KELOWNA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 31, 2024 / Diamcor Mining Inc. (TSX-V:DMI)(OTCQB:DMIFF)(FRA:DC3A) (“Diamcor” or the “Company”), a well-established Canadian diamond mining company with a proven history in the mining, exploration, and sale of rough diamonds, announces that the Company intends to complete a term loan financing (the “Financing”) of up to CAD$1,000,000. Term loans under the Financing will be unsecured, carry an annual interest rate of 15%, and the Company will issue a total of 400,000 common shares in its authorized share capital for every CAD$100,000 of principal advanced under the Financing by participants/lenders pursuant to policy 5.1 of the TSX Venture Exchange Corporate Finance Manual. There will be no warrant issued as part of the Financing. The principal and interest of the term loans will be due and payable on the 12-month anniversary of the closing date. As has been the case in other recent financings completed by the Company, Management and key shareholders are expected to participate in this Financing.
The proceeds of the Financing will be used to advance efforts aimed at processing material at significantly higher volumes in 2025 at the Company’s Krone-Endora at Venetia Project (the “Project”), the advancement of work programmes previously underway, expansion into the greater portions of the Project, and for general corporate purposes. The Company also notes that it is in advanced discussions with various larger industry groups and financiers on the provision of larger non-dilutive facilities to support future growth, and further details will be provided when available in the coming weeks. As a result of the above, the Company will not be proceeding with the financing previously announced on October 30, 2024.
The Financing is subject to regulatory approval of the TSX Venture Exchange along with completion of all definitive documentation and filings as required. All securities issued pursuant to the above will be subject to a hold period of four months plus one day following the closing.
About Diamcor Mining Inc.
Diamcor Mining Inc. is a fully reporting publicly traded Canadian diamond mining company with a well-established proven history in the mining, exploration, and sale of rough diamonds. The Company’s primary focus is on the development of its Krone-Endora at Venetia Project which is co-located and directly adjacent to De Beers’ Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa. The Venetia diamond mine is recognized as one of the world’s top diamond-producing mines, and the deposits which occur on Krone-Endora have been identified as being the result of shift and subsequent erosion of an estimated 50M tonnes of material from the higher grounds of Venetia to the lower surrounding areas in the direction of Krone and Endora. The Company focuses on the acquisition and development of mid-tier projects with near-term production capabilities and growth potential and uses unique approaches to mining that involves the use of advanced technology and techniques to extract diamonds in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner. The Company has a strong commitment to social responsibility, including supporting local communities and protecting the environment.
About the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project
Diamcor acquired the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project from De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited, consisting of the prospecting rights over the farms Krone 104 and Endora 66, which represent a combined surface area of approximately 5,888 hectares directly adjacent to De Beers’ flagship Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa. The Company subsequently announced that the South African Department of Mineral Resources had granted a Mining Right for the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project encompassing 657.71 hectares of the Project’s total area of 5,888 hectares. The Company has also submitted an application for a mining right over the remaining areas of the Project. The deposits which occur on the properties of Krone and Endora have been identified as a higher-grade “Alluvial” basal deposit which is covered by a lower-grade upper “Eluvial” deposit. These deposits are proposed to be the result of the direct-shift (in respect to the “Eluvial” deposit) and erosion (in respect to the “Alluvial” deposit) of an estimated 1,000 vertical meters of material from the higher grounds of the adjacent Venetia Kimberlite areas. The deposits on Krone-Endora occur with a maximum total depth of approximately 15.0 metres from surface to bedrock, allowing for a very low-cost mining operation to be employed with the potential for near-term diamond production from a known high-quality source. Krone-Endora also benefits from the significant development of infrastructure and services already in place due to its location directly adjacent to the De Beers Venetia Mine, which is widely recognised as one of the top producing diamond mines in the world.
Qualified Person Statement:
Mr. James P. Hawkins (B.Sc., P.Geo.) is Manager of Exploration & Special Projects for Diamcor Mining Inc., and the Qualified Person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 responsible for overseeing the execution of Diamcor’s exploration programmes and a Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (“APEGA”). Mr. Hawkins has reviewed this press release and approved of its contents.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements represent our best current judgement, they are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict and which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Further, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
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Neither 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.
TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2024 /CNW/ – Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco-Nevada” or the “Company“) (TSX: FNV) (NYSE: FNV) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Franco-Nevada (Barbados) Corporation (“FNB“), has entered into a precious metals stream (the “Stream“) with reference to specific production from Sibanye-Stillwater Limited’s (“Sibanye-Stillwater“) Marikana, Rustenburg and Kroondal mining operations (the “Stream Area“) located on the Western Limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. The Stream is primarily comprised of a gold component for the life of mine (“LOM“) and a platinum component for approximately 25 years supporting a more stable gold equivalent ounce (“GEO“) delivery profile to FNB over this period.
“We are excited to partner with Sibanye-Stillwater and gain exposure to production from this fully integrated, long life, platinum group metal (“PGM“) complex,” said Paul Brink, President & CEO of Franco-Nevada. “The Bushveld complex represents a unique and essential source of PGMs, with Sibanye-Stillwater’s Western Limb operations currently providing approximately 15% of global platinum supply. The combination of extensive resources, established infrastructure, and a large pipeline of extension projects, operated by a leading global PGM producer, makes for a high-quality stream with very long-life potential. This immediately cash flowing transaction, along with our recent Cascabel and Yanacocha deals, provide both meaningful medium and long-term growth.”
Neal Froneman, CEO of Sibanye-Stillwater said, “We are pleased to have concluded this US$500 million (R8.8bn) Stream with Franco-Nevada which unlocks further value from our SA PGM operations, a core part of our business, bolstering our balance sheet. By primarily streaming gold, which is a single component of the diverse production mix at our SA PGM operations, we retain significant leverage to higher PGM prices, which we anticipate. The support from Franco-Nevada underscores the quality and long-term viability of our PGM assets. We welcome this opportunity to continue to build our relationship with Franco-Nevada.”
Transaction Highlights:
Immediate Precious Metals Growth: The Stream will deliver immediate cash flow from a diversified production base in South Africa, a seasoned mining jurisdiction. The Stream is expected to generate a stable GEO profile over the next 20 years based off the platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold (“4E PGM“) production profile shown in the chart below. This profile is based on Sibanye-Stillwater’s board-approved ore reserve LOM as at December 31, 2023 for its existing operations and includes certain pre-feasibility and feasibility stage projects being studied, which leverage existing infrastructure (the “Replacement Projects“). The Stream GEO profile is comprised of approximately 70% gold and 30% platinum deliveries1 at consensus commodity prices with a 45+ year LOM.
Proven Operator and Significant Invested Capital in an Integrated Complex: Sibanye-Stillwater’s Western Limb operations benefit from extensive existing infrastructure consolidated through the merger of three prior operators, which has unlocked numerous synergies. The complex is expected to operate at the lower half of the PGM cost curve2. These operations consist of the Marikana, Rustenburg, and Kroondal operations and a total of 13 underground mines. The mines are supported by Sibanye-Stillwater’s concentrators and smelter and refining complex. Sibanye-Stillwater is a leader in South African mine safety and has committed to continuous safety improvements. The operations have strong relationships with their Black Economic Empowerment (“BEE“) partners and local communities.
Long Reserve Lives with Extensive Resources: The Stream is referenced to production from the Stream Area, which extends over 500 km2 of Sibanye-Stillwater’s Western Limb operations in South Africa. The Stream Area assets have a mine life up to 2070 including ore Reserves and Replacement Projects, based on current projections. Sibanye-Stillwater has the potential to sustain higher production levels for longer, with 4E PGM Measured and Indicated (“M&I“) Resources of 182 Moz inclusive of the 34 Moz of 4E PGM Reserves3, providing extensive long-term optionality.
Operations Benefit from a Unique and Diversified Basket of Metals: Sibanye-Stillwater’s Western Limb operations currently produce approximately 15% of the world’s platinum supply4. In addition, they produce palladium, rhodium and gold as primary 4E PGM components and a significant amount of chrome and other by-products, including approximately 28% of current global iridium and ruthenium supply4. The latter are both important to data storage and chip manufacturing and with platinum to a potential future hydrogen economy. By-products provide a more diversified basket price to the operations compared to many other global PGM producers. By-products contributed approximately 18% of Sibanye-Stillwater’s SA PGM revenue basket in H1 2024 with potential to expand this component of the business.
Gold Deliveries linked to PGM Production: For approximately the first 25 years5, gold deliveries are linked to the volume of 4E PGM ounces produced. This reference to the overall production of these key metals helps ensure that gold deliveries are aligned with Sibanye-Stillwater’s PGM production, mitigating variations in gold grade between deposits.
Key Transaction Terms:
Gold Stream Parameters
Stream deliveries to FNB are based on production from the Steam Area, according to the following schedule:
Gold ounces equal to 1.1% of 4E PGM ounces contained in concentrate until delivery of 87.5 koz of gold, then
Gold ounces equal to 0.75% of 4E PGM ounces contained in concentrate until total delivery of 237 koz of gold, then
80% of gold contained in concentrate for the remaining LOM.
Platinum Stream Parameters
Stream deliveries to FNB are based on platinum production from the Stream Area, according to the following schedule:
1.0% of platinum contained in concentrate until the delivery of 48 koz of platinum, then
Step-up to 2.1% of platinum contained in concentrate until total delivery of 294 koz of platinum, then
No further platinum deliveries.
Additional Considerations
Effective start date of the Stream is September 1, 2024 with funding of the $500 million deposit anticipated in the next few weeks and first delivery approximately 45 days after closing of the transaction
Gold and platinum ounces delivered will be subject to an ongoing payment of 5% of spot prices respectively to Sibanye-Stillwater. In the case of gold, the ongoing payment will increase to 10% following completion of the 4E PGM link (after the delivery of 237 koz of gold to FNB)6
Deliveries will be based on production from the mining operations from the Stream Area and exclude surface tailings retreatment, except in certain circumstances
Corporate guarantees will be provided to FNB by Sibanye-Stillwater and the Marikana, Rustenburg and Kroondal operations’ operating companies, amongst others
FNB will maintain a right of first refusal on future streams and royalties related to the Stream Area
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval from the South African Reserve Bank
Medium-Term Production Profile
Figure 1.: Sibanye-Stillwater’s Western Limb Production (Metal in Concentrate) details a 20-year production profile from Sibanye-Stillwater’s Western Limb PGM operations based on reserve LOM declared at the end of 2023 and in addition, includes the Replacement Projects (including the Kroondal depth extension projects, E3, E4, and Saffy projects)7. Sibanye-Stillwater’s total reserve LOM plan based on 34 Moz of 4E PGM Mineral Reserves (100% basis) extends production beyond this period to 2070 at a reduced rate due to its long life K4 project at the Marikana operation.
Sibanye-Stillwater’s Western Limb Production (Metal in Concentrate)
Figure 1. (CNW Group/Franco-Nevada Corporation)
Source: Sibanye-Stillwater Note: Production profiles of the first three data sets (in blue shade) are based on Mineral reserves declared as at December 31, 2023 on a 100% basis and excludes existing tailings reprocessing. Projects included represent E4, E3 deepening, Saffy Deeps and Kroondal depth extension (Siphumelele UG2). Price assumptions to support the attached profile are US$923/oz pt, US$1,055/oz pd, US$4,350/oz rh US$1,925/oz gold. The approved total Mineral reserve LOM 4E prill split has been disclosed in the Reserve and resources supplement available at https://www.sibanyestillwater.com/news-investors/reports/annual/2023/. Platinum ranges from a prill split of approximately 58.1% – 63.6% and gold ranges from approximately 0.6% – 7.1% depending on MER versus UG2 and varies by SA PGM operation.
Pandora Royalty
Franco-Nevada and Sibanye-Stillwater have agreed to convert the 5% net profit interest that Franco-Nevada holds on the Pandora property to a 1% net smelter return royalty. Sibanye-Stillwater’s Pandora property forms a portion of its Marikana operations and includes the currently operating E3 decline. Three of the Replacement Projects being studied fall on a portion of the Pandora royalty ground.
Financing the Transactions
Franco-Nevada intends to finance the Stream from cash on hand, with approximately $1.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $2.3 billion in available capital as at September 30, 2024.
Franco-Nevada Corporate Summary
Franco-Nevada Corporation is the leading gold-focused royalty and streaming company with the most diversified portfolio of cash-flow producing assets. Its business model provides investors with gold price and exploration optionality while limiting exposure to cost inflation. Franco-Nevada is debt-free and uses its free cash flow to expand its portfolio and pay dividends. It trades under the symbol FNV on both the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.
About Sibanye-Stillwater
Sibanye-Stillwater is a multinational mining and metals processing group with a diverse portfolio of operations, projects and investments across five continents. The Group is also one of the foremost global recyclers of PGM autocatalysts and has interests in leading mine tailings retreatment operations.
Sibanye-Stillwater is one of the world’s largest primary producers of platinum, palladium, and rhodium and is a top tier gold producer. It also produces and refines iridium, ruthenium, nickel, chrome, copper and cobalt. The Group has recently begun to diversify its asset portfolio into battery metals mining and processing and increase its presence in the circular economy by growing its recycling and tailings reprocessing exposure globally. For more information refer to www.sibanyestillwater.com.
Sibanye-Stillwater Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves
Sibanye-Stillwater’s Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves are estimates at a particular date (as at December 31, 2023), and are affected by fluctuations in mineral prices, the exchange rates, operating costs, mining permits, changes in legislation and operating factors. Sibanye-Stillwater reports its Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by each of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the JSE at all managed operations, development, and exploration properties.
Additional Information
Information relating to the Sibanye-Stillwater PGM assets contained in this news release has been provided by Sibanye-Stillwater.
Scientific and technical information included in this news release has been reviewed by Gregory Snow, P Eng, Senior Manager, Geology of Franco-Nevada, a non-independent qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, respectively, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future events or future performance, including the expected timing of closing the transaction, the expected future performance of Sibanye-Stillwater’s South African PGM assets and the Stream, and production and mine life estimates relating to Sibanye-Stillwater’s South African PGM assets. In addition, statements relating to reserves and resources, gold equivalent ounces (“GEOs”) and mine life are forward-looking statements, as they involve implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, and no assurance can be given that the estimates and assumptions are accurate and that such reserves and resources, GEOs or mine life will be realized. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budgets”, “potential for”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “predicts”, “projects”, “intends”, “targets”, “aims”, “anticipates” or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions “may”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Franco-Nevada to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, including, without limitation: fluctuations in the prices of the primary commodities that drive royalty and stream revenue (gold, platinum group metals, copper, nickel, uranium, silver, iron ore and oil and gas); fluctuations in the value of the Canadian and Australian dollar, Mexican peso, and any other currency in which revenue is generated, relative to the U.S. dollar; changes in national and local government legislation, including permitting and licensing regimes and taxation policies and the enforcement thereof; the adoption of a global minimum tax on corporations; regulatory, political or economic developments in any of the countries where properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest are located or through which they are held; risks related to the operators of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest, including changes in the ownership and control of such operators; relinquishment or sale of mineral properties; influence of macroeconomic developments; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by Franco-Nevada; reduced access to debt and equity capital; litigation; title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest; whether or not the Company is determined to have “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) status as defined in Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; potential changes in Canadian tax treatment of offshore streams; excessive cost escalation as well as development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest; access to sufficient pipeline capacity; actual mineral content may differ from the reserves and resources contained in technical reports; rate and timing of production differences from resource estimates, other technical reports and mine plans; risks and hazards associated with the business of development and mining on any of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest, including, but not limited to unusual or unexpected geological and metallurgical conditions, slope failures or cave-ins, flooding and other natural disasters, terrorism, civil unrest or an outbreak of contagious disease; the impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic; and the integration of acquired assets. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: the ongoing operation of the properties in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest by the owners or operators of such properties in a manner consistent with past practice; the accuracy of public statements and disclosures made by the owners or operators of such underlying properties; no material adverse change in the market price of the commodities that underlie the asset portfolio; the Company’s ongoing income and assets relating to determination of its PFIC status; no material changes to existing tax treatment; the expected application of tax laws and regulations by taxation authorities; the expected assessment and outcome of any audit by any taxation authority; no adverse development in respect of any significant property in which Franco-Nevada holds a royalty, stream or other interest; the accuracy of publicly disclosed expectations for the development of underlying properties that are not yet in production; integration of acquired assets; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. However, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. In addition, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of the ongoing audit by the CRA or the Company’s exposure as a result thereof. Franco-Nevada cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
For additional information with respect to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, please refer to Franco-Nevada’s most recent Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on www.sedar.com and Franco-Nevada’s most recent Annual Report filed on Form 40-F filed with the SEC on www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only and Franco-Nevada does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
______________________________________
1 Assuming current projections of 4E PGM production based on Reserves and Replacement Projects at consensus commodity prices
2 Combined costs (excluding by-products) following the Marikana K4 mine ramp-up
3 Attributable M&I Resource of 1.0 Bt at 4.3 g/t 4E PGM grade for 142 Moz 4E PGM (182 Moz 4E PGM on a 100% basis) and attributable Inferred Resources of 227.5 Mt at 4.6 g/t 4E PGM grade for 33.7 Moz 4E PGM (41.7 Moz on a 100% basis) as at December 31, 2023. Attributable Reserves of 231 Mt at 3.6 g/t 4E PGM grade for 26.5 Moz 4E PGM (33.9 Moz 4E PGM on a 100% basis) as at December 31, 2023. M&I Resources are inclusive of Reserves.
4 Based on 2023 production per Sibanye-Stillwater’s public disclosure and total 2023 supply per Johnson Matthey PGM market report (May 2024)
5 Assuming current projections of 4E PGM production based on Reserves and Replacement Projects currently being studied by Sibanye-Stillwater
6 The ongoing payments are subject to reduction in certain circumstances
7 The development and timing of these replacement projects is subject to achieving positive commercial and economic outcomes from the feasibility studies underway.
As of December 18th, 2024 the DSI for gold is 48, for silver 21. The highest value for gold based on the DSI showed 89 back in May of this year. On the same day silver reached a peak DSI of 90. Those numbers are not good enough to make a major top in either gold or silver. For example, it took a DSI of 96 to mark the top for silver in April of 2011 and a DSI of 95 on January 21, 1980 to mark the all-time high for silver. In my view gold and silver are going to go a lot higher not far off. I expect silver to break its all time high of $50.75 in the next six months or so. Once silver makes a new all-time high I think it will be off to the races.
Tax Loss Silly Season is that six week or so period starting in November and running into just before Christmas when investors clean out the stocks they own that have gone down the most to be able to write off the losses for the current year. It’s the worst time of the year to sell and the best time of the year to buy. Since so many junior lottery tickets have been hammered this year there has been a lot of carnage in the space due to the lack of liquidity and the sheer number of punters willing to take anything on offer for their shares.
But all things change.
The ten-week period from the middle of December each year into the end of February is seasonally the best time of the year for gold and silver. In the past five days, gold has gone down about $130 or over 5%. Now looks to be a good buying opportunity if Trump isn’t whacked between now and a month from now. If he gets whacked, it would be an extraordinary opportunity as the US moves into a civil war.
KELOWNA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 18, 2024 / Diamcor Mining Inc. (TSXV:DMI)(OTCQB:DMIFF)(FRA:DC3A), (“Diamcor” or the “Company”), a well-established Canadian diamond mining company with a proven history in the mining, exploration, and sale of rough diamonds announces that the Company and Tiffany & Co. Canada (“Tiffany” or “The Lender”) have entered into an agreement (the “Agreement”) to amend the total balance of the outstanding loans between the companies. Under the terms of the Agreement, Diamcor will pay Tiffany CAD $2,000,000 (the “Initial Payment”) 90 days from signing of the Agreement, followed by a second and final payment of CAD $1,505,256 on the one-year anniversary of the Initial Payment to retire all remaining principal and accrued interest associated with the outstanding loans. As a result of this agreement, the total current carrying balance currently recorded in the Company’s financials for these loans of CAD $6,753,045 will be adjusted to reflect a new amount of CAD $3,505,256 as outstanding for these loans.
About Diamcor Mining Inc.
Diamcor Mining Inc. is a fully reporting publicly traded Canadian diamond mining company with a well-established proven history in the mining, exploration, and sale of rough diamonds. The Company’s primary focus is on the mining and development of its Krone-Endora at Venetia Project which is co-located and directly adjacent to De Beers’ Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa. The Venetia diamond mine is recognized as one of the world’s top diamond-producing mines, and the deposits which occur on Krone-Endora have been identified as being the result of shift and subsequent erosion of an estimated 50M tonnes of material from the higher grounds of Venetia to the lower surrounding areas in the direction of Krone and Endora.
Diamcor also focuses on the acquisition and development of mid-tier projects with near-term production capabilities and growth potential and uses unique approaches to mining that involves the use of advanced technology and techniques to extract diamonds in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner. The Company has a strong commitment to social responsibility, including the support of local people, communities, and the environment.
About the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project
Diamcor acquired the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project from De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited, consisting of the prospecting rights over the farms Krone 104 and Endora 66, which represent a combined surface area of approximately 5,888 hectares directly adjacent to De Beers’ flagship Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa. The Company subsequently announced that the South African Department of Mineral Resources had granted a Mining Right for the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project encompassing 657.71 hectares of the Project’s total area of 5,888 hectares. The Company has also submitted an application for a mining right over the remaining areas of the Project. The deposits which occur on the properties of Krone and Endora have been identified as a higher-grade “Alluvial” basal deposit which is covered by a lower-grade upper “Eluvial” deposit. These deposits are proposed to be the result of the direct-shift (in respect to the “Eluvial” deposit) and erosion (in respect to the “Alluvial” deposit) of an estimated 1,000 vertical meters of material from the higher grounds of the adjacent Venetia Kimberlite areas. The deposits on Krone-Endora occur with a maximum total depth of approximately 15.0 metres from surface to bedrock, allowing for a very low-cost mining operation to be employed with the potential for near-term diamond production from a known high-quality source. Krone-Endora also benefits from the significant development of infrastructure and services already in place due to its location directly adjacent to the Venetia Mine, which is widely recognised as the largest diamond mine in South Africa, and one of the most prolific diamond mines in the world.
Qualified Person Statement:
Mr. James P. Hawkins (B.Sc., P.Geo.), is Manager of Exploration & Special Projects for Diamcor Mining Inc., and the Qualified Person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 responsible for overseeing the execution of Diamcor’s exploration programmes and a Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (“APEGA”). Mr. Hawkins has reviewed this press release and approved of its contents.
Mr. Dean H. Taylor Diamcor Mining Inc DeanT@Diamcor.com +1 250 862-3212
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements represent our best current judgement, they are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict and which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Further, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
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Neither 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.
North Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – December 17, 2024) – Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (“Lion One” or the “Company”) is pleased to report significant new high-grade gold results from Zone 5 infill and grade control drilling at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji.
Assay results are presented here for infill and grade control drilling in the Zone 5 area of Tuvatu. Drill results include multiple bonanza grade gold assays such as 1517.79 g/t, 513.50 g/t, 113.76 g/t, 137.50 g/t, and 115.25 g/t (see Table 1 below). These results are all located proximal to underground development in the near-surface portion of the mine. Drilling was focused on the up-dip and down-dip areas of the UR2 and URW3 lodes. Previous drill results from the Zone 5 area are available in the June 12, 2024, June 5, 2024, and December 13, 2023 news releases.
Top New Drill Results:
1517.79 g/t Au over 0.3 m (TGC-0237, from 42.6 m depth)
513.50 g/t Au over 0.3 m (TGC-0263, from 60.47 m depth)
67.45 g/t Au over 0.75 m (TGC-0254, from 90.75 m depth)
17.89 g/t Au over 2.7 m (including 113.76 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0225, from 94.6 m depth)
25.73 g/t Au over 1.8 m (including 96.78 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TGC-0251, from 46.9 m depth)
18.42 g/t Au over 2.5 m (including 62.83 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TGC-0240, from 44.0 m depth)
30.99 g/t Au over 1.4 m (including 137.50 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TGC-0239, from 97.8 m depth)
64.25 g/t Au over 0.6 m (TGC-0256, from 98.11 m depth)
72.55 g/t Au over 0.5 m (TGC-0245, from 91.0 m depth)
115.25 g/t Au over 0.3 m (TGC-0250, from 52.7 m depth)
*All drill intersects are downhole lengths, 3.0 g/t cutoff. See Table 1 for additional data.
Figure 1. Location of the Zone 5 drilling reported in this news release. Left image: Plan view of Tuvatu showing Zone 5 drillholes in relation to the mineralized lodes at Tuvatu, shown in grey. Yellow dashed square represents the area shown in the right image. Right image: Oblique view of Zone 5 drilling looking approximately east-northeast. Zone 5 drilling is targeting the up-dip and down-dip extensions of the mineralized lodes above and below current underground developments, shown in red.
Table 1. Highlights of composited grade control and infill drill results in the Zone 5 area. Composites are calculated using a 3 g/t Au cutoff with maximum internal dilution intervals of 1 m at <3 g/t Au. For full results see Table 3 in the appendix.
Hole ID
From (m)
To (m)
Width (m)
Au (g/t)
TGC-0237
42.6
42.9
0.3
1517.79
TGC-0263
60.5
60.8
0.3
513.50
TGC-0254
90.8
91.5
0.8
67.45
TGC-0225
94.6
97.3
2.7
17.89
including
95.8
97.0
1.2
37.40
which includes
96.1
96.4
0.3
113.76
TGC-0251
46.9
48.7
1.8
25.73
including
46.9
47.6
0.7
59.42
which includes
47.2
47.6
0.4
96.78
TGC-0240
44.0
46.5
2.5
18.42
including
46.1
46.5
0.4
62.83
TGC-0239
97.8
99.2
1.4
30.99
including
97.8
98.1
0.3
137.50
TGC-0256
98.1
98.7
0.6
64.25
TGC-0245
91.0
91.5
0.5
72.55
TGC-0250
52.7
53.0
0.3
115.25
TGC-0247
61.1
62.6
1.5
19.11
TGC-0212
69.5
69.8
0.3
90.50
TGC-0224
25.8
28.5
2.7
9.85
including
25.8
26.4
0.6
27.65
TGC-0259
57.4
57.7
0.3
86.50
TGC-0231
92.8
96.0
3.2
7.59
including
95.0
95.6
0.6
26.34
TGC-0210
61.2
62.7
1.5
15.70
including
62.1
62.4
0.3
57.08
TGC-0228
90.8
91.1
0.3
77.50
TGC-0247
89.1
89.4
0.3
75.86
TGC-0261
97.1
100.2
3.2
7.00
including
97.8
98.1
0.3
26.35
and
98.1
98.4
0.4
15.55
TGC-0263
63.2
65.6
2.4
8.98
including
63.5
64.1
0.6
26.30
TGC-0212
90.3
90.9
0.6
33.92
including
90.3
90.6
0.3
58.64
TGC-0226
28.5
28.8
0.3
63.72
*All drill intersects are downhole lengths
Zone 5 Drilling
The Zone 5 area of Tuvatu is located along the main decline and includes the principal north-south oriented lodes (UR1 to UR3), the principal northeast-southwest oriented lodes (UR4 to UR8), and several of the western lodes (URW2, URW2A, URW3). These lodes are steeply dipping structures that converge at approximately 500 m depth to form Zone 500, which is the highest-grade part of the deposit and is interpreted to be the feeder zone at Tuvatu. The system remains open at depth with the deepest high-grade intersections occurring below 1000 m depth.
The drilling reported in this news release targeted the near-surface portions of the UR2 and URW3 lodes. Drilling was focused on the up-dip and down-dip areas of the UR2 and URW3 lodes, directly above and below current underground developments. The drilling targeted a 320 m strike length of the UR2 and URW3 lodes. The current total strike length of the UR2 lode is approximately 620 m, while that of the URW3 lode is approximately 330 m. Both lodes remain open along strike and at depth.
Zone 5 grade control drilling is being conducted from three underground locations: the 1130 drill cuddy, the 1135 drill cuddy, and the 1090 drill cuddy. These drillholes are designed to intersect the mineralized lodes in a perpendicular to sub-perpendicular orientation such that the mineralized intervals approximate the true width of the lodes. Grade control drilling is being conducted on 10 m centers to provide a detailed understanding of the geometry and mineralization of the Zone 5 lodes. The purpose of the current Zone 5 grade control drill program is to enhance the mine model and inform stope design in advance of mining in the target areas. Highlights of the Zone 5 drilling reported here are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Zone infill and grade control drilling with high-grade intersects highlighted, 3.0 g/t gold cutoff. View is looking down with north to the left. The primary areas targeted by the Zone 5 drilling are the up-dip and down-dip areas of the UR2 and URW3 lodes above and below current underground developments. These areas are scheduled for near-term mining. Drill holes are oriented perpendicular to sub-perpendicular to the mineralized lodes.
The information in this report that relates to mineral exploration at the Tuvatu Gold Project is based on information compiled by the Lion One team and reviewed by Melvyn Levrel, who is the company’s Senior Geologist. Mr Levrel is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43- 101”). Mr Levrel consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which it appears.
Lion One Laboratories / QAQC
Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its drilling, sampling, testing, and analyses. The Company operates its own geochemical assay laboratory and its own fleet of diamond drill rigs using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill rods.
Diamond drill core samples are logged by Lion One personnel on site. Exploration diamond drill core is split by Lion One personnel on site, with half core samples sent for analysis and the other half core remaining on site. Grade control diamond drill core is whole core assayed. Core samples are delivered to the Lion One Laboratory for preparation and analysis. All samples are pulverized at the Lion One lab to 85% passing through 75 microns and gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that return grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are re-analyzed by gravimetric method, which is considered more accurate for very high-grade samples.
Duplicates of 5% of samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia for check assay determinations using the same methods (Au-AA26 and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61). The Lion One lab can test a range of up to 71 elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 23 important pathfinder elements with an aqua regia digest and ICP-OES finish.
About Lion One Metals Limited
Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, Walter Berukoff, Chairman & CEO
Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release
This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “proposed”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Appendix 1: Full Drill Results and Collar Information
Table 2. Collar coordinates for drillholes reported in this release. Coordinates are in Fiji map grid.
Hole ID
Easting
Northing
Elevation
Azimuth
Dip
Depth
TGC-0210
1876384
3920430
96
114.6
20.9
85.8
TGC-0211
1876384
3920429
96
140.5
21.6
85.6
TGC-0212
1876381
3920532
131
80.5
14.3
115.3
TGC-0213
1876383
3920628
129
65.0
12.5
125.0
TGC-0214
1876384
3920432
96
106.7
22.1
70.8
TGC-0215
1876380
3920529
130
134.2
6.3
150.0
TGC-0216
1876384
3920431
95
127.7
14.5
81.2
TGC-0217
1876383
3920628
129
60.7
16.4
135.0
TGC-0218
1876384
3920431
95
117.2
14.7
81.0
TGC-0219
1876380
3920529
130
129.2
8.6
140.3
TGC-0220
1876383
3920627
130
80.5
21.8
11.2
TGC-0221
1876384
3920430
96
105.9
22.2
68.1
TGC-0222
1876384
3920429
96
115.8
20.5
11.0
TGC-0223
1876384
3920424
96
154.8
22.9
180.0
TGC-0224
1876380
3920530
130
124.9
4.8
140.0
TGC-0225
1876382
3920627
129
76.4
22.4
115.0
TGC-0226
1876380
3920529
130
125.6
11.1
140.2
TGC-0227
1876384
3920425
94
155.6
-1.8
181.1
TGC-0228
1876380
3920530
130
120.8
8.5
140.0
TGC-0229
1876383
3920627
129
75.9
15.3
11.2
TGC-0230
1876383
3920424
96
170.7
22.4
268.4
TGC-0231
1876383
3920627
129
77.3
15.4
115.1
TGC-0232
1876383
3920627
127
76.2
-49.2
11.2
TGC-0233
1876384
3920627
127
78.0
-48.5
166.4
TGC-0234
1876381
3920531
129
98.3
-19.1
99.8
TGC-0235
1876384
3920627
127
80.0
-36.5
11.1
TGC-0236
1876383
3920627
128
79.8
-36.1
146.0
TGC-0237
1876384
3920428
95
108.1
13.7
82.5
TGC-0238
1876381
3920531
129
90.7
-13.7
10.7
TGC-0239
1876381
3920531
129
90.7
-19.4
130.8
TGC-0240
1876384
3920428
95
99.9
13.0
122.2
TGC-0241
1876383
3920627
129
82.8
19.2
110.0
TGC-0242
1876384
3920428
95
92.0
13.2
95.4
TGC-0243
1876384
3920626
127
95.7
-37.1
140.1
TGC-0244
1876384
3920429
95
84.8
13.7
100.7
TGC-0245
1876381
3920532
129
88.0
-13.6
130.8
TGC-0246
1876384
3920625
127
114.9
-28.7
140.0
TGC-0247
1876384
3920430
94
83.7
-4.0
110.3
TGC-0248
1876378
3920532
129
82.4
-15.3
130.9
TGC-0249
1876384
3920626
127
103.4
-31.1
140.1
TGC-0250
1876384
3920429
94
97.3
-3.8
110.0
TGC-0251
1876384
3920429
94
105.1
-4.4
86.0
TGC-0252
1876381
3920532
129
76.0
-18.3
24.6
TGC-0254
1876380
3920532
129
75.9
-15.1
130.0
TGC-0255
1876384
3920428
94
114.5
-4.1
80.0
TGC-0256
1876381
3920531
128
92.7
-22.1
136.9
TGC-0257
1876384
3920428
94
123.3
-4.4
80.2
TGC-0259
1876384
3920427
94
131.0
-4.7
83.1
TGC-0261
1876380
3920530
129
115.1
-11.2
140.0
TGC-0263
1876384
3920429
94
82.2
-7.8
120.8
Table 3. Composite results from drillholes reported in this news release (composite grade >3.0 g/t Au)
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – December 13, 2024) – Gary Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Silver47 Exploration Corp. (“Silver47” or the “Company”) (TSXV: AGA), and his team, joined Dean McPherson, Head, Business Development, Global Mining, Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), to open the market to celebrate the Company’s new listing on the TSX Venture Exchange.
Silver47 Exploration Corp. is focused on rapidly expanding its resource base of silver, gold, copper, zinc and lead, with the aim of reaching a milestone development decision in the next 3-5 years, while also driving new discoveries.
Backed by industry leaders, the Company is advancing its flagship Red Mountain project in Alaska, which currently hosts 168.6 million ounces of silver at 336 g/t AgEq, equivalent to 1 million tonnes of zinc at 7% ZnEq or 2 million ounces of gold at 4 g/t AuEq.
Silver47’s initial focus is on increasing the silver-gold rich Dry Creek and West Tundra Flats resources at the eastern end of this district-scale land package, with an exploration target of 50Mt in the 300-400 g/t AgEq grade range for 480Moz Eq. The company’s extensive land holdings of 942 state mining claims and one mining lease cover a 60km trend of polymetallic mineralization.
MEDIA CONTACT: Gary Thompson President & CEO info@silver47.ca 403-870-1166
North Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – December 12, 2024) – Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF)(“Lion One” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the results of the Company’s annual and special general meeting of shareholders (the “Meeting”) held on December 12, 2024.
At the Meeting, the number of directors of the Company was set at three (3) with the following directors re-elected at the Meeting: Walter Berukoff, Richard Meli, and Kevin Puil. In addition, shareholders of the Company approved the Company’s Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan as described in the management information circular dated October 29, 2024 (the “Circular”) as well as the re-appointment of Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as the auditor of the Company for the ensuing fiscal year.
About Lion One Metals Limited
Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, Walter Berukoff, Chairman & CEO
Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release
This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “proposed”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
