VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 21, 2023 / Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSXV:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) (“Metallic Minerals” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it will be participating in the inaugural Yukon Mining Alliance (“YMA”) Invest Yukon Core Shack to be held in the main Investors Exchange exhibit hall at the Prospectors and Developers Annual Convention (“PDAC”) in Toronto. The Invest Yukon Core Shack will be located at Booth #3314, adjacent to the main PDAC Core Shack and Metallic will be presenting core on March 5 and 6th from both of its key projects, the Keno Silver project in Yukon and the La Plata Copper-Silver project in Colorado. The Company will also have a presence in the main Investors Exchange from March 5-8 and investors are invited to visit booth # IE3024 to meet the team in person.
Metallic Minerals Corporate Presentation
In addition, President Scott Petsel will be providing a corporate presentation at a Forum for Investors on March 6th in the silver-focused session, Room 803, between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm at the Metro Toronto Convention Center. For more information, visit here.
Invest Canada North Reception
The Metallic Group of Companies is proud to be a sponsor of the 2023 Invest Canada North reception to be held March 6 in MTCC North Room 106 from 4pm – 7pm EST. Leaders from its members, Metallic Minerals, Granite Creek Copper and Stillwater Critical Minerals will be in attendance and the Group will have a display table where guests are invited to meet the team. For more information, visit here.
About Yukon Mining Alliance
Yukon Mining Alliance – the globally recognized Invest Yukon brand – is a strategic alliance of Yukon’s leaders in exploration and mining who, in partnership with the Government of Yukon, connect investors with Yukon’s competitive advantages through innovative capital attraction initiatives. For more information visit InvestYukon.ca.
Invest Canada North connects global investors with the competitive advantages and opportunities in Canada’s North, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, at one of the world’s biggest annual mining conferences, the PDAC Convention. Our unique initiatives showcase each region, through keynote presentations, panels and special sessions, highlighting the leaders in exploration, development and production, as well as the mining ecosystem that is supported by significant geological potential, strong geopolitical stability and progressive Indigenous and community partnerships. Through our Invest Canada North mining portal catch up on the latest news in the north or dive into each region to discover your next great opportunity. To learn more visit https://investcanadanorth.ca.
About Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals Corp. is a leading exploration and development stage company, The Company is focused on silver and gold in the high-grade Keno Hill and Klondike districts of the Yukon, and copper, silver and other critical minerals in the La Plata mining district in Colorado. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to making exploration discoveries, growing resources and advancing projects toward development. Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic Keno Hill silver district of Canada’s Yukon Territory, directly adjacent to Hecla Mining’s operations, with more than 300 million ounces of high-grade silver in past production and current M&I resources. Hecla Mining Company, the largest primary silver producer in the USA and third largest in the world, completed the acquisition of Alexco Resources and their Keno Hill operations in September 2022.
Metallic Minerals is also one of the largest holders of alluvial gold claims in the Yukon and is building a production royalty business by partnering with experienced mining operators, including Parker Schnabel of Little Flake Mining from the hit television show Gold Rush on the Discovery Channel. At the Company’s La Plata project in southwestern Colorado an inaugural NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate in April 2022 outlined a significant porphyry copper-silver resource with results from the 2022 expansion drill program pending.
All of the districts in which Metallic Minerals operates have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits in the region, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise. The Metallic Minerals team has been recognized for its environmental stewardship practices and is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development.
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. – February 16, 2023) – EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9) (the “Company” or “EMX”) is pleased to provide an update on the advancement of its 100% owned Yarrol Project in Queensland, Australia. The Yarrol Project contains zones of gold and copper mineralization in addition to areas with cobalt-enriched manganese oxide mineralization and heavy mineral sands deposits (see Figures 1 and 2). A recently executed reconnaissance drill program targeted all three styles of mineralization. Analytical results from a drill hole in the core of the historically defined zone of gold mineralization are highlighted by an intercept of 17.8 meters averaging 4.01 g/t gold from 61 meters in drill hole DD22-YA1871 (see Figure 3). A second hole (DD22-YA188) intersected multiple intervals of gold mineralization including 12 meters at 0.91 g/t gold from 92 meters (see Figure 4)1. These holes were intended to confirm the nature of the gold mineralization that have been historically mined and explored at Yarrol. It is notable that the selected sample intervals from both drill holes began and ended in gold mineralization2, and additional intervals will be sampled and analyzed from both holes.
Drill holes DD22-YA187 and DD22-YA188 were drilled as part of a 15 hole program, with two deeper core holes in the zones of gold mineralization and 13 shallow diamond and air core holes targeting the manganese-cobalt mineralization and mineral sands. EMX expects to receive additional analytical results for the manganese-cobalt mineralization and mineral sands deposits in the coming weeks. Results from those drill holes will be discussed in a separate disclosure.
The Yarrol Project is currently available for partnership, in accordance with the royalty generation aspect of EMX’s business model.
Yarrol Project. The 55,900 Ha Yarrol Project is located between EMX’s Queensland Gold project and Evolution Mining’s Mt Rawdon gold mine, and is positioned along the regional scale Yarrol Fault zone. Several other historical mines and active exploration projects also lie along the Yarrol Fault structural trend.
Yarrol was the site of historical gold mining activities in the 1800’s through the 1930’s, with historical gold production averaging ~10 g/t.3 Further exploration and assessments conducted in the 1980’s and 1990’s led to the definition of two historical gold resources (see notes regarding the historical mineral resources below). Gold mineralization at Yarrol is present as quartz sulfide veins and zones of silicification developed in and around Permian-aged dioritic intrusions as confirmed in holes DD22-YA187 and DD22-YA188.
In late 2021, while conducting exploration programs to expand the known zones of gold mineralization, EMX geologists encountered zones of cobalt-enriched manganese oxide mineralization on the northern side of the Project area. This led to an expansion of the land position, as well as new exploration programs targeting the manganese and cobalt mineralization. Surface sampling programs demonstrated that the zones of manganese oxide mineralization encountered in the field consistently averaged over 1% cobalt, accompanied by enrichments in both nickel and copper (see EMX news release dated January 4, 2022).
Dr. Eric P. Jensen, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the disclosure of the technical information contained in this news release.
Comments on Sampling, Assaying, and QA/QC. EMX’s drill and surface samples were collected in accordance with accepted industry standards and best practices. The samples were submitted to ALS Laboratories in Brisbane for sample preparation and analysis. Gold was analyzed by Au_AA24 fire assay and AAS (50 g nominal sample weight) method, and multi-element analyses were performed by an ME-MS61 method combining a four-acid digestion with ICP-MS finish. As standard procedure, the Company conducts routine QA/QC analysis on all assay results, including the systematic utilization of certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates.
Comments on Historical Mineral Resources at Yarrol and Nearby Mines and Deposits. The historical mineral resources at Yarrol were reported in 2010 by MGT Mining Ltd, which was a publicly traded Australian company at the time of publication. EMX has not done sufficient work to verify the historical resources.
The nearby mines and deposits in the region provide geologic context for EMX’s Project, but this is not necessarily indicative that the Project hosts similar mineralization.
About EMX. EMX is a precious, base and battery metals royalty company. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol EMX, and also trade on the Frankfurt exchange under the symbol “6E9”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.
For further information contact:
David M. Cole President and Chief Executive Officer Phone: (303) 973-8585 Dave@emxroyalty.com
Scott Close Director of Investor Relations Phone: (303) 973-8585 SClose@emxroyalty.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserve and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans, market prices for precious and base metal, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “believe”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to: unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company’s MD&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 (the “MD&A”), and the most recently filed Revised Annual Information Form (the “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 True widths remain unknown, but are estimated to be in the 50-75% range of the reported drilled interval. The interval was calculated assuming a cutoff of 0.5 g/t gold. 2 Mineralization being defined as samples containing > 0.1 g/t gold. 3 Independent Geological Report for MGT Mining Ltd, 2010. https://www.nsx.com.au/ftp/news/021723444.PDF. EMX has not performed sufficient work to verify historical sample results and production figures, however, from EMX’s field reviews of the Yarrol property, these data are considered to be reliable and relevant.
Burlington, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – February 15, 2023) – Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI) (OTCQB: SBMCF) (‘SBMI’ or ‘the Company’) announces strong initial assay results from the interception of the upper main vein at the Buckeye Mine near Globe, Arizona.
The vein was intercepted approximately 380 feet from the entrance to the adit. Immediately on contact with the vein, the first significant assays from the vein were 43, 178.6, and 270.6 ounces silver per ton. The samples yielding these results did not include material from the footwall. The samples were selected at random from the mineralized material removed from the vein and then were sent to SBMI’s assay lab for processing.
The Company is now mining along the exposed vein with assay results pending from the face. SBMI has extended the workings to 420 feet from the entrance to the adit, the vein is ten feet wide and eleven feet high, and the footwall is estimated by the field team to be four feet wide.
SBMI has stockpiled in excess of 450 tons of vein material at surface at the Buckeye Mine site, for shipment to the mill. The Company is mining 150 to 200 tons of mineralized material per day, although this rate will vary. The Company believes it has achieved the targetted grade necessary to support processing this material at the Company’s mill and to then pour dore bars or create concentrate. Both the dore bars and the concentrate will saleable product, and the Company does not expect to encounter any significant difficulties in finding buyers for those products.
SBMI is also pleased to announce it has begun to resolve the issues with pouring dore bars from this material. The picture below shows a malformed dore bar from September, 2022.
The Company thanks Dr. Andrew Macdonald, a mineralogist with Harquail School of Earth Sciences at Laurentian University, for his assistance. Initial results from his work indicate the presence of a highly magnetic iron alloy in the mineralized material. The iron alloy smelts at temperatures of over 3000 degrees F, which is above the silver smelting temperature of roughly 1800 degrees F, and therefore it interferes with the silver smelting process. SBMI has confirmed this thesis by using a high intensity magnet to pull the iron alloy from the concentrate prior to smelting. The dore bar below, poured in February, 2023, resulted from concentrate after the iron alloy was removed.
Dore bar poured after the iron alloy was removed; Feb 2023
As a result, the Company intends to permanently install a high intensity magnetic separator in the milling operation to improve the likelihood the Company can smelt silver dore bars. The Company intends to store the magnetic concentrates for future research. Continued research will be needed.
The Company is still awaiting the check assay results from American Assay Labs and Actlabs.
SBMI’s near term goal is to process the higher grade material at the Company’s mill to produce saleable product.
QAQC
All the samples above were collected by SBMI’s field team. Samples were collected and placed in sample bags with their appropriate tag and processed at the Company’s own assay lab. Like any responsible producer, the Company owns its own assay lab and regularly takes samples as part of its production process.
The samples analyzed by SBMI at its facility near Globe, Arizona were processed through the Lab Jaw Crusher, Lab Hammer Mill and Splitter Box into an aliquot. Most of the pulverized aliquot was mixed with a flux and flour combination and melted in a crucible at 1,850 degree Fahrenheit, with the remainder being logged and archived. Upon cooling, the poured melt was in the form of a metal button and slag, following which a bone ash cupel was utilized to eliminate the lead in the button to form a bead. The bead was then weighed, following which a solution of 6 to 1 distilled water to nitric acid was utilized to dissolve the silver in the bead at approximately 175 degrees Fahrenheit. A much more detailed description of the process and a picture of the assay lab can be found at https://www.silverbulletmines.com/qaqcassaylab.
Readers should be aware that the SBMI facilities have been designed for quick production grade control and are not ISO compliant; however, duplicate sampling with other ISO labs has been done on past samples with good correlation.
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 mineralized material; the presence of mineable economic mineralized material; shareholder and regulatory approvals; activities and attitudes of communities local to the location of the SBMI’s properties; risks of future legal proceedings; income tax matters; fires, floods and other natural phenomena; the rate of inflation; availability and terms of financing; distribution of securities; commodities pricing; currency movements, especially as between the USD and CDN; effect of market interest rates on price of securities; and, potential dilution. SARS CoV-2 and other potential global pathogens create risks that at this time are immeasurable and impossible to define.
Step-out drill hole APC-28, which was drilled to the west from the eastern side of the Main Breccia system at Apollo cut the longest intercept to date as follows:
As a result of APC-28, the maximum width and vertical dimensions of the Main Breccia system have increased to 395 metres (previously 350 metres) and 915 metres (previously 825 metres), respectively.
Drill hole APC-28 bottomed while still in mineralization indicating that the Main Breccia system remains open for expansion to the west and at depth (as well as to the east and north based on previously announced assay results).
Hole APC-30 was drilled southwards on the western side of the deposit and intercepted the Main Breccia system over a broad interval as follows:
Four holes have now been completed into the Main Breccia system as part of the 2023 Phase II drill program at the Guayabales project. All four holes appear to have intercepted the Main Breccia system with mineralization beginning from surface. Assay results for these holes are expected in the near term.
Ari Sussman, Executive Chairman commented: “The Main Breccia system at Apollo continues to yield positive surprises. The Company drilled three long holes in 2022, APC-17, APC-22 and APC-28, with each hole expanding the size of the deposit and bottoming while still in mineralization. In addition, 2023 drilling is off to an excellent start with the initial four holes testing the Main Breccia system all intersecting mineralization beginning at surface. Our aim for 2023 is to define the newly discovered high-grade and near surface mineralization while continuing to be aggressive with expansion drilling. Without question, we have discovered a large copper-silver-gold deposit in a mining friendly jurisdiction of Colombia which will play a vital role in the country’s aggressive decarbonization goals.”
TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2023 /CNW/ – Collective Mining Ltd. (TSXV: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) (“Collective” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce assay results from a further three holes drilled into the Main Breccia system at the Apollo target (“Apollo”), which is part of the Guayabales project located in Caldas, Colombia. The Main Breccia is a high-grade, bulk tonnage copper-silver-gold porphyry-related system, which owes its excellent metal endowment to multiple phases of mineralization which includes older copper-silver-gold porphyry mineralization and younger, overprinting, low and intermediate sulphidation, precious metal rich sheeted carbonate base metal vein systems.
Details (See Table 1 and Figures 1–5)
Assay results for all thirty-one diamond drill holes from the Phase I drilling program for 2022 have now been announced at Apollo. The Phase II drilling program for 2023 is advancing on schedule with assay results for the first holes expected in the near term. This press release summarizes assay results of the final three diamond drill holes from the Phase I program with results summarized below.
APC-28 was a step-out hole drilled steeply to the west from Pad 2 to a maximum depth of 956.35 metres (915 metres vertical) and was designed to test western and depth extensions to the Main Breccia system. The hole intersected the longest interval drilled to date within the system, commencing at 354.70 metres down hole (335 vertical) and averaging:
601.65 metres @ 1.4 g/t gold equivalent and including internal intervals of:
The mineralized angular breccia of this intercept represents the largest accumulation of metal returned to date within the Main Breccia system and contains a sulphide matrix which includes 0.5% up to 2.5% chalcopyrite and between 1% and 3% pyrite plus some pyrrhotite. The breccia has been overprinted by zones of carbonate and base metal (sphalerite and galena) veins, which yield the higher gold equivalent intervals. APC-28 stopped in mineralized breccia due to rig constraints. This hole has extended the main breccia westwards by 115 metres and is the deepest intercept drilled to date outlining continuity of mineralized breccia to a vertical depth of approximately 915 metres below surface. APC-28 also represents the westernmost hole drilled into the Main Breccia system and demonstrates that the mineralization is thickening with depth and has an inverted funnel morphology as outlined in Figure 2 below. This western area of the deposit remains open for expansion as the hole stopped in strong mineralization.
As a result of drill hole APC-28, the overall volume of rock in which the Main Breccia system is located has grown in width to 395 metres (from 350 metres) and a vertical dimension of 915 metres (from 825 metres). The strike of the system remains the same at 385 metres.
APC-30 was drilled southwards from Pad 4 to a total length of 589 metres downhole and intersected mineralized breccia from 267.60 metres downhole (240 metres vertical), averaging:
318.85 metres @ 1.10 g/t gold equivalent and including internal intervals of:
Gold, silver and copper mineralization relates to sulphides hosted within the angular breccia matrix with average concentrations of pyrite (2%) and chalcopyrite (0.5%). An upper zone of 60.8 metres bearing 2% to 3% chalcopyrite was intercepted at the beginning of the mineralized interval and a sheeted and overprinting sphalerite rich CBM vein zone of 81.4 metres was encountered from 472.3 metres downhole.
Reconnaissance hole APC-27 was drilled due east away from the Main Breccia system to test outcropping mineralization at surface. From 300.40 metres downhole (210 metres vertical depth) the Company intersected a new zone of continuous low-grade mineralization with assay results as follows:
Core logging of the breccia system at Apollo by the Company’s geologists has identified that the crackle breccia as seen in this newly discovered zone, is typically found both above and on the periphery of the more intensely mineralized angular breccia phase. As a result of this assessment, the Company may have drilled over top of an angular breccia zone with stronger mineralization than was intercepted in APC-27. Further exploratory drilling will be undertaken in this area.
The Company’s Phase II 2023 program is well underway with three rigs focused on drilling near surface, high grade mineralization below mineralized outcrops in the southern and central areas of the Main Breccia system from newly constructed pads 6 and 7. To date, four shallow holes have been completed and confirm continuous mineralized angular breccia from surface. Three of these holes were drilled from Pad 6 and were terminated while still in strong mineralization. The fourth hole from Pad 7 appears to have drilled out the east side of the system indicating a more vertical orientation to the system that was previously modelled. Assay results are expected in the near term.
The Apollo target area, as defined to date by surface mapping, rock sampling and copper and molybdenum soil geochemistry, covers a 1,000 metres X 1,200 metres area. The Apollo target area hosts the Company’s Main Breccia system and multiple additional untested breccia, porphyry and vein targets. The overall Apollo target area also remains open for further expansion.
Table 1: Apollo Target Assays Results for Holes APC-27, APC-28, and APC-30
Hole ID
From (m)
To (m)
Intercept (m)
Au (g/t)
Ag (g/t)
Cu %
Mo %
AuEq (g/t) *
APC-27
299.50
372.40
72.90
0.30
6
0.02
0.002
0.44
APC-28
286.60
305.55
18.95
1.11
12
0.04
0.001
1.30
And
354.70
956.35
601.65
0.89
24
0.10
0.001
1.40
Incl
354.70
614.65
259.95
1.21
43
0.20
0.001
2.15
713.10
772.80
59.70
2.04
15
0.14
0.04
2.23
863.15
868.80
5.65
2.00
13
0.04
0.001
2.17
APC-30
267.60
586.25
318.65
0.61
19
0.12
0.002
1.10
Incl
267.60
328.40
60.80
0.17
48
0.40
0.002
1.64
472.30
553.70
81.40
1.95
18
0.04
0.002
2.22
*AuEq (g/t) is calculated as follows: (Au (g/t) x 0.95) + (Ag g/t x 0.016 x 0.95) + (Cu (%) x 1.83 x 0.95)+ (Mo (%)*9.14 x 0.95) and CuEq (%) is calculated as follows: (Cu (%) x 0.95) + (Au (g/t) x 0.51 x 0.95) + (Ag (g/t) x 0.01 x 0.95)+ (Mo(%)x 3.75 x 0.95) utilizing metal prices of Cu – US$4.00/lb, Ag – $24/oz Mo US$20.00/lb and Au – US$1,500/oz and recovery rates of 95% for Au, Ag, Mo and Cu. Recovery rate assumptions are speculative as no metallurgical work has been completed to date.
** A 0.2 g/t AuEq cut-off grade was employed with no more than 15% internal dilution. True widths are unknown, and grades are uncut.
Figure 1: Plan View of the Main Breccia System at Apollo Highlighting Drill Holes APC-27, APC-28, APC-30 and Visual Results for APC-31, APC-33, APC-35 and APC-36 (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.)
Figure 2: East-West Cross Section Highlighting APC-28, ACP-30, and Visual Results for APC-31 (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.)
Figure 3: Plan View of the Guayabales Project Highlighting the Apollo Target (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.)
To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com
Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, Collective Mining is a copper, silver and gold exploration company based in Canada, with projects in Caldas, Colombia. The Company has options to acquire 100% interests in two projects located directly within an established mining camp with ten fully permitted and operating mines.
The Company’s flagship project, Guayabales, is anchored by the Apollo target, which hosts the large-scale, bulk-tonnage and high-grade copper, silver, and gold Main Breccia system. The Company’s near-term objective is to continue with expansion drilling of the Main Breccia system while increasing confidence in the highest-grade portions of the system.
Management, insiders and close family and friends own nearly 52% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders. The Company is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol “CNL” and on the OTCQX under the trading symbol “CNLMF”.
Qualified Person (QP) and NI43-101 Disclosure
David J Reading is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. Mr. Reading has an MSc in Economic Geology and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG).
Technical Information
Rock and core samples have been prepared and analyzed at SGS laboratory facilities in Medellin, Colombia and Lima, Peru. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects and pulps are kept and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. No capping has been applied to sample composites. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program.
Information Contact:
Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski) and Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on Twitter
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about the drill programs, including timing of results, and Collective’s future and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Collective cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and Collective assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2023 / Stillwater Critical Minerals (TSX.V:PGE)(OTCQB:PGEZF)(FSE:5D32) (the “Company” or “SWCM”) is pleased to announce it has partnered with Cornell University under the MINER program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) via the Advanced Research Projects Agency program (“ARPA-E”). Test work, led by Dr. Greeshma Gadikota, will focus on novel hydrometallurgical techniques and carbon capture, with the objective of increasing the extraction of critical minerals using reduced energy for a carbon negative mining future.
Cornell University is the recipient of a federal grant from ARPA-E as part of a program entitled “Supercritical CO2-Based Mining for Carbon-Negative Critical Mineral Recovery”. Cornell University seeks to advance CO2-sourced hydrometallurgical pathways for recovering energy critical metals, including nickel, cobalt, platinum and palladium, coupled to the carbon mineralization of calcium and magnesium components to produce calcium and magnesium carbonates. Novel functional materials for the selective capture and recovery of these energy critical metals will be developed. Various sources for CO2 will be investigated including air for metal recovery coupled to carbon mineralization. These approaches will be specifically tuned to the mineralogy of the Company’s Stillwater West project in Montana.
Stillwater Critical Minerals, Tuesday, February 14, 2023, Press release picture
Dr. Greeshma Gadikota
Dr. Greeshma Gadikota stated, “The U.S. imports the great majority of its energy critical metals from mines all over the world, leaving the U.S. quite vulnerable. Our research is all about decarbonizing the mining industry and developing an independent, domestic supply chain of these critical metals. It’s important for U.S. manufacturing, green energy, national security, and competitiveness.”
Relating to the Cornell University partnership, Company President and CEO, Michael Rowley, will join Dr. Gadikota at the ARPA-E MINER kick-off event in Austin, Texas on February 14 and 15, 2023. Other presenters and attendees include Tesla Motors, major mining companies, top US government officials and financial institutions. More information on the MINER program is available here: https://arpa-e.energy.gov/technologies/programs/miner.
Michael Rowley, Stillwater Critical Minerals President & CEO, stated, “We are very pleased to be selected as the industry partner for Dr. Gadikota’s cutting-edge work and to work closely with her team toward our shared vision of securing the future domestic supply of the critical minerals the US so urgently needs. Our Stillwater West project is rapidly advancing as a potential large-scale, low-carbon source of nickel, copper, cobalt, palladium, platinum and rhodium. Located in an active and expanding US mining district with a long history of critical minerals production and demonstrated world-class scale and grade, Stillwater West is on a very short list of assets with the potential to play a significant role in realizing the goals set out in the bipartisan Inflation Reduction Act, and other ongoing initiatives. It is our belief that mining can do more than supply minerals by conventional means, and that partnerships such as this are the path toward more sustainable practices.”
About Dr. Greeshma Gadikota
Dr. Greeshma Gadikota is an Assistant Professor and Croll Sesquicentennial Fellow in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering with a field appointment in the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Cornell University. Dr. Gadikota directs the Sustainable Energy and Resource Recovery Group. She held postdoctoral research associate appointments at Princeton University and Columbia University, and a research associate appointment at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Her PhD in Chemical Engineering and MS degrees in Chemical Engineering and Operations Research are from Columbia University. Her BS in Chemical Engineering is from Michigan State University. She is a recipient of the DOE, NSF and ARO CAREER Awards, Sigma Xi Young Investigator Award, Cornell Engineering Research Excellence Award, Inaugural Cornell Rising Women Innovator Award, and AICHE Sabic Award for Young Professionals from the Particle Technology Forum. Dr. Gadikota received her PhD in Chemical Engineering and earned her MS degrees in Chemical Engineering and Operations Research, from Columbia University. Her BS in Chemical Engineering is from Michigan State University.
Research Interests
With more than 80% of our energy resources recovered from the subsurface environments which requires about 50 billion cubic meters of fresh water and contributes to more than 75% of global CO2 emissions, our grand societal challenge lies in meeting our growing demand for energy and resources while reducing environmental impact. Addressing these earth-scale challenges requires us to develop novel technologies to engineer targeted physico-chemical interactions in complex engineered and natural environments. Enabling emergent technologies for a sustainable earth requires us to advance the cross-scale science of fluid-solid interactions in complex and extreme environments. With this perspective, our research is directed towards applications that involve (i) engineering the natural environment for sustainable energy and resource recovery and (ii) designing novel chemical pathways for advancing low carbon and negative emissions technologies.
About ARPA-E
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E advances high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too early for private-sector investment. ARPA-E awardees are unique because they are developing entirely new ways to generate, store, and use energy. ARPA-E projects have the potential to radically improve U.S. economic prosperity, national security, and environmental well-being. We focus on transformational energy projects that can be meaningfully advanced with a small amount of funding over a defined period of time. Our streamlined awards process enables us to act quickly and catalyze cutting-edge areas of energy research.
ARPA-E empowers America’s energy researchers with funding, technical assistance, and market readiness. Our rigorous program design, competitive project selection process, and active program management ensure thoughtful expenditures. ARPA-E Program Directors serve for limited terms to ensure a constant infusion of fresh thinking and new perspectives. To learn more visit: https://arpa-e.energy.gov/.
About Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp.
Stillwater Critical Minerals (TSX.V: PGE | OTCQB: PGEZF) is a mineral exploration company focused on its flagship Stillwater West Ni-PGE-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. Per an expanded NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate released January 2023, the Platreef-style nickel and copper sulphide deposits at Stillwater West contain 1.6 billion pounds of nickel, copper and cobalt, and 3.8 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium, and gold, in a compelling suite of critical minerals and are open for expansion along trend and at depth.
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, currently under an earn-in agreement with Heritage Mining, and the Kluane PGE-Ni-Cu-Co critical minerals project on trend with Nickel Creek Platinum‘s Wellgreen deposit 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.
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, BC, Feb. 14, 2023 /CNW/ – Bravo Mining Corp. (TSXV: BRVO) (OTCQX: BRVMF), (“Bravo” or the “Company“) announced that it has received assay results from eight diamond drill holes (“DDH”) in the Central and North Sectors highlighting the nickel sulphide potential of its 100% owned Luanga palladium + platinum + rhodium + gold + nickel project (“Luanga” or “Luanga PGM+Au+Ni Project“), located in the Carajás Mineral Province, state of Pará, Brazil. Two DDH in the Central Sector have identified a new zone and style of nickel sulphide mineralization. Follow up drilling to the previously announced massive sulphide intercept in the North Sector (August 16th, 2022 news release) has intersected higher-grade nickel sulphide 50m to the north and south, with evidence indicating potential extensions toward the south.
“Today’s results demonstrate the potential for higher-grade nickel ± copper sulphides at Luanga, underlie the existing ~8.1km strike of PGM+Au+Ni mineralization intersected in shallow historic drilling,” said Luis Azevedo, Chairman and CEO of Bravo. “We are at the early stages of understanding the distribution of, and controls on, this potential new style of nickel ± copper sulphide mineralization, which has now been intersected in both the North and Central Sectors,” he said. “We are very positive about the potential below Luanga and have deployed geophysical tools aimed at detecting this style of mineralization. Work is continuing and aims to drill test future geophysical targets in 2023.”
Highlights Include:
Follow up, step-out drilling to the massive nickel/copper sulphides intercepted in DDH22LU047 (August 16th, 2022 news release)intersected nickel/copper sulphides along strike, 50m to the north and to the south. Electromagnetics (EM) has identified conductors trending to the south where surface EM is ongoing.
Drilling in the Central Sector of Luanga has intersected a new zone and style ofnickel sulphide mineralization, potentially magmaticnickel sulphide mineralization. It occurs within a different rock-type than the PGM+Au+Ni mineralization at Luanga – further increasing the exploration prospectivity of Luanga. EM surveying is expected to begin shortly.
A noticeable change in PGM chemistry (significantly higher rhodium to palladium ratio) has been identified in most assay results from both nickel sulphide zones. This also points to a new style of mineralization and provides another possible vector into higher nickel sulphide zones.
HOLE-ID
From(m)
To(m)
Thickness (m)
Pd(g/t)
Pt(g/t)
Rh(g/t)
Au (g/t)
PGM + Au (g/t)
Ni (% Sulphide)
Cu (%)
Sector
DDH22LU039
128.2
155.9
27.7
0.40
0.10
0.11
0.01
0.62
0.42
Cent.
Including
128.2
132.8
4.6
0.74
0.12
0.25
0.01
1.12
1.12
Cent.
Including
130.2
131.2
1.0
1.08
0.25
0.51
0.01
1.85
2.08
Cent.
DDH22LU049
49.6
74.9
25.3
0.68
0.22
0.13
0.12
1.14
0.40
0.23
North
Including
66.9
70.3
3.4
1.18
0.52
0.29
0.12
2.12
0.84
0.34
North
DDH22LU052
151.0
158.1
7.1
0.69
0.04
0.30
0.11
1.13
0.82
0.45
North
Including
151.0
153.8
2.8
0.76
0.02
0.39
0.01
1.18
1.09
0.22
North
DDH22LU061
102.4
103.6
1.2
0.55
0.04
0.31
0.15
1.05
1.18
Cent.
DDH22LU073
136.9
155.8
18. 9
0.96
0.29
0.02
0.02
1.30
0.41
North
Including
150.8
153.8
3.0
2.57
0.50
0.04
0.02
3.14
1.15
North
DDH22LU077
169.4
175.5
6.1
0.57
0.04
0.33
0.02
0.96
0.63
North
Including
169.4
171.3
1.9
1.33
0.05
0.84*
0.04
2.27*
1.47
North
Including
170.6
171.3
0.7
1.54
0.04
>1.0*
0.01
2.59*
2.27
North
Notes: All ‘From’, ‘To’ depths, and ‘Thicknesses’ are downhole.
All intercepts were in fresh rock.
Given the orientation of the hole and the mineralization, the intercepts are estimated to be 85% to 100% of true thickness.
* Includes Rh >1.00g/t result. Overlimit analyses pending.
North = North Sector. Cent. = Central Sector. ** Bravo’s nickel grades are sulphide nickel, and do not include non-recoverable silicate nickel, unlike historic total nickel assays.
Central Sector Magmatic Nickel Sulphide Exploration Upside
Drilling in the Central Sector (holes DDH22LU039 and DDH22LU061) identified a second zone of more concentrated magmatic sulphides, a style of mineralization not previously observed at Luanga in historic drilling. This style of mineralization features net-textures typical of magmatic nickel sulphide mineralization (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Core photos from Central Sector (039) and North Sector (049 and 052) with nickel ± copper sulphide mineralization. (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)
The Central Sector higher-grade magmatic nickel sulphide mineralization appears to be coincident with the main Luanga PGM mineralization but appears to have increasing concentrations of nickel sulphides to depth, while historic nickel-in-soil geochemistry (Figure 2) indicates that nickel sulphide mineralization may be gently diverging away from the strike of the PGM+Au mineralization. This style of mineralization has only been identified in this area of the Luanga deposit to date and is hosted in the basal sequence of harzburgites (ultramafic rocks) that underlie the dominant Luanga orthopyroxenite PGM+Au host rock.
Surface EM completed by Bravo in late 2022 is being extended to the southeast to look deeper into the basal harzburgite sequence (Figure 3) that underlies the main PGM+Au+Ni mineralization, beyond the extent of current drilling.
The Central Zone assay results (reported in this news release) from drill holes DDH22LU039 and DDH22LU061 demonstrate a noticeable change in PGM chemistry, where the Pd:Rh ratios range from 4:1 to <2:1. This is a significant divergence from the majority of existing drill holes across the 8.1km of the main Luanga PGM+Au mineralized zone, where the Pd:Rh ratio is typically ~10:1. There could also be a relationship between magmatic nickel and rhodium (high rhodium values highlighted in the table above). This, combined with the identification of a different host rock, is further supporting evidence of a new style or phase of mineralization that is more typically associated with magmatic nickel sulphide deposits. Mineralization remains open at depth (Figure 3) and along strike.
Figure 2: Nickel sulphide zone in the Central Sector, shown over historic Ni-in-soil geochemistry. (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)
DDH22LU039 is shown in the section below (Figure 3), where the concentration of magmatic nickel sulphides and nickel assay grades increase (from west to east) from DDH22LU054 where fresh rock mineralization has no significant nickel to report, to DDH22LU039 where magmatic nickel sulphides and assay grades reach their current peak.
Figure 3: Central Zone cross section showing the increase in nickel grade to the southeast (open at depth). (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)
Follow Up on North Sector Massive Magmatic Nickel ± Copper SulphideDiscovery
Follow up drilling to the north and south of the previously announced massive magmatic nickel ± copper sulphide mineralization in DDH22LU047 (August 16th, 2022 news release) in the North Sector has continued to intersect magmatic nickel sulphide mineralization.
New drill results indicate that the nickel ± copper mineralization is coincident with the main Luanga PGM+Au+Ni deposit, but that higher concentrations of nickel and copper are at depth. Alternatively, this mineralization style may be unrelated to the emplacement of the PGM portion of Luanga and related to a different, as yet unidentified, phase of mineralization at depth.
Higher-grade sulphide mineralization and EM anomalism is open to the south (Figure 4) but appears to taper off to the north. Like the Central Sector above, it may also be diverging away from the strike of the PGM+Au mineralization and occur below historic drilling to the south. This interpretation is supported to the southern limit of the current EM survey and is coincident with historic nickel-in-soil geochemistry (Figures 4 and 5).
Most assay results demonstrate the same noticeable change in PGM chemistry as the higher-grade magmatic sulphide mineralization intersected in the Central Zone, with Pd:Rh ratios ranging from to 5:1 to <2:1. As highlighted above this may indicate potential for a different phase or style of mineralization at depth.
Figure 4: Nickel ± copper sulphide zone in the North Sector, shown over historic Ni-in-soil geochemistry. (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)
Figure 5: North Sector Cross Section showing new drill holes DDH22LU052 and DDH22LU049 (open at depth). (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)
Luanga Drill Program Progress
A total of 144 drill holes (9 in 2023) have been completed by Bravo to date, for 23,950 metres (94% of the planned 25,500 metre Phase 1 Drilling Program), including all 8 planned twin holes (results for 2 twin holes outstanding) and all 8 metallurgical holes (not for routine assaying). Results have been reported for 60 Bravo drill holes to date.
Results for76 Bravo drill holes are currently outstanding.
The Phase 1 diamond drill program is close to completion, with 1,550m remaining before the commencement of the Phase 2 diamond drill program. The Phase 2 program will be focused on step out drilling (with the objective of extending known zones of PGM+Au+Ni mineralization to depth), follow-up on the newly identified higher-grade nickel ± copper magmatic sulphide mineralization styles, as well as exploration of new targets.
Aside from systematic step-out drilling, the Phase 2 program is designed to support a more intensive approach to exploration, with work to focus on exploring for magmatic nickel ± copper sulphides. This program will commence with an extensive program of geophysics consisting of ground EM, ground micro-gravity and ground magnetics. Targets generated would be drill tested during the Phase 2 program. Phase 2 will also include ongoing metallurgical test work designed to confirm and optimize metallurgical results reported by Vale SA., Luanga’s previous owner.
The key deliverable expected from the Phase 1 program is Luanga’s maiden NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). Approximately 3,600m of priority drilling remains to be completed to facilitate this work, including the balance of the Phase 1 program and a portion of the Phase 2 program. Completion of the maiden MRE remains on track for H2/2023.
Complete Table of Recent Intercepts
HOLE-ID
From(m)
To(m)
Thickness (m)
Pd(g/t)
Pt(g/t)
Rh(g/t)
Au (g/t)
PGM + Au (g/t)
Ni (% Sulphide)
Cu (%)
TYPE
DDH22LU039
41.2
61.2
21.0
0.54
0.19
0.00
0.11
0.83
0.15
FR
And
80.1
106.2
26.1
0.56
0.22
0.00
0.14
0.92
0.20
FR
Including
91.2
98.2
7.0
0.44
1.11
0.01
0.17
1.72
0.32
FR
And
128.2
155.9
27.7
0.40
0.10
0.11
0.01
0.62
0.42
FR
Including
128.2
132.8
4.6
0.74
0.12
0.25
0.01
1.12
1.12
FR
Including
130.2
131.2
1.0
1.08
0.25
0.51
0.01
1.85
2.08
FR
And
161.9
166.9
5.0
0.35
0.15
0.07
0.01
0.58
0.23
FR
DDH22LU049
8.7
16.7
8.0
0.71
0.26
0.02
0.10
1.08
NA
Ox
And
49.6
74.9
25.3
0.68
0.22
0.13
0.12
1.14
0.40
0.23
FR
Including
49.6
58.3
8.7
0.79
0.19
0.09
0.19
1.26
0.38
0.36
FR
Also Including
66.9
70.3
3.4
1.18
0.52
0.29
0.12
2.12
0.84
0.34
FR
And
78.4
92.4
14.0
0.42
0.14
0.04
0.08
0.68
0.23
0.22
FR
DDH22LU052
151.0
158.1
7.1
0.69
0.04
0.30
0.11
1.13
0.82
0.45
FR
Including
151.0
153.8
2.8
0.76
0.02
0.39
0.01
1.18
1.09
0.22
FR
Also Including
154.3
158.1
3.8
0.73
0.05
0.27
0.19
1.24
0.73
0.68
FR
And
161.9
164.5
2.6
0.58
0.06
0.28
0.01
0.94
0.72
0.26
FR
And
199.0
215.2
16.2
0.40
0.46
0.03
0.01
0.89
0.32
0.09
FR
DDH22LU061
59.3
65.8
6.5
0.49
0.19
0.00
0.13
0.81
0.09
FR
And
88.5
91.5
3.0
0.90
0.30
0.00
0.24
1.44
0.19
FR
And
102.4
103.6
1.2
0.55
0.04
0.31
0.15
1.05
1.18
FR
And
121.3
127.3
6.0
0.26
0.14
0.03
0.09
0.52
0.21
FR
And
139.0
150.8
11.8
0.27
0.10
0.02
0.02
0.41
0.18
FR
DDH22LU068
39.5
42.5
3.0
1.35
0.73
0.10
0.01
2.18
0.07
FR
And
54.4
62.2
7.8
0.33
0.10
0.02
0.01
0.45
0.30
FR
DDH22LU073
113.6
116.8
3.2
0.89
0.44
0.03
0.01
1.37
0.39
FR
And
127.8
129.5
1.7
0.89
5.11
0.05
0.01
6.06
0.32
FR
And
136.9
155.8
18. 9
0.96
0.29
0.02
0.02
1.30
0.41
FR
Including
150.8
153.8
3.0
2.57
0.50
0.04
0.02
3.14
1.15
FR
DDH22LU077
169.4
175.5
6.1
0.57
0.04
0.33
0.02
0.96
0.63
FR
And
169.4
171.3
1.9
1.33
0.05
0.84*
0.04
2.27*
1.47
FR
Including
170.6
171.3
0.7
1.54
0.04
>1.0*
0.01
2.59*
2.27
FR
And
204.1
207.1
3.0
0.27
0.01
0.00
0.01
0.28
0.29
FR
And
220.1
232.1
12.0
0.28
0.13
0.02
0.03
0.46
0.12
FR
DDH22LU079
179.3
199.3
20.0
0.23
0.11
0.04
0.01
0.39
0.19
FR
including
196.3
199.3
3.0
0.58
0.18
0.12
0.01
0.88
0.51
FR
Notes: All ‘From’, ‘To’ depths, and ‘Thicknesses’ are downhole.
Given the orientation of the hole and the mineralization, the intercepts are estimated to be 85% to 100% of true thickness.
Type: Ox = Oxide. LS = Low Sulphur. FR = Fresh Rock. Recovery methods and results will differ based on the type of mineralization.
* = Includes Rh >1.00g/t result. Overlimit analyses pending.
** = Bravo’s nickel grades are sulphide nickel, and do not include non-recoverable silicate nickel, unlike historic total nickel assays
Figure 6: Location of Bravo Drilling Reported in this News Release (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)
About Bravo Mining Corp.
Bravo is a Canada and Brazil-based mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its Luanga PGM+Au+Ni Project in the world-class Carajás Mineral Province of Brazil.
The Luanga Project benefits from being in a location close to operating mines, with excellent access and proximity to existing infrastructure, including road, rail and clean and renewable hydro grid power. The project area was previously de-forested for agricultural grazing land. Bravo’s current Environmental, Social and Governance activities includes replanting trees in the project area, hiring and contracting locally, and ensuring protection of the environment during its exploration activities.
Technical Disclosure
Technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Simon Mottram, F.AusIMM (Fellow Australia Institute of Mining and Metallurgy), President of Bravo Mining Corp. who serves as the Company’s “qualified person”, as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101“). Mr. Mottram has verified the technical data and opinions contained in this news release.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as “rich”, “extends”, “new zone”, “potential”, “higher-grade”, “very positive”, “concentrated“, “noticeable change”, “majority”, “new style“, “significant“, “intensive approach“, “extensive“, “optimize“, “yet unidentified”, “objective” and other similar words, phrases, or statements that certain events or conditions “may”, “should”, “will” or “would” occur. This news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the Company’s ongoing re-sampling and drill programs and the results thereof; the expected completion of geophysical surveys and the results of such surveys; the potential for the definition o new styles of mineralization and extensions to depth and the Company’s plans in respect thereof. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, unexpected results from exploration programs, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage; and other risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to, the assumption that the assay results confirm that the interpreted mineralization contains significant values of nickel, PGMs and Au; that the mineralization remains open to depth, that grades are improving to depth, that final drill and assay results will be in line with management’s expectations; that activities will not be adversely disrupted or impeded by regulatory, political, community, economic, environmental and/or healthy and safety risks; that the Luanga Project will not be materially affected by potential supply chain disruptions; and general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws.
Schedule 1: Drill Hole Collar Details
HOLE-ID
Company
East (m)
North (m)
RL (m)
Datum
Depth (m)
Azimuth
Dip
Sector
DDH22LU039
Bravo
658669.93
9340730.09
262.74
SIRGAS2000 UTM22S
177.70
330.00
-60.00
Central
DDH22LU049
Bravo
659975.11
9342475.00
270.59
SIRGAS2000 UTM22S
159.30
90.00
-60.00
North
DDH22LU052
Bravo
659825.80
9342475.01
274.16
SIRGAS2000 UTM22S
233.20
90.00
-60.00
North
DDH22LU061
Bravo
658595.91
9340659.10
271.55
SIRGAS2000 UTM22S
191.00
330.00
-60.00
Central
DDH22LU068
Bravo
659900.11
9342525.01
280.91
SIRGAS2000 UTM22S
251.00
90.00
-60.00
North
DDH22LU073
Bravo
659900.09
9342425.00
273.40
SIRGAS2000 UTM22S
270.85
90.00
-60.00
North
DDH22LU077
Bravo
659824.96
9342524.96
279.74
SIRGAS2000 UTM22S
264.20
90.00
-60.00
North
DDH22LU079
Bravo
659822.30
9342425.01
270.84
SIRGAS2000 UTM22S
250.50
90.00
-60.00
North
Schedule 2: Assay Methodologies and QAQC
Samples follow a chain of custody between collection, processing, and delivery to the ALS laboratory in Parauapebas, state of Pará, Brazil. The drill core is delivered to the core shack at Bravo’s Luanga site facilities and processed by geologists who insert certified reference materials, blanks, and duplicates into the sampling sequence. Drill core is half cut and placed in secured polyurethane bags, then in security-sealed sacks before being delivered directly from the Luanga site facilities to the Parauapebas ALS laboratory by Bravo staff. Additional information about the methodology can be found on the ALS global website (ALS) in the analytical guides.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control (“QAQC“) is maintained internally at the lab through rigorous use of internal certified reference materials, blanks, and duplicates. An additional QAQC program is administered by Bravo using certified reference materials, duplicate samples and blank samples that are blindly inserted into the sample batch. If a QAQC sample returns an unacceptable value an investigation into the results is triggered and when deemed necessary, the samples that were tested in the batch with the failed QAQC sample are re-tested.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2023 / Noram Lithium Corp. (“Noram” or the “Company“) (TSXV:NRM)(OTCQB:NRVTF)(Frankfurt:N7R) announces it has initiated a further round of metallurgical testing on mineralized samples from its 100% owned Zeus Lithium Project (“Zeus” or the “Project”) in Clayton Valley, Nevada.
Following the completion of the Phase VI drill program in May 2022, samples were collected from the Zeus drill core and shipped to Bureau Veritas Laboratories in Richmond, BC. During the period of July 2022 through September 2022, a number of tests were conducted on Zeus samples including: sulphuric acid leaching, hydrochloric acid leaching, roasting, neutralization, impurity removal and solid-liquid separation tests. Based on the test work completed and experience in other industries, the Company has refined the process design for lithium carbonate recovery that is based on known and commercially proven technology.
The Company has engaged Kemetco Research Inc (“Kemetco”), a private sector integrated science, technology and innovation company based in Richmond, BC to carry out further metallurgical test work to confirm and refine the process design. Kemetco have extensive experience in bench scale and pilot scale laboratory studies in lithium extraction.
“The proposed process for the Zeus Lithium Project is based on known technology and we are expecting the results from this round of test work will confirm our ability to recover high-purity lithium carbonate from Zeus mineralized material,” stated Greg McCunn, Noram’s CEO. “The team at Kemetco, in conjunction with our metallurgical consultant, have designed a robust test work program to further de-risk the project. The results will be combined with the mine plan optimization currently underway to support the completion of a Prefeasibility Study.”
Proposed Process Description
The proposed process consists of three main steps (Figure 1), as follows:
1. Feed Preparation/Beneficiation:
Mineralized material from the mine is passed through a roll crusher;
Water is added in an agitated attrition scrubber to produce a slurry, and
Coarse particles containing calcite are rejected through hyrdocyloning to reduce the acid consumption in the subsequent leaching stage.
2. Leaching, Neutralization and Filtration:
Lithium bearing clays from feed preparation are leached with sulphuric acid in agitated tanks at 90°C;
Iron and aluminum impurities are removed from the lithium bearing solution using limestone under controlled conditions, and
Iron and aluminum precipitates are filtered for dry-stacking in a tailings storage facility, minimizing water losses from the process and environmental impact.
3. Lithium solution is further purified using known technology from lithium hard rock processing facilities to produce battery quality lithium carbonate for packaging and sale.
Test work is currently underway, initially testing the Feed Preparation/Beneficiation and Leaching, Neutralization and Filtration processes in the proposed flowsheet. It is expected that some testing will also be done on lithium solutions to produce battery quality lithium carbonate. Results of the test work will be used to validate the Company’s metallurgical models and mass/energy balances for the Project.
Figure 1 Simplified Process Flow Sheet
1. Feed Preparation / Beneficiation
Noram Lithium Corp., Tuesday, February 14, 2023, Press release picture
2. Leaching / Neutralization / Filtration
Noram Lithium Corp., Tuesday, February 14, 2023, Press release picture
3. Purification
Noram Lithium Corp., Tuesday, February 14, 2023, Press release picture
This important phase of metallurgical test work is expected to take 5-6 months to complete. Results from the test work will be made available as the work progresses in the coming months.
About Noram Lithium Corp.
Noram Lithium Corp. (TSXV:NRM)(OTCQB:NRVTF)(Frankfurt:N7R) is focusing on advancing its 100%-owned Zeus Lithium Project located in Clayton Valley, Nevada an emerging lithium hub within the United States. With the upsurge in the electric vehicle and energy storage markets the Company aims to become a key participant in the domestic supply of lithium in the United States. The Company is committed to creating shareholder value through the strategic allocation of capital and is well-funded with approximately CAD$14 million in cash on December 31, 2022 and no debt.
About the Zeus Project (100% Noram)
The Zeus Lithium Project contains a Measured and Indicated Resource estimate of 5.2 Mt Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (“LCE”, 1034 Mt at 941 ppm lithium), and an additional Inferred resource estimate of 1.1 Mt LCE (235 Mt at 871 ppm lithium) utilizing a 400 ppm Li cut-off1.
In December 2021, a robust PEA2 indicated the Project could produce an annual average of 31,900 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate for supply to battery manufacturers with an modelled mine life of 40 years (resources support a +100 year mine life). The PEA outlined a US$528 million capital cost to construct the Project with a robust after-tax NPV(8%) of US$1.3 billion and an IRR of 31% using US$9,500/tonne LCE pricing. The PEA indicates an after-tax NPV(8%) of US$2.7 billion and an IRR of 52% at US$14,250/tonne LCE pricing. Note that the current daily prices have increased to over US$70,000/tonne LCE.
Footnote 1 Refer to the News Release dated January 30, 2023 titled ‘Noram Lithium Announces Significant Increase in Mineral Resources at the Zeus Lithium Deposit’.
2 Preliminary Economic Assessment Zeus Project, ABH Engineering (December 2021).
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information
This news release may contain forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding, among other things, the results from this round of test work will confirm the Company’s ability to recover high-purity lithium carbonate from Zeus mineralized material. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, regulatory approval processes. Although Noram believes that the assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, including that all necessary regulatory approvals will be obtained in a timely manner, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Noram disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.
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.
Capital Projects Construction Contract Awarded to Dumas Mining
YERINGTON, Nev., Feb. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDF) (FSE: ZYTA) (“Nevada Copper” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide an update on restart and operational activities for its Pumpkin Hollow underground copper mine (the “Underground Mine”).
Randy Buffington, President & CEO of Nevada Copper, stated, “Our Pumpkin Hollow team is focused on advancing the restart project quickly and safely. We are building on the momentum of the recent achievements by the underground crews as they have progressed through the dike structure and are advancing into the EN Zone in anticipation of the underground development contractor arriving on site and commencing development. The technical and leadership teams are in place and committed to executing this restart plan. We are targeting a mill restart in the third quarter with a quick ramp up to nameplate capacity by the end of 2023.”
Production Restart Highlights
Clear line of site to full-scale production
Simple and low-risk pathway to full-scale production established, comprising:
Phase 1 Q4 2022 to Q1 2023: Finalize dike crossings to access EN Zone initial stoping area (complete), confirm all key technical hires for restart (complete), and award capital projects contract (complete).
Phase 2 Q2 2023: Prioritized development of higher-grade EN Zone stope area.
Phase 3 Q3 to Q4 2023: Restart of proven mill, with surface and underground ore feed developed and short ramp-up to nameplate capacity.
Phase 1 Restart Milestones Achieved
Development into the EN Zone has demonstrated that rock quality is consistent with our geotechnical model, which predicted competent ground within the EN Zone, and development is progressing at full round lengths and standard ground support.
Definition drilling and assaying of all initial EN Zone stopes planned for extraction in 2023 is complete representing approximately 210K tons of stope ore, providing significant visibility on quality and grade of ore feed.
Contract awarded for completion of capital projects to debottleneck restart of development and underground operations.
Development mining contract award well progressed.
All key technical positions in place, with substantially strengthened operational leadership team on-site.
Operations significantly de-risked
Completion of both critical dike headings, securing the Underground Mine with full access to the primary EN Zone stope area. The third dike crossing is progressing well and, while it is not required to meet 2023 operating objectives, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2023.
Building planned surface stockpile of approximately 150K tons of run-of-mine ore ahead of mill start-up provides substantial operating buffer for milling operations.
Debottlenecking capital projects front-ended to provide additional operating flexibility.
Further Details on Production Restart
Underground Development Proceeding as Planned
The Nevada Copper operations team continues to make rapid progress on all underground activities including mine development, hoisting, stope preparation, and underground projects.
The historically reported dike crossings that provide initial stope top and bottom access into the EN Zone were fully established and completed in December 2022, and development is progressing toward stoping areas. Both key development drives that have crossed the dike have encountered ground conditions at or better than expectation, confirming the geotechnical model that predicted higher quality rock. Definition drilling of the initial stopes to feed the restart of milling operations in Q3 2023 have been completed and assayed, and confirm rock quality, grade and geometry represented by the geologic and reserve models.
Underground Development Contractor Update
The Company has completed the bid process for the development mining contractor and is in the final stages of negotiations for a unit rate contract with an internationally recognized major mining services contractor.
Key components of the development contract include:
72,000 feet of lateral capital development over a 24-month contract period;
Delivery of full development stopes by Q3 2023 to provide sufficient faces and stopes to restart and maintain nameplate milling operations (approximately 5,000 tpd); and
Nevada Copper’s operating team will perform all stope mining starting in Q3 2023.
Critical Construction Projects Progressing
The Company awarded Dumas Contracting USA, Inc. (“Dumas”) a $12 million construction contract to complete critical capital projects including the coarse ore bin and installation of an underground jaw crusher, permanent dewatering system, vent shaft stripping and surface fans. Dumas is a leading full-service underground mining contractor providing mine construction, development, production mining, mine services and engineering early-stage projects through well-established operating mines throughout the Americas.
Vent Shaft – Final stripping of the vent shaft commenced in January in preparation for connection of the surface fans, which are expected to be commissioned in early Q2 2023. The stripping is planned to be completed ahead of development contractor mobilization and the vent shaft is expected to provide the necessary ventilation for the life of the mine.
Ore Handling System – The additional ore handling system allows for increased ore throughput rates to the shaft hoisting system, enabling operations to ultimately exceed nameplate production. Engineering for ore handling system has been completed, and all long-lead items are on-site including the jaw crusher. Excavation is underway and planning for the installation of the system has already commenced.
Dewatering System – The pumps for the permanent dewatering system are on site and ready for installation. Once installed, the additional pumps are expected to provide all dewatering requirements for the life of the mine.
Regional Exploration Opportunities
The Company has completed a thorough review of regional mapping for its Pumpkin Hollow land position and several high-quality targets of interest have been identified. Surface sampling results from the Copper Ridge area have indicated the high-grade potential, highlighted by grades including 5.03% and 5.43% copper (see table below for additional assay information) that warrant additional investigation. In 2023, detailed mapping, interpretation of recent geophysical analysis and surface sampling are planned to follow-up on other identified high-potential targets on the Nevada Copper land position. The grades identified are conceptual in nature as there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the delineation of a mineral resource. Grades were determined through third-party labs, as detailed below under “Quality Assurance and Quality Control”.
Table of Assays (samples greater than 1%)
Sample ID
Easting (m)
Northing (m)
Elevation (m)
Cu (%)
Au (ppm)
Ag (ppm)
533857
318720
4316510
1451
2.31
0.036
0.5
533861
318751
4316512
1458
2.36
0.008
<0.2
533862
318766
4316512
1459
1.54
0.130
0.2
1615147
319706
4317023
1443
3.35
0.030
4.8
1615150
319603
4317072
1444
3.65
0.011
0.4
1615178
319087
4316782
1517
2.02
0.119
5.4
1669223
319621
4317082
1442
2.65
0.045
2.7
1669224
319678
4317033
1444
3.10
0.056
4.4
1669225
318483
4316515
1413
1.60
1.430
2.7
1669229
318639
4316481
1437
1.19
0.180
0.8
1669232
318607
4316637
1440
1.03
0.104
1.1
M59971*
319729
4317020
1440
5.03
0.150
10.0
M59982*
318739
4316527
1446
5.43
0.075
16.0
M59984*
318789
4316601
1470
4.10
0.055
8.0
M59994*
318438
4316507
1405
2.87
1.490
6.0
* Historic sample
Board Changes
Ms. Kate Southwell will be stepping down as a member of the Board of Directors effective February 28, 2023 to pursue other career opportunities. Stephen Gill, Chairman of the Board stated, “The Board and management team appreciate Kate’s valuable input during her tenure, particularly with regard to financing and commercial matters and as Chair of the Sustainability Committee and wish her well in her future endeavors”. The Nominating Committee of the Board is in the process of identifying qualified candidates to fill the vacant role at or prior to this year’s annual shareholder meeting.
Qualified Person
The technical information and data in this news release has been reviewed by Steven Newman, Registered Member – SME, Vice President, Technical Services for Nevada Copper, and Greg French, C.P.G., VP Exploration of Nevada Copper, who are non-independent Qualified Persons within the meaning of NI 43-101.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
The analytical work was performed by American Assay Labs (AAL) located in Sparks, Nevada. AAL is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. The Samples were crushed so that >80% passes 10 mesh, followed by pulverizing to >90% passes 75 < 150 mesh. Prepared samples were run using a three-acid digestion process and conventional ICP-AES analysis. Gold determination was via standard atomic absorption (AA) finish 30-gram fire-assay (FA) analysis. Blank, standard and duplicate samples were routinely inserted and monitored for quality assurance and quality control.
The historic analytical work was performed by Chemex Labs Inc., currently ALS Geochemistry (ALS) located in, Nevada. ALS is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. The samples were crushed so that >80% passes 10 mesh, followed by pulverizing split to < 150 mesh. Prepared samples were run using an acid digestion process and conventional ICP-AES analysis. Gold determination was via standard atomic absorption (AA) finish 30-gram fire-assay (FA) analysis.
Nevada Copper detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data and is not aware of any sampling or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to herein.
About Nevada Copper
Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) is a copper producer and owner of the Pumpkin Hollow copper project. Located in Nevada, USA, Pumpkin Hollow has substantial reserves and resources including copper, gold and silver. Its two fully permitted projects include the high-grade Underground Mine and processing facility, which is now in the production stage, and a large-scale open pit PFS stage project.
Randy Buffington President & CEO
For additional information, please see the Company’s website at www.nevadacopper.com, or contact:
Tracey Thom | Vice President, IR and Community Relations tthom@nevadacopper.com +1 775 391 9029
Cautionary Language on Forward Looking Statements This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to development and ramp-up plans and activities at the Underground Mine and the timing in respect thereof.
Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “potential”, “is expected”, “anticipated”, “is targeted”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information should not be read as guarantees of future performance and results. They are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and events to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information.
Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those relating to: requirements for additional capital and no assurance can be given regarding the availability thereof; the outcome of discussions with vendors; the ability of the Company to complete the ramp-up of the Underground Mine within the expected cost estimates and timeframe; the impact of COVID-19 on the business and operations of the Company; the state of financial markets; history of losses; dilution; adverse events relating to milling operations, construction, development and ramp-up, including the ability of the Company to address underground development and process plant issues; ground conditions; cost overruns relating to development, construction and ramp-up of the Underground Mine; loss of material properties; interest rate increases; global economy; limited history of production; future metals price fluctuations; speculative nature of exploration activities; periodic interruptions to exploration, development and mining activities; environmental hazards and liability; industrial accidents; failure of processing and mining equipment to perform as expected; labour disputes; supply problems; uncertainty of production and cost estimates; the interpretation of drill results and the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; possible variations in ore reserves, grade of mineralization or recovery rates from management’s expectations and the difference may be material; legal and regulatory proceedings and community actions; accidents; title matters; regulatory approvals and restrictions; increased costs and physical risks relating to climate change, including extreme weather events, and new or revised regulations relating to climate change; permitting and licensing; dependence on management information systems and cyber security risks; volatility of the market price of the Company’s securities; insurance; competition; hedging activities; currency fluctuations; loss of key employees; other risks of the mining industry as well as those risks discussed in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended December 31, 2021 and the quarter ended September 30, 2022 and in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2022. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: no adverse developments in respect of the property or operations at the project; no material changes to applicable laws; the ramp-up of operations at the Underground Mine in accordance with management’s plans and expectations; no worsening of the current COVID-19 related work restrictions; reduced impacts of COVID-19 going forward; the Company will be able to obtain sufficient additional funding to complete the ramp-up, no material adverse change to the price of copper from current levels; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.
The forward-looking information and statements are stated as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information and statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Specific reference is made to “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended December 31, 2021 and the quarter ended September 30, 2022 and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2022, for a discussion of factors that may affect forward-looking statements and information. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, should other risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and events may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements and information. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Company’s filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
The Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.
Inside practically every electric vehicle (EV) is a lithium-ion battery that depends on several key minerals that help power it.
Some minerals make up intricate parts within the cell to ensure the flow of electrical current. Others protect it from accidental damage on the outside.
This infographic uses data from the European Federation for Transport and Environment to break down the key minerals in an EV battery. The mineral content is based on the ‘average 2020 battery’, which refers to the weighted average of battery chemistries on the market in 2020.
The Battery Minerals Mix
The cells in the average battery with a 60 kilowatt-hour (kWh) capacity—the same size that’s used in a Chevy Bolt—contained roughly 185 kilograms of minerals. This figure excludes materials in the electrolyte, binder, separator, and battery pack casing.
Mineral
Cell Part
Amount Contained in the Avg. 2020 Battery (kg)
% of Total
Graphite
Anode
52kg
28.1%
Aluminum
Cathode, Casing, Current collectors
35kg
18.9%
Nickel
Cathode
29kg
15.7%
Copper
Current collectors
20kg
10.8%
Steel
Casing
20kg
10.8%
Manganese
Cathode
10kg
5.4%
Cobalt
Cathode
8kg
4.3%
Lithium
Cathode
6kg
3.2%
Iron
Cathode
5kg
2.7%
Total
N/A
185kg
100%
The cathode contains the widest variety of minerals and is arguably the most important and expensive component of the battery. The composition of the cathode is a major determinant in the performance of the battery, with each mineral offering a unique benefit.
For example, NMC batteries, which accounted for72% of batteries used in EVs in 2020 (excluding China), have a cathode composed of nickel, manganese, and cobalt along with lithium. The higher nickel content in these batteries tends to increase their energy density or the amount of energy stored per unit of volume, increasing the driving range of the EV. Cobalt and manganese often act as stabilizers in NMC batteries, improving their safety.
Altogether, materials in the cathode account for 31.3% of the mineral weight in the average battery produced in 2020. This figure doesn’t include aluminum, which is used in nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) cathode chemistries, but is also used elsewhere in the battery for casing and current collectors.
Meanwhile, graphite has been the go-to material for anodes due to its relatively low cost, abundance, and long cycle life. Since the entire anode is made up of graphite, it’s the single-largest mineral component of the battery. Other materials include steel in the casing that protects the cell from external damage, along with copper, used as the current collector for the anode.
Minerals Bonded by Chemistry
There are several types of lithium-ion batteries with different compositions of cathode minerals. Their names typically allude to their mineral breakdown.
Here’s how the mineral contents differ for various battery chemistries with a 60kWh capacity:
With consumers looking for higher-range EVs that do not need frequent recharging, nickel-rich cathodes have become commonplace. In fact, nickel-based chemistries accounted for 80% of the battery capacity deployed in new plug-in EVs in 2021.
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries do not use any nickel and typically offer lower energy densities at better value. Unlike nickel-based batteries that use lithium hydroxide compounds in the cathode, LFP batteries use lithium carbonate, which is a cheaper alternative. Tesla recently joined several Chinese automakers in using LFP cathodes for standard-range cars, driving the price of lithium carbonate to record highs.
The EV battery market is still in its early hours, with plenty of growth on the horizon. Battery chemistries are constantly evolving, and as automakers come up with new models with different characteristics, it’ll be interesting to see which new cathodes come around the block.
TORONTO, Feb. 8, 2023 /CNW/ – Collective Mining Ltd. (TSXV: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) (“Collective” or the “Company”) will be presenting at the OTC Markets Group Precious Metals Virtual Investor Conference on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 11:00am ET.
Using the link below, investors can register and listen to the presentation, and take part in a question and answer session at the end. The presentation is expected to last 30 minutes.
DATE: Wednesday, February 15, 2023 TIME: 11:00am ET – 11:30am ET LINK:https://bit.ly/3JCTs89
Please log in 5-10 minutes early to register. An archived webcast will also be made available after the event.
Ari Sussman, Executive Chairman of Collective Mining will be providing an overview and will discuss the Company’s “Main Breccia” discovery at the Apollo target. The Main Breccia discovery is a high-grade and bulk tonnage, copper-silver-gold porphyry-related breccia system characterized by two main, yet distinct pulses of mineralized fluids flooding the breccia with metals.
The Company’s Guayabales project is located in the mining-friendly department of Caldas, Colombia, in the heart of a long-established mining camp with ten fully permitted and operating mines located within three kilometres of the project. As a result, the Guayabales project is blessed with excellent infrastructure with roads and hydroelectric powerlines traversing the project and an abundant labour force located nearby in the townships of Supia and Marmato.
The phase II drilling program is underway with three rigs currently operating focused on testing near surface mineralization and expanding the dimensions of the Main Breccia system. Assay results are expected in the near term for the final three holes of the 2022 program, including westwards step-out hole APC-28, which cut more than 600 metres of continuous mineralization. Additionally, the first hole of the Phase II program is now complete, and core has been dispatched to the lab for assaying.
About Collective Mining Ltd.
To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com
Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, Collective Mining is a copper, silver and gold exploration company based in Canada, with projects in Caldas, Colombia. The Company has options to acquire 100% interests in two projects located directly within an established mining camp with ten fully permitted and operating mines.
The Company’s flagship project, Guayabales, is anchored by the Apollo target, which hosts the large-scale, bulk-tonnage and high-grade copper, silver and gold Main Breccia discovery. The Company’s near-term objective is to continue with expansion drilling of the Main Breccia discovery while increasing confidence in the highest-grade portions of the system.
Management, insiders and close family and friends own approximately 52% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders. The Company is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol “CNL” and on the OTCQX under the trading symbol “CNLMF”.
Information Contact:
Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski) and Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on Twitter
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about the drill programs, including timing of results, and Collective’s future and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Collective cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and Collective assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
