Atico Mining Announces Completion NI 43-101 Feasibility Study for the La Plata Project in Ecuador

Atico Mining Announces Completion NI 43-101 Feasibility Study for the La Plata Project in Ecuador

Atico Mining Corporation (the "Company" or "Atico") (TSX.V: ATY | OTC: ATCMF) is pleased to announce the results of the Definitive Feasibility Study (the "DFS" or the "Study") for its 100% owned La Plata Project ("La Plata") located in Ecuador. The DFS was prepared in accordance with the National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Please note that all financial figures in this press release are in United States dollars, unless otherwise noted.

Key Highlights:

  • Initial Probable Mineral Reserves for the La Plata project 2.51 Mt with an average grade of 1.59% Cu, 2.28 g/t Au, 30.41 g/t Ag, and 2.18% Zn.
  • Updated Indicated Resources of 2.345 Mt with an average grade of 2.13% Cu, 2.98 g/t Au, 40 g/t Ag, 3.05% Zn and Inferred Resources of 380 Kt at average grade of 0.96% Cu, 1.75 g/t Au, 38 g/t Ag, 2.29% Zn.
  • Average annual production of 9.71 Mlbs Cu, 15,929 oz Au, 226,299 oz Ag, and 13.25 Mlbs Zn in concentrates over 8.1 years Life of Mine ("LOM")
  • Initial Capex of US$91 Million, including a 9.8% contingency
  • Average AISC of US$2.70 1 per payable lb of Cu equivalent produced over LOM
  • After Tax NPV of US$93M at a 5% discount rate and an IRR of 25.1%
  • Underexplored VMS camp, currently identified resources are contained in only 1.6% of total land package

Fernando E. Ganoza, CEO and Director, commented, "Completion of this study is yet another important milestone that the Company has achieved this year as it provides for an important foundation upon which to continue building the La Plata project. As a next step, we have already commenced and advanced basic and detailed engineering where we continue to see significant opportunities yet to be captured." Mr. Ganoza continued, "The current reserves and resources at the La Plata project are a good starting point, however, historic and recent exploration work performed here tells us that these areas still provide significant exploration potential. We intend to test this hypothesis in the very near future. In addition, the currently identified resources are contained in only 1.6% of the total land package, where we see tremendous opportunities for further exploration success in the regional target areas."

Metallurgy and Processing

Metallurgical testwork has shown that the production of two concentrates provide the best economic performance for the operation, a zinc concentrate and a bulk concentrate. The testwork results are shown in Table 1 and were used in the estimation of the Mineral Reserve.

Table 1. Metallurgical Testwork Results

Parameter Algorithm Models Parameter Algorithm Models
Bulk conc recovery, % - Au 58 Zn conc Recovery, % - Au 12
Bulk conc recovery, % - Ag
Cu>=3.33 69.3 Zn conc Recovery, % - Ag
Cu>=3.33 8.1
Cu 53.5 Cu 21.1
Bulk conc recovery, % - Cu
Cu>=3.33 92.64 Zn conc Recovery, % - Cu
Cu>=3.33 1.73
Cu 79.53 Cu 9.65
Bulk conc recovery, % - Pb
Cu>=3.33 87.05 Zn conc Recovery, % - Pb
Cu>=3.33 4
Cu max(0.6675-0.0639*(Cu/Zn),0.474) Cu 12.9
Bulk conc recovery, % - Zn
Fe>=9.34 59 Zn conc Recovery, % - Zn
Fe>=9.34 33.1
Fe 18.2 Fe 70.7


The process plant design for the La Plata Project is based on a conventional metallurgical flowsheet to treat sulphide ore to produce bulk copper and zinc concentrates. The flowsheet is based on metallurgical test work, industry standards and conventional unit operations.

The process plant will nominally treat 850 tonnes per day (t/d) of ore and will consist of comminution and flotation circuits. Flotation tailings will be dewatered to produce a filtered tailings for storage onsite. The figure below represents the overall flowsheet for the La Plata Project.

The key project design criteria for the process plant are listed below:

  • Throughput of 310 kilo-tonnes per year (kt/y) of ore
  • Crushing plant availability of 75%
  • Grinding and flotation circuits availability of 92%
  • Filtered tailings availability of 85%
  • Comminution circuit to produce a particle size of 80% passing (P80) of 75 µm
  • Bulk concentrate average mass pull of 12%
  • Zinc concentrate average mass pull of 6%
  • Equipment selection based on suitability for the required duty, reliability, and ease of maintenance

Flowsheet

The Feasibility study proposes to construct, at a cost of US$1.6M, a 69kV transmission line for the power usage at the mine site using a new 8-kilometer connection to the power grid. Rain water will be collected from contact areas and fresh water will be pumped by pipeline from surface collection sumps. The company will also construct a filtered, stacked tailings impoundment facility to accommodate tails from the milling operations.

Mineral Resource Estimate

The Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") of the La Plata volcanogenic polymetallic massive sulphide ("VMS") project (the "Project" or "La Plata") presented herein represents an update from the previous MRE issued in the La Mina Preliminary Economic Assessment(" PEA") report, completed by SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") in March 2019.

The current MRE is based on the updated drillhole database received on March 8, 2021, which includes additional data from the 2020 and 2021 infill drilling programs completed since the previous MRE. Since the 2019 PEA, there has been significant progress in the geological understanding of the deposit due to infill drilling programs conducted on the Project. Most of the drilling was dedicated to infill drilling to convert Inferred resources to Indicated category for inclusion in this Feasibility Study ("FS").

Table 2. La Plata Project Mineral Resource Statement as of August 1 st , 2023

Resource Classification Tonnes (t)
(Mt)
CuEq (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%)
Indicated
North Block 1.148 5.21 2.61 30 2.44 0.36 2.66
South Block 1.014 6.00 3.79 56 1.84 0.70 3.85
Guatuza 0.183 2.66 0.75 9 1.78 0.10 1.04
Total 2.345 5.36 2.98 40 2.13 0.49 3.05
Inferred
North Block 0.022 3.43 2.16 29 0.97 0.43 2.54
South Block 0.308 3.24 1.81 42 0.91 0.44 2.45
Guatuza 0.051 2.51 1.16 17 1.23 0.19 1.24
Total 0.380 3.16 1.75 38 0.96 0.41 2.29


*Notes on Mineral Resources:
1. The Mineral Resource described above have been prepared in accordance with the CIM Standards (Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, 2014) and follow the Best Practices outline by the CIM (2019).
2. The Qualified Person (QP) for this Mineral Resource Estimate is Christian Beaulieu, P.Geo. consultant for G Mining Services inc. Mr. Beaulieu is a member of the l'Ordre des géologues du Québec (#1072).
3. The lower cut-offs for reporting underground mineral resources are US$70 NSR for Long Hole and US$90 NSR for Cut and Fill/Room and Pillar projected mining methods. The NSR was calculated based on the following assumptions (described in detail in Section 15 and Table 15.3 of the ucoming Technical Report except for different commodity prices):

Commodity price assumptions: Gold = US$1,900 per ounce, Silver = US$26.50 per ounce, Copper = US$4.50 per lb, Zinc = US$1.40 per lb, Lead = US$0.92 per lb.

Various project related economic assumptions considered, including sale terms and conditions (% payables by metal and concentrate type, treatment and refining costs ($88/dmt, $0.09/lb Cu, $0.60/oz Ag, 0.8% Gold price with min $8/oz Au), penalties ($2/dmt min. for Pb and Zn)), transportation costs ($68/t).
4. Metal grades outlined above have not been adjusted for metallurgical recoveries. Copper Equivalent grade calculation (CuEq) is based on metal prices above and has not been adjusted for metallurgical recoveries or related economic assumptions as presented above.
5. The La Plata deposit has been classified as Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources depending on drill spacing and estimation pass. No Measured Mineral Resources are quoted.
6. Known underground workings have been incorporated into the block model with a zero-density value within voids to exclude them from the resource tabulation.
7. Bulk Density has been estimated in the block model using ID2 from drill core measurements. Other geological units were assigned by lithology and weathering types.
8. A minimum thickness of 1.5 m was used when interpreting the wireframes. Areas of isolated clusters of blocks and where minimum thickness was not reached have been removed from the calculations.
9. The tonnages and grades outlined above are reported inside a block model with a parent block size of 5 m x 5 m x 3 m, and subblocks 1 m x 1 m x 1 m.
10. Tonnage and metal content have been expressed in the metric system, except for gold and silver metal content which is expressed in troy ounces. Tonnages have been rounded to the nearest 1,000 tonnes, and metal content has been rounded to the nearest 100 tonnes or 1,000 ounces. Differences may occur in totals due to rounding.
11. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves as they have not demonstrated economic viability. The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources are uncertain in nature. The QP is not aware of any factors or issues that materially affect the MRE other than normal risks faced by mining projects in the country in terms of environmental, permitting, taxation, socio-economic and marketing factors, and additional risk factors regarding indicated and inferred resources. Political and social factors that may influence the MRE is the current instability in the country of Ecuador related to the recent events tied to drug trafficking, which may affect market perception of the project's risk profile;
12. There is no guarantee Mineral Resources will become Mineral Reserves and no guarantee that Mineral Resources will be mined.

Mineral Reserve Estimate

The mine design and Mineral Reserve estimate were completed to a level appropriate for feasibility studies. The Mineral Reserve estimate stated herein is consistent with the CIM definitions and is suitable for public reporting. As such, the Mineral Reserves are based on Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources and do not include any Inferred Mineral Resources. The Inferred Mineral Resources contained within the mine design are treated as waste.

The Mineral Resources estimate reported below are the basis for the Mineral Reserve Estimate. Only Measured and Indicated Resources are deemed to have sufficient confidence to be used for the Mineral Reserve estimate. Indicated Resources are the basis for the estimate of Probable Mineral Reserves.

The Mineral Reserves for the La Plata Project are estimated at 2.51 Mt, at an average grade of 1.59% Cu, 2.28 g/t Au, 30.41 g/t Ag, 0.36% Pb, and 2.18% Zn, as summarized in Table 3 below.

Table 3. La Plata Project Mineral Reserve Statement as of July 5, 2023

Reserve Category Tonnes (t)
(Mt)
CuEq (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%)
Probable
2.51 3.51 2.28 30.41 1.59 0.36 2.18


*Notes on Mineral Reserves:
1. Mineral Reserves are as defined by CIM definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves 2014.
2. The Mineral Reserves were estimated from the Indicated Mineral Resource estimates. Inferred Mineral Resources were not considered to be converted into Mineral Reserve estimates.
3. Mineral Reserves are reported using an NSR breakeven cut-off value of 70 US$/t for bench and fill (Long Hole) and 90 US$/t for Cut and Fill/Room and Pillar projected mining methods;
4. Metal prices used were US$1,800.00/troy ounce Au, US$23.00/troy ounce Ag, US$4.00/lb Cu, US$0.92/lb Pb and US$1.30/lb Zn;
5. Metal grades outlined above have not been adjusted for metallurgical recoveries. Copper Equivalent grade calculation (CuEq) is based on metal prices above and has been adjusted for metallurgical recoveries.
6. The Mineral Reserve estimates were prepared by Mr. Thomas Kelly, RM-SME, president of Andes Colorado Corp., who is a Qualified Person for the estimate and independent of Atico Mining and its subsidiaries. The estimate has an effective date of July 5, 2023;
7. Modifying factors for conversion of resources to reserves included consideration for planned dilution which is based on spatial and geotechnical aspects of the designed stopes and economic zones, additional dilution consideration due to unplanned events, materials handling and other operating aspects, and mining recovery factors. Mineable shapes were used as geometric constraints;
8. Reserves are estimated based on mining material that can be mined, processed and smelted;
9. Values are rounded and may differ from those presented in the press release. Totals may not sum precisely due to rounding;
10. Inclusion of ore blocks in the Mineral Reserve does not guarantee that they will be mined;
11. Figures in the table are rounded to reflect estimate precision; small differences are not regarded as material to the estimate;
12. There is no guarantee that Mineral Reserves will be mined.

Capital and Operating Costs

Capital and operating costs for the La Plata Project were estimated by KCA and Atico Mining, with input from G-Mining for material take-offs and Sinco for infrastructure costs. The scope of these costs includes expenditures for all mining equipment, process facilities, and infrastructure for the project. The estimated capital and operating costs are considered to have an accuracy of +/-15%, and are discussed in greater detail in this Section.

The total capital cost for the Project is US$138 million including VAT (US$121 million without VAT); all VAT is assumed to be fully refundable. The table below presents the capital requirements for the La Plata Project.

Capital Cost Summary

Capital Costs (Excluding VAT)
Initial Capital $91 million
LOM Sustaining Capital $30 million
Total LOM Capital $   121 million
Working Capital & Initial Fills $2 million
Closure Costs $1 million

The total life of mine operating cost for the Project is US$91.03 per tonne of ore processed, excluding preproduction. The table below presents the operating cost requirements for the La Plata Project.

Operating Cost Summary

Operating Costs (Average LOM)
Mining (moved) $34.38 /Tonne moved
Mining (processed) $44.39 /Tonne processed
Processing & Support $32.40 /Tonne processed
G&A $14.24 /Tonne processed
Total Operating Cost $   91.03 /Tonne processed

VAT is not included in the operating costs.

Mining Methods

There will be three mining methods used for stoping at La Plata. Given the amorphous shape of the deposit and the associated geotechnical conditions, the stoping methodology will change to adapt to changes in the characteristics of the deposit. The three methods are bench-and-fill (Avoca), room-and-pillar and cut-and-fill.

Avoca mining will be used where the structure is steeply dipping, wider than 2.5 meters, and the RMR is over 40; additionally, each Avoca block requires access from both ends of each block on the drilling sublevel. Bench heights are variable from 10-m to 20-m. A long hole (bench) drill will be used for drilling and the mucking will be by remote controlled scoops. This method is high productivity with low operating costs.

Drift-and-fill mining will be applied in the relatively flat parts of the deposit. Stoping is with the same equipment as mine development (jumbos, scoops, haul trucks) with breasting the faces for high productivity. Pillars of cemented rock fill (CRF) will be left to support the hangingwall and rock mass above the stope blocks. After the first stage of stoping the pillars are mined and the overlying load from the rock mass is transferred to the CRF pillars.

Cut-and-fill mining will be applied to areas where the deposit is too flat to allow for Avoca mining and too steep for room-and-pillar mining. In addition, if the RMR is less than 40 cut-and-fill mining will be used. As with drift-and-fill mining, the equipment fleet for room-and-pillar is the same as the mine development fleet. Lifts advance as breasting lifts after the initial lift which uses a pull round. The fill medium may be waste rock from mine development or CRF, depending upon local circumstances.

Project Economics and Sensitivities

The life of mine production data for the La Plata project is presented in Table 6 below.

Table 6. La Plata Production Data

Production Data
Life of Mine 8.1 Years
Mine Throughput per day 850 Tonnes/day
Mine Throughput per year 310,250 Tonnes/year
Total Tonnes to Crusher 2,506,009 Tonnes
Grade Au (Avg.) 2.28 g/t
Grade Ag (Avg.) 30.41 g/t
Grade Cu (Avg.) 1.59 %
Grade Zn (Avg.) 2.18 %
Total Gold Produced 128,474 Ounces
Total Silver Produced 1,825,143 Ounces
Total Copper Produced 78,297,363 Pounds
Total Zinc Produced 106,869,075 Pounds
Total Payable Gold 114,935 Ounces
Total Payable Silver 1,383,519 Ounces
Total Payable Copper 66,691,030 Pounds
Total Payable Zinc 66,700,898 Pounds
LOM Underground Strip Ratio (W:O) 0.29


The financial analysis for the base-case, which evaluates a stand-alone owner's operation and indicates an after-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate, of US$93M with an IRR of 25.1% and a payback period of 3.4 years 2 . In this scenario the project is expected to generate US$212M pre-tax operating cash flow.

Table 7 and Table 8 below present the financial analysis for the La Plata project.

Table 7. Base Case Financial Analysis

Base-Case
Gold Price Assumption $1,920 /Ounce
Silver Price Assumption $23 /Ounce
Copper Price Assumption $4.05 /Pound
Zinc Price Assumption $1.50 /Pound
Average Annual Cashflow (Pre-Tax) $38 million
Average Annual Cashflow (After-Tax) $31 million
Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Pre-Tax 32.9%
Internal Rate of Return (IRR), After-Tax 25.1%
NPV @ 5% (Pre-Tax) $137 million
NPV @ 5% (After-Tax) $93 million
Pay-Back Period (Rears based on After-Tax) 3.4 Years


Table 8. Sensitivity analysis to current metal prices.

June 2024 Average Prices
Gold Price Assumption $2,325 /Ounce
Silver Price Assumption $29 /Ounce
Copper Price Assumption $4.45 /Pound
Zinc Price Assumption $1.27 /Pound
Average Annual Cashflow (Pre-Tax) $46 million
Average Annual Cashflow (After-Tax) $35 million
Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Pre-Tax 41.8%
Internal Rate of Return (IRR), After-Tax 31.3%
NPV @ 5% (Pre-Tax) $184 million
NPV @ 5% (After-Tax) $123 million
Pay-Back Period (Rears based on After-Tax) 2.8 Years


Qualified Person

The definitive feasibility study was prepared by leading independent industry consultants. The Qualified Persons who prepared the June 2024 NI 43-101 Technical Report are:

  • Travis Manning
  • Thomas Kelly
  • Christian Beaulieu
  • Neil Lincoln
  • Donald Hickson
  • Felipe Riquelme
  • Adam Johnston

The QPs have reviewed and approved the content of this news release.

The following consultants participated in the Study:

  • Kappes, Cassiday & Associates
  • Andes Colorado Corp.
  • G Mining
  • Envis
  • Transmin
  • IMSS
  • Sinco

The NI 43-101 Technical Report will be filed on SEDAR+ within 45 days of this press release.

About Atico Mining Corporation

Atico is a growth-oriented Company, focused on exploring, developing and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America. The Company generates significant cash flow through the operation of the El Roble mine and is developing its high-grade La Plata VMS project in Ecuador. The Company is also pursuing additional acquisition of advanced stage opportunities. For more information, please visit www.aticomining.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Fernando E. Ganoza
CEO
Atico Mining Corporation
Trading symbols: TSX.V: ATY | OTC: ATCMF

Investor Relations
Igor Dutina
Tel: +1.604.633.9022

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.

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities being offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘‘U.S. Securities Act''), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act) unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This announcement includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation the use of net proceeds, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs; the need to obtain additional financing to maintain its interest in and/or explore and develop the Company's mineral projects; uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones for the Company's mineral projects; the world-wide economic and social impact of COVID-19 is managed and the duration and extent of the coronavirus pandemic is minimized or not long-term; disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic or other health and safety issues, or the responses of governments, communities, the Company and others to such pandemic or other issues; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the prospectus of the Company dated March 2, 2012 filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release refers to All In Sustaining Cost (AISC) a non-GAAP financial measures which is used by the Company for project evaluation and operating performance. These measures are widely reported in the mining industry but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. The Company believes that certain investors use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate the Company's operations. Accordingly, non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.   Readers should refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed on SEDAR and as available on the Company's website for further details.

______________________________

1 * Alternative performance measures; please refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release.

2 Calculated from the date of declaration of commercial production which is after plant commissioning and production ramp-up to full nameplate capacity.


A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9b60f552-92ee-4110-94bf-f516e54f6fb6


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FPX Nickel logo (CNW Group/FPX Nickel Corp.)

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Highlights

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Andrew Osterloh , P.Eng., FPX's Senior Vice President, Projects and Operations, has reviewed and approved the content of this news release.

About FPX Nickel Corp.

FPX Nickel Corp.  is focused on the exploration and development of the Baptiste Nickel Project, located in central British Columbia , and other occurrences of the same unique style of naturally occurring nickel-iron mineralization known as awaruite.  For more information, please view the Company's website at https://fpxnickel.com/ .

On behalf of FPX Nickel Corp.

"Martin Turenne"
Martin Turenne , President, CEO and Director

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is considered "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including those which relate to the proposed development of the Refinery, the intended processing of commercially available awaruite concentrate at the Refinery and the ability to obtain same; the projected economics of the Refinery, including capital cost; operating costs; NPV; IRR; carbon intensity; processing life; growth of the EV market; marketability of the concentrate; growth of demand for nickel sulphate and pricing therefor; and all other statements, other than statements of historical facts. These statements address future events and conditions and actual results could differ from those currently projected.  The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects', "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance and opportunities to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements are set forth in the public reports and filings for FPX, filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com . Although FPX believes that the information and assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, FPX disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE FPX Nickel Corp.

Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2025/31/c8434.html

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Vertex Minerals Limited  Shares Commence Trading on US OTC Market

Vertex Minerals Limited Shares Commence Trading on US OTC Market

Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) - Vertex Minerals Limited (ASX:VTX) (OTCMKTS:VTXXF) is pleased to announce that its Ordinary Shares have been approved to trade on the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB") in the United States of America (the "U.S.") and have commenced trading under the ticker VTXXF.

HIGHLIGHTS

- Trading commences on OTCQB under the ticker VTXXF.

- OTCQB recognised as an Established Public Market by the SEC.

- Offers enhanced investor benefits, including streamlined trading access for U.S.- based investors to VTX.

- Enables engagement with a network of U.S. investors, data distributions and media partners.

- ASX compliance qualifies for exemption under US regulations, minimising additional costs.

- There is no change to issued capital as part of the quotation on the OTCQB market and Vertex's primary listing remains the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") listing.

- No new shares in Vertex have been issued as part of the quotation on the OTCQX Market in the USA.

"The US market will take a keen interest in Vertex, an Australian gold company which will be recognised for its high-grade, future free cash generation, exploration upside, and its Australian dollar market value. The OTCQB quotation makes Vertex more readily accessible to a wider audience at a time when the US market is bullish gold and witnessing record Gold prices". Roger Jackson Executive Chairman

The dual-listing of the Company's ordinary shares on the OTCQB offers key advantages for investors, such as improved trading accessibility for U.S.- based investors and increased liquidity driven by a wider geographic reach of potential shareholders. This platform enables the Company to connect with U.S. capital markets, data providers, and media outlets, ensuring that U.S. investors have access to the same high-quality information and disclosures available to Australian investors, delivered through U.S.-focused platforms. Furthermore, the OTCQB listing allows U.S. investors to trade VTX's ordinary shares in U.S. dollars during U.S. market hours, providing a more cost-effective alternative to trading via the ASX platform.

The ability to trade in the Company's existing ordinary shares on the ASX will not be affected by having the OTCQB facility and no new ordinary shares have been issued. VTX will continue to make announcements and disclosures to the Australian Securities Exchange through the Market Operating Rules and Listing Rule requirements.

The OTCQB is acknowledged by the SEC as an Established Public Market and serves as a prominent platform for U.S. and international companies in the entrepreneurial and growth stages. Eligibility requires companies to maintain up-to-date financial reporting (in line with ASX listing rule obligations), meet a minimum bid price requirement, and complete an annual verification and management certification process. As a trusted and transparent marketplace with streamlined access to U.S. investors, the OTCQB supports companies in building shareholder value, enhancing liquidity, and achieving fair market valuation.

The Company would like to thank David Batista of Viriathus Capital who have acted as Sponsor for the Company's application to commence cross-trading on the OTCQB.



About Vertex Minerals Limited:  

Vertex Minerals Limited (ASX:VTX) is an Australian based gold exploration company developing its advanced Hargraves and Hill End gold projects located in the highly prospective Eastern Lachlan Fold Belt of Central West NSW. Other Company assets include the Pride of Elvire gold project and Taylors Rock gold/nickel/lithium project both located in the Eastern Goldfields of WA. The focus of Vertex Minerals is to advance the commercial production of gold from its NSW projects embracing an ethical and environmentally sustainable approach.



Source:
Vertex Minerals Limited

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Anteros Completes 3D Modelling and Identifies New Critical Mineral Targets at Havens Steady VMS Deposit, Newfoundland

Anteros Completes 3D Modelling and Identifies New Critical Mineral Targets at Havens Steady VMS Deposit, Newfoundland

Anteros Metals Inc. (CSE: ANT) ("Anteros" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of 3D geological modelling of its 100% owned, road-accessible Havens Steady VMS Property (the "Property") in central Newfoundland. The Property is located approximately 40 kilometres southeast of Buchans and 17 kilometres from the past-producing Duck Pond Mine. The inaugural 3D model integrates over 8,000 metres of historical drilling, surface geochemistry, and geophysical data into a unified geological framework. Interpretation was supported by AI-assisted workflows to enhance target confidence and reduce interpretive bias. The model defines a laterally extensive polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") system characterized by zinc-lead-silver ± copper-gold mineralization. It confirms a steeply southeast-dipping mineralized zone trending 057°, with over 700 metres of drilled strike length along the main mineralized zone ("MMZ"), as depicted in Figure 1, and identifies multiple untested vectors remaining open along strike and at depth.

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Horne 5 Project Update

Horne 5 Project Update

Falco Resources Ltd. (TSX.V: FPC) (" Falco " or the " Corporation ") announced today that since its March 3 rd press release (the " March 3 rd Press Release "), the Corporation has received complementary correspondence (the " Complementary Correspondence ") from the Direction de l'évaluation environnementale des projets industriels et minières, at the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (the " Ministry "), which aims to clarify the Ministry's position regarding the ongoing process regarding the Horne 5 Project (the " Project ").

The Complementary Correspondence confirms, among other things, that the list of comments and questions previously received and discussed in the March 3 rd Press Release (the " Additional Questions ") is part of the standard process and that at this stage of the process, as with any other project, no conclusions can be drawn, whether regarding the acceptability or otherwise of the Project or the recommendation that may subsequently be made to the Minister.

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Questcorp Mining Plans IP Survey at North Island Copper

Questcorp Mining Plans IP Survey at North Island Copper

Questcorp Mining Inc. (CSE: QQQ) (OTCQB: QQCMF) (FSE: D910) (the "Company" or "Questcorp") is pleased to announce permitting is under way for a 10 to 15 line km induced polarization (IP) survey at the Company's 1,168 hectare North Island Copper project near Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

While Questcorp's North Island Copper project hosts 8 targets across the property, the main target is the historic Marisa Zone, a porphyry copper target last explored in the 1990's. Surface sampling and a preliminary 12.3-line km Induced Polarization (IP) survey identified an interesting chargeability anomaly that was followed up by a five hole, 376.43 diamond drilling program. Two of the five holes hit interesting copper values including down hole intervals of 0.078% copper over 56.39 metres in DDH92-01 and 0.041% copper over 70.71 metres in DDH92-03 in an altered quartz diorite. Copper grades were increasing with depth in DDH92-03. The Company plans to follow up these historic results.

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Group Eleven Intersects 7.5m of 20.1% Zn+Pb and 51 g/t Ag, incl. 2.2m of 37.5% Zn+Pb and 72 g/t Ag at Ballywire in Step-Out Drilling; Upcoming Drilling at Cu-Ag Target and 'D' Gravity Anomaly

Group Eleven Intersects 7.5m of 20.1% Zn+Pb and 51 g/t Ag, incl. 2.2m of 37.5% Zn+Pb and 72 g/t Ag at Ballywire in Step-Out Drilling; Upcoming Drilling at Cu-Ag Target and 'D' Gravity Anomaly

Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSXV: ZNG) (OTC Pink: GRLVF) (FSE: 3GE) ("Group Eleven" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from four new holes (and additional assays from a previously announced hole) from the ongoing drill program at the Company's 100%-owned Ballywire zinc-lead-silver discovery ("Ballywire"), PG West Project ("PG West"), Republic of Ireland.

Highlights:

  • G11-3552-29 intersected (from 189.3m):
    • 130.7m of 2.3% Zn+Pb (2.0% Zn and 0.3% Pb) and 13 g/t Ag, including
    • 7.5m of 20.1% Zn+Pb (19.1% Zn and 1.0% Pb) and 51 g/t Ag, including
    • 5.7m of 24.1% Zn+Pb (23.2% Zn and 1.0% Pb) and 60 g/t Ag, including
    • 2.2m of 37.5% Zn+Pb (36.9% Zn and 0.7% Pb) and 72 g/t Ag
    • Represents a 55m step-out down-dip from G11-3552-27
  • G11-3552-271 intersected (from 201.5m):
    • 70.5m of 3.4% Zn+Pb (2.2% Zn and 1.2% Pb) and 41 g/t Ag, including
    • 25.7m of 7.9% Zn+Pb (5.7% Zn and 2.2% Pb), 78 g/t Ag and 0.12% Cu and
    • 4.2m of 2.0% Zn+Pb (0.4% Zn and 1.6% Pb), 172 g/t Ag and 0.66% Cu, including
    • 0.9m of 3.6% Zn+Pb (0.9% Zn and 2.6% Pb), 511 g/t Ag and 2.01% Cu
    • Located 50m down-dip from G11-3552-25 (announced 06-Feb-2025)
  • G11-3552-29 expands the footprint of the recently announced 360m long, flat-lying zone of zinc-rich massive sulphide lenses by at least 50m down-dip, to a total of at least 125m down-dip
  • Drilling continues at Ballywire with two rigs testing further down-dip of the two holes released today, plus the NE extension; assay results are expected in due course
  • In several weeks, drilling will also begin testing (a) a Cu-Ag target below the Zn-Pb-Ag discovery horizon; and (b) a step-out target 1.3km to the ENE of the Ballywire discovery testing in the vicinity of the prospective 'D' gravity-high anomaly, at a locality with abundant calcite similar to the calcite typically observed immediately above high-grade mineralization along the discovery trend

"We are very pleased to see the NE massive sulphide zone expanded by a ninth consecutive high-grade hole," stated Bart Jaworski, CEO. "Additional excellent Ag and Cu values also continue to point to a stratigraphically deeper Cu-Ag horizon, which we are aiming to start drill testing for the very first time over the next few weeks. We also look forward to stepping out 1.3km ENE towards a very prospective area near the 'D' gravity high anomaly. This locality hosts abundant calcite bodies, commonly seen above high-grade mineralization at Ballywire. A nearby historic hole is also mineralized. With the Cu-Ag target, continued drilling to the NE and larger step outs along our prospective 6km trend, 2025 promises to be an exciting year of exploration for Group Eleven."

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Exhibit 1. Cross-Section Showing New Drilling (G11-3552-27, -29 and -31) at Ballywire Discovery

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/245941_1b4f826a447618ea_002full.jpg

Note: Partial assays from G11-3552-27 previously announced on 06-Feb-25, consisting of 24.8m of 8.1% Zn+Pb, 80 g/t Ag;

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Exhibit 2. Plan Map Showing New Drilling and Interpreted Cu-Ag 'Feeder' Structure

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/245941_1b4f826a447618ea_003full.jpg

Note: Partial assays from G11-3552-27 previously announced on 06-Feb-25, consisting of 24.8m of 8.1% Zn+Pb, 80 g/t Ag;

New Step-Out Holes at Ballywire Discovery

The Ballywire prospect at the Company's 100%-owned PG West Project in Republic of Ireland, is a relatively new zinc-lead-silver discovery (first announced Sept-2022). In addition to 44 holes drilled and reported by Group Eleven to date, the most recent four holes (G11-3552-24, -26, -28, and -29) and additional assays for previously announced hole, G11-3552-27, are reported today (see Exhibits 1 to 7).

High-grade mineralization from G11-3552-27 and -29 (see Page 1 and Exhibits 1 to 4) consists predominantly of massive and semi-massive sulphide (sphalerite, galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite and suspected tennantite-tetrahedrite), as well as, disseminated and vein hosted sulphide mineralization. Mineralization occurs along and/or close to the base of the Waulsortian Limestone (see Exhibit 1).

Exhibit 3. Summary of Assays from G11-3552-24, -26, -27, -28 and -29 at Ballywire

ItemFrom
(m)
To
(m)
Int
(m)
Zn
(%)
Pb
(%)
Zn+Pb
(%)
Ag
(g/t)
Cu
(%)
G11-3552-27201.45271.9470.492.221.203.4140.80.09
Incl.212.07237.8125.745.692.217.9077.80.12
Incl.219.42235.0615.648.303.2811.59122.10.19
Incl.218.47222.213.7412.183.0515.2375.3-
And228.51235.066.5511.065.6516.71240.00.42
Incl.230.36233.903.5413.268.0121.27395.10.73
And267.72271.944.220.401.581.97171.60.66
Incl.268.64269.490.850.932.623.55511.02.01
G11-3552-29189.33320.05130.721.990.262.2513.0-
Incl.224.27229.615.344.100.794.8812.5-
And259.03266.567.5319.081.0120.0951.3-
Incl.259.03264.745.7123.160.9524.1160.0-
Incl.259.03261.252.2236.860.6837.5471.7-
And307.91320.0512.140.230.040.2766.20.12
Incl.315.26320.054.790.380.050.42149.40.27
Incl.318.00320.052.050.090.040.12301.00.52
G11-3552-24186.26199.2012.940.150.040.192.1-
Incl.193.76197.313.550.300.100.404.8-
And235.85236.760.910.010.010.0136.10.35
G11-3552-26215.80216.360.560.830.791.6271.5-
Incl.215.80215.970.172.522.254.77190.0-
G11-3552-28157.95174.8116.860.020.580.593.1-
Incl.166.42169.282.860.051.261.319.0-
And172.99174.811.820.072.122.196.8-
And179.67181.491.820.030.170.2064.10.16
And218.66220.501.840.000.000.012.70.26

 

Note: True width of the intervals above as a percentage of the intersected interval is 90% (G11-3552-27), 80-90% (G11-3552-29), 90-100% (G11-3552-24), 80-90% (G11-3552-26) and 90-100% (G11-3552-28)

Holes drilled as 300m step-outs to the NE (G11-3552-24, -26 and -28; see Exhibit 2) returned zones of mineralization narrower and weaker than those at the main discovery trend (see Exhibit 3). Disseminated copper mineralization, as well as, mineralized veins and fractures, however, are strengthening towards the north, suggesting massive sulphide mineralization may be present further north (see northern-most projected mineralized trend in Exhibit 4). A second mineralized trend is also emerging to the south where the interpreted Cu-Ag rich 'feeder' fault pierced by drilled along the main discovery trend (see solid purple line in Exhibits 2 and 4) appears to correlate with mineralization intersected in G11-3552-08 (see Exhibit 2). More drilling is ongoing in the NE area to test the above targets.

Key 2025 Exploration Targets at Ballywire Discovery

Copper-Silver Target

As drilling progresses at Ballywire, it is increasingly evident that there exists an interpreted Cu-Ag 'feeder' fault parallel to and spatially associated with the main Zn-Pb-Ag discovery at Ballywire (see Exhibit 2). This 'feeder' fault hosts mineralization with up to 5.90% Cu and 1,440 g/t Ag, interpreted to have been transported by mineralizing fluids from below by vertical to steeply-dipping structures (see Exhibit 5). Today's results provide further evidence, with grades up to 2.01% Cu and 511 g/t Ag (see Exhibit 3). Meanwhile, the stratigraphy of the region suggests that approximately 100-200m below the discovery horizon (base of the Waulsortian Limestone), is the Lower Limestone Shale horizon, which hosts four well known Cu-Ag historic occurrences in the surrounding area (see Denison, Oola, Gortdrum and Tullacondra in Exhibit 8, located approx. 5km, 9km, 10km and 45km away from Ballywire, respectively).

These historic Cu-Ag occurrences can be interpreted as the eroded remnants of originally more vertically extensive mineralizing systems, likely representing the roots of stratigraphically higher Zn-Pb-Ag mineralization. At Ballywire, there is a chance the mineralizing system is much larger than at the neighbouring deposits (based on relatively large footprint to date), and if it is there, any Cu-Ag mineralization would notionally be intact below the existing Zn-Pb-Ag mineralization.

Given the compelling nature of the above exploration model, Group Eleven aims to begin drilling this deeper Cu-Ag target over the coming several weeks.

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Exhibit 4. Plan Map Showing Interpreted Cu-Ag 'Feeder' and Calcite Body Targets at Ballywire

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Note: Calcite bodies occurring at the discovery trend are not shown here (shown in Exhibit 6 instead)

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Exhibit 5. Cross-Section Showing Hypothesized Location of Cu-Ag Mineralization

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Calcite Body Vectors

As drilling progresses at Ballywire, it is increasingly evident that high-grade Zn-Pb-Ag mineralization at Ballywire is spatially associated with steeply dipping bodies of calcite (see Exhibit 6), interpreted to represent the 'exhaust' from the mineralization process below (i.e. dissolved limestone at the mineralized horizon is re-precipitated as calcite bodies immediately above). These calcite bodies may prove to be a strong exploration vector along the undrilled remainder of Ballywire's prospective 6km trend.

Two shallow historic holes, located 1.3km ENE from the current boundary of the Ballywire discovery, intercepted such calcite bodies (see Exhibits 4 and 7), yet were never followed up. This locality is also near the prospective 'D' gravity high anomaly and historic hole, 99-3352-05 (see Exhibit 7), which intersected mineralization of a tenor typically seen peripheral to massive sulphide zones at the discovery trend. Group Eleven aim to test this locality in the coming weeks.

Separately, two historic holes approx. 300m and 600m to the WSW, respectively, from the current boundary of the Ballywire discovery, also intercepted abundant calcite zones (see Exhibits 4 and 7) and were never followed up. Group Eleven aims to test these locations in due course.

Looking forward, six (6) drill holes (G11-3552-30 to -35; see Exhibit 2) are in progress with results expected in due course. Exhibit 2 shows drilling to date across 1.25km of the overall 2.6km long trend (see Exhibit 4) of significantly mineralized drill intercepts. This in turn is hosted within a 6km long prospective trend defined by four gravity high anomalies, only one of which (anomaly 'C') is systematically drilled to date (see Exhibit 7).

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Exhibit 6. Oblique 3D View of Calcite Bodies Spatially Associated with Mineralization at Ballywire

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/245941_1b4f826a447618ea_006full.jpg

Note: Bodies shown (calcite, Zn-Pb-Ag and Cu-Ag) are not constrained by any grade cut-off and are only meant for illustrative purposes

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Exhibit 7. Regional Gravity at Ballywire Showing 6km Long Prospective Trend and Calcite Bodies

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Notes to Exhibit 8: (a) Pallas Green MRE is owned by Glencore (see Glencore's Resources and Reserves Report dated December 31, 2023); (b) Stonepark MRE: see the 'NI 43-101 Independent Report on the Zinc-Lead Exploration Project at Stonepark, County Limerick, Ireland', by Gordon, Kelly and van Lente, with an effective date of April 26, 2018, as found on SEDAR; and (c) the historic estimate at Denison was reported by Westland Exploration Limited in 'Report on Prospecting Licence 464' by Dermot Hughes dated May, 1988; the historic estimate at Gortdrum was reported in 'The Geology and Genesis of the Gortdrum Cu-Ag-Hg Orebody' by G.M. Steed dated 1986; and the historic estimate at Tullacondra was first reported by Munster Base Metals Ltd in 'Report on Mallow Property' by David Wilbur, dated December 1973; and later summarized in 'Cu-Ag Mineralization at Tullacondra, Mallow, Co. Cork' by Wilbur and Carter in 1986; the above three historic estimates have not been verified as current mineral resources; none of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to prepare the historic estimates were reported and no resource categories were used; significant data compilation, re-drilling and data verification may be required by a Qualified Person before the historic estimates can be verified and upgraded to be compliant with current NI 43-101 standards; a Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify them as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating the historic estimates as current mineral resources. 'Rathdowney Trend' is the south-westerly projection of the Rathdowney Trend, hosting the historic Lisheen and Galmoy mines.

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Exhibit 8. Regional Map of Ballywire Discovery and Surrounding Cu-Ag Historic Occurrences

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/245941_figure8.jpg

Qualified Person

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Professor Garth Earls, Eur Geol, P.Geo, FSEG, geological consultant at IGS (International Geoscience Services) Limited, and independent 'Qualified Person' as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101.

Sampling and Analytical Procedures

All core drilled at Ballywire is NQ (47.6mm) and is cut using a rock saw. Sample intervals vary between 0.42m to 1.3m with the majority of samples in the 0.79m to 0.99m range. The half-core samples are bagged, labelled and sealed at Group Elevens core store facility in Limerick, Ireland. Selected sample bags are examined by the Qualified Person. Transport is via an accredited courier service and/or by Group Eleven staff to ALS Laboratories in Loughrea Co. Galway, Ireland. Sample preparation at the ALS facility comprises fine crushing 70%

Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Information

Group Eleven inserts certified reference materials ("CRMs" or "Standards") as well as blank material, to its sample stream as part of its industry-standard QA/QC programme. The QC results have been reviewed by the Qualified Person, who is satisfied that all the results are within acceptable parameters. The Qualified Person has validated the sampling and chain of custody protocols used by Group Eleven.

About Group Eleven Resources

Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSXV: ZNG) (OTC Pink: GRLVF) and (FSE: 3GE) is a mineral exploration company focused on advanced stage zinc exploration in the Republic of Ireland. Group Eleven announced the Ballywire discovery in September 2022. Key intercepts to date include:

  • 10.8m of 10.0% Zn+Pb and 109 g/t Ag (G11-468-03)
  • 10.1m of 8.6% Zn+Pb and 46 g/t Ag (G11-468-06)
  • 10.5m of 14.7% Zn+Pb, 399 g/t Ag and 0.31% Cu (G11-468-12)
  • 11.2m of 8.9% Zn+Pb and 83 g/t Ag (G11-3552-03)
  • 29.6m of 10.6% Zn+Pb, 78 g/t Ag and 0.15% Cu (G11-3552-12) and
  • 11.8m of 11.6% Zn+Pb, 48 g/t Ag (G11-3552-18)
  • 15.6m of 11.6% Zn+Pb, 122 g/t Ag and 0.19% Cu (G11-3552-27)

Ballywire is located 20km from Company's 77.64%-owned Stonepark zinc-lead deposit2, which itself is located adjacent to Glencore's Pallas Green zinc-lead deposit3. The Company's two largest shareholders are Glencore Canada Corp. (16.1% interest) and Michael Gentile (16.0%). Additional information about the Company is available at www.groupelevenresources.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bart Jaworski, P.Geo.
Chief Executive Officer

E: b.jaworski@groupelevenresources.com | T: +353-85-833-2463
E: j.webb@groupelevenresources.com | T: 604-644-9514

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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of the Company, including the timing, content, cost and results of proposed work programs, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/ reserves and geological interpretations. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located. All of the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

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