Burlington, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – January 31, 2023) – Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI) (OTCQB: SBMCF) (‘SBMI’ or ‘the Company’) is pleased to update the assay results from its Black Copper occurrence, reported earlier on January 31, 2023.
In SBMI’s January 17, 2023 press release, SBMI advised third part geologic consultants including the QP had visited the Black Copper occurrence in late November and early December, 2022. Black Copper is situated on SBMI’s Black Diamond property roughly one point five kilometres south of the Buckeye Mine and is referred to in the January, 2021 Geologic Report. Samples from Black Copper were taken and reported the following results:
Sample number
Au (ppb)
Cu ppm
342151
615
>1000
342152
192
>1000
342153
941
>1000
342154
654
>1000
The over-detection limit for copper on these samples was 1000 parts per million. These four samples were sent for further analysis which returned:
Sample number
Cu ppm
Cu %
342151
22400
2.24
342152
37400
3.740
342153
34000
3.400
342154
54900
5.490
The press release from earlier today incorrectly stated the values in parts per million as a result of manual data entry into the press release. A copy of the Actlabs certificates for these samples is attached.
QAQC For SBMI
All the samples above were collected by Robert Komarechka and John Corkery. Samples were collected and placed in sample bags with their appropriate tag and personally taken to the courier and shipped to Actlabs in Thunder Bay, Ontario for assaying. Certified standards and blanks were used both by the Company and Actlabs.
All samples analyzed by Actlabs were by Fire Assay ICPOES (Induced coupled plasma arc with optical emission spectroscopy).
The multi-element analysis was by digestion with a combination of hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric and hydrofluoric acids.
Mr. Robert G. Komarechka, P.Geo., an independent consultant, has reviewed and verified SBMI’s work referred to herein, and is the Qualified Person for this release.
With respect to the Company’s press release concerning seeking an extension of the Warrants (as that term is defined in that release), SBMI advises it is seeking an extension on a total of 8,528,081 Warrants with new expiry dates ranging from February 6, 2024 to July 8, 2024.
For further information, please contact:
John Carter Silver Bullet Mines Corp., CEO cartera@sympatico.ca +1 (905) 302-3843
Peter M. Clausi Silver Bullet Mines Corp., VP Capital Markets pclausi@brantcapital.ca +1 (416) 890-1232
Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements as they relate to SBMI and its subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but represent management’s current expectation of future events, and can be identified by words such as “believe”, “expects”, “will”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “continues” and similar expressions. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct.
By their nature, forward-looking statements include assumptions, and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. If and when forward-looking statements are set out in this new release, SBMI will also set out the material risk factors or assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, SBMI assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: the impact of SARS CoV-2 or any other global virus; reliance on key personnel; the thoroughness of its QA/QA procedures; the continuity of the global supply chain for materials for SBMI to use in the production and processing of ore; shareholder and regulatory approvals; activities and attitudes of communities local to the location of the SBMI’s properties; risks of future legal proceedings; income tax matters; fires, floods and other natural phenomena; the rate of inflation; availability and terms of financing; distribution of securities; commodities pricing; currency movements, especially as between the USD and CDN; effect of market interest rates on price of securities; and, potential dilution. SARS CoV-2 and other potential global pathogens create risks that at this time are immeasurable and impossible to define.
Burlington, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – January 31, 2023) – Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI) (OTCQB: SBMCF) (‘SBMI’ or ‘the Company’) is pleased to report results from its Buckeye Mine development, ongoing PGM (platinum group metals) study, assay results from its Black Copper occurrence and the discovery of a new gold occurrence on its Black Diamond Property.
Development drift intersecting a wall of sulphides at the Buckeye Mine, Jan. 28, 2023
As of this date, the development drift at the Buckeye Mine has advanced about 116 metres from the adit alongside the main vein with ongoing bolting and screening.
In its January 17, 2023 press release, the Company advised it “…next intends to drift along the vein to an area believed to contain higher grade mineralization (see page 8 of the Geologic Report dated January 8, 2021).” However, the Company believes it may have intercepted that area of higher grade mineralization sooner than expected.
Approximately 1 metre before turning into the anticipated intersection with the main vertical vein, a 0.6 metre thick horizontal fracture zone was encountered that contained bands of massive sulphides. Horizontal sulphide bands were also noted by the QP for this press release in the Treasure Room along with paper thin layers of high purity native silver, similar to the bands in the newly discovered fracture zone. While the Company expected to locate the area of higher grade mineralization, the placement of this 0.6 metre wide area of sulphide mineralization was a positive surprise to the Company.
A blast in the drift on January 27, 2023 exposed another wall of sulphides at the end of the drift. These sulphides were also encountered sooner than the Company expected. Samples of the sulphide material are being prepared to be sent for assaying and further petrographic examination.
Regarding the earlier reported PGM assays and as previously reported, check assay samples have been sent to three independent certified labs. SBMI is awaiting complete reporting of the assays from the three labs. In addition to these check assays, the Company has contracted Dr. Andy McDonald, Mineralogist, of the Harquail School of Earth Sciences, at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, to undertake sample preparation, petrographic and scanning electron microscope examination of two samples derived from the Buckeye Mine.
The first sample being analyzed by Dr. McDonald was taken by the QP in November, 2022. It was diabase from the floor of the Treasure Room of the Buckeye Mine containing a silvery ductile mineral, subsequently confirmed by Dr. McDonald to be high purity native silver. When this sample was examined with an uncalibrated handheld X-ray fluorescent unit, the presence of palladium at 29 and 21 parts per million was noted. The second sample provided to Dr. McDonald was a malformed dore bar poured by SBMI in September, 2022 derived from the Buckeye Mine, containing highly refractory “unknown material.”
Native silver in diabase rock sample collected from the floor of the Treasure Room, Buckeye Mine
Also in SBMI’s January 17, 2023 press release, SBMI advised third part geologic consultants including the QP had visited the Black Copper occurrence in late November and early December, 2022. Black Copper is situated on SBMI’s Black Diamond property roughly one point five kilometres south of the Buckeye Mine and is referred to in the January, 2021 Geologic Report. Samples from Black Copper were taken and reported the following results:
Sample number
Au (ppb)
Cu ppm
342151
615
>1000
342152
192
>1000
342153
941
>1000
342154
654
>1000
The over-detection limit for copper on these samples was 1000 parts per million. These four samples were sent for further analysis which returned:
Sample number
Cu ppm
Cu %
342151
2240
2.24
342152
3740
3.740
342153
3400
3.400
342154
5490
5.490
In addition, during this geological study, an area of broken rusty quartz float was observed by the QP near the trail to the Richmond Basin to the west of the McMorris and Buckeye Mines. This is the Company’s first testing of this area. These quartz fragments appeared to be segments of narrow quartz veins containing sulphides. Due to a soil cover of a few inches to a foot in this area, limited time prevented exposure of the underlying bedrock. Four samples were collected from surface and yielded the following gold assays:
Sample number
Au (ppb)
Bi (ppm)
342109
17
2
342110
4450
412
342111
64
1600
342112
7
16
A bismuth assay of 1600 ppm and a silver assay over 100 ppm was recorded in sample 342111. The QP of this press release highly recommends further evaluation of this new gold occurrence.
Sample 342110 assayed 4.45 g/t Au. from the new gold occurrence.
All the samples above were collected by Robert Komarechka and John Corkery. Samples were collected and placed in sample bags with their appropriate tag and personally taken to the courier and shipped to Actlabs in Thunder Bay, Ontario for assaying. Certified standards and blanks were used both by the Company and Actlabs.
All samples analyzed by Actlabs were by Fire Assay ICPOES (Induced coupled plasma arc with optical emission spectroscopy).
The multi-element analysis was by digestion with a combination of hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric and hydrofluoric acids.
Mr. Robert G. Komarechka, P.Geo., an independent consultant, has reviewed and verified SBMI’s work referred to herein, and is the Qualified Person for this release.
With respect to the Company’s press release concerning seeking an extension of the Warrants (as that term is defined in that release), SBMI advises it is seeking an extension on a total of 8,528,081 Warrants with new expiry dates ranging from February 6, 2024 to July 8, 2024.
For further information, please contact:
John Carter Silver Bullet Mines Corp., CEO cartera@sympatico.ca +1 (905) 302-3843
Peter M. Clausi Silver Bullet Mines Corp., VP Capital Markets pclausi@brantcapital.ca +1 (416) 890-1232
Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements as they relate to SBMI and its subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but represent management’s current expectation of future events, and can be identified by words such as “believe”, “expects”, “will”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “continues” and similar expressions. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct.
By their nature, forward-looking statements include assumptions, and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. If and when forward-looking statements are set out in this new release, SBMI will also set out the material risk factors or assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, SBMI assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: the impact of SARS CoV-2 or any other global virus; reliance on key personnel; the thoroughness of its QA/QA procedures; the continuity of the global supply chain for materials for SBMI to use in the production and processing of ore; shareholder and regulatory approvals; activities and attitudes of communities local to the location of the SBMI’s properties; risks of future legal proceedings; income tax matters; fires, floods and other natural phenomena; the rate of inflation; availability and terms of financing; distribution of securities; commodities pricing; currency movements, especially as between the USD and CDN; effect of market interest rates on price of securities; and, potential dilution. SARS CoV-2 and other potential global pathogens create risks that at this time are immeasurable and impossible to define.
Drill hole APC-29 intercepted the highest grade near-surface copper-silver-gold mineralization encountered to date at the Main Breccia system at the Apollo target (“Apollo”) yielding 32 metres @ 10.48 g/t gold equivalent from 80 metres vertical. This hole was designed to test directly below where the Main Breccia system daylights at surface in the southern part of the system and to follow up on recently announced results for hole APC-22, which intersected 47.25 metres @ 5.45 g/t gold equivalent (see press release dated January 11, 2023). Further down-hole in APC-29, a broad zone of mineralization was encountered averaging 214.4 metres @ 1.04 g/t gold equivalent. APC-29 had to be abandoned short of target depth due to a fault while still in mineralization with the final 0.5 metre sample assaying 1.72 g/t gold, 39 g/t silver and 0.1% copper.
Drill hole APC-25 was designed as a step out hole along strike of the near surface high-grade zone of mineralization and intersected 106.85 metres @ 2.31 g/t gold equivalent starting at 65 metres vertical below surface. As a result, APC-25 has confirmed a shallow, westward expansion to the Main Breccia system and an apparent thickening to the high-grade near surface mineralized zone as the system is traced to the west.
Hole APC-26 was drilled to the northeast from Pad 4 and confirmed continuity of mineralization in that direction returning 136.9 metres @ 1.51 g/t gold equivalent contained within 311.2 metres at 1.04 g/t gold.
The phase II drilling program is underway with three rigs currently operating focused on testing near surface mineralization and expanding the dimensions of the Main Breccia system. Assay results are expected in the near term for the final three holes of the 2022 program, including westwards step-out hole APC-28, which cut more than 600 metres of continuous mineralization. Additionally, the first hole of the Phase II program is now complete, and core has been dispatched to the lab for assaying.
Ari Sussman, Executive Chairman commented: “Not only is the Main Breccia system at Apollo a large, bulk tonnage deposit but it now appears to host an outcropping and shallow zone of high-grade mineralization, which clearly enhances the value of this exciting discovery. Based on surface sampling, the system appears to daylight over an area measuring approximately 150 metres in diameter and remains open for expansion. The Main Breccia system is truly evolving into a brand-new world-class discovery right in the heart of a prolific mining camp with continuous precious metal production dating back more than 500 years.”
TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2023 /CNW/ – Collective Mining Ltd. (TSXV: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) (“Collective” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce assay results from a further three holes drilled into the Main Breccia discovery at the Apollo target (“Apollo”), which is part of the Guayabales project located in Caldas, Colombia. The Main Breccia discovery is a high-grade, bulk tonnage copper-silver-gold porphyry-related system, which owes its excellent metal endowment to multiple phases of mineralization which includes older copper-silver-gold porphyry mineralization and younger, overprinting, precious metal rich sheeted carbonate base metal vein systems.
Details (See Table 1 and Figures 1–6)
Assay results for twenty-eight diamond drill holes have now been announced at Apollo with results for additional holes expected in the near term. This press release announces results of three diamond drill holes with results summarized below.
APC-25 was drilled to the northwest from Pad 3 to a maximum depth of 215.80 metres and intersected a shallow, western extension to the Main Breccia discovery averaging:
106.85 metres @ 2.31 g/t gold equivalent consisting of 0.81 g/t Au, 30 g/t Ag, 0.62% Cu and 30 ppm Mo beginning at 73 metres downhole (65 metres vertical).
The mineralized angular breccia of this intercept contains a sulphide matrix which includes 1.5% to 2.5% chalcopyrite and between 1% and 3% pyrite plus pyrrhotite. The breccia has been overprinted by a zone of carbonate and base metal (sphalerite and galena) veins, which host higher gold grades and returned an interval of 14 metres grading 3.65 g/t gold equivalent. APC-25 is the westernmost hole drilled into the Main Breccia discovery and demonstrates that the mineralization is open and is thickening in this direction. Drill holes have been designed to continue to step-out to the west to expand upon this high grade and near surface mineralization.
APC-26 was drilled northeast from pad 4 and confirms continuity within the Northern Extension Zone of the Main Breccia system, as previously defined in holes APC-17 and APC-22. The hole was drilled to a maximum downhole length of 813.7 metres and intercepted:
311.2 metres @ 1.04 g/t gold equivalent consisting of 0.74 g/t Au, 16 g/t Ag, 0.05% Cu and 10 ppm Mo from 415 metres down hole.
Gold and silver mineralization relates to sulphides hosted within the angular breccia matrix including pyrite (1%-3%), pyrrhotite (1%-2%) and chalcopyrite (0.5%-1%). A higher-grade sub-zone was encountered within the mineralized intercept averaging 136.9 metres at 1.51 g/t gold equivalent and is characterized by an increase in overprinting low and intermediate sulphidation, carbonate base metal (“CBM”) vein material including visible sphalerite and galena.
APC-29 was drilled to the north-northeast from Pad 3 to a maximum depth of 644.8 metres and intercepted three mineralized zones before the hole was abandoned short of target depth due to a complicated fault structure. The two shallow zones within this hole are located directly beneath mineralized surface outcrops with the initial 32.0 metre intercept of mineralization beginning at 111.3 metres downhole (80 metres vertical), and the second 8.65 metre mineralized zone starting at 194.8 metres downhole (143 metres vertical). These high-grade gold, silver, and copper shallow zones of mineralization are hosted within a matrix of angular quartz diorite breccia with the sulphide component consisting of chalcopyrite (0.5%-2%), pyrite (0.5%-2%) and pyrrhotite (0.5-1%). Finally, the third zone, which starts at 343.8 metres downhole (318 metres vertical) intersected more 301 metres of continuous mineralization including a higher-grade subzone over 214.4 metres. The sulphide mineralization within the breccia matrix of this intercept contained pyrrhotite (0.5%-2.5%), pyrite (1%-3%) and multiple zones of sheeted CBM vein material, which are predominantly sphalerite rich with minor galena. The following intercepts are summarized from APC-29:
32.00 metres @ 10.48 g/t gold equivalent consisting of 9.23 g/t Au, 60 g/t Ag, 0.44% Cu and 30 ppm Mo from 89.25 metres downhole (80 metres vertical depth).
8.65 metres @ 2.26 g/t gold equivalent consisting of 0.57 g/t Au, 82 g/t Ag, 0.27% Cu and 10 ppm Mo from 194.80 metres downhole (143 metres vertical depth).
214.40 metres @ 1.04 gold equivalent consisting of 0.77 g/t Au, 14 g/t Ag, 0.05% Cu and 10 ppm Mo from 343.80 metres downhole (318 metres vertical depth), which includes 98.20 metres @ 1.26 g/t gold equivalent.
The Company’s Phase II, 2023 program is well underway with two rigs focused on drilling near surface, high grade mineralization below mineralized outcrops in the southern and central areas of the Main Breccia system while simultaneously targeting expansion to the overall dimensions of the system to the west, northwest, north and northeast. Furthermore, a new drill pad (pad 8) has been constructed 150 south of the southernmost modelled boundary of the Main Breccia system at Apollo and reconnaissance drilling is underway to test a recently discovered porphyry target.
The Apollo target area, as defined to date by surface mapping, rock sampling and copper and molybdenum soil geochemistry, covers a 1,000 metres X 1,200 metres area. The Apollo target area hosts the Company’s Main Breccia discovery and multiple additional untested breccia, porphyry and vein targets. The overall Apollo target area also remains open for further expansion.
Table 1: Apollo Target Assays Results for Holes APC-25, APC-26 and APC-29
HoleID
From (m)
To (m)
Intercept (m)
Au (g/t)
Ag (g/t)
Cu %
Mo %
AuEq(g/t) *
CuEq(%) *
APC-25
73.00
179.85
106.85
0.81
30
0.62
0.003
2.31
1.26
Incl.
111.00
125.00
14.00
2.00
35
0.75
0.005
3.65
2.00
APC-26
415.00
726.20
311.20
0.74
16
0.05
0.001
1.04
incl.
415.00
551.90
136.90
1.14
20
0.06
0.001
1.51
APC-29
111.30
143.30
32.00
9.23
60
0.44
0.003
10.48
and
194.80
203.45
8.65
0.57
82
0.27
0.001
2.26
and
343.80
644.80
301.00
0.63
14
0.05
0.001
0.90
Incl.
343.80
558.20
214.40
0.77
14
0.05
0.001
1.04
Incl.
460.00
558.20
98.20
1.26
15
0.04
0.001
1.51
* AuEq (g/t) is calculated as follows: (Au (g/t) x 0.95) + (Ag g/t x 0.016 x 0.95) + (Cu (%) x 1.83 x 0.95)+ (Mo (%)*9.14 x 0.95) and CuEq (%) is calculated as follows: (Cu (%) x 0.95) + (Au (g/t) x 0.51 x 0.95) + (Ag (g/t) x 0.01 x 0.95)+ (Mo(%)x 3.75 x 0.95) utilizing metal prices of Cu – US$4.00/lb, Ag – $24/oz Mo US$20.00/lb and Au – US$1,500/oz and recovery rates of 95% for Au, Ag, Mo and Cu. Recovery rate assumptions are speculative as no metallurgical work has been completed to date.
** A 0.2 g/t AuEq cut-off grade was employed with no more than 15% internal dilution. True widths are unknown, and grades are uncut.
Figure 1: Plan View of the Main Breccia System at Apollo Highlighting Drill Holes APC-25, APC-26 and APC-29 (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.)
Figure 2: Up Close View of Drill Holes Intersecting the Shallow, High-Grade Southern Zone Within the Main Breccia System at Apollo (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.)
Figure 3: Plan View of the Guayabales Project Highlighting the Apollo Target (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.)
To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com
Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, Collective Mining is a copper, silver and gold exploration company based in Canada, with projects in Caldas, Colombia. The Company has options to acquire 100% interests in two projects located directly within an established mining camp with ten fully permitted and operating mines.
The Company’s flagship project, Guayabales, is anchored by the Apollo target, which hosts the large-scale, bulk-tonnage and high-grade copper, silver and gold Main Breccia discovery. The Company’s near-term objective is to continue with expansion drilling of the Main Breccia discovery while increasing confidence in the highest-grade portions of the system.
Management, insiders and close family and friends own nearly 35% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders. The Company is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol “CNL” and on the OTCQX under the trading symbol “CNLMF”.
Qualified Person (QP) and NI43-101 Disclosure
David J Reading is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. Mr. Reading has an MSc in Economic Geology and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG).
Technical Information
Rock and core samples have been prepared and analyzed at SGS laboratory facilities in Medellin, Colombia and Lima, Peru. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects and pulps are kept and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. No capping has been applied to sample composites. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program.
Information Contact:
Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski) and Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on Twitter
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about the drill programs, including timing of results, and Collective’s future and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Collective cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and Collective assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
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 news release.
Burlington, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – January 30, 2023) – Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI) (OTCQB: SBMCF) (‘SBMI’ or ‘the Company’) announces it is applying to the TSX Venture Exchange to extend all warrants related to the Company’s $0.30 round of financing (the “Warrants”). The Warrants have a two-year term, are exercisable at $0.50 (fifty cents) and were issued in various tranches from February 6, 2021 to July 8, 2021.
The Company is seeking regulatory approval to extend all Warrants for one additional year from their original expiry dates.
With respect to the Arizona mining and milling operations, SBMI expects to be able to make further disclosure within two weeks.
For further information, please contact:
John Carter Silver Bullet Mines Corp., CEO cartera@sympatico.ca +1 (905) 302-3843
Peter M. Clausi Silver Bullet Mines Corp., VP Capital Markets pclausi@brantcapital.ca +1 (416) 890-1232
Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements as they relate to SBMI and its subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but represent management’s current expectation of future events, and can be identified by words such as “believe”, “expects”, “will”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “continues” and similar expressions. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct.
By their nature, forward-looking statements include assumptions, and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. If and when forward-looking statements are set out in this new release, SBMI will also set out the material risk factors or assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, SBMI assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: the impact of SARS CoV-2 or any other global pathogen; reliance on key personnel; the thoroughness of its QA/QA procedures; the continuity of the global supply chain for materials for SBMI to use in the production and processing of mineralized material; shareholder and regulatory approvals; activities and attitudes of communities local to the location of the SBMI’s properties; risks of future legal proceedings; income tax matters; fires, floods and other natural phenomena; the rate of inflation; availability and terms of financing; distribution of securities; commodities pricing; currency movements, especially as between the USD and CDN; effect of market interest rates on price of securities; and, potential dilution. SARS CoV-2 and other potential global pathogens create risks that at this time are immeasurable and impossible to define.
The Issuer has not based its production decision on current resources or the results of a pre-feasibility study of mineral resources to establish mineral reserves demonstrating technical and economic viability. Significant uncertainty exists on the presence of any economic mineable material.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2023 / Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSX.V:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) (“Metallic Minerals” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce additional results from the 2022 field program at the Keno Silver project in the historic Keno Hill silver district of the Yukon: Canada’s most important silver mining district. These results cover the West Keno area and represent the second in a series of results to be released from the Company’s 2022 exploration program, which included 3,265 meters (“m”) of diamond core drilling in 23 drill holes focused on expansion of advanced stage, “resource-ready” targets in anticipation of an inaugural NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate in 2023.
Exploration in 2022 at West Keno focused on drilling at the advanced-stage Formo target, which produced silver at various times since the 1930s from high-grade vein structures that graded over 1,000 g/t silver1. Formo is a significant inholding within the neighbouring Hecla Mining property and is on trend with the historic Hector-Calumet Mine, which produced nearly 100 million ounces of silver making it the largest individual mine in the district1.
2022 West Keno Exploration highlights
High-grade silver (“Ag”), lead (“Pb”) and zinc (“Zn”) mineralization was encountered in five of seven holes (See Table 1). Both high-grade Ag-Pb-Zn vein-style mineralization and broader zones of moderate grade Ag-Pb-Zn mineralization were encountered.
A total of 40 high-grade samples of over 100 g/t silver equivalent (“Ag Eq”) were intercepted in the 2022 West Keno drilling, including:
FOR22-01, 0.54 m @ 2,291 g/t Ag Eq (1,139 g/t Ag, 18.32% Pb, 14.79% Zn)
FOR22-02, 0.5 m @ 1,025.1 g/t Ag Eq (14 g/t Ag, 0.07% Pb, 23.36% Zn)
FOR22-04, 1.63 m @ 1,536.2 g/t Ag Eq (1,049.5 g/t Ag, 4.21% Pb, 9.45% Zn)
FOR22-04, 0.64 m @ 2,127.9 g/t Ag Eq (1,358 g/t Ag, 4.16% Pb, 16.42% Zn)
FOR22-05, 0.5 m @ 1,215.3 g/t Ag Eq (850 g/t Ag, 7.65% Pb, 3.97% Zn)
All five holes encountering significant silver mineralization in 2022 also intercepted broad bulk-tonnage zones averaging 26.2 m @ 85.6 g/t Ag Eq comprised of multiple high-grade vein intervals with associated stringers and stockwork veining.
Metallic Minerals President, Scott Petsel, stated, “Impressive drill results, year over year, have consistently demonstrated that Formo is one of Metallics’ highest-grade targets and have cemented it as a priority for a planned, near-term NI 43-101 resource estimate. The strategic location of the Formo deposit along the Silver Trail Highway provides easy access and adjacent electrical power and it is only two kilometers from the largest individual silver deposit in the district and less than five kilometers from both Hecla’s active mine development operations at Bermingham and the Keno operations mill at Keno City. This new step-out drilling continues to show that the deposit remains open to further testing along trend and down dip with room for significant expansion of the mineralized footprint and additional new discoveries. With these results complete we have initiated resource modelling work with SGS Geological Services on the Formo deposit.
“The Company expects to announce additional drill results from both the Keno Silver Project (primarily at the advanced-stage Caribou target), and from follow up expansion drilling at the La Plata Project over the coming weeks.”
Upcoming Events
Vancouver Resource Investment Conference – Metallic Minerals will be participating in the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference at the Yukon Pavilion on Monday January 30th. For more information, visit here.
GCFF Virtual Conference – Scott Petsel will be presenting during the GCFF Metals Investing Virtual Conference on February 23rd at 10am PT | 1pm ET. To register, click here.
OTC Markets Battery & Precious Metals Virtual Investor Conference – Metallic will be participating in the upcoming OTC Markets Battery & Precious Metals Investor Conference on Wednesday, February 15 at 10am PT | 1pm ET. To register, click here.
2023 Prospectors and Developers Convention (PDAC) – Booth, Presentation & YMA Core Shack
Metallic Minerals will be attending PDAC 2023 in Booth IE3024. Additionally, President Scott Petsel will be providing a corporate presentation at a Forum for Investors during the 2023 Prospectors and Developers convention in Toronto Monday March 6th in the silver-focused session, Room 803, between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm at the Metro Toronto Convention Center. For more information, visit here.
Figure 1. Keno Silver District Geology and Deposits
Metallic Minerals Corp., Monday, January 30, 2023, Press release picture
West Keno 2022 Drilling Program
Drilling at West Keno focused on the advanced-stage “resource-ready” Formo target area. A total of seven holes were completed over 1,145.6 meters on known projections of mineralization with the goal of expanding the potential resource footprint of the deposit in anticipation of an inaugural 43-101 mineral resource estimate in 2023. Previous drilling has recognized at least three separate parallel high-grade Ag-Pb-Zn vein structures and results of the 2022 drilling continue to demonstrate multiple vein zones in each hole with individual grades commonly more than 1,000 g/t Ag Eq (See Table 1). The Formo target represents one of the highest-grade areas drilled to date on Metallic’s Keno Silver Property with 4.1 m of 2,536 g/t Ag Eq (FOR20-03) and 1 m of 2,961.6 g/t Ag Eq (FOR21-06) as examples of drill results from previous years efforts.
Table 1 – Highlights of 2022 Drill Results from the West Keno – Formo Target Area
DDH Hole ID
From (m)
To (m)
Length (m)
Ag Eq (g/t)
Ag (g/t)
Au (g/t)
Pb (%)
Zn (%)
FOR22-01
72.3
103.95
31.65
86.5
41.1
0.01
0.54
0.70
incl
72.3
72.8
0.5
496.4
349
0.00
3.70
1.17
And incl
97.3
103.95
6.65
324.6
148.4
0.02
2.07
2.73
And incl
98.8
99.34
0.54
2291
1139
0.06
18.32
14.79
FOR22-02
91
119.2
28.2
69.8
11.6
0.02
0.11
1.25
incl
91
105.5
14.5
123
17.1
0.01
0.16
2.34
And incl
91
92
1
744.4
74
0.02
0.31
15.35
And incl
95.3
95.8
0.5
1,025.1
14
0.01
0.07
23.36
FOR22-03
77
81
4
154.2
93.6
0.01
0.83
0.90
incl
77
77.81
0.81
489.6
386
0.00
3.54
0.31
and
125
141.6
16.6
66.4
36
0.01
0.37
0.45
incl
126.8
134
7.2
107.8
58.4
0.00
0.65
0.74
FOR22-04
125.13
146
20.87
228.8
144.6
0.01
0.70
1.59
incl
126.75
127.5
0.7
1,168.5
345
0.07
3.52
16.81
And incl
137.6
144
6.4
557.7
395.9
0.02
1.65
2.99
And incl
141.81
143.44
1.63
1,536.2
1,049.5
0.11
4.21
9.45
And incl
142.8
143.44
0.64
2,127.9
1,358
0.00
4.16
16.42
FOR22-05
60.9
61.62
0.72
293.5
3.5
3.34
0.01
0.10
and
131.5
164.95
33.45
67.9
42.1
0.05
0.37
0.28
incl
147
151
4
283
195.3
0.00
1.81
0.96
And incl
148.8
149.3
0.5
1,215.3
850
0.00
7.65
3.97
And incl
164.45
164.95
0.5
280
1.9
3.25
0.00
0.00
FOR22-06
75.7
77.15
1.45
41.8
21.3
0.01
0.44
0.17
and
131.52
132.07
0.55
42.8
15.3
0.02
0.12
0.53
FOR22-07
93.4
93.9
0.5
44.9
22.3
0.01
0.20
0.39
and
123.45
124.04
0.59
43.8
31.1
0.00
0.21
0.18
Notes to reported values:
Ag equivalent is presented for comparative purposes using conservative long-term metal prices (all USD): $20.0/oz silver (Ag), $1.00/lb lead (Pb), $1.40/lb zinc (Zn).
Rcovered Silver Equivalent in Table 1 is determined as follows: Ag Eq g/t = [Ag g/t x recovery] + [Au g/t x recovery x Au price/ Ag price] + [Pb % x 10,000 x recovery x Pb price / Ag price] + [Zn% x 10,000 x recovery x Zn price / Ag price].
In the above calculations: 1% = 10,000 ppm = 10,000 g/t.
The following recoveries have been assumed for purposes of the above equivalent calculations: 95% for precious metals (Ag/Au) and 90% for all other listed metals, based on recoveries at similar nearby operations.
Intervals are reported as measured drill intersect lengths and may not represent true width.
West Keno and the Formo Area Target
The Western Keno Hill district is host to the largest historic production and current resources in the prolific Keno Hill silver district. The Formo target is located at the intersection of a north-easterly structural zone extending from the Hector-Calumet mine, which was the largest producer in the district producing nearly 100 million ounces of silver and the Elsa structural trend, which was the second largest silver producer in the district (see Figure 2).
The Formo property, which include the Formo Mine, also known as the Yukeno Mine, was acquired by Metallic Minerals in 2017. The historic Formo mine produced high-grade silver at various times since the 1930s from high-grade vein structures that graded over 1,000 g/t silver1. Significant underground exploration drifts were developed in the 1950s with most of the historic production from an open pit located alongside of the Silver Trail highway between the Elsa townsite and Keno City and last mined in the 1980s.
Figure 2 – West Keno Plan Map
Metallic Minerals Corp., Monday, January 30, 2023, Press release picture
Figure 3 – Formo Vein Long Section (looking NW)
Metallic Minerals Corp., Monday, January 30, 2023, Press release picture
The primary Formo vein structure is exposed at surface in an open cut. Multiple veins have been encountered in the target area that demonstrate an association with Triassic greenstones in the Earn group schist, similar to the Sadie Ladue deposit which produced 12.7 Moz silver at a grade of 1,620 g/t Ag1. In addition to the mineralization at the known Formo deposit, two new surface targets have been identified through soil and rock sampling along the same structural corridors that show potential to host high-grade and bulk tonnage Keno-style Ag-Pb-Zn veins on the Formo property.
Since 2020 Metallic Minerals has drilled 22 holes (3,306.9 m) at the Formo Target to compliment the six core holes and 54 percussion holes drilled by previous owners between 1980 and 1981. The Formo Target is open to significant expansion opportunities and is poised to lead the Company’s efforts to establish resources on the Keno Silver Project.
Grant of Long-Term Performance Incentives
Metallic Minerals further announces that, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, it has granted 1,490,000 stock options (each, an “Option”) to certain directors, officers and employees of the Company in accordance with the Company’s Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan. Each Option is exercisable into one common share in the capital of the Company (“Share”) at a price of $0.23 per share, being the closing price of the Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on January 27, 2023, for a period of five years from the date of grant. The Options are subject to certain vesting requirements in accordance with the shareholder approved plan.
About Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals Corp. is a leading exploration and development stage company, focused on silver and gold in the high-grade Keno Hill and Klondike districts of the Yukon, and copper, silver and critical minerals in the La Plata mining district in Colorado. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources and advancing projects toward development. Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic Keno Hill silver district of Canada’s Yukon Territory, directly adjacent to Hecla Mining’s operations, with more than 300 million ounces of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources. Hecla Mining Company, the largest primary silver producer in the USA and third largest in the world, completed the acquisition of Alexco Resources and their Keno Hill operations in September 2022. Metallic Minerals is also one of the largest holders of alluvial gold claims in the Yukon and is building a production royalty business by partnering with experienced mining operators. At the Company’s La Plata project in southwestern Colorado an inaugural NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate in April 2022 returned a significant porphyry copper-silver resource with results from the 2022 expansion drill program pending. All of the districts in which Metallic Minerals operates have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits in the region, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise. The Metallic Minerals team has been recognized for its environmental stewardship practices and is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development.
Footnotes:
Cathro, R. J., Great Mining Camps of Canada 1. The History and Geology of the Keno Hill Silver Camp, Yukon Territory. Geoscience Canada, Sept. 2006. ISSN 1911-4850.
The disclosure in this news release of scientific and technical information regarding exploration projects on Metallic Minerals’ mineral properties has been reviewed and approved by Debbie James, Senior Geologist for TruePoint Exploration, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).
Quality Assurance / Quality Control
All samples were assayed by 36 Element Aqua Regia Digestion ICP-MS methods at Bureau Veritas labs in Vancouver with sample preparation in Whitehorse, Yukon and geochemical analysis in Vancouver, British Columbia. Samples with over limit silver and gold were re-analyzed using a 30-gram fire assay fusion with a gravimetric finish. Over-limit lead and zinc samples were analyzed by multi-acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrometry. All results have passed the QAQC screening by the lab and the company utilized a quality control and quality assurance protocol for the project, including blank, duplicate, and standard reference samples.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, statements about expected results of operations, royalties, cash flows, financial position and future dividends as well as financial position, prospects, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Metallic Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, unsuccessrul operations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration, development of mines and mining operations is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Metallic Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Flagship Project: The Moss Lake Property located in Ontario, Canada has 1.47 M oz of Indicated and 2.51 M oz of Inferred historical gold resources, along with a robust Preliminary Economic Assessment conducted in 2020.
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 25, 2023 / Stillwater Critical Minerals (TSX.V:PGE)(OTCQB:PGEZF)(FSE:5D32) (the “Company” or “SWCM”) is pleased to report a 62% increase in the updated independent National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) mineral resource estimate (the “2023 Resource”) for its 100%-owned Stillwater West platinum group element, nickel, copper, cobalt, and gold (“PGE-Ni-Cu-Co + Au”) project in Montana, USA. The study, which was completed by SGS Geological Services (“SGS”), showed significant increases in tonnage and contained metal at both a bulk tonnage 0.20% nickel equivalent (“NiEq”) cut-off (“Base Case”) and a 0.35% NiEq higher grade bulk tonnage cut-off. A high-grade, selective mining component at a 0.70% NiEq cut-off is presented for the first time.
The Company will host a live webcast on January 31, 2023, at 10am PT | 1pm ET to discuss the Stillwater West project and the 2023 Resource. To register, click here.
2023 Resource Highlights
Base Case Inferred mineral resources of 1.6 billion pounds (“Blbs”) of nickel, copper and cobalt and 3.8 million ounces (“Moz”) palladium, platinum, rhodium, and gold (“4E”) in a constrained model totaling 255 million tonnes (“Mt”) at an average grade of 0.39% total estimated recovered NiEq (or 1.19 g/t Palladium Equivalent “PdEq”). See detailed breakdown in Tables 1 and 2, below.
Significant increases in contained metals over the 2021 study at the Base Case 0.20% NiEq cut-off:
Tonnage: 255Mt (62% increase)
Palladium: 2.05Moz (56% increase)
Nickel: 1.05Blbs (52% increase)
Platinum: 1.26Moz (66% increase)
Copper: 499Mlbs (44% increase)
Gold: 395Koz (30% increase)
Cobalt: 91Mlbs (31% increase)
Rhodium: 115Koz (76% increase)
The selective mining high-grade component yielded 11.6Mt at 1.05% Total NiEq (or 3.24 g/t Total PdEq) as 0.56% Ni, 0.33% Cu, 0.03% Co with 0.54 g/t Pd, 0.27 g/t Pt, 0.15 g/t Au and 0.019 g/t Rh. Expansion of this high-grade component results from the addition of high-grade mineralization encountered in the 2021 drill campaign.
Sulphur grades of 1.13% to 6.16% indicate desirable high nickel tenor in sulphide, supporting effective recovery via conventional flotation techniques.
2.27Blbs of chromium has been inventoried. Chromium is defined by the US government as a critical mineral.
Deposits in the 2023 Resource are defined by 156 drill holes from a total of 230 holes drilled on the Stillwater West property and include all holes from the Company’s three campaigns to date.
The 2023 Resource is contained within five deposits in the 9-kilometer central area of the project, all of which are open along strike and at depth. Multi-kilometer scale geophysical targets (Figure 1) and metal-in-soil anomalies indicate excellent expansion potential (Figures 2 to 4). Untested anomalies and earlier stage targets extend across much of the 32-kilometer-long Stillwater West project.
An NI 43-101-compliant technical report on the 2023 Resource for the Stillwater West project will be filed on Sedar.com within 45 days.
Michael Rowley, President and CEO stated, “We are very pleased with the expanded 2023 resource, which returned substantial increases in tonnage and contained metals while also increasing the high-grade component. Overall, these increases speak to the fantastic growth potential and under-explored nature of the Stillwater West project, and to our ability to rapidly increase resources in these wide-open deposits with targeted expansion drilling at low discovery costs. Our Stillwater West project, with its world-class endowment of eight critical minerals, is unique in the United States as a district-scale asset located in an active, producing district that has a long history of large-scale critical mineral production. The US government has recognized the importance of critical minerals to both economic and national security interests and is taking increasing action to secure domestic supply of these key metals at a time when we are advancing Stillwater West and demonstrating its potential. Our exceptional team, with multi-decades of experience at both Stillwater and in the parallel layered geology of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, is well-positioned to advance the asset. We look forward to continuing to build on our success and low discovery costs as we finalize our follow up expansion programs for 2023.”
Dr. Danie Grobler, Vice-President of Exploration, commented, “The 2022 field season, with a renewed focus on geology and structure, has contributed to the understanding of the multi-target geometry and mineralization controls within the Ultramafic Series of the Stillwater Complex, as an analogue to the Platreef of the Bushveld Complex. Our advanced understanding of Platreef-style mineralization and ore mineralogy, and our collaboration with Professor Wolfgang Maier at Cardiff University United Kingdom, as well as key staff at the US Geological Survey, has increased our confidence in the stratigraphic and structural models guiding resource estimation. Enhanced continuity and a significant tonnage increase, as well as increased medium and higher-grade categories, is a direct result of this effort. Our 2023 exploration programs will be focused on expansion of these thick zones of mineralized pegmatoidal pyroxenite/peridotite and associated chromites, as well as broad zones of massive to net-textured sulphides near the base of the layered sequence. We are seeing similar metal distribution characteristics when compared to the Platreef, as well as sulfur contents in relation to distance from the footwall contact. Our direct application of the detailed controls to mineralization in the Platreef-style models is guiding us along an exciting path of discovery.”
TABLE 1 – Grade and Contained Metal at Various NiEq Cut-off Grades
Stillwater Critical Minerals, Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Press release picture
Stillwater Critical Minerals, Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Press release picture
Stillwater West Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate, January 20, 2023
Notes: 1) In-Pit Inferred Mineral Resources are reported at a base case cut-off grade of 0.20% NiEq. Values in this table reported above and below the cut-off grades are only presented to show the sensitivity of the block model estimates to the selection of cut-off grade. Equivalent grade and contained metal calculations do not include Rhodium values; 2) All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. Totals may not add or calculate exactly due to rounding.
TABLE 2 – BASE CASE – Grade and Contained Metal by Deposit at 0.20% NiEq Cut-Off (Equals 0.62 g/t PdEq) Stillwater West 2023 Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate, January 20, 2023
Stillwater Critical Minerals, Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Press release picture
Stillwater Critical Minerals, Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Press release picture
Notes: 1) No assays shown as – ; 2) equivalent contained metal and grades do not include Rh. See additional notes on page 4.
2023 Exploration Planning
The Company is finalizing 2023 exploration plans with work expected to include extension of the highly effective geophysical surveys and completion of expansion drilling, focused on large, thick zones of mineralized pegmatoidal pyroxenite and peridotite within the resource areas. These zones show direct parallels to the thick Flatreef-style mineralized zones discovered in recent years by Ivanhoe Mines on the Platreef. A second focus for drilling will be to expand on the nickel-rich massive sulphide zones, as well as the very high-grade gold-PGE mineralization within structurally controlled zones.
Metallurgy
Preliminary metallurgical assessments by SWCM returned strong nickel tenor in sulphides drilled by the Company to date. In addition, favorable historic bench-scale metallurgical results completed historically by AMAX at the Iron Mountain target area demonstrate the potential for effective nickel and copper sulphide flotation and PGE recovery. Sample collection for more detailed metallurgical testing is on-going as part of the expanding development of Stillwater West, with a view to including full metallurgical assessment in future studies.
Carbon Capture at Stillwater West
All five deposits in the 2023 Resource contain desirable nickel sulphide mineralization that has been shown to require a much lower environmental footprint in subsequent processing to nickel metal or nickel sulphate in comparison to the laterite nickel ores that dominate global production. As part of SWCM’s commitment to global sustainability initiatives, the Company is also examining the potential for large-scale carbon sequestration with the objective of further reducing and possibly eliminating the carbon footprint of a potential mining operation at Stillwater West.
Preliminary results demonstrate the presence of certain ultramafic minerals that are known to have high capacity to bind carbon dioxide by a natural process known as mineral carbonation. As announced in a news release on September 23, 2021, the Company is continuing its research with Dr. Greg Dipple and his team at ARCA (formerly based at the University of British Columbia, Canada), to assess the capacity of rock samples from Stillwater West to bind carbon dioxide for permanent disposal as part of a potential mining operation. The Company has partnered with Cornell University for more active carbon sequestration methods, as well as hydrometallurgical processing.
This work strongly aligns with SWCM’s Environmental, Social and Governance guidelines and principles, and the incorporation of carbon uptake may bring financial benefits via initiatives such as the 45Q Tax Credit for Carbon Oxide Sequestration that is now in place in the US.
About Stillwater West
Stillwater Critical Minerals is rapidly advancing the Stillwater West PGE-Ni-Cu-Co + Au project towards becoming a world-class source of low-carbon, sulphide-hosted nickel, copper, and cobalt, critical to the electrification movement, as well as key catalytic metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium used in catalytic converters, fuel cells, and the production of green hydrogen. Stillwater West positions SWCM as the second-largest landholder in the Stillwater Complex, with a 100%-owned position adjoining and adjacent to Sibanye-Stillwater’s operating PGE mines in south-central Montana, USA1. The Stillwater Complex is recognized as one of the top regions in the world for PGE-Ni-Cu-Co mineralization, alongside the Bushveld Complex and Great Dyke in southern Africa, which are similar layered intrusions. The J-M Reef, and other PGE-enriched sulphide horizons in the Stillwater Complex, share many similarities with the highly prolific Merensky and UG2 Reefs in the Bushveld Complex. SWCM’s work in the lower Stillwater Complex has demonstrated the presence of large-scale disseminated and high-sulphide battery metals and PGE mineralization, similar to the Platreef in the Bushveld Complex2. Drill campaigns by the Company, complemented by a substantial historic drill database, have delineated five deposits of Platreef-style mineralization across a core 12-kilometer span of the project, all of which are open for expansion into adjacent targets. Multiple earlier-stage Platreef-style and reef-type targets are also being advanced across the remainder of the 32-kilometer length of the project based on strong correlations seen in soil and rock geochemistry, geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, and drilling.
About Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp.
Stillwater Critical Minerals (TSX.V: PGE | OTCQB: PGEZF) is a mineral exploration company focused on its flagship Stillwater West PGE-Ni-Cu-Co + Au project in the iconic and famously productive Stillwater mining district in Montana, USA. With the recent addition of two renowned Bushveld and Platreef geologists to the team, the Company is well positioned to advance the next phase of large-scale critical mineral supply from this world-class American district, building on past production of nickel, copper, and chromium, and the on-going production of platinum group and other metals by neighboring Sibanye-Stillwater. The Platreef-style nickel and copper sulphide deposits at Stillwater West contain a compelling suite of critical minerals and are open for expansion along trend and at depth, with an updated NI 43-101 mineral resource update announced in January 2023.
Stillwater Critical Minerals’ Black Lake-Drayton Gold project adjacent to Treasury Metals’ development-stage Goliath Gold Complex in northwest Ontario is currently under an earn-in agreement with Heritage Mining and the Company also holds the Kluane PGE-Ni-Cu-Co project on trend in Canada‘s Yukon Territory.
Note 1: References to adjoining properties are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the exploration potential, extent or nature of mineralization or potential future results of the Company’s projects.
Note 2: Magmatic Ore Deposits in Layered Intrusions-Descriptive Model for Reef-Type PGE and Contact-Type Cu-Ni-PGE Deposits, Michael Zientek, USGS Open-File Report 2012-1010.
The classification of the current Mineral Resource Estimate into Inferred is consistent with current 2014 CIM Definition Standards – For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.
All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. Totals may not add or calculate exactly due to rounding.
All Resources are presented undiluted and in situ, constrained by continuous 3D wireframe models, and are considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
The update MRE is based on data for 156 surface drill holes representing 29,392 m of drilling, including data for 14 surface drill holes for 5,143 m completed by Stillwater in 2021.
The mineral resource estimate is based on 6 three-dimensional (“3D”) resource models representing the Chrome Mountain (Hybrid and DR), Camp, HGR, Central and Crescent Zones.
Composites of 1.2 to 3.0 m have been capped where appropriate.
Fixed specific gravity values of 2.90 – 3.10 g/cm3 (depending on deposit) were used to estimate the Mineral Resource tonnage from block model volumes (% block model). Waste in all areas was given a fixed density of 2.9 g/cm3.
Cu, Ni, Co, Pt, Pd, Au and Cr are estimated for each mineralized zone; S and Rh for the majority of the zones. Blocks (5x5x5) within each resource model were interpolated using 1.2 to 3.0 m capped composites assigned to that resource model. To generate grade within the blocks, the inverse distance squared (ID2) interpolation method was used for all domains.
Based on a review of the project location, size, geometry, continuity of mineralization and proximity to surface of the Deposits, and spatial distribution of the five main deposits of interest (all within a 8.7 km strike length), it is envisioned that the Deposits may be mined by open pit.
In-pit Mineral Resources are reported at a base case cut-off grade of 0.20% NiEq. Pit optimization and Cut-off grades are based on metal prices of $9.00/lb Ni, $3.75/lb Cu, $24.00/lb Co, $1,000/oz Pt, $2,000/oz Pd and $1,800/oz Au, assumed metal recoveries of 80% for Ni, 85% for copper, 80% for Co, Pt, Pd and Au, a mining cost of US$2.50/t rock and processing and G&A cost of US$18.00/t mineralized material.
The in-pit Mineral Resource grade blocks were quantified above the base case cut-off grade. At this base case cut-off grade the deposits show excellent geologic and grade continuity. The project is at an early stage of exploration and all deposits are open along strike and down dip. The cut-off grades should be re-evaluated in light of future prevailing market conditions (metal prices, exchange rates, mining costs etc.).
The results from the pit optimization are used solely for the purpose of testing the “reasonable prospects for economic extraction” by an open pit and do not represent an attempt to estimate mineral reserves. There are no mineral reserves on the Property. The results are used as a guide to assist in the preparation of a Mineral Resource statement and to select an appropriate resource reporting cut-off grade. Pit optimization does not represent an economic study.
The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues.
The Author is not aware of any known mining, processing, metallurgical, environmental, infrastructure, economic, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, or marketing issues, or any other relevant factors not reported in this technical report, that could materially affect the current Mineral Resource Estimate.
Qualified Person
The Stillwater West PGE-Ni-Cu-Co + Au project 2023 Resource estimate was prepared by Allan Armitage, Ph.D., P.Geo., of SGS Geological Services, an independent Qualified Person, in accordance with the guidelines of the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) with an effective date of January 20, 2023. Armitage conducted a recent site visit to the property on June 29 and 30, 2022. Mr. Armitage reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release with respect to the 2023 Resource estimate.
Mr. Mike Ostenson, P.Geo., is the Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, and he has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure outside of the 2023 Resource estimate that is contained in this news release.
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 Stillwater Critical Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Stillwater Critical Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Stillwater Critical Minerals, Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Press release picture
Figure 1 2023 DEPOSIT MODELS WITH SELECT DRILL RESULTS OVER 3D INDUCED POLARIZATION (IP) GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY RESULTS
Stillwater Critical Minerals, Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Press release picture
Figure 2 2023 DEPOSIT OUTLINES WITH DRILL DATA OVER PRECIOUS AND BASE METALS IN SOILS
Stillwater Critical Minerals, Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Press release picture
Figure 3 2023 DEPOSIT OUTLINES WITH DRILL DATA OVER GEOPHYSICS (CONDUCTIVITY)
Stillwater Critical Minerals, Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Press release picture
Figure 4 14 TARGET AREAS ACROSS MAIN CLAIM BLOCK INCLUDING PICKET PIN (UPDATED JANUARY 2023)
North Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – January 25, 2023) – Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) (“Lion One” or the “Company”) announces further high-grade assay results ongoing Zone 500 drilling at the Company’s 100%-owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji.
Underground drill holes TUG-147 and TUG-150 were drilled to further test the high-grade zone originally defined by drill holes TUG-141, TUDDH-601 and TUDDH-608, previously reported on June 6, 2022, August 15, 2022, and November 7, 2022, respectively. Highlights include:
Hole ID
From (m)
To (m)
Interval (m)
Au g/t
Lode
TUG 147
263.1
274.2
11.1
10.67
UR2
including
263.1
268.8
5.7
13.45
UR2
which includes
265.5
266.7
1.2
51.18
UR2
which includes
265.5
265.8
0.3
144.31
UR2
and includes
268.2
268.5
0.3
16.02
UR2
and including
270.0
274.2
4.2
9.86
UR2
which includes
272.1
272.7
0.6
45.82
UR2
and
273.6
273.9
0.3
11.95
UR2
311.1
313.8
2.7
4.18
UR1
including
311.4
311.7
0.3
15.81
UR1
TUG-150
225.6
227.1
1.5
17.02
UR3
including
226.5
227.1
0.6
39.20
UR3
270.9
273.0
2.1
3.6
UR3
including
272.4
272.7
0.3
11.93
UR3
315.3
323.7
8.4
8.84
UR2
including
315.6
315.9
0.3
108.57
UR2
including
318.6
319.8
1.2
14.71
UR2
which includes
318.6
318.9
0.3
28.51
UR2
327.6
327.9
0.3
59.85
UR2
329.7
330.3
0.6
11.49
UR2
including
330.0
330.3
0.3
18.24
UR2
350.1
351.9
1.8
4.26
UR2
including
351.3
351.6
0.3
12.85
UR2
TUG-147 was drilled to cross the northern extension of the UR2-UR1 NS lodes that appear to define a wedge-shaped high-grade zone bounded by the UR2 and UR4 lodes, to thus test the mineralization associated with UR lodes, and to provide structural information on the orientations of mineralized veins and lode arrays. The drillhole lifted more than expected and crossed the zone at a somewhat lower elevation (shallower) than intended (Figure 1). Nevertheless, TUG-147 drilling across the UR2 structure, intersected 11.1m at 10.67 g/t Au from 263.1 to 274.4m, which includes 5.7m at 13.45 g/t Au, including 1.2m at 51.18 g/t Au, and 4.2m at 9.86 g/t Au corresponding to the intersection of the main NS-trending UR2 lode and NE-trending mineralized veining (Figure 2, Table 1). The calculated true horizontal width of this intersection is 3.5m.
Figure 1. Vertical section looking east showing the positions of TUG-147 and TUG-150 relative to the drill holes that defined high-grade mineralization TUG-141, TUDDH-601 and TUDDH-608.
TUG-150 was targetted to cross the high-grade zone below TUG-141 and north of TUDDH-608. The hole drifted to the right (south) more than expected and only skimmed along the UR2 lode at a low angle, without crossing the high-grade zone at the targetted location (Figures 1 & 3). Nevertheless, very high-grade mineralization was intersected over a significant downhole length of 8.4m at 8.84 g/t Au, including 0.3m at 108.57 g/t Au, and 1.2m at 14.71 g/t Au which includes 0.3m at 28.51 g/t Au along the UR2 lode, further confirming the bonanza grade nature of the UR2 lode at this location (Figure 4, Table 1). A follow-up drill hole (TUG-152) still currently drilling, was collared from the same setup but with modified azimuth and dip, and represents an additional attempt to drill across the UR2 structure near this location, and to test the possible NE down-plunge extent to the mineralization recorded by TUDDH-608 see Nov. 7, 2022 news release. The results of TUG-152 will be reported pending completion.
Figure 3. Horizontal plan looking straight down showing the location of TUG-147 and TUG-150 drill hole traces relative to the high-grade mineralization defined by TUG-141. The TUG-150 hole did not cross the UR2-UR1 mineralized corridor, remaining along the UR2 structure.
Figure 4. Photos of mineralization from TUG-150: A, B) 315.9m, 0.3m at 108.57 g/t Au, red circle indicates coarse VG; C) 318.9m, 0.3m at 28.51 g/t Au; D) 327.9m, 0.3m at 59.85 g/t Au. Red circle on the right indicates VG observed.
Table 1. Composited results from TUG-147 and TUG-150 drilling. The interpreted lode for each composited intercept is indicated.
Hole ID
From (m)
To (m)
Interval (m)
Au g/t
Lode
TUG-147
179.1
189.9
10.8
2.26
UR3
200.1
206.4
6.3
1.21
UR3
245.4
246.0
0.6
2.51
263.1
274.2
11.1
10.67
UR2
including
263.1
268.8
5.7
13.45
UR2
which includes
265.5
266.7
1.2
51.18
UR2
which includes
265.5
265.8
0.3
144.31
UR2
and includes
268.2
268.5
0.3
16.02
UR2
and including
270.0
274.2
4.2
9.86
UR2
which includes
272.1
272.7
0.6
45.82
UR2
and
273.6
273.9
0.3
11.95
UR2
273.9
274.2
0.3
1.92
UR2
289.8
291.0
1.2
0.97
311.1
313.8
2.7
4.18
UR1
including
311.4
311.7
0.3
15.81
UR1
326.7
327.0
0.3
0.69
327.6
327.9
0.3
0.58
334.5
334.8
0.3
0.54
335.1
335.4
0.3
0.53
337.5
337.8
0.3
1.72
341.7
342.0
0.3
0.8
537.0
539.1
2.1
1.84
540.9
543.9
3.0
0.79
555.6
556.2
0.6
0.73
TUG-150
225.6
227.1
1.5
17.02
UR3
including
226.5
227.1
0.6
39.2
UR3
232.8
233.4
0.6
0.95
UR3
234.6
240.0
5.4
2.25
UR3
242.1
245.7
3.6
2.32
UR3
248.4
249.6
1.2
2.59
UR3
251.1
252.0
0.9
0.94
UR3
270.9
273.0
2.1
3.6
UR3
including
272.4
272.7
0.3
11.93
UR3
276.0
276.6
0.6
0.66
UR3
278.4
279.0
0.6
0.69
UR3
280.2
281.1
0.9
1.91
UR3
296.4
297.9
1.5
2.01
UR3
300.6
300.9
0.3
4.7
UR3
312.3
313.5
1.2
0.62
UR3
315.3
323.7
8.4
8.84
UR2
including
315.6
315.9
0.3
108.57
UR2
including
318.6
319.8
1.2
14.71
UR2
which includes
318.6
318.9
0.3
28.51
UR2
327.6
327.9
0.3
59.85
UR2
329.7
330.3
0.6
11.49
UR2
including
330.0
330.3
0.3
18.24
UR2
350.1
351.9
1.8
4.26
UR2
including
351.3
351.6
0.3
12.85
UR2
363.6
364.8
1.2
2.44
UR2
Table 2. Survey details of diamond drill holes referenced in this release.
Hole No
Coordinates (Fiji map grid)
RL
final depth
dip
azimuth
N
E
m
m
Deg.
(TN)
TUG-147
3920584.2
1876438.2
115.1
582.0
-75
095
TUG-150
3920584.8
1876436.5
115.9
467.3
-71
130
TUG-152
3920584
1876436
115
in progress
-72
123
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 80% passing through 75 microns. Gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that have returned grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are then re-analyzed by gravimetric method. For samples that return greater than 0.50 g/t Au, repeat fire assay runs are carried out and repeated until a result is obtained that is within 10% of the original fire assay run. Lion One’s laboratory can also assay for a range of 71 other elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 9 important pathfinder elements. All duplicate anomalous samples are sent to ALS labs in Townsville QLD and are analyzed by the same methods (Au-AA26, and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61).
About Lion One Metals Limited Lion One’s flagship asset is 100% owned, fully permitted high grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project, located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. Lion One envisions a low-cost high-grade underground gold mining operation at Tuvatu coupled with exciting exploration upside inside its tenements covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, an underexplored yet highly prospective 7km diameter alkaline gold system. Lion One’s CEO Walter Berukoff leads an experienced team of explorers and mine builders and has owned or operated over 20 mines in 7 countries. As the founder and former CEO of Miramar Mines, Northern Orion, and La Mancha Resources, Walter is credited with building over $3 billion of value for shareholders.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lion One Metals Limited “Walter Berukoff“, Chairman and CEO
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release
This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “proposed”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 24, 2023 / Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSXV:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) (“Metallic Minerals” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce signing a production royalty agreement on 5 ½ miles of alluvial gold claims at its Australia Creek property in the Klondike Gold District of Canada’s Yukon Territory, with Little Flake mining, a company owned and operated by Parker Schnabel of Discovery Channel‘s top-rated television series, “Gold Rush“.
Under the terms of the agreement, Little Flake will be granted exclusive rights to extract gold from the Australia Creek property, with Metallic Minerals receiving a percentage of the production as a royalty. This partnership will combine Metallic Minerals’ expertise in mineral exploration and Little Flake’s experience in gold mining to maximize production and profitability for both groups in the region. Mr. Schnabel is recognized as a highly experienced miner and, in December 2022, was awarded the Robert E. Leckie Award for Excellence in Environmental Stewardship by the Yukon Government for reclamation work in the Klondike goldfields.
“We are excited to be working with Parker and the highly experienced Little Flake mining team and believe this partnership will be lucrative for both our companies, given Little Flakes track record of impressive alluvial gold production,” said Greg Johnson, Metallic Minerals Chairman & CEO. “Our recent gold discoveries at Australia Creek represent a major extension of the Klondike to the east and is one of the biggest new discoveries in this historic district in decades. Metallic Minerals is one of the largest owners of alluvial gold mining claims in the Yukon Territory, including this large block of unmined claims in the Klondike. Starting with exceptional operators like Little Flake, we anticipate the potential for the generation of significant production royalties, which will provide funding toward our hard rock silver and copper exploration projects in Yukon and Colorado. An important criterion for our evaluation of potential additional alluvial operators will be demonstrated operational excellence and environmental stewardship that aligns with Metallic Minerals focus on ESG values.”
Parker Schnabel, owner and operator of Little Flake Mining, commented, “Our award-winning team looks forward to working with Metallic Minerals and we plan to hit the ground running on Australia Creek. Planning is underway for a 400-hole drill program this winter on the property and we anticipate beginning mining operations this spring. This under-explored part of the Klondike shows vast potential for new discoveries, and we believe our collaboration with the veteran exploration team at Metallic will unlock this potential for both our groups.”
The agreement is effective immediately with production targeted to begin by June. The companies will be working together closely to ensure a rapid and successful start-up for the partnership.
Under the terms of the Australia Creek property agreement, Little Flake must complete a $1 million minimum annual work commitment and pay Metallic Minerals an annual advance royalty plus a variable royalty on all gold production.
About Australia Creek
Metallic Minerals holds a 100% interest in 36.4 square kilometres of mining rights along the Australia Creek drainage south of Dawson City, Yukon. Australia Creek is part of the historic Klondike gold district that is estimated to have produced over 20 million ounces of gold since its discovery in 1898. Australia Creek and its benches are now recognized by Yukon Geological Survey as the eastern continuation of the highly productive Klondike Goldfields, which is the largest placer gold producing area in the Yukon. Modern, open-pit operations in the Klondike have doubled production in the region over the past decade1.
Despite extensive mining activity nearby, Australia Creek itself was not historically mined due to its importance as a source of water and hydro-electric power for the floating dredge operations that were conducted in the area between the 1920s and 1960s. However, exploration drilling at Australia Creek has returned gold-in-gravel values that compare to some of the best producing areas of the Klondike presenting an exciting opportunity for the Company.
Figure 1: Klondike Gold District and Metallic Minerals’ Properties
Metallic Minerals Corp., Monday, January 23, 2023, Press release picture
2023 AMEBC Mineral Roundup Core Shack
Metallic Minerals is very pleased to announce that we have been invited to participate in this year’s AMEBC Mineral Roundup conference in Vancouver and will be displaying intervals of drill core from the Keno Silver project and our La Plata project on Wednesday, January 25th and Thursday, the 26th. Key members of our management and technical teams will be on hand to discuss the project and opportunity. Visit us at booth #1016 in the Core Shack. For more information and to register, visit here.
Vancouver Resource Investment Conference – Presentation
Metallic Minerals President, Scott Petsel, will be providing a corporate update and participating in a moderated roundtable discussion during the upcoming Vancouver Resource Investment Conference on Sunday, January 29th at 3:30 PM in the Yukon Pavilion. For more information, visit here.
About Little FlakeMining
Little Flake is a mining company founded and owned by Parker Schnabel of the hit Discovery Channel television series Gold Rush. Now in its thirteenth season, Gold Rush is Discovery Channel’s number one rated and most watched television series. Little Flake specializes in placer gold mining and operates in the Klondike region of Canada and in Alaska. Mr. Schnabel comes from a multi-generational mining family and under Schnabel’s entrepreneurial leadership, Little Flake has become one of the largest and most successful operators in the Yukon’s placer gold mining industry.
About Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals Corp. is a leading exploration and development stage company, focused on silver and gold in the high-grade Keno Hill and Klondike districts of the Yukon, and copper, silver and critical minerals in the La Plata mining district in Colorado. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources and advancing projects toward development. Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic Keno Hill silver district of Canada’s Yukon Territory, directly adjacent to Hecla Mining’s operations, with more than 300 million ounces of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources. Hecla Mining Company, the largest primary silver producer in the USA and third largest in the world, completed the acquisition of Alexco in September 2022. In April 2022, Metallic Minerals announced the inaugural NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate for its La Plata silver-gold-copper project in southwestern Colorado. The Company is also one of the largest holders of alluvial gold claims in the Yukon and is building a production royalty business by partnering with experienced mining operators. All of the districts in which Metallic Minerals operates have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits in the region, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise. The Metallic Minerals team has been recognized for its environmental stewardship practices and is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development.
1Yukon Geological Survey (“YGS”) Yukon Placer Mining Industry Report 2010-2014
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, statements about expected results of operations, cash flows, financial position and future dividends as well as financial position, prospects, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Metallic Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, unsuccessrul operations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration, development of mines and mining operations is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Metallic Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rover Metals Corp. (TSXV: ROVR) (OTCQB: ROVMF) (FSE:4XO) (“Rover” or the “Company”) reports on the progress being made in claystone lithium mining in southwest Nevada.
Southwest Nevada Claystone Jurisdiction In the past six months, both Cypress Development Corp. (Sep-2022) and American Lithium Corporation (Jan-2023) have reported on the recovery of battery grade lithium carbonate from their respective claystone lithium projects in southwest Nevada. See the link to the jurisdictional map below. Cypress Development owns the Clayton Valley project, and American Lithium owns the TLC project. Additionally, on January 16, 2023, feasibility-stage Ioneer Ltd. announced the finalization of a conditional commitment for a proposed loan of USD700 million from the U.S. Department of Energy Lian Programs Office.
Judson Culter, CEO at Rover Metals, states “claystone lithium mining continues to disrupt an industry that is trying to reinvent itself to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Mining of claystones uses less water than traditional brine lithium mining. The majority of the claystone lithium projects are also nearer to surface then hard rock lithium projects, and as a result, are less intrusive to underground ecosystems. Additionally, claystone operations require a more simplified mining circuit to process lithium as compared to hard rock operations. Innovations in claystone mining being made by later-stage companies like Cypress Development Corp. and American Lithium Corporation continue to decrease the cash cost per production tonne of Lithium Carbonate (Li2CO3). Cypress Development’s prefeasibility study (dated August 5, 2020 and amended March 15, 2021) for its Clayton Valley Project, NV, estimates the cash production per tonne of lithium to be approximately USD3.500 per tonne. Historic brine lithium mining operations typically have a cash cost per tonne of between USD2,500 – USD4,000 tonne1, putting Cypress Development’s claystone project will within industry standards.
Rover Metals’ Let’s Go Lithium project is an early stage comparable to both the TLC project and the Clayton Valley project. The claystone at LGL is at and near surface, extending to an average depth of approximately 100 meters. The LGL project is also located close to the historic Franklin Wells hectorite mine (see map link above) which has documented historic high-grade lithium production2. Exploration work done at LGL to date also logs the claystone body to be well above important underground ecosystems in the area. In H2 of 2022, Rover Metals reported on some very prospective surface grab samples from the LGL project. The Company’s next phase of exploration will be a maiden reverse circulation drill program at LGL, subject to permit approval from the Bureau of Land Management.
Industry and public mining company reports.
Gregg Wilkerson, Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield, CA 93301; Larry Vredenburgh , Bureau of Land Management; Thomas J. Serenko , Southern Clay Products, Inc; Ted H. Eyde, Gadsden Sonora Holdings LLC
About Rover Metals Rover is a publicly traded junior mining company that trades on the TSXV under symbol ROVR, on the OTCQB under symbol ROVMF, and on the FSE under symbol 4XO. Rover is currently focussed on the development of a claystone lithium project in southwest Nevada, USA. Plans for 2023 include a 1,200-meter reverse circulation drill program at the Let’s Go Lithium project. Rover Metals is an attractive affordable early-stage lithium stock for investors wanting exposure to the sector.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS “Judson Culter” Chief Executive Officer and Director
For further information, please contact: Email:info@rovermetals.com Phone: +1 (778) 754-2855
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
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 Rover’s actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry 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. There can be no assurance that such statements prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any factor could cause actual results to differ materially from Rover’s expectations. Rover undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
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. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.
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