VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 16, 2021 / (CSE:ROO)(OTC PINK:JNCCF)(Frankfurt:5VHA) RooGold Inc. (“RooGold” or the “Issuer“) reports the appointment of Ramantra Sheopaul as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, replacing Jonathan Younie. The Company thanks Mr. Younie for his tenure as CFO since April 2019. Mr. Younie will stay on with the Company in a consulting capacity.
Mr. Sheopaul presently works with Marrelli Support Services which provides CFO, accounting, regulatory, compliance and management advisory services to numerous issuers on the TSX, TSX Venture Exchange and other Canadian and U.S. exchanges. Mr. Sheopaul has a focus on building strong relationships with clients to understand and anticipate their needs. In his role with Marrelli Support Services
Mr. Sheopaul has been regularly involved in initial public offerings, analysis of complex accounting transactions, and assisting non-public and public clients regarding IFRS disclosure and compliance matters. Prior to his tenure with Marrelli Support Services he was employed with a public accounting firm based in Toronto for the past several years of which he spent three years managing audits for medium sized TSX Venture clients ranging from junior mining to real estate investments trusts based in Canada and the United States.
“We thank Jonathan for his leadership and guidance on completing the transformative acquisitions that took place over the course of this year.” said Michael Mulberry, RooGold CEO. “As the Company grows, the CFO position is becoming more time consuming and we welcome Ramantra into this role.”
About ROOGOLD
ROOGOLD is a Canadian based junior venture mineral exploration issuer which is uniquely positioned to be a dominant player in New South Wales, Australia, through a growth strategy focused on the consolidation and exploration of high potential, mineralized precious metals properties in this prolific region of Australia. Through its announced acquisitions of Southern Precious Metals Ltd., RooGold Ltd. and Aussie Precious Metals Corp. properties, RooGold commands a portfolio of 13 high-grade potential gold (9) and silver (4) concessions covering 1,380 km2 which have 137 historic mines and prospects.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur.
Although the Issuer believes that the expectations reflected in applicable forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in such statements.
NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – December 16, 2021) – StrikePoint Gold Inc. (TSXV: SKP) (OTCQB: STKXF) (“StrikePoint” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the results from surface channel sampling as well as reconnaissance grab samples collected during the 2021 exploration program at the 100%-owned Willoughby gold-silver property, located east of the community of Stewart in British Columbia’s prolific Golden Triangle. The purpose of the channel samples is to provide quality surface assay data over the surface expression of mineralized zones that could potentially be used for a NI43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate for the property.
These results are from seven continuous series of channel samples in steep terrain at the Icefall Zone, collected by experienced climbing geologists and technicians using a hydraulic chisel, from well-exposed bedrock hosting disseminated to massive sulphides, primarily pyrite and pyrrhotite. The samples cover approximately 55 metres of strike and 80 metres of vertical relief along a steep exposure. These samples, along with pending results at other zones on the property, will provide representative assay data for surface expressions projected up-dip from previous and current drilling. Results are pending for channel sampling from the Edge and North zones at Willoughby. Highlights of the channel samples from the Icefall Zone include:
2.94 g/t Au and 31.04 g/t Ag or 3.38 g/t AuEq over 15.0 metres, which includes 11.545 g/t Au and 69.4 g/t Ag or 12.53 g/t AuEq over 2.0 metres (WH21-CH004)
3.21 g/t Au and 16.61 g/t Ag or 3.45 g/t AuEq over 12.0 metres, which includes 4.46 g/t Au over 5.0 metres and 31.23 g/t Ag or 4.82 g/t AuEq over 3.0 metres (WH21-CH007)
1.83g/t Au and 32.62 g/t Ag 0r 2.30 g/t AuEq over 13.0 metres, which includes 8.68g/t Au and 265.0g/t Ag or 12.47 g/t AuEq over 1.0 metre (WH21-CH002)
2.9 g/t Au and 21.42 g/t Ag or 3.21 g/t AuEq over 10.0 metres, which includes 15.45 g/t Au and 74.5g/t Ag or 16.51 g/t AuEq over 1.0 metre (WH21-CH001)
*AuEq calculated using a 70:1 silver to gold ratio.
StrikePoint’s CEO, Shawn Khunkhun, states, “These results provide excellent surface data for modelling of our multiple mineralized zones at Willoughby. Our objective during this year’s program at the Willoughby gold-silver and Porter silver properties was to significantly expand the gold-silver mineralization down-dip and along strike and to test new targets. We are pleased with the quality of work completed and expect the remainder of results before the end of 2021 or in January 2022.“
2021 Willoughby Channel Sampling
Channel sampling at the Upper and Lower Icefall Zones confirmed continuous gold and silver mineralization along all seven channel sample lines. Due to the steep terrain, the channel sample locations are oriented at a variety of oblique angles to the orientation of the Icefall Zone and do not represent true widths. The gold-silver mineralization is hosted in semi-massive to replacement style sulphides, primarily pyrite and pyrrhotite with lesser sphalerite and galena within Jurassic volcanic rocks. Pervasive sericite alteration was consistently observed throughout all channel samples at Icefall, all of which returned intervals of gold and silver mineralization as displayed in Table 1. The 67 channel samples collected average 2.46 g/t Au and 23.28 g/t Ag and range between 0.041 to 15.45 g/t Au and 1.1 to 265.0 g/t Ag, respectively. Results are as follows:
Table 1: Channel sample results showing >1 g/t Au and >10 g/t Ag composite intervals
Channel Sample Line ID
From (m)
To (m)
Interval (m)
Au (g/t)
Ag (g/t)
AuEq (g/t)
W21-CH-001
0.00
10.00
10.00
2.90
21.42
3.21
Incl.
0.00
7.00
7.00
3.87
23.97
4.21
Incl.
6.00
7.00
1.00
15.45
74.50
16.51
W21-CH-002
0.00
13.00
13.00
1.83
32.62
2.30
Incl.
7.00
11.00
4.00
3.49
82.72
4.67
Incl.
9.00
10.00
1.00
8.68
265.00
12.47
W21-CH-003
0.00
2.00
2.00
1.33
18.10
1.59
W21-CH-004
0.00
15.00
15.00
2.94
31.04
3.38
Incl.
0.00
2.00
2.00
11.54
69.40
12.53
W21-CH-005
0.00
10.00
10.00
1.85
7.81
1.96
Incl.
0.00
5.00
5.00
2.73
10.04
2.87
W21-CH-006
0.00
5.00
5.00
1.69
28.50
2.10
W21-CH-007
0.00
12.00
12.00
3.21
16.61
3.45
Incl.
0.00
5.00
5.00
4.46
25.18
4.82
*AuEq calculated using a 70:1 silver to gold ratio.
Figure 1: 2021 Channel sample locations within the Icefall Zone showing gold equivalent values (AuEq g/t). Reference lines (1-7) represent stations (WH-21-CH001 to WH-21-CH007). Select anomalous gold samples are highlighted with annotated texts.
Results were also received from select grab samples collected at the Icefall Zone during the 2021 season. The nine grabs at Icefall average 5.12g/t Au and 32.64g/t Ag, ranging from trace to 23.69g/t Au and 0.25 to 107.0g/t Ag, respectively.
Figure 3: 2021 select grab samples within the Icefall Zone showing gold equivalent values (AuEq g/t). Select anomalous gold assays are highlighted by annotated texts.
The project occurs along the eastern margin of the Cambria Icefield, approximately seven kilometers east of the advanced-stage Red Mountain Deposit owned by Ascot Resources. Upper Triassic Stuhini rocks and Lower Jurassic Hazelton volcano-sedimentary rocks underlay the property, subsequently intruded by an early Jurassic-aged hornblende-feldspar porphyry, like and potentially comagmatic with the Goldslide Intrusive suite at Red Mountain. Intrusive-related mineralized zones consist of primary pyrite with lesser pyrrhotite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, and native gold. Eight gold and silver mineralized zones have been identified to-date over a one-kilometer strike-length mineralized trend.
QA/QC
Using a hydraulic chisel, an approximate 2 by 2-centimetre channel was sampled continuously along 1 metre sample stations. If the hydraulic chisel was incapable of retrieving a chip from a specific location, a hand chisel was used to assist with the chipping within the limits of the 1 metre station. Samples were placed directly into a marked polyurethane bag. Chip observation data was recorded and digitized in the field using MX Deposit.
Surface samples for the 2021 exploration program were labeled and shipped with chain of custody controls to the laboratory. The company implements a rigorous Quality Control/Quality Assurance program, including the insertion of Standards, Blanks, and Duplicates at regular intervals in the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance.
Samples were submitted to ALS Laboratory facility located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, for preparation and analysis. The ALS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold assays, and all analytical methods include quality control materials at set frequencies with established data acceptance criteria. The entire sample is crushed, split into representative sub-samples using a riffle splitter and subsequently, 250g is pulverized. Multi-element analyses were determined by ICP-AES for 33 elements following a 4-acid digestion process. Analysis for gold is by 30g fire assay with atomic absorption (AAS) finish. Samples that returned with gold assays greater than 10 g/t were re-analyzed using a 30g fire assay with a gravimetric finish.. Samples with silver assays higher than 100 g/t are re-analyzed using a fire assay with gravimetric finish.
Qualified Person
The Qualified Person for this news release for National Instrument 43-101 is Andrew Hamilton, P. Geo, technical advisor to Strikepoint. He has read and approved the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the disclosure contained in this news release.
About StrikePoint
StrikePoint Gold is a gold exploration company focused on building high-grade precious metals resources in Canada. The company controls two advanced stage exploration assets in BC’s Golden Triangle. The past-producing high-grade silver Porter Project and the high-grade gold property Willoughby, which is adjacent to Red Mountain. The company also owns a portfolio of gold properties in the Yukon.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF STRIKEPOINT GOLD INC.
“Shawn Khunkhun”
Shawn Khunkhun Chief Executive Officer and Director
Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such information contained herein represents management’s best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, save and except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it’s 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.
Burlington, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – December 15, 2021) – Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI) (“SBMI” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the first technical disclosure on its work at the Washington Mine on patented lands in the prolific placer gold district in Idaho (the “Property”). Three rounds of sampling were carried out and are reported below.
The results from these rounds provided confirmation of the high grade nature of the Property’s mineralization potential; direction for the development of a bulk sampling program; and, discovery of parallel mineralized structures. These sets of results indicate the potential for the development of early production from the site through bulk sampling and for the ongoing discovery and development of additional silver and gold resources.
History
The references below to data and observations derived from work not carried out by SBMI is of historical nature only and cannot be relied upon at this time. SBMI does not know the methods by which such work was carried out, or whether all or part of it was under the supervision of a Qualified Person, as that term is defined in NI43-101. SBMI refers to such data and observations to inform its knowledge of the area and to support its thesis for exploration.
The Property first saw production in the late 1800’s with an average gold grade of one ounce per ton. It again produced in the 1930’s during which the then-owner lacked the process capability needed to produce silver, so a decision was then made to block out the silver mineralization with the intention of returning at a future date to process the silver. To the best of SBMI’s knowledge, that never happened. A report included an estimate of 3 million ounces of silver with a grade of 30 to 90 ounces per ton and 15,000 ounces of gold at 0.3 ounces per ton for the veins identified on the Property at the time. Further work must be carried out to confirm the precise location of those veins and the property boundaries at the time. (Source, “Geological Evaluation”, Roger G. Stoker, P.G. and Ryne C. Stoker, Student Geologist, Energy Services Inc., December, 1981.)
In the 1980’s the previous owner reopened the underground and produced a bulk sample claimed to be representative of the silver mineralization in the Washington Vein. The bulk sample was sent to Hecla Smelting for processing with the head grade reported to be 44 ounces silver per ton. (Source, Stoker, ibid.)
Finally, Stoker indicated the location of the “Berger Vein”, described as a “gold ore shoot 25 feet wide, 135 feet long, and unknown depth.” Average grades were given as 0.3 oz/ton gold with unknown silver content. Additional notes in Stoker suggest that the Berger Vein was intersected in drifting at the 400 foot level.
SBMI’s 2021 Work Program – Overview
Following its purchase of the Washington Mine, the Company conducted mapping, sampling and grid soil geochemistry, and prepared staging areas for pending underground rehab and bulk sampling.
Efforts also focused on securing permits, engaging contractors, cutting timber for mine support, and making improvements to the access road. Geologic interpretation of field data is ongoing, and SBMI remains very encouraged with initial findings. Management believes the evidence to date supports historical accounts of previously mined grades and of the presence of strongly mineralized parallel vein structures.
SBMI’s 2021 Work Program – Step One
During Covid-19 shutdowns and while waiting for corporate paperwork to be processed, SBMI reassessed the Property’s historical data and based upon its conclusions, SBMI assayed samples of mineralized vein material that it had collected in December, 2020. The highlights of those assays are below:
Method
AUAG-GR30
AUAG-GR30
Element
Gold
Silver
Silver
Units
[g/t]
[g/t]
[oz/ton]
LDL*
0.14
5
WASH-ID-001
0.557
4350
127
WASH-ID-002
1.36
4780
139
WASH-ID-003
1.26
4740
138
WASH-ID-004
0.676
2030
59
WASH-ID-005
0.928
2580
75
WASH-ID-006
1.69
2480
73
WASH-ID-007
0.37
1298
41
WASH-ID-008
0.6
1107
35
WASH-ID-009
< 0.14
883
28
WASH-ID-010
4.61
3928
126
*LDL = Lower Detection Limit as provided by the Certified Assay Lab
The complete table will be posted at SBMI’s web site www.silverbulletmines.com. Readers are cautioned that samples are by their nature selective and may not reflect the overall nature of the property. The values above for silver in oz/ton were rounded off to the nearest digit.
Said A. John Carter, SBMI’s CEO, “Based in part on the historical records we knew we had a high possibility of success at the Washington Mine. We were pleasantly surprised the values in the samples were as high as they were. Those values required immediate follow-up.”
SBMI’s Work Program – Step Two
In July of 2021 the Company completed a limited grid soil sampling program of approximately 50 sites on three lines on each side of the Washington Shaft. The program was designed to provide an initial data set for the discovery of potential parallel mineralized structures. The sampling results from the west side of the Washington Shaft did not identify any mineralized structures within the grid.
The samples from the east grid did return significant results in terms of grade and location. The highlights from this limited program included 9.13, 4.58, and 1.06 g/t gold across three lines in near surface soil samples. The Company believes these are very good grades for soil samples and for this limited amount of sampling.
The samples collected by SBMI are located in a zone where the historical reports indicated the location of the “Berger Vein”, referenced above in Stoker. The initial results above encouraged the field team to specifically map and sample this mineralized structure. The Company is waiting on the assay results of this targeted sampling program.
SBMI’s Work Program – Step Three
The follow-up also involved additional investigations and site work. SBMI carried out a more detailed sampling program, including exposing the vein at surface, opening the adit, sampling across the vein, sampling the historical ore bins in the Washington Shaft, sampling the crushed ore from the south shaft stockpile, and sampling the Weatherby Portal.
This program was extremely successful. Highlights of the assay results from the sampling program are below.
Method
AUAG-GR30
AUAG-GR30
Element
Gold
Silver
Ag
Units
[g/t]
[g/t]
[oz/ton]
LDL*
0.14
5
5-28-21 B
1.06
3651
88.8
5-28-21 H
18.72
–
<.146
5-28-21 L
–
4331
126
08-26-21 C
6.58
6174
180
08-26-21 D
3.98
4241
124
08-26-21 K
0.342
3742
109
*LDL = Lower Detection Limit as provided by the Certified Assay Lab
The full table will be posted at the company’s website.
Continued Mr. Carter, “We were blown away by these results. While we expected strong values from the samples, especially from the crushed rock in the stockpile, we did not expect the ore bin to show over 180 ounces of silver per tonne and over six grams of gold per tonne. These are great numbers for our shareholders.”
SBMI also collected a small bulk sample from the available vein mineralization from the Property. This sample was crushed and quartered. One-quarter is out for assay at SBMI’s own assay facility in Arizona, one-quarter is out for assay at an independent lab, and one-quarter has been sent for ore characterization. The final quarter is retained by SBMI as part of QA/QC best practices. SBMI will report the results of the bulk sample as soon it receives the results from the independent third-party lab.
SBMI’s Work Program – Next Steps
SBMI is currently working with a contract miner on possible plans to reopen the Washington Mine. SBMI received a road upgrade permit from the US Forest Service and a Federal Mine ID number. As the mine is on patented lands the amount of permitting that is required is limited. SBMI is in discussions with third parties for the purchase of the resulting ore and/or concentrate and has identified potential mill facilities near the Property.
Management feels strongly that the Property fits precisely into its business model of high-grade lower risk near-term production, significant resource potential and substantial blue sky.
The Company will be providing a further update in the near future. A more detailed report on the Property can be found on our website www.silverbulletmines.com .
QA/QC
All of the samples taken by SBMI and referred to in this release were processed by Paragon Geochemical of Sparks, Nevada, an independent certified lab. Paragon tests for a 35 element suite using 0.25g 4-acid digestion/ICP-OES. Samples that ran over the detection limit were re-processed using a 30g fire assay and a gravimetric finish.
The Qualified Person for this press release is Mr. Ron Wortel, P.Eng., who oversaw all of SBMI’s work referred to herein. Mr. Wortel is also President and a director of the Company.
The Company also announces it has been advised by Mr. Jon Wiesblatt he is resigning from his position as a director of the Company to concentrate on other ventures. The Company thanks Mr. Wiesblatt for his contributions to the growth of the Company as a Capital Pool Company and through to the closing of its Qualifying Transaction.
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 Property; 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 viruses create risks that at this time are immeasurable and impossible to define.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 15, 2021 / Metallic Minerals (TSX.V:MMG)(OTCQB:MMNGF) (“Metallic Minerals“, or the “Company“) is pleased to announce the successful completion of 2021 exploration activities at the La Plata silver-gold-copper project in the prolific Colorado Mineral Belt of southwest Colorado. The multi-faceted program included 1,980 meters of diamond drilling, resampling of historical drill core, and underground sampling from the Allard Tunnel, along with surface mapping and sampling across the broader property.
In addition, the Company engaged the team at Goldspot Discoveries (“GoldSpot”) to apply their proprietary Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), machine learning technology and specialized geoscience expertise in porphyry and epithermal systems to the La Plata project. GoldSpot completed their first phase analysis work on geological, geochemical, geophysical, and remote sensing data developing 16 new porphyry and high-grade epithermal priority targets for follow up work and future drilling.
2021 La Plata Exploration Program
The 2021 La Plata project work program was designed to achieve a number of important objectives:
Completion of confirmatory drilling and underground sampling within the main Allard porphyry target to confirm historical drill results from Rio Tinto, Freeport and others totaling 14,400 meters (“m”) in 54 drill holes drilled from the 1950s to the 1970s. This confirmatory drilling is an important step towards upgrading of the historical resource to a NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate for the project;
Conduct surface exploration and follow-up sampling to further define the scale of mineralization along multiple identified trends that comprise multi-kilometer-scale soil and geophysical targets;
Undertake field confirmation of deep-penetrating Induced Polarization (“IP”) and airborne electromagnetic (“EM”) geophysical targets developed in the 2020 surveys; and
Initiate work with GoldSpot Discoveries to apply AI technology towards definition of priority targets to potentially accelerate the discovery process on the project.
Drilling and resampling of core in the main Allard porphyry system, along with underground sampling from the Allard Tunnel, has confirmed the tenor of copper, silver and gold mineralization from previous exploration on the property. The 3 kilometer (“km”) by 1 km mineralized system remains open to expansion at depth and along trend. This year’s work has also shown significant potential for palladium, platinum and gold associated with the porphyry system. Highlight historical drill intercepts include 395 m grading 0.57% copper equivalent (0.51% Cu, 6.3 g/t Ag, and 0.017 g/t Au) including 108 m grading 0.75% copper equivalent (0.65% Cu, 7.7 g/t Ag and 0.034 g/t Au) in drill hole LP-03 starting from surface. Final assay results for drill samples are pending.
Surface sampling has also expanded the main mineralized zone to 6 km in length and up to 1.5 km in width with anomalous copper, silver and gold in soils and rock samples. In addition, a second 4 km by 1 km target, which may represent a new porphyry and epithermal center, has been identified based on geophysics, remote sensing, and surface sampling with rock sample values in porphyry related mineralization up to 1.1% copper with 0.9 g/t gold and multi-gram silver. Rock samples of epithermal related mineralization included values up to 95 g/t silver and 10 g/t Au.
Metallic Minerals’ CEO and Chairman, Greg Johnson, stated, “We are pleased to have completed our first drill campaign at La Plata, and the first on the project in nearly 50 years, as we apply new thinking to this historic American high-grade silver, gold and copper district. Our work is confirming the potential for a multi-kilometer-scale mineralized porphyry and epithermal system – a much larger system than previously recognized – with excellent potential to expand known mineralization and to make new discoveries. Drilling, underground and surface sampling, geophysics, and satellite based remote sensing data for La Plata demonstrate real potential to become a strategic, US-based sourced of both precious and base metals, including silver necessary for solar power, and copper necessary for carbon-free energy and broader electrification of the global economy. Our 2021 work program has successfully advanced our understanding of the projects potential and is a major step towards the delineation of an inaugural mineral resource estimate. We look forward to providing additional updates including drill results from both our La Plata and Keno projects, as well as updates from our on-going work on the high-grade alluvial projects in the Klondike Gold district.”
About La Plata Silver-Gold-Copper Project
The road accessible La Plata project covers 33 km2 approximately 26 km northwest of Durango, Colorado within the historic high-grade La Plata mining district located at the southwest end of the prolific Colorado Mineral Belt. Mineralization is related to a large-scale precious-metals-rich porphyry copper system with associated high-grade silver and gold epithermal vein and replacement deposits. Historical production from some of these high-grade structures exceeded 1,000 grams per tonne (“g/t”) silver and over 15 g/t gold with some of the richest deposits delivering true bonanza grades for silver and gold1.
The La Plata district has a long and rich history of mining with the first silver deposits discovered in the 1700s by Spanish explorers. High-grade silver and gold production has been documented from the 1870s through the early 1940s from vein structures, replacement bodies and breccia zones at over 90 individual mines and prospects1. From the 1950s to 1970s, major miners including Rio Tinto (Bear Creek) and Freeport-McMoRan (Phelps Dodge) explored in the La Plata district focusing on the significant potential for bulk-tonnage disseminated and stockwork hosted mineralization2. Freeport-McMoRan retained ownership of claims in the district until 2002 when they sold their holdings to the current underlying vendors during the lows of the last metal price cycle.
A total of 56 drill holes totaling 15,200 m has been drilled on the property since the 1950s which confirm the presence of large-scale, multi-phase porphyry system with significant silver, gold and copper. This large-scale mineralized system is associated with a 10 km2 strongly magnetic signature with intense hydrothermal alteration.
Metallic Minerals is the first company to complete significant exploration on the La Plata project in nearly 50 years, applying modern technologies and deposit modeling techniques. The Company sees the potential to rapidly extend the size of the known mineralized system and to identify and expand the higher-grade zones within the broader porphyry and epithermal mineralized zones.
Foot notes: 1) Eckel, USGS Prof Paper 219, Geology and Ore Deposits of the La Plata Mining District, 1949; 2) Bear Creek Mining (now Rio Tinto), Humble Oil (now Exxon) and Phelps Dodge (now Freeport-McMoRan) company reports; 3) Christoffersen, Geological report on the Allard deposit, La Plata Mining District, Durango, Colorado, 2005.
About Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals Corp. is a growth-stage exploration company, focused on high-grade silver and gold projects in underexplored, brownfields mining districts of North America. Our objective is to create shareholder value through a systematic, entrepreneurial approach to exploration in the Keno Hill silver district, La Plata silver-gold-copper district, and Klondike gold district through new discoveries and advancing resources to development. Metallic Minerals has consolidated the second-largest land position in the historic Keno Hill silver district of Canada’s Yukon Territory, directly adjacent to Alexco Resource Corp’s operations, with nearly 300 million ounces of high-grade silver in past-production and current M&I resources. In addition, exploration at the recently acquired La Plata silver-gold-copper project in southwestern Colorado is targeting a silver and gold-enriched copper porphyry and adjacent high-grade silver and gold epithermal systems. The Company also continues to add new production royalty leases on its holdings in the Klondike gold district in the Yukon. All three districts have seen significant mineral production and have existing infrastructure, including power and road access. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success on several major precious and base metal deposits, as well as having large-scale development, permitting and project financing expertise.
About the Metallic Group of Companies
The Metallic Group is a collaboration of leading precious and base metals exploration companies, with a portfolio of large, brownfields assets in established mining districts adjacent to some of the industry’s highest-grade producers of silver and gold, platinum and palladium, and copper. Member companies include Metallic Minerals in the Yukon’s high-grade Keno Hill silver district and La Plata silver-gold-copper district of Colorado, Group Ten Metals in the Stillwater PGM-nickel-copper district of Montana, and Granite Creek Copper in the Yukon’s Minto copper district. The founders and team members of the Metallic Group include highly successful explorationists formerly with some of the industry’s leading explorer/developers and major producers. With this expertise, the companies are undertaking a systematic approach to exploration using new models and technologies to facilitate discoveries in these proven, but under-explored, mining districts. The Metallic Group is headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and its member companies are listed on the Toronto Venture, US OTC, and Frankfurt stock exchanges.
The disclosure in this news release of scientific and technical information regarding exploration projects on Metallic Minerals’ mineral properties has been reviewed and approved by Jeff Cary, P.Geo., who is Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).
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 Metallic 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 Metallic Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silver Hammer Mining Corp. (CSE: HAMR / OTCQB: HAMRF) (“Silver Hammer” or the “Company”) is pleased to report results from the Company’s recently completed initial Phase I drill campaign at the past-producing Silver Strand Mine located in Idaho, USA. Historical records at Silver Strand indicate the potential for both significant gold (“Au”) and silver (“Ag”) mineralization within the upper part of the system, directly below the lowest surface level. All six drillholes (first drilling in ~20 years at Silver Strand) cut through a 25 metre (m) wide zone of intensely silicified quartzite with locally higher-grade Au-Ag mineralization and confirmed the Company’s thesis that the mineralized body extends beneath the old mine workings.
Highlights:
SS21-003: 1.13 g/t Au and 89.76 g/t Ag over 4.57 m (202.76 g/t Silver Equivalent) (“AgEq”) (AgEq silver:gold ratio 100:1) shown for reference purposes
SS21-004: 5.17 g/t Au and 18.07 g/t Ag over 1.24 m (535.07 g/t AgEq), followed by 4.96 g/t Au and 85.10 g/t Ag over 0.91 m (581.10 g/t AgEq)
SS21-005: 5.80 g/t Au and 13 g/t Ag over 1.83 m (593.93 g/t AgEq)
SS21-006: 1.29 g/t Au and 80.85 g/t Ag over 7.93M (209.85 g/t AgEq), Including 0.61 g/t Au and 392.00 g/t Ag over 0.61 m (456.00 g/t AgEq) and 2.48 g/t Au and 284.00 g/t Ag over 0.92 m (532.00 g/t AgEq)
SS21-007: 4.12 g/t Au and 130.00 g/t Ag over 1.53 m (542.00 g/t AgEq)
“We are very encouraged that all six drillholes from our initial drill campaign at Silver Strand cut significant Au-Ag mineralization. Quickly and cost effectively rehabilitating and utilizing the existing underground allowed us to create a new drilling station accessed from the surface level 3 portal,” stated President and CEO, Morgan Lekstrom.
Lekstrom added, “Other large high-grade silver mines in the same Revett Formation rocks within the Coeur d’Alene district extend to 1,800 m or greater, often with the highest silver grades starting 100’s of metres below surface. Our shallow confirmatory drilling has successfully delivered proof-of-concept and we look forward to testing the system at greater depth and targeting potential additional high-grade chutes along strike in 2022.”
The Company recently completed mine rehabilitation work within the level 3 portal (see Figure 1 above and press release September 1, 2021) and established a new underground drill station stepped out from the old mine workings. This station is on the same plane as surface and will allow for an expedited, focused, and cost-effective way to continue drilling at greater depths and along strike.
Table 1:Summary of significant gold (Au) and silver (Ag) assay results
Hole_ID
From (m)
To (m)
INTVL (m)
Au_g/t
Ag_g/t
AgEq_g/t*
SS21-003
19.66
24.08
4.42
1.13
89.76
202.76
24.08
25.21
1.13
No samples obtained
and
25.21
27.74
2.53
1.04
12.29
116.29
SS21-004
41.76
43.01
1.25
5.17
18.07
535.07
43.01
46.33
3.32
Post mineral Dyke
and
46.33
47.24
0.91
4.96
85.10
581.10
SS21-005
26.21
28.04
1.83
5.80
13.93
593.93
Including
26.21
27.13
0.92
8.80
<3
880.00
And
31.39
36.27
4.88
1.04
9.95
113.95
SS21-006
35.05
42.98
7.93
1.29
80.85
209.85
Including
38.71
39.32
0.61
0.64
392.00
456.00
Including
40.84
41.76
0.92
2.48
284.00
532.00
SS21-007
29.57
31.39
1.82
1.98
88.45
286.45
Including
30.48
31.39
0.91
2.36
111.00
347.00
and
34.44
35.97
1.53
4.12
130.00
542.00
SS21-008
15.54
17.78
2.24
0.47
84.40
131.40
*Notes: All reported assays are downhole core lengths, uncapped and calculated using a 110 g/t Ag cut-off grade. AgEq_g/t = Ag_g/t + Au_g/t*100; True thickness unknown. One hundred percent recovery utilized.AgEq shown for reference purposes.
Background and Interpretation of Results
The Company’s initial targeted pierce points would have required approximately 3,000 m of drilling from surface as well as a more extensive surface permitting process, but by utilizing an underground drill method, the equivalent drilling was completed with only ~290 m in six core holes. Drillholes were positioned to evaluate presumed extensions of mineralization beneath the lowest production level of the mine (see Figure 2 below).
The six drillholes completed from the underground drilling all passed through a 25 m wide zone of intensely silicified quartzite with extensive, highly fractured quartz veining which hosts at its core the Au-Ag mineralization being reported (see Table 1 above). This zone of pervasive hydrothermal alteration and lower grade halo precious metal mineralization (e.g. SS21-005 cut 1.36 g/t Au over 15.5 m and SS21-007 cut 1.38 g/t Au over 9.41 m) is also intruded by a post-mineral mafic dyke, as noted for drillhole SS21-004. The extent and intensity of the silica alteration supports the Company’s view that the Silver Strand project represents a compelling exploration target with potential for increased gold-silver values across broader intervals at greater depths and along strike.
Confirming the association of the quartz to the mafic dyke, allows the Company to extend its exploration plans not only underground, but to understand the UAV MAG survey anomalies with potential for exploration surface drilling as well.
Quality Assurance, Quality Control
Sample Security
The following measures were taken to ensure sample security: samples were submitted to the American Analytical Services (AAS) by company personnel following the guidelines and procedures of Silver Hammer Mining Company; only authorized personnel have attended the samples; core was logged at the Silver Hammer core processing facility and then transferred to the AAS lab in Osburn, Idaho.
Analysis Suite
All drill core samples were analyzed by AAS using conventional assay methods involving the fire assaying of 30 gram charges of pulverized sample material for gold and silver, with ICP finishing. Gravimetric analyses were to be applied to any samples that yielded Au values greater than 10 g/t Au and 10 g/t Ag. In addition, pulverized charges were collected for all core samples and were entirely dissolved using 4-acid digestion, with the final solution being analyzed for 35 elements using the ICP-MS method.
Audits or reviews
Internal review of sampling techniques, data, and drilling results by the Company’s management is routinely done through the course of the project.
Standards, Blanks and Duplicates
For quality assurance/quality control purposes, the batches of core samples sent to AAS for assaying and ICP analyses were regularly infused with ‘duplicate’, ‘standard’ and ‘blank’ samples. So-called ‘standard’ samples consisted of certified reference material (OREAS 611) of pulverized rock obtained from OREAS, a company that provides certified reference materials. The ‘blank’ samples consisted of barren landscaping gravel, while the ‘duplicates’ were in fact laboratory duplicates created during sample preparation at the labs of AAS. The laboratory also provided analytical results for their own reference samples for further a QA/QC check. The standards and blanks were inserted into the assay stream by Silver Hammer geologists.
Qualified Person
Technical aspects of this press release have been reviewed and approved by Philip Mulholland, P.Geo., the designated Qualified Person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101.
About Silver Hammer Mining Corp.
Silver Hammer Mining Corp. is a junior resource company exploring mineral claims covering the past-producing Silver Strand Mine in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District in Idaho, USA as well as the Eliza Silver Project and the Silverton Silver Mine, both located in Nevada, one of the world’s most prolific mining jurisdictions, and the Lacy Gold Project in British Columbia, Canada. The Company recently completed its initial drill program at Silver Strand that was designed to test for silver and gold mineralization immediately below the mine’s lowest level some 90 metres below surface. Silver Hammer strives to become a multi-mine silver producer and will focus near-term exploration and drilling programs at its Idaho and Nevada silver-gold assets.
*Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company’s property.
On Behalf of the Board of Silver Hammer Mining Corp.
Morgan Lekstrom, President and CEO
Corporate Office: 551 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2C2, Canada
For further information contact: Kristina Pillon, President, High Tide Consulting Corp. T: 604.908.1695 E: investors@silverhammermining.com
For media inquiries, contact: Adam Bello, Primoris Group Inc. T: 416.489.0092 E: media@primorisgroup.com
The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – December 9, 2021) – StrikePoint Gold Inc. (TSXV: SKP) (OTCQB: STKXF) (“StrikePoint” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the initial drill results from the 2021 exploration program at the 100%-owned Willoughby gold-silver property, located east of Stewart in British Columbia’s prolific Golden Triangle.
Results have been received from the first of four areas drilled during the 2021 season targeting extensions to mineralization along strike identified during the 2020 drilling program. Gold-silver mineralization was encountered in all holes. Highlights include:
7.34 g/t Au and 202.85 g/t Ag or 10.24 g/t AuEq over 6.16 meters in W21-109
3.78 g/t Au and 10.45 g/t Ag or 3.93 g/t AuEq over 4.0 meters in W21-110
4.18 g/t Au and 3.47 g/t Ag or 4.23 g/t AuEq over 7.0 meters in W21-110
High-grade gold-silver mineralization encountered in drill hole W21-109 is a step-out of approximately 25 meters down-dip from 2020 intercept W20-106 which intersected 10.04 g/t Au and 5.61 g/t Ag or 10.12 g/t AuEq over 7.72 meters within a broader interval of 4.19 g/t Au and 18.28 g/t Ag over 27.78 meters.
“Willoughby continues to deliver wide, high-grade intervals of gold-silver mineralization in multiple areas. We are building continuity of structurally-controlled and intrusive-related mineralization and are excited for further incoming results from the rest of the 2021 Willoughby program as well as drill results from our Porter Silver project,” said Shawn Khunkhun, President and CEO of Strikepoint Gold.
During the 2021 program, 4,050 meters of core drilling in seventeen holes were completed at the Willoughby Property as well as extensive surface chip-channel sampling and mapping of well-exposed, gold-silver mineralization within disseminated to massive sulphides that were follow up to 2020 surface results and in-field observations. The objective of the program was to targets gaps between previously drilled high-grade zones at Willoughby as well as the Willow zone one-kilometer to the north that hosts analogous high-grade mineralization. Assays are currently pending for the remaining 13-holes, as well as all surface sampling results.
Drill holes W20-108 to W20-111 were collared from the same site, testing extensions of the mineralization identified during the 2020 drill program. Drill hole W21-109 intersected 7.34 g/t Au and 202.85 g/t Ag or 10.24 g/t AuEq over 6.16 meters and W21-110 intersected 2.48 g/t Au and 5.30 g/t Ag or 4.23 g/t AuEq over 4.0 meters and 4.18 g/t Au and 3.47 g/t Ag or 4.23 g/t AuEq over 7.0 meters. These holes are interpreted to occurs within the hanging wall of a shear structure with steep southwest dip associated with dominant sulphide mineralization including semi-massive to sheeted pyrite-galena-sphalerite-chalcopyrite. Holes W21-108 & W21-111 stayed in the footwall to the zone, however sheeted vein sets were observed at depth and are interpreted to indicate close proximity to the mineralized structure which is consistent with surface observation.
Figure 1. 2021 & historic Willoughby Drillhole plan view map with gold assay results for the 2021 drill results
The causative, diorite intrusive rocks at Willoughby are considered comparable to, and potentially co-magmatic with, the Goldslide intrusive suite associated with mineralization at Ascot’s Red Mountain deposit, located seven kilometers west of the property. These intrusive sills are interpreted to have pooled gold bearing-sulphides in permissive Jurassic-aged volcanic rock package below the intrusion creating wide areas of disseminated gold-silver mineralization. This was encountered in the following intercepts: W21-108 1.24 g/t Au and 1.51 g/t Ag over 15-meters, W21-109 2.66 g/t Au and 13.18 g/t Ag over 4.7 meters, W21-110 1.60 g/t Au and 3.19 g/t Ag over 8.5 meters, and W21-111 0.86 g/t Au and 1.70 g/t Ag over 11.0 meters.
Complete results are as follows:
Hole-ID
Azimuth/Dip
From (metres)
To (metres)
Length (metres)
Gold (g/t)
Silver (g/t)
Gold Equivalent (g/t)
W21-108
79/-68
183.00
186.00
3.00
0.96
11.25
1.12
210.00
225.00
15.00
1.24
1.70
1.26
incl.
210.00
217.00
7.00
1.95
0.89
1.96
235.00
241.00
6.00
2.57
6.52
2.66
incl.
235.00
238.00
3.00
3.83
6.83
3.93
257.50
258.50
1.00
3.66
2.40
3.69
314.00
315.00
1.00
2.35
11.50
2.51
W21-109
45/-70
171.30
176.00
4.70
2.66
13.18
2.84
184.00
188.00
4.00
1.06
2.43
1.09
271.00
272.50
1.50
0.89
2.6
0.89
285.34
291.50
6.16
7.34
202.84
10.24
306.50
308.00
1.50
2.00
3.00
2.04
W21-110
45/-73
188.00
192.00
4.00
3.78
10.45
3.93
199.50
208.00
8.50
1.60
3.19
1.65
incl.
199.50
203.50
4.00
2.64
5.21
2.71
237.00
241.00
4.00
2.48
4.1
2.54
284.00
291.00
7.00
4.18
3.47
4.23
W21-111
63/-74
202.00
213.00
11.00
0.86
1.70
0.88
incl.
202.00
204.00
2.00
2.41
4.10
2.47
incl.
212.00
213.00
1.00
1.10
2.20
1.13
223.50
225.00
1.50
0.94
9.80
1.08
243.00
249.00
6.00
0.70
10.6
0.85
Table 1: Highlight drill intercepts from oriented core diamond drilling at the Willoughby project. Gold equivalent calculated using a 70:1 Ag:Au ratio. **True widths are not known at this time. All widths reported are drilled length.
StrikePoint also announces that it has adopted a new stock option plan (the “Fixed Stock Option Plan Up To 10%”). The Plan is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval and can be viewed in its entirety on SEDAR.
Willoughby Gold-Silver Project
Willoughby is located along the eastern margin of the Cambria Icefield, approximately seven kilometres east of Ascot Resources advanced-staged Red Mountain deposit. The property is underlain by Upper Triassic Stuhini rocks and Lower Jurassic Hazelton volcano-sedimentary rocks that have been intruded by an early Jurassic-aged hornblende-feldspar porphyry, potentially comagmatic with the Goldslide Intrusive suite at Red Mountain deposit. Intrusive-related, structurally-controlled and replacement-style mineralized linked consist of primary pyrite with lesser pyrrhotite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, native gold. Eight gold and silver mineralized zones have been identified to-date over a one-kilometre strike-length mineralization trend.
QA/QC
Samples for the 2021 exploration program were all NQ sized (47.6mm diameter) drill core labelled, sawn in half, with one-half placed in sealed bags and shipped with a chain of custody controls to the laboratory. The remaining drill core is subsequently securely stored in Stewart, BC. The company implements a rigorous Quality Control/Quality Assurance program, including the insertion of standards, blanks, and duplicates at regular intervals in the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance.
Drill core samples are submitted to the ALS Geochemistry facility in Terrace, British Columbia, for preparation and subsequently to the ALS Geochemistry facility in North Vancouver for analysis. The ALS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold assays, and all analytical methods include quality control materials at set frequencies with established data acceptance criteria. The entire sample is crushed, split into a representative sub-sample using a riffle splitter, and subsequently, 250 g is pulverized. Analysis for gold is by 30g fire assay fusion with atomic absorption (AAS) finish with a lower limit of 0.005 ppm and an upper limit of 10ppm. Samples with gold assays greater than 10ppm are re-analyzed using a 30g fire assay fusion with a gravimetric finish. Analysis for silver is by 30 g fire assay fusion with gravimetric finish with a lower limit of 0.5 ppm and an upper limit of 100 ppm. Samples with silver assays greater than 100 ppm are re-analyzed using a gravimetric silver concentrate method. All samples are also analyzed using a 33 multi-elemental geochemical package by 4-acid digestion (ICP-AES).
Qualified Person
The Qualified Person for this news release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 is Andrew Hamilton, P. Geo, technical advisor to Strikepoint. He has read and approved the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the disclosure contained in this news release.
About StrikePoint
StrikePoint Gold is a gold exploration company focused on building high-grade precious metals resources in Canada. The company controls two advanced stage exploration assets in BC’s Golden Triangle. The past-producing high-grade silver Porter project and the high-grade gold Willoughby property, adjacent to Red Mountain. The company also owns a portfolio of gold properties in the Yukon.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF STRIKEPOINT GOLD INC.
“Shawn Khunkhun”
Shawn Khunkhun Chief Executive Officer and Director
Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such information contained herein represents management’s best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. The company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, save and except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
YERINGTON, Nev., Dec. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDF)(FSE: ZYTA) (“Nevada Copper” or the “Company”) today provided an operations update and overview of the H2 2021 milestones achieved at its underground mine at the Company’s Pumpkin Hollow Project (the “Underground Mine”).
The Company has experienced a significant reset and demonstrated significant operational and corporate improvements in H2 2021. These milestones provide a foundation for an accelerating pace of operational ramp-up.
“I am very pleased with the progress the Company has made in H2 of this year,” stated Randy Buffington, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our mining rates, a key metric for ramp-up production advancement, have been increasing month over month. We are now seeing the efficiencies generated from the advanced management systems implemented in Q3 of this year. The building blocks are in place for increased mining rates and production as we move into H1 of next year.”
Operations
Equipment availabilities materially improved: 14% improvement from 65% to 74% in total fleet availability since the beginning of Q4, 2021. Additional equipment expected to be added in Q4, 2021.
Contractor performance improved: Productivity increased by 31% from 1.75 to 2.29ft per person shift between October and November resulting in substantial improvement in operating efficiency as well as cost reductions.
Increased mining development rates: Sequential monthly increases in development rates, a key leading indicator of production ramp-up, delivered since management changes in August 2021. Rates achieved in December are currently 50% higher than August. Commissioning of additional bolters planned to deliver a further 50% increase in development rates in the coming weeks.
Consistent mill performance: Milling operations have performed well throughout 2021, with batch processing reaching 4700tpd, recoveries over 90% and concentrate quality performing in-line with design specifications.
Dike crossing completion: First crossing of the water bearing dike was completed in August 2021, and the second crossing is anticipated to occur later this year. No further crossings are required during the ramp up to 3ktpd expected in H1, 2022.
Ventilation infrastructure in place: All underground ventilation infrastructure was completed in H1 2021. Final addition of surface ventilation fans remains on schedule, with commissioning planned to be completed in January, 2022, with ventilation no longer expected to be a constraint to production rates thereafter.
Corporate
Transformational financing completed:
Closed C$125m public equity offering in November 2021, with a significant portion of the funds provided by select mining sector corporates. This was further complemented by broad participation from other new and existing institutional investors.
The upsized financing provides additional liquidity to fund exploration and expansion studies at the Company’s open pit project (the “Open Pit Project”) in addition to the ramp-up of Underground Mine.
Significantly enhanced balance sheet flexibility:
Long term debt reduced by approximately 30% during Q4, 2021.
First debt repayment under the Company’s senior credit facility with KfW-IPEX Bank deferred by 2 years to July 2024.
Hiring of key management positions:
Joining as Chief Executive Officer on October 6, 2021, Randy Buffington brings substantial operational and development experience in both underground and open pit mines in Nevada and internationally.
8 key operational management positions added in H2 2021, resulting in operational improvement and enhanced planning and execution systems.
Development
Developed program for Open Pit Project resource extension and feasibility study: The budget and execution plan have been defined and the Company expects that drilling to support the updated open pit feasibility study will commence in Q2 2022, potentially sooner depending on drill rig availability.
Open Pit Project Decarbonization Program Advanced:
Solar power studies were completed in 2021, which show:
Pumpkin Hollow benefits from ample sun and land to support a large solar project with the capacity to meet a significant portion of the Open Pit Project’s power requirements;
The solar potential at the site is up to 200MW;
The already low grid power costs in Nevada could be further reduced through an on-site solar plant; and
A third-party solar project provides an option to remove upfront power infrastructure costs from the Open Pit Project.
Electric fleet study for mobile mining equipment fleet electrification at the Open Pit Project was completed by US-based energy and sustainability consultant Sprout Energy, which concluded:
Scope 1 carbon emissions over the life of mine could be reduced by approximately 10% of total estimated emissions; and
Fuel and maintenance costs could be reduced by up to approximately US$200m over the life of mine.
Exploration
Undertook further property reconnaissance on the Copper Ridge Area, which is located to the northeast of the Open Pit.
Defined target exploration plan: Initiated further refinement and interpretation of the newer geophysics in key areas such as Tedeboy, Tedeboy porphyry and Copper Ridge.
Initial grab sampling and mapping of these areas have resulted in areas with high grade copper samples. Surface mapping and sampling are planned for Q1 of 2022, supporting the commencement of drilling in Q2 2022.
Qualified Persons The technical information and data in this news release was reviewed by Greg French, C.P.G., VP Head of Exploration of Nevada Copper, and Neil Schunke, P.Eng., a consultant to Nevada Copper, who are non-independent Qualified Persons within the meaning of NI 43-101.
About Nevada Copper Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) is a copper producer and owner of the Pumpkin Hollow copper project. Located in Nevada, USA, Pumpkin Hollow has substantial reserves and resources including copper, gold and silver. Its two fully permitted projects include the high-grade Underground Mine and processing facility, which is now in the production stage, and a large-scale Open Pit Project, which is advancing towards feasibility status.
NEVADA COPPER CORP. www.nevadacopper.com
Randy Buffington, President and CEO
For further information contact: Rich Matthews, Investor Relations Integrous Communications rmatthews@integcom.us +1 604 757 7179
Cautionary Language
This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to mine development, production and ramp-up objectives, exploration activities, equipment installation and the completion of a new feasibility study.
Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “potential”, “is expected”, “anticipated”, “is targeted”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information should not be read as guarantees of future performance and results. They are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and events to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information.
Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those relating to: the ability of the Company to complete the ramp-up of the Underground Mine within the expected cost estimates and timeframe; requirements for additional capital and no assurance can be given regarding the availability thereof; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business and operations of the Company; the state of financial markets; history of losses; dilution; adverse events relating to milling operations, construction, development and ramp-up, including the ability of the Company to address underground development and process plant issues; ground conditions; cost overruns relating to development, construction and ramp-up of the Underground Mine; loss of material properties; interest rates increase; global economy; limited history of production; future metals price fluctuations; speculative nature of exploration activities; periodic interruptions to exploration, development and mining activities; environmental hazards and liability; industrial accidents; failure of processing and mining equipment to perform as expected; labor disputes; supply problems; uncertainty of production and cost estimates; the interpretation of drill results and the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; possible variations in ore reserves, grade of mineralization or recovery rates from management’s expectations and the difference may be material; legal and regulatory proceedings and community actions; accidents; title matters; regulatory approvals and restrictions; increased costs and physical risks relating to climate change, including extreme weather events, and new or revised regulations relating to climate change; permitting and licensing; volatility of the market price of the Company’s securities; insurance; competition; hedging activities; currency fluctuations; loss of key employees; other risks of the mining industry as well as those risks discussed in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended December 31, 2020 and in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 18, 2021. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking information or statements are stated as of the date hereof. Nevada Copper disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Readers are referred to the additional information regarding Nevada Copper’s business contained in Nevada Copper’s reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on Nevada Copper and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review Nevada Copper’s filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
Nevada Copper provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 8, 2021 / Noram Lithium Corp. (“Noram” or the “Company”) (TSX – Venture: NRM / Frankfurt:N7R / OTCQB:NRVTF) today announced the summary results of a National Instrument 43-101 compliant Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) for the high-grade lithium deposit at its wholly-owned Zeus Lithium Project (“Zeus” or the “Project”) located less than 1 mile from Albermarle’s Silver Peak Mine, which is currently the only lithium production facility in the United States. The PEA was prepared by ABH Engineering (“ABH”,) an independent engineering services firm with extensive experience in mining and mineral processing. All dollar values are in US dollars.
PEA Highlights
Robust Economics.
$1.299 Billion Net Present Value (“NPV”). Base case after-tax Net Present Value (“NPV”) of $1.299 billion (8% discount rate).
31% Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”). Base case after-tax IRR of 31%.
Capital Costs(“CAPEX”). Estimated initial CAPEX of $528M with after-tax payback period of 3.23 years.
Gross Revenue of $303.4 Million/year
Low Operating Cost. Operating Cost (“OPEX”) of $3,355.30/tonne Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (“LCE”) with a break-even price of $4016.6/tonne LCE LOM.
Long Mine Life (“LOM). The mine production rate during full operation is set at 17,000 tpd. The production schedule uses ore from the first 11 phases, which results in 40-year mine life (“LOM”). The mine production schedule results in 245.4 million tonnes averaging 1,093 ppm Li.
Very Low Strip Ratio. Mining strip ratios are very low, averaging 0.07:1 for LOM. Mining consists of a truck and shovel method, with blasting being unnecessary due to the ore softness.
Low Environmental Impact. The leaching and filtration flowsheet includes dry stack tailings, thus, eliminating the environmental risk and long-term management issues associated with tailings ponds.
LCE market Price. Base case market price of $9500/tonne LCE is well below long term forecasted rate of $14,000/tonne[1].
Price Sensitivity. As noted in the sensitivity chart below, the after-tax NPV reaches$2.665 billion at $14,250/Tonne LCE (8% discount rate).
“We are thrilled with the results of this PEA,” stated Sandy MacDougall, Noram’s Chief Executive Officer and Director. “This study represents the most significant milestone to date for Noram and establishes us among limited peers as the newest low cost, high-grade, near-term lithium producer in North America. I am very pleased with what our team has achieved quickly, on schedule, and at the opportune time considering current and forecasted demand for Lithium Carbonate. This initial economic assessment is the most significant step to date towards our goal of lithium production and provides the market with a benchmark to evaluate our project’s viability and value compared with other lithium developers. We are excited as we enter 2022 pushing aggressively towards the completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study.”
Net Present Value (“NPV”)
US$1.299 Billion
Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”)
31%
Life of Mine (“LOM”)
40 years
Operating Cost (“OPEX”)
US$3355.30/tonne
Capital Cost Estimate
US$528 Million
Average Annual Production Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (“LCE”)
31,900 tonnes
Average Daily Mine Production Rate LOM
17,000 tpd
LOM Production
245.4 MT @ 1093 ppm Li
LCE Market Price used in PEA Study*
US$9500/tonne
Strip Ratio
0.07 : 1.00
Pay Back Period
3.23 years
Gross Revenue per Year
US$303.4 Million
PEA Summary
Infrastructure
The project is located next to the Cypress Development’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project and within 1 mile of Albermarle’s Silver Peak Lithium Mine. The Project is accessible via the Silver Peak Road, a two-lane road that connects the Silver Peak mine with Highway 95 to the east. General site infrastructure includes administration, laboratory, warehouse, reagent, comminution plant, and lithium recovery plant. Tailings are to be conveyed to the tailings storage areas for final spreading and contouring by dozers.
Metallurgical Testing
The objective of the metallurgical test program conducted on the Zeus Lithium deposit was to develop a viable process flowsheet to produce lithium carbonate. Information generated during the test program was used to define the process variables. Metallurgical testing began in 2018 at Actlabs Ltd (Actlabs) and AuTec Innovative Extractive Solutions Ltd (AuTec). This PEA report includes metallurgical test work conducted by SGS Canada Inc. in collaboration with ABH Engineering.
The following observations, conclusions and interpretations were obtained from the metallurgical test program:
Zeus Lithium deposit ore is soft and disintegrates easily if agitated in water.
Sulfuric acid solution effectively leaches lithium at high extraction.
Test work achieved 90% lithium extraction at 65°C, 30% solids density and 2 hours residence time.
Mine Option Selection
An ultimate pit of processable material will be created, consuming most of the property area. The ultimate pit has been divided into phases of which the first 11 contain enough resources for 40 years of production at a 17,000 tpd production rate. Resources contained within the entire ultimate pit limits provide enough ore for over 190 years of production at 17,000 tpd. All resources regardless of the material classification are treated equally for the purpose of this study.
An optimized cut-off grade of 850 ppm was used to schedule the processed feed, compared to the economic cut-off grade of 400 ppm. Low-grade ore with grades between the economic cut-off of 400 ppm and optimized cut-off of 850 ppm are scheduled to be deposited in the low-grade ore stockpile. This is done to initially increase the average processed ore grade and improve the overall economics of the project by accelerating higher grade material to earlier years.
Category
Units
Value
Gross Revenue
$M
303.4
Operating Cost
$/tonne LCE
3,355.3
Capital Cost
$M
528.0
Property tax
% of Capex
1.05%
State Tax
%
Up to 5%
Federal Tax
% of net income
21%
Discount Rate
%
8%
Pre-Tax NPV (8%)
$M
1,675.1
After-Tax NPV (8%)
$M
1,299.9
Pre-Tax IRR
%
36%
After-Tax IRR
%
31%
Payback Period
years
3.23
Break-even Price (0% IRR)
$/tonne LCE
4,016.6
Economic Analysis for Zeus Lithium Project
Sensitivity Analysis at 8% NPV with Varying Conditions
Measured
Li Cutoff (ppm)
Tonnes x 1,000,000
Li Grade (ppm)
Contained Li (tonnes)
LCE (tonnes)
400
66.74
927
61,863
329,299
600
61.34
964
59,128
314,738
800
46.47
1051
48,840
259,975
1000
27.70
1150
31,854
169,558
Indicated
Li Cutoff (ppm)
Tonnes x 1,000,000
Li Grade (ppm)
Contained Li (tonnes)
LCE (tonnes)
400
296.42
922
272,297
1,454,762
600
279.66
947
264,837
1,409,728
800
221.64
1007
223,193
1,188,059
1000
103.76
1128
117,044
623,023
Measured + Indicated
Li Cutoff (ppm)
Tonnes x 1,000,000
Li Grade (ppm)
Contained Li (tonnes)
LCE (tonnes)
400
363.15
923
335,191
1,784,222
600
341.00
950
323,945
1,724,361
800
268.11
1014
271,865
1,447,135
1000
131.46
1133
148,945
792,836
Inferred
Li Cutoff (ppm)
Tonnes x 1,000,000
Li Grade (ppm)
Contained Li (tonnes)
LCE (tonnes)
400
827.22
884
731,261
3,892,501
600
715.91
942
674,383
3,589,743
800
546.48
1013
553,588
2,946,750
1000
265.47
1134
301,043
1,602,452
Final Tonnages and Grades of the Classes of Mineral Resources
Qualified Person
The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Brad Peek., M.Sc., CPG, who is a Qualified Person with respect to Noram’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project as defined under National Instrument 43-101.
About Noram Lithium Corp.
Noram Lithium Corp (TSX – Venture: NRM / Frankfurt: N7R / OTCQB: NRVTF) is a Canadian based junior exploration company, with a goal of developing lithium deposits and becoming a low – cost supplier. The Company’s primary business is the Zeus Lithium Project (“Zeus”) in Clayton Valley, Nevada. The Zeus Project has a recently updated resource estimate of 363 million tonnes at 923 ppm lithium measured + indicated resources, and 827 million tonnes lithium at 884 ppm lithium inferred resources (400 ppm Li cut-off).
Noram’s long term strategy is to build a multi-national lithium minerals company to produce and sell lithium into the markets of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding, among other things, the completion transactions completed in the Agreement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, regulatory approval processes. Although Noram believes that the assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, including that all necessary regulatory approvals will be obtained in a timely manner, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Noram disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.
[1] Lithium Carbonate Price (2015-2040) (Lane, T.; Harvey, J. T.; Fayram, T.; Samari, H.; Brown, J. J.;, 2018)
