VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 10, 2023 / Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSX.V:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) (“Metallic Minerals” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce a strategic equity investment by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newcrest Mining Limited (“Newcrest”) in the form of a non-brokered private placement, with the goal of advancing the Company’s La Plata copper-silver-gold-platinum group element alkalic porphyry project in Colorado, USA.
Pursuant to the private placement, Newcrest will complete a financing of $6.34 million, consisting of 15,838,593 units of Metallic Minerals at a price of $0.40 per unit, with each unit comprising one common share and 0.75 of a common share purchase warrant. This represents a 13% premium to the 20-day volume weighted average price of Metallic Minerals’ shares on the TSX-V on May 9, 2023. Each full warrant shall entitle Newcrest to purchase one common share at an exercise price of $0.55, providing $6.5 million in additional funding, if exercised. The warrants shall be exercisable for three years from the date of issue and contain a customary acceleration provision, which shall be effective if the common shares trade for a period of 20 consecutive trading days at or above $0.825 on the TSX-V.
Following closing of the investment, Newcrest will hold 9.5% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Metallic Minerals on a non-diluted basis and, including the warrants, 15.5% of the issued and outstanding common shares on a partially diluted basis.
Metallic Minerals CEO and Chairman, Greg Johnson, stated, “As an industry leader with extensive expertise in precious metals rich, alkalic porphyry systems, Newcrest was quick to recognize the geologic significance of the drill results from our 2022 campaign at La Plata. We are very pleased to welcome them as a new major shareholder. Newcrest’s investment is a strong endorsement of the technical merits and potential of the project and a vote of confidence in our experienced team. This funding will enable us to fast-track our planned expansion drilling to follow-up the success from 2022. This year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in our company’s history, with an updated resource estimate in progress at La Plata and an inaugural resource at our Keno Silver project also underway.”
Metallic Minerals President, Scott Petsel, stated, “This is a transformational period for Metallic Minerals and the La Plata project. Newcrest brings key, relevant exploration and operational experience and success in deposits of very similar character to that of La Plata, particularly their Red Chris and Cadia-Ridgeway operations. Our technical team has developed a follow-up drill program for La Plata that we expect can rapidly begin to define the extent of the high-grade mineralization, which remains completely open to expansion from the discovery drilling in 2022. Hole 22-04 intersected 816 meters of continuous porphyry mineralization and ended in spectacular copper and precious minerals grades. We are eager to discover the extent to which that high-grade mineralization continues laterally and to depth and anticipate this new drilling will have a positive impact on the overall grade and value of the deposit. Our team is very much looking forward to working with Newcrest to advance these common exploration and development goals.”
Fraser MacCorquodale, Newcrest’s GM Exploration, stated, “We are excited to become a cornerstone investor in Metallic Minerals and to be able to contribute towards this promising copper and precious metal project in the United States. We look forward to collaborating with the experienced management team at Metallic Minerals to leverage our combined skills.”
In connection with the private placement, Metallic Minerals and Newcrest have entered into an investor rights agreement, pursuant to which Newcrest will be entitled to certain customary rights including participation in future equity issuances and a right to maintain its pro-rata position in the Company. Newcrest and the Company have also agreed to certain customary standstill and transfer restrictions.
In addition, a technical committee will be formed with representatives from Metallic and Newcrest, providing access to Newcrest’s substantial technical expertise in similar alkalic porphyry systems and underground bulk-tonnage, block-cave mining operations. Newcrest shall also have a right to appoint a director to Metallic Minerals’ board, upon exercise of the private placement warrants, if they hold at least 13% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company.
Live Webinar
Metallic Minerals will be hosting a live webinar with guest, Byron King, on Thursday, May 11 at 10am PT | 1pm ET to discuss the outlook for battery and precious metals and the importance of exploration to be able to deliver the necessary critical minerals for the decade ahead, along with an overview on exploration plans for Metallic Minerals in 2023. To register, click here.
Net proceeds of the private placement are intended to be used for exploration and development activities at the Company’s La Plata project, future exploration and development activities, working capital and general and administrative expenses.
The private placement is expected to close, subject to customary conditions, upon acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. The common shares issued pursuant to the private placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws. No commissions or finder fees are payable in connection with the private placement.
This press release is not an offer or a solicitation of an offer of securities for sale in the United States of America. The common shares of Metallic Minerals Corp. have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration.
About Newcrest Mining
Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX, TSX, PNGX: NCM) is one of the world’s largest gold mining companies with headquarters in Melbourne, Australia and operating mines in Australia, Canada and Papua New Guinea. Newcrest is a technical industry leader, with particular expertise in exploration, deep underground block caving and metallurgical processing. Newcrest is committed to creating a work environment where everyone can go home safe and healthy every day, and where everyone actively contributes to this outcome; operating and developing mines in line with strong environmental, social and governance practices; developing a diverse workforce; and developing and maintaining strong relationships with communities and governments.
About Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals Corp. is a leading exploration and development stage company focused on copper, silver, gold and other critical minerals in the La Plata mining district in Colorado, and silver and gold in the high-grade Keno Hill and Klondike districts of the Yukon. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources, and advancing projects toward development.
At the Company’s La Plata project in southwestern Colorado the 2022 inaugural NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate identified a significant porphyry copper-silver resource containing 889 Mlbs copper and 15 Moz of silver. Results from 2022 expansion drilling intercepted the longest and highest-grade interval ever encountered at La Plata and one of the top intersections for any North American copper project in the past several years. An updated NI 43-101 resource estimate for the La Plata project incorporating these results is expected in Q2 2023.
In Canada’s Yukon Territory, Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic high-grade Keno Hill silver district, directly adjacent to Hecla Mining’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. Hecla is targeting to start production at the Keno Hill operations by Q3 2023. Metallic is anticipating the announcement of inaugural mineral resource estimate at Keno Silver in the second half of 2023.
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, including Parker Schnabel of Little Flake Mining from the hit television show Gold Rush on the Discovery Channel.
All of the districts in which Metallic Minerals operates have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits in the region, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise. The Metallic Minerals team has been recognized for its environmental stewardship practices and is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development.
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, statements about expected results of operations, royalties, cash flows, financial position and future dividends as well as financial position, prospects, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Metallic Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, unsuccessful operations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration, development of mines and mining operations is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Metallic Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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)
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2023 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) ( “Granite Creek” or the “Company” ) is pleased to report positive results from its Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) for the Carmacks Copper-Gold-Silver project (the “Project” or “Carmacks Project”), located in the Yukon, Canada’s Minto Copper District within the traditional territories of Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation.
The PEA demonstrates attractive project economics with significant opportunities for additional mine life expansion, reinforcing the potential of the Minto Copper District to become a top-tier global copper district.
Granite Creek Copper will be hosting a live webinar to review the PEA results on January 24th , 2023, at 9:00am PT | 12:00PM ET. To register, click here .
PEA Highlights
Attractive project economics:
Base case metal prices of US$3.75/lb Cu, US$1,800/oz Au and US$22/oz Ag: Pre-tax NPV 5%of C$324 million and 36% IRR After-tax NPV 5%of C$230 million and 29% IRR
Case 1 metal prices of US$4.25/lb Cu, US$2,000/oz Au and US$25/oz Ag: Pre-tax NPV 5%of C$475 million and 48% IRR After-tax NPV 5%of C$330 million and 38% IRR
Mine life of nine years at 7,000 tonnes per day with clear exploration potential to extend mine life with four target areas within 1km of the current resource.
Capital cost of C$220m with payback of 2 years from commencement of production.
Head grade of 1.10% copper equivalent (“CuEq”) consisting of 0.90% Cu, 0.30 g/t Au and 3.5 g/t Ag.
Average cash operating costs of US$1.76/lb CuEq and all-in sustaining costs of US$2.57/lb CuEq.
Option for tailings treatment: PEA study identifies additional potential cash flow through processing of oxide tailings to increase total copper recovery. Recovery sensitivity shows an additional $180M pre-tax NPV based of a 20% increase in recovery rates.
The Company envisions developing the Carmacks Project into a low-carbon source of copper. A critical mineral, as defined by the Canadian government, copper is key to the transition to a zero-carbon economy through the electrification of transportation and other industries, and the development of renewable energy production. The 2023 PEA clearly demonstrates the viability of the Carmacks Deposit as a robust open pit sulphide and oxide copper-gold-silver project with significant potential upside from both resource expansion and secondary processing of oxide material to further improve oxide recoveries. The Project is to be powered by the Yukon’s electrical grid which uses primarily renewable electricity.
“The completion of the PEA is a major accomplishment that doesn’t just advance the Project beyond previous studies but completely re-envisions Carmacks as a high-grade, open pit copper, gold and silver producer with excellent expansion potential in a tier one jurisdiction”, commented Timothy Johnson, President and CEO. “The inclusion of sulphide alongside oxide ore, either as a blend or a straight sulphide feed, has resulted in significant upside on the Project, with further opportunities recognized in both processing and exploration.”
“Potential for near mine resource expansion is demonstrated in new volumetrically significant targets identified by comparison of the geophysical signatures of known mineralization with similar signatures of untested targets near the proposed pits “, continued Mr. Johnson. “These strong geophysical responses have a high correlation with copper sulphide minerals on the Project, giving us high confidence in these new targets, which are a priority for testing in upcoming drill campaigns.”
PEA Study Approach
The PEA contemplates open pit mining using a conventional truck and shovel operation in two separate pits. Mining targets the high-grade, near surface oxide material in the 147 pit, then transitions to target sulphide material in the 1213 pit followed by final mining of the deeper oxide and sulphide material in 147. Mined material would be delivered to a crushing and grinding circuit consisting of a primary crusher, SAG mill and ball mill. Both oxide copper ore and sulphide copper ore would be processed via a simplified flow sheet consisting of well-established flotation technology producing a high-quality copper-gold-silver concentrate. Oxide and sulphide ore would be blended and sequenced to provide optimal cash flow and to minimise the environmental footprint with mined-out pits or portions of pits being reclaimed as mining commences in the next area. Both conceptual pits lie within 2km of the proposed mill site.
Tailings from the flotation circuit would be filtered and water recirculated into the flotation circuit. This would improve water management and limit environmental impact, with final tailings placement on a lined dry stack tailings facility at site.
A high-grade, premium copper, gold and silver concentrate would be shipped via deep seaports in Skagway, Alaska or other nearby facilities. Treatment and refining charges terms are within standard market rates.
Average copper recovery during life of mine (“LOM’) is calculated to be 64% with approximately 2/3 of material processed being oxide ore and 1/3 being sulphide ore. Metallurgical studies returned 93% copper recovery when processing sulphide ore, 40% copper recovery while processing oxide ore and 82% when processing a 50:50 blend. Metallurgical work highlights the opportunity for further optimization of the Project through more detailed mine sequencing or discovery of near mine sulphide or that could be blended with ore from the 147 pit.
Table 1: PEA Key Parameters
Parameter
Unit
Base Case 1
Case 1
Metal Prices
Copper Price
US$/pound
$3.75
$4.25
Gold Price
US$/troy ounce
$1,800.00
$2,000
Silver Price
US/troy ounce
$22.00
$25
Average Recovery to Cu Concentrate 2
Copper Recovery
%
64%
Gold Recovery
%
58%
Silver Recovery
%
60%
Concentrate Grade
Copper
%
40%
Gold
g/t
11.0 g/t
Silver
g/t
134.4 g/t
Production Data
Resource Tonnes
21,270,518
Copper Equiv. Grade
1.10%
Daily Mill Throughput
Tonnes / day
7,000 t
7,000 t
Annual Processing Rate
Kilo tonnes/ year
2,495 kt
2,495 kt
LOM Strip ratio
Waste: Ore
4.6:1
4.6:1
Mine Life
Years
9 years
9 years
Average annual production
Copper EQ production 6
Million Pounds / year
33.9 M
Copper in concentrate
Million Pounds / year
27 M
Gold in copper concentrate
Troy ounces / year
12 385
Silver in copper concentrate
Troy ounces / year
151 584
Operating Costs (LOM avg) 2
Mining
C$/t mined
$3.16
Milling
C$/t processed
$18.30
G&A
C$/t processed
$4.93
All in Sustaining Costs 4,5
US$/lb CuEq
$2.57
Capital Costs
Initial Capital Cost
C$
C$220M
LOM Sustaining Capital Cost
C$
C$130M
Financial Analysis
Pre-Tax NPV 5%
C$
C$324M
C$475M
Pre-Tax IRR
%
36%
48%
After Tax NPV 5%
C$
C$228M
C$330M
After Tax IRR
%
29%
38%
Payback period 7
Years
2.0
1.5
Base case metal prices based on 36-month trailing average from January 15, 2022.
Recovery includes both oxide and sulphide ore and is based on mining 2/3 oxide and 1/3 sulphide LOM.
Total operating costs include mining, processing, tailings, surface infrastructures, transport, and G&A costs.
AISC includes cash operating costs, sustaining capital expenses to support the on-going operations, concentrate transport and treatment charges, royalties and closure and rehabilitation costs divided by copper equivalent pounds produced.
AISC is a non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. Refer to note at end of this news release.
The copper equivalent grade (CuEq) is determined by (total copper x US$3.75) + (total gold x US$1800) + (total silver x $22)/$3.75)/total resource tonnes.
Payback period is from commencement of mining.
Capital Cost
The PEA for the Project outlines an initial (pre-production) capital cost estimate of C$220 million and LOM sustaining capital costs of C$130 million, including overall closure costs of C$5 million. Initial capital costs include the construction of milling and processing facilities, lined dry stack tailings and lined waste rock facilities, on-site infrastructure of 15km of access road and facilities for water capture and treatment. Construction of a powerline (12.8 km, 138 kV) from an existing substation is placed under sustaining capital to allow for construction time of the power grid.
Table 2: Capex Estimates 1
Cost Element
Base Case
Mine Costs
C$25M
Processing
C$84M
Infrastructure
C$27.7M
Tailings
C$14.7M
EPCM and Indirect Costs
C$34.1M
Sub total Capex
C$185 M
Sustaining Capital
C$130.M
Contingency
C$35.0M
Reclamation and Closure
C$5.0M
1 All values stated are undiscounted.
Operating Costs
Operating costs estimates were developed using first principles methodology, vendor quotes received in Q3 2022, and productivities being derived from benchmarking and industry best practices. Over the LOM, the average operating cost for the Project is estimated at C$3.16/t mined and C$18.30/t processed. Tailings costs are included in processing costs.
The average cash operating costs over the LOM is US$1.76/lb CuEq and the average AISC is US$2.57 /lb CuEq.
Economic Analysis and Sensitivities
The PEA indicates that the potential economic returns from the Project justify advancing to a feasibility study.
The Project generates cumulative cash flow of C$371.2 million on an after-tax basis and C$505.8 million pre-tax at a base case of $3.75/lb Cu based on an average mill throughput of 7,000 t/day over the 9-year life of mine.
Table 3: Summary of Economic Analysis 1,2
Element
Base Case
Case 1
Metal Price Assumptions (US$) Copper, Gold Silver
$3.75, $1800, $22
$4.25, $2000, $25
Exchange Rate
0.75
0.75
Average annual cash flow
C$61.8M
C$76.9M
Payback Period
2.5 years
1.5 years
EBITDA
C$505.8M
C$710M
LOM Undiscounted Net Cash Flow After Tax
C$371.2M
C$505M
NPV (5% discount) After Tax
C$230.5M
C$328M
IRR After Tax
29%
38%
1 The analysis assumes that the Project is 100% equity financed (unlevered). 2 Appropriate deductions are applied to the concentrate produced, including treatment, refining, transport and insurance costs.
The PEA is significantly influenced by copper price assumptions. Using the Case 1 metal price scenario consists of near current prices of US$4.25/lb Cu, US$2000/oz Au and US$25/oz silver, the Project generates an after-tax Net Present Value (“NPV”) using an 5% discount rate of $328 million and an after-tax IRR of 38% with a payback period of 1.5 years from the commencement of production. (Table 3), Outlined below in Table 4 is a detailed sensitivity analysis across gold and copper prices with silver kept at $22/ounce. Table 5 below highlights additional sensitivities to foreign exchange, recovery, CAPEX and OPEX.
Table 4: Copper and Gold Metal Price Sensitivity Analysis NPV- Pre-Tax values in Million CDN$
The third conceptual pit, 2000S as identified in the Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE), could be brought into the mine plan if sufficient additional resources were defined by drilling to offset pre-stripping costs.
Electrification of the mining fleet. Significant cost saving and reduction in greenhouse gas production may be possible through the sourcing of electric vs. diesel haul trucks for the Project. The PEA envisions using a contract mining fleet for the Project and preference will be given to suppliers that can provide either fully electric or hybrid equipment.
Further discovery. Exploration conducted in 2022 consisting of geophysics, trenching and soil sampling identified four areas proximal to the proposed mine plan that if successfully drilled could enable longer mine life beyond nine years or provide additional sulphide mill feed earlier in the mine’s life. Four targets on the Property require evaluation, all located within 1km of the current deposits. Two of the targets are located beneath the current resource and there is higher geological certainty that these may contain appreciable copper mineralization.
Zone 1213 shallow: Downward continuation of Zone 12 and 13. Estimated dimensions are 360m long, 15 – 40m wide, starting at approximately 65m below the current drilling.
Zone 12 deep: Downward continuation of Zone 12. Estimated from geophysics to be continuing for an additional 170m below current resource modelling. Approximated to be 580m long and 15-40m wide.
Gap Zone target: Geophysical anomaly that fits with current geological understanding of the fault offset between 147 and 2000S Zone. Estimated to be 500m long, up to 400m deep, and 30-50m wide.
Sourtoe target: Estimated from geophysics to be a lensoidal body of similar size to known deposits at 370m long x 370m deep with an estimated width of 15-50m. It has been lightly tested at surface by trenching and is weakly mineralized.
In addition, the Carmacks North target area is host to several mineralized zones that have the potential to add resources to the mine plan, all within 15 km of the proposed mill site.
Additional recovery through metallurgical improvements. The Company has retained Kemetco Laboratories to complete additional leaching and copper precipitating testing to evaluate the processing of tailings. The calculated grade of copper in tailings averages 0.32% with over 140 Mlbs of copper not recovered LOM. Recovery sensitivity show an additional $180M pretax NPV based of a 20% increase in recovery rates. Review of historical metallurgical testing has indicated that copper minerals present in oxidized material respond well to leaching. Once the copper is in solution the copper would be chemically precipitated to produce sulphide minerals that can be added back into the flotation cells.
Mineral Resources
The basis for the PEA uses an updated mineral resource estimate (“MRE”) for the Carmacks deposit (effective date March 30, 2022). The mine plan contemplates processing 62% of resources outlined in the MRE. The MRE includes inferred resources that are too speculative to have economic parameters applied to them. Resources are not reserves and there is no certainty that the resources outlined on the Project can be converted to reserves.
Table 6: Mineral Resource Estimates
CATEGORY
Cut -Off Cu (%)
Quantity (Mt)
Grade
Cu†
Au
Ag
Mo
CuEq
Total (%)
(g/t)
(g/t)
(%)
Total (%)
In Pit Oxide
Measured
0.30
11.361
0.96
0.40
4.11
0.006
1.30
Indicated
0.30
4.330
0.91
0.28
3.37
0.007
1.16
Measured &Indicated
0.30
15.691
0.94
0.36
3.91
0.006
1.26
Inferred
0.30
0.216
0.52
0.09
2.44
0.006
0.63
In Pit Sulphide
Measured
0.30
5.705
0.68
0.16
2.54
0.016
0.88
Indicated
0.30
13.486
0.72
0.19
2.83
0.013
0.93
Measured &Indicated
0.30
19.191
0.71
0.18
2.74
0.014
0.92
Inferred
0.30
1.675
0.51
0.13
2.24
0.020
0.70
Below Pit Sulphide
Measured
0.60
0.026
0.71
0.16
2.54
0.010
0.88
Indicated
0.60
1.341
0.82
0.19
2.88
0.012
1.03
Measured &Indicated
0.60
1.367
0.82
0.19
2.88
0.012
1.03
Inferred
0.60
0.967
0.77
0.17
2.48
0.012
0.96
Notes:
CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Resources.
The effective date of the Mineral Resources is March 30, 2022.
Mineral Resources are estimated using an exchange rate of US$0.75/C$1.00.
Mineral Resources are estimated using a long-term gold price of US$1,800/oz Au with a metallurgical gold recovery of 60%, and a long-term copper price of US$3.75/lb with a metallurgical copper recovery of 95% for sulphide material and 60% for oxide material.
Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.30 copper equivalent.
Bulk density of 2.83 t/m 3 was used for tonnage calculations.
Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Numbers may not add up due to rounding.
Mining
The overall mining operation is expected to consist of two open pits completed over three phases. Phase I contemplates development of the 147 zone with low strip ratio. Phase 2 contemplates the mining of 1213 zone with a slightly higher strip ratio. Phase 3 contemplates pushback on the 147 pit to a final LOM strip ratio of 4.6:1, resulting in a total of 9 years of operation, plus one year of pre-stripping. Following this mining period, a low-grade stockpile of 2Mt grading 0.18% Cu, 0.06 g/t Au and 0.8 g/t Ag may be reprocessed once mining operations cease. All waste and tailings will be disposed near the mining infrastructure.
The contract mining operation is planned to be a conventional truck and shovel open pit operation, moving approximately 118Mt of material over the 9-year life of mine. This would provide the floatation processing plant with 21.3Mt of ore at a rate of 7 000 tonnes per day.
Metallurgy and Processing
The processing facilities and saleable mineral products are fundamentally different from the beneficiation procedures that were contemplated in the 2006 Feasibility Study and updated in the 2017 PEA. The processing facilities currently being recommended for the Project would include a simplified flotation circuit, capable of processing three individual types of feed materials, oxide, sulphide, and blended ores, each of which would produce a high grade, premium concentrate.
Metallurgical testing both by Bureau Veritas in 2021 and by SGS Vancouver in preparation for the PEA study support the simplified flotation circuit. Flotation testing of individual oxide copper ores, sulphide copper ores as well as blended ores has been completed in this initial phase of the process investigation.
A test program including mineralogy and flotation was completed on samples from the Carmacks Project. The flotation test program included test work on sulphide, oxide, and blend ores.
The sulphide ore assayed 0.92% Cu, 0.67% S, and 0.24 g/t Au. Gold and copper head grades calculated from the flotation test assays agreed well with the direct head assays.
The oxide ore assayed, 0.60% Cu, 0.06% S, and 0.25-0.82 g/t Au, indicating that nugget gold may exist. However, the gold head grade calculated from the flotation tests was consistently between 0.20 g/t to 0.23 g/t with an average of 0.21 g/t.
Sulphide flotation recovered 93.7% of copper and 69.0% of gold at 42.7 % Cu and 7.7 g/t Au grade (Sulphide F4) while oxide flotation recovered 39.8% of copper and 57.5% of gold at 26.2% Cu and 13.6 g/t Au grade.
A 50/50 oxide/sulphide blend batch flotation program recovered 75.3% of copper and 65.7% of gold at 40.8 % Cu and 12.4 g/t Au grade (Blend F4).
Locked cycle flotation on blend sample recovered 82.0% of copper and 70.1% of gold at 40.1% Cu and 10.6 g/t Au grade (Blend LCT1).
Flotation optimization and an economical evaluation of the target copper grade versus recovery is recommended in future test work.
As mentioned above, the Company has commissioned additional test work to evaluate the potential for further recovery of copper from tailings when material in the mill contains a significant percentage of oxide material. Review of historical metallurgical testing has indicated that copper minerals present in oxidised material respond well to leaching. Once the copper is in solution the copper will be chemically precipitated to produce sulphide minerals that can be added back into the flotation cells.
Infrastructure
The Project lies along the Freegold Road, a Yukon government-maintained gravel road, currently being upgraded as part of the Yukon Resource Gateway Program. The road would ultimately lead to the near by Casino Project and other significant development projects in the area. A 12.8 km transmission line would be constructed to access the 138 kV Carmacks-Stewart transmission at McGregor Creek. Future studies will look at alternate routes for powerlines that could also benefit projects near the proposed Carmacks Project.
Next Steps
Additional Metallurgical work. In addition to the metallurgical work underway to assess further recovery from tailings work will be completed to optimise recoveries of both copper and precious metal. Additional studies will also be completed to identify any metallurgical variability between the two proposed mining areas to assist in further mine plan optimization through sequencing and blending of ore.
Exploration Drilling. Significant resource expansion potential exists within 1 km of the proposed pits. In addition to the new zones identified by 2022 geophysical and geochemical surveys, and trenching, many areas of both the 2000S and 12-13 zones remain open for expansion.
Geotechnical drilling on 1213 pit. In order to advance the Project towards feasibility geotechnical drilling will need to be completed on the proposed 1213 pit. Significant geotechnical drilling in the 147 area dating back to 2006 when a full feasibility study was completed on that portion of the Project will also be reviewed.
Baseline environmental studies. In preparation for advancing the Project towards feasibility existing environmental studies including ongoing water sampling programs will be reviewed and updated.
Continued community engagement. The Company is dedicated to working with communities effected by the Project including Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation to ensure that the Project advances in a respectful way with maximum benefit to the effected communities.
Technical Report and Qualified Persons
The PEA was prepared by SGS Geological Services. (“SGS”). with several individuals and departments within SGS contributing to sections of the study. William Van Breugel P.Eng., is the lead consultant for this study. SGS Geological Services is known globally as the expert in ore body modelling and resource/reserve evaluation with over 40 years and 1000 consulting projects of experience providing the mining industry with computer-assisted mineral resource estimation services using cutting edge geostatistical techniques. SGS bring the disciplines of geology, geostatistics, and mining engineering together to provide accurate and timely mineral project evaluation solutions.
As part of the larger SGS Natural Resources group, they draw upon their massive network of laboratories, metallurgists, process engineers and other professionals to help bring mineral projects to the next level.
Table 7: Qualified Person
Department
Area of Responsibility
Qualified Person
SGS
Mine Design
Johnny Canosa, P.Eng and William Van Breugel, P.Eng
Mine Infrastructure
Johnny Canosa, P.Eng
SGS Tucson
Metallurgy. Processing and process plant operating costs
Joseph Keane PE
SGS Tucson
Process plant and infrastructure capital costs
Joseph Keane PE
Financial analysis
William Van Breugel, P.Eng
Note: The Qualified Persons are independent as defined by Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects”. The Qualified Persons are not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, or other relevant factors that could materially affect the PEA.
The Company cautions that the results of the PEA are preliminary in nature and do not include the calculation of mineral reserves as defined by NI 43-101. There is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized.
A NI 43-101 technical report supporting the PEA will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release and will be available at that time on the Company’s website. Readers are encouraged to read the Technical Report in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the details summarized in this news release. The Technical Report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.
A presentation summarizing the Project’s PEA results is available on the Company’s website.
Qualified Persons
All scientific and technical data contained in this presentation relating to the PEA has been reviewed and approved by William Van Breugel P.Eng., a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. All exploration data including exploration upside potential has been reviewed and approved by Debbie James P.Geo., for the purposes of NI 43-101 The Qualified Persons mentioned above have reviewed and approved their respective technical information contained in this news release.
About Granite Creek Copper
Granite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 176-square-kilometer Carmacks Project in the Minto Copper District of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The Project is on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine, operated by Minto Metals Corp., to the north, and features excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com .
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, potential economic estimates, capital costs, operating costs, potential cash flows, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Granite Creek Copper and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com .
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Joining us for a conversation is Ari Sussman, the Executive Chairman to the Board for Collective Mining, which just released the latest round of step out drilling results from the High-Grade, Bulk Tonnage Apollo Target located on the flagship Guayabales Project.
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2023 / Stillwater Critical Minerals (formerly Group Ten Metals) (TSX.V:PGE; OTCQB:PGEZF; FSE:5D32) (the “Company” or “SWCM”) is pleased to announce the first tranche of results from work completed in 2022 on its 100%-owned Stillwater West platinum group element, nickel, copper, cobalt, and gold (“PGE-Ni-Cu-Co + Au”) project adjacent to Sibanye-Stillwater’s mining operations in Montana, USA.
A series of news releases are planned to report the results of work on key objectives including expansion of the 2021 Mineral Resource Estimate (the “2021 MRE”), integration of Platreef geologic models, and field campaigns including geophysical and geological field programs both within and outside defined deposit areas. Additional updates are also expected from on-going carbon sequestration testing and other initiatives the Company is currently advancing.
Pine Target Highlights
Rock chip samples taken across approximately two meters of exposed shear in a trench at the Pine target in 2022 returned high-grade gold, palladium and platinum mineralization with an average of 9.0 g/t Au, 0.69 g/t Pd, and 0.69 g/t Pt (see Table 1). Significant nickel and cobalt values are also reported, consistent with past results from this area.
Work in 2022 also included the acquisition of historic core to support the advancement of drill-defined high-grade mineralization at Pine towards completion of an NI-43-101-compliant resource. Mineralization at Pine was not included in the five deposits delineated by the 2021 MRE at the Chrome and Iron Mountain target areas, up to nine kilometers east of Pine within the Stillwater Igneous Complex.
Historic drilling at Pine returned values of 16.94 g/t 3E (16.19 g/t Au, 0.24 g/t Pt, 0.50 g/t Pd) over 7.98 meters and 31.02 g/t 3E (28.7 g/t Au, 1.06 g/t Pt, 1.27 g/t Pd) over 2.6 meters in the area of the 2022 trench samples (see Table 2, Figure 1, and news releases on June 4, 2019, and January 25, 2019).
Mineralization remains open to expansion in all directions including towards very high-level gold-in-soil anomalies extending up to two kilometers west of Pine, in addition to the adjacent high-level palladium, platinum, and nickel-copper soil anomalies shown in Figure 1.
Elevated gold values are also demonstrated in high-grade drill results two kilometers east of Pine at the Chrome Mountain deposit area (see May 3, 2022, news release reporting 13.2 meters of 2.31% Ni, 0.82 g/t Au, 0.43 g/t Pd, 0.25 g/t Pt, 0.35% Cu and 0.115% Co), and nine kilometers east at the Iron Mountain deposit area (see May 29, 2020, news release announcing identification of a “gold suite” of pathfinder elements that co-occur in high-grade samples).
IMAGE 1: Pine Target Location Over Metals in Soils and 2021 Mineral Resource Areas
IMAGE 2: Pine Tareget Location Showing 2021 Mineral Resource Estimate and 3D Induced Polarization Geophysical Survey Results
Table 1 – Assay results from 2022 trench samples at the Pine Target, Stillwater West project
Stillwater Critical Minerals, Tuesday, January 10, 2023, Press release picture
Table 2 – Highlight mineralized drill intercepts from the Pine Target, Stillwater West project
Stillwater Critical Minerals, Tuesday, January 10, 2023, Press release picture
Notes to reported values:
Ni and Pd equivalents are presented for comparative purposes using conservative long-term metal prices (all USD): $8.00/lb nickel (Ni), $4.00/lb copper (Cu), $24.00/lb cobalt (Co), $1,000/oz platinum (Pt), $2,200/oz palladium (Pd), and $1,800/oz gold (Au).
Nickel Equivalent in Table 1 is determined as follows: NiEq% = [Ni% x recovery] + [Cu% x recovery x Cu price/ Ni price] + [Co% x recovery x Co price / Ni price] + [Pt g/t x recovery / 31.103 x Pt price / Ni price / 2,204 x 100] + [Pd g/t x recovery / 31.103 x Pd price / Ni price / 2,204 x 100] + [Au g/t x recovery / 31.103 x Au price / Ni price / 2,204 x 100]
Nickel Equivalent in Table 2 is determined as follows: NiEq% = [Ni% x recovery] + [Cu% x recovery x Cu price / Ni price] + [Co% x recovery x Co price / Ni price]
Palladium Equivalent is determined as follows: PdEq g/t = NiEq x 0.401
In the above calculations: 31.103 = grams per troy ounce, 2,204 = lbs per metric tonne, and 100 and 0.01 convert assay results reported in % and g/t.
The following recoveries have been assumed for purposes of the above equivalent calculations: 85% for Ni and 90% for all other listed metals, based on recoveries at similar nearby operations.
Intervals are reported as drilled widths and are not believed to be representative of the true width of mineralization.
Dr. Danie Grobler, Vice-President of Exploration for SWCM, commented, “The Pine samples display an anomalous suite of shear zone hosted mineralization with elevated Au, Ni, Co and PGEs. These shear zones appear to trend in an NNW direction, forming an exciting and important target for advancement. The host rock is intensely sheared and altered Bronzite Cumulate with disseminated to massive chromite and possibly formed the focus for a cross-cutting post-magmatic hydrothermal alteration event. Recently identified precious and base metal in soil anomalies at the Gold Ridge and Pegmatoid Ridge targets to the west of Pine are coincident with large, intense anomalies in geophysical surveys and have not been explored in the past.”
Michael Rowley, President and CEO, commented, “Our expanding understanding of high-grade gold and platinum group element mineralization, alongside the wealth of critical minerals that the Stillwater district is known for, highlights the surprisingly underexplored nature of the lower Stillwater Igneous Complex and the potential that exists for the advancement of multiple world-class ore bodies across the 32-kilometer span of the Stillwater West project. We look forward to additional reports on recent work including our updated mineral resource estimate as those results become available, and beyond that to announcing our 2023 plans for continued expansion in this iconic American district.”
About the Pine Target
The Pine target is situated in the Wild West target area, approximately two kilometers west of deposits at the Chrome Mountain area, and nine kilometers west of deposits at the Iron Mountain area (see Figures 1 and 2). It is on the western side of the 12-kilometer-long resource area that contains the five deposits modeled in the 2021 MRE and has been detailed by Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical surveys conducted by the Company in 2020 and 2021. As shown in Figure 2, the broader Pine target area is characterized by an intense multi-kilometer-scale IP geophysical signature.
Results to date demonstrate very high-grade gold, palladium and platinum mineralization in drilling, soils and rock sampling, in addition to significant battery metals – in particular nickel and cobalt.
Work in 2022 focused on a geological sampling and mapping program, and the acquisition of some of the drill core from the 1983 and 2004 drill campaigns with the objective of finalizing drill targets and advancing drill-defined high-grade gold with PGE-Ni-Cu mineralization towards completion of an NI43-101-compliant mineral resource. At present, seven drill holes from 1983 and 2004 define a precious metals-rich mineralized zone that is 150 meters strike with an average width of 15 meters that has been tested to a depth of 90 meters (see Table 2 and news releases from June 4, 2019, January 25, 2019, and May 13, 2020). Mineralization remains open to expansion in all directions including towards very high-level gold-in-soil anomalies extending up to two kilometers west of Pine, in addition to the adjacent high-level palladium, platinum, and nickel-copper soil anomalies.
High-grade gold plus platinum group elements values have also been reported from drilling and surface samples at the Chrome and Iron Mountain deposit areas in addition to large-scale nickel, copper and cobalt bulk tonnage mineralization.
Pine is one of several priority targets for follow up exploration in 2023.
Mineral Resource Update and Integration of Platreef Geologic Models
The update to the 2021 MRE is entering the final stages of completion with release anticipated early in 2023. The updated models are driven by the integration of geologic models from the Platreef district of South Africa’s Bushveld complex, and the most recent 14-hole expansion drill campaign which returned multiple wide and high-grade battery and precious metal intercepts in wide step-outs from known mineralization at the three most advanced deposit areas within the 12-kilometer core of the project.
Significance of the Platreef Deposit Model
The Stillwater Igneous Complex is well-known to parallel South Africa’s Bushveld Igneous Complex, and developments at the Stillwater complex have generally paralleled those at the Bushveld, highlighting their significant geologic similarities. For example, Sibanye-Stillwater’s high-grade J-M Reef deposit was discovered by the direct application of geologic models developed during discovery of the high-grade Merensky reef deposit in the Bushveld.
More recent developments on the Bushveld have focused on the Platreef deposits, in the northern limb of the Bushveld, which depart from the conventional narrow reef-type mines that dominate global platinum group element mining with the occurrence of thick mineralized horizons that support bulk mining techniques and include much higher battery metal content. The mines of the Platreef are among the largest and most profitable in the world, and their mix of commodities offers an attractive internally hedged suite of in-demand critical minerals that is globally very rare. Starting with Anglo American’s PGE-Ni-Cu Mogalakwena mines in 1993 and continuing today with Ivanhoe’s underground Platreef mine, these mines have demonstrated the world-class nature of these bulk-tonnage, critical mineral systems within the Bushveld complex.
Platreef-style deposits also compare very favorably in an environmental sense as they contain nickel sulphide mineralization that is capable of producing nickel metal with a much smaller footprint than nickel recovered from laterite deposits, which currently represents the majority of global nickel supply. Additional environmental benefits are possible through reaction of atmospheric carbon dioxide with certain ultramafic rocks present in Platreef-style deposits. Testwork is underway to evaluate the potential for commercial-scale carbon sequestration during a possible mining operation Stillwater West.
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 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 expected early in 2023.
Stillwater Critical Minerals also holds the high-grade Black Lake-Drayton Gold project adjacent to Treasury Metals’ development-stage Goliath Gold Complex in northwest Ontario, which is currently under an earn-in agreement with an option to joint venture whereby Heritage Mining may earn up to a 90% interest in the project by completing payments and work on the project. The Company also holds the Kluane PGE-Ni-Cu-Co critical minerals project on trend with Nickel Creek Platinum‘s Wellgreen deposit in Canada‘s Yukon Territory.
About the Metallic Group of Companies
The Metallic Group is a collaboration of leading precious and base metals exploration companies, with a portfolio of large, brownfield assets in established mining districts adjacent to some of the industry’s highest-grade producers of silver and gold, platinum and palladium, and copper. Member companies include Metallic Minerals in the Yukon’s high-grade Keno Hill silver district and La Plata silver-gold-copper district of Colorado, Granite Creek Copper in the Yukon’s high-grade Minto copper district, and Stillwater Critical Minerals in the Stillwater PGM-nickel-copper district of Montana. The founders and team members of the Metallic Group include highly successful explorationists formerly with some of the industry’s leading explorers/developers and major producers. With this expertise, the companies are undertaking a systematic approach to exploration using new models and technologies to facilitate discoveries in these proven, but under-explored, mining districts. The Metallic Group is headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and its member companies are listed on the Toronto Venture, US OTC, and Frankfurt stock exchanges.
Note 1: References to adjoining properties are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the exploration potential, extent or nature of mineralization or potential future results of the Company’s projects.
Note 2: Magmatic Ore Deposits in Layered Intrusions-Descriptive Model for Reef-Type PGE and Contact-Type Cu-Ni-PGE Deposits, Michael Zientek, USGS Open-File Report 2012-1010.
2022 rock chip samples were analyzed by ACT Labs in Vancouver, B.C. Sample preparation: crush (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g) and pulverize (mild steel) to 95% passing 105 µm included cleaner sand. Gold, platinum, and palladium were analyzed by fire assay (1C-OES) with ICP finish. Selected major and trace elements were analyzed by peroxide fusion with 8-Peroxide ICP-OES finish to insure complete dissolution of resistate minerals. Following industry QA/QC standards, blanks, duplicate samples, and certified standards were also assayed.
2004 drilling was conducted by SWCM’s QP while working for Premium Exploration. 1983 drill results are considered historic and have not been independently verified by SWCM.
1980s assay data was obtained from a 1986 report by geologist R.J. Warchola titled “A Hydrothermal Gold Occurrence on Chrome Mountain, Stillwater Complex, Montana” published in the Montana Geologic Society and Yellowstone Bighorn Research Association Joint Field Conference and Symposium: Geology of the Beartooth Uplift and Adjacent Basin: YBRA 50th Anniversary Edition, 1986; and a 1984 internal report by R.J. Warchola titled “Geologic Report on the Pine Claim, Sweetgrass County, Montana February 1984”
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 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.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – November 15, 2022) – Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: 8X00) (“Goldshore” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce a mineral resource estimate (the “MRE“) for the Moss Lake deposit (the “Moss Lake Deposit“) located at its 100%-owned Moss Lake Gold Project in Northwest Ontario, Canada (the “Project” or the “Moss Lake Gold Project“).
Open-Pit Constrained Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate with an Effective Date of November 14, 2022:
Inferred Resources (Domains)
Tonnes (Mt)
Grade (g/t Au)
Contained Metal (Moz Au)
Shear
34.7
2.0
2.20
Intrusion
87.0
0.7
1.97
Total
121.7
1.1
4.17
Note: Based on a US$1,500 per ounce gold price and economic cut-off grade of 0.40 g/t Au. Refer to complete notes on Mineral Resource Assumptions below.
This is a major milestone for the Company as the shear domain represents an opportunity for a high-grade open-pit gold resource.
There is significant and clear expansion potential through strike and dip extensions to known shears, as well as parallel shears. The Company has included 48 holes from its 2021 and 2022 drilling campaign in the new MRE and has drilled an additional 52 holes that are not included in the MRE because assays have not been received to date.
The current MRE represents a significant expansion over the 2013 historical estimate for the Project with 35% more tonnes and 33% more contained gold ounces.
The Moss Lake Gold Project is host to 29 additional targets over a 35 km trend, which the Company continues to evaluate.
President and CEO, Brett Richards, stated: “This mineral resource estimate confirms our belief that the Moss Lake Deposit is larger than previously thought. More importantly, there is a mass of higher-grade mineralization that can be prioritized in a potential phase one operation that Goldshore can build with a smaller capital requirement. Our findings on this MRE are exciting for the future of the Moss Lake Gold Project, as we now have short- and medium-term options to continue to deliver value to the Goldshore shareholders, as we explore expansions and quality increases (infill drilling to Indicated resource category) to the higher-grade resource; but also while testing other areas of known strong mineralization like East Coldstream, North Coldstream, Iris and Vanguard, across a trend of 35 km on the project.”
Figure 1: Shear domain (red) and intrusion domain (yellow) within optimized pit constraints
Numbers have been rounded to reflect the precision of an Inferred mineral resource estimate. Totals may vary due to rounding.
Estimation has been completed within the two separate reported geological domains: a higher-grade shear domain which occurs within a larger lower-grade intrusive domain; modelling of domain boundaries has considered both geology and grade.
Gold cut-off has been calculated based on a gold price of US$1,500/oz, mining costs of US$2.50 per tonne, processing costs of US$12.50 per tonne, and mine-site administration costs of US$2.50 per tonne processed. Metallurgical recoveries of 85% are based on prior metallurgical test work.
An economic cut-off grade of 0.40 g/t Au was applied to mineralized rock in the optimized open pit for processing determination.
Mineral Resources conform to NI 43-101, and the 2019 CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines and 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves.
The Qualified Person and Company are not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, or political factors that might materially affect the Mineral Resource estimate.
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Resources in the MRE are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Resources as Indicated and/or Measured Resources. The Company will continue exploration intended to upgrade the Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated Mineral Resources.
Technical Overview
Details of the MRE will be provided in a technical report with an effective date of November 14, 2022 prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101“), which will be filed under the Company’s SEDAR profile within 45 days of this news release. The MRE was prepared by independent mining consulting firm CSA Global Canada (“CSA Global“), a division of ERM Consultants Canada Ltd., in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM“) Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves (2014).
Moss Lake Geology and Model
The Moss Lake Gold Deposit is a structurally controlled gold deposit within the greenstone terrain of the Archean Superior Province. Mineralization is localized where the major NE-trending Wawiag Fault Zone cuts a dioritic to granodioritic intrusive complex. The deposit is defined by a series of anastomosing centimeter- to meter-scale NE-trending shear zones carrying higher-grade gold mineralization, and lower-grade gold mineralization associated with more brittle-style deformation and veining in the intrusive rock mass between the shear zones. Mineralization is associated with pyritic sericitic and chloritic alteration and millimeter- to centimeter-scale irregular quartz-carbonate veinlets.
Detailed geological logging and multi-element geochemical analysis of drill core from the 2021-22 drilling has supported modelling of discrete shear domains within the larger altered and variably mineralized intrusive domain. The shear domains have a different higher-grade gold population to the low-grade intrusive domain and these domains have been estimated separately using different search parameters. Importantly, this allows a more accurate representation of the true variability within the deposit than has been achieved in previous estimates.
Drill Hole Data and QAQC Procedures
The Moss Lake Deposit has been evaluated by several diamond drill programs since the 1970s and earlier. The greatest number of drill holes were completed between 1986 and early 1992 by Tandem/Storimin and Noranda Inc. (311 drill holes for 86,196 meters). A smaller drilling program in 2008 served to validate the older data and lead to the completion of the historical resource estimate (“historical estimate“) by Moss Lake Gold Mines Ltd. in 2013. Following acquisition of the Moss Lake Gold Project, Goldshore commenced a drill program in 2021 that is still ongoing. The program aims to systematically redrill the deposit defined by previous campaigns and, in the process, to validate as much of the historical data as possible.
Prior to the 2008 program, there are no documented QAQC procedures or data available. Additionally, down-hole surveys were not undertaken or used an acid-bottle technique that measured dip and not azimuth. This is the case for most of the historical drilling which was completed in the late 1980s to early 1990s. The ongoing Goldshore drilling program utilizes full industry-standard survey control and QAQC programs and is designed to systematically redrill the Moss Lake Deposit and validate as much of the historical drilling as possible through collar surveys, re-logging, and re-sampling.
Mineral Resource Estimation Methodology
The current MRE is based on an improved understanding of the geological controls on gold mineralization that follows the detailed logging of 48 new drill holes (27,851.75 metres) drilled since August 2021 and with a drill hole database cut-off date of October 14, 2022. The MRE does not include the high-grade intercepts around the margins of the deposit reported on November 1, 2022.
CSA Global was provided with the wireframes for resource estimation by Goldshore. Goldshore modelled the shear zones domain using a combination of geological features and raw assay values above 1 g/t Au using explicit digitizing methods in Seequent Leapfrog 3D geological modelling software (“Leapfrog”). Goldshore modelled the intrusive domain using implicit modelling techniques in Leapfrog using a cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au.
CSA Global reviewed the provided wireframes to confirm validity for resource estimation. Statistical and geostatistical assessment of 1 m composites confirmed that the shear domains should be estimated within hard boundaries separating them from the intrusive domain. Statistical analysis was used to determine high-grade capping for each shear zone wireframe and ranged from 20 g/t Au to 60 g/t Au.
The MRE was estimated with a block size of 15 m x 15 m x 5 m utilizing subblocks and constrained within wireframes with a minimum width of 1.50 m. Gold content was estimated using ordinary kriging methods using dynamic anisotropy variogram models. The maximum range of the variogram models generally are between 60 m x 30 m x 10 m in the shear domain and 60 m x 60 m x 40 m in the intrusive domain. The search ellipse was constrained to selecting composites flagged within each domain and varied from half (1st), the full (2nd) and double the variogram ranges (3rd). Additional check estimates were completed using inverse distance squared (ID2) and nearest neighbour methods, the latter on bench scale composites.
Density values for 1,737 samples collected from all Goldshore drill holes were used to determine an average bulk density for each wireframed zone. Values range between 2.70 and 2.72 t/m3 for the mineralized domains, 2.7 t/m3 for waste rock, and 2.0 t/m3 for glacial overburden.
Mineral resources are presented as undiluted and in situ. The historical underground voids from Noranda’s 1980’s exploration program have been removed from the geological model.
Mineral Resource Classification
The MRE has been classified as an Inferred Mineral Resource. This resource classification reflects the fact that the majority of the drill hole data used for the resource estimate is historical, and no QAQC data or reports exist for the majority of these drill holes. Statistical assessment of historical data and recent data provided some support for the historical data, but also included some inconsistencies. The majority of the historical drill holes did not have acceptable downhole surveys meaning that spatial location of the core samples remains uncertain especially beneath 200 m.
While the downhole surveys and QAQC methods utilized for the modern drill holes is of industry standard, these holes remain too sparsely distributed to permit confident mineral resource estimation on their own. Goldshore is now embarking on an extensive program of relogging and resampling of historical drill core, together with downhole surveying where possible. Goldshore’s program of infill and confirmatory drilling is also ongoing. It is expected that this work will support classification of Indicated mineral resource in any subsequent mineral resource updates by Goldshore.
Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction
To support reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction for the MRE, CSA Global used the estimated block model to generate an optimized open pit using Datamine NPV Scheduler software and the following assumptions: a gold price of US$1,500/oz, plant recovery of 85%, processing costs of US$12.50/tonne, mine-site general and administration costs of US$2.50/tonne processed, mining costs of US$2.50/tonne moved and an overall pit slope angle of 50 degrees. NPV Scheduler Software is widely used by mining engineers to apply the Lerchs-Grossman algorithm to block models in order to generate optimized pit shells upon which economic open pit mine designs may be based.
The MRE is constrained within the selected optimized pit shell which reaches a maximum depth of approximately 580 m.
Figures 1 and 2 above show the relationship of the shear and intrusion domains within the optimized pit shell.
Additional Exploration Potential
The modelled shear-hosted domains extend at depth below the optimized open-pit constraining the reported MRE, but the drill hole data are too sparsely distributed to support underground mining optimization studies and reporting of an underground-constrained MRE at this time.
The shears are also open along strike, beyond the modelled strike length of 3.5 km. Historical drilling intercepted gold mineralization over a total strike length of 8 km, which has been a focus of Goldshore’s summer soil geochemistry and structural mapping programs. Furthermore, there remains potential for additional parallel shears with gold mineralization in historical drill holes 500 m to the southeast of the Moss Lake Deposit.
Figure 3 shows the location of mineralized drill holes along and parallel to the strike of the MRE.
Figure 3: Mineralized zones showing the exploration upside along strike and in parallel structures
Goldshore has commenced an extensive program of relogging and resampling of all historical drill holes whose collars have been located and accurately surveyed. Where possible, these drill holes will also be surveyed using modern downhole surveying equipment.
Notwithstanding the above, a large proportion of the historical drill collars have not been located. The mineralized volumes defined by these historical drill holes will be redrilled in an optimized pattern to accurately define the shear-hosted and intrusive domain mineralization. This will include a full suite of oriented core measurements and multi-element geochemistry analyses.
Work has also commenced on a comprehensive metallurgical testing program led by Ausenco. This work will include a mineral deportment study, grinding tests, gravity separation, flotation, heap leach, and cyanide leach optimization studies. Once complete, Goldshore expects to commence a preliminary economic assessment to evaluate several mining and processing strategies with a view to selecting the most economic and achievable development option. This study is expected to be completed in 2023.
Infill drilling, re-sampling of historical drill holes, and geological modelling will continue throughout the coming months to support a mineral resource estimate update to attempt to upgrade the resource classification from Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources. This work is targeted for completion by the end of 2023 when the Company expects to commence a prefeasibility mining study.
Pete Flindell, VP Exploration for Goldshore, said, “This mineral resource estimate confirms our understanding that high grade shears form the core of the Moss Lake Deposit and will drive the development of the Moss Lake Gold Project. The Inferred Mineral Resource reflects uncertainty in the collar and downhole surveys of the historical drill holes, as well as the selective sampling technique and lack of oriented core measurements that are critical in directing the high-grade structures that drive the overall estimate. While additional drilling is required to replace many of the historical drill holes and infill gaps in the model, we will be aiming to recover as many of these historical holes as possible by relogging and resampling core and conducting downhole surveys using more accurate survey equipment.“
Qualified Person Statements
Dr. Matthew Field (Pr. Sci. Nat), Manager – Resources at CSA Global is an independent Qualified Person under NI 43-101 and responsible for the MRE. Dr. Field has prepared and approved the scientific and technical information related to the MRE contained in this news release.
Peter Flindell, P.Geo., MAusIMM, MAIG, Vice President – Exploration of the Company, and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101 has also reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.
About Goldshore
Goldshore is an emerging junior gold development company, and owns the Moss Lake Gold Project located in Ontario. Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. is currently a large shareholder of Goldshore with an approximate 27% equity position in the Company. Well-financed and supported by an industry-leading management group, board of directors and advisory board, Goldshore is positioned to advance the Moss Lake Gold Project through the next stages of exploration and development.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur.
Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to expectations regarding the exploration and development of the Project, the filing of a technical report supporting the MRE, commencement of a preliminary economic assessment and prefeasibility study, and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; compliance with extensive government regulation; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations; the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Company’s securities, regardless of its operating performance; the impact of COVID-19; the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine; and other risk factors outlined in the Company’s public disclosure documents.
The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – November 14, 2022) – EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9) (the “Company” or “EMX”) is pleased to report results for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 (“Q3-2022”). The Company’s filings for the quarter are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, and on EMX’s website at www.EMXroyalty.com. Financial results were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR Q3-2022
Financial Update
All dollar amounts in this news release are Canadian dollars (CDN) unless otherwise noted.
Revenue and other income for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was $9,338,000 which includes continuing royalty income from the Leeville, Gediktepe, and Balya royalty interests totaling $4,881,000. Other income of $4,113,000 relates to other property payments from partnered properties. Adjusted revenue and other income1 was $12,105,000 which included $2,767,000 for the Company’s share of royalty revenue from its effective Caserones copper royalty interest in Chile.
After recovering $4,210,000 from partners, the Company’s net royalty generation costs totaled $2,652,000.
General and administrative costs totaled $1,644,000. Impacting general and administrative costs, were higher investor relations costs for increased marketing and communications activities offset by a reduction in fees paid to consultants during the period.
Share-based payments totaled $481,000 for the period compared to $1,206,000 in Q3-2021. The aggregate share-based payments relate mainly to the fair value of stock options and restricted share units (“RSUs”) granted and vested during the period.
Finance expenses of $1,579,000 associated with the Sprott Credit Facility. The Company had repaid in full the SSR VTB note (including interest) totaling $10,774,000 in the previous quarter.
For the quarter, the Company had income from operations of $1,311,000 and a net loss of $16,346,000.
Other significant items affecting income for the three months ended September 30, 2022 included unrealized fair value losses on investments of $7,241,000, impairment charges of $7,130,000 primarily related to the Gediktepe royalty in Turkey, and foreign exchange adjustments of $518,000.
As at September 30, 2022, the Company had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $14,297,000, investments and long-term investments valued at $19,877,000, and a loan payable of $54,961,000.
Corporate Updates
Appointment of Independent Director In Q3-2022, EMX announced that Mr. Geoff Smith was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company effective July 5, 2022. Mr. Smith brings to the board the benefit of 17 years of M&A and corporate finance experience having advised on or financed many of the largest, most complex and innovative streaming transactions in the past 10 years.
Purchase of Royalty Portfolio from Nevada Exploration In Q3-2022, EMX announced it had executed a purchase and sale agreement (the “Agreement”) for a portfolio of royalties, with Pediment Gold LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nevada Exploration Inc. (“NGE”) for US$500,000. The portfolio consists of a 2% net smelter return royalty (“NSR”) on NGE’s Nevada gold exploration portfolio covering ~62.5 square miles in Nevada and includes four district-scale land positions as well as certain other interests. In addition, if NGE options, farms out, or sells a project, beginning on the first anniversary of the third-party agreement, EMX will receive AARs of US$20,000 that escalate US$10,000 per year and are capped at US$50,000. NGE has the right to buy back half of EMX’s 2% NSR by purchasing a 0.5% NSR interest for US$1,000,000 any time prior to the 7th anniversary of the Agreement and then, if the first NSR interest is purchased, purchasing the second 0.5% NSR interest any time prior to production for US$1,500,000.
Receipt of Initial Production Royalty Payments from Gediktepe In Q3-2022, EMX announced the receipt of initial royalty production payments from its Gediktepe royalty property in western Turkey. EMX holds a 10% NSR on oxide gold production at Gediktepe, a newly commissioned mine operated by Polimetal Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (“Polimetal”), a private Turkish company. EMX has received payments for production from the months of June and July totaling US$1,842,452, inclusive of US$281,052 in Value Added Tax (“VAT”) for which EMX has credits to recover. These represent the first royalty production payments received from Gediktepe after receiving notice that the definition of commercial production had been satisfied in early June.
The June and July payments are based upon the sales of 4,490 ounces of gold and 23,309 ounces of silver in June and 4,030 ounces of gold and 44,164 ounces of silver in July. The payment for June was pro-rated for the portion of the month’s sales that took place after the satisfaction of the definition of commercial production in the royalty agreement, which took place on June 8th.
The Company has also taken an impairment in Q3-2022 against the carrying value of Gediktepe. While assessing whether any indications of impairment exist, consideration is given to external and internal sources of information. While the operation has only been in production for less than year, review of the oxide operation to date, potential for delay of the sulfide circuit along with revisions to metal pricing and Turkish royalty rates, the Company has reduced the value of Gediktepe by $7,092,000. Please refer to the Company’s interim financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 for additional information.
Receipt of Initial Production Royalty Payments from Balya North In Q3-2022, EMX announced the receipt of initial royalty production payments from its Balya North royalty property in western Turkey. EMX holds an uncapped 4% NSR royalty on metals production from Balya North, a newly commissioned lead-zinc-silver mine operated by Esan Eczacibaşi Endüstriyel Hammaddeler San. ve Tic. A.Ş. (“Esan”), a private Turkish company.
In the first half of 2022, Esan’s advancement of the Balya North asset consisted of mine development and opening of production headings and faces for exploitation in Q3 and Q4 of 2022. Production and processing of materials from Balya North in the first half of 2022 largely consisted of material stockpiled during the construction process. EMX received payments from the processing of this material totaling US$98,787, inclusive of US$15,069 in VAT. These royalty payments are from 30,223 tonnes of processed material averaging 1.68% lead, 1.34% zinc, and 39.9 g/t silver.
Receipt of Milestone Payment for the Parks-Salyer Royalty Property Subsequent to Q3-2022, EMX received a US$3,000,000 milestone payment from Arizona Sonoran Copper Company, Inc. (“ASCU”) for the Parks-Salyer royalty property (the “Royalty Property”) in Arizona. The Royalty Property was held under a lease arrangement by EMX’s wholly owned subsidiary Bronco Creek Exploration Inc. and was transferred to ASCU via Assignment and Royalty Agreements (the “Agreements”) executed earlier this year. EMX’s Royalty Property covers 158 acres of ASCU’s Parks-Salyer copper project. The milestone payment results from ASCU’s maiden resource estimate for the Parks-Salyer project that exceeds thresholds for contained copper included within EMX’s Royalty Property footprint. The Company also retains a 1.5% NSR covering the Royalty Property.
Impact of Covid 19 EMX continues to monitor developments regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”), with a focus on the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. EMX has implemented COVID-19 prevention, monitoring and response plans following the guidelines of international agencies and the governments and regulatory agencies of each country in which it operates. EMX’s priority is to safeguard the health and safety of its personnel and host communities, support government actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 and assess and mitigate the risks to business continuity.
Royalty and Royalty Generation Updates
EMX’s royalty and mineral property portfolio consists of 265 properties in North America, Europe, Turkey, Latin America and Australia (See Figure 1). The Company’s portfolio is comprised of the following:
Producing Royalties
5
Advanced Royalties
9
Exploration Royalties
152
Royalty Generation Properties
99
Figure 1. EMX’s royalty and mineral property portfolio.
During Q3-2022, the Company’s royalty generation business was active in North America, South America, Europe, Turkey, and Australia. The Company spent $6,862,000 and recovered $4,210,000 from partners. During the quarter the Company completed two new property agreements in Northern Europe and one new partnership in the US, and continued to grow the portfolio with new mineral property acquisitions.
Highlights from Q3-2022 include the following:
In the US the Company added to its growing royalty portfolio with the completion of one new royalty agreement on a copper project in Arizona, the advancement of ten partner-funded work programs, including five drill projects, the acquisition of four large royalty positions from Nevada Exploration covering key land positions in Nevada, and new generative work leading to the acquisition of a large (i.e., greater than 1950 hectares), prospective land position in the Silver Valley district in Idaho.
US highlights also include Arizona Sonoran Copper Company’s (“ASCU”) announcement of a maiden resource at the Parks-Salyer deposit (see ASCU news release dated September 28, 2022) and key drill intercepts within the EMX royalty footprint which include 162 meters at 1.10% copper in drill hole ECP-084 and 68.3 meters at 2.24% copper in drill hole ECP-086 (true widths unknown) (see ASCU news release dated September 7, 2022). As noted earlier, subsequent to Q3-2022, EMX received a US$3,000,000 Milestone Payment from ASCU resulting from the announced resource exceeding 200 million pounds of contained copper within the royalty footprint (see EMX new release dated October 4, 2022).
In Canada, EMX continued its summer work programs to advance and delineate targets on available properties in the portfolio as partners conducted multiple field programs, including drill programs on optioned and EMX royalty properties. EMX received $63,000 in cash payments and $4,000 in share equity payments during the quarter.
EMX’s Latin American royalty portfolio advanced through field programs at Morros Blancos and Morros Colorado by Austral Gold Limited, Block 4 by Pampa Metals Corporation, and drill programs conducted by AbraSilver Resource Corp., Aftermath Silver Ltd, and GR Silver Mining Ltd. Q3 drill programs at San Marcial, as well as Diablillos and Berenguela continue to produce significant results that expand known resources and add new discoveries at nearby targets. Highlights at San Marcial include the discovery of a new silver zone by GR Silver with a 250 meter step out drill hole intersecting 101.6 meters at 308 g/t silver with multiple higher grade sub-intervals (true width unknown) (see GR Silver news release dated August 8, 2022). An updated resource estimation for San Marcial is scheduled for Q1-2023.
As a subsequent event, AbraSilver announced an updated, open pit constrained mineral resource estimate for the Diablillos project’s Oculto deposit reported as measured and indicated of 51.3 Mtonnes averaging 66 g/t silver (109 Moz contained Ag) and 0.79 g/t gold (1.3 Moz contained Au), as well as inferred of 2.2 Mtonnes averaging 30 g/t silver (2.1 Moz contained Ag) and 0.51 g/t gold (37 Koz contained Au) (see AbraSilver news release dated November 3, 2022). The updated resource was based upon drilling through Phase II. The ongoing Phase III drill program is focused on the near surface, high-grade Southwest Zone discovery.
In Northern Europe the Company continued to expand its portfolio of projects, acquiring a gold-copper project in Sweden and a gold-cobalt project in Finland totaling nearly 20,000 hectares. Two Norwegian polymetallic projects were sold to Minco Silver in Q3 and eight partner funded projects advanced EMX royalty assets, including three drill programs. Overall, approximately US$2.3 million was spent by partners on EMX royalty properties in Northern Europe in Q3.
Drill results were announced at the Tomtebo Project in Sweden by District Metals in Q3. Highlights included 25.5 meters averaging 2.4% zinc, 2.05% lead and 65 ppm silver in drill hole TOM22-38 starting at 249 meters (true width unknown) (see District Metals news release dated August 17, 2022)2.
Drill programs were also completed in Norway at Playfair Mining’s RKV project and at Norden Crown Metals’s Burfjord project. Nineteen diamond drill holes totaling 1,107 meters were drilled at Playfair’s RKV Project and 18 diamond drill holes totaling 3,500 meters were drilled at Burfjord.
EMX continued to advance its understanding of the newly discovered cobalt enriched manganese mineralization at its 100% owned Yarrol Project in Australia. Soil sampling grids continued to expand the footprint of cobalt-rich mineralization and preparations for an upcoming drill program commenced in Q3.
Work also proceeded in the Balkans and in Morocco, where multiple exploration license applications have been filed by the Company, and new areas are being assessed for further acquisitions.
Financing Updates
Exercise of Stock Options granted by EMX Ending Q3-2022, 1,045,000 stock options were exercised at $1.20 per share pursuant to the Company’s Stock Option Plan, which generated proceeds of $1,254,000 to EMX.
Investment Updates As at September 30, 2022, the Company had investments totaling $19,877,000 which included $13,651,000 in various public and private entities, and $6,226,000 in non-current investments. The Company will continue to generate cash flow by selling certain of its investments when appropriate.
Strategic Investment in Premium Nickel Resources Between 2020 and 2022, EMX acquired 5,412,702 shares of Premium Nickel Resources Corporation, a private company with nickel-copper-cobalt assets in Botswana. On April 26, 2022, PNR announced the execution of a definitive agreement for a reverse takeover transaction (“RTO”) with North American Nickel Inc. (“NAN”) to create a new reporting entity, Premium Nickel Resources Ltd (“PNRL”). PNRL began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange in Q3, having completed the RTO process with NAN. As a result of the RTO transaction, EMX’s interests were converted to 5,704,987 shares of PNRL, which represents roughly 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of PNRL.
Subsequent to the listing transaction, PNRL announced initial results from its ongoing diamond drilling program at its 100% owned Selebi nickel-copper-cobalt project in Botswana (see PNRL news release dated August 17, 2022). Highlights included an intercept of 25.65 meters of 0.95% nickel, 2.03% copper and 0.04 % cobalt in drill hole SMD-22-001 starting at 1,374.5 meters (true width estimated to be 70-80% of drilled interval). This was the first hole drilled in the 2022 program, and on September 13, 2022, PNRL announced further intercepts from a wedge drilled off hole SMD-22-001 (hole SMD-22-001-W1) of 4.35 meters averaging 0.98% nickel, 1.61% copper and 0.02% cobalt starting at 1,363 meters and 12.55 meters of 0.39% nickel, 1.99% copper and 0.02% cobalt starting at 1,385.65 meters (true thicknesses estimated to be 70-80% of the drilled interval) (see PNRL news release dated September 13, 2022). Assay results from other holes are pending3.
OUTLOOK
This year will see an increase in revenue and other income coming from our cash flowing royalties, including Leeville in Nevada, Gediktepe and Balya in Turkey, potentially Timok in Serbia (pending conclusion of the royalty rate discussions with Zijin), and our effective royalty interest on Caserones in Chile. As in previous years, production royalties will continue to be complemented by option, advance royalty, and other pre-production payments from partnered projects across the global portfolio. As a royalty holder, the Company has limited, if any, access to information on properties for which it holds royalties. Accordingly, the Company has not, and does not anticipate that it will have the ability to, provide guidance or outlook as to future production.
So far in 2022, EMX has acquired an additional (effective) 0.3155% royalty interest on Caserones, completed a $12,580,000 (US $10,000,000) private placement with Franco-Nevada, made a strategic investment in PNR, and repaid in full the vendor take back note issued to SSR Mining Inc.
The Company will continue to strengthen its balance sheet over the course of the year by looking to retire portions of its long-term debt, continuing to evaluate equity markets (including the filing of a shelf prospectus), and the ongoing monetization of the Company’s marketable securities.
EMX is well funded to identify and pursue new royalty and investment opportunities, while further filling a pipeline of royalty generation properties that provide opportunities for additional cash flow, as well as exploration, development, and production success.
QUALIFIED PERSONS
Michael P. Sheehan, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the above technical disclosure on North America, Latin America, and Strategic Investments. Eric P. Jensen, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the above technical disclosure on Europe, Turkey, and Australia.
About EMX. EMX is a precious, base and battery metals royalty company. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “EMX”, and also trade on the Frankfurt exchange under the symbol “6E9”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release
Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain “forward looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans, market prices for precious and base metal, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “believe”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company’s MD&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 (the “MD&A”), and themost recently filed Annual Information Form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2021, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.
1 Adjusted revenue and other income, and adjusted cash provided by (used in) operating activities are non-IFRS financial measures with no standardized meaning under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Refer to the “Non-IFRS financial measures” section on page 24 of the Company’s MD&A for the period ended September 30, 2022 for more information on each non-IFRS financial measure. 2 EMX has not done independent and sufficient to work verify the drill results as published by District Metals, and these results should not be relied upon until they are confirmed. However, EMX believes these results to be reliable and relevant. 3 EMX has not done independent and sufficient to work verify the drill results as published by Premium Nickel Resources Ltd, and these results should not be relied upon until they are confirmed. However, EMX believes these results to be reliable and relevant.
IIROC can make a decision to impose a temporary suspension (halt) of trading in a security of a publicly-listed company. Trading halts are implemented to ensure a fair and orderly market. IIROC is the national self-regulatory organization which oversees all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada.
SOURCE Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) – Halts/Resumptions
Burlington, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – November 3, 2022) – On October 21, 2022 Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI) (OTCQB: SBMCF) (‘SBMI’ or ‘the Company’) announced a financing of Units (the “Financing”), whereby each Unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each Unit is priced at $0.20 (twenty cents). Each common share purchase warrant has a 2-year term and is exercisable at $0.30 (thirty cents).
SBMI announces it has closed on the first tranche of the Financing, being $447,000. This represents 2,235,000 common shares and 2,235,000 common share purchase warrants. The Company expects further tranches to close in the near future. In relation to the Financing the Company paid commissions by way of 84,000 broker warrants and cash commissions of $16,800. Insiders are still blacked out by order of the Chair and were not allowed to participate in the Financing.
On September 26, 2022 the Company announced it had found high-grade gold, platinum, palladium, rhodium and osmium (the “Bonus Materials”) in concentrates resulting from 200 tons of material from the Buckeye Mine. To help identify the source and/or location of the Bonus Materials, and to help determine whether the Bonus Materials are limited to the Buckeye veins or are also present in the host materials around the veins, the Company recently took samples from the diabase at several locations near and in the Buckeye Silver Mine. “Diabase” is also known as “country rock” or “host rock”, and is the material hosting the many veins in and near the Buckeye Silver Mine.
The Company announces it has received assay results from an independent lab with respect to those samples taken from the diabase. Those results are being considered and will be disclosed to the public as soon as possible.
Finally, and as previously disclosed, the Company has encountered procedural challenges in completing its first audit as an operating company, including but not limited to cross-border documentation. Some of these challenges were caused by COVID-19 restrictions on travel to the mill and mine sites in Arizona, others by a local inexperience with audit processes. Management sees these challenges as transitory and procedural. There are no items in disagreement, whether material or not, between the auditors and the Company. Management and the board expect to be able to file the audited financial statements and the MDA for the year ended June 30, 2022 imminently.
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 viruses create risks that at this time are immeasurable and impossible to define.
Burlington, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – October 18, 2022) – On September 26, 2022, Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI) (OTCQB: SBMCF) (‘SBMI’ or ‘the Company’) disclosed it had found significant levels of palladium, platinum, rhodium, osmium and gold in its concentrate.
To help identify with greater precision the location of the source of the platinum, palladium, rhodium, osmium and gold, SBMI recently took samples directly from locations around the Buckeye Silver Mine and the Company’s mill site, including from crushed material, directly from the vein, from diabase samples from the wall rock and from tailings from the run of lower grade material. The location from which those samples were taken and their assay results are below:
Assay Results are in Grams per Tonne
Sample ID
Au
Pd
Pt
Rh
Ir
Ru
Os
Diabase
1
14.3
23.7
0.246
0.193
0.151
nd
0.415
2
22.3
18.9
0.172
0.076
nd
nd
0.333
3
8.17
15.9
0.093
0.083
nd
nd
nd
4
22.3
18.2
0.097
0.072
nd
nd
nd
Crushed ore 1
15.1
9.07
nd
0.157
nd
0.949
0.08
2
23.2
11.6
0.064
0.17
nd
0.731
0.063
3
34.1
16.2
0.15
0.115
0.111
0.259
0.129
4
16.2
16.4
0.127
0.118
0.083
nd
0.097
5
37.9
15.6
0.107
0.058
0.278
0.18
0.053
6
26.6
17.9
0.127
0.085
0.08
nd
nd
7
25.5
12.1
0.085
0.052
nd
0.265
nd
8
23.9
13.7
0.106
0.069
nd
nd
nd
Head ore
1
18.8
13.5
0.093
0.062
nd
nd
nd
2
21.9
11.7
0.06
nd
nd
0.218
nd
3
37.2
16
0.105
nd
nd
0.137
nd
4
30.6
13.6
0.07
nd
nd
0.306
nd
5
22.9
12
0.07
nd
nd
0.306
nd
6
24.3
10.4
0.061
nd
nd
0.251
nd
Tailings
1
18.5
12.2
0.079
0.064
nd
0.211
nd
2
19.9
11.5
0.063
0.068
nd
0.272
nd
3
28.8
16.5
0.091
nd
nd
0.174
nd
4
26.8
16.2
0.085
0.104
nd
nd
nd
5
37.1
16.9
0.102
0.083
nd
nd
nd
6
31.8
17.2
0.093
0.051
nd
nd
nd
Samples from all locations above were taken to be as representative of the local mineralized material as possible. Samples taken from the crushed ore are by their nature representative of the source mineralized material.
In management’s opinion, this round of results provides further strong evidence for the conclusion that the Buckeye Silver Mine may host economic amounts of platinum, rhodium, palladium, osmium and gold, in addition to the original silver targets. Management has engaged third party engineers, metallurgists and geologists to assist in creating a new process flow sheet and in determining the nature of the mineralized material at the Buckeye Silver Mine. Without effecting selective disclosure, management has also had positive preliminary discussions with potential financiers, pending the delivery of the flow sheet and a rough budget.
QAQC
For each batch, Lone Pine Analytical of Phoenix, Arizona sampled two distinct samples (approx 200mg), digested, filtered, diluted and analyzed. For the digestion, the lab used [1mL HF: 4.5mL Nitric Acid: 4.5mL HCI]. The samples were digested in a microwave in sealed PTFE tubes where the temperature reached 200C with a total cycle time of 40 minutes. Bismuth (Bi) was used the internal standard. A three-point calibration, plotted through zero was used with excellent linear correlation for each element. Thus, the lab used an internal and external standards (instrument calibration). Chain of custody protocols were strictly observed. Lone Pine Analytical, as of September 11, 2022, is in the process of renewing its ISO /IEC-17025 lab accreditation with a scope for metals in soils and rocks.
Readers are cautioned that although management has made every reasonable effort to ensure the samples are as representative of the local mineralized material as possible, the samples above (apart from the crushed ore samples) are ultimately random by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization throughout the Buckeye Silver Mine.
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.
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; the presence and quantity of minerals in the Company’s properties; 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 viruses create risks that at this time are immeasurable and impossible to define.
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