Step-out drill hole APC-28, which was drilled to the west from the eastern side of the Main Breccia system at Apollo cut the longest intercept to date as follows:
As a result of APC-28, the maximum width and vertical dimensions of the Main Breccia system have increased to 395 metres (previously 350 metres) and 915 metres (previously 825 metres), respectively.
Drill hole APC-28 bottomed while still in mineralization indicating that the Main Breccia system remains open for expansion to the west and at depth (as well as to the east and north based on previously announced assay results).
Hole APC-30 was drilled southwards on the western side of the deposit and intercepted the Main Breccia system over a broad interval as follows:
Four holes have now been completed into the Main Breccia system as part of the 2023 Phase II drill program at the Guayabales project. All four holes appear to have intercepted the Main Breccia system with mineralization beginning from surface. Assay results for these holes are expected in the near term.
Ari Sussman, Executive Chairman commented: “The Main Breccia system at Apollo continues to yield positive surprises. The Company drilled three long holes in 2022, APC-17, APC-22 and APC-28, with each hole expanding the size of the deposit and bottoming while still in mineralization. In addition, 2023 drilling is off to an excellent start with the initial four holes testing the Main Breccia system all intersecting mineralization beginning at surface. Our aim for 2023 is to define the newly discovered high-grade and near surface mineralization while continuing to be aggressive with expansion drilling. Without question, we have discovered a large copper-silver-gold deposit in a mining friendly jurisdiction of Colombia which will play a vital role in the country’s aggressive decarbonization goals.”
TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2023 /CNW/ – Collective Mining Ltd. (TSXV: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) (“Collective” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce assay results from a further three holes drilled into the Main Breccia system at the Apollo target (“Apollo”), which is part of the Guayabales project located in Caldas, Colombia. The Main Breccia is a high-grade, bulk tonnage copper-silver-gold porphyry-related system, which owes its excellent metal endowment to multiple phases of mineralization which includes older copper-silver-gold porphyry mineralization and younger, overprinting, low and intermediate sulphidation, precious metal rich sheeted carbonate base metal vein systems.
Details (See Table 1 and Figures 1–5)
Assay results for all thirty-one diamond drill holes from the Phase I drilling program for 2022 have now been announced at Apollo. The Phase II drilling program for 2023 is advancing on schedule with assay results for the first holes expected in the near term. This press release summarizes assay results of the final three diamond drill holes from the Phase I program with results summarized below.
APC-28 was a step-out hole drilled steeply to the west from Pad 2 to a maximum depth of 956.35 metres (915 metres vertical) and was designed to test western and depth extensions to the Main Breccia system. The hole intersected the longest interval drilled to date within the system, commencing at 354.70 metres down hole (335 vertical) and averaging:
601.65 metres @ 1.4 g/t gold equivalent and including internal intervals of:
The mineralized angular breccia of this intercept represents the largest accumulation of metal returned to date within the Main Breccia system and contains a sulphide matrix which includes 0.5% up to 2.5% chalcopyrite and between 1% and 3% pyrite plus some pyrrhotite. The breccia has been overprinted by zones of carbonate and base metal (sphalerite and galena) veins, which yield the higher gold equivalent intervals. APC-28 stopped in mineralized breccia due to rig constraints. This hole has extended the main breccia westwards by 115 metres and is the deepest intercept drilled to date outlining continuity of mineralized breccia to a vertical depth of approximately 915 metres below surface. APC-28 also represents the westernmost hole drilled into the Main Breccia system and demonstrates that the mineralization is thickening with depth and has an inverted funnel morphology as outlined in Figure 2 below. This western area of the deposit remains open for expansion as the hole stopped in strong mineralization.
As a result of drill hole APC-28, the overall volume of rock in which the Main Breccia system is located has grown in width to 395 metres (from 350 metres) and a vertical dimension of 915 metres (from 825 metres). The strike of the system remains the same at 385 metres.
APC-30 was drilled southwards from Pad 4 to a total length of 589 metres downhole and intersected mineralized breccia from 267.60 metres downhole (240 metres vertical), averaging:
318.85 metres @ 1.10 g/t gold equivalent and including internal intervals of:
Gold, silver and copper mineralization relates to sulphides hosted within the angular breccia matrix with average concentrations of pyrite (2%) and chalcopyrite (0.5%). An upper zone of 60.8 metres bearing 2% to 3% chalcopyrite was intercepted at the beginning of the mineralized interval and a sheeted and overprinting sphalerite rich CBM vein zone of 81.4 metres was encountered from 472.3 metres downhole.
Reconnaissance hole APC-27 was drilled due east away from the Main Breccia system to test outcropping mineralization at surface. From 300.40 metres downhole (210 metres vertical depth) the Company intersected a new zone of continuous low-grade mineralization with assay results as follows:
Core logging of the breccia system at Apollo by the Company’s geologists has identified that the crackle breccia as seen in this newly discovered zone, is typically found both above and on the periphery of the more intensely mineralized angular breccia phase. As a result of this assessment, the Company may have drilled over top of an angular breccia zone with stronger mineralization than was intercepted in APC-27. Further exploratory drilling will be undertaken in this area.
The Company’s Phase II 2023 program is well underway with three rigs focused on drilling near surface, high grade mineralization below mineralized outcrops in the southern and central areas of the Main Breccia system from newly constructed pads 6 and 7. To date, four shallow holes have been completed and confirm continuous mineralized angular breccia from surface. Three of these holes were drilled from Pad 6 and were terminated while still in strong mineralization. The fourth hole from Pad 7 appears to have drilled out the east side of the system indicating a more vertical orientation to the system that was previously modelled. Assay results are expected in the near term.
The Apollo target area, as defined to date by surface mapping, rock sampling and copper and molybdenum soil geochemistry, covers a 1,000 metres X 1,200 metres area. The Apollo target area hosts the Company’s Main Breccia system and multiple additional untested breccia, porphyry and vein targets. The overall Apollo target area also remains open for further expansion.
Table 1: Apollo Target Assays Results for Holes APC-27, APC-28, and APC-30
Hole ID
From (m)
To (m)
Intercept (m)
Au (g/t)
Ag (g/t)
Cu %
Mo %
AuEq (g/t) *
APC-27
299.50
372.40
72.90
0.30
6
0.02
0.002
0.44
APC-28
286.60
305.55
18.95
1.11
12
0.04
0.001
1.30
And
354.70
956.35
601.65
0.89
24
0.10
0.001
1.40
Incl
354.70
614.65
259.95
1.21
43
0.20
0.001
2.15
713.10
772.80
59.70
2.04
15
0.14
0.04
2.23
863.15
868.80
5.65
2.00
13
0.04
0.001
2.17
APC-30
267.60
586.25
318.65
0.61
19
0.12
0.002
1.10
Incl
267.60
328.40
60.80
0.17
48
0.40
0.002
1.64
472.30
553.70
81.40
1.95
18
0.04
0.002
2.22
*AuEq (g/t) is calculated as follows: (Au (g/t) x 0.95) + (Ag g/t x 0.016 x 0.95) + (Cu (%) x 1.83 x 0.95)+ (Mo (%)*9.14 x 0.95) and CuEq (%) is calculated as follows: (Cu (%) x 0.95) + (Au (g/t) x 0.51 x 0.95) + (Ag (g/t) x 0.01 x 0.95)+ (Mo(%)x 3.75 x 0.95) utilizing metal prices of Cu – US$4.00/lb, Ag – $24/oz Mo US$20.00/lb and Au – US$1,500/oz and recovery rates of 95% for Au, Ag, Mo and Cu. Recovery rate assumptions are speculative as no metallurgical work has been completed to date.
** A 0.2 g/t AuEq cut-off grade was employed with no more than 15% internal dilution. True widths are unknown, and grades are uncut.
Figure 1: Plan View of the Main Breccia System at Apollo Highlighting Drill Holes APC-27, APC-28, APC-30 and Visual Results for APC-31, APC-33, APC-35 and APC-36 (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.)
Figure 2: East-West Cross Section Highlighting APC-28, ACP-30, and Visual Results for APC-31 (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.)
Figure 3: Plan View of the Guayabales Project Highlighting the Apollo Target (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.)
To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com
Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, Collective Mining is a copper, silver and gold exploration company based in Canada, with projects in Caldas, Colombia. The Company has options to acquire 100% interests in two projects located directly within an established mining camp with ten fully permitted and operating mines.
The Company’s flagship project, Guayabales, is anchored by the Apollo target, which hosts the large-scale, bulk-tonnage and high-grade copper, silver, and gold Main Breccia system. The Company’s near-term objective is to continue with expansion drilling of the Main Breccia system while increasing confidence in the highest-grade portions of the system.
Management, insiders and close family and friends own nearly 52% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders. The Company is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol “CNL” and on the OTCQX under the trading symbol “CNLMF”.
Qualified Person (QP) and NI43-101 Disclosure
David J Reading is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. Mr. Reading has an MSc in Economic Geology and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG).
Technical Information
Rock and core samples have been prepared and analyzed at SGS laboratory facilities in Medellin, Colombia and Lima, Peru. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects and pulps are kept and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. No capping has been applied to sample composites. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program.
Information Contact:
Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski) and Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on Twitter
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about the drill programs, including timing of results, and Collective’s future and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Collective cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and Collective assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Capital Projects Construction Contract Awarded to Dumas Mining
YERINGTON, Nev., Feb. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDF) (FSE: ZYTA) (“Nevada Copper” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide an update on restart and operational activities for its Pumpkin Hollow underground copper mine (the “Underground Mine”).
Randy Buffington, President & CEO of Nevada Copper, stated, “Our Pumpkin Hollow team is focused on advancing the restart project quickly and safely. We are building on the momentum of the recent achievements by the underground crews as they have progressed through the dike structure and are advancing into the EN Zone in anticipation of the underground development contractor arriving on site and commencing development. The technical and leadership teams are in place and committed to executing this restart plan. We are targeting a mill restart in the third quarter with a quick ramp up to nameplate capacity by the end of 2023.”
Production Restart Highlights
Clear line of site to full-scale production
Simple and low-risk pathway to full-scale production established, comprising:
Phase 1 Q4 2022 to Q1 2023: Finalize dike crossings to access EN Zone initial stoping area (complete), confirm all key technical hires for restart (complete), and award capital projects contract (complete).
Phase 2 Q2 2023: Prioritized development of higher-grade EN Zone stope area.
Phase 3 Q3 to Q4 2023: Restart of proven mill, with surface and underground ore feed developed and short ramp-up to nameplate capacity.
Phase 1 Restart Milestones Achieved
Development into the EN Zone has demonstrated that rock quality is consistent with our geotechnical model, which predicted competent ground within the EN Zone, and development is progressing at full round lengths and standard ground support.
Definition drilling and assaying of all initial EN Zone stopes planned for extraction in 2023 is complete representing approximately 210K tons of stope ore, providing significant visibility on quality and grade of ore feed.
Contract awarded for completion of capital projects to debottleneck restart of development and underground operations.
Development mining contract award well progressed.
All key technical positions in place, with substantially strengthened operational leadership team on-site.
Operations significantly de-risked
Completion of both critical dike headings, securing the Underground Mine with full access to the primary EN Zone stope area. The third dike crossing is progressing well and, while it is not required to meet 2023 operating objectives, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2023.
Building planned surface stockpile of approximately 150K tons of run-of-mine ore ahead of mill start-up provides substantial operating buffer for milling operations.
Debottlenecking capital projects front-ended to provide additional operating flexibility.
Further Details on Production Restart
Underground Development Proceeding as Planned
The Nevada Copper operations team continues to make rapid progress on all underground activities including mine development, hoisting, stope preparation, and underground projects.
The historically reported dike crossings that provide initial stope top and bottom access into the EN Zone were fully established and completed in December 2022, and development is progressing toward stoping areas. Both key development drives that have crossed the dike have encountered ground conditions at or better than expectation, confirming the geotechnical model that predicted higher quality rock. Definition drilling of the initial stopes to feed the restart of milling operations in Q3 2023 have been completed and assayed, and confirm rock quality, grade and geometry represented by the geologic and reserve models.
Underground Development Contractor Update
The Company has completed the bid process for the development mining contractor and is in the final stages of negotiations for a unit rate contract with an internationally recognized major mining services contractor.
Key components of the development contract include:
72,000 feet of lateral capital development over a 24-month contract period;
Delivery of full development stopes by Q3 2023 to provide sufficient faces and stopes to restart and maintain nameplate milling operations (approximately 5,000 tpd); and
Nevada Copper’s operating team will perform all stope mining starting in Q3 2023.
Critical Construction Projects Progressing
The Company awarded Dumas Contracting USA, Inc. (“Dumas”) a $12 million construction contract to complete critical capital projects including the coarse ore bin and installation of an underground jaw crusher, permanent dewatering system, vent shaft stripping and surface fans. Dumas is a leading full-service underground mining contractor providing mine construction, development, production mining, mine services and engineering early-stage projects through well-established operating mines throughout the Americas.
Vent Shaft – Final stripping of the vent shaft commenced in January in preparation for connection of the surface fans, which are expected to be commissioned in early Q2 2023. The stripping is planned to be completed ahead of development contractor mobilization and the vent shaft is expected to provide the necessary ventilation for the life of the mine.
Ore Handling System – The additional ore handling system allows for increased ore throughput rates to the shaft hoisting system, enabling operations to ultimately exceed nameplate production. Engineering for ore handling system has been completed, and all long-lead items are on-site including the jaw crusher. Excavation is underway and planning for the installation of the system has already commenced.
Dewatering System – The pumps for the permanent dewatering system are on site and ready for installation. Once installed, the additional pumps are expected to provide all dewatering requirements for the life of the mine.
Regional Exploration Opportunities
The Company has completed a thorough review of regional mapping for its Pumpkin Hollow land position and several high-quality targets of interest have been identified. Surface sampling results from the Copper Ridge area have indicated the high-grade potential, highlighted by grades including 5.03% and 5.43% copper (see table below for additional assay information) that warrant additional investigation. In 2023, detailed mapping, interpretation of recent geophysical analysis and surface sampling are planned to follow-up on other identified high-potential targets on the Nevada Copper land position. The grades identified are conceptual in nature as there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the delineation of a mineral resource. Grades were determined through third-party labs, as detailed below under “Quality Assurance and Quality Control”.
Table of Assays (samples greater than 1%)
Sample ID
Easting (m)
Northing (m)
Elevation (m)
Cu (%)
Au (ppm)
Ag (ppm)
533857
318720
4316510
1451
2.31
0.036
0.5
533861
318751
4316512
1458
2.36
0.008
<0.2
533862
318766
4316512
1459
1.54
0.130
0.2
1615147
319706
4317023
1443
3.35
0.030
4.8
1615150
319603
4317072
1444
3.65
0.011
0.4
1615178
319087
4316782
1517
2.02
0.119
5.4
1669223
319621
4317082
1442
2.65
0.045
2.7
1669224
319678
4317033
1444
3.10
0.056
4.4
1669225
318483
4316515
1413
1.60
1.430
2.7
1669229
318639
4316481
1437
1.19
0.180
0.8
1669232
318607
4316637
1440
1.03
0.104
1.1
M59971*
319729
4317020
1440
5.03
0.150
10.0
M59982*
318739
4316527
1446
5.43
0.075
16.0
M59984*
318789
4316601
1470
4.10
0.055
8.0
M59994*
318438
4316507
1405
2.87
1.490
6.0
* Historic sample
Board Changes
Ms. Kate Southwell will be stepping down as a member of the Board of Directors effective February 28, 2023 to pursue other career opportunities. Stephen Gill, Chairman of the Board stated, “The Board and management team appreciate Kate’s valuable input during her tenure, particularly with regard to financing and commercial matters and as Chair of the Sustainability Committee and wish her well in her future endeavors”. The Nominating Committee of the Board is in the process of identifying qualified candidates to fill the vacant role at or prior to this year’s annual shareholder meeting.
Qualified Person
The technical information and data in this news release has been reviewed by Steven Newman, Registered Member – SME, Vice President, Technical Services for Nevada Copper, and Greg French, C.P.G., VP Exploration of Nevada Copper, who are non-independent Qualified Persons within the meaning of NI 43-101.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
The analytical work was performed by American Assay Labs (AAL) located in Sparks, Nevada. AAL is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. The Samples were crushed so that >80% passes 10 mesh, followed by pulverizing to >90% passes 75 < 150 mesh. Prepared samples were run using a three-acid digestion process and conventional ICP-AES analysis. Gold determination was via standard atomic absorption (AA) finish 30-gram fire-assay (FA) analysis. Blank, standard and duplicate samples were routinely inserted and monitored for quality assurance and quality control.
The historic analytical work was performed by Chemex Labs Inc., currently ALS Geochemistry (ALS) located in, Nevada. ALS is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. The samples were crushed so that >80% passes 10 mesh, followed by pulverizing split to < 150 mesh. Prepared samples were run using an acid digestion process and conventional ICP-AES analysis. Gold determination was via standard atomic absorption (AA) finish 30-gram fire-assay (FA) analysis.
Nevada Copper detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data and is not aware of any sampling or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to herein.
About Nevada Copper
Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) is a copper producer and owner of the Pumpkin Hollow copper project. Located in Nevada, USA, Pumpkin Hollow has substantial reserves and resources including copper, gold and silver. Its two fully permitted projects include the high-grade Underground Mine and processing facility, which is now in the production stage, and a large-scale open pit PFS stage project.
Randy Buffington President & CEO
For additional information, please see the Company’s website at www.nevadacopper.com, or contact:
Tracey Thom | Vice President, IR and Community Relations tthom@nevadacopper.com +1 775 391 9029
Cautionary Language on Forward Looking Statements This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to development and ramp-up plans and activities at the Underground Mine and the timing in respect thereof.
Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “potential”, “is expected”, “anticipated”, “is targeted”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information should not be read as guarantees of future performance and results. They are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and events to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information.
Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those relating to: requirements for additional capital and no assurance can be given regarding the availability thereof; the outcome of discussions with vendors; the ability of the Company to complete the ramp-up of the Underground Mine within the expected cost estimates and timeframe; the impact of COVID-19 on the business and operations of the Company; the state of financial markets; history of losses; dilution; adverse events relating to milling operations, construction, development and ramp-up, including the ability of the Company to address underground development and process plant issues; ground conditions; cost overruns relating to development, construction and ramp-up of the Underground Mine; loss of material properties; interest rate increases; global economy; limited history of production; future metals price fluctuations; speculative nature of exploration activities; periodic interruptions to exploration, development and mining activities; environmental hazards and liability; industrial accidents; failure of processing and mining equipment to perform as expected; labour disputes; supply problems; uncertainty of production and cost estimates; the interpretation of drill results and the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; possible variations in ore reserves, grade of mineralization or recovery rates from management’s expectations and the difference may be material; legal and regulatory proceedings and community actions; accidents; title matters; regulatory approvals and restrictions; increased costs and physical risks relating to climate change, including extreme weather events, and new or revised regulations relating to climate change; permitting and licensing; dependence on management information systems and cyber security risks; volatility of the market price of the Company’s securities; insurance; competition; hedging activities; currency fluctuations; loss of key employees; other risks of the mining industry as well as those risks discussed in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended December 31, 2021 and the quarter ended September 30, 2022 and in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2022. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: no adverse developments in respect of the property or operations at the project; no material changes to applicable laws; the ramp-up of operations at the Underground Mine in accordance with management’s plans and expectations; no worsening of the current COVID-19 related work restrictions; reduced impacts of COVID-19 going forward; the Company will be able to obtain sufficient additional funding to complete the ramp-up, no material adverse change to the price of copper from current levels; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.
The forward-looking information and statements are stated as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information and statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Specific reference is made to “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended December 31, 2021 and the quarter ended September 30, 2022 and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2022, for a discussion of factors that may affect forward-looking statements and information. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, should other risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and events may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements and information. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Company’s filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
The Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.
North Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – February 10, 2023) – Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) (“Lion One” or the “Company“) announces the Company has completed its previously announced debt and equity financing transaction and has received total proceeds of US$25 million from: i) the funding of the US$23 million 1st tranche (“Tranche 1“) of its previously announced US$37 million financing facility (the “Financing Facility“) provided by Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP, Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund I, LP and Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund II, LP (collectively, “Nebari“), and (ii) Nebari’s completion of a US$2 million equity private placement in the Company, for the development of Lion One’s 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji (the “Equity Investment“).
In addition to Tranche 1, an additional US$12 million is available under the Financing Facility at Lion One’s option in up to two further tranches which may be drawn on by Lion One within 18 months of the date of the Financing Facility. The Equity Investment involved Nebari’s subscription for 3,125,348 common shares of Lion One (“Common Shares“) priced at CAD$0.86 per Common Share.
In connection with the funding of Tranche 1, 15,333,087 warrants (the “Warrants“) have been issued to Nebari with each Warrant exercisable into one Common Share at a price of CAD$1.49 for a period of 42 months from the date hereof. The Warrants are non-transferable and will be subject to an accelerator provision whereby the Borrower may accelerate the expiry date of up to 25% of the Warrants in the event that the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares exceeds 100% over the strike price for a period of twenty consecutive trading days on the TSX-V. Lion One has the option to accelerate the expiry of further 25% portions of the Warrants at four-month intervals, up to a maximum of 75% of the Warrants.
The Common Shares subscribed for pursuant to the Equity Investment and the Warrants will be subject to a hold period expiring May 11, 2023 in accordance with Canadian securities laws and policies of the TSX-V. Neither the Common Shares subscribed for pursuant to the Equity Investment nor the Warrants have been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
About Tuvatu The Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project is located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. The January 2018 mineral resource for Tuvatu as disclosed in the technical report “Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Tuvatu Gold Project, Republic of Fiji”, dated September 25, 2020, and prepared by Mining Associates Pty Ltd of Brisbane Qld, comprises 1,007,000 tonnes indicated at 8.50 g/t Au (274,600 oz. Au) and 1,325,000 tonnes inferred at 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at U and on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.
About Nebari Nebari is a US-based investment manager specializing in privately offered pooled investment vehicles including Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP, Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund I, LP and Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund II, LP which are funding the Financing Facility to Lion One. The Nebari leadership team has deep experience with leading global mining companies and financial institutions and is known for partnering with motivated and capable management teams focused on achieving clear plan targets.
About Lion One Metals Limited Lion One’s flagship asset is 100% owned, fully permitted high grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project, located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. Lion One envisions a low-cost high-grade underground gold mining operation at Tuvatu coupled with exciting exploration upside inside its tenements covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, an underexplored yet highly prospective 7km diameter alkaline gold system. Lion One’s CEO Walter Berukoff leads an experienced team of explorers and mine builders and has owned or operated over 20 mines in 7 countries. As the founder and former CEO of Miramar Mines, Northern Orion, and La Mancha Resources, Walter is credited with building over $3 billion of value for shareholders.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lion One Metals Limited “Walter Berukoff“, Chairman and CEO
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility for 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 labour 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.
TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2023 /CNW/ – Collective Mining Ltd. (TSXV: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) (“Collective” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the Company had a recent opportunity to host the new Vice Minister of Mines of Colombia, Giovanni Franco, at its operation facilities in Supia, Colombia. The Vice Minister was visiting the region as part of the Ministry of Mines and Energy’s Social Mining Forum, which is a communication-based platform to discuss mining between the Ministry and municipalities.
During the visit, the Company had the opportunity to present its “Collective” model to mining, which is based on honesty, transparency, education and open dialogue with its stakeholders. The Company reviewed in detail its business and social approach within the area of influence of the Guayabales and San Antonio projects as it relates to various sustainability initiatives and exploration methodologies.
Upon completion of the visit, the Vice Minister of Mines recorded a short video summarizing his thoughts, which includes the following statement:
“What we see in the advances made by Collective Mining over the past three years is what we would like to have in Colombia. We wish to have 10, 50, 100 companies like Collective Mining all around Colombia to improve the geoscientific knowledge of the country, to improve the understanding of the subsoil resources that we have in Colombia to define public policies to improve the extraction of our subsoil resources.”
Please click on the link below to watch the full two-minute video testimony of the Vice Minister of Mines: https://youtu.be/-Ak3a_HJiPE
Figure 1 – Vice Minister of Mines Engaging with the Collective Mining Team in our Core Shack in Supía, Colombia (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.)
About Collective Mining Ltd. To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com.
Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, Collective Mining is a copper, silver and gold exploration company based in Canada, with projects in Caldas, Colombia. The Company has options to acquire 100% interests in two projects located directly within an established mining camp with ten fully permitted and operating mines.
The Company’s flagship project, Guayabales, is anchored by the Apollo target, which hosts the large-scale, bulk-tonnage and high-grade copper, silver and gold Main Breccia discovery. The Company’s near-term objective is to continue with expansion drilling of the Main Breccia discovery while increasing confidence in the highest-grade portions of the system.
Management, insiders and close family and friends own nearly 35% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders. The Company is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol “CNL” and on the OTCQX under the trading symbol “CNLMF”.
Information Contact:
Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski) and Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on Twitter
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to Collective’s future and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Collective cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and Collective assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Burlington, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – January 31, 2023) – Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI) (OTCQB: SBMCF) (‘SBMI’ or ‘the Company’) is pleased to update the assay results from its Black Copper occurrence, reported earlier on January 31, 2023.
In SBMI’s January 17, 2023 press release, SBMI advised third part geologic consultants including the QP had visited the Black Copper occurrence in late November and early December, 2022. Black Copper is situated on SBMI’s Black Diamond property roughly one point five kilometres south of the Buckeye Mine and is referred to in the January, 2021 Geologic Report. Samples from Black Copper were taken and reported the following results:
Sample number
Au (ppb)
Cu ppm
342151
615
>1000
342152
192
>1000
342153
941
>1000
342154
654
>1000
The over-detection limit for copper on these samples was 1000 parts per million. These four samples were sent for further analysis which returned:
Sample number
Cu ppm
Cu %
342151
22400
2.24
342152
37400
3.740
342153
34000
3.400
342154
54900
5.490
The press release from earlier today incorrectly stated the values in parts per million as a result of manual data entry into the press release. A copy of the Actlabs certificates for these samples is attached.
QAQC For SBMI
All the samples above were collected by Robert Komarechka and John Corkery. Samples were collected and placed in sample bags with their appropriate tag and personally taken to the courier and shipped to Actlabs in Thunder Bay, Ontario for assaying. Certified standards and blanks were used both by the Company and Actlabs.
All samples analyzed by Actlabs were by Fire Assay ICPOES (Induced coupled plasma arc with optical emission spectroscopy).
The multi-element analysis was by digestion with a combination of hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric and hydrofluoric acids.
Mr. Robert G. Komarechka, P.Geo., an independent consultant, has reviewed and verified SBMI’s work referred to herein, and is the Qualified Person for this release.
With respect to the Company’s press release concerning seeking an extension of the Warrants (as that term is defined in that release), SBMI advises it is seeking an extension on a total of 8,528,081 Warrants with new expiry dates ranging from February 6, 2024 to July 8, 2024.
For further information, please contact:
John Carter Silver Bullet Mines Corp., CEO cartera@sympatico.ca +1 (905) 302-3843
Peter M. Clausi Silver Bullet Mines Corp., VP Capital Markets pclausi@brantcapital.ca +1 (416) 890-1232
Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements as they relate to SBMI and its subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but represent management’s current expectation of future events, and can be identified by words such as “believe”, “expects”, “will”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “continues” and similar expressions. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct.
By their nature, forward-looking statements include assumptions, and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. If and when forward-looking statements are set out in this new release, SBMI will also set out the material risk factors or assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, SBMI assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: the impact of SARS CoV-2 or any other global virus; reliance on key personnel; the thoroughness of its QA/QA procedures; the continuity of the global supply chain for materials for SBMI to use in the production and processing of ore; shareholder and regulatory approvals; activities and attitudes of communities local to the location of the SBMI’s properties; risks of future legal proceedings; income tax matters; fires, floods and other natural phenomena; the rate of inflation; availability and terms of financing; distribution of securities; commodities pricing; currency movements, especially as between the USD and CDN; effect of market interest rates on price of securities; and, potential dilution. SARS CoV-2 and other potential global pathogens create risks that at this time are immeasurable and impossible to define.
Burlington, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – January 31, 2023) – Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI) (OTCQB: SBMCF) (‘SBMI’ or ‘the Company’) is pleased to report results from its Buckeye Mine development, ongoing PGM (platinum group metals) study, assay results from its Black Copper occurrence and the discovery of a new gold occurrence on its Black Diamond Property.
Development drift intersecting a wall of sulphides at the Buckeye Mine, Jan. 28, 2023
As of this date, the development drift at the Buckeye Mine has advanced about 116 metres from the adit alongside the main vein with ongoing bolting and screening.
In its January 17, 2023 press release, the Company advised it “…next intends to drift along the vein to an area believed to contain higher grade mineralization (see page 8 of the Geologic Report dated January 8, 2021).” However, the Company believes it may have intercepted that area of higher grade mineralization sooner than expected.
Approximately 1 metre before turning into the anticipated intersection with the main vertical vein, a 0.6 metre thick horizontal fracture zone was encountered that contained bands of massive sulphides. Horizontal sulphide bands were also noted by the QP for this press release in the Treasure Room along with paper thin layers of high purity native silver, similar to the bands in the newly discovered fracture zone. While the Company expected to locate the area of higher grade mineralization, the placement of this 0.6 metre wide area of sulphide mineralization was a positive surprise to the Company.
A blast in the drift on January 27, 2023 exposed another wall of sulphides at the end of the drift. These sulphides were also encountered sooner than the Company expected. Samples of the sulphide material are being prepared to be sent for assaying and further petrographic examination.
Regarding the earlier reported PGM assays and as previously reported, check assay samples have been sent to three independent certified labs. SBMI is awaiting complete reporting of the assays from the three labs. In addition to these check assays, the Company has contracted Dr. Andy McDonald, Mineralogist, of the Harquail School of Earth Sciences, at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, to undertake sample preparation, petrographic and scanning electron microscope examination of two samples derived from the Buckeye Mine.
The first sample being analyzed by Dr. McDonald was taken by the QP in November, 2022. It was diabase from the floor of the Treasure Room of the Buckeye Mine containing a silvery ductile mineral, subsequently confirmed by Dr. McDonald to be high purity native silver. When this sample was examined with an uncalibrated handheld X-ray fluorescent unit, the presence of palladium at 29 and 21 parts per million was noted. The second sample provided to Dr. McDonald was a malformed dore bar poured by SBMI in September, 2022 derived from the Buckeye Mine, containing highly refractory “unknown material.”
Native silver in diabase rock sample collected from the floor of the Treasure Room, Buckeye Mine
Also in SBMI’s January 17, 2023 press release, SBMI advised third part geologic consultants including the QP had visited the Black Copper occurrence in late November and early December, 2022. Black Copper is situated on SBMI’s Black Diamond property roughly one point five kilometres south of the Buckeye Mine and is referred to in the January, 2021 Geologic Report. Samples from Black Copper were taken and reported the following results:
Sample number
Au (ppb)
Cu ppm
342151
615
>1000
342152
192
>1000
342153
941
>1000
342154
654
>1000
The over-detection limit for copper on these samples was 1000 parts per million. These four samples were sent for further analysis which returned:
Sample number
Cu ppm
Cu %
342151
2240
2.24
342152
3740
3.740
342153
3400
3.400
342154
5490
5.490
In addition, during this geological study, an area of broken rusty quartz float was observed by the QP near the trail to the Richmond Basin to the west of the McMorris and Buckeye Mines. This is the Company’s first testing of this area. These quartz fragments appeared to be segments of narrow quartz veins containing sulphides. Due to a soil cover of a few inches to a foot in this area, limited time prevented exposure of the underlying bedrock. Four samples were collected from surface and yielded the following gold assays:
Sample number
Au (ppb)
Bi (ppm)
342109
17
2
342110
4450
412
342111
64
1600
342112
7
16
A bismuth assay of 1600 ppm and a silver assay over 100 ppm was recorded in sample 342111. The QP of this press release highly recommends further evaluation of this new gold occurrence.
Sample 342110 assayed 4.45 g/t Au. from the new gold occurrence.
All the samples above were collected by Robert Komarechka and John Corkery. Samples were collected and placed in sample bags with their appropriate tag and personally taken to the courier and shipped to Actlabs in Thunder Bay, Ontario for assaying. Certified standards and blanks were used both by the Company and Actlabs.
All samples analyzed by Actlabs were by Fire Assay ICPOES (Induced coupled plasma arc with optical emission spectroscopy).
The multi-element analysis was by digestion with a combination of hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric and hydrofluoric acids.
Mr. Robert G. Komarechka, P.Geo., an independent consultant, has reviewed and verified SBMI’s work referred to herein, and is the Qualified Person for this release.
With respect to the Company’s press release concerning seeking an extension of the Warrants (as that term is defined in that release), SBMI advises it is seeking an extension on a total of 8,528,081 Warrants with new expiry dates ranging from February 6, 2024 to July 8, 2024.
For further information, please contact:
John Carter Silver Bullet Mines Corp., CEO cartera@sympatico.ca +1 (905) 302-3843
Peter M. Clausi Silver Bullet Mines Corp., VP Capital Markets pclausi@brantcapital.ca +1 (416) 890-1232
Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements as they relate to SBMI and its subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but represent management’s current expectation of future events, and can be identified by words such as “believe”, “expects”, “will”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “continues” and similar expressions. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct.
By their nature, forward-looking statements include assumptions, and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. If and when forward-looking statements are set out in this new release, SBMI will also set out the material risk factors or assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, SBMI assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: the impact of SARS CoV-2 or any other global virus; reliance on key personnel; the thoroughness of its QA/QA procedures; the continuity of the global supply chain for materials for SBMI to use in the production and processing of ore; shareholder and regulatory approvals; activities and attitudes of communities local to the location of the SBMI’s properties; risks of future legal proceedings; income tax matters; fires, floods and other natural phenomena; the rate of inflation; availability and terms of financing; distribution of securities; commodities pricing; currency movements, especially as between the USD and CDN; effect of market interest rates on price of securities; and, potential dilution. SARS CoV-2 and other potential global pathogens create risks that at this time are immeasurable and impossible to define.
Drill hole APC-29 intercepted the highest grade near-surface copper-silver-gold mineralization encountered to date at the Main Breccia system at the Apollo target (“Apollo”) yielding 32 metres @ 10.48 g/t gold equivalent from 80 metres vertical. This hole was designed to test directly below where the Main Breccia system daylights at surface in the southern part of the system and to follow up on recently announced results for hole APC-22, which intersected 47.25 metres @ 5.45 g/t gold equivalent (see press release dated January 11, 2023). Further down-hole in APC-29, a broad zone of mineralization was encountered averaging 214.4 metres @ 1.04 g/t gold equivalent. APC-29 had to be abandoned short of target depth due to a fault while still in mineralization with the final 0.5 metre sample assaying 1.72 g/t gold, 39 g/t silver and 0.1% copper.
Drill hole APC-25 was designed as a step out hole along strike of the near surface high-grade zone of mineralization and intersected 106.85 metres @ 2.31 g/t gold equivalent starting at 65 metres vertical below surface. As a result, APC-25 has confirmed a shallow, westward expansion to the Main Breccia system and an apparent thickening to the high-grade near surface mineralized zone as the system is traced to the west.
Hole APC-26 was drilled to the northeast from Pad 4 and confirmed continuity of mineralization in that direction returning 136.9 metres @ 1.51 g/t gold equivalent contained within 311.2 metres at 1.04 g/t gold.
The phase II drilling program is underway with three rigs currently operating focused on testing near surface mineralization and expanding the dimensions of the Main Breccia system. Assay results are expected in the near term for the final three holes of the 2022 program, including westwards step-out hole APC-28, which cut more than 600 metres of continuous mineralization. Additionally, the first hole of the Phase II program is now complete, and core has been dispatched to the lab for assaying.
Ari Sussman, Executive Chairman commented: “Not only is the Main Breccia system at Apollo a large, bulk tonnage deposit but it now appears to host an outcropping and shallow zone of high-grade mineralization, which clearly enhances the value of this exciting discovery. Based on surface sampling, the system appears to daylight over an area measuring approximately 150 metres in diameter and remains open for expansion. The Main Breccia system is truly evolving into a brand-new world-class discovery right in the heart of a prolific mining camp with continuous precious metal production dating back more than 500 years.”
TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2023 /CNW/ – Collective Mining Ltd. (TSXV: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) (“Collective” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce assay results from a further three holes drilled into the Main Breccia discovery at the Apollo target (“Apollo”), which is part of the Guayabales project located in Caldas, Colombia. The Main Breccia discovery is a high-grade, bulk tonnage copper-silver-gold porphyry-related system, which owes its excellent metal endowment to multiple phases of mineralization which includes older copper-silver-gold porphyry mineralization and younger, overprinting, precious metal rich sheeted carbonate base metal vein systems.
Details (See Table 1 and Figures 1–6)
Assay results for twenty-eight diamond drill holes have now been announced at Apollo with results for additional holes expected in the near term. This press release announces results of three diamond drill holes with results summarized below.
APC-25 was drilled to the northwest from Pad 3 to a maximum depth of 215.80 metres and intersected a shallow, western extension to the Main Breccia discovery averaging:
106.85 metres @ 2.31 g/t gold equivalent consisting of 0.81 g/t Au, 30 g/t Ag, 0.62% Cu and 30 ppm Mo beginning at 73 metres downhole (65 metres vertical).
The mineralized angular breccia of this intercept contains a sulphide matrix which includes 1.5% to 2.5% chalcopyrite and between 1% and 3% pyrite plus pyrrhotite. The breccia has been overprinted by a zone of carbonate and base metal (sphalerite and galena) veins, which host higher gold grades and returned an interval of 14 metres grading 3.65 g/t gold equivalent. APC-25 is the westernmost hole drilled into the Main Breccia discovery and demonstrates that the mineralization is open and is thickening in this direction. Drill holes have been designed to continue to step-out to the west to expand upon this high grade and near surface mineralization.
APC-26 was drilled northeast from pad 4 and confirms continuity within the Northern Extension Zone of the Main Breccia system, as previously defined in holes APC-17 and APC-22. The hole was drilled to a maximum downhole length of 813.7 metres and intercepted:
311.2 metres @ 1.04 g/t gold equivalent consisting of 0.74 g/t Au, 16 g/t Ag, 0.05% Cu and 10 ppm Mo from 415 metres down hole.
Gold and silver mineralization relates to sulphides hosted within the angular breccia matrix including pyrite (1%-3%), pyrrhotite (1%-2%) and chalcopyrite (0.5%-1%). A higher-grade sub-zone was encountered within the mineralized intercept averaging 136.9 metres at 1.51 g/t gold equivalent and is characterized by an increase in overprinting low and intermediate sulphidation, carbonate base metal (“CBM”) vein material including visible sphalerite and galena.
APC-29 was drilled to the north-northeast from Pad 3 to a maximum depth of 644.8 metres and intercepted three mineralized zones before the hole was abandoned short of target depth due to a complicated fault structure. The two shallow zones within this hole are located directly beneath mineralized surface outcrops with the initial 32.0 metre intercept of mineralization beginning at 111.3 metres downhole (80 metres vertical), and the second 8.65 metre mineralized zone starting at 194.8 metres downhole (143 metres vertical). These high-grade gold, silver, and copper shallow zones of mineralization are hosted within a matrix of angular quartz diorite breccia with the sulphide component consisting of chalcopyrite (0.5%-2%), pyrite (0.5%-2%) and pyrrhotite (0.5-1%). Finally, the third zone, which starts at 343.8 metres downhole (318 metres vertical) intersected more 301 metres of continuous mineralization including a higher-grade subzone over 214.4 metres. The sulphide mineralization within the breccia matrix of this intercept contained pyrrhotite (0.5%-2.5%), pyrite (1%-3%) and multiple zones of sheeted CBM vein material, which are predominantly sphalerite rich with minor galena. The following intercepts are summarized from APC-29:
32.00 metres @ 10.48 g/t gold equivalent consisting of 9.23 g/t Au, 60 g/t Ag, 0.44% Cu and 30 ppm Mo from 89.25 metres downhole (80 metres vertical depth).
8.65 metres @ 2.26 g/t gold equivalent consisting of 0.57 g/t Au, 82 g/t Ag, 0.27% Cu and 10 ppm Mo from 194.80 metres downhole (143 metres vertical depth).
214.40 metres @ 1.04 gold equivalent consisting of 0.77 g/t Au, 14 g/t Ag, 0.05% Cu and 10 ppm Mo from 343.80 metres downhole (318 metres vertical depth), which includes 98.20 metres @ 1.26 g/t gold equivalent.
The Company’s Phase II, 2023 program is well underway with two rigs focused on drilling near surface, high grade mineralization below mineralized outcrops in the southern and central areas of the Main Breccia system while simultaneously targeting expansion to the overall dimensions of the system to the west, northwest, north and northeast. Furthermore, a new drill pad (pad 8) has been constructed 150 south of the southernmost modelled boundary of the Main Breccia system at Apollo and reconnaissance drilling is underway to test a recently discovered porphyry target.
The Apollo target area, as defined to date by surface mapping, rock sampling and copper and molybdenum soil geochemistry, covers a 1,000 metres X 1,200 metres area. The Apollo target area hosts the Company’s Main Breccia discovery and multiple additional untested breccia, porphyry and vein targets. The overall Apollo target area also remains open for further expansion.
Table 1: Apollo Target Assays Results for Holes APC-25, APC-26 and APC-29
HoleID
From (m)
To (m)
Intercept (m)
Au (g/t)
Ag (g/t)
Cu %
Mo %
AuEq(g/t) *
CuEq(%) *
APC-25
73.00
179.85
106.85
0.81
30
0.62
0.003
2.31
1.26
Incl.
111.00
125.00
14.00
2.00
35
0.75
0.005
3.65
2.00
APC-26
415.00
726.20
311.20
0.74
16
0.05
0.001
1.04
incl.
415.00
551.90
136.90
1.14
20
0.06
0.001
1.51
APC-29
111.30
143.30
32.00
9.23
60
0.44
0.003
10.48
and
194.80
203.45
8.65
0.57
82
0.27
0.001
2.26
and
343.80
644.80
301.00
0.63
14
0.05
0.001
0.90
Incl.
343.80
558.20
214.40
0.77
14
0.05
0.001
1.04
Incl.
460.00
558.20
98.20
1.26
15
0.04
0.001
1.51
* AuEq (g/t) is calculated as follows: (Au (g/t) x 0.95) + (Ag g/t x 0.016 x 0.95) + (Cu (%) x 1.83 x 0.95)+ (Mo (%)*9.14 x 0.95) and CuEq (%) is calculated as follows: (Cu (%) x 0.95) + (Au (g/t) x 0.51 x 0.95) + (Ag (g/t) x 0.01 x 0.95)+ (Mo(%)x 3.75 x 0.95) utilizing metal prices of Cu – US$4.00/lb, Ag – $24/oz Mo US$20.00/lb and Au – US$1,500/oz and recovery rates of 95% for Au, Ag, Mo and Cu. Recovery rate assumptions are speculative as no metallurgical work has been completed to date.
** A 0.2 g/t AuEq cut-off grade was employed with no more than 15% internal dilution. True widths are unknown, and grades are uncut.
Figure 1: Plan View of the Main Breccia System at Apollo Highlighting Drill Holes APC-25, APC-26 and APC-29 (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.)
Figure 2: Up Close View of Drill Holes Intersecting the Shallow, High-Grade Southern Zone Within the Main Breccia System at Apollo (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.)
Figure 3: Plan View of the Guayabales Project Highlighting the Apollo Target (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.)
To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com
Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, Collective Mining is a copper, silver and gold exploration company based in Canada, with projects in Caldas, Colombia. The Company has options to acquire 100% interests in two projects located directly within an established mining camp with ten fully permitted and operating mines.
The Company’s flagship project, Guayabales, is anchored by the Apollo target, which hosts the large-scale, bulk-tonnage and high-grade copper, silver and gold Main Breccia discovery. The Company’s near-term objective is to continue with expansion drilling of the Main Breccia discovery while increasing confidence in the highest-grade portions of the system.
Management, insiders and close family and friends own nearly 35% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders. The Company is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol “CNL” and on the OTCQX under the trading symbol “CNLMF”.
Qualified Person (QP) and NI43-101 Disclosure
David J Reading is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. Mr. Reading has an MSc in Economic Geology and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG).
Technical Information
Rock and core samples have been prepared and analyzed at SGS laboratory facilities in Medellin, Colombia and Lima, Peru. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects and pulps are kept and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. No capping has been applied to sample composites. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program.
Information Contact:
Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski) and Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on Twitter
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about the drill programs, including timing of results, and Collective’s future and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Collective cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and Collective assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – January 23, 2023) – Mundoro Capital Inc. (TSXV: MUN) (www.mundoro.com) (“Mundoro” or the “Company“), announces it has entered into a definitive agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of BHP Group Limited (“BHP“), which provides BHP with the right to earn-in to three (each, an “Option“) exploration areas that Mundoro holds in the Timok region (“Timok Properties“).
Ms. Teo Dechev, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of Mundoro commented, “Mundoro welcomes BHP as an exploration partner that recognizes the potential of further exploration in the western Tethyan Belt. We are looking forward to commencing field exploration at the Timok Properties in order to advance targeting and testing of undercover, and near surface, porphyry and related epithermal systems in the Timok region of eastern Serbia.”
Ms. Dechev added, “Mundoro has established a decade-long history of generative and early-stage exploration in Serbia and Bulgaria. Partner funded exploration programs along with Mundoro’s generative programs have invested over C$30 million of exploration expenditures which bring value to stakeholders in the communities where we operate, to our partners, and to our shareholders.”
Regional Setting
The porphyry copper projects under the Options with BHP are located in and around the Timok Magmatic Complex in Serbia. The Timok region is known as a mining district with more than 100 years of mining comprising approximately 4 billion tons in porphyry systems over 5 known mines. The Timok Magmatic Complex is host to the largest copper-gold porphyry deposits in the western portion of the Tethyan Belt such as (i) Cukaru-Peki, a high sulphidation epithermal copper-gold and porphyry copper deposit, (ii) Bor underground mine which is a copper-gold porphyry (“Bor Mining Complex”), (iii – iv) Veliki Krivelj and Majdanpek open-pit mines which are both copper-gold porphyries and (v) the recently re-opened Cerovo porphyry copper -gold open-pit mine (see Figure 1).
Dr. Richard Jemeilita, Chief Geologist at Mundoro commented: “The Timok Properties represent a district scale, attractive exploration package in this prospective mineral belt in Serbia. Our exploration team in the region has identified, in the South Timok Properties exploration area, extending south from the Timok Magmatic Complex, continuation of fertile geological units for further copper exploration. We are encouraged by the initial reconnaissance sampling which has identified anomalous copper zones.”
The Borsko Jezero Project (“Borsko“) is located in the central portion of the Timok Magmatic Complex and aggregates an exploration area of 34.5 sqkm. The project is directly adjacent to and west of the producing Bor copper porphyry mine (see Figure 1). Exploration completed to date by Mundoro has identified several targets of which, Target 1 is an undercover preserved advanced argillic alteration lithocap covering an area approximately 1.6 km in strike length, discovered using a combination of geophysical techniques. The Target 1 system contains elevated copper-gold-arsenic geochemical results indicative of high sulphidation epithermal type mineralization with elevated copper at the bottom of the lithocap suggesting a porphyry source beyond the immediate drill tested area.
South Timok
An area that aggregates 213 sqkm, located at the southern end of the Timok Magmatic Complex and approximately 60 km south-southeast of Bor mining district in Central Timok. The northern parts of exploration ground is covered by Paleogene sediments interlayered with Paleogene pyroclastics, while the central area consists of Upper Cretaceous sediments and volcanics. To the east the area is almost entirely covered by Upper Cretaceous volcanics from the Timok Magmatic Complex. Hornblende andesite that intrudes the Upper Cretaceous sediments from both licenses are considered to have the potential for copper-gold porphyry and epithermal related systems. Several small-scale coal mines and old workings have been exploited by the state during the 1950’s in this area.
The southern portion of the exploration area comprises Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary lithologies intruded by late Cretaceous latite intrusions and partly overlain by Paleogene sediments. The volcanic-intrusive lithologies form part of the northwest-southeast L-shape-striking Cretaceous magmatic arc of Eastern Serbia. Mundoro started a stream sediment program over the favorable geological setting in the southern portion of the exploration area that yielded several drainage areas anomalous for gold, copper, lead and zinc within two outlined targets internally named Ponor North and Ponor South, respectively.
Trstenik
This exploration area covers an aggregate of 55 sqkm and lies within the northern portion of the Timok Magmatic Complex directly north of Majdanpek Mine Complex. To date, the systematic exploration work carried out by Mundoro in the exploration area has identified several target areas. Two of the targets at the southern end of the exploration area have similarities with the Majdanpek deposit in that the targets share similar geology, structural settings, and mineralisation – porphyry and skarn/massive sulphide replacement type and occur along strike of the main Timok trend.
Transaction Overview
Each of the three Options provides BHP with the right to earn a 100% interest in the relevant Timok Property by making (i) annual cash payments and operator payments (“Payments”) to Mundoro, with the aggregate amount of Payments for the three properties over three years amounting to approximately US$1,700,020, and (ii) incurring exploration expenditures within three years on the three properties amounting to US$7,500,000. The earn-in also includes an exploration expenditure commitment related to drilling by March 2023. BHP may exercise each Option independently or elect to extend each Option by one year by making additional Payments and incurring additional exploration expenditures. Upon exercise of each Option, Mundoro will retain a 2% net smelter return (“NSR”) royalty that includes development milestone payments for a total up to US$9,000,000 and annual cash payments until commercial production commences. Mundoro is appointed as the initial operator under the Options.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical information in this news release was prepared under the supervision of, and approved by, T. Dechev, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and R. Jemielita, PhD, MIMMM, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and Chief Geologist to the Company.
About Mundoro Capital Inc.
Mundoro is a publicly listed company on the TSX-V in Canada and OTCQB in the USA with a portfolio of mineral properties focused primarily on base and precious metals. To drive value for shareholders, Mundoro’s asset portfolio generates near-term cash payments to Mundoro from partners and creates royalties attached to each mineral property. The portfolio of mineral properties is currently focused on predominantly copper in two mineral districts: Western Tethyan Belt in Eastern Europe and the Laramide Belt in the southwest USA.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This News Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe” or “continue” or similar words or the negative thereof, and include the following: completion of earn-in expenditures, options and completion of a definitive agreement by the parties. The material assumptions that were applied in making the forward looking statements in this News Release include expectations as to the mineral potential of the Company’s projects, the Company’s future strategy and business plan and execution of the Company’s existing plans. We caution readers of this News Release not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements contained in this News Release, as there can be no assurance that they will occur and they are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include general economic and market conditions, exploration results, commodity prices, changes in law, regulatory processes, the status of Mundoro’s assets and financial condition, actions of competitors and the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities. The forward-looking statements contained in this News Release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this News Release are made as of the date of this News Release and the Board undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and for a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to the Company’s filings with the Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com.
Neither 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.
For further information, please visit Mundoro Capital website www.mundoro.com
Teo Dechev, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director +1-604-669-8055 info@mundoro.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2023 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) ( “Granite Creek” or the “Company” ) is pleased to report positive results from its Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) for the Carmacks Copper-Gold-Silver project (the “Project” or “Carmacks Project”), located in the Yukon, Canada’s Minto Copper District within the traditional territories of Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation.
The PEA demonstrates attractive project economics with significant opportunities for additional mine life expansion, reinforcing the potential of the Minto Copper District to become a top-tier global copper district.
Granite Creek Copper will be hosting a live webinar to review the PEA results on January 24th , 2023, at 9:00am PT | 12:00PM ET. To register, click here .
PEA Highlights
Attractive project economics:
Base case metal prices of US$3.75/lb Cu, US$1,800/oz Au and US$22/oz Ag: Pre-tax NPV 5%of C$324 million and 36% IRR After-tax NPV 5%of C$230 million and 29% IRR
Case 1 metal prices of US$4.25/lb Cu, US$2,000/oz Au and US$25/oz Ag: Pre-tax NPV 5%of C$475 million and 48% IRR After-tax NPV 5%of C$330 million and 38% IRR
Mine life of nine years at 7,000 tonnes per day with clear exploration potential to extend mine life with four target areas within 1km of the current resource.
Capital cost of C$220m with payback of 2 years from commencement of production.
Head grade of 1.10% copper equivalent (“CuEq”) consisting of 0.90% Cu, 0.30 g/t Au and 3.5 g/t Ag.
Average cash operating costs of US$1.76/lb CuEq and all-in sustaining costs of US$2.57/lb CuEq.
Option for tailings treatment: PEA study identifies additional potential cash flow through processing of oxide tailings to increase total copper recovery. Recovery sensitivity shows an additional $180M pre-tax NPV based of a 20% increase in recovery rates.
The Company envisions developing the Carmacks Project into a low-carbon source of copper. A critical mineral, as defined by the Canadian government, copper is key to the transition to a zero-carbon economy through the electrification of transportation and other industries, and the development of renewable energy production. The 2023 PEA clearly demonstrates the viability of the Carmacks Deposit as a robust open pit sulphide and oxide copper-gold-silver project with significant potential upside from both resource expansion and secondary processing of oxide material to further improve oxide recoveries. The Project is to be powered by the Yukon’s electrical grid which uses primarily renewable electricity.
“The completion of the PEA is a major accomplishment that doesn’t just advance the Project beyond previous studies but completely re-envisions Carmacks as a high-grade, open pit copper, gold and silver producer with excellent expansion potential in a tier one jurisdiction”, commented Timothy Johnson, President and CEO. “The inclusion of sulphide alongside oxide ore, either as a blend or a straight sulphide feed, has resulted in significant upside on the Project, with further opportunities recognized in both processing and exploration.”
“Potential for near mine resource expansion is demonstrated in new volumetrically significant targets identified by comparison of the geophysical signatures of known mineralization with similar signatures of untested targets near the proposed pits “, continued Mr. Johnson. “These strong geophysical responses have a high correlation with copper sulphide minerals on the Project, giving us high confidence in these new targets, which are a priority for testing in upcoming drill campaigns.”
PEA Study Approach
The PEA contemplates open pit mining using a conventional truck and shovel operation in two separate pits. Mining targets the high-grade, near surface oxide material in the 147 pit, then transitions to target sulphide material in the 1213 pit followed by final mining of the deeper oxide and sulphide material in 147. Mined material would be delivered to a crushing and grinding circuit consisting of a primary crusher, SAG mill and ball mill. Both oxide copper ore and sulphide copper ore would be processed via a simplified flow sheet consisting of well-established flotation technology producing a high-quality copper-gold-silver concentrate. Oxide and sulphide ore would be blended and sequenced to provide optimal cash flow and to minimise the environmental footprint with mined-out pits or portions of pits being reclaimed as mining commences in the next area. Both conceptual pits lie within 2km of the proposed mill site.
Tailings from the flotation circuit would be filtered and water recirculated into the flotation circuit. This would improve water management and limit environmental impact, with final tailings placement on a lined dry stack tailings facility at site.
A high-grade, premium copper, gold and silver concentrate would be shipped via deep seaports in Skagway, Alaska or other nearby facilities. Treatment and refining charges terms are within standard market rates.
Average copper recovery during life of mine (“LOM’) is calculated to be 64% with approximately 2/3 of material processed being oxide ore and 1/3 being sulphide ore. Metallurgical studies returned 93% copper recovery when processing sulphide ore, 40% copper recovery while processing oxide ore and 82% when processing a 50:50 blend. Metallurgical work highlights the opportunity for further optimization of the Project through more detailed mine sequencing or discovery of near mine sulphide or that could be blended with ore from the 147 pit.
Table 1: PEA Key Parameters
Parameter
Unit
Base Case 1
Case 1
Metal Prices
Copper Price
US$/pound
$3.75
$4.25
Gold Price
US$/troy ounce
$1,800.00
$2,000
Silver Price
US/troy ounce
$22.00
$25
Average Recovery to Cu Concentrate 2
Copper Recovery
%
64%
Gold Recovery
%
58%
Silver Recovery
%
60%
Concentrate Grade
Copper
%
40%
Gold
g/t
11.0 g/t
Silver
g/t
134.4 g/t
Production Data
Resource Tonnes
21,270,518
Copper Equiv. Grade
1.10%
Daily Mill Throughput
Tonnes / day
7,000 t
7,000 t
Annual Processing Rate
Kilo tonnes/ year
2,495 kt
2,495 kt
LOM Strip ratio
Waste: Ore
4.6:1
4.6:1
Mine Life
Years
9 years
9 years
Average annual production
Copper EQ production 6
Million Pounds / year
33.9 M
Copper in concentrate
Million Pounds / year
27 M
Gold in copper concentrate
Troy ounces / year
12 385
Silver in copper concentrate
Troy ounces / year
151 584
Operating Costs (LOM avg) 2
Mining
C$/t mined
$3.16
Milling
C$/t processed
$18.30
G&A
C$/t processed
$4.93
All in Sustaining Costs 4,5
US$/lb CuEq
$2.57
Capital Costs
Initial Capital Cost
C$
C$220M
LOM Sustaining Capital Cost
C$
C$130M
Financial Analysis
Pre-Tax NPV 5%
C$
C$324M
C$475M
Pre-Tax IRR
%
36%
48%
After Tax NPV 5%
C$
C$228M
C$330M
After Tax IRR
%
29%
38%
Payback period 7
Years
2.0
1.5
Base case metal prices based on 36-month trailing average from January 15, 2022.
Recovery includes both oxide and sulphide ore and is based on mining 2/3 oxide and 1/3 sulphide LOM.
Total operating costs include mining, processing, tailings, surface infrastructures, transport, and G&A costs.
AISC includes cash operating costs, sustaining capital expenses to support the on-going operations, concentrate transport and treatment charges, royalties and closure and rehabilitation costs divided by copper equivalent pounds produced.
AISC is a non-IFRS financial performance measures with no standardized definition under IFRS. Refer to note at end of this news release.
The copper equivalent grade (CuEq) is determined by (total copper x US$3.75) + (total gold x US$1800) + (total silver x $22)/$3.75)/total resource tonnes.
Payback period is from commencement of mining.
Capital Cost
The PEA for the Project outlines an initial (pre-production) capital cost estimate of C$220 million and LOM sustaining capital costs of C$130 million, including overall closure costs of C$5 million. Initial capital costs include the construction of milling and processing facilities, lined dry stack tailings and lined waste rock facilities, on-site infrastructure of 15km of access road and facilities for water capture and treatment. Construction of a powerline (12.8 km, 138 kV) from an existing substation is placed under sustaining capital to allow for construction time of the power grid.
Table 2: Capex Estimates 1
Cost Element
Base Case
Mine Costs
C$25M
Processing
C$84M
Infrastructure
C$27.7M
Tailings
C$14.7M
EPCM and Indirect Costs
C$34.1M
Sub total Capex
C$185 M
Sustaining Capital
C$130.M
Contingency
C$35.0M
Reclamation and Closure
C$5.0M
1 All values stated are undiscounted.
Operating Costs
Operating costs estimates were developed using first principles methodology, vendor quotes received in Q3 2022, and productivities being derived from benchmarking and industry best practices. Over the LOM, the average operating cost for the Project is estimated at C$3.16/t mined and C$18.30/t processed. Tailings costs are included in processing costs.
The average cash operating costs over the LOM is US$1.76/lb CuEq and the average AISC is US$2.57 /lb CuEq.
Economic Analysis and Sensitivities
The PEA indicates that the potential economic returns from the Project justify advancing to a feasibility study.
The Project generates cumulative cash flow of C$371.2 million on an after-tax basis and C$505.8 million pre-tax at a base case of $3.75/lb Cu based on an average mill throughput of 7,000 t/day over the 9-year life of mine.
Table 3: Summary of Economic Analysis 1,2
Element
Base Case
Case 1
Metal Price Assumptions (US$) Copper, Gold Silver
$3.75, $1800, $22
$4.25, $2000, $25
Exchange Rate
0.75
0.75
Average annual cash flow
C$61.8M
C$76.9M
Payback Period
2.5 years
1.5 years
EBITDA
C$505.8M
C$710M
LOM Undiscounted Net Cash Flow After Tax
C$371.2M
C$505M
NPV (5% discount) After Tax
C$230.5M
C$328M
IRR After Tax
29%
38%
1 The analysis assumes that the Project is 100% equity financed (unlevered). 2 Appropriate deductions are applied to the concentrate produced, including treatment, refining, transport and insurance costs.
The PEA is significantly influenced by copper price assumptions. Using the Case 1 metal price scenario consists of near current prices of US$4.25/lb Cu, US$2000/oz Au and US$25/oz silver, the Project generates an after-tax Net Present Value (“NPV”) using an 5% discount rate of $328 million and an after-tax IRR of 38% with a payback period of 1.5 years from the commencement of production. (Table 3), Outlined below in Table 4 is a detailed sensitivity analysis across gold and copper prices with silver kept at $22/ounce. Table 5 below highlights additional sensitivities to foreign exchange, recovery, CAPEX and OPEX.
Table 4: Copper and Gold Metal Price Sensitivity Analysis NPV- Pre-Tax values in Million CDN$
The third conceptual pit, 2000S as identified in the Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE), could be brought into the mine plan if sufficient additional resources were defined by drilling to offset pre-stripping costs.
Electrification of the mining fleet. Significant cost saving and reduction in greenhouse gas production may be possible through the sourcing of electric vs. diesel haul trucks for the Project. The PEA envisions using a contract mining fleet for the Project and preference will be given to suppliers that can provide either fully electric or hybrid equipment.
Further discovery. Exploration conducted in 2022 consisting of geophysics, trenching and soil sampling identified four areas proximal to the proposed mine plan that if successfully drilled could enable longer mine life beyond nine years or provide additional sulphide mill feed earlier in the mine’s life. Four targets on the Property require evaluation, all located within 1km of the current deposits. Two of the targets are located beneath the current resource and there is higher geological certainty that these may contain appreciable copper mineralization.
Zone 1213 shallow: Downward continuation of Zone 12 and 13. Estimated dimensions are 360m long, 15 – 40m wide, starting at approximately 65m below the current drilling.
Zone 12 deep: Downward continuation of Zone 12. Estimated from geophysics to be continuing for an additional 170m below current resource modelling. Approximated to be 580m long and 15-40m wide.
Gap Zone target: Geophysical anomaly that fits with current geological understanding of the fault offset between 147 and 2000S Zone. Estimated to be 500m long, up to 400m deep, and 30-50m wide.
Sourtoe target: Estimated from geophysics to be a lensoidal body of similar size to known deposits at 370m long x 370m deep with an estimated width of 15-50m. It has been lightly tested at surface by trenching and is weakly mineralized.
In addition, the Carmacks North target area is host to several mineralized zones that have the potential to add resources to the mine plan, all within 15 km of the proposed mill site.
Additional recovery through metallurgical improvements. The Company has retained Kemetco Laboratories to complete additional leaching and copper precipitating testing to evaluate the processing of tailings. The calculated grade of copper in tailings averages 0.32% with over 140 Mlbs of copper not recovered LOM. Recovery sensitivity show an additional $180M pretax NPV based of a 20% increase in recovery rates. Review of historical metallurgical testing has indicated that copper minerals present in oxidized material respond well to leaching. Once the copper is in solution the copper would be chemically precipitated to produce sulphide minerals that can be added back into the flotation cells.
Mineral Resources
The basis for the PEA uses an updated mineral resource estimate (“MRE”) for the Carmacks deposit (effective date March 30, 2022). The mine plan contemplates processing 62% of resources outlined in the MRE. The MRE includes inferred resources that are too speculative to have economic parameters applied to them. Resources are not reserves and there is no certainty that the resources outlined on the Project can be converted to reserves.
Table 6: Mineral Resource Estimates
CATEGORY
Cut -Off Cu (%)
Quantity (Mt)
Grade
Cu†
Au
Ag
Mo
CuEq
Total (%)
(g/t)
(g/t)
(%)
Total (%)
In Pit Oxide
Measured
0.30
11.361
0.96
0.40
4.11
0.006
1.30
Indicated
0.30
4.330
0.91
0.28
3.37
0.007
1.16
Measured &Indicated
0.30
15.691
0.94
0.36
3.91
0.006
1.26
Inferred
0.30
0.216
0.52
0.09
2.44
0.006
0.63
In Pit Sulphide
Measured
0.30
5.705
0.68
0.16
2.54
0.016
0.88
Indicated
0.30
13.486
0.72
0.19
2.83
0.013
0.93
Measured &Indicated
0.30
19.191
0.71
0.18
2.74
0.014
0.92
Inferred
0.30
1.675
0.51
0.13
2.24
0.020
0.70
Below Pit Sulphide
Measured
0.60
0.026
0.71
0.16
2.54
0.010
0.88
Indicated
0.60
1.341
0.82
0.19
2.88
0.012
1.03
Measured &Indicated
0.60
1.367
0.82
0.19
2.88
0.012
1.03
Inferred
0.60
0.967
0.77
0.17
2.48
0.012
0.96
Notes:
CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Resources.
The effective date of the Mineral Resources is March 30, 2022.
Mineral Resources are estimated using an exchange rate of US$0.75/C$1.00.
Mineral Resources are estimated using a long-term gold price of US$1,800/oz Au with a metallurgical gold recovery of 60%, and a long-term copper price of US$3.75/lb with a metallurgical copper recovery of 95% for sulphide material and 60% for oxide material.
Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.30 copper equivalent.
Bulk density of 2.83 t/m 3 was used for tonnage calculations.
Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Numbers may not add up due to rounding.
Mining
The overall mining operation is expected to consist of two open pits completed over three phases. Phase I contemplates development of the 147 zone with low strip ratio. Phase 2 contemplates the mining of 1213 zone with a slightly higher strip ratio. Phase 3 contemplates pushback on the 147 pit to a final LOM strip ratio of 4.6:1, resulting in a total of 9 years of operation, plus one year of pre-stripping. Following this mining period, a low-grade stockpile of 2Mt grading 0.18% Cu, 0.06 g/t Au and 0.8 g/t Ag may be reprocessed once mining operations cease. All waste and tailings will be disposed near the mining infrastructure.
The contract mining operation is planned to be a conventional truck and shovel open pit operation, moving approximately 118Mt of material over the 9-year life of mine. This would provide the floatation processing plant with 21.3Mt of ore at a rate of 7 000 tonnes per day.
Metallurgy and Processing
The processing facilities and saleable mineral products are fundamentally different from the beneficiation procedures that were contemplated in the 2006 Feasibility Study and updated in the 2017 PEA. The processing facilities currently being recommended for the Project would include a simplified flotation circuit, capable of processing three individual types of feed materials, oxide, sulphide, and blended ores, each of which would produce a high grade, premium concentrate.
Metallurgical testing both by Bureau Veritas in 2021 and by SGS Vancouver in preparation for the PEA study support the simplified flotation circuit. Flotation testing of individual oxide copper ores, sulphide copper ores as well as blended ores has been completed in this initial phase of the process investigation.
A test program including mineralogy and flotation was completed on samples from the Carmacks Project. The flotation test program included test work on sulphide, oxide, and blend ores.
The sulphide ore assayed 0.92% Cu, 0.67% S, and 0.24 g/t Au. Gold and copper head grades calculated from the flotation test assays agreed well with the direct head assays.
The oxide ore assayed, 0.60% Cu, 0.06% S, and 0.25-0.82 g/t Au, indicating that nugget gold may exist. However, the gold head grade calculated from the flotation tests was consistently between 0.20 g/t to 0.23 g/t with an average of 0.21 g/t.
Sulphide flotation recovered 93.7% of copper and 69.0% of gold at 42.7 % Cu and 7.7 g/t Au grade (Sulphide F4) while oxide flotation recovered 39.8% of copper and 57.5% of gold at 26.2% Cu and 13.6 g/t Au grade.
A 50/50 oxide/sulphide blend batch flotation program recovered 75.3% of copper and 65.7% of gold at 40.8 % Cu and 12.4 g/t Au grade (Blend F4).
Locked cycle flotation on blend sample recovered 82.0% of copper and 70.1% of gold at 40.1% Cu and 10.6 g/t Au grade (Blend LCT1).
Flotation optimization and an economical evaluation of the target copper grade versus recovery is recommended in future test work.
As mentioned above, the Company has commissioned additional test work to evaluate the potential for further recovery of copper from tailings when material in the mill contains a significant percentage of oxide material. Review of historical metallurgical testing has indicated that copper minerals present in oxidised material respond well to leaching. Once the copper is in solution the copper will be chemically precipitated to produce sulphide minerals that can be added back into the flotation cells.
Infrastructure
The Project lies along the Freegold Road, a Yukon government-maintained gravel road, currently being upgraded as part of the Yukon Resource Gateway Program. The road would ultimately lead to the near by Casino Project and other significant development projects in the area. A 12.8 km transmission line would be constructed to access the 138 kV Carmacks-Stewart transmission at McGregor Creek. Future studies will look at alternate routes for powerlines that could also benefit projects near the proposed Carmacks Project.
Next Steps
Additional Metallurgical work. In addition to the metallurgical work underway to assess further recovery from tailings work will be completed to optimise recoveries of both copper and precious metal. Additional studies will also be completed to identify any metallurgical variability between the two proposed mining areas to assist in further mine plan optimization through sequencing and blending of ore.
Exploration Drilling. Significant resource expansion potential exists within 1 km of the proposed pits. In addition to the new zones identified by 2022 geophysical and geochemical surveys, and trenching, many areas of both the 2000S and 12-13 zones remain open for expansion.
Geotechnical drilling on 1213 pit. In order to advance the Project towards feasibility geotechnical drilling will need to be completed on the proposed 1213 pit. Significant geotechnical drilling in the 147 area dating back to 2006 when a full feasibility study was completed on that portion of the Project will also be reviewed.
Baseline environmental studies. In preparation for advancing the Project towards feasibility existing environmental studies including ongoing water sampling programs will be reviewed and updated.
Continued community engagement. The Company is dedicated to working with communities effected by the Project including Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation to ensure that the Project advances in a respectful way with maximum benefit to the effected communities.
Technical Report and Qualified Persons
The PEA was prepared by SGS Geological Services. (“SGS”). with several individuals and departments within SGS contributing to sections of the study. William Van Breugel P.Eng., is the lead consultant for this study. SGS Geological Services is known globally as the expert in ore body modelling and resource/reserve evaluation with over 40 years and 1000 consulting projects of experience providing the mining industry with computer-assisted mineral resource estimation services using cutting edge geostatistical techniques. SGS bring the disciplines of geology, geostatistics, and mining engineering together to provide accurate and timely mineral project evaluation solutions.
As part of the larger SGS Natural Resources group, they draw upon their massive network of laboratories, metallurgists, process engineers and other professionals to help bring mineral projects to the next level.
Table 7: Qualified Person
Department
Area of Responsibility
Qualified Person
SGS
Mine Design
Johnny Canosa, P.Eng and William Van Breugel, P.Eng
Mine Infrastructure
Johnny Canosa, P.Eng
SGS Tucson
Metallurgy. Processing and process plant operating costs
Joseph Keane PE
SGS Tucson
Process plant and infrastructure capital costs
Joseph Keane PE
Financial analysis
William Van Breugel, P.Eng
Note: The Qualified Persons are independent as defined by Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects”. The Qualified Persons are not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, or other relevant factors that could materially affect the PEA.
The Company cautions that the results of the PEA are preliminary in nature and do not include the calculation of mineral reserves as defined by NI 43-101. There is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized.
A NI 43-101 technical report supporting the PEA will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release and will be available at that time on the Company’s website. Readers are encouraged to read the Technical Report in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the details summarized in this news release. The Technical Report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.
A presentation summarizing the Project’s PEA results is available on the Company’s website.
Qualified Persons
All scientific and technical data contained in this presentation relating to the PEA has been reviewed and approved by William Van Breugel P.Eng., a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. All exploration data including exploration upside potential has been reviewed and approved by Debbie James P.Geo., for the purposes of NI 43-101 The Qualified Persons mentioned above have reviewed and approved their respective technical information contained in this news release.
About Granite Creek Copper
Granite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 176-square-kilometer Carmacks Project in the Minto Copper District of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The Project is on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine, operated by Minto Metals Corp., to the north, and features excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com .
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, potential economic estimates, capital costs, operating costs, potential cash flows, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Granite Creek Copper and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com .
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2023 / Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp. (formerly Group Ten Metals) (TSXV:PGE)(OTCQB:PGEZF)(FSE:5D32) (the “Company” or “SWCM”) is pleased to announce results of rhodium assays conducted on core from resource expansion drilling on its 100%-owned Stillwater West platinum group element, nickel, copper, cobalt, and gold (“PGE-Ni-Cu-Co + Au”) project in Montana, USA, adjacent to Sibanye-Stillwater’s world-class critical minerals mining operations.
These results, along with the integration of deposit models from South Africa’s Bushveld complex, provide the Company and SGS Geological Services (“SGS”) with the remaining components necessary to finalize an update of the Company’s inaugural October 2021 resource estimate (the “2021 Resource”), which delineated five Platreef-style deposits totaling 1.1 billion pounds of nickel, copper and cobalt, and 2.4 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold (see Figure 1).
Rhodium intercept highlights from resource expansion drilling include:
Widespread rhodium in drill results at potentially significant co-product grades including:
0.122 g/t Rh over 7.2 meters in CM2021-01 starting at 304.8 meters;
0.104 g/t Rh over 8.3 meters in CM2021-03 starting at 252.2 meters; and
0.396 g/t Rh over 1.2 meters in CM2021-01 starting at 411.6 meters.
Current results expand upon similar results in past campaigns which returned 0.103 g/t Rh over 7.9 meters in hole CM2020-05, and 0.100 g/t Rh over 6.1 meters in hole CM2007-02.
Rhodium is mined solely as a co-product at grades that are often below 0.1 g/t. South Africa dominates global production, and there is very little mine supply in North America. Sibanye-Stillwater, adjacent to SWCM’s Stillwater West project, is the primary US producer.
Supply constraints have resulted in elevated rhodium prices since 2017. At its current spot price of more than USD 12,000/oz, 0.1 g/t rhodium equates to more than 0.6 g/t gold or palladium equivalent, and more than 1.2 g/t platinum equivalent.
Rhodium has a high melting point, is highly corrosion resistant, and is critical in catalytic converters, along with platinum and palladium, for cleaner vehicle emissions.
Complete results from the 14-hole expansion drill campaign, which consisted of wide step-outs at three of the five deposits defined by the 2021 Resource, are being incorporated into the updated block models by SGS. As shown in Table 1, results continue to demonstrate impressive grade and scale with wide intervals at successively higher grades contained within very wide bulk-tonnage grade intervals, including:
13.2 meters of 2.31% Ni, 0.35% Cu, 0.115% Co, and 1.51 g/t 4E (Pt+Pd+Au+Rh) starting at 37.6 meters and within 400.8 meters of continuous mineralization in hole CM2021-05;
44.1 meters of 0.57% Ni, 0.34% Cu, 0.045% Co, and 0.74 g/t 4E starting at 32.8 meters and within 367.6 meters of continuous mineralization in hole CZ2021-01; and
50.2 meters of 1.05 g/t 4E plus 0.19% Ni and other values within 728.1 meters of continuous mineralization in hole CM2021-01.
Metallurgical testing completed by AMAX confirmed recovery of rhodium along with palladium and platinum in preliminary bench-scale flotation testing at the CZ deposit area in the early 1970s.
Past work previously reported by the Company included surface sample results of up to 5.78 g/t Rh at the HGR target in the Iron Mountain area, and 1.07 g/t Rh at Chrome Mountain in reconnaissance-scale rock sample programs (see June 11, 2020, news release).
Early results for other rare Platinum Group Elements (“PGE”) show potential for additional value from iridium, osmium, and ruthenium which often occur along with platinum, palladium, and rhodium at Stillwater West.
Table 1 – Final results from resource expansion drilling including recent rhodium assay results.
INTERVAL
PRECIOUS METALS
BASE METALS
TOTAL METALEQUIVALENTS
HOLE ID
From(m)
To(m)
Width(m)
Pt(g/t)
Pd(g/t)
Au(g/t)
Rh(g/t)
4E(g/t)
Ni(%)
Cu(%)
Co(%)
NiEq*(%)
NiEq*(%)
PdEq*(g/t)
DR / HYBRID DEPOSIT AREA – RESOURCE EXPANSION DRILLING
CM2021-01
0.0
728.1
728.1
0.12
0.17
0.02
0.013
0.32
0.13
0.03
0.013
0.16
0.26
0.66
including
230.5
583.4
352.9
0.21
0.27
0.03
0.022
0.54
0.17
0.04
0.015
0.20
0.38
0.95
including
304.8
312.0
7.2
0.63
0.64
0.03
0.122
1.43
0.11
0.02
0.008
0.13
0.67
1.68
including
324.0
385.2
61.2
0.19
0.17
0.02
0.039
0.42
0.20
0.04
0.015
0.23
0.39
0.98
including
397.2
556.4
159.2
0.31
0.41
0.05
0.025
0.79
0.18
0.03
0.017
0.22
0.47
1.17
including
397.2
447.4
50.2
0.48
0.48
0.04
0.050
1.05
0.19
0.03
0.015
0.22
0.56
1.40
including
423.4
430.6
7.2
0.93
1.33
0.05
0.027
2.34
0.24
0.03
0.018
0.27
0.96
2.39
including
479.8
549.2
69.4
0.27
0.47
0.06
0.017
0.82
0.18
0.04
0.017
0.22
0.48
1.20
including
530.0
543.2
13.2
0.26
0.81
0.06
0.039
1.17
0.21
0.06
0.017
0.25
0.67
1.67
including
530.0
537.2
7.2
0.33
1.07
0.08
0.049
1.54
0.21
0.05
0.017
0.24
0.79
1.97
including
687.4
728.1
40.7
0.07
0.20
0.02
0.008
0.29
0.18
0.07
0.021
0.24
0.34
0.84
CM-2021-02
0.0
333.0
333.0
0.08
0.10
0.02
0.006
0.20
0.11
0.04
0.011
0.14
0.21
0.52
including
118.7
232.8
114.1
0.07
0.12
0.04
0.007
0.24
0.19
0.09
0.015
0.24
0.32
0.79
including
131.5
148.4
17.0
0.16
0.25
0.05
0.024
0.49
0.19
0.10
0.022
0.27
0.44
1.11
including
256.9
267.0
10.2
0.14
0.38
0.07
0.016
0.61
0.25
0.13
0.014
0.31
0.52
1.29
CM-2021-03
0.0
428.2
428.2
0.08
0.13
0.02
0.009
0.24
0.10
0.03
0.015
0.14
0.22
0.56
including
106.0
115.2
9.2
0.02
0.03
0.06
0.008
0.12
0.28
0.11
0.045
0.41
0.46
1.14
including
165.0
215.4
50.4
0.06
0.06
0.03
0.005
0.15
0.13
0.04
0.017
0.17
0.22
0.55
including
165.0
172.2
7.2
0.01
0.05
0.04
0.002
0.10
0.29
0.10
0.044
0.41
0.45
1.11
including
240.1
270.4
30.3
0.31
0.65
0.05
0.048
1.06
0.14
0.03
0.013
0.17
0.55
1.37
including
252.2
260.5
8.3
0.49
1.06
0.05
0.104
1.70
0.13
0.03
0.013
0.16
0.81
2.02
CM-2021-04
0.0
208.8
208.8
0.05
0.08
0.02
0.004
0.14
0.11
0.05
0.015
0.16
0.20
0.50
including
0.0
67.2
67.2
0.10
0.17
0.02
0.010
0.30
0.13
0.05
0.016
0.18
0.28
0.69
including
3.6
16.8
13.2
0.17
0.52
0.03
0.025
0.75
0.15
0.04
0.015
0.19
0.46
1.14
including
198.0
208.8
10.8
0.02
0.04
0.03
0.002
0.10
0.25
0.22
0.026
0.38
0.41
1.02
CM-2021-05
36.4
437.2
400.8
0.06
0.12
0.04
0.008
0.22
0.17
0.03
0.015
0.20
0.27
0.68
including
36.4
132.4
96.0
0.06
0.12
0.12
0.002
0.30
0.40
0.05
0.024
0.43
0.52
1.30
including
37.6
50.8
13.2
0.25
0.43
0.82
0.015
1.51
2.31
0.35
0.115
2.43
2.89
7.21
including
37.6
43.6
6.0
0.50
0.77
1.34
0.024
2.63
3.47
0.24
0.195
3.58
4.38
10.92
including
190.0
208.0
18.0
0.18
0.58
0.04
0.025
0.82
0.16
0.05
0.015
0.20
0.49
1.22
including
191.2
196.0
4.8
0.40
1.41
0.09
0.071
1.98
0.21
0.07
0.016
0.26
0.98
2.43
including
345.7
364.0
18.3
0.21
0.43
0.05
0.034
0.72
0.16
0.06
0.014
0.20
0.46
1.14
CM-2021-06
0.0
376.8
376.8
0.08
0.13
0.02
0.009
0.24
0.12
0.03
0.014
0.15
0.23
0.57
including
123.0
150.8
27.8
0.15
0.41
0.04
0.030
0.63
0.16
0.05
0.015
0.20
0.43
1.07
including
125.1
129.4
4.3
0.28
0.99
0.07
0.096
1.44
0.23
0.07
0.020
0.28
0.86
2.15
including
254.0
264.8
10.8
0.05
0.12
0.03
0.004
0.21
0.27
0.06
0.030
0.33
0.40
1.01
including
303.4
376.8
73.4
0.20
0.26
0.03
0.020
0.51
0.14
0.02
0.017
0.17
0.34
0.84
including
305.8
328.4
22.6
0.32
0.44
0.02
0.035
0.81
0.11
0.01
0.017
0.14
0.42
1.04
including
315.4
327.2
11.8
0.42
0.63
0.02
0.048
1.12
0.10
0.01
0.017
0.14
0.52
1.29
CZ DEPOSIT AREA – RESOURCE EXPANSION DRILLING
CZ2021-01
10.8
378.4
367.6
0.06
0.17
0.02
0.009
0.26
0.15
0.06
0.015
0.20
0.29
0.72
including
13.2
76.9
63.7
0.12
0.42
0.07
0.027
0.64
0.47
0.27
0.040
0.62
0.86
2.15
including
32.8
76.9
44.1
0.12
0.49
0.09
0.035
0.74
0.57
0.34
0.045
0.75
1.04
2.58
CZ-2021-02
87.6
94.8
7.2
0.03
0.10
0.08
0.002
0.21
0.17
0.11
0.018
0.24
0.31
0.78
HGR DEPOSIT AREA – RESOURCE EXPANSION DRILLING
IM-2021-01
Did not reach target depth due to bad ground conditions
IM-2021-02
Did not reach target depth due to bad ground conditions, repeated as IM-2021-03
IM-2021-03
Did not reach target depth due to bad ground conditions
115.0
118.6
3.6
0.32
1.17
0.06
0.067
1.62
0.14
0.02
0.012
0.16
0.76
1.90
IM-2021-04
0.0
306.5
306.5
0.05
0.09
0.02
0.005
0.15
0.13
0.08
0.013
0.18
0.23
0.57
including
92.2
207.6
115.4
0.09
0.16
0.03
0.009
0.28
0.19
0.10
0.015
0.25
0.34
0.85
including
92.2
102.0
9.8
0.39
1.02
0.06
0.069
1.54
0.19
0.06
0.018
0.24
0.80
2.00
including
147.6
200.4
52.8
0.07
0.11
0.04
0.003
0.22
0.23
0.16
0.014
0.31
0.37
0.93
including
256.0
260.8
4.8
0.00
0.15
0.09
0.055
0.30
0.74
0.65
0.070
1.11
1.28
3.19
IM-2021-05
0.0
379.2
379.2
0.07
0.13
0.02
0.006
0.22
0.17
0.09
0.014
0.22
0.29
0.74
including
66.8
99.2
32.4
0.15
0.30
0.04
0.017
0.50
0.22
0.11
0.016
0.28
0.45
1.12
including
310.2
378.0
67.8
0.06
0.16
0.03
0.006
0.26
0.25
0.14
0.016
0.32
0.40
1.01
including
313.4
334.9
21.5
0.07
0.24
0.04
0.013
0.35
0.38
0.13
0.024
0.45
0.58
1.43
including
313.4
315.8
2.4
0.00
0.65
0.11
0.086
0.85
1.55
0.17
0.087
1.63
2.04
5.08
including
327.7
334.9
7.3
0.13
0.34
0.04
0.007
0.51
0.45
0.17
0.026
0.53
0.70
1.74
including
346.8
347.8
1.0
0.03
0.31
0.11
0.090
0.55
2.52
0.31
0.097
2.54
2.84
7.09
including
354.3
364.8
10.5
0.07
0.22
0.04
0.003
0.33
0.34
0.33
0.018
0.49
0.59
1.48
including
354.3
355.5
1.2
0.07
0.82
0.06
0.001
0.95
1.33
0.71
0.055
1.60
1.92
4.79
IM-2021-06
0.0
333.0
333.0
0.08
0.14
0.02
0.008
0.25
0.13
0.04
0.012
0.16
0.24
0.60
including
70.8
164.8
94.0
0.14
0.32
0.05
0.016
0.53
0.20
0.09
0.014
0.25
0.43
1.06
including
82.8
109.2
26.4
0.19
0.41
0.08
0.013
0.69
0.27
0.14
0.016
0.34
0.56
1.40
including
298.6
314.2
15.6
0.16
0.33
0.02
0.031
0.55
0.14
0.03
0.016
0.18
0.38
0.95
including
299.8
304.6
4.8
0.42
0.83
0.05
0.077
1.38
0.16
0.03
0.016
0.19
0.70
1.75
*Notes to reported values:
Ni and Pd equivalents are presented for comparative purposes using conservative long-term metal prices (all USD): $8.00/lb nickel (Ni), $4.00/lb copper (Cu), $24.00/lb cobalt (Co), $1,000/oz platinum (Pt), $2,200/oz palladium (Pd), $1,800/oz gold (Au), and $10,000/oz rhodium (Rh).
Recovered Nickel Equivalent in Table 1 is determined as follows: NiEq% = [Ni% x recovery] + [Cu% x recovery x Cu price/ Ni price] + [Co% x recovery x Co price / Ni price] + [Pt g/t x recovery / 31.103 x Pt price / Ni price / 2,204 x 100] + [Pd g/t x recovery / 31.103 x Pd price / Ni price / 2,204 x 100] + [Au g/t x recovery / 31.103 x Au price / Ni price / 2,204 x 100]
Palladium Equivalent is determined as follows: PdEq g/t = NiEq x 0.401
In the above calculations: 31.103 = grams per troy ounce, 2,204 = lbs per metric tonne, and 100 and 0.01 convert assay results reported in % and g/t.
The following recoveries have been assumed for purposes of the above equivalent calculations: 85% for Ni and 90% for all other listed metals, based on recoveries at similar nearby operations.
Intervals are reported as drilled widths and are believed to be representative of the true width of mineralization.
Dr. Danie Grobler, Vice-President of Exploration, commented, “We see an overall trend of increasing PGE content up-sequence within the Ultramafic Series of the Stillwater Complex (“SWC”), like that observed within ultramafic portions of the Bushveld Complex (South Africa), as well as the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe. Scientific studies have shown that the Ultramafic Series of the SWC are enriched in PGE relative to most mafic magmas. Furthermore, the chromitite layers correlate with and are particularly enriched in rhodium and the lesser PGEs osmium, iridium, and ruthenium. More importantly, the reported high-grade rhodium results correlate with specific chromite seams and correspond to geochemical and geophysical anomalies associated with our existing resource areas defined during 2021, highlighting our rapidly advancing understanding of their occurrence, and our ability to effectively target new areas.”
Stillwater Critical Minerals President and CEO, Michael Rowley, stated, “Our 2022 programs built on the success of past campaigns, continuing to return rhodium at significant potential co-product values at a time when the U.S. is looking to increase domestic supplies of this very rare element, alongside 49 other critical minerals. We look forward to reporting our updated and expanded resource models in the near term as we advance Stillwater West towards its potential to become a primary low-carbon source of eight of the minerals listed as critical by the US government, effectively ushering in the next phase of critical mineral supply from the iconic and productive Stillwater Complex.”
Upcoming Events
The Company at is pleased to advise it will be presenting at the Emerging Growth Conference: January 25th at 9:30am PT | 12:30pm ET (virtual). To register, click here.
Stillwater Critical Minerals is rapidly advancing the Stillwater West PGE-Ni-Cu-Co + Au project towards becoming a world-class source of low-carbon, sulphide-hosted nickel, copper, and cobalt, critical to the electrification movement, as well as key catalytic metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium used in catalytic converters, fuel cells, and the production of green hydrogen. Stillwater West positions SWCM as the second-largest landholder in the Stillwater Complex, with a 100%-owned position adjoining and adjacent to Sibanye-Stillwater’s PGE mines in south-central Montana, USA1. The Stillwater Complex is recognized as one of the top regions in the world for PGE-Ni-Cu-Co mineralization, alongside the Bushveld Complex and Great Dyke in southern Africa, which are similar layered intrusions. The J-M Reef, and other PGE-enriched sulphide horizons in the Stillwater Complex, share many similarities with the highly prolific Merensky and UG2 Reefs in the Bushveld Complex. SWCM’s work in the lower Stillwater Complex has demonstrated the presence of large-scale disseminated and high-sulphide battery metals and PGE mineralization, similar to the Platreef in the Bushveld Complex2. Drill campaigns by the Company, complemented by a substantial historic drill database, have delineated five deposits of Platreef-style mineralization across a core 12-kilometer span of the project, all of which are open for expansion into adjacent targets. Multiple earlier-stage Platreef-style and reef-type targets are also being advanced across the remainder of the 32-kilometer length of the project based on strong correlations seen in soil and rock geochemistry, geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, and drilling.
About Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp.
Stillwater Critical Minerals (TSX.V: PGE | OTCQB: PGEZF) is a mineral exploration company focused on its flagship Stillwater West PGE-Ni-Cu-Co + Au project in the iconic and famously productive Stillwater mining district in Montana, USA. With the recent addition of two renowned Bushveld and Platreef geologists to the team, the Company is well positioned to advance the next phase of large-scale critical mineral supply from this world-class American district, building on past production of nickel, copper, and chromium, and the on-going production of platinum group and other metals by neighbouring Sibanye-Stillwater. The Platreef-style nickel and copper sulphide deposits at Stillwater West contain a compelling suite of critical minerals and are open for expansion along trend and at depth, with an updated NI 43-101 mineral resource update expected in 2022.
Stillwater Critical Minerals also holds the high-grade Black Lake-Drayton Gold project adjacent to Treasury Metals’ development-stage Goliath Gold Complex in northwest Ontario, which is currently under an earn-in agreement with an option to joint venture whereby Heritage Mining may earn up to a 90% interest in the project by completing payments and work on the project. The Company also holds the Kluane PGE-Ni-Cu-Co project on trend with Nickel Creek Platinum‘s Wellgreen deposit in Canada‘s Yukon Territory.
Note 1: References to adjoining properties are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the exploration potential, extent or nature of mineralization or potential future results of the Company’s projects.
Note 2: Magmatic Ore Deposits in Layered Intrusions-Descriptive Model for Reef-Type PGE and Contact-Type Cu-Ni-PGE Deposits, Michael Zientek, USGS Open-File Report 2012-1010.
2021 drill core samples were analyzed by ACT Labs in Vancouver, B.C. Sample preparation: crush (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g) and pulverize (mild steel) to 95% passing 105 µm included cleaner sand. Gold, platinum, and palladium were analyzed by fire assay (1C-OES) with ICP finish. Rhodium was analyzed by fire assay (1C-Rhodium). Selected major and trace elements were analyzed by peroxide fusion with 8-Peroxide ICP-OES finish to insure complete dissolution of resistate minerals. Following industry QA/QC standards, blanks, duplicate samples, and certified standards were also assayed.
Mr. Mike Ostenson, P.Geo., is the qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, and he has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.
Forward-Looking Statements
Forward Looking Statements: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Stillwater Critical Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Stillwater Critical Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
