurgist with Kemetco Research and an advisor to the Company.

About Granite Creek Copper

Granite Creek Copper, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the exploration and development of critical minerals projects in North America. The Company’s projects consist of its flagship 176 square kilometer Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada’s Yukon Territory on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine and the advanced stage LS Molybdenum project and the Star copper-nickel-PGM project, both located in central British Columbia. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.

* 2023 PEA: The Company cautions that the results of the PEA are preliminary in nature and do not include the calculation of mineral reserves as defined by NI 43-101. There is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Timothy Johnson, President & CEO
Telephone: 1 (604) 235-1982
Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-3494
E-mail: info@gcxcopper.com
Website: www.gcxcopper.com
Metallic Group: www.metallicgroup.ca

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward Looking Statements: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Granite Creek Copper and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

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

SOURCE: Granite Creek Copper Ltd.



View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/776152/Granite-Creek-Copper-Receives-Preliminary-Metallurgical-Results-Demonstrating-Potential-for-Significant-Additional-Copper-Recovery

Categories
Energy Junior Mining Lion One Metals Precious Metals

Lion One Updates Drill Results at Tuvatu

High grade composite results increased in Zone 5 drilling

North Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 15, 2023) – Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) (“Lion One” or the “Company”) is issuing an update on composite drill results reported in the Company’s August 10, 2023 news release.

The August 10, 2023 news release reported infill and grade control drill results from Zone 5 of the Company’s Tuvatu alkaline gold project in Fiji. Several composite gold grades reported in that news release are here updated.

Gold analysis at Tuvatu is conducted using fire assay with an atomic absorption (AA) finish. Samples that return grades over 10 g/t Au are then re-analyzed by gravimetric method. The gravimetric method is considered more accurate than fire assay for high-grade samples. Lion One has therefore recently adopted a new protocol whereby gravimetric results are reported for samples that return over 10 g/t Au. In the August 10, 2023 news release, composite intervals were calculated using fire assay values rather than gravimetric values, whereas high-grade individual assays were quoted using the more accurate gravimetric results. This led to a discrepancy between the composite values and the underlying assay values for certain intervals. The difference between fire assay and gravimetric analyses tends to be greater for higher grade samples. A total of 21 composite values have been updated and are presented in Table 1 below. The majority of the updated results are greater than was initially reported.

Table 1. Updated composite intervals from Zone 5 infill and grade control drilling. Bolded text represents a positive change, italicized text represents a negative change. Intervals are ordered by decreasing gold content.

Hole IDFromToInterval (m)Updated Au (g/t)Original Au (g/t)Change (g/t)
TGC-006748.2501.8314.27261.9352.34
TUDDH-643242.7249.36.683.4780.782.69
TGC-006753.354.20.9104.0093.0510.95
TUDDH-643111.6114.93.318.4017.480.92
TUDDH-643161.7163.21.516.1315.960.17
TUDDH-638254.72572.310.259.410.84
TUDDH-643101.9103.11.213.5013.130.37
TUDDH-643123.41240.625.1925.95-0.76
TGC-0061219.2220.41.210.318.321.99
TUDDH-63745.345.60.335.9836.2-0.22
TUDDH-64352.252.50.331.8733.51-1.64
TUDDH-64455.858.22.43.433.40.03
TGC-006553.155.22.13.913.820.09
TUDDH-63449.250.71.55.445.68-0.24
TUDDH-637216.42170.611.6310.990.64
TGC-0065128.5129.40.97.426.80.62
TGC-006557.458.30.97.016.880.13
TUDDH-634154.9155.20.314.9615.17-0.21
TUDDH-656173.6173.90.311.6610.141.52
TGC-0059220.3220.60.310.8712.85-1.98
TGC-0058133.4133.70.310.8610.370.49

Tables 2 and 3 below are reproductions of Tables 1 and 2 from the August 10, 2023 news release updated to include composite intervals calculated using assay results from the gravimetric method. Composite values that have been changed are highlighted with bolded text representing positive changes and italicized text representing negative changes. Values with no bolding or italicization represent intervals for which there is no change.

Table 2. Highlights of composited infill drill results in the Zone 5 area. Reproduction of Table 1 from the August 10, 2023 news release, with updated composite grades. For full results see Table 4 in the appendix.

Hole IDFromToInterval (m)Au (g/t)Change (g/t)
TUDDH-634123.41240.625.19-0.76
TUDDH-637161.7163.21.516.130.17
including161.7162.30.638.62
which includes161.71620.372.46
TUDDH-637198.2202.13.95.38
including198.2198.50.310.02
and199.7200.60.93.42
and201.2202.10.916.13
which includes201.8202.10.340.21
TUDDH-643111.6114.93.318.40.92
including111.6113.72.128.44
which includes113.1113.70.695.63
TUDDH-643242.7249.36.683.472.69
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-643254.72572.310.250.84
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-65596.497.91.58.24
including96.7970.318.48
and97.697.90.320.77
TUDDH-656101.9103.11.213.50.37
including101.9102.50.619.73
and102.5103.10.66.54

Table 3. Highlights of composited grade control drill results in the Zone 5 area. Reproduction of Table 2 from the August 10, 2023 news release, with updated composite grades. For full results see Table 5 in the appendix.

Hole IDFromToInterval (m)Au (g/t)Change (g/t)
TGC-005957.458.30.97.010.13
including57.457.70.312.89
and5858.30.38.14
TGC-006155.858.22.43.430.03
including57.337.60.312.84
TGC-006545.345.60.335.98-0.22
TGC-006549.250.71.55.44-0.24
including49.249.50.39.59
and50.450.70.315.76
TGC-006552.252.50.331.87-1.64
TGC-006748.2501.8314.2752.34
including48.849.40.6934.91
which includes48.849.10.31839.55
and49.149.40.330.26
TGC-006753.354.20.910410.95
including53.353.90.6155.68
which includes53.353.60.310.89
and53.653.90.3300.47



Figure 1. Location of Zone 5 Infill and Grade Control Drillholes. Reproduced from August 10, 2023 news release for context. Left image: Plan view of Tuvatu showing Zone 5 infill and grade control drillholes in relation to the mineralized lodes. Drillholes are shown in black, mineralized lodes in pale grey, and underground developments in red. The yellow dashed square represents the area illustrated in the image on the right. Right image: Oblique view of Zone 5 infill and grade control drilling looking approximately northeast. Infill drilling was conducted from surface whereas grade control drilling was conducted from underground.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2178/177254_5cfe2f3d644c0822_001full.jpg



Figure 2. Location of High-Grade Intercepts from Zone 5 Drilling. Updated figure from the August 10, 2023 news release, with updated composite gold intervals. Composite intervals with grades between 3 and 10 g/t Au are shown in yellow, intervals with grades between 10 and 30 g/t Au are shown in red, and intervals over 30 g/t Au are shown in purple. Select high-grade intervals are identified. Image is looking approximately north-northeast, grades are gold grades in g/t.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2178/177254_5cfe2f3d644c0822_002full.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 4. Updated composite results from infill drillholes in the Zone 5 area (grade >0.5 g/t Au). Bolded text indicates a positive change from the originally reported value, italicized text represents a negative change.

Hole IDFromToInterval (m)Au (g/t)Change (g/t)
TUDDH-63492.292.80.60.52
TUDDH-63493.794.30.60.5
TUDDH-634123.41240.625.19-0.76
TUDDH-634125.2125.50.31
TUDDH-634128.5129.40.97.420.62
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-637161.7163.21.516.130.17
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-637219.2220.41.210.311.99
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-638154.9155.20.314.96-0.21
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-643111.6114.93.318.40.92
TUDDH-643including111.6113.72.128.44
TUDDH-643which includes113.1113.70.695.63
TUDDH-643133.4133.70.310.860.49
TUDDH-643158.8159.10.30.83
TUDDH-643163.3163.90.65.3
TUDDH-643173.6173.90.311.661.52
TUDDH-643213.7214.60.90.61
TUDDH-643216.42170.611.630.64
TUDDH-643233.8234.40.65.48
TUDDH-643242.7249.36.683.472.69
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-643254.72572.310.250.84
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-644220.3220.60.310.87-1.98
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-65596.497.91.58.24
TUDDH-655including96.7970.318.48
TUDDH-655and97.697.90.320.77
TUDDH-65599.199.70.60.9
TUDDH-655101.5102.10.61.23
TUDDH-655118.3118.60.33.16
TUDDH-655126.1126.70.61.04
TUDDH-65627.228.41.20.89
TUDDH-6567777.60.61.05
TUDDH-65680.681.20.60.7
TUDDH-656101.9103.11.213.50.37
TUDDH-656including101.9102.50.619.73
TUDDH-656and102.5103.10.66.54
TUDDH-656106.71070.30.58
TUDDH-656119.6119.90.31.71
TUDDH-656130.1132.52.44.83
TUDDH-656including131.9132.50.67.99
TUDDH-656162.5162.80.38.55

Table 5. Updated composite results from grade control drillholes in the Zone 5 area (grade >0.5 g/t Au). Bolded text indicates a positive change from the originally reported value, italicized text represents a negative change.

Hole IDFromToInterval (m)Au (g/t)Change (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-005853.155.22.13.910.09
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-005957.458.30.97.010.13
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-006155.858.22.43.430.03
TGC-0061including57.337.60.312.84
TGC-006529.7300.30.61
TGC-006532.433.61.22.44
TGC-006545.345.60.335.98-0.22
TGC-006549.250.71.55.44-0.24
TGC-0065including49.249.50.39.59
TGC-0065and50.450.70.315.76
TGC-006552.252.50.331.87-1.64
TGC-006723.623.90.31.06
TGC-006748.2501.8314.2752.34
TGC-0067including48.849.40.6934.91
TGC-0067which includes48.849.10.31839.55
TGC-0067and49.149.40.330.26
TGC-006753.354.20.910410.95
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 6. 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/177254

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

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8051/176639_9a4119a1545f3be1_002full.jpg

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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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1508/176252_c1e423f684f889d1_002full.jpg



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

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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

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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/

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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