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Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Nevada Copper

Nevada Copper Provides Operational Activity Update

YERINGTON, Nev., Dec. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDF) (FSE: ZYTA) (“Nevada Copper” or the “Company”) today provided an operations update and overview of the H2 2021 milestones achieved at its underground mine at the Company’s Pumpkin Hollow Project (the “Underground Mine”).

The Company has experienced a significant reset and demonstrated significant operational and corporate improvements in H2 2021. These milestones provide a foundation for an accelerating pace of operational ramp-up.

“I am very pleased with the progress the Company has made in H2 of this year,” stated Randy Buffington, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our mining rates, a key metric for ramp-up production advancement, have been increasing month over month. We are now seeing the efficiencies generated from the advanced management systems implemented in Q3 of this year. The building blocks are in place for increased mining rates and production as we move into H1 of next year.”

Operations

  • Equipment availabilities materially improved: 14% improvement from 65% to 74% in total fleet availability since the beginning of Q4, 2021. Additional equipment expected to be added in Q4, 2021.
  • Contractor performance improved: Productivity increased by 31% from 1.75 to 2.29ft per person shift between October and November resulting in substantial improvement in operating efficiency as well as cost reductions.
  • Increased mining development rates: Sequential monthly increases in development rates, a key leading indicator of production ramp-up, delivered since management changes in August 2021. Rates achieved in December are currently 50% higher than August. Commissioning of additional bolters planned to deliver a further 50% increase in development rates in the coming weeks.
  • Consistent mill performance: Milling operations have performed well throughout 2021, with batch processing reaching 4700tpd, recoveries over 90% and concentrate quality performing in-line with design specifications.
  • Dike crossing completion: First crossing of the water bearing dike was completed in August 2021, and the second crossing is anticipated to occur later this year. No further crossings are required during the ramp up to 3ktpd expected in H1, 2022.
  • Ventilation infrastructure in place: All underground ventilation infrastructure was completed in H1 2021. Final addition of surface ventilation fans remains on schedule, with commissioning planned to be completed in January, 2022, with ventilation no longer expected to be a constraint to production rates thereafter.

Corporate

  • Transformational financing completed:
    • Closed C$125m public equity offering in November 2021, with a significant portion of the funds provided by select mining sector corporates. This was further complemented by broad participation from other new and existing institutional investors.
    • The upsized financing provides additional liquidity to fund exploration and expansion studies at the Company’s open pit project (the “Open Pit Project”) in addition to the ramp-up of Underground Mine.
  • Significantly enhanced balance sheet flexibility:
    • Long term debt reduced by approximately 30% during Q4, 2021.
    • First debt repayment under the Company’s senior credit facility with KfW-IPEX Bank deferred by 2 years to July 2024.
  • Hiring of key management positions:
    • Joining as Chief Executive Officer on October 6, 2021, Randy Buffington brings substantial operational and development experience in both underground and open pit mines in Nevada and internationally.
    • 8 key operational management positions added in H2 2021, resulting in operational improvement and enhanced planning and execution systems.
  • Development
    • Developed program for Open Pit Project resource extension and feasibility study: The budget and execution plan have been defined and the Company expects that drilling to support the updated open pit feasibility study will commence in Q2 2022, potentially sooner depending on drill rig availability.
    • Open Pit Project Decarbonization Program Advanced:
      • Solar power studies were completed in 2021, which show:
        • Pumpkin Hollow benefits from ample sun and land to support a large solar project with the capacity to meet a significant portion of the Open Pit Project’s power requirements;
        • The solar potential at the site is up to 200MW;
        • The already low grid power costs in Nevada could be further reduced through an on-site solar plant; and
        • A third-party solar project provides an option to remove upfront power infrastructure costs from the Open Pit Project.
      • Electric fleet study for mobile mining equipment fleet electrification at the Open Pit Project was completed by US-based energy and sustainability consultant Sprout Energy, which concluded:
        • Scope 1 carbon emissions over the life of mine could be reduced by approximately 10% of total estimated emissions; and
        • Fuel and maintenance costs could be reduced by up to approximately US$200m over the life of mine.
  • Exploration
    • Undertook further property reconnaissance on the Copper Ridge Area, which is located to the northeast of the Open Pit.
    • Defined target exploration plan: Initiated further refinement and interpretation of the newer geophysics in key areas such as Tedeboy, Tedeboy porphyry and Copper Ridge.
    • Initial grab sampling and mapping of these areas have resulted in areas with high grade copper samples. Surface mapping and sampling are planned for Q1 of 2022, supporting the commencement of drilling in Q2 2022.

Qualified Persons
The technical information and data in this news release was reviewed by Greg French, C.P.G., VP Head of Exploration of Nevada Copper, and Neil Schunke, P.Eng., a consultant to Nevada Copper, who are non-independent Qualified Persons within the meaning of NI 43-101.

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 Project, which is advancing towards feasibility status.

NEVADA COPPER CORP.
www.nevadacopper.com

Randy Buffington, President and CEO

For further information contact:
Rich Matthews, Investor Relations
Integrous Communications
rmatthews@integcom.us
+1 604 757 7179

Cautionary Language

This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information 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 statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to mine development, production and ramp-up objectives, exploration activities, equipment installation and the completion of a new feasibility study.

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: the ability of the Company to complete the ramp-up of the Underground Mine within the expected cost estimates and timeframe; requirements for additional capital and no assurance can be given regarding the availability thereof; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 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 rates increase; 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; labor 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; 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, 2020 and in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 18, 2021. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking information or statements are stated as of the date hereof. Nevada Copper disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Readers are referred to the additional information regarding Nevada Copper’s business contained in Nevada Copper’s reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. 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 statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on Nevada Copper and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review Nevada Copper’s filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

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

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Noram Lithium

Noram Lithium Corp: Zeus PEA shows 31% After-Tax IRR USD$1.299 Billion After-Tax NPV

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 8, 2021 / Noram Lithium Corp. (“Noram” or the “Company”) (TSX – Venture: NRM / Frankfurt:N7R / OTCQB:NRVTF) today announced the summary results of a National Instrument 43-101 compliant Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) for the high-grade lithium deposit at its wholly-owned Zeus Lithium Project (“Zeus” or the “Project”) located less than 1 mile from Albermarle’s Silver Peak Mine, which is currently the only lithium production facility in the United States. The PEA was prepared by ABH Engineering (“ABH”,) an independent engineering services firm with extensive experience in mining and mineral processing. All dollar values are in US dollars.

PEA Highlights

  • Robust Economics.
    • $1.299 Billion Net Present Value (“NPV”). Base case after-tax Net Present Value (“NPV”) of $1.299 billion (8% discount rate).
    • 31% Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”). Base case after-tax IRR of 31%.
    • Capital Costs(“CAPEX”). Estimated initial CAPEX of $528M with after-tax payback period of 3.23 years.
    • Gross Revenue of $303.4 Million/year
    • Low Operating Cost. Operating Cost (“OPEX”) of $3,355.30/tonne Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (“LCE”) with a break-even price of $4016.6/tonne LCE LOM.
  • Long Mine Life (“LOM). The mine production rate during full operation is set at 17,000 tpd. The production schedule uses ore from the first 11 phases, which results in 40-year mine life (“LOM”). The mine production schedule results in 245.4 million tonnes averaging 1,093 ppm Li.
  • Very Low Strip Ratio. Mining strip ratios are very low, averaging 0.07:1 for LOM. Mining consists of a truck and shovel method, with blasting being unnecessary due to the ore softness.
  • Low Environmental Impact. The leaching and filtration flowsheet includes dry stack tailings, thus, eliminating the environmental risk and long-term management issues associated with tailings ponds.
  • LCE market Price. Base case market price of $9500/tonne LCE is well below long term forecasted rate of $14,000/tonne[1].
  • Price Sensitivity. As noted in the sensitivity chart below, the after-tax NPV reaches $2.665 billion at $14,250/Tonne LCE (8% discount rate).

“We are thrilled with the results of this PEA,” stated Sandy MacDougall, Noram’s Chief Executive Officer and Director. “This study represents the most significant milestone to date for Noram and establishes us among limited peers as the newest low cost, high-grade, near-term lithium producer in North America. I am very pleased with what our team has achieved quickly, on schedule, and at the opportune time considering current and forecasted demand for Lithium Carbonate. This initial economic assessment is the most significant step to date towards our goal of lithium production and provides the market with a benchmark to evaluate our project’s viability and value compared with other lithium developers. We are excited as we enter 2022 pushing aggressively towards the completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study.”

Net Present Value (“NPV”)US$1.299 Billion
Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”)31%
Life of Mine (“LOM”)40 years
Operating Cost (“OPEX”)US$3355.30/tonne
Capital Cost EstimateUS$528 Million
Average Annual Production Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (“LCE”)31,900 tonnes
Average Daily Mine Production Rate LOM17,000 tpd
LOM Production245.4 MT @ 1093 ppm Li
LCE Market Price used in PEA Study*US$9500/tonne
Strip Ratio0.07 : 1.00
Pay Back Period3.23 years
Gross Revenue per YearUS$303.4 Million

PEA Summary

Infrastructure

The project is located next to the Cypress Development’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project and within 1 mile of Albermarle’s Silver Peak Lithium Mine. The Project is accessible via the Silver Peak Road, a two-lane road that connects the Silver Peak mine with Highway 95 to the east. General site infrastructure includes administration, laboratory, warehouse, reagent, comminution plant, and lithium recovery plant. Tailings are to be conveyed to the tailings storage areas for final spreading and contouring by dozers.

Metallurgical Testing

The objective of the metallurgical test program conducted on the Zeus Lithium deposit was to develop a viable process flowsheet to produce lithium carbonate. Information generated during the test program was used to define the process variables. Metallurgical testing began in 2018 at Actlabs Ltd (Actlabs) and AuTec Innovative Extractive Solutions Ltd (AuTec). This PEA report includes metallurgical test work conducted by SGS Canada Inc. in collaboration with ABH Engineering.

The following observations, conclusions and interpretations were obtained from the metallurgical test program:

  • Zeus Lithium deposit ore is soft and disintegrates easily if agitated in water.
  • Sulfuric acid solution effectively leaches lithium at high extraction.
  • Test work achieved 90% lithium extraction at 65°C, 30% solids density and 2 hours residence time.

Mine Option Selection

An ultimate pit of processable material will be created, consuming most of the property area. The ultimate pit has been divided into phases of which the first 11 contain enough resources for 40 years of production at a 17,000 tpd production rate. Resources contained within the entire ultimate pit limits provide enough ore for over 190 years of production at 17,000 tpd. All resources regardless of the material classification are treated equally for the purpose of this study.

An optimized cut-off grade of 850 ppm was used to schedule the processed feed, compared to the economic cut-off grade of 400 ppm. Low-grade ore with grades between the economic cut-off of 400 ppm and optimized cut-off of 850 ppm are scheduled to be deposited in the low-grade ore stockpile. This is done to initially increase the average processed ore grade and improve the overall economics of the project by accelerating higher grade material to earlier years.

CategoryUnitsValue
Gross Revenue$M303.4
Operating Cost$/tonne LCE3,355.3
Capital Cost$M528.0
Property tax% of Capex1.05%
State Tax%Up to 5%
Federal Tax% of net income21%
Discount Rate%8%
Pre-Tax NPV (8%)$M1,675.1
After-Tax NPV (8%)$M1,299.9
Pre-Tax IRR%36%
After-Tax IRR%31%
Payback Periodyears3.23
Break-even Price (0% IRR)$/tonne LCE4,016.6

Economic Analysis for Zeus Lithium Project

Sensitivity Analysis at 8% NPV with Varying Conditions

Measured
Li Cutoff (ppm)Tonnes x 1,000,000Li Grade (ppm)Contained Li (tonnes)LCE (tonnes)
40066.7492761,863329,299
60061.3496459,128314,738
80046.47105148,840259,975
100027.70115031,854169,558
Indicated
Li Cutoff (ppm)Tonnes x 1,000,000Li Grade (ppm)Contained Li (tonnes)LCE (tonnes)
400296.42922272,2971,454,762
600279.66947264,8371,409,728
800221.641007223,1931,188,059
1000103.761128117,044623,023
Measured + Indicated
Li Cutoff (ppm)Tonnes x 1,000,000Li Grade (ppm)Contained Li (tonnes)LCE (tonnes)
400363.15923335,1911,784,222
600341.00950323,9451,724,361
800268.111014271,8651,447,135
1000131.461133148,945792,836
Inferred
Li Cutoff (ppm)Tonnes x 1,000,000Li Grade (ppm)Contained Li (tonnes)LCE (tonnes)
400827.22884731,2613,892,501
600715.91942674,3833,589,743
800546.481013553,5882,946,750
1000265.471134301,0431,602,452

Final Tonnages and Grades of the Classes of Mineral Resources

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Brad Peek., M.Sc., CPG, who is a Qualified Person with respect to Noram’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

About Noram Lithium Corp.

Noram Lithium Corp (TSX – Venture: NRM / Frankfurt: N7R / OTCQB: NRVTF) is a Canadian based junior exploration company, with a goal of developing lithium deposits and becoming a low – cost supplier. The Company’s primary business is the Zeus Lithium Project (“Zeus”) in Clayton Valley, Nevada. The Zeus Project has a recently updated resource estimate of 363 million tonnes at 923 ppm lithium measured + indicated resources, and 827 million tonnes lithium at 884 ppm lithium inferred resources (400 ppm Li cut-off).

Noram’s long term strategy is to build a multi-national lithium minerals company to produce and sell lithium into the markets of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Please visit our web site for further information: www.noramlithiumcorp.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sandy MacDougall
CEO, Director

Investor Relations Contact:
Rich Matthews
Managing Partner
Integrous Communications
rmatthews@integcom.us
+1 604 757 7179

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. 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 completion transactions completed in the Agreement. 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.

[1] Lithium Carbonate Price (2015-2040) (Lane, T.; Harvey, J. T.; Fayram, T.; Samari, H.; Brown, J. J.;, 2018)

SOURCE: Noram Lithium Corp.



View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/676501/Noram-Lithium-Corp-Zeus-PEA-shows-31-After-Tax-IRR-USD1299-Billion-After-Tax-NPV

Categories
Base Metals Blog Energy Junior Mining Stillwater Critical Minerals

US adds Nickel, Zinc to critical minerals list

United States adds nickel, zinc to critical minerals list

Nickel smelter in Sorowako, Indonesia. (Image by Marcelo Coelho, courtesy of Vale).

(The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author, Andy Home, a columnist for Reuters.)

Nickel and zinc are now deemed critical minerals by the United States.

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The US Geological Survey (USGS) is proposing both metals be included in the redrafted critical minerals list. The list has grown from 35 to 50 since the last iteration in 2018, but that largely reflects the splitting out of rare earth elements and precious group metals into separate entities.

Four minerals – helium, potash, rhenium, and strontium – have been dropped. The United States is the world’s leading producer and net exporter of helium, while import dependency for the other three is mitigated by “low disruption potential”. Uranium was also dropped after being reclassified as a “mineral fuel”.

Nickel and zinc are the only two new additions, and each reflects an evolution of the methodology used to determine whether a mineral is critical to the well-being of the US economy.

Single point of failure

According to the USGS, the United States relies on refined nickel imports for around half of its annual consumption.

The top three suppliers last year were Canada (42%), Norway (10%) and Finland (9%) – all deemed “friendly” countries.

This relatively benign supply profile kept nickel off the critical minerals list in the past.

But it’s now included for two reasons.

Firstly, the USGS has expanded its criticality criteria to look beyond trade dependency to domestic supply, particularly what it calls “single points of failure”.

There is currently only one domestic operating nickel mine in the United States – the Eagle mine in Michigan – which exports concentrates for overseas refining.

There is a single producer of nickel sulphate, but only as a by-product of precious group metals production.

This limited domestic nickel production base was also highlighted in the Biden Administration’s 100-day review of critical supply chains, which recommended the government should invest as a priority in a new nickel refinery.

The second reason is nickel’s changing usage profile from alloy in stainless steel production to chemical component in electric vehicle batteries.

The combination of limited, single-point-of-failure domestic supply and the expected demand growth from battery manufacturers makes “a compelling case for inclusion” of nickel in the critical minerals list, the USGS noted.

Or, as the supply-chain review put it, not having enough battery-grade nickel “poses a supply chain risk for battery manufacturing globally, not just in the United States”.

Zinc concentration

The United States’ domestic supply chain of zinc is less fragile.

The country has 14 operating mines and three smelter facilities, one primary and two secondary, one of which resumed operations in 2020 after several years of inactivity.

However, the country’s refined zinc import dependency is relatively high. Imports of 710,000 tonnes last year represented 83% of domestic consumption, according to the USGS.

Global supply trends make this problematic.

“For zinc, global mine and smelter production concentration has increased notably during the past few decades,” the USGS said, adding that “this change has been driven mainly by increased production in China”.

Part of the thinking behind the latest critical minerals list is moving the analysis beyond simple import dependency to encompass broader global supply trends.

The more supply is concentrated in one country, the higher the potential risk factor, particularly if that country is designated a mineral competitor, as is the case with China.

Zinc’s supply risk is now above the 0.40 threshold used by the USGS to help determine criticality at 0.48.

Top of the supply-risk table are gallium, niobium and cobalt, followed by several rare earth elements.

Aluminum lies in eighth place with a score of 0.60, thanks to the concentration of smelting in China, and tin is also on the supply risk spectrum with a score of 0.50.

A continuum of supply risk

The USGS stresses that falling below the 0.40 cut-off point doesn’t mean there is no supply risk.

“The metrics developed with (the new) methodology are best viewed as a continuum of supply risk”, and one which is continuously moving as global supply chains for each commodity evolve, it said.

Out of the major industrial metals traded on the London Metal Exchange, only two are now not deemed critical minerals by the United States.

Copper has a low supply-risk profile due to a large domestic mining, smelting and recycling industry.

Lead is more interestingly poised on the USGS supply-risk table with a score of 0.39, just below the cut-off point, again due to a growing concentration of global mining and smelting capacity in China.

None of these industrial metals feature on the European Union’s critical minerals list.

In part that’s a reflection of Europe’s domestic production base both at the mining and smelting level.

But in part it may be because the USGS is ahead of its European peers in analysing global supply patterns and the resulting potential threats to critical minerals availability.

Nickel and zinc may not spring to mind when most people think of critical minerals, but as far as the United States is concerned, they both are.

(Editing by Jan Harvey)

Categories
Base Metals Energy Granite Creek Copper Junior Mining Metallic Group

Granite Creek Copper Announces Results of Mine Planning & Mineral Processing Work Conducted on the Carmacks Copper-Gold Project by Sedgman and Mining Plus

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2021 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce the results of work completed by Sedgman Canada and Mining Plus on the Company’s Carmacks copper-gold-silver deposit in the Minto Copper Belt located in central Yukon, Canada. The Company has received a final report on studies that include review of alternate leach technologies, mine planning, ore sorting and other key elements which are expected to be highly influential on the updated preliminary economic assessment (“PEA”) planned for H1 2022.

Highlights include:

  • Excellent results from initial metallurgical testing on sulfide material;
  • Confirmation of in tank leaching as the preferred method of extraction of both copper and precious metals from oxide ores;
  • Identification of conventional flotation as the preferred method of producing a copper concentrate from sulfide ores;
  • Development of a draft underground mine plan, with sub-level block cave as the preferred underground mining method at Carmacks;

Granite Creek President & CEO, Tim Johnson, stated, “We are extraordinarily pleased with the results provided by Sedgman and Mining Plus and the degree of efficiency, expertise and professionalism they have demonstrated since Granite Creek initially engaged them in May of this year. The studies have provided a great deal of new insight and clarity on the best path forward as we continue to advance Carmacks toward updated economics and, ultimately, production. We are very confident that these elements of mine planning and optimization, combined with the updated 43-101 mineral resource estimate we anticipate in Q1, will form the basis of a robust new PEA. The Yukon is an exceptional mining jurisdiction, the Minto belt has excellent infrastructure and robust mineralization currently being mined by Minto Metals Corp. just to the north of us who are now publicly traded on the Venture Exchange. We look forward to additional announcements soon as the pieces continue to fall into place at Carmacks.”

Virtual Investor Conference – OTC Markets Group

Granite Creek will be presenting at the upcoming Mining & Metals Virtual Investor Conference hosted by OTC Markets Group on Wednesday, December 8th at 11:30 AM PT / 2:30 PM ET. Topics of discussion will include the Company’s 2021 drilling campaign, the mine planning and mineral processing results described herein, and implications for the expected updates to both the existing 43-101 mineral resource estimate and PEA. To register, click here.

Sedgman / Mining Plus Report Discussion

An initial review of geotechnical studies as referenced in the 2017 PEA1,2, has indicated that a sub-level block cave is likely the most cost-effective method of underground mining of Zone 1 at the Carmacks Deposit. Based on this, Granite Creek will now move to initiate costing studies to support an updated PEA that includes potential underground resources not only in Zone 1 but other adjacent zones. In addition, the Company will launch pit design and optimization efforts on mineralized zones that lie outside of the pit contemplated in the 2017 PEA. Specifically, Zones 2000S and 13 will see pit optimization scenarios that will determine how much material could potentially be mined via open pit and what portion of the resources will be extracted by underground mining methods.

Metallurgical testing of sulfide mineralization to determine recovery of copper minerals using conventional flotation technology to create a copper concentrate was highly successful, achieving copper recoveries of up to 95%. Further testing is planned to confirm these recovery rates and to add gold and silver to a concentrate scenario. This work will be used identify the correct sizing of a copper-gold-silver concentrator circuit and the associated economics.

Previous economic assessments did not consider the potential value from processing of the high-grade sulphide material at Carmacks, despite a defined sulfide resource. In conducting a comprehensive review of the Carmacks deposit and the Carmacks North target area, the presence of significant sulfide mineralization became immediately apparent and Granite Creek felt it prudent to examine its potential inclusion as a means to expand the overall resource, extend mine life and improve economics. The majority of the Company’s 2021 drilling campaign focused on delineating and expanding sulfide resources with both near surface and deeper targets explored. Both oxide and sulphide mineralized zones remain open to expansion, with a significant expansion of the sulphide resource anticipated in the upcoming resource estimate update in Q1 2022. The updated PEA will incorporate this expanded resource and will include review of the mining sequence including an assessment of whether any sulfide resources may be mined via open pit and the optimal sequence for sulfide flotation and oxide leaching.

Table 1. Current Mineral Resource Estimate on the Carmacks Copper Project1,2

CategoryTonnes (000)Cu (%)Au (g/t)Ag (g/t)
Oxide & Transition MineralizationMeasured6,4840.860.414.24
Indicated9,2060.970.363.80
M&I15,6900.940.383.97
Inferred9130.450.121.90
Sulphide MineralizationMeasured1,3810.640.192.17
Indicated6,6870.690.172.34
M&I8,0680.680.182.33
Inferred8,4070.630.151.99

[1] JDS Energy and Mining. Feb 9, 2017. NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment Technical Report on the Carmacks Project, Yukon, Canada. Contained metal based on 23.76 million tonnes of NI 43-101 compliant resources in the Measured and Indicated categories grading 0.85% Cu, 0.31 g/t Au, 3.14 g/t Ag.

[2] Arseneau Consulting Services, 2016 Independent Technical Report on the Carmacks Copper Project, Yukon, Canada.

About Granite Creek Copper

Granite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 176 square kilometer Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The project is on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine, operated by Minto Metals Corp., to the north, and features excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

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

Qualified Person

Ms. Debbie James, P.Geo., a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

SOURCE: Granite Creek Copper Ltd.



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Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals Project Generators

Riverside Resources Repatriates Its Portfolio in the Geraldton Gold Belt in Ontario, Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – December 1, 2021) – Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) (OTCQB: RVSDF) (FSE: 5YY) (“Riverside” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce the repatriation of its 3 projects in the Beardmore-Geraldton Greenstone Belt (“BGGB”) in Ontario, Canada. In February 2021, Riverside offered the sale of its portfolio to iMetal Resources Inc. (“iMetal”). The Purchase Agreement was contingent upon a series of conditions which were not completed. At this time both parties have mutually agreed to dissolve the transaction and Riverside has now retained 100% ownership of the project portfolio of: Oakes, Longrose and Pichette located in the well-endowed and prolific BGGB. The recovery of these projects occurs at an opportune time for Riverside, particularly since the region is experiencing a renaissance in mining activity. Specifically, the recent launch of construction at the Greenstone Mine (an Equinox Gold / Orion Joint Venture) near the town of Geraldton, which bodes extremely well for Riverside’s own projects which are located along the trans-Canada highway and in close proximity to the Greenstone Mine.

During the past 7 months Riverside acted as exploration operator completing a summer field program. During the agreement with iMetal, Riverside more than doubled the induced polarization survey (IP) grid as well as conducted a focused sampling and mapping program along the survey grid at the Oakes Gold Project.

Highlights of the BGGB portfolio can be found in the press release dated February 10, 2021, which summarizes the previous work done at Oakes and also Riverside’s work on the three properties (see Figure 1).



Figure 1: Riverside’s 3 projects in the Geraldton-Beardmore gold belt shown in red along 90 km trend

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6101/106007_6ff1e4a98493e910_002full.jpg

Riverside’s President and CEO, John-Mark Staude: “Regaining control of this three-project portfolio of further de-risked gold properties near the developing Greenstone Gold Mine provides Riverside with a unique opportunity to advance exploration ourselves. Drill target generation progressed this summer, we have a drill permit in hand and will start with further exploration work at Oakes with a view towards drilling initial targets there during 2022.”

Oakes Project:

Riverside acquired the BGGB portfolio in 2019, through a staking program with the opportunity to secure open ground in a prolific gold belt in northwestern Ontario adjacent to the Greenstone Gold Mine, a large gold resource and near-term future mining operation. Since 2019, Riverside’s technical teams have progressed and defined a large undrilled exploration target through the compilation of historical work including high grade gold drill and trench results, and an IP survey. Riverside controls a total of 55 km2 (5,544 hectares) at the Oakes Project, which is defined as being the most advanced project within the recovered BGGB portfolio. The latest exploration work included defining drill targets over a 2.3 km long IP anomaly corresponding to approximately 30% of the property explored as presented below.

The 2021 IP survey included a total of 12 line-km with the intention to identifying continuity to the east and west of the known mineralized system. These new geophysical results show an increased anomaly from 600 m length to a total of 2.2 km with continuity of the anomaly from the 2010 IP1 grid to the 2021 grid extension. Recent field work from Riverside’s team aimed to verify the IP anomalies on the ground looking for any potential associated evidence of mineralization and collect samples (pending).

At least three targets have been described as presented below, all of them drill-ready:

  • High Grade (“HG”) target reporting up to 31.9 g/t Au at surface (see press release July 29, 2019)
  • Brinklow target reporting a sample of 0.8 g/t Au
  • Crib target with sample assays pending

The high chargeability anomalies are not restricted along strike, neither to the west nor the east side, leaving the possibility for extension beyond the 2.2 km three parallel chargeable corridors. This will allow for additional exploration follow up in 2022 heading toward drilling.



Figure 2: Normalized chargeability (IP) combined 2010 (Golden Chalice, 2010) and Riverside 2021 covering about 30% of the Oakes Project. Anomalies presented as targets are understood to be related to geological features/variations, all of interest potentially related to mineralization. Overall, IP anomalies strike at Az100. Assay results are from Riverside’s field work in 2019.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6101/106007_6ff1e4a98493e910_003full.jpg

Moving forward, Riverside wishes to advance the project with a drill program. De-risking has allowed the company to build confidence for additional project investment. The company is also very pleased to have the projects back into its current portfolio, setting up new opportunities to move ahead in a belt that sees substantial mining investment now with the Equinox Gold / Orion Mine Finance partnership on building a large new gold mine operation at Greenstone near the Company’s property holdings.

Options Grant

On November 16, 2021 the Company granted 1,000,000 incentive stock options (the “Options”) to Directors, Officers and Consultants of the Company. The Options are exercisable at $0.16 per share for a period of 5 years from the date of grant. Options granted to individuals in their capacity as a Director vest in 3 equal instalments over 18 months and Options granted to Officers and Consultants vest in 4 equal instalments over 12 months. The Options were granted pursuant to the Company’s shareholder-approved stock option plan and are subject to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and any applicable regulatory hold periods.

Qualified Person & QA/QC:

The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Freeman Smith, P.Geo, a non-independent qualified person to Riverside Resources, who is responsible for ensuring that the geologic information provided within this news release is accurate and who acts as a “qualified person” under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

All data represented here from historical reporting, including but not limited to, drill results and resource estimates are historical in nature and require caution readers as the vintage work.

About Riverside Resources Inc.:

Riverside is a well-funded exploration company driven by value generation and discovery. The Company has over $5M in cash, no debt and less than 72M shares outstanding with a strong portfolio of gold-silver and copper assets and royalties in North America. Riverside has extensive experience and knowledge operating in Mexico and Canada and leverages its large database to generate a portfolio of prospective mineral properties. In addition to Riverside’s own exploration spending, the Company also strives to diversify risk by securing joint-venture and spin-out partnerships to advance multiple assets simultaneously and create more chances for discovery. Riverside has properties available for option, with information available on the Company’s website at www.rivres.com.

ON BEHALF OF RIVERSIDE RESOURCES INC.

“John-Mark Staude”

Dr. John-Mark Staude, President & CEO

For additional information contact:

John-Mark Staude
President, CEO
Riverside Resources Inc.
info@rivres.com
Phone: (778) 327-6671
Fax: (778) 327-6675
Web: www.rivres.com

Raffi Elmajian
Corporate Communications
Riverside Resources Inc.
relmajian@rivres.com
Phone: (778) 327-6671
TF: (877) RIV-RES1
Web: www.rivres.com

Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking information. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology (e.g., “expect”,” estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”). Such information involves known and unknown risks — including the availability of funds, the results of financing and exploration activities, the interpretation of exploration results and other geological data, or unanticipated costs and expenses and other risks identified by Riverside in its public securities filings that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

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.

1 Golden Chalice, 2010

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/106007

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Noram Lithium

Noram Announces Appointment of President and Chief Operating Officer

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2021 / Noram Lithium Corp. (“Noram” or the “Company”) (TSX.V:NRM)(Frankfurt:N7R)(OTCQB:NRVTF) today announced the appointment of Peter A. Ball as President and Chief Operating Officer. The addition of Mr. Ball strengthens Noram’s Senior Management team as its 100%-owned Zeus Lithium Project in Nevada continues to transition from an advanced exploration project to a potential company-making development-stage asset with the imminent completion of its Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”).

“We are excited to have Mr. Ball join our team as we transition from explorer to developer,” stated Mr. Sandy MacDougall, CEO of Noram Lithium. “Peter is an experienced capital markets executive and brings with him field experience from years in the mining sector. Peter adds considerable strength to our management team as we advance our Zeus Lithium Project toward production.”

“I am thrilled to join the exceptional team at Noram Lithium at this key transformational period of the Company’s advancement of its 100% owned high-grade Zeus Lithium Project,”commented Mr. Peter A. Ball, Noram’s new President and COO.“I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of Noram’s lithium development story and leverage the current global battery metals bull market. At Noram, we are executing an aggressive and focused resource development strategy to fully understand the economics of the Zeus Lithium Project. We believe the upcoming PEA, which is anticipated to be completed before the end of 2021, will clearly highlight to the market and global lithium and battery metal investors that the Zeus Project has the potential to not only reach the production stage, but significantly assist battery metal end-users tackle the demand/supply crunch clearly evident over the next decade and beyond. The Zeus Project’s resource model indicates a high-grade shallow lithium deposit located in Nevada, one of the top mining jurisdictions globally, and is also immediately adjacent to the only Lithium producer in United States. I look forward to contributing to what will be Noram’s biggest year ahead as we focus on aggressively elevating the Zeus Lithium Project amongst our peers and rewarding our supportive shareholders.”

Mr. Ball brings a progressive track record of proven leadership experience covering more than thirty years in the mining and finance sectors. He has demonstrated competencies in the resource industry on an international level, leveraging senior executive management roles in business, engineering, finance, and securities. Mr. Ball has served in various management and senior executive roles for numerous companies most recently in Nevada at NV Gold Corp., and including Redstar Gold Corp., Columbus Gold Corp., Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting, Echo Bay Mines Ltd., RBC Dominion Securities and Eldorado Gold Corp. Mr. Ball is a graduate of the Haileybury School of Mines, Georgian Business College and is a member of CIMM.

Noram has granted 1,000,000 incentive stock options to an officer and consultant of the Company. The Options are exercisable at a price of $0.77 per share for a period of ten (10) years, expiring on November 30, 2031. All options granted are in accordance with the Company’s 10% Rolling Stock Option Plan, and subject to TSX Venture acceptance.

About Noram Lithium Corp.

Noram Lithium Corp (TSX.V:NRM)(Frankfurt:N7R)(OTCQB:NRVTF) is a Canadian based advanced Lithium exploration stage company. Noram is aggressively advancing its 100%-owned Zeus Lithium Project in Nevada from the current advanced resource stage to the development-stage level through the completion of its Preliminary Economic Assessment by the end of 2021. The Company’s flagship asset is the Zeus Lithium Project (“Zeus”), located in Clayton Valley, Nevada. The Zeus Project contains a current 43-101 measured and indicated resource estimate of 363 million tonnes grading 923 ppm lithium, and an inferred resource of 827 million tonnes grading 884 ppm lithium utilizing a 400 ppm Li cut-off.

Noram’s long term strategy is to become a leader in the development of lithium deposits, become a low-cost producer and supplier, and sell lithium into the markets of Europe, North America and Asia.

Please visit our web site for further information: www.noramlithiumcorp.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sandy MacDougall
CEO and Director

Investor Relations Contact:
Rich Matthews
Managing Partner
Integrous Communications
rmatthews@integcom.us
+1 604 757 7179

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. 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 completion transactions completed in the Agreement. 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.

SOURCE: Noram Lithium Corp.



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Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Nevada Copper

Nevada Copper Provides Update on Operational Advances

YERINGTON, Nev., Nov. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDF) (FSE: ZYTA) (“Nevada Copper” or the “Company”) today provided an update on its operations, including advances at the Company’s underground mine at its Pumpkin Hollow Project (the “Underground Mine”) and an update on its 2022 development plan.

Underground Mine Operations Highlights

  • Lateral Development Rates Continue to Rise. The Company has advanced approximately 760 lateral equivalent feet in the past 30 days, a 20% increase in average daily footage from the previous 30 days. Lateral development continues on multiple headings, providing access to ore mining zones in the East South orebody and advancing development towards the East North orebody.
  • Sugar Cube to be Blasted Shortly. The high-grade Sugar Cube zone is planned to be drilled in December and mining is expected to commence in early Q1 2022. This will be the first stope mined in the East North orebody, which is expected to have higher quality ground conditions and significantly larger stope sizes.
  • Processing Plant Operating Well. The mill continues to run at design specifications with the grinding, flotation, thickening, and concentrate filtration circuits performing well mechanically. The Company anticipates increased production and recovery rates with the addition of the Sugar Cube zone to the processing plant’s ore feed in Q1 2022.
  • Surface Ventilation Fans on Schedule. The surface ventilation fans are on schedule to arrive on site in approximately 3 weeks with installation and commissioning expected to be completed on time in line with the demands of the mine plan.

2022 Development Plan Update

  • Open Pit Drilling and Progressing. With additional funding received from the Company’s recent public equity offering, the Company intends to undertake an infill drilling campaign and to update its open pit studies to reflect opportunities for increased scale, larger resource and other optimization workstreams. Further updates on the Company’s 2022 development plan will be released shortly.

“I am pleased with the operational advances we have achieved this month, as we build on the progress from Q3,” stated Randy Buffington, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our development rates continue to increase on a weekly basis and will soon provide access to the larger high-grade stopes, which is expected to result in increased ore feed delivered to our fully operational processing plant for a step further in our ramp-up progression.”

Qualified Persons
The technical information and data in this news release was reviewed by Greg French, C.P.G., VP Head of Exploration of Nevada Copper, and Neil Schunke, P.Eng., a consultant to Nevada Copper, who are non-independent Qualified Persons within the meaning of NI 43-101.

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 project, which is advancing towards feasibility status.

NEVADA COPPER CORP.
www.nevadacopper.com

Randy Buffington, President and CEO

For further information contact:
Rich Matthews, Investor Relations
Integrous Communications
rmatthews@integcom.us
+1 604 757 7179

Cautionary Language

This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information 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 statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to mine development, production and ramp-up objectives, equipment installation, drilling programs and the completion of a new feasibility study.

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: the ability of the Company to complete the ramp-up of the Underground Mine within the expected cost estimates and timeframe; requirements for additional capital and no assurance can be given regarding the availability thereof; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 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 rates increase; 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; labor 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; 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, 2020 and in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 18, 2021. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking information or statements are stated as of the date hereof. Nevada Copper disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Readers are referred to the additional information regarding Nevada Copper’s business contained in Nevada Copper’s reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. 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 statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on Nevada Copper and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review Nevada Copper’s filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

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

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals Stillwater Critical Minerals

Group Ten Metals Signs Definitive Agreement with Heritage Mining on the Black Lake-Drayton Gold Project in Ontario, Canada

November 29, 2021 – Vancouver, BC – Group Ten Metals Inc. (TSX.V: PGE | OTCQB: PGEZF; FSE: 5D32) (the “Company” or “>Group Ten”) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Definitive Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Heritage Mining Ltd. (“Heritage”) per the binding Letter of Intent (the “LOI”) announced August 26, 2021. By the terms of the Agreement, and subject to the earn-in requirements specified therein, Heritage can acquire up to a 90% interest in Group Ten’s Black Lake-Drayton gold project (the “Property”) in Ontario, Canada.

Group Ten also announces that it has initiated the exploration program required by the Agreement, with a focus on advancing and refining existing targets identified in past campaigns, as well as advancing new targets. To this end, the 2021 program includes re-sampling of core from 1996-2002 drill campaigns programs at the Moretti, Dragfold, and Bonanza targets, focused prospecting in areas of interest identified by the 2017 geophysical modelling and interpretation report, and a basal till sampling program intended to expand upon successful 2018 and 2020 programs.

Group Ten President and CEO, Michael Rowley stated, “We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the first in what we expect will ultimately become a series of deals whereby Group Ten begins to realize value for our non-core assets. Black Lake-Drayton, like our Kluane Ni-Cu-PGE project, is a high-quality brownfields project that is district-scale in size and 100%-owned by the Company. The Agreement with Heritage Mining provides Group Ten with significant exposure to the gold market while allowing us to focus on our 100%-owned Stillwater West project in Montana, where we see terrific potential to expand our recent inaugural resource estimates of first-world nickel, copper, palladium, platinum, rhodium, gold and cobalt. Core from 2021 resource expansion drilling at Stillwater West is progressing through the assay lab and we look forward to a series of news releases announcing results starting in the coming weeks, as well as updates on other initiatives including our work in carbon sequestration.”

Heritage Mining’s CEO, Peter Schloo stated, “It is rare that a project of this size and quality becomes available, and we appreciate Group Ten’s faith in our ability to add significant shareholder value in a timely manner. We are very excited about the Black Lake-Drayton project and look forward to developing the property in a systematic manner. This is a pivotal point in Heritage Mining’s path, and we look forward to the future. We anticipate a go-public listing shortly, pending market conditions.”

Upcoming Events

Live Webinar – Amvest Capital

Group Ten Metals President and CEO, Michael Rowley, will provide an overview and update on the Company and our flagship Stillwater West battery metals and platinum group elements project during a live webinar event hosted by Amvest Capital on Monday, November 29th at 13:05 PT / 16:05 ET. To register, click here.

Virtual Investor Conference – OTC Markets Group

Group Ten has been invited to present at the upcoming Mining & Metals Virtual Investor Conference hosted by OTC Markets Group on Wednesday, December 8th at 12:00 PM PT / 3:00 PM ET. Topics of discussion will include the Company’s recently announced NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, the 2021 expansion drill campaign, and upcoming, near-term catalysts. To register, click here.

Terms of the Heritage Mining Definitive Agreement

Under the terms of the Agreement, Heritage may acquire a 90% undivided interest in the Property by making payments totaling 7.2 million shares and CAD $300,000 in cash to Group Ten, completing exploration and development work totaling CAD $5 million on the Property, granting Group Ten a 10% carried interest in the Property through completion of a feasibility study, and completing other requirements including potential success-based discovery payments, as detailed below:

  • Heritage shall issue 2,800,000 shares to Group Ten within ten (10) business days of obtaining a public listing on a specified exchange.
  • Heritage may earn a 51% interest (the “First Option”) in the Property by completing the following on or before the third anniversary of the “Agreement:
    • Issuing an additional 3.3 million shares to Group Ten;
    • Completing cash payments totaling CAD $300,000; and
    • Completing exploration work totaling CAD $2.5 million.
  • Upon completion of the First Option, Heritage may earn an additional 39% ownership interest in the Property (the “Second Option”) for a cumulative 90% interest by completion of the following on or before the fourth anniversary of the Agreement:
    • Issuing an additional 1.1 million shares to Group Ten; and
    • Completing additional exploration work totaling CAD $2.5 million.

In addition, the LOI provides the following:

  • A discovery payment of $1.00 per ounce of gold or gold equivalent shall be made on mineral resource estimates as filed from time-to-time on the Property and shall, in Heritage’s discretion, be paid in cash or shares (or a combination thereof), capped at a maximum of $10 million.
  • Upon completion of the Second Option, Group Ten will retain a 10% free carried interest in the Project, with Heritage being responsible for all Property costs until completion by Heritage of a positive feasibility study supported by a technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 on the Property (the “FS”).
  • The Agreement provides for the formation of a Joint Venture (“JV”) based on the then legal and beneficial ownership levels in the Property following completion of the FS. A JV may also be formed in the event Heritage does not complete the requirements of the Second Option.
  • Heritage will be required to maintain minimum exploration and development expenditures of CAD $500,000 per annum until the completion of the FS in order to maintain status as operator of the JV. Group Ten maintains certain back-in rights in the event Heritage does not meet minimum expenditure requirements.
  • Group Ten is required to complete CAD $300,000 of exploration work on the Property within the first year of the Agreement.

Black Lake – Drayton Gold Project Overview

The 100%-owned Black Lake–Drayton project consists of 137 square kilometers in the Abrams‐Minnitaki Lake Archean greenstone belt, along the northern margin of the Wabigoon sub-province in Ontario, Canada. The Property has significant exploration potential with demonstrated high-grade gold in drill results and bulk samples across more than 30 kilometers of underexplored strike in a geologic setting that is shared with Treasury Metals’ development-stage Goliath Gold Complex project in a highly active gold belt that also hosts Rainy River’s New Gold mine and other deposits. The geological models and exploration methods that have successfully proven up over 14 million ounces of gold at Treasury, New Gold, and other projects in the region since the 1990s have yet to be systematically applied at Black Lake – Drayton. Access and infrastructure are excellent on the Property, which features direct road access, and proximity to rail and power.

About Heritage Mining

Heritage Mining Ltd. is a private, well-capitalized company focused on acquiring Tier-1, advanced stage precious and base metal exploration projects and/or the junior/micro-producer project stage. Heritage’s board and management Team have a proven track record of shareholder value creation with over 100 years of combined experience in the mining and exploration sector. For more information, visit the Heritage Mining website.

About Group Ten Metals Inc.

Group Ten Metals Inc. is a TSX-V-listed Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the development of high-quality platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, cobalt, and gold exploration assets in top North American mining jurisdictions. The Company is focused on its 100%-owned, flagship Stillwater West battery metals and platinum group elements project in Montana, USA, adjacent to the high-grade PGE mines operated by Sibanye-Stillwater. In October 2021, the Company announced its inaugural NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, with an update expected in Q1 2022 subject to results from an expansion drill campaign in 2021 from which assays are pending.

Group Ten also holds two additional district-scale brownfields assets including the high-grade Black Lake-Drayton Gold project adjacent to Treasury Metals’ development-stage Goliath Gold Complex in northwest Ontario (now subject to an earn-in by Heritage Mining), and the Kluane PGE-Ni-Cu-Co project on trend with Nickel Creek Platinum‘s Wellgreen deposit in Canada‘s Yukon Territory.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Michael Rowley, President, CEO & Director
Email: info@grouptenmetals.com             Phone: (604) 357 4790
Web: http://grouptenmetals.com             Toll Free: (888) 432 0075

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward Looking Statements: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding the execution of a definitive agreement, the completion of the proposed transaction and the receipt of any cash or share payments therefrom, future exploration and development expenditures, the sale of non-core assets, potential mineralization, the realization of mineral resource estimates, the timing and success of exploration activities generally or the completion of a feasibility study, the timing and results of future resource estimates, future driling activities, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Group Ten 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 (including board and stock exchange approvals), the failure to negotiate and execute the Agreement on the terms currently contemplated or at all, 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 Group Ten 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.

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Nevada Copper

Nevada Copper Announcrs Closing of Public Offering

YERINGTON, Nev., Nov. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDF) (FSE: ZYTA) (“Nevada Copper” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced public offering of units of the Company (the “Units”), which included the partial exercise of the over-allotment option (the “Over-Allotment Option”) by a syndicate of underwriters that included Scotiabank, Jett Capital LLC, RBC Capital Markets, Haywood Securities Inc. and Research Capital Corporation. As announced on November 11, 2021, the public offering (the “Offering”) was upsized due to strong demand, including from new and existing institutional investors and mining sector corporates.

The Company issued an aggregate of 162,644,300 Units and 2,000,000 Warrants (as defined below), including 14,544,300 Units and 2,000,000 Warrants pursuant to the partial exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, at a price of C$0.77 per Unit (the “Offering Price”) and C$0.08 per Warrant, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$125.4 million. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each a “Common Share”) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each full warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Warrant is exercisable for one Common Share (each a “Warrant Share”) at a price of C$1.00 per Warrant Share until May 29, 2023.

The proceeds of the Offering will be sufficient to satisfy the condition to the effectiveness of the previously announced amendments to the Company’s amended and restated credit facility with its senior project lender, KfW-IPEX Bank (the “KfW Facility”), for a significant deferral and extension of its debt facilities. See the Company’s October 12, 2021 news release for additional details on the amendments to the KfW Facility.

In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Company’s largest shareholder, Pala Investments Limited (“Pala”), has maintained its current shareholding percentage in the Company by completing the purchase, on a private placement basis, of 98,104,584 Units, at the Offering Price in the aggregate amount of approximately C$75.5 million (the “Concurrent Private Placement”). The consideration for the Concurrent Private Placement was the full repayment of the promissory note entered into between the Company and Pala on June 10, 2021, as amended and restated, and the partial repayment of debt owing by the Company to Pala under the credit facility entered into between the Company and Pala on February 3, 2021 (the “Credit Facility”).

As previously announced, in connection with the Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, Pala and the Company have agreed to amend and restate the Credit Facility on the terms set forth in the binding term sheet entered into between the Company and Pala on November 10, 2021 (the “Amended Credit Facility”). The Amended Credit Facility will have a principal amount of approximately US$32 million and an extended maturity date to January 31, 2026. The Amended Credit Facility will contain an accordion feature allowing the Company to draw up to an additional US$15 million under the Amended Credit Facility, subject to the agreement of Pala and the prior acceptance by the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”). The Company expects to enter into the Amended Credit Facility on or about November 30, 2021. In connection with entering into the Amended Credit Facility, the Company will issue 15,000,000 Common Share purchase warrants (the “Credit Facility Warrants”) to Pala. Each Credit Facility Warrant will entitle Pala to purchase, on or before January 31, 2026, one Common Share at an exercise price equal to a 25% premium to the 5-day volume weighted average price of the Common Shares as of the trading day immediately prior to the entering into of the Amended Credit Facility. Pursuant to the requirements of the TSX, the approval of disinterested shareholders of the Company will be required to be obtained before the Credit Facility Warrants become exercisable.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

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 (the “Underground Mine”) and processing facility, which is now in the production stage, and a large-scale open pit project, which is advancing towards feasibility status.

NEVADA COPPER CORP.
www.nevadacopper.com

Randy Buffington, President and CEO

For further information contact:
Rich Matthews, Investor Relations
Integrous Communications
rmatthews@integcom.us
+1 604 757 7179

Cautionary Language

This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information 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 statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the entering into of the Amended Credit Facility and the timing in respect thereof, and the issuance and approval of the Credit Facility Warrants.

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: the ability of the Company to complete the ramp-up of the Underground Mine within the expected cost estimates and timeframe; requirements for additional capital and no assurance can be given regarding the availability thereof; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 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; failure to enter into the Amended Credit Facility; ground conditions; cost overruns relating to development, construction and ramp-up of the Underground Mine; loss of material properties; interest rates increase; 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; labor 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; 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, 2020 and in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 18, 2021. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking information or statements are stated as of the date hereof. Nevada Copper disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Readers are referred to the additional information regarding Nevada Copper’s business contained in Nevada Copper’s reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. 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 statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on Nevada Copper and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review Nevada Copper’s filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Nevada Copper 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.