Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – April 14, 2022) – EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9) (“EMX” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has acquired an additional (effective) 0.3155% Net Smelter Return (“NSR“) royalty on the Caserones Copper-Molybdenum Mine located in northern Chile for US$25.74 million. When combined with EMX’s 0.418% NSR interest acquired in August 2021 (see EMX news release dated August 17, 2021), EMX now holds an effective 0.7335% NSR royalty. Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco-Nevada”) has concurrently acquired a 0.4582% (effective) NSR royalty on similar terms.
Since acquisition, Caserones has generated pre-tax cash flow to EMX in Q2, Q3 and Q4 of fiscal 2021 totalling $3.6 million from EMX’s effective 0.418% interest. As part of the royalty purchase, EMX will receive royalty distributions covering Q1 of fiscal 2022 for the additional interest acquired.
To finance its purchase of the additional NSR royalty, EMX has agreed to complete a private placement with Franco-Nevada for C$12.58 million (US$10 million). On completion, Franco-Nevada will own approximately 3.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of EMX on an undiluted basis. EMX is delighted to have Franco-Nevada as a shareholder.
Caserones Overview. The Caserones open pit mine is developed upon a significant porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit in the Atacama Region of the northern Chilean Andean Cordillera, 162 kilometres southeast of the city of Copiapó. The mine is operated by SCM Minera Lumina Copper Chile SpA (“Minera Lumina”), which is owned by JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation.
Caserones produces copper and molybdenum concentrates from a conventional crusher, mill and flotation plant, as well as copper cathodes from a dump leach, solvent extraction and electrowinning plant. In 2020, the mine produced 104,917 tonnes of fine copper in concentrate, 2,453 tonnes of fine molybdenum in concentrate, and 22,056 tonnes of fine copper in cathodes (results for 2021 have not yet been released by Minera Lumina). The Caserones open pit has operated with an average waste to ore strip ratio of 0.47, has an estimated 17 years remaining in its current mine plan (as at year-end 2020), along with excellent exploration potential.https://embed.fireplace.yahoo.com/embed?ctrl=Monalixa&m_id=monalixa&m_mode=document&site=sports&os=android&pageContext=%257B%2522ctopid%2522%253A%25221542500%253B1577000%2522%252C%2522hashtag%2522%253A%25221542500%253B1577000%2522%252C%2522wiki_topics%2522%253A%2522Franco-Nevada%253BRoyalty_payment%253BShares_outstanding%253BCalifornia%253BCompany%253BPrivate_placement%2522%252C%2522lmsid%2522%253A%2522a0V0W00000HOPDcUAP%2522%252C%2522revsp%2522%253A%2522newsfile_64%2522%252C%2522lpstaid%2522%253A%2522238b4c30-4b4b-3615-902e-17d479fd2222%2522%252C%2522pageContentType%2522%253A%2522story%2522%257D
Acquisition Details. The Caserones mine is subject to a 2.88% NSR royalty created in a 2009 agreement between SCM Minera Lumina Copper Chile S.A., as purchaser, and Compañía Minera Caserones (“CMC“) and Sociedad Legal Minera California Una de la Sierra Peña Negra (“SLM California“), as vendors. CMC and SLM California originally acquired the mineral concessions that overlie the Caserones deposit. Ownership of the 2.88% NSR royalty is currently divided between CMC (32.5%) and SLM California (67.5%). SLM California’s sole purpose is to distribute its royalty income to its shareholders as dividends and pay Chilean taxes on its income.
EMX has purchased today a further 16.23% of the shares of SLM California for US$25.74 million pursuant to share purchase agreements with existing shareholders of SLM California.
Private Placement. Franco-Nevada will purchase 3,812,121 units at C$3.30 per unit for total proceeds of C$12,580,000. Each unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one warrant to purchase one common share of the Company for five years at an exercise price of C$4.45. The shares issued upon closing and issuable upon the exercise of the warrants are and will be subject to a four-month restricted resale (hold) period. Proceeds from the placement totalling C$12,580,000 will be used towards the acquisition of the additional Caserones (effective) royalty interest.
Qualified Person. Eric P. Jensen, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators and an employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified, and approved the disclosure of the technical information contained in this news release.
About EMX. EMX is a precious, base and battery metals royalty company. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol EMX, and also trade on the Frankfurt exchange under the symbol “6E9”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.
For further information contact:
David M. Cole President and Chief Executive Officer Phone: (303) 973-8585 Dave@EMXroyalty.com
Scott Close Director of Investor Relations Phone: (303) 973-8585 SClose@EMXroyalty.com
Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain “forward looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding completion of the transactions, perceived merits of properties, exploration results, budgets and potential, estimated mine life, mineral reserves and resource estimates, timelines, strategic plans, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “believe”, “potential”, “upside” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to: unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors. It is possible EMX may not complete the transaction, as a result of failure to fulfill conditions of closing, unavailability of financing or for other reasons EMX cannot anticipate at this time.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the “MD&A”), and the most recently filed Annual Information Form (the “AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2021, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – April 1, 2022) – EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9)(the “Company” or “EMX”) is pleased to announce the filing of its 2021 annual report Form 40-F, which includes the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on EDGAR (www.sec.gov). EMX has also filed its Annual Information Form (AIF), audited Financial Statements (FS), and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for 2021 with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). The Company’s Form 40-F, AIF, audited FS, and MD&A are also available on EMX’s website at www.EMXroyalty.com under the heading “Investors”. Shareholders may receive a printed copy of the Company’s complete Financial Statements, or its complete Annual Information Form, free of charge, upon request to the Corporate Secretary at Suite 501 – 543 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 1X8, Canada. All dollar amounts in this news release are CDN unless otherwise noted.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2021
Financial Updates for the Year Ended December 31, 2021
Adjusted royalty and other income1 of $12,446,000 (2020 – $7,199,000) included $3,012,000 (2020 – $Nil) in income from the effective Caserones copper royalty interest in Chile.
Royalty generation costs of $18,155,000 (2020 – $16,392,000) of which the Company recovered $8,661,000 (2020 -$7,962,000) from partners.
General and administrative costs totaled $5,600,000 (2020 – $5,172,000). Impacting general and administrative costs were higher professional fees and consultants associated with our two acquisitions, capital raises, and the Bullion Monarch litigation in the US.
Share-based payments totaled $5,216,000 (2020 – $3,121,000) including $1,537,000 (2020 – $1,127,000) included in royalty generation costs (above) which was an increase over the prior year primarily resulting from additional stock option grants and the fair value of restricted share units (“RSUs”) which vested during the year.
Finance expenses of $2,666,000 (2020 – $Nil) associated with the Sprott Credit Facility and the SSR VTB note.
Loss from operations of $12,586,000 (2020 – $9,623,000), and loss for the year of $29,749,000 (2020 – $6,007,000).
Adjusted cash used in operating activities1 of $7,739,000 (2020 – $8,961,000).
Significant items affecting the loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 included $10,496,000 (2020 – $Nil) of impairment charges, primarily taken against the Rawhide investment, unrealized fair value losses on investments of $6,278,000 (2020 – gain of $6,162,000) and foreign exchange adjustments of $4,969,000 (2020 – $177,000).
As at December 31, 2021, EMX had cash and cash equivalents of $25,218,000 (December 31, 2020 – $52,418,000), investments, non-current investments and loans receivable valued at $23,069,000 (December 31, 2020 – $26,126,000) and loans payable of $64,418,000 (December 31, 2020 – $Nil).
Corporate Updates
Acquisition of SSR Royalty Portfolio EMX closed the acquisition of a portfolio of royalty interests and deferred payments (the “Royalty Portfolio”) from SSR Mining Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (“SSR Mining”) (see EMX news release dated October 21, 2021). The Royalty Portfolio consists of 15 (previously disclosed as 16, but the Company now considers Gediktepe to be one royalty covering both the oxide phase as well as the sulfide phase) geographically diverse base and precious metals royalties including a producing royalty at the Gediktepe polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulfide (“VMS”) deposit in Turkey, four other advanced stage projects in Turkey, Peru, Chile and Argentina, and 10 early-stage royalties in Mexico, Canada, Chile, Argentina and the US. The Company also expects to receive US$18 million in future cash payments (of which US$2.25 million was received in Q4 of 2021) associated with two properties in South America. EMX paid US$33 million in cash and issued 12,323,048 common shares of the Company valued at US$32.5 million to SSR Mining to acquire the Royalty Portfolio. SSR Mining now owns an approximate 12% undiluted equity interest in EMX. The Company will also make deferred and contingent payments to SSR Mining of up to US$34 million if certain project advancement milestones are achieved associated with the Yenipazar project in Turkey.
Acquisition of Caserones Royalty EMX completed the acquisition of an effective 0.418% NSR royalty on the Caserones Copper-Molybdenum Mine (the “Caserones Royalty”) located in northern Chile for US$34.1 million in cash (see EMX news release dated September 3, 2021). Caserones is a porphyry copper-molybdenum mining operation in a top tier mining jurisdiction. Since acquisition, EMX’s Caserones effective royalty interest has provided immediate pre-tax cash flow to the Company in 2021 consisting of US$2,339,000 in distributions related to production from the mine for Q2 and Q3 2021, and US$1,228,000 received subsequently in 2022 for settlement of the Q4 payment.
Subsequent to Year End Settlement of the Bullion Litigation Subsequent to year-end, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Bullion Monarch Mining, Inc., (“Bullion”) reached a settlement with Barrick Gold Corporation (“Barrick”) and Barrick affiliates and subsidiaries (“Barrick Entities”) with respect to Bullion’s claim of non-payment of royalties by the Barrick Entities to Bullion on production from properties in the Carlin Trend, Nevada. Bullion initiated litigation in 2008, before EMX acquired Bullion in 2012. Pursuant to the settlement, Barrick paid Bullion US$18.825 million, being US$25 million as the settlement less US$6.175 million as payment of a contingency fee to Bullion’s Reno, Nevada lawyers. The settlement of the lawsuit does not affect our 1% gross smelter return royalty from portions of Nevada Gold Mine’s Leeville, Carlin East, Four Corners, and other northern Carlin Trend underground gold mining operations (the “Leeville Royalty”), which will continue to be paid.
Impact of Covid 19 EMX is monitoring developments regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”), with a focus on the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. EMX has implemented COVID-19 prevention, monitoring and response plans following the guidelines of international agencies and the governments and regulatory agencies of each country in which it operates. EMX’s priority is to safeguard the health and safety of its personnel and host communities, support government actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 and assess and mitigate the risks to business continuity. Most of the restrictions have been removed or relaxed in the jurisdictions where the Company operates (e.g., travel restrictions, etc.), with EMX’s field programs up-and-running at full speed.
Royalty Generation Updates
EMX’s royalty and mineral property portfolio consists of over 270 properties in North America, Europe, Turkey, Latin America and Australia (See Figure 1). The Company’s portfolio is comprised of the following:
Producing Royalties
5
Advanced Royalties
9
Exploration Royalties
157
Royalty Generation Properties
102
Figure 1. EMX’s royalty and mineral property portfolio.
In 2021, the Company’s royalty generation business was active in North America, South America, Europe, Turkey, and Australia. The Company spent $18.2 million and recovered $8.7 million from partners. During the year the Company also completed 25 partnerships across the portfolio all the while continuing to replace partnered properties with new mineral properties. In addition, our partners also directly spent US$20.6 million in exploration of the portfolio.
Highlights from 2021 include the following:
South 32 regional strategic alliance (“RSA”) in the US where EMX and South 32 are in the fourth year of exploring for copper in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Nevada. The RSA advanced eight copper projects through field-based work programs, drill tested one copper target, and continued to acquire new projects during the year.
Continued expansion of the gold royalty generation portfolio in the US, particularly Idaho where EMX was an early entrant and has completed nine deals over the past three years. The partnered properties are being advanced by juniors and mid-tier mining companies, including four projects that were drill tested with encouraging results during 2021.
EMX has become a preeminent generative and early-stage exploration company in Fennoscandia by acquiring significant base and precious metals project portfolios, and partnering with multiple junior companies, as well as larger mining groups such as Agnico Eagle and Boliden. The program in 2021 saw partners spend over US$8 million and drill 15,670 meters on EMX projects in Sweden and Norway.
The Company entered Canada in early 2020 with the acquisition of the Perry English portfolio for $2,991,000. Over the past two years the Company has received total cash payments of $885,000 and share equity payments valued at $273,000 while continuing to expand on the portfolio. At the time of acquisition, the royalty and mineral portfolio totaled 84 properties and is principally focused on precious metals.
The Company entered into South America in 2020 with the acquisition of Revelo Resources’ Chilean royalties. With the acquisition of the SSR portfolio in 2021, the Company continued to increase its asset base, as well as expanding the footprint beyond Chile to Peru and Argentina. The portfolio now totals 25 properties with partners exploring for copper, copper-gold, and gold mineral deposits.
In Australia, EMX expanded the portfolio by adding several new projects. While most of the portfolio is centered around gold systems, the Company continues to evaluate base metal opportunities, particularly as they relate to cobalt, copper, and nickel.
Towards the end of 2021, the Company expanded its technical team with the re-hiring of Ankara-based Dr. Mesut Soylu, who will lead exploration programs in the Balkans, central Asia, and other jurisdictions in the region.
Financing Updates
Private Placement In Q4 of 2021 the Company completed a private placement of 6,500,000 units at $3.30 per unit for gross proceeds of $21,450,000. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company and one-half of one transferable warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the purchase until November 6, 2023 to one common share at $4.00 in the first year and $4.50 in the second year.
Sprott Credit Facility In Q3 of 2021, the Company entered into a credit facility with Sprott Private Resource Lending II (Collector), LP (“Sprott”) totaling US$44 million (the “Credit Facility”). The proceeds from the Credit Facility were used to fund the acquisition of the Caserones effective royalty interest in Chile as well as provide additional capital to complete the acquisition of the SSR Royalty portfolio. Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company amended the Credit Facility to extend the maturity date to December 31, 2024.
SSR VTB Note As part of the acquisition of the SSR Royalty portfolio, The Company entered into a Vendor-take-back note (“VTB Note”) with SSR Mining Inc. (“SSR Mining”) pursuant to which the Company borrowed US$7.8 million from SSR Mining which was used to fund the VAT liability on the acquisition of the Gediktepe royalty in Turkey.
Investment Updates
As at December 31, 2021, the Company had investments totaling $20,530,000 (December 31, 2020 – $25,626,000) which included $15,391,000 (2020 – $16,755,000) in various public and private entities, and $5,139,000 ($8,871,000) in non-current investments. The Company will continue to sell certain of its investments when appropriate. Much of the investment portfolio was derived from royalty deals completed as part of our organic royalty generation business.
Write-Down of Investment in Rawhide The Company has a 38.07% equity interest in Rawhide Acquisition Holding LLC (“Rawhide”), a privately-held Delaware company that owns the Rawhide gold-silver mining operation in Nevada’s Walker Lane Belt. The Rawhide mine is an open pit heap leaching operation that produces and sells gold and silver. The Company’s investment at Rawhide has not gone as planned. Mining operations were suspended at year-end, and Rawhide is evaluating strategic alternatives including the sale of the company. EMX has taken a full write-down of its investment in 2021 totaling $10,014,000.
OUTLOOK
The Company completed two transformative transactions in 2021 (Caserones Royalty & SSR Royalty Portfolio), raised $21,450,000 in equity and US$51,800,000 in debt. Production was initiated at Timok and at Balya (as a result of development work), while Leeville saw improvements in production that included new sources of ore. Likewise, the Gediktepe oxide gold deposit was commissioned in Q4, 2021 and is expected to reach commercial production sometime in Q2 or Q3, 2022.
Recent events in Q1 of 2022 included extension of the maturity date on the Sprott Credit Facility from July 2022 to December 2024 and the settlement of the Bullion litigation bringing into the Company US$18,825,000.
The year 2022 will see an increase in revenue coming from our cash flowing royalties including Caserones in Chile, Leeville in Nevada, and potentially Timok in Serbia (pending conclusion of the royalty rate discussions with Zijin). Likewise, Gediktepe and Balya in Turkey have been commissioned and are scheduled to contribute to 2022 cash flows. As in previous years, production royalties will continue to be complemented by option, advance royalty, and other pre-production payments from partnered projects across the global asset portfolio.
The Company plans to give production guidance for 2022 later this year. The Company will continue to strengthen its balance sheet over the course of the year by looking to retire portions of our long-term debt, continuing to evaluate equity markets (including the filing of a shelf prospectus), and the ongoing monetization of the Company’s marketable securities.
EMX is well funded to identify new royalty and investment opportunities, while further filling a pipeline of royalty generation properties that provide opportunities for additional cash flow, as well as exploration, development, and production success.
INVESTOR RELATIONS UPDATE
EMX is provided with investor relations services by Scott Close, who has provided his services from Colorado since June 1, 2007, initially as a consultant and, since Oct 1, 2010, as an employee, and by Isabel Belger, who has provided her services from Germany since January 1, 2018, as a consultant. Neither Scott nor Isabel provides their services on a fixed term basis, and EMX expects to continue to retain their services for the foreseeable future. Their services cover all aspects of liaising with shareholders and the financial investment community. The annual cost for investor relation services has been approximately US$130,000 per year over the past five years which is, has been and will continue to be paid from EMX’s cash on hand. Both have also been granted, from time to time, stock options to purchase EMX shares in accordance with EMX’s stock option plan and TSX Venture Exchange policy.
FILING OF TECHNICAL REPORTS
EMX has filed Technical Reports for the Caserones, Gediktepe, and Timok royalty projects prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects” of the Canadian Securities Administrators. The Technical Reports were filed on SEDAR on March 31, 2022 to coincide with the Company’s year-end 2021 AIF filing.
The Caserones Technical Report is titled “NI 43-101 Technical Report, Caserones Copper-Molybdenum Mine Royalty, Region III, Chile” and has an effective date of February 28, 2022. The Technical Report was prepared by Gregory W. Walker, Independent Consulting Geologist, SME RM. The Report discloses no material differences than previous Company disclosures for Caserones but provides additional disclosure required by NI 43-101 for a material property.
The Gediktepe Technical Report is titled “Gediktepe Project – Balıkesir Province, Turkey NI 43-101 Royalty Technical Report” and has an effective date of February 1, 2022. The Technical Report was prepared by DAMA Engineering Inc.’s Mustafa Atalay, Senior Geologist, CPG; Metin Alemdar, Senior Mining Engineer, MIMMM; Selim Yilmaz, Senior Mining Engineer, MIMMM; and Arif Umutcan Gelisen, Senior Mining Engineer, MIMMM. The Report discloses no material differences than previous Company disclosures for Gediktepe but does provide additional disclosure required by NI 43-101 for a material property.
The Timok Technical Report is titled “NI 43-101 Technical Report – Timok Copper-Gold Project Royalty, Serbia” and has an effective date of December 31, 2020 and an amended report date of March 25, 2022. The Technical Report was prepared by Mineral Resource Management LLC’s Kevin Francis, SME RM. The second amended and restated Report has no material changes from the initial amended and restated Technical Report dated July 21, 2021, and only corrects two typographical errors in table headings.
QUALIFIED PERSONS
Michael P. Sheehan, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the above technical disclosure on North America, Latin America, and Strategic Investments. Eric P. Jensen, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the above technical disclosure on Europe, Turkey, and Australia.
About EMX. EMX is a precious, base and battery metals royalty company. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “EMX”, as well as on the Frankfurt exchange under the symbol “6E9”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release
Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain “forward looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans, market prices for precious and base metal, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “believe”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the “MD&A”), and themost recently filed Annual Information Form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2021, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.
1 Adjusted royalty and other income and adjusted cash used in operating activities are non-IFRS financial measures with no standardized meaning under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Refer to the “Non-IFRS financial measures” section of the Company’s annual MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2021 for more information on each non-IFRS financial measure.
Soil sample locations and results for gold assays, Apex project.
Key Highlights:
Surface geochemical program completed August 2021 identified new gold in soil anomaly extending over one kilometer northeast of old workings.
Results up to 1.09 ounces per ton gold and 1.10 ounces per ton silver in soil samples.
Anomaly located downslope and along strike from the Apex Mine.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Millrock Resources Inc. (TSX-V: MRO, OTCQB: MLRKF) (“Millrock” or the “Company”) reports that positive assay results from a sampling and mapping program carried out in August 2021 have been received and compiled. The soil sampling results indicate that known mineralization at the former-producing Apex Mine likely extends 1,000 meters to the northeast.
Millrock President & CEO commented: “These are excellent results that show the gold-bearing quartz vein structure known from historic mining has significant strike continuity. Some of the soil sample numbers are of exceptional tenor.”
The exploration work was completed during August 2021 and consisted of a soil geochemical survey (439 samples), rock sampling (39 samples), and geologic mapping. Soil samples were collected along a 20 meter by 40 meter spaced grid. The survey was designed to test the presence and extent of gold-bearing quartz veins along strike and down-valley from known gold mineralization at the historic Apex and El Nido Mines located within the Cann Creek drainage.
All assay results have been received from the exploration work. A broad gold in soil anomaly was identified by the geochemical survey in the lower cirque valley of Cann Creek. Assays of soil samples returned values ranging from below detection to a maximum of 33,900 parts per billion gold (1.09 ounces per ton) and 34,400 parts per billion silver (1.10 ounces per ton). One hundred and seven of the 439 samples collected returned highly anomalous values exceeding 80 parts per billion gold. The anomaly occurs at approximately 300 meters elevation below outcropping vein exposures that host the Apex Mine and extends over one kilometer down valley from the historic workings, along strike of the vein swarm. The anomaly is also underlain by the same rock units (diorite and amphibolite) that hosts the Apex vein.
On August 12, 2021, Millrock announced that it had entered into an agreement with Coeur Explorations, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coeur Mining, Inc. (“Coeur”), concerning the Apex gold project in Southeast Alaska. Under the agreement, Coeur agreed to fund approximately $200,000 worth of exploration work. Coeur has met its obligations by funding the work, but has elected to terminate the option agreement. Millrock is free to further explore the project on its own or find another earn-in partner.
Millrock President & CEO Gregory Beischer commented: “We enjoyed working with the Coeur Explorations team and thank Coeur for advancing the project. The soil anomaly presents a compelling target for drilling and significantly expands the strike potential of the small, historic underground mine”.
Quality Control – Quality Assurance Millrock adheres to stringent Quality Assurance – Quality Control (“QA/QC”) standards. In this case, the assay work was done under an agreement between Coeur and the assay laboratory. Samples are kept in a secure location at all times. Samples were assayed at the Bureau Veritas laboratory in Vancouver, Canada. Preparation and analysis methods are described in further detail here. The sample preparation method codes utilized for the program were SS80 for Soils and PRP70-250 for Rocks. Analytical methods used were FA430 (lead collection fire-assay fusion-AAS finish) and MA250 (4 acid digestion Ultratrace ICP-MS) for all samples. A 10% QA/QC sample insertion rate was used for all samples: 5% CRM (Certified Reference Materials) of known gold concentration and 5% blank material. The Qualified Person is of the opinion that the results reported in this press release are reliable.
Qualified Person The scientific and technical information disclosed within this document has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Gregory A. Beischer, President, CEO, and a director of Millrock Resources. Mr. Beischer is a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101.
About Millrock Resources Inc. Millrock Resources Inc. is a premier project generator to the mining industry. Millrock identifies, packages, and operates large-scale projects for joint venture, thereby exposing its shareholders to the benefits of mineral discovery without the usual financial risk taken on by most exploration companies. The company is recognized as the premier generative explorer in Alaska, holds royalty interests in British Columbia, Canada, and Sonora State, Mexico, is a significant shareholder of junior explorer ArcWest Exploration Inc., and owns a large shareholding in each of Resolution Minerals Limited and Felix Gold Limited. Funding for drilling at Millrock’s exploration projects is primarily provided by its joint venture partners. Business partners of Millrock have included some of the leading names in the mining industry: EMX Royalty, Coeur Explorations, Centerra Gold, First Quantum, Teck, Kinross, Vale, Inmet, and Altius, as well as junior explorers Resolution, Riverside, PolarX, Felix Gold and Tocvan.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD “Gregory Beischer” Gregory Beischer, President & CEO
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Melanee Henderson, Investor Relations Toll-Free: 877-217-8978 | Local: 604-638-3164 Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including without limitation the intention to form earn-in joint venture agreements and to perform further exploration. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements.
Apex El Nido gold project, southeast Alaska (Coeur Explorations, 1,500 meters under consideration).
Batamote copper project, Sonora Mexico (Mine Discovery Fund earning in, preliminary planning in progress).
El Picacho gold project, Sonora Mexico (Tocvan Ventures, preliminary planning in progress).
Nikolai project; new nickel – copper – cobalt – chrome – platinum project generated, Alaska. (100% Millrock, surface exploration to be completed).
Chisna copper–gold porphyry project, central Alaska (100% Millrock, surface exploration to be completed).
ArcWest Exploration expects to see drilling on as many as three projects (Millrock owns ~11.7% of the issued and outstanding ArcWest shares).
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Millrock Resources Inc. (TSX-V: MRO, OTCQB: MLRKF) (“Millrock” or the “Company”) reports that it anticipates a busy year of partner-funded drilling and surface exploration on projects in which it holds an interest (either directly or through stock holdings and royalties).
Millrock President and CEO Gregory Beischer commented: “Millrock is looking forward to a very active upcoming year with numerous catalysts that could serve to drive the company’s share price upwards. Our shareholdings in other junior exploration companies have the potential to significantly increase in value in 2022.”
Treasure Creek: Felix Gold has outlined several high-priority drill targets and the company indicates they intend to begin drilling in March 2022. The Northwest Array and Eastgate prospects look particularly encouraging. The property is west of the Fort Knox gold mine operated by Kinross, and the recent gold discovery made by Freegold Ventures. Millrock has transferred ownership of the project to Felix Gold in return for shares and a production royalty with an advanced minimum royalty stream. Further details on Treasure Creek and other projects sold to Felix Gold are available in a Felix Gold presentation that can be accessed at this link.
Ester Grant: Felix Gold calculated a maiden resource for the Grant Mine claim block, which forms part of the project. Felix reported that they have calculated an Inferred Mineral Resource estimate (JORC 2012) for Grant Mine of 5.8 million tonnes @ 1.95 g/t Au for 364,000 ounces of gold (note: the Millrock Qualified Person has not independently verified the reported resource, Source: INDEPENDENT GEOLOGIST’S REPORTS ON FELIX GOLD LIMITED’S MINERAL EXPLORATION PROJECTS IN ALASKA, Prepared by Independent Geologist Mr. Ian Taylor of Mining Associates Pty Ltd., October 15, 2021). Felix indicates that drilling is planned for the Grant Mine in Summer 2022. Millrock has transferred ownership of the project to Felix Gold in return for shares and a production royalty with an advanced minimum royalty stream.
Fairbanks District: Millrock is in a strategic alliance with Felix Gold. Mineral rights that have been, or may be secured by Felix or Millrock in the future, become subject to a royalty in favour of Millrock. The claims currently subject to the alliance are situated near Kinross’ Fort Knox gold mine and the recent discovery made by Freegold. Felix indicates that drilling is planned for Summer 2022.
Liberty Bell: Felix Gold has indicated it will drill holes through areas covered by gravel deposits. The gravel ranges from 10 meters to perhaps 100 meters in thickness and obscures interesting geophysical targets. Millrock has transferred ownership of the project to Felix Gold in return for shares and a production royalty with an advanced minimum royalty stream. A description of the project is available on Millrock’s website here.
64North: Partner Resolution Minerals is earning into the project through exploration expenditures, cash payments, and share payments to Millrock. Resolution presently has vested with a 42% interest and must soon decide to advance the project further or form a joint venture as a minority partner Resolution has developed a compelling series of drill targets at the Tourmaline Ridge prospect on the West Pogo block of claims. These claims are situated west of the Pogo Mine, a gold mine operated by Northern Star Resources. Resolution is making plans to execute a drill program in Summer 2022. Further information on the project can be found on the Resolution Minerals website.
Apex El Nido: Partner Coeur Explorations funded an extensive soil and rock sampling program in 2021, in which some strong gold results were obtained from the soil sampling. The work traced the known gold-bearing vein system more than one kilometer from the old mine workings. Coeur is contemplating a summer 2022 drill program. A description of the project is available on Millrock’s website here.
Nikolai Project: Millrock has recently acquired mineral rights that cover some thick, historic drill intersections of nickel – copper – cobalt – chrome – platinum group element mineralization. Millrock believes there is continuity between the drill intersections and that a large, albeit low-grade metal resource could be delineated with a modest drill program. At other locations on the property, there are some exceptionally high grades of similar mineralization that are also enriched in the more rare and valuable platinum group elements such as osmium and rhodium. The project is described in more detail in this prior Millrock press release, and on the Millrock website. Further to the news release dated February 14, 2022, the Company reports 1,000,000 common shares have been issued in connection with the Canwell claim block (43 claims, not 42 as reported in the February 14, 2022 press release), pursuant to an agreement dated February 14, 2022, between David Johnson and Millrock. The Canwell claim block and surrounding area of interest is subject to a 3.0% Net Smelter Returns production royalty. Millrock can reduce the royalty to 2.0% by paying US$2.0 million. Millrock also has the option to further reduce the royalty to 1.0% by paying an additional US$3.0 million and to 0.0% by paying an additional US$4.0 million.
Chisna Project: Millrock has steadily been advancing this district-scale porphyry copper-gold project and owns a 100% interest in several claim blocks. Capitalizing on a proprietary ZTEM – MAG geophysical survey, the company has collected geochemical data over interesting geophysical anomalies. The next step is drilling. Millrock has been talking to several potential earn-in partners. A project description is available here.
British Columbia Update
Millrock has sold its four British Columbia projects to ArcWest Exploration. As a result, Millrock has a significant shareholding in the company (9,623,417 shares or 11.7% of the issued and outstanding shares). ArcWest is also a “project generator” company and has numerous projects throughout British Columbia that have earn-in partners. ArcWest anticipates that drilling will occur on at least three of the projects it holds. Any drill success should result in an increase in the value of ArcWest shares held my Millrock, which in turn should result in an increase in Millrock’s share price. Further details about ArcWest can be viewed on their website.
Batamote Project: Millrock made an option agreement with a subsidiary of Mine Discovery Fund (“MDF”), a private Australian company. The earn-in company is called Latin America Copper. MDF plans to make Latin America Copper a public company. Millrock is to receive cash and share payments as Latin America Copper earns in, with an advance minimum royalty stream to follow. The company has indicated that it wishes to drill the property in 2022. A project description can be viewed here.
El Picacho Project: Millrock was able to renew an option agreement with the underlying property owners. Millrock assigned its rights to Tocvan Ventures. As a result, Millrock now holds a production royalty with an advanced minimum royalty stream provision.
Grant of Stock Options The Board of Directors of Millrock has authorized a grant of 3,175,000 stock options to employees, executives and directors of the company. The options are to be granted with a strike price equal to the closing market price of Millrock shares on February 24, 2022, and will have a five-year term.
Qualified Person The scientific and technical information disclosed within this document has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Gregory A. Beischer, President, CEO, and a director of Millrock Resources. Mr. Beischer is a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101.
About Millrock Resources Inc. Millrock Resources Inc. is a premier project generator to the mining industry. Millrock identifies, packages, and operates large-scale projects for joint venture, thereby exposing its shareholders to the benefits of mineral discovery without the usual financial risk taken on by most exploration companies. The company is recognized as the premier generative explorer in Alaska, holds royalty interests in British Columbia, Canada, and Sonora State, Mexico, is a significant shareholder of junior explorer ArcWest Exploration Inc., Resolution Minerals and Felix Gold. Funding for drilling at Millrock’s exploration projects is primarily provided by its joint venture partners. Business partners of Millrock have included some of the leading names in the mining industry: EMX Royalty, Coeur Explorations, Centerra Gold, First Quantum, Teck, Kinross, Vale, Inmet and Altius, as well as junior explorers Resolution, Riverside, PolarX, Felix Gold and Tocvan.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD “Gregory Beischer” Gregory Beischer, President & CEO
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Melanee Henderson, Investor Relations Toll-Free: 877-217-8978 | Local: 604-638-3164 Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including without limitation the intention to form joint ventures and to perform further exploration including drilling. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – February 17, 2022) – EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9) (the “Company” or “EMX”) is pleased to announce the execution of an agreement on February 14, 2022 to sell its Mo-i-Rana volcanogenic massive sulfide (“VMS“) project in Norway (the “Project“) to Mahvie Minerals AB (“Mahvie“), a private Swedish Company. In return for the transfer of the Project to Mahvie, the agreement provides EMX with a 9.9% equity interest in Mahvie, annual advance royalty payments, 2.5% Net Smelter Return (“NSR“) royalty interests, work commitments, and other considerations. In conjunction with the Mo-i-Rana transaction, Mahvie intends to establish a public listing on one of the Nordic exchanges. This is anticipated sometime in Q2, 2022.
The Mo-i-Rana VMS belt was acquired by EMX in 2021 (see EMX News Release dated April 6, 2021). This VMS belt is situated in central Norway and contains numerous polymetallic (zinc-lead-copper-silver-gold) occurrences and historical mines (see Figures 1 and 2). Over 200 mines and prospects with VMS and carbonate replacement (“CRD“) styles of mineralization are located within the Mo-i-Rana project area, including ten former producing mines.
EMX and Mahvie will work together to explore the Project, where considerable exploration upside exists at many of the historical occurrences and mines. Much of the historical exploration work was done at a time when VMS models were only poorly understood and only limited portions of the nine individual VMS horizons that exist in the belt have been tested to date. Additionally, most historical drilling was shallow (i.e., less than 100 meters) and clustered around the historical mine workings. EMX and Mahvie will apply modern exploration methods and deposit models to seek additional discoveries in the belt.
Commercial Terms Overview. Via an arm’s length transaction, Mahvie will acquire a 100% interest in the EMX subsidiary company that controls the Project, subject to the following terms:
Upon closing, EMX will receive 75,000 Norwegian Krone (approximately US$8,500 at current exchange rates) in cash and 9.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of Mahvie Minerals AB.
EMX will receive a 2.5% NSR royalty interest in the Project. On the sixth anniversary after closing, Mahvie has the option to purchase 0.5% of the NSR on the Project by paying EMX US$1,500,000.
EMX will receive annual advance royalty (“AAR“) payments of US$25,000 for the Project commencing on the third anniversary of the closing, with the AAR payment increasing by US$5,000 per year until reaching US$100,000.
A financial instrument will be put in place that allows EMX to maintain its 9.9% interest in Mahvie until a total of 25,000,000 Swedish Kronor (approximately US$2.7 million at current exchange rates) has been raised by Mahvie.
A payment of US$500,000, payable in cash or shares of Mahvie, will be made to EMX upon the completion of a Prefeasibility or Feasibility study.
To maintain its interest in the Project, Mahvie will also: (i) spend a minimum of US$200,000 on the Project by the first anniversary of the agreement and (ii) spend aggregate of US$1,000,000 by the third anniversary of the agreement or complete a minimum of 2,000 meters of drilling on the Project.
Mo-i-Rana VMS Belt. VMS and CRD style polymetallic deposits are developed in the Rana-Hemmes metallogenic region of Norway, which is also host to the prolific Rana Gruber iron mines as well as the nearby Bleikvassli Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag deposit, an EMX royalty property (see Figure 1). This metallogenic area represents a tectonically displaced continuation of the Cambrian-Ordovician VMS belts in northeastern North America, which includes the Buchans and Bathurst VMS camps in eastern Canada, and also the Avoca VMS district in Ireland. As such, this represents one of the more prolific VMS belts in the world in terms of total production from its various mining districts, albeit now tectonically displaced and occurring along opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
The most notable historical producer within the Project area is the Mofjell Mine (the core of which remains covered by state-owned mining licenses) which produced 4.35 million tonnes at 3.61% Zn, 0.71% Pb, and 0.31% Cu from 1928-1987[1]. The deposit consists of three rod-shaped elongate VMS lenses, approximately 100 meters wide that extend for lengths of up to 2.8 kilometers. Just prior to mine closure, high gold and silver grades were discovered as disseminations in wall rocks within the historical mine workings (such as 2.8 meters averaging 3.88 g/t gold and 44.3 g/t silver in underground drill hole DD1313 and 3.7 meters averaging 2.30 g/t gold and 75.7 g/t silver in underground drill hole DD781A; true widths unknown[2]) but were never followed up[3]. This underscores the potential for additional discoveries of precious-metal enriched zones of mineralization in the belt.
In 2008, a partnership between industry, the Norwegian Geological Survey (NGU) and the local county administration was formed to investigate additional potential in the Mo-i-Rana belt. This effort generated high resolution airborne geophysical data sets, as well as district scale mapping and geochemical sampling campaigns carried out by the NGU. These represent key data sets that EMX and Mahvie intend to utilize for further advancement of the Project.
Comments on Sampling, Assaying and Adjacent Properties. Samples and geochemical assays mentioned in this news release are reported by Norwegian Geologic Survey. EMX has not performed sufficient work to verify the Project’s historical drill results or production data, but considers this information as reliable and relevant based upon the Company’s reviews of data from multiple independent sources. Additional drilling and sampling would be required to confirm these results.
The Mofjell Mine and other nearby mines and deposits discussed in this news release provide context for EMX’s Project, which occurs in a similar geologic setting, but this is not necessarily indicative that the Company’s Project hosts similar mineralization.
Dr. Eric P. Jensen, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the disclosure of the technical information contained in this news release.
About EMX. EMX is a precious, base and battery metals royalty company. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol EMX, as well as on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol “6E9”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.
For further information contact:
David M. Cole President and Chief Executive Officer Phone: (303) 973-8585 Dave@emxroyalty.com
Scott Close Director of Investor Relations Phone: (303) 973-8585 SClose@emxroyalty.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserve and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans, market prices for precious and base metal, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “believe”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to: unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company’s MD&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “MD&A”), and the most recently filed Revised Annual Information Form (the “AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2020, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.
Figure 1: Location map for the Mo-i-Rana VMS belt in Norway.
[1] Bjerkgård, et. al (2013). The Mofjell Project: Summary and conclusions. NGU (Norwegian Geological Survey) Report 2013.048.
[2] Bergverkselskapet Nord-Norge A/S, 1987. As Reported by Directorate of Mining Norway. The historical drilling was completed by Bergverkselskapet Nord-Norge A/S, 1987 and archived by the NGU. EMX believes these results to be reliable and relevant.
[3] Bjerkgård, et al (2001). Ore Potential with emphasis on gold in the Mofjellet deposit, Rana, Nordland, Norway. NGU Report 2001.050.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – February 16, 2022) – Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) (OTCQB: RVSDF) (FSE: 5YY)(“Riverside“ or the “Company“), is pleased to announce it has closed its previously announced charity flow through private placement on February 15, 2022. The Company issued 3,430,833 common shares (each, a “Share”) issued on a flow-through basis under the Income Tax Act (Canada) at a price of $0.21 per Share to raise aggregate proceeds of C$720,475 (the “Offering”) with the Company paying no brokerage or finder fees. There is no warrant associated with this financing and the Company has no warrants outstanding.
The Company will use the funds towards a focused H1 2022 drill program at the 100% owned Oakes Gold Project in Ontario, Canada, and to follow up on trenching and IP work completed in 2021 as well as other work in Ontario. The mineralized zone at Oakes shows high grade gold and is similar to the mineralization style at the Hard Rock deposit 25km to the southwest (see press release date December 11, 2019). Riverside has progressed its projects in the Geraldton Gold Belt and now these funds can immediately be put into mineral exploration work with a focused Ontario work program.
The Offering is subject to the final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”). The securities being offered have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons without United States federal and state registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The Shares are subject to a four month hold period expiring on June 16, 2022.
About Riverside Resources Inc.:
Riverside is a well-funded exploration company with over $4,000,000 in the bank and is driven by value generation and discovery. The Company has no debt and less than 75M 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.
Qualified Person & QA/QC:
The scientific and technical information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Freeman Smith, P.Geo, the VP, Exploration of Riverside Resources and who acts as a “qualified person” under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
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
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”) and include, without limitation, statements regarding ; the intended uses of the proceeds of the Offering; regulatory acceptance of the Offering; the development of Riverside’s projects; prospective mineral properties; and securing of joint-ventures and spin-out partnerships. Such forward-looking information involves assumptions and known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, 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 set out in the forward-looking statements.. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Riverside disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN
Eureka Zone, where disseminated, magmatic sulfide minerals contain potentially economically recoverable nickel – copper – chromium – cobalt – platinum group elements over broad core lengths reported from historical drilling. The mineralization can be intermittently traced over a fifteen-kilometer-long strike length, and the historical intersections are up to 319.7 meters wide. If continuity can be proven, a very large tonnage deposit with high contained metal could result.
Canwell Zone, where very high grades of nickel, copper, and platinum group elements, including the rarer metals osmium, iridium, ruthenium, and rhodium are known from historical surface rock sampling and drilling.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Millrock Resources Inc. (TSX-V: MRO, OTCQB: MLRKF) (“Millrock” or the “Company”) reports that it has assembled (by staking and an option agreement) an extensive land package in the Delta River Mining District in Alaska. The Nikolai Project (previously known by some as the MAN project) hosts nickel (Ni) – copper (Cu) – chromium (Cr) – cobalt (Co) – platinum group element (PGE) prospects. The claims show potential for delineation and development of a large tonnage deposit rich in Ni and other critical and strategic metals.
Millrock President and CEO Gregory Beischer commented: “Millrock is very pleased to have generated this nickel-dominant project which also has a variety of accompanying critical and strategic metals. Other companies such as Canada Nickel (current share price ~$2.33) and Group Ten Metals (current share price ~$0.36) have had strong market success by working on the development of geologically similar metal accumulations. Millrock aims to have similar success with the Nikolai project.”
One of the claim blocks covers the highly prospective and underexplored Eureka zone. At this location, a zone of disseminated Ni-Cu-Cr-Co-PGE mineralization was initially discovered by a subsidiary of Inco, and further expanded by Pure Nickel Inc. (now Galleon Gold Corp.) as reported in their press releases issued between 2007 and 2014. The claims had become open for staking and Millrock re-staked the land position.
Additionally, Millrock has entered into an option agreement on the Canwell claims where very high grades of nickel, copper and platinum group elements, including the rare platinum group metals osmium, iridium, ruthenium, and rhodium are known from historical surface rock sampling and drilling.
In total, Millrock’s Nikolai Project now consists of 146 State of Alaska Mining Claims covering 9,454 hectares in a highly prospective, underexplored ultramafic Ni-Cu-PGE mineralized belt (Figure 1). The claims are proximal to paved highways, and a network of gravel roads and trails afford ready access to the Canwell claim block. The City of Fairbanks lies approximately 200 kilometers to the northwest. The city of Delta Junction lies 130 km to the north of the project and has many services and amenities that support the Alaska mining community. The main Alaska power line and railway lie 150 kilometers to the west along the Denali Highway.
Remobilized high-grade Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization (typical in large Ni camps)
Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS – Besshi style) Cu (Zn-Pb) Au, Ag (analogy = Windy Craggy deposit, Canada)
Geologically, the project is located within the underexplored Wrangellia Terrane of Central Alaska. A characteristic component of this terrane is the Nikolai Greenstone, an extensive sequence of Late Triassic flood basalt rocks. Mafic and ultramafic intrusions, the source for the Nikolai Greenstone, along with Permian and Cretaceous felsic plutons, intruded Permian volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks. Wrangellia holds high potential for the discovery of economic magmatic sulfide deposits containing nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum, palladium, iridium, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium, gold, silver, lead, and zinc. Past producing mines and known deposits within the Wrangellia include Kennecott Copper Mines, Windy Craggy, Wellgreen-Nickel Shaw, and White River.
At the Eureka claim block, 104 State of Alaska mining claims were staked and are 100% owned by Millrock. Previously discovered Ni-Cu-PGE prospects form a northwest trend of soil and rock anomalies that contain elevated nickel, copper, platinum, palladium, and gold. After an initial discovery by Inco Ltd. in 1997, drilling by Pure Nickel Inc. and ITOCHU Corporation between 2008 and 2013 resulted in the discovery of a mineralized corridor called the Eureka Zone. More than fifteen kilometers in length, the disseminated Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization is associated with serpentinized mafic and ultramafic rocks (Table 1, Pure Nickel Inc., News Release, October 29th, 2013).
Based on these historical drill hole results, Millrock has identified a zone of mineralization (1,700m x 600m x 300m) that contains potentially economic concentrations of nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum, palladium, and gold. Additionally, Millrock postulates that higher grade mineralization may occur in embayment features at the base of the Eureka Zone, where heavy metals may accumulate during fractionation and crystallization of the ultramafic intrusion. Further drilling is warranted to confirm this hypothesis, along with in-fill drilling on the identified zone of mineralization, with the goal of defining a NI 43-101/JORC compliant resource. The company cautions they have not yet done sufficient exploration to test these hypotheses and there is no certainty that exploration will be successful in confirming these hypotheses.
Table 1. Historical Eureka Zone drillhole intersections reported by Pure Nickel (Press Release, October 29th, 2013)
Drill Hole
From (m)
To (m)
Estimated True Width (m)2
Ni (%)
Cu (%)
Co (%)
Pt (ppb)
Pd (ppb)
Au (ppb)
Ag (g/t)
MAN05-01A1,3
35.0
136.8
99.9
0.25
0.08
0.017
79
49
23
N/A
PNI-07-0021
100.6
388.0
246.4
0.21
0.02
0.016
54
37
11
0.20
FL-0041,3
108.8
242.6
114.7
0.20
0.05
0.015
52
35
24
0.00
PNI-10-028
201.0
488.4
226.4
0.21
0.07
0.016
38
82
10
0.41
PNI-10-029
172.1
399.0
211.8
0.21
0.04
0.015
34
77
6
0.36
PNI-10-030
377.7
729.5
284.6
0.20
0.06
0.016
39
74
11
0.44
PNI-10-0331
210.2
496.0
231.2
0.21
0.05
0.017
36
62
20
0.37
PNI-10-0351
192.4
471.0
224.6
0.23
0.06
0.017
39
81
8
0.40
PNI-12-0631
146.6
241.7
94.8
0.24
0.15
0.018
97
156
31
1.11
PNI-07-0011
397.5
659.1
211.6
0.24
0.08
0.018
50
114
10
0.56
PNI-10-0361
163.2
559.9
319.7
0.25
0.09
0.018
54
121
13
0.59
FL-0061,3
185.0
382.8
160.0
0.24
0.09
0.019
57
115
14
N/A
FL-0031,3
60.2
393.2
269.4
0.21
0.08
0.017
54
117
12
N/A
PNI-09-201,3
192.5
394.0
200.4
0.24
0.02
0.014
N/A
N/A
7
0.11
PNI-13-0691
160.3
373.7
205.2
0.24
0.09
0.017
61
122
19
0.72
PNI-13-071
99.4
247.0
146.8
0.17
0.08
0.015
46
76
14
0.57
And
328.0
342.7
14.6
0.19
0.16
0.016
64
127
21
1.19
PNI-13-072
217.0
432.5
162.6
0.20
0.08
0.017
49
104
13
0.45
PNI-13-0731
245.5
376.7
130.5
0.22
0.07
0.016
52
118
16
0.36
PNI-13-0741
198.0
453.2
253.9
0.20
0.06
0.016
38
91
11
0.34
PNI-13-0751
73.0
116.7
43.4
0.23
0.06
0.016
46
105
11
0.34
And
254.0
377.0
122.4
0.17
0.05
0.015
33
80
11
0.18
1 Incomplete intersection of the Eureka Zone
2 True widths estimated from hole angle and average dip of mineralization (46˚)
3 Not Continuously Sampled
N/A No Assays Reported
m = meters, ppb = parts per billion, g/t = grams per tonne
Note: The Millrock Qualified Person (QP) does not have access to all the drill logs and assay results and has no way to verify the results that were published by Pure Nickel. The Millrock QP was responsible for the team that drilled holes beginning with the “FL” prefix in his prior role as Exploration Manager for Inco Ltd. subsidiary company American Copper & Nickel Company. The Millrock QP has access to the drill logs and original assay certificates for these holes.
At the Canwell claim block, Millrock has entered into an agreement under which it has been granted the option to purchase the Canwell Ni-Cu-PGE project from property owner David Johnson. The property covers 42 State of Alaska mining claims (2,720 hectares). Millrock may purchase a 100% interest in the property by performing exploration work totaling US$5.0 million in value, making cash payments of US$500,000 and incremental payments of Millrock shares (5.0 million in total), and granting a buyable royalty. Millrock is making an initial share issuance of 1,000,000 Millrock shares and US$25,000 as the signing payment. The agreement with the owner is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.
Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization is associated with mafic and ultramafic dikes/sills at Canwell and are hypothesized as deep-rooted feeders to the same ultramafic sills located at Eureka. Felsic intrusions on the Canwell property have the potential to upgrade the Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization through remobilization processes. Ni-Cu-PGE prospects located by previous explorers include Emerick, Forbes, Odie, and Canwell Ridge. Millrock due diligence samples collected in 2020 and 2021 from the Forbes prospect returned results ranging from 0.36% to 4.05% copper, 0.14% to 2.87% nickel, 44 to 716.4 ppm cobalt, 0.051 to 0.114 ppm gold, 3.774 to 7.745 ppm silver, 0.471 to 0.848 ppm palladium, 0.179 to 0.373 ppm platinum, 0.023 to 0.074 ppm iridium, 0.010 to 0.060 ppm osmium, 0.017 to 0.054 ppm rhodium and below detection to 0.110 ppm ruthenium (Table 2).
Table 2. 2020-2021 Due diligence sample assay results from the Forbes prospect
Sample
Prospect
Ni (%)
Cu (%)
Co (ppm)
Pt (ppb)
Pd (ppb)
Au (ppb)
Ag (ppb)
Ir (ppb)
Os (ppb)
Rh (ppb)
Ru (ppb)
701325
Forbes
2.87
4.05
716.4
373
848
51.8
7745
23
10
17
<50
701326
Forbes
0.14
0.36
44
179
471
114.5
3774
74
60
54
110
The potential for Besshi-type Volcanic Massive Sulfides (VMS) also occurs on the property in the Permian volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks adjacent to the mafic and ultramafic sequence. VMS prospects located by previous explorers include Silver, Red Knob, Plateau, Canyon, Verona Pick, and Woody. Millrock due diligence samples collected in 2020 and 2021 on the Plateau and Woody prospects returned results ranging from 0.01 to10.74% copper, 1.51 to 5450.48 ppm lead, 20.1 to 3989.8 ppm zinc, below detection to 11.856 ppm gold, 0.116 to 189 ppm silver, and below detection to 0.177 ppm palladium (Table 3).
Table 3. 2020-2021 Due diligence sample assay results from the Plateau and Woody prospects
Sample
Prospect
Cu (%)
Pb (ppm)
Zn (ppm)
Au (ppb)
Ag (ppb)
Pd (ppb)
701333
Plateau
0.01
1376.18
675.0
10.5
919
24
701334
Plateau
10.74
37.02
95.3
561.3
82933
<10
701335
Plateau
4.12
22.16
190.9
14.7
16978
<10
701320
Woody
0.01
53.23
146.0
2.7
283
<10
701321
Woody
5.37
5450.48
3989.8
11855.8
53916
177
701322
Woody
3.56
596.68
971.6
332.4
189000
32
701323
Woody
4.85
2456.93
758.6
2317.3
37418
46
701410
Woody
0.01
4.30
65.1
16.7
241
<10
967701
Woody
0.01
2.64
20.1
1.3
116
<10
967702
Woody
0.08
1.51
44.4
<0.2
178
14
967703
Woody
0.02
6.70
83.8
2.7
337
<10
The assay results reported in Table 2 and 3 were collected by the Millrock QP and analyzed in 2021. The samples were analyzed at the Bureau Veritas Laboratory in Vancouver and Ontario, Canada using methods AQ252, MA404, and NA-PGE-S. The assay results confirm similar grades to those reported by historical workers.
Millrock has reviewed existing data and built a comprehensive exploration plan. The Company will seek joint venture partners to fund exploration and thereby earn an interest in the project.
Quality Control – Quality Assurance Millrock adheres to stringent Quality Assurance – Quality Control (“QA/QC”) standards. Rock samples are kept in a secure location at all times. Rock samples are assayed at the Bureau Veritas laboratory in Vancouver, Canada. Preparation and analysis methods are described in further detail here. The sample preparation method code being utilized for the current rock sampling program was PRP70-250. Analysis methods used include AQ252-EXT (Aqua Regia – ICP-ES/MS) for all samples, MA404 (Aqua Regia and Multi-Acid – AAS) for overlimit samples (>10,000 ppm Cu, >10,000 ppm Ni & >100,000 ppb Ag), and NA-PGE-S for rare PGE’s. For every 20 rock samples, a standard sample (Certified Reference Materials) of known copper concentration was analyzed. The Qualified Person is of the opinion that the results reported in this press release are reliable.
Qualified Person The scientific and technical information disclosed within this document has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Gregory A. Beischer, President, CEO, and a director of Millrock Resources. Mr. Beischer is a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101.
About Millrock Resources Inc. Millrock Resources Inc. is a premier project generator to the mining industry. Millrock identifies, packages, and operates large-scale projects for joint venture, thereby exposing its shareholders to the benefits of mineral discovery without the usual financial risk taken on by most exploration companies. The company is recognized as the premier generative explorer in Alaska, holds royalty interests in British Columbia, Canada, and Sonora State, Mexico, is a significant shareholder of junior explorer ArcWest Exploration Inc. and owns a large shareholding in Resolution Minerals Limited. Funding for drilling at Millrock’s exploration projects is primarily provided by its joint venture partners. Business partners of Millrock have included some of the leading names in the mining industry: EMX Royalty, Coeur Explorations, Centerra Gold, First Quantum, Teck, Kinross, Vale, Inmet and, Altius as well as junior explorers Resolution, Riverside, PolarX, Felix Gold and Tocvan.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD “Gregory Beischer” Gregory Beischer, President & CEO
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Melanee Henderson, Investor Relations Toll-Free: 877-217-8978 | Local: 604-638-3164 Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including without limitation the intention to form joint ventures and to perform further exploration. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – February 4, 2022) – Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) (OTCQB: RVSDF) (FSE: 5YY) (“Riverside“ or the “Company“), is pleased to announce that it plans to complete a non-brokered, charity flow through private placement of up to 2,857,142 common shares at a price of $0.21 per share to raise aggregate proceeds of up to C$600,000 (the “Offering”). Riverside has no warrants outstanding and there is no warrant with the Offering.
The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Offering to fund a focused H1 2022 drill program at the 100% owned Oakes Gold Project in Ontario, Canada. Funds will also be used to follow up on trenching and IP work completed in 2021.The mineralized zone at Oakes shows high grade gold and is similar to the mineralization style at the Hard Rock deposit 25km to the southwest (see press release date December 11, 2019). Riverside has progressed its projects in the Geraldton Gold Belt and now these funds can immediately be put into mineral exploration work with a focused Ontario work program.
The Offering is subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”). The securities being offered have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons without United States federal and state registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Finder’s fees may be payable in respect of the Offering, subject to the acceptance of the Exchange and this is a non-brokered financing.
About Riverside Resources Inc.:
Riverside is a well-funded exploration company with over $4M in the bank and is driven by value generation and discovery. The Company has 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.
Qualified Person & QA/QC:
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 in this news release is accurate and who acts as a “qualified person” under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
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
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”) and include, without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the Offering; the intended uses of the proceeds of the Offering; regulatory acceptance of the Offering and the development of Riverside’s projects. Such forward-looking information involves assumptions and known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, 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 set out in the forward-looking statements.. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Riverside disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN
