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Anax Metals Limited (ASX: ANX, Anax, or the Company) is pleased to announce that a diamond drill rig has mobilised to Whim Creek to commence drilling at the Evelyn deposit, targeting high-grade copper mineralisation. Evelyn is located approximately 25km south of Whim Creek (Figure 1). Anax has an 80%joint venture interest in the Whim Creek Project, with Develop Global Limited (ASX: DVP) holding the remaining 20%.
- Diamond rig mobilised to Evelyn, targeting high-grade copper mineralisation
- First drilling at Evelyn since 2022 when RC hole 22AER005B intersected 13m @ 4.46% Cu, 3.10% Zn, 1.61 g/t Au and 45 g/t Ag1
- Programme to test for down-plunge extensions and increased drill density
- Up to 1,700m of extensional and resource drilling planned
Anax’s Managing Director, Geoff Laing, commented“We continue to focus on project growth through the planned extension drilling at our high-grade Evelyn deposit in parallel to the Pilbara consolidation program. Our strategy remains to position Anax to become a significant copper producer and key player in consolidating base metal production in the Pilbara.”
Figure 1: Whim Creek Project location
In mid-2022, the Company drilled two RC holes at Evelyn. The initial hole was abandoned due to excessive deviation and despite also experiencing substantial deviation, the second hole, 22AER005B, intersected 13m @ 4.46% Cu, 3.10% Zn, 45 g/t Ag and 1.61 g/t Au from 204m (Figure 2).1
Figure 2: Massive sulphide mineralisation (dark samples) intersected within 22AER005B
The primary purpose of the programme will be to test for down-plunge extensions of high-grade copper below 22AER005B with a further two holes planned to increase drill density in the vicinity, which may allow for conversion from Inferred to Indicated Resources.
Diamond drilling will be used due to the excessive deviation experienced in the previous RC programme. The core holes will undergo geotechnical logging which will add to the existing geotechnical database and increase confidence in the geotechnical assessment. Mineralised intersections will also be retained for metallurgical variability testing.
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Anax Metals Limited
Investor Insight
Anax Metals is an ASX-listed exploration company looking to develop its copper assets in the Pilbara Region of Australia. It has important joint ventures and partnerships that can facilitate the execution of a strategic processing hub to offer a compelling investor value proposition.
Overview
Anax Metals (ASX:ANX) is a project developer that is on track to begin producing copper and zinc concentrates from its flagship Whim Creek project located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The project is 80 percent owned by Anax, with JV partner Develop Global (Develop) owning the remaining 20 percent. The Whim Creek DFS (and leaching study) have demonstrated the opportunity for an eight-year mining operation producing copper concentrates, cathodes and valuable byproducts. The operation will generate $410 million in cash flow and deliver an NPV of $270 million with a development capex of $71 million.
The company believes its growth potential lies both in expanding the mineral resources across the project’s four deposits and a consolidation strategy that includes a processing hub with a concentrator and heap leach at Whim Creek. Benefits from the consolidation include delivering economies of scale with processing flexibility to treat ores from regional orebodies. The permitted infrastructure is ideally located and suited to becoming the Pilbara-processing hub.,
Anax Metals and Develop have commenced a scoping study to evaluate the potential for treating high-grade oxide/transitional ores from Develop’s wholly owned Sulphur Springs project on the Whim Creek heap.
During the second quarter of 2024, Anax Metals and GreenTech Metals announced they had signed a non-binding and non-exclusive memorandum of understanding to assess the potential to treat mined material from GreenTech’s base metal assets, with a focus on the open-pittable Whundo deposit.
Anax Metals also signed a non-binding and non-exclusive memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Artemis Resources (ASX:ARV) to jointly assess the potential for processing the copper content of Artemis’ open-pittable Greater Carlow resource at the fully-permitted Whim Creek Processing hub. Anax and Artemis also agree to evaluate the potential for Artemis to explore for gold mineralisation on the Anax project tenure.
Whim Creek Pit
Since acquiring the project in 2020, Anax Metals has increased its contained metal resource inventory by over 57 percent. At the end of the second quarter of 2024, Anax Metals signed a contract with drilling company Topdrill for up to 1,700 metres of diamond drilling. Diamond drill rigs have been mobilized at site with the primary goal of testing the down-plunge extensions of the high-grade copper zones at the Evelyn deposit. Previous drilling intersected 13 m @ 4.46 percent copper, 3.10 percent zinc, 45 g/t silver and 1.61 g/t gold from 204 m. Evelyn remains open down plunge with lots of expansion potential.
Company Highlights
- Focus remains on delivering near-term copper production, within the next 18 to 24 months, at the Whim Creek copper-zinc project, which will generate in excess of $400 million in free cash flow over an eight-year mine life.
- The company’s growth strategy includes delivering both resource growth and consolidation of copper assets in the Pilbara region through the development of a central processing hub.
- Since completing the DFS last year, Anax Metals has been considering the potential to expand the production capacity of Whim Creek infrastructure beyond 20 kt of copper equivalent per year.
- Capital requirements are anticipated to be low as Anax Metals plans to utilise substantial existing infrastructure and implement preconcentration technology to reduce process capacity requirements.
- The company is currently working with key partners, including Develop Global (ASX:DVP), Greentech Metals (ASX:GRE), and several metal trading groups.
Whim Creek Copper Zinc Project
Whim Creek is located 120 km from both Port Headland and Karratha on the NW Coastal Highway in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The project has a long history of copper production with existing infrastructure that includes dams, haul roads, offices, workshops and a dedicated gas spur line to site. The project is currently being developed as a joint venture (80/20) between Anax Metals and Develop Global. The project has four main deposits, namely Whim Creek, Mons Cupri, Salt Creek and Evelyn, with structurally controlled, volcanic-hosted massive sulphide style copper-zinc-lead mineralization.
Production – Concentrator and Heap Leach
Since completing the definitive feasibility study in 2023, Anax has promoted Whim Creek as a regional processing hub, with potential for an expanded production capacity in excess of 20 kt copper equivalent. Highlights of the technical report include FCF generation of $410 million over an eight-year mine life. Processing would be predominantly through the planned concentrator. Heap leaching is anticipated to begin in the second year of production.
A processing hub with sorting, concentrator and heap leach facilities
The company believes the project will also provide a processing solution for surrounding projects located within trucking distance of Anax’s processing facility. Longer term, Anax plans to establish a Pilbara Base Metal Alliance to facilitate collaboration with other base metal projects in the region.
Exploration
The project exploration tenure is located in the highly prospective Archean granite-greenstones of the Pilbara region, encompassing the width of the Whim Creek Greenstone Belt. Near mine extensions to known copper-zinc-lead VMS resources remain underexplored with potential at Mons Cupri South for the discovery of a new intact Mons Cupri-sized deposit. VMS-style alteration and mineralisation have been intersected over 1km. The two satellite deposits at Salt Creek and Evelyn have excellent down plunge and strike potential for blind massive sulphide shoots and drilling is under way at Evelyn.
Management Team
Phillip Jackson - Chairman
A barrister and solicitor with significant legal and international corporate experience, Phillip Jackson specialises in commercial and contract law, mining and energy law and corporate governance. He has been a director and chairman of a number of ASX and AIM listed minerals companies.
Geoff Laing - Managing Director
Geoff Laing is a chemical engineer with 30 years in mining and project development. He has been involved in the exploration and junior mining sector for the last 15 years, taking on corporate and advisory roles. He was a key player in Exco Resources’ divestment of a substantial copper asset for $175 million to Xstrata Copper, and as managing director, he delivered the successful takeover of the company by WH Sol Pattinson.
Peter Cordin - Non-executive Director
Peter Cordin is a civil engineer with over 45 years' global experience in mining and exploration, both at operational and senior management levels. He has direct experience in the construction and management of diamond and gold operations in Australia, Fenno-Scandinavia and Indonesia.
Phil Warren - Non-executive Director
Phil Warren is a chartered accountant with over 25 years’ experience in board governance, corporate advisory and capital raising advice. Warren has spent a number of years working overseas for major international investment banks. He is currently a non-executive director of ASX listed companies, including Family Zone Cyber Safety, Narryer Metals, Killi Resource and Rent.com.au. He was a founding director of Cassini Resources, which was subsequently acquired by Oz Minerals.
Jenine Owen - Chief Financial Officer
Jenine Owen joined Anax in 2020, where she is responsible for corporate risk management, financial management and financial reporting. She is a chartered accountant with extensive finance and commercial experience, including several CFO roles in ASX listed entities. Having started her career with Deloitte (Zimbabwe) in the external assurance division, she moved to London in 1999 where she held various finance and governance roles before settling in Australia in 2008. Prior to joining Anax, Owen was CFO at Predictive Discovery (ASX:PDI).
Quetzal Copper
Investor Insight
Quetzal Copper has a copper-focused exploration strategy and North American assets. The company is in an excellent position to capitalize on rising domestic copper demand, with a plan to play a key role in the critical minerals race.
Overview
Quetzal Copper (TSXV:Q) is a copper exploration company focused on three drill-ready copper projects in British Columbia, Canada: Princeton, Big Kidd and DOT. All three projects are situated in the copper-rich jurisdiction of British Columbia between the Highland Valley copper mine and the Copper Mountain mine. This is a highly prospective area that historically produced millions of pounds of copper.
All three BC projects are easily accessible by road and close to infrastructure. The area is mining-friendly as evidenced from the multiple active and retired mines in the region.
The company’s flagship is the Princeton copper project, which abuts the north side of the Copper Mountain mine property. The project had limited historical drilling. However, modern geophysics and soil samples identified prospective copper targets. Quetzal plans to begin drilling at the Princeton project in 2025. The company received its drill permit for four targets: Bud South, Knob Hill, Aura and Contact.
The Dot copper project is located just 25 km northwest of Merritt, B.C. Mining on the property goes back to 1887. The area hosts four significant target areas: the Northwest, Southeast, Copper and Lower Vimy Zones.
In 2010, Aurora Geosciences published a non-compliant historic resource estimate for the Dot project (calculated at $3 per pound of copper and $1,200 per ounce of gold). According to the report, Dot contains 6.5 million tonnes of indicated resources at 0.5 percent copper equivalent and 6.6 million tonnes at 0.38 percent copper equivalent.
In 2025, Quetzal Copper plans to evaluate that historic resource and follow up on the recommendations from the report. That includes drilling to connect existing mineralization and testing additional geophysical anomalies outside the known zones to expand the resource base.
The Big Kidd project is located approximately 20 km southeast of Merritt, BC. The project saw extensive drilling by previous operators including Xstrata. Quetzal geologists, along with Dr. Alan Wilson, reviewed all available core and compiled a new understanding of the geology.
In his 2024 report, Dr. Wilson laid out a series of field work recommendations for the project. He identified high-priority drill targets associated with chlorite-magnetite alteration. Due to the sulfide-poor nature of the system at Big Kidd, he believes that IP Chargeability geophysics should highlight targets.
The company’s focus on copper is attractive given current supply and demand dynamics.
The supply of copper is far more concentrated than oil. While three countries account for 40 percent of the oil supply, only two countries – Chile and Peru, contribute 38 percent of the copper supply. Given the history of political instability in these countries, a supply source from North America, with its stable policy environment, makes it very attractive.
Government-supported tailwinds also encourage domestic copper supply, with Canada and the US promoting copper production through tax breaks and incentives.
The demand scenario for copper looks attractive given expectations of rapid growth. According to Nornickel, global copper demand is estimated to rise by 20 percent to 30 million metric tons (MT) per year by 2035, from around 24.8 million MT per year in 2022. This growth in demand will be led by applications such as electric transport, power transmission grids and renewable electricity generation.
Quetzal Copper is likely to be a beneficiary of Western countries trying to realign their supply chain of critical minerals by sourcing them domestically or from friendly countries. Quetzal, with its portfolio of copper projects in tier 1 mining jurisdictions, is well positioned to offer domestically sourced copper to fill any supply gap.
Company Highlights
- Quetzal Copper is a new copper exploration company focused on three drill-ready copper projects in British Columbia: Princeton, Big Kidd, and DOT. The company has a fourth project, Cristinas, in Chihuahua, Mexico.
- The flagship Princeton copper project is located adjacent to the producing Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia. The company plans a significant drill program for the project in 2025.
- The Big Kidd copper project is located in southern British Columbia, midway between the Copper Mountain and Highland Valley copper mines.
- The DOT copper project is located south of the Highland Valley mine in southern British Columbia.
- Given that around 38 percent of the world's copper is supplied by two countries (Chile and Peru), a North American supply source makes the company’s projects very attractive.
- The company’s senior leadership team is well-experienced in both geoscience and capital markets, which will help the company unlock the potential of its projects.
Key Projects
Princeton Project
The Princeton copper project spans an area of 11,500 hectares and is approximately 5 kilometers from Princeton town in British Columbia. The project is located to the north of Copper Mountain mine. The project represents an ideal location and favorable geology for copper exploration, located between the Copper Mountain mine and the Miner Mountain properties. Several operators have conducted various property surveys over the past 60 years. The geophysical and geochemistry surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021 have identified multiple drill targets. The project has three key targets: Bud South, Knob Hill and Aura.
- Bud South: Historically drilled in 1987, this will be a primary drill target in 2024. One of the drills encountered copper and gold over 10.5 meters. The section yielded 0.184 percent copper, 0.33 grams per ton (g/t) gold, and 8.7 g/t silver over 10.7 meters. Moreover, a lower section graded 0.149 percent copper, 0.121 g/t gold, and 3.2 g/t silver over 4.6 meters.
- Knob Hill: The target is located 2 kilometers south of August Lake and is characterized by granodiorite outcropping over an area of 1,000 meters x 600 meters. Historically, two samples have reported 0.99 g/t and 0.51 g/t gold, 33.6 g/t and 49.0 g/t silver, and 0.60 percent and 1.22 percent copper.
- Aura: This target has similarities to porphyry copper deposits, having a mineralized zone at the periphery.
Big Kidd Project
The company has an option to acquire 100 percent interest in this project. The Big Kidd copper project spans an area of 4,055 hectares in southern British Columbia. It is located just 20 kilometers from the city of Merritt, and benefits from excellent infrastructure in terms of accessibility by a network of roads. The region hosts several copper and gold deposits, such as the Copper Mountain mine and the Craigmont mine.
The historic exploration dates back to the 1890s. In 1916, 10 tons of ore was extracted with 1,000 lbs of copper. Moreover, in 1918, a mine produced 44 tons of ore with 12 percent copper, 68 g/t silver, and 0.57 g/t gold. In 2019, Jiulian Resources completed a drill program on the project. A 2004 resource estimate has identified a non-compliant resource of 122.4 Mt at 0.33 g/t gold and 0.15 percent copper. Additional drilling has expanded the footprint of the mineralization beyond the 2004 estimate.
The project has three important targets for 2024. 1) Target 1 – a narrow target spanning 100 m x 400 m; 2) Target 2 – that spans an area of 200 m x 350 m; 3) Target 3 – this opportunity is in the Dago zone.
DOT Project
The company has an option to acquire 100 percent interest in this project. The DOT copper project spans 846 hectares and is located in the southern portion of the Guichon Creek batholith. The project is located just 25 kilometers away from Merritt, and enjoys excellent accessibility by roads. DOT is located in a region with a history of copper exploration for more than 130 years. Moreover, the project is adjacent to Highland Valley mine (20 km) and Craigmont mine (12 km). In 2008, Aurora Geosciences estimated a non-compliant indicated resource of 5.3 Mt at 0.49 percent copper equivalent and 2.9 Mt of non-compliant indicated resource 0.45 percent copper equivalent.
Moreover, in 2010, a resource report identified the following grades: 30.2 meters @ 1.32 percent copper, 27.4 meters @ 2.58 percent copper, and 76.2 meters @ 0.91 percent copper. These grades and thicknesses indicate a robust copper system on the property.
The project covers five zones of copper-gold-silver-molybdenum mineralization: southeast, northwest, west, east and copper zones. All five zones remain open. The company is planning an exploration program at DOT, which will include a comprehensive IP survey across the property, drilling at the east zone and northwest zone, trench and drilling at the southeast zone, and metallurgical testing.
Management Team
Matthew Badiali – CEO and Director
Matthew Badiali holds an M.Sc. degree in geology from Florida Atlantic University. He is a geologist and has over 18 years of experience as a financial analyst covering the natural resources sector with Stansberry Research. He is also a founder of Mangrove Investor Media, a publishing company.
Chris Lloyd – VP Exploration
Chris Lloyd is a geologist with over 35 years of experience, working in Canada and Mexico. He is a co-founder of Soltoro, which discovered the El Rayo silver deposit and was acquired by Agnico Eagle. He was also associated with the Panuco Project of Vizsla Silver.
Charles Funk – Technical Advisor
Charles Funk is a geologist with experience in gold, silver and copper projects, and is associated with multiple deposit discoveries in Australia and Mexico. He has more than 14 years of experience with several mining companies, including Evrim Resources and Newcrest. He is also the CEO of Heliostar Metals.
Dr. Roy Greig – Technical Advisor
Dr. Roy Grieg is a geologist highly experienced in advancing copper projects. He served for over two years as vice-president of exploration for Amarc Resources, where he advanced their district-scale porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum projects in British Columbia in collaboration with major partners Freeport McMoRan and Boliden. Greig holds a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona.
Golden Mile Resources
Investor Insight
Golden Mile Resources is a mineral exploration and project development company focused on growth through a multi-asset, multi-commodity strategy. With a proven leadership team, it advances core projects, acquires high-quality assets, and forms strategic joint ventures to maximize value.
Overview
Golden Mile Resources (ASX:G88) is a Western Australia-based resource company with critical and precious metals exploration projects in Western Australia and Arizona, USA. The company’s near-term focus is on advancing its newly acquired Pearl copper project in Arizona, located in the world-class Laramide Porphyry Belt. The company’s longer term focus includes the advancement of the Quicksilver nickel-cobalt project, located in Western Australia, which has an indicated and inferred resource of 26.3 Mt @ 0.64 percent nickel and 0.04 percent cobalt.
Golden Mile is also focused on strategic alliances with joint venture partners to maintain exposure without expense on its other assets, such as its Leonora JV (Patronus Resources earning up to 80 percent) project and Gidgee JV (Gateway earning up to 80 percent).
Concurrently, the company’s leadership team will consider potential divestment or JVs of its non-core assets and also aims to build up a new portfolio of high-quality multi-element assets, from discovery to development.
Overall, the company is focused on creating shareholder value, supported by a management team and board with a proven track record of exploration, development and production success. Led by managing director Damon Dormer, a mining engineer with over 26 years of experience, Golden Mile is well-positioned to execute its strategy moving forward.
Company Highlights
- Golden Mile Resources has a diversified portfolio of both advanced projects and exploration assets in the Tier 1 jurisdictions of Australia and the US.
- The Pearl Copper Project in Arizona is located in the renowned Laramide Porphyry Belt.
- The Quicksilver nickel-cobalt project near Perth has an indicated and inferred mineral resource of 26.3 Mt @ 0.64 percent nickel and 0.04 percent cobalt.
- Golden Mile is backed by a highly experienced management team with proven success in project engineering and development from exploration to production across multiple continents.
Key Projects
Pearl Copper Project
Golden Mile secured the Pearl copper project in August 2024. Located in Arizona, the asset hosts more than 50 artisanal copper workings and shares similar geological characteristics to the San Manuel-Kalamazoo and Pinto Valley porphyry copper mines. The project exhibits widespread surface alteration highlighted by rock chip samples of 7.3 percent copper, 0.43 percent molybdenum, 19.9 percent lead, 4.9 percent zinc and 360 g/t silver.
Golden Mile will initially focus on the Odyssey and Ford prospects within the Pearl project area which present immediate, highly prospective, exploration drill targets. The Odyssey prospect is a multi-vein polymetallic target that has never been drilled.Rock chip sampling conducted by the company in 2024 indicated assays of up to 312 g/t silver, 15.2 percent copper, and 24.8 percent zinc, and 12.65 percent lead.
The Ford Prospect is a polymetallic target with a history of copper, lead and gold. Ford was mined to a depth of 55 m and historical records indicate grades of up to 10.6 percent copper, 31.3 percent lead and 0.54oz (16.7g/t) gold.
In 2025, Golden Mile completed reconnaissance mapping and rock chip sampling which identified a promising new gold target – the Aurora Prospect. The reconnaissance rock chip sampling returned high-grade values of up to 10.8 g/t gold and 33.9 g/t silver.
The company has awarded the reverse circulation (RC) drilling contract for the Odyssey and Ford prospects at its Pearl Copper Project to Alford Drilling. The program will consist of 14 to 16 RC drill holes, totaling up to 2,000 metres, marking Pearl’s maiden drilling campaign and the first-ever exploration at the Odyssey and Ford targets. These targets are situated within historical mine workings active between 1915 and 1942, where significant mineral grades were previously reported.
Quicksilver Nickel-Cobalt Project
The Quicksilver nickel-cobalt project is located approximately 280 km southeast of Perth in Western Australia. The project comprises an area of about 50 sq km that boasts excellent local infrastructure, including easy access to a grid power, sealed roads and a railway line to key ports.
In 2018, Golden Mile announced an indicated and inferred maiden resource estimate of 26.3 Mt @ 0.64 percent nickel and 0.04 percent cobalt. Metallurgical testwork completed in 2023 significantly improved understanding of the unique saprolitic mineralisation at the project and a potential pathway to production.
The company has also identified a customized multi-products flowsheet to produce nickel-cobalt and iron-nickel-cobalt-chromium concentrates, as well as industrial products. The process would require low energy using the physical attributes of the free digging ore.
Board and Management Team
Damon Dormer – Managing Director
A mining engineer with over 26 years of experience, including 15 years in mine management and executive roles, Dormer has worked in studies, projects, operations and innovation across Australia, USA, Papua New Guinea and Africa. Dormer has had considerable success turning around mining projects and studies resulting in the construction of multiple mines in Africa, as well as significant operational success in Australia. He has also been heavily involved in mining innovation and has personally developed techniques and strategies for the mining industry. Dormer holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining from the Western Australian School of Mines and has held numerous statutory appointments across the African and Australasian regions.
Francesco Cannavo – Non-executive Director
Francesco Cannavo is an experienced public company director with significant business and investment experience working with companies operating across various industries, including in particular mining exploration companies. Cannavo has been instrumental in assisting several listed and unlisted companies achieve their growth strategies through the raising of investment capital and the acquisition of assets. He is currently a non-executive director of Western Mines Group (ASX:WMG) and Stemcell United (ASX:SCU).
Grant Button – Non-executive Chairman
Grant Button is a qualified accountant and has significant commercial management and transactional experience. He has over 30 years of experience at a senior management level in the resource industry. He has acted as a managing director, executive director, finance director, CFO and company secretary for a range of publicly listed companies. Most recently, Button has been managing director of Magnum Mining & Exploration (ASX:MGU), and was previously the position executive director of Sylvania Platinum.
Michele Alessandro Bina – Non-executive Director
Michele Alessandro Bina is a former investment banker based in Hong Kong and is an adviser to Beijing Gage, the parent company of Gage Resource Development (Gage). Bina joins the existing board of Alice Queen as a non-executive director as the nominee of Beijing Gage Capital Management (Beijing Gage).
Justyn Stedwell - Company Secretary
Justyn Stedwell has over 17 years of experience as a company secretary of ASX listed companies and has also served as a non-executive director on several ASX listed company Boards. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Monash University, a graduate diploma in accounting from Deakin University and a graduate diploma in applied corporate governance from the Governance Institute of Australia.
Martin Dormer – Exploration Manager
Martin Dormer is an exploration geologist with over 27 years’ experience in mineral exploration and resource development, from greenfields through to feasibility. His experience spans multiple commodities including precious, base metal, and industrial metals across a wide range of geological settings and jurisdictions. Dormer has worked in multiple locations around the globe, including Australia, Asia, and Africa in senior management positions in the private and public sectors. He has also operated a private geological consultancy, Unearthed Elements, for the past 14 years. Dormer is a graduate of the WA School of Mines in Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology and is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Abitibi Metals Identifies New Drill Targets from Gravity Survey
Abitibi Metals Corp. (CSE:AMQ) (OTCQB:AMQFF) (FSE:FW0) ("Abitibi" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the identification of new exploration targets at the B26 Project, achieved through the application of advanced gravimetric surveying. The Company recently received an updated inversion model, which has revealed high-priority exploration targets. These targets present opportunities for exploration and resource development, including: 1) better defining the B26 signature along strike, and 2) testing a high priority anomaly at the down-dip extension of the B26 Deposit. On November 16th, 2023, the Company entered into an option agreement on the B26 Polymetallic Deposit to earn 80% over 7 years from SOQUEM Inc. ("SOQUEM"), a subsidiary of Investissement Québec (see news release dated November 16, 2023).
Highlights:
- Prospective Down-Dip Anomaly: A new excess mass has been identified at a depth of 800m on the eastern side of the B26 Deposit, indicating strong sulfide and copper-zinc mineralization potential in an area outside the current resource. This new target has a diameter of 400–500 metres, with nearby drill holes containing semi-massive mineralization.
- Along-Strike Targets: Eight shallow targets have been identified along-strike of B26, extending up to 6-km west. These targets are within the 8.3 km property-wide contact that hosts the B26 Deposit and where there has been limited historical exploration.
- Northwest Targets: Four targets were identified to the northwest of B26, providing high-priority exploration targets along trend with the Selbaie Mine.
- Applying New Geophysical Techniques: Historical electrical surveys failed to differentiate mineralization from pyritic/graphitic rock. However, new data processing tools and down hole gravity surveys using Gravilog improve target discrimination at depth. Abitibi aims to integrate these with other tailored geophysical methods to better target the high-grade expansion of B26.
"The identification of these new high-priority targets at B26 marks a significant advancement in our exploration strategy," said Jonathon Deluce & CEO of Abitibi Metals. "The application of advanced gravimetric surveying and reinterpretation of historical data has allowed us to refine our targeting and enhance our understanding of the deposit and property wide potential. The down-dip anomaly, along with multiple along-strike and northwest targets, presents a compelling opportunity for resource expansion and discovery in previously underexplored areas. We are committed to leveraging cutting-edge geophysical techniques to unlock the full potential of B26 and drive long-term value for our shareholders."
Figure 1: Property Wide Targets (CNW Group/Abitibi Metals Corp.)
Figure 2: Gravity Anomaly 5513300N (CNW Group/Abitibi Metals Corp.)
Figure 3: Gravity Anomaly 5513400N (CNW Group/Abitibi Metals Corp.)
A strong gravity contrast was modeled along the down-dip extension of the B26 deposit that was based on: 1) Soquem's 2017 Gravilog survey, 2) density measurements from drill holes, and 3) a 2024 surface gravimetry survey. Abitibi Geophysics reinterpreted the Gravilog data with new inversion software that takes into account the variation in gravity along the drill holes. The interpretation was developed collaboratively by Abitibi Geophysics and Abitibi Metals geologists, to ensure that each anomaly corresponded to an area that was prospective geologically.
The survey was composed of 1466 stations distributed on 26 lines; 250 to 500 metres spaced, completed in June 2024 by Geophysics TMC. Abitibi Geophysics personnel conducted a survey analysis and reinterpreted the borehole Gravilog data, combining it with the surface gravity lines survey.
Down Dip Target
The modeled target has a diameter of 400–500 metres. Surrounding drill holes, such as 1274-17-255 W1, indicate strong sulfide content, with semi-massive intervals hosting copper-zinc mineralization over metric intervals near the upper limit of the gravity anomaly. Only the boundaries of this new target were covered with limited drilling and can be considered open. The majority of the target is located outside of the interpreted outline of the mineralized system and elevated copper equivalent grades have been observed in historical drill assays on the target's boundary. Highlights include: 1) 1.2% CuEQ over 10.5m starting from 767.1m (1274-16-231), 2) 2.4% CuEQ over 11.8m starting from 1,111m including 36.5% CuEQ over 0.7m (1274-16-239), and 3) 2.7% CuEQ over 10.5m starting from 990m including 15.1% CuEQ over 1.1m (1274-17-248) (see figures 2 and 3).
Along Strike and Northwest Targets
TMC Geophysics discriminated a series of positive gravity anomalies along strike, expending up to 6km west of B26 and also north-west of the deposit. The targets consist of vertical lenses with varying dimensions, as defined by the inversion model generated by Seequent Voxi-GRAV-3D Software. These targets were identified based on modeled density contrasts, including a 3 km-long elongated low density contrast aligned with the B26 system, as well as additional anomalies in the central area of the property, likely associated with sulfide-bearing volcanic contacts. A modeled low gravity anomaly may correspond to the contact at depth with the Brouillan intrusion. Abitibi Geophysics generated a model that focused on a gravity contrast of a few hundred meters south of the B26 zone. The inversion model was based on density measurements taken on drill core.
The surface gravity anomaly revealed a continuous gravimetry contrast covering the entire strike length of the Enjalran-Brouillan contact south of the B26 mineralized trend. The inversion model showed eight distinct high gravity anomalies. The eastern one corresponds to the position of the B26 mineralization. Going westward, the environment north of anomalies are not drill tested. Different interpretations suggest the anomalies may be related to the presence of mafic dyke swarms observed in the hanging wall of the VMS mineralization. AMQ intends to use these anomalies as a foundation for exploration, investigating their potential as proximity indicators for locating additional polymetallic mineralized systems.
These geophysical methods, integrated into the exploration strategy to locate additional mineralization at depth and along strike, are continuously evolving. Historically, the deposit was investigated using electrical methods, which were unable to effectively distinguish and clearly highlight the polymetallic stringers and vein systems from the strongly pyritic and locally graphitic units surrounding the deposit. By incorporating new analysis tools, the downhole gravity survey using system will enable Abitibi's technical team to better discriminate targets at depth with much greater detail. Moving forward, the Company will couple this approach with other geophysical methods that are specifically tailored to the B26 deposit and its unique geological characteristics.
Note 1: Targets identified consist of vertical lenses with varying dimensions, with a density of 3.0 g/cm³, and the inversion was based on deviations from a 2.67 g/cm³ density model. Shallow targets were identified based on a density contrast of up to 0.15 g/cm³.The local density model outlined below in figures 2 and 3 was established for the B26 deposit based on surface gravity. A depth response calculated using Gravilog measurements revealed a positive gravity contrast of 0.5 mGal, centered on section 652700 at approximately 800 metres vertical depth. |
Qualified Person
Information contained in this press release was reviewed and approved by Martin Demers, P.Geo., OGQ No. 770, a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, and responsible for the technical information provided in this news release.
References:
Simard, J. (2024). Report on a Ground Gravity Survey Completed on the B-26 Project, Brouillan Township, James Bay, Quebec. Submitted to Abitibi Metals Corporation, London, Ontario. Ref.: 24C-685.
Young, N. (2025). Borehole Gravity 3D Modelling Gravilog Inversion Memo. Prepared for Abitibi Metals Corp. by Abitibi Geophysics, Head Office 1740, Sullivan road, suite 1400, Val-d'Or, Canada, J9P 7H1.
About Abitibi Metals Corp:
Abitibi Metals Corp. is a Quebec-focused mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality base and precious metal properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Abitibi's portfolio of strategic properties provides target-rich diversification and includes the option to earn 80% of the high-grade B26 Polymetallic Deposit, which hosts a resource estimate of 11.3MT @ 2.13% Cu Eq (Ind) & 7.2MT @ 2.21% Cu Eq (Inf), and the Beschefer Gold Project, where historical drilling has identified 4 historical intercepts with a metal factor of over 100 g/t gold highlighted by 55.63 g/t gold over 5.57 metres and 13.07 g/t gold over 8.75 metres amongst four modeled zones.
About SOQUEM:
SOQUEM, a subsidiary of Investissement Québec, is dedicated to promoting the exploration, discovery and development of mining properties in Quebec. SOQUEM also contributes to maintaining strong local economies. Proud partner and ambassador for the development of Quebec's mineral wealth, SOQUEM relies on innovation, research and strategic minerals to be well-positioned for the future.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Jonathon Deluce, Chief Executive Officer
The Company also maintains an active presence on various social media platforms to keep stakeholders and the general public informed and encourages shareholders and interested parties to follow and engage with the Company through the following channels to stay updated with the latest news, industry insights, and corporate announcements:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbitibiMetals
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abitibi-metals-corp-amq-c/
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Note 1: Copper equivalent values calculated using metal prices of $4.00/lb Cu, $1.50/lb Zn, $20.00/ounce Ag and $1,800/ounce Au. Recovery factors were applied according to SGS CACGS-P2017-047 metallurgical test: 98.3% for copper, 90% for gold, 96.1% for zinc, 72.1% for silver.
Forward-looking statement:
This news release contains certain statements, which may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information involves statements that are not based on historical information but rather relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments on the B26 Project or otherwise. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions, which are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company's control and many of which, regarding future business decisions, are subject to change. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on the Company's behalf. Although Abitibi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. All factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on Abitibi's forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects," "estimates," "anticipates," or variations of such words and phrases (including negative and grammatical variations) or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "might" or "occur. Mineral exploration and development are highly speculative and are characterized by a number of significant inherent risks, which may result in the inability of the Company to successfully develop current or proposed projects for commercial, technical, political, regulatory or financial reasons, or if successfully developed, may not remain economically viable for their mine life owing to any of the foregoing reasons, among others. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving commercial mineral production and the likelihood of success must be considered in light of the stage of operations.
Corazon Mining: Base and Precious Metals Development in the Historic Lynn Lake Mining District
Corazon Mining (ASX:CZN) unlocks value in high-quality base and precious metals projects in Canada and Australia. Focusing on the MacBride Project reflects Corazon’s growing demand for copper, zincand gold, while concurrently maintaining the Lynn Lake project as a significant, strategic nickel asset for the future.
The MacBride project is Corazon Mining's recent acquisition exemplifying high-grade, near-surface mineralisation. MacBride holds drill-defined, high-grade copper-zinc-gold deposits, with multiple geophysical anomalies that indicate significant exploration upside.
Located just 60 kilometres from Lynn Lake, MacBride benefits from the infrastructure and logistical advantages of the established mining district. Corazon’s ongoing work will focus on drill testing these targets, to establish a camp of base and precious metal massive sulphide deposits at MacBride.
Company Highlights
- Corazon’s exploration focus is on its recently acquired MacBride Project, which has proven prospectivity for high-grade copper-zinc-gold-silver.
- MacBride is located in the Lynn Lake District of Manitoba, Canada, where Corazon also owns 100 percent of the entire historic Lynn Lake nickel-copper-cobalt sulphide camp.
- Lynn Lake provides a unique opportunity for the creation of a large-scale, polymetallic-processing hub, with established beneficial infrastructure, including low-cost renewable hydroelectric power.
- Corazon’s assets are positioned in a historically productive district, where large-scale deposits have been previously mined. MacBride’s proximity to other major deposits supports its potential for a new, large-scale discovery.
- With a small market cap and large, high-quality assets, Corazon offers a compelling investment opportunity. Though its nickel sulphide resources rival those of larger competitors, Corazon remains significantly underappreciated in the market.
- Lynn Lake’s location in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with access to hydroelectric power, road and rail infrastructure, enhances project economics and accelerates development timelines.
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Corazon Mining
Investor Insight
Corazon Mining Ltd. presents a distinctive investment case, enhanced by their shift towards high-grade base and precious metals. Spotlighting the MacBride Project reflects Corazon’s growing demand for copper, zincand gold, while concurrently maintaining the Lynn Lake project as a significant, strategic nickel asset for the future.
Overview
Corazon Mining Ltd. (ASX:CZN) is an Australian junior exploration company focused on unlocking value in high-quality copper, zinc, gold and nickel projects in Canada and Australia.
While nickel remains a critical battery metal, Corazon sees the immediate opportunity in the broader base and precious metals sector and is concentrating its resources on the newly acquired MacBride base and precious metals project located in the Lynn Lake District in Manitoba, Canada.
The market for critical minerals is evolving, with investors looking for high-value projects in secure, first world regions. Corazon is strategically placed to capitalize on rising demand for battery and base metals, as global supply chains seek to secure stable sources of copper, zinc and nickel. With significant exploration potential, high-quality assets and a strong management team, Corazon is positioned to deliver shareholder value through discovery and project development.
Company Highlights
- Corazon’s exploration focus is on its recently acquired MacBride Project, which has proven prospectivity for high-grade copper-zinc-gold-silver.
- MacBride is located in the Lynn Lake District of Manitoba, Canada, where Corazon also owns 100 percent of the entire historic Lynn Lake nickel-copper-cobalt sulphide camp.
- Lynn Lake provides a unique opportunity for the creation of a large-scale, polymetallic-processing hub, with established beneficial infrastructure, including low-cost renewable hydroelectric power.
- Corazon’s assets are positioned in a historically productive district, where large-scale deposits have been previously mined. MacBride’s proximity to other major deposits supports its potential for a new, large-scale discovery.
- With a small market cap and large, high-quality assets, Corazon offers a compelling investment opportunity. Though its nickel sulphide resources rival those of larger competitors, Corazon remains significantly underappreciated in the market.
- Lynn Lake’s location in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with access to hydroelectric power, road and rail infrastructure, enhances project economics and accelerates development timelines.
Key Projects
MacBride Project (Flagship)
Corazon’s newest acquisition, the MacBride project is the company’s primary focus due to its high-grade, near-surface mineralisation. The project holds drill-defined, high-grade copper-zinc-gold deposits, with multiple geophysical anomalies that indicate significant exploration upside.
Project Highlights:
- Historical High-grade Deposits: Previous drilling has defined a historical metal endowment over an approximately 230 metres strike, largely down to about 200 metres depth. While not yet JORC-compliant, the historic endowment indicates strong mineralisation potential and establishes the MacBride deposit as a priority target for additional resource definition drilling.
- District-scale Potential: MacBride sits within a region that has historically produced world-class base and precious metal deposits. The presence of multiple mineralised zones within the project area indicates the potential for a significant new discovery.
- Exploration Upside: Extensive recently completed geophysical surveys have identified multiple conductive bodies (anomalies) on trend with known deposits sulphide deposits. Corazon’s ongoing work will focus on drill testing these targets, with the goal of establishing a camp of base and precious metal massive sulphide deposits at MacBride.
- Strategic Location: Located just 60 kilometres from Lynn Lake, MacBride benefits from the infrastructure and logistical advantages of the established mining district.
Lynn Lake Project – A Strategic Nickel Asset
Lynn Lake continues to stand as a valuable nickel-copper-cobalt sulphide project, offering strategic, long-term benefits.
Project Highlights:
- JORC-compliant Resource: Lynn Lake holds one of the largest nickel sulphide resources in Canada, with 116,000 tons of nickel metal, along with copper and cobalt.
- Future Development Potential: While market conditions for nickel are currently challenging, the project represents a significant long-term strategic asset that can be activated when demand increases.
- Infrastructure and Support: Lynn Lake is fully permitted and benefits from access to hydroelectric power, a mining-friendly jurisdiction, and existing road and rail networks.
Development Plans
The MacBride Project is an exciting exploration play. The outcropping high-grade MacBride massive sulphide deposit is on trend from multiple priority un-tested conductive bodies.
Corazon is committed to advancing the MacBride project and solidifying its position as a leading high-grade base and precious metals exploration company. Corazon’s forward-looking plans include:
- Expanding Exploration at MacBride: Corazon plans to conduct additional geophysical surveys and drilling campaigns to further define the scale and grade of mineralisation.
- Testing Priority Drill Targets: Several high-priority geophysical anomalies will be drill-tested, building on the existing resource base and potentially uncovering new deposits.
- Optimising Lynn Lake’s Value: While exploration at MacBride remains the primary focus, Corazon will continue to evaluate strategic opportunities for its Lynn Lake project, including potential partnerships and project financing to bring the asset closer to development.
- Engaging with Strategic Investors: Corazon is actively seeking investment and funding opportunities to accelerate exploration and development activities. The company is open to joint ventures geared towards fast-tracking the advancement of its projects.
- Enhancing Market Positioning: By continuing to demonstrate the significant value of its assets, Corazon aims to improve its market perception and increase shareholder returns.
Management Team
Brett S. Smith – Executive Managing Director
Brett Smith has been with Corazon since 2011, bringing over 35 years of experience in exploration and corporate management. He has a robust track record in advancing mining projects from exploration through to development.
Kristie Young – Interim Chairperson
Appointed in September 2023, Kristie Young is a mining engineer with extensive experience in project evaluation, business development and corporate governance. She has held various leadership roles across the mining sector.
Dr. Mark Yumin Qiu – Non-executive Director
Serving on the board since 2017, Dr. Mark Yumin Qiu has been instrumental in project generation and corporate transactions, including the $2.5 billion sale of Sino Gold to Eldorado Gold.
Andrew Strickland – Non-executive Director
Appointed in September 2023, Andrew Strickland brings experience in project development, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic partnerships within the mining industry.
Robert Orr – Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer
Robert Orr manages Corazon's financial operations and corporate governance, ensuring compliance and effective financial management.
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