Centurion Announces Casa Berardi West Gold Project Transaction

Centurion Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: CTN) (the "Company" or "Centurion") is pleased to announce it has acquired the right to earn a 100% interest in the Casa Berardi West Gold Project (the "Project") located in the prolific gold producing, Harricana-Turgeon greenstone belt of the central Abitibi Subprovince of north-eastern Ontario.

HIGHLIGHTS

  1. Historical exploration includes more than 70 RC drill holes returning encouraging results that include 18 samples greater than 1,000 ppb (1 g/t) Au and the highest returning 38,000 ppb (38g/t) Au;
  2. The Project is situated along structural corridors hosting world-class discoveries, operating mines, and significant past-producing operations, including:
  1. Hecla Mining's Casa Berardi Mine located 20 km NE with 3 million ounces ("Moz") Au in past production and 4 Moz Au in reserves and resources1;
  2. Aurileus Minerals' Mikwam Property with 1.81 million tonnes ("Mt") @ 2.34 g/t Au for 136,000 oz2;
  3. AMEX Exploration's recent Perron gold discovery that includes a drill hole returning 15.52 g/t Au over 15 .85 metres; located 12 kms from the Project3; and
  4. Normetal Mine's historical production of 10 Mt @ 2.2% Cu, 5.4% Zn, 0.5g/t Au, and 44.5 g/t Ag4;
  1. Numerous iron formations and shear zones proximal to a late granitic pluton has gold deposit analogies to the Musselwhite gold mine in northern Ontario; and
  2. Excellent access and infrastructure.

David Tafel, CEO of the Company commented: "We are very excited to have acquired a Project that is in the middle of a region of current and historical production and in close proximity to very recent new gold discoveries. Historic exploration and significant drill hole information on and near the Project claims has given our geological team confidence we can advance exploration quickly. As Centurion returns to its historic focus of mineral exploration, we believe the Project provides shareholders with an excellent opportunity for potential value creation."

Following approval of the previously announced spin-out of the Company's (cannabis) subsidiary at the upcoming Annual General and Special Shareholder Meeting on August 12th, 2022, and TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V") approval of the (Casa Berardi West) Project transaction, the Company will immediately apply for a resumption of trading.

CASA BERARDI WEST PROJECT

The Project consists of 3 non-contiguous claim groups (Noseworthy, Newman and Hepburn) comprising a total of 11,600 acres or 4,700 hectares (the "Properties"), strategically located northeast of Cochrane, Ontario, in the metal endowed central north Abitibi greenstone belt (Figure 1).

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Figure 1
. Regional location of the Casa Berardi West claim groups.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4407/133013_3066039a74a01828_003full.jpg

Structurally, the three claim groups are proximal to regional crustal scale deformation zones. The Noseworthy claim group lies just north of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone, integrally related to the Mikwam gold deposit of Aurelius Metals Inc. to the east, and the Casa Berardi gold mine owned and operated by Hecla Mining Company. The Newman claim group hosts part of the Mikwam River Fault. The Hepburn claim group lies along an extension of rocks and structures believed to be related to the former Normetal VMS mine (15 kilometers away) and more recently to the high-grade gold discovery by AMEX Exploration Company at the Perron property located 12 kilometers to the east of the Hepburn claims (Figure 2).

Mineralization on the Project consists of:

  1. Banded iron-formation (BIF) hosted sulphides with indications of gold mineralization
  2. Shear-hosted gold mineralization
  3. Disseminated copper-bearing sulphide mineralization in tuffaceous rocks.

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Figure 2. Geology, deposits and structural environment of the Casa Berardi West claim groups.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4407/133013_3066039a74a01828_004full.jpg

Noseworthy Claim Group

The Noseworthy claim group has seen little systematic historical exploration despite its strategic location just north of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone (CBDZ) that hosts the Mikwam gold deposit owned by Aurelius Minerals. The Mikwam gold deposit hosts a 43-101 compliant inferred resource of 1.81 million tonnes at an average grade of 2.34 g/t Au for a 136,000 contained ounces of gold at a reported cut-off grade of 1 g/t Au.

Newman Claim Group

The Newman claim group is dominated by a property long banded iron-formation. In 1987 Chesbar Resources ("Chesbar") completed 72 reverse circulation (RC) drill holes totaling 2,261 metres (m). Sampling of the tills at the bedrock-overburden interface and above bedrock resulted in one assay of 38,000 ppb (38g/t) gold (AFRI 42H08NE0048) and a number of others grading above 1,000 ppb (1 g/t) gold (Table 1).

Table 1. Highlighted results of the RC drilling, Chesbar Resources, 1987.

Hole No.Line No.Stationppb Aug/t Au**Location Comments
SRE-87-09L24W7+51S8200.82 1 sample above bedrock
SRE-87-13??7+04S13001.30 1 sample above bedrock
SRE-87-26L10E5+03S45004.50 3 samples above bedrock
SRE-87-31L21E4+48S24002.40 1 sample above bedrock
SRE-87-53L67E6+69S49004.90 4 samples above bedrock
SRE-87-53L67E6+69S10001.00 3 samples above bedrock
SRE-87-57L76E7+02S15001.50 2 samples above bedrock
SRE-87-59L80E7+69S377*0.38 bedrock
SRE-87-60L82E8+32S1700.02 1 sample above bedrock
SRE-87-60L82E8+32S38,00038.00 3 samples above bedrock
SRE-87-65L92E8+63S21002.10 1 sample above bedrock
SRE-87-70L102E8+50S45004.50 1 sample above bedrock
SRE-87-70L102E8+50S8100.81 2 samples above bedrock

 

* 0.011 oz/ton converted to ppb from 34.28 g/t Au in 1 Troy ounce per short ton.
** Converted by Centurion

Chesbar followed up the positive RC results with 8 diamond drill holes totaling 1,518m, but failed to explain the numerous elevated gold results from the RC drill program. Subsequent companies relied on airborne magnetic and electromagnetic surveys to generate drill targets for 2-5 drill hole programs.

Hepburn Claim Group

The Hepburn claim group lies 15km to the northwest of the former Normetal Cu-Zn mine which produced 10 million tonnes grading 2.2% Cu, 5.4% Zn, 0.53 g/t Au and 44.5 g/t Ag between 1938 and 1975. The claim boundary is also located 12km northwest of the Perron gold project recently discovered by Amex Exploration. On June 16, 2022, Amex announced high-grade diamond drilling results of 15.52 g/t Au over 15.85m and 11.27 g/t Au over 11m. (Figure 3)

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Figure 3
. Regional location of the Hepburn claim group along strike of AMEX Exploration gold discovery and former Normetal Cu-Zn mine.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4407/133013_3066039a74a01828_005full.jpg

Seal River Exploration Ltd. drilled one hole in 1990 and intersected bands of cherty garnetiferous, sulphide-magnetite iron formation over widths of 2-4 m in amphibolitic mafic volcanics. From 117.65 m a 1 m section assayed 396 ppb Au. From 147.58 m, a 0.91 m section assayed 240 ppb Au (AFRI 32E04SE0026). Seal River returned and drilled 3 more holes PR91-1 through PR91-3 totaling 306.93 m. Holes PR91-1 and PR91-3 were drilled on the current Hepburn claim group. Hole PR91-1 failed to intersect any significant assays. Hole PR91-3 was drilled on the same horizontal loop electromagnetic (HLEM) anomaly 300m to the east of hole PR90-1 and intersected similar bands of cherty garnetiferous, sulphide-magnetite iron formation over widths of 0.5-2.13 m in amphibolitic mafic volcanics. Highlights from this hole include 306 ppb Au over 0.91 m (AFRI 32E04SE9301).

Transaction Summary

The Option Agreement enables Centurion to acquire a 100% interest in the Casa Berardi West Project for cash consideration totaling $114,000 and the issuance of 600,000 common shares over a 3-year period. The Optionors will retain a 2% NSR but Centurion has the right to acquire 50% of the NSR for $1,000,000. The transaction is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

Qualified Person

Mike Kilbourne, P. Geo, an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.

References

  1. Technical Report for the Casa Berardi Mine, Northwestern Quebec, Canada authored by Jonathan Archambault-Giroux, P.Geo, Effective date December 31, 2018.

  2. Independent Technical Report, Mikwam Gold Property, Noseworthy Township, Ontario, Canada by Caracle Creek International Consulting Inc., Effective date December 8, 2016.

  3. See press release TSXV:AMX dated June 16, 2022.

  4. https://www.yorbeauresources.com/en/projects/normetal-west/#:~:text=The%20Normetal%20Mine%2C%20located%20relatively,a%20depth%20of%202.4%20kilometres.

ABOUT CENTURION

Centurion Minerals Ltd. is a Canadian-based company with a focus on mineral asset development in the Americas. The Company's lead investment is its interest in the Ana Sofia Agri-Gypsum Fertilizer Project, and it is also reviewing additional prospective, precious mineral exploration projects.

"David G. Tafel"
President and CEO

For Further Information Contact:
David Tafel
604-484-2161

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

All statements, trend analysis and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding, the completion of the Arrangement, the Meeting, the Final Order hearing of the Court, the anticipated benefits of the Arrangement, the Company's plan to develop its business and provide Shareholders with additional investment choices and enhanced value, the Company's plans to complete the Consolidation and the Company's plans to apply to the TSX-V for a resumption of trading as a mineral exploration issuer following the Meeting; and future capital expenditures, anticipated content, commencement, and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Company's projects and mineral properties, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, resources and/or reserves on the Company's projects and mineral properties, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company; are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements since the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators, and assumptions made with regard to: the Company's ability to complete the proposed Arrangement on the terms and conditions contemplated, or at all; the Companies' ability to secure the necessary shareholder, Court and regulatory approvals required to complete the Arrangement; the estimated costs associated with the Arrangement; the timing of the Meeting, the Final Order hearing and the Arrangement; and that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious and base metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration of the Company's properties, that the COVID-19 global pandemic will not affect the ability of the Company to conduct the exploration program on the Project, the availability of financing on suitable terms, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company expectations include risks associated with the business of the Company; risks related to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions to the closing of the Arrangement; non-completion of the Arrangement; risks related to the Company failing to obtain the requisite shareholder approval required for the Arrangement; risks relating the number of dissenting shareholders requiring fair value for their securities in connection with the Arrangement; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Company's projects including the Company's option to acquire the Project, the proposed expenditures for exploration work thereon, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the TSX Venture Exchange), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, currency and commodity fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, the need for cooperation of government agencies and indigenous groups in the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties, and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in the Company filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com). Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/133013

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New Cannabis Consumption Trends, Regulatory Shifts Seen Driving Market in 2025

Understanding trends in the cannabis industry is paramount for investors eyeing a market with steady growth potential, but the landscape is complex as products and regulations continue to evolve.

Consumption habits are changing as edibles, vaping and THC beverages gain traction, especially among younger users, and cannabis companies are adapting their offerings to meet shifting demand.

Meanwhile, regulatory uncertainty, particularly surrounding the future of the US Farm Bill and state-level restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoids, continues to challenge the market.

Despite these headwinds, production data and long-term growth forecasts suggest the cannabis industry remains on a promising — albeit turbulent — path. Read on for more on key trends to watch in 2025.

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Shifts in consumer behavior are reshaping markets across the board, and the cannabis industry is no exception.

While smoking remains the dominant method of cannabis consumption, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the growing popularity of edibles, vaping and dabbing.

The report notes that vaping and dabbing are particularly pronounced among younger adults.

A separate study published by the American Medical Association and funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research also points to how product preferences have changed among Canadian users since legalization in 2018.


The study indicates that while the use of flower, cannabis concentrates, oil, tinctures and topicals has decreased during that time, the use of vape cartridges, edibles and beverages has increased.

Edibles and beverages were legalized in Canada in late 2019, and Truss Beverage was one of the first players to introduce cannabis-infused drinks. Truss was a joint venture formed by Molson Coors Canada (TSX:TPX.A,TSX:TPX.B) and HEXO, a cannabis company that has since been acquired by Tilray Brands (TSX:TLRY,NASDAQ:TLRY).

In early 2020, Tilray launched a lineup of confectionery, wellness products and beverages through its subsidiary, High Park; Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED,NASDAQ:CGC) made a similar move. These companies gradually brought their products to the US as more states legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use.

Today, established cannabis brands typically offer edibles and beverages alongside their other products. Organigram Global (TSX:OGI,NASDAQ:OGI) is one of the newest US entrants, with its April acquisition of Collective Project providing immediate access to the US hemp-derived THC beverage market.

Growing awareness of health and wellness, potentially amplified by the pandemic-led adoption of health trackers, appears to be making an impact on the alcoholic beverage market.

A 2023 Gallup poll reveals a two decade decline in alcohol consumption, particularly among younger adults, suggesting a shift towards more health-conscious lifestyles within this demographic.

Craft beer production declined by 4 percent year-on-year in 2024, according to data collected by the Brewers Association. This marked the largest drop in the industry's history, excluding the pandemic. For small, independent craft breweries, 2024 marked the third consecutive year of declining production. A drop in the number of operating small breweries last year provides further evidence of this trend, with 501 closures in 2024 versus 434 openings.

Challenges in the alcohol market extend beyond the brewing industry, with the New York Times recently reporting the closure of a handful of nightclubs facing decreased alcohol sales alongside rising insurance and rent costs.

Meanwhile, cannabis lounges have been popping up across the US for the last several years. As of early 2025, several states had legalized or were in the process of implementing regulations for cannabis consumption lounges.

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The legalization of industrial hemp — defined as cannabis with a THC concentration of 0.3 percent or less — through the 2018 Farm Bill led to initial investment and optimistic projections for CBD wellness products and various industrial applications. The sector’s rapid evolution also brought the rise of hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids, creating a market that presented both opportunities and complexities for participants.

However, after an initial boom, a lack of infrastructure and clearly defined regulations for CBD, as well as state-level variations and market oversupply, ultimately contributed to a quick retraction.

2024 was a pivotal year for the US hemp industry, as the hemp-related provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill — originally set to expire in September 2023, but extended to December 31, 2024 — created an urgent need to address critical issues like THC limits and the regulation of novel hemp-derived cannabinoids. A major point of contention was the proposed shift from defining hemp based on Delta-9 THC concentration (0.3 percent or less) to “total THC,” which includes THCA.

This change had the potential to significantly impact farmers and processors, as many hemp varieties that are compliant under the Delta-9 THC rule could exceed the 0.3 percent limit when THCA is included.

Various bills and amendments were proposed in 2024 as part of the Farm Bill discussions, each with different approaches to regulating hemp. Separate regulatory frameworks for industrial hemp and hemp grown for cannabinoids were suggested, and many states took their own action, leading to a patchwork of regulations and even outright bans.

Despite challenges, data from the US Department of Agriculture suggests signs of recovery.

The department's annual National Hemp Report from 2024 points to an 18 percent increase in industrial hemp production value between 2022 and 2023, with output growth seen in specific sectors like floral (18 percent), fiber (133 percent) and seed hemp (414 percent). The 2025 report from the Department of Agriculture indicates further expansion, with notable increases observed in both acreage (up 64 percent from 2023) and value (46 percent).

The 2024 Farm Bill ultimately did not pass, and right now the hemp industry is operating under a temporary extension of the 2018 Farm Bill under the American Relief Act of 2025, signed into law on December 21, 2024.

The 2018 Farm Bill is now set to expire on September 30, 2025.

While analysts for Markets and Markets project that the North American hemp industry will grow at a CAGR of 22.4 percent and ultimately reach a valuation of US$30.24 billion by 2029, the future of the industry will be heavily influenced by the outcome of the ongoing Farm Bill discussions.

US cannabis legalization remains stalled

Although there is clear demand for cannabis products, the now-defunct rescheduling process in the US is likely to continue casting a shadow of uncertainty over the industry's long-term trajectory.

Legal and procedural delays, including allegations of improper conduct and bias within the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), led to hearing cancellations, and the new administration of US President Donald Trump has brought leadership changes to key agencies like the DEA and the Department of Justice.

Terry Cole, who Trump nominated to be DEA administrator on February 11, has a history of opposing cannabis legalization in the country. Similarly, Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick to lead the justice department, staunchly opposed a movement to legalize medical cannabis during her tenure as Florida’s attorney general.

While there have been bipartisan efforts in Congress to end federal cannabis prohibition and establish regulations for eventual legalization, the DEA’s actions and statements indicate a potential stall or reversal of progress.

In addition to that, new research is adding complexity to the debate.

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry this past March highlights an association between the use of high-potency cannabis strains and increased risks of psychosis, a factor that may not have been fully considered by the Department of Health and Human Services. As stronger cannabis strains become more widely available, a reassessment of their potential health risks may be required.

Investor takeaway

While the cannabis industry holds promise for growth and innovation, investors must remain acutely aware of the regulatory uncertainties and market volatility that will undoubtedly shape its trajectory in the years to come.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Cannabis for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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