Equity Metals Corporation (TSXV: EQTY) ("Equity") reports thick intercepts of mineralization in both lateral step-outs to the Camp Vein and at depth in the Sveinson Target from recent drilling on the Silver Queen property, BC.
Drill highlights Include:
These assay results are from the final four holes of the Winter '22 drill program on the Camp, Sveinson and NG-3 targets. Bonanza-grade mineralization was identified in all three of these holes (SQ22-073, -074 and -075) along the western margin of the Camp Vein target, extending the lateral projection of several veins for an additional 40 metres with intercepts up to 150 metres below surface. Several intercepts form composites of thicker mineralized intervals up to 7.7 metres downhole. Mineralization in the Camp Vein target remains open to the west and at depth, which will be further tested in 2022.
A fourth hole (SQ22-072) tested an approximate 200 metre width of the Sveinson target, intersecting three main clusters of mineralized veins to depths of up to 335 metres below surface. These represent significant step-outs from previously drilled intercepts in the western portion of the Sveinson target. Intercepts are generally more gold-enriched than intercepts in the Camp Vein and return higher base metal contents.
VP Exploration Rob Macdonald commented, "These results mark the completion of the Winter '22 drill program on the Silver Queen project, which successfully confirmed a 300 metre projection of the NG-3 vein to depths of up to 390 metres below surface; identified the western and currently open-ended projection of the Camp Vein target; and confirmed the continuity of several gold-silver-mineralized structures in the transition eastward from the Camp Vein into the Sveinson target. Compilation of this and earlier data continues toward the preparation of a mineral resource update in the coming months. Numerous veins remain open for testing across the 6 sq. km. target area, which will form the basis of additional drill testing in 2022."
Figure 1: Plan Map of targets on the Silver Queen vein system, BC
To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:
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Figure 2: Plan View Camp-Sveinson Targets showing AgEq values in composites. Note the multiple veins structures identified through the Camp and Sveinson targets.
To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:
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New Drilling on Silver Queen
The Company also reported that following the completion of the winter drill program, an additional 1,500m core hole program on the Silver Queen property is now underway. Drilling will continue to test the western extension of the Camp Vein target and the western margin of the Sveinson Target structure, and drilling should be completed over the coming weeks.
President Joe Kizis explained, "This limited drilling program is specifically testing three possible vein projections that are based on our on-going modeling. These are projections of veins beyond the limits of drilling that will be included in our independent resource and success in these holes should provide us with the guidance to further expand the resource base at Silver Queen during our planned Fall 2022 drilling."
Table 1: Summary Composites from Winter '22 Drilling on the Camp-Sveinson Targets
| Hole # | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Au (g/t) | Ag (g/t) | Cu (%) | Pb (%) | Zn (%) | AuEq (g/t) | AgEq (g/t) | Comments |
| SQ22-072 | 82.5 | 83.2 | 0.7 | 4.5 | 232 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 8.4 | 633 | |
| SQ22-072 | 160.7 | 162.5 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 47 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 2.7 | 200 | 43% dilution |
| inc. | 160.7 | 161.5 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 68 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 4.5 | 339 | |
| SQ22-072 | 215.7 | 216.6 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 31 | 0.0 | 1.3 | 5.6 | 5.3 | 400 | |
| SQ22-072 | 348.2 | 350.2 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 19 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 161 | 60% dilution |
| inc. | 348.2 | 348.7 | 0.5 | 1.7 | 40 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 6.7 | 5.9 | 445 | |
| SQ22-072 | 377.7 | 378.8 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 199 | 0.5 | 3.6 | 3.1 | 7.3 | 544 | |
| inc. | 377.7 | 378.1 | 0.4 | 1.3 | 427 | 1.0 | 7.1 | 3.2 | 13.2 | 989 | |
| SQ22-072 | 385.4 | 386.4 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 72 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 6.7 | 5.4 | 402 | |
| SQ22-072 | 396.0 | 397.2 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 802 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 2.0 | 15.8 | 1183 | |
| inc. | 396.3 | 396.8 | 0.6 | 2.1 | 1705 | 4.3 | 1.6 | 4.1 | 32.9 | 2470 | |
| SQ22-073 | 71.2 | 72.6 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 228 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 3.7 | 277 | |
| inc. | 71.5 | 71.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 396 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 2.2 | 6.9 | 516 | |
| SQ22-073 | 91.1 | 92.9 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 139 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.9 | 143 | 37% Dilution |
| inc. | 92.7 | 92.9 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 717 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 9.7 | 726 | |
| SQ22-073 | 138.1 | 139.9 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 173 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 2.7 | 201 | |
| inc. | 138.1 | 138.4 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 301 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 5.0 | 374 | |
| SQ22-073 | 161.7 | 169.4 | 7.7 | 0.0 | 274 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 3.9 | 294 | |
| inc. | 169.1 | 169.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 2043 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 28.1 | 2110 | |
| SQ22-074 | 44.3 | 44.8 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 1470 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 21.3 | 1600 | |
| SQ22-074 | 78.2 | 78.9 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 184 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.5 | 187 | |
| SQ22-074 | 206.3 | 206.5 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 54 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 295 | |
| SQ22-075 | 36.9 | 37.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 679 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 9.3 | 698 | |
| SQ22-075 | 81.4 | 85.2 | 3.8 | 0.0 | 219 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 3.0 | 225 | |
| inc. | 84.4 | 84.6 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 1496 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 20.4 | 1534 | |
| SQ22-075 | 158.8 | 159.4 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 169 | 0.0 | 3.4 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 556 | |
| inc. | 159.2 | 159.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 390 | 0.1 | 7.0 | 16.1 | 17.0 | 1275 | |
Samples were analyzed by FA/AAS for gold and 48 element ICP-MS by MS Analytical, Langley, BC. Silver (>100ppm), copper, lead and zinc (>1%) overlimits assayed by ore grade ICP-ES analysis, High silver overlimits (>1000g/t Ag) and gold overlimits (>10g/t Au) re-assayed with FA-Grav. Silver >10,000g/t re-assayed by concentrate analysis, where a FA-Grav analysis is performed in triplicate and a weighed average reported. Composites calculated using a 80g/t AgEq (1g/t AuEq) cut-off and
About Silver Queen Project
The Silver Queen Project is a premier gold-silver property with over 100 years of historic exploration and development and is located adjacent to power, roads and rail with significant mining infrastructure that was developed under previous operators Bradina JV (Bralorne Mines) and Houston Metals Corp. (a Hunt Brothers company). The property contains an historic decline into the No. 3 Vein, camp infrastructure, and a maintained Tailings Facility.
The Silver Queen Property consists of 45 mineral claims, 17 crown grants, and two surface crown grants totalling 18,852ha with no underlying royalties. Mineralization is hosted by a series of epithermal veins distributed over a 6 sq km area. An initial NI43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate was detailed in a News Release issued on July 16th, 2019 and is hosted by the No. 3 Vein, which is traced by drilling for approximately 1.2km and then to the southeast where it transitions into the NG-3 Vein close to the buried Itsit copper-molybdenum porphyry.
More than 20 different veins have been identified on the property, forming an extensive network of zoned Cretaceous- to Tertiary-age epithermal veins. The property remains largely under explored.
About Equity Metals Corporation
Equity Metals Corporation is a Manex Resource Group Company. Manex provides exploration, administration, and corporate development services for Equity Metals' two major mineral properties, the Silver Queen Au-Ag-Zn-Cu project, located in central B.C., and the Monument Diamond project, located in Lac De Gras, NWT. The Company also has a 1% royalty (Greenwood Royalty) and a 100% working interest in the La Ronge Silica Project.
The Company owns 100% interest, with no underlying royalty, in the Silver Queen project, located along the Skeena Arch in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia. The property hosts high-grade, precious- and base-metal veins related to a buried porphyry system, which has been only partially delineated. The Company also has a controlling JV interest in the Monument Diamond project, NWT, strategically located in the Lac De Gras district within 40 km of both the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines. The project owners are Equity Metals Corporation (57.49%), Chris and Jeanne Jennings (22.11%); and Archon Minerals Ltd. (20.4%). Equity Metals is the operator of the project.
The 100% controlled La Ronge Silica Project is an historic sand quarry located in central Saskatchewan, approximately 60 kilometers south-southeast of La Ronge, Saskatchewan and 210 kilometers west of Flin Flon, Manitoba. Preliminary studies indicate the silica deposit may be developed into a simple and profitable, low-cost mining and washing operation to produce high-purity silica (>98% SiO2), a specialty product for the EV battery industry.
Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is VP Exploration of Equity Metals Corporation and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. He is responsible for the supervision of the exploration on the Silver Queen project and for the preparation of the technical information in this disclosure.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
"Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr."
Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr., P.Geo
President, Director, Equity Metals Corporation
For further information, visit the website at https://www.equitymetalscorporation.com; or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at ir@mnxltd.com.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Equity Metals Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/124413
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Equity Metals Corporation (TSXV: EQTY) ("Equity") reports several intersections of high-grade gold and silver from six holes which tested the NG-3 target area on the Silver Queen property, BC. Equity's drilling has now confirmed the extension of the NG-3 Vein to over 300 metres of strike and to depths of up to 240 metres below surface. The holes have established internal continuity between historic intercepts drilled by previous management and earlier drilling by Equity, and mineralization remains open along strike and dip.
Drilling Highlights:
The NG-3 vein is the eastern segment of a 2.5 km-long east-west trending composite structure which includes the Camp Vein, Sveinson and parts of the No. 3 Vein targets (see Figure 1). Drilling on the property by Equity Metals over the last 18 months of exploration has confirmed multiple mineralized veins along the full strike-length of the host structural and tested some portions to depths of up to 400 metres below surface. Numerous targets within the structure zone remain to be extended laterally and to depth, which will form the basis of future exploration drilling on the property in 2022.
Drilling on the eastern end of the NG-3 target also intersected 89.3m averaging 0.1% Au, 2.1g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu and 0.04% Mo in drill hole SQ22-071 starting at 389.8 metres down hole. The mineralized interval is characterized by increased quartz veining, strong sericite-alteration with elevated pyrite content and correlates with the transition into the previously identified Itsit Porphyry system.
Vice-President of Exploration, Rob Macdonald, commented, "Drilling continues to return high-grade gold and silver values at multiple target areas along the main 2.5 km-long mineralized corridor targeted by Equity over the previous 18 months of drilling on the Silver Queen property. The confirmation of Cu-Mo-porphyry -styled mineralization at the Itsit target further highlights the presence of a large and widespread Epithermal/Porphyry mineralizing system. Multiple vein targets remain untested throughout the property and numerous veins require follow-up drilling to extend mineralization both laterally and to depth as Equity continues its systematic evaluation of this district-scale property."
The Winter '22 program consisted of 13 core holes totaling 4,382 metres, including six holes (2,431m) at the NG-3 target and seven holes (1,931m) on the Camp and Sveinson targets. Assay results are pending and anticipated in the coming days for the remaining four holes, three which tested the west side of the Camp target and a single hole which is a step-out from a high-grade intercepts in the Sveinson target.
Figure 1: Plan Map of targets on the Silver Queen vein system, BC.
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Figure 2: Longitudinal Section of the NG-3 Target looking north.
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Table 1: Summary Composites from Drilling on the NG-3 Target
| Hole # | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Au (g/t) | Ag (g/t) | Cu (%) | Pb (%) | Zn (%) | AuEq (g/t) | AgEq (g/t) | Comments |
| NG-3 Target | |||||||||||
| SQ22-066 | 216.9 | 217.4 | 0.5 | 3.4 | 99 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 5.7 | 431 | |
| SQ22-066 | 302.6 | 303.2 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 254 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 3.3 | 7.7 | 580 | |
| SQ22-066 | 345.5 | 347.0 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.6 | 196 | |
| SQ22-066 | 422.0 | 422.3 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 55 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 5.5 | 4.9 | 369 | |
| SQ22-067 | 233.3 | 234.3 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 102 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 4.1 | 304 | 30% Dilution |
| inc. | 233.3 | 233.6 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 210 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 4.1 | 7.9 | 593 | |
| SQ22-067 | 307.2 | 310.9 | 3.7 | 4.9 | 75 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 6.3 | 472 | 36.5% Dilution |
| inc. | 308.9 | 310.4 | 1.5 | 11.7 | 167 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 14.5 | 1089 | |
| SQ22-068 | 113.3 | 113.9 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 47 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 2.2 | 164 | |
| SQ22-068 | 265.5 | 265.8 | 0.3 | 3.6 | 125 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 5.5 | 412 | |
| SQ22-069 | 317.9 | 319.1 | 1.2 | 3.7 | 31 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 4.3 | 322 | 58% Dilution |
| inc. | 318.8 | 319.1 | 0.3 | 14.2 | 82 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 15.8 | 1185 | |
| SQ22-069 | 321.7 | 322.0 | 0.3 | 3.8 | 213 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 7.1 | 530 | |
| SQ22-070 | 434.8 | 435.1 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 40 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 161 | |
| SQ22-071 | 57.6 | 58.7 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 131 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 4.7 | 354 | |
| inc. | 58.4 | 58.7 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 417 | 4.3 | 0.4 | 1.3 | 13.8 | 1036 | |
| SQ22-071 | 392.0 | 393.5 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 41 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 133 | |
| Hole # | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Au (g/t) | Ag (g/t) | Cu (%) | Mo (%) | Re (g/t) | CuEq (%) | AuEq (g/t) | Comments |
| NG-3 Target - Porphyry Intercepts | |||||||||||
| SQ22-071 | 389.8 | 479.00 | 89.3 | 0.1 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 0.04 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.25% CuEq Cutoff |
Samples were analyzed by FA/AAS for gold and 48 element ICP-MS by MS Analytical, Langley, BC. Silver (>100ppm), copper, lead and zinc (>1%) overlimits assayed by ore grade ICP-ES analysis, High silver overlimits (>1000g/t Ag) and gold overlimits (>10g/t Au) re-assayed with FA-Grav. Silver >10,000g/t re-assayed by concentrate analysis, where a FA-Grav analysis is performed in triplicate and a weighed average reported. Composites calculated using a 80g/t AgEq (1g/t AuEq) cut-off and
About Silver Queen Project
The Silver Queen Project is a premier gold-silver property with over 100 years of historic exploration and development and is located adjacent to power, roads and rail with significant mining infrastructure that was developed under previous operators Bradina JV (Bralorne Mines) and Houston Metals Corp. (a Hunt Brothers company). The property contains an historic decline into the No. 3 Vein, camp infrastructure, and a maintained Tailings Facility.
The Silver Queen Property consists of 45 mineral claims, 17 crown grants, and two surface crown grants totalling 18,852ha with no underlying royalties. Mineralization is hosted by a series of epithermal veins distributed over a 6 sq km area. An initial NI43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate was detailed in a News Release issued on July 16th, 2019 and is hosted by the No. 3 Vein, which is traced by drilling for approximately 1.2km and then to the southeast where it transitions into the NG-3 Vein close to the buried Itsit copper-molybdenum porphyry.
More than 20 different veins have been identified on the property, forming an extensive network of zoned Cretaceous- to Tertiary-age epithermal veins. The property remains largely under explored.
About Equity Metals Corporation
Equity Metals Corporation is a Manex Resource Group Company. Manex provides exploration, administration, and corporate development services for Equity Metals' two major mineral properties, the Silver Queen Au-Ag-Zn-Cu project, located in central B.C., and the Monument Diamond project, located in Lac De Gras, NWT. The Company also has a 1% royalty (Greenwood Royalty) and a 100% working interest in the La Ronge Silica Project.
The Company owns 100% interest, with no underlying royalty, in the Silver Queen project, located along the Skeena Arch in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia. The property hosts high-grade, precious- and base-metal veins related to a buried porphyry system, which has been only partially delineated. The Company also has a controlling JV interest in the Monument Diamond project, NWT, strategically located in the Lac De Gras district within 40 km of both the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines. The project owners are Equity Metals Corporation (57.49%), Chris and Jeanne Jennings (22.11%); and Archon Minerals Ltd. (20.4%). Equity Metals is the operator of the project.
The 100% controlled La Ronge Silica Project is an historic sand quarry located in central Saskatchewan, approximately 60 kilometers south-southeast of La Ronge, Saskatchewan and 210 kilometers west of Flin Flon, Manitoba. Preliminary studies indicate the silica deposit may be developed into a simple and profitable, low-cost mining and washing operation to produce high-purity silica (>98% SiO2), a specialty product for the EV battery industry.
Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is VP Exploration of Equity Metals Corporation and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. He is responsible for the supervision of the exploration on the Silver Queen project and for the preparation of the technical information in this disclosure.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
"Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr."
Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr., P.Geo
President, Director, Equity Metals Corporation
For further information, visit the website at https://www.equitymetalscorporation.com; or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at ir@mnxltd.com.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Equity Metals Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/121884
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Equity Metals Corporation (TSXV: EQTY) ("Equity") reports analyses and initial test work on its 100% controlled La Ronge Silica Project, an historic sand quarry located in central Saskatchewan, approximately 60 kilometers south-southeast of La Ronge, Saskatchewan and 210 kilometers west of Flin Flon, Manitoba.
Preliminary studies indicate the silica deposit may be developed into a simple and profitable, low-cost mining and washing operation to produce high-purity silica (>98% SiO2), a specialty product. The sand can be mined very efficiently due to its unconsolidated nature. High-purity silica can be converted into silicon, which is being tested by the electric-car industry to replace or augment carbon in battery anodes to dramatically extend the time between charging. Other possible conventional uses exist in the ceramics and glass industries.
The Company acquired the lease as possible fracking sand; however, never mined the deposit. Historic mining was minimal and the extent of the silica deposit is open in all directions and at depth. Equity recognized the purity of the silica and its potential use as a low-cost material to produce silicon for the expected increase in demand due to electrification requirements. In October 2021, Equity initiated a sampling program to evaluate the deposit. Ten representative sites were sampled within the quarry, and sufficient material was collected to derive an average purity of the sand - see location of samples on the attached plan map of the quarry.
The samples were first analyzed by whole-rock analysis for SiO2, Al2O3, LOI (loss-on-ignition, organic material) and other elements. Average results of the 10 samples indicated 96.2% SiO2 and over 2% Al2O3. Assuming that much of the Al2O3 was in the form of clay and that LOI represented organics, a process was developed to wash all 10 samples in the lab and then to re-analyze the residual sample by whole-rock analysis. The result produced an average of 98.1% SiO2, with a range of 96.1 - 99.2%, and with 0.98% Al2O3 and less than 0.1% LOI. The washing process lost a relatively minor percentage of the original samples, approximately 12% of the total sample (2% clay + LOI and 10% SiO2 lost). X-ray diffraction (XRD) has determined that 100% of the material identified by XRD is quartz.
President Joe Kizis commented, "Our Silver Queen precious/base-metal property in BC will remain Equity's main focus; however, these results from the La Ronge Silica property are very encouraging and suggest it may become a "third leg" value to Equity, in addition to Silver Queen and the diamond properties.
"The Electric Vehicle industry recognizes the need to reduce frequency of battery charging in order to be widely accepted by the general public, and much progress on that front has been reported recently by adding silicon. High-purity silica is the feedstock to produce silicon, and now that we have this positive test work, we can investigate potential markets and partnerships for this specialty silica product."
Figure 1: Plan Map of showing sample locations, La Ronge Silica Project, Saskatchewan
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Table 1: Whole-rock analyses of pre- and post-washed samples, La Ronge Silica Quarry
To view an enhanced version of Table 1, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5566/120137_equitytable1.jpg
Samples were submitted to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (SRC) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. A 100-gram portion of each sample was subjected to a Lithium Metaborate Fusion process and then analyzed for 16 metallic elements and LOI by ICP Whole Rock analytic techniques. 10 metal results were converted to weight percent of the original sample and then calculated to specific and probable mineral form. The remaining 6 metals are expressed as ppm content of the original sample. On receipt of these initial results, a 100-gram portion of each sample was subjected to a wash and screen process. The +63-micron fraction was re-analyzed by ICP Whole Rock analysis for the same 16 metals and LOI, with similar conversions and calculations as above. Four samples were selected analyzed for quartz content by X-Ray Diffraction. An aliquot of each sample was ground and irradiated with Cu Kα radiation in a Bruker D4 Endeavor X-ray diffractometer (XRD) operating at 1.6kW power. The raw diffraction data was processed for mineral identification and quantification. Quartz abundance was calculated using whole-pattern fitting algorithms with peak intensities scaled with internally consistent relative intensity.
About Equity Metals Corporation
Equity Metals Corporation is a Manex Resource Group Company. Manex provides exploration, administration, and corporate development services for Equity Metals' two major mineral properties, the Silver Queen Au-Ag-Zn-Cu project, located in central B.C., and the Monument Diamond project, located in Lac De Gras, NWT. The Company also has a 1% royalty (Greenwood Royalty) and a 100% working interest in the La Ronge Silica Project.
The Company owns 100% interest, with no underlying royalty, in the Silver Queen project, located along the Skeena Arch in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia. The property hosts high-grade, precious- and base-metal veins related to a buried porphyry system, which has been only partially delineated. The Company also has a controlling JV interest in the Monument Diamond project, NWT, strategically located in the Lac De Gras district within 40 km of both the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines. The project owners are Equity Metals Corporation (57.49%), Chris and Jeanne Jennings (22.11%); and Archon Minerals Ltd. (20.4%). Equity Metals is the operator of the project.
The 100% controlled La Ronge Silica Project is an historic sand quarry located in central Saskatchewan, approximately 60 kilometers south-southeast of La Ronge, Saskatchewan and 210 kilometers west of Flin Flon, Manitoba. Preliminary studies indicate the silica deposit may be developed into a simple and profitable, low-cost mining and washing operation to produce high-purity silica (>98% SiO2), a specialty product for the EV battery industry.
John R. Kerr, P.Eng, BASc (geology), is a Director of Equity Metals Corporation and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. He is responsible for the supervision of the exploration on the La Ronge Silica project, and prepared and approved disclosure of the technical information in this news release.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
"Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr."
Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr., P.Geo
President, Director, Equity Metals Corporation
For further information, visit the website at https://www.equitymetalscorporation.com; or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at ir@mnxltd.com.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Equity Metals Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/120137
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Equity Metals Corporation (TSXV: EQTY) ("Equity") reports several intersections of high-grade gold and silver in three holes from the Camp and Sveinson target areas on the Silver Queen property, BC, indicating continuity of veins within the two target areas.
Drilling highlights include:
The drill intercepts are from the first three of thirteen core holes from the Winter '22 program, which tested both the Camp/Sveinson and NG-3 vein systems. The three holes tested the eastern margin of the Camp Vein target where it transitions into the 1km-long the Sveinson Extension, which was drill tested by 12 holes during the Fall of 2021 (assays previously reported, see Figures 1 and 2). Drilling confirmed the lateral projection of several shallow veins (
The Winter '22 program consisted of 13 core holes totaling 4,382 metres, including six holes (2,431m) at the NG-3 target and seven holes (1,931m) on the Camp and Sveinson targets. Assay results are pending and anticipated over the coming 6 to 8 weeks for six NG-3 holes and for the remaining four holes, three which tested the west side of the Camp target and a single hole which is a step-out from a high-grade gold intercept in the Sveinson target.
President Joe Kizis commented, "We have enjoyed nice news flow of high-grade intercepts from our drilling programs since 2020, and we are now in the process of modeling those intercepts from the Camp Vein in preparation for a maiden resource on that target, which will add to the existing 2019 resource on the No. 3 Vein and will support our initial evaluation that additional deposits exist to be discovered on this target-rich property. The Camp Vein resource is expected to be completed in mid-2022."
Figure 1: Plan Map of targets on the Silver Queen vein system, BC
To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5566/118628_ad67d32f749949a8_002full.jpg
Figure 2: Longitudinal View of the Sveinson Target showing AgEq/m values
To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5566/118628_ad67d32f749949a8_003full.jpg
Table 1: Summary Composites from Drilling on the Camp/Sveinson Targets
| Hole # | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Au (g/t) | Ag (g/t) | Cu (%) | Pb (%) | Zn (%) | AuEq (g/t) | AgEq (g/t) | Comments |
| Camp Vein | |||||||||||
| SQ21-062 | 317.0 | 317.6 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 101 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.5 | 2.7 | 201 | |
| Sveinson Target | |||||||||||
| SQ22-063 | 68.0 | 69.2 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 142 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 3.0 | 223 | |
| SQ22-063 | 250.8 | 251.4 | 0.7 | 13.6 | 690 | 5.9 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 30.3 | 2273 | |
| SQ22-063 | 325.5 | 327.3 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 90 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 4.4 | 334 | |
| inc. | 326.6 | 326.8 | 0.3 | 3.0 | 426 | 3.7 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 14.1 | 1054 | |
| SQ22-063 | 334.8 | 335.3 | 0.4 | 6.2 | 598 | 6.6 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 22.6 | 1698 | |
| SQ22-063 | 342.1 | 343.0 | 0.9 | 4.4 | 403 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 3.4 | 14.3 | 1070 | |
| SQ22-064 | 147.4 | 148.6 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 59 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 2.7 | 2.5 | 185 | 46% dilution |
| inc. | 148.4 | 148.6 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 90 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 7.0 | 5.3 | 401 | |
| SQ22-064 | 202.8 | 203.2 | 0.4 | 3.3 | 1226 | 2.1 | 1.2 | 3.9 | 24.8 | 1857 | |
| SQ22-065 | 69.3 | 72.1 | 2.8 | 1.7 | 22 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 1.7 | 3.1 | 233 | 35% dilution |
| inc. | 69.3 | 69.6 | 0.3 | 12.1 | 46 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 2.1 | 14.0 | 1048 | |
| SQ22-065 | 177.8 | 178.1 | 0.3 | 1.8 | 31 | 0.1 | 2.0 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 415 | |
Samples were analyzed by FA/AAS for gold and 48 element ICP-MS by MS Analytical, Langley, BC. Silver (>100ppm), copper, lead and zinc (>1%) overlimits assayed by ore grade ICP-ES analysis, High silver overlimits (>1000g/t Ag) and gold overlimits (>10g/t Au) re-assayed with FA-Grav. Silver >10,000g/t re-assayed by concentrate analysis, where a FA-Grav analysis is performed in triplicate and a weighed average reported. Composites calculated using a 80g/t AgEq (1g/t AuEq) cut-off and
About Silver Queen Project
The Silver Queen Project is a premier gold-silver property with over 100 years of historic exploration and development and is located adjacent to power, roads and rail with significant mining infrastructure that was developed under previous operators Bradina JV (Bralorne Mines) and Houston Metals Corp. (a Hunt Brothers company). The property contains an historic decline into the No. 3 Vein, camp infrastructure, and a maintained Tailings Facility.
The Silver Queen Property consists of 45 mineral claims, 17 crown grants, and two surface crown grants totalling 18,852ha with no underlying royalties. Mineralization is hosted by a series of epithermal veins distributed over a 6 sq km area. An initial NI43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate was detailed in a News Release issued on July 16th, 2019 and is hosted by the No. 3 Vein, which is traced by drilling for approximately 1.2km and then to the southeast where it transitions into the NG-3 Vein close to the buried Itsit copper-molybdenum porphyry.
More than 20 different veins have been identified on the property, forming an extensive network of zoned Cretaceous- to Tertiary-age epithermal veins. The property remains largely under explored.
About Equity Metals Corporation
Equity Metals Corporation is a Manex Resource Group Company. Manex provides exploration, administration, and corporate development services for Equity Metals' two major mineral properties, the Silver Queen Au-Ag-Zn-Cu project, located in central B.C., and the Monument Diamond project, located in Lac De Gras, NWT.
The Company owns 100% interest, with no underlying royalty, in the Silver Queen project, located along the Skeena Arch in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia. The property hosts high-grade, precious- and base-metal veins related to a buried porphyry system, which has been only partially delineated. The Company also has a controlling JV interest in the Monument Diamond project, NWT, strategically located in the Lac De Gras district within 40 km of both the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines. The project owners are Equity Metals Corporation (57.49%), Chris and Jeanne Jennings (22.11%); and Archon Minerals Ltd. (20.4%). Equity Metals is the operator of the project.
The Company also has royalty and working interests in other Canadian properties, which are being evaluated further to determine their value to the Company.
Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is VP Exploration of Equity Metals Corporation and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. He is responsible for the supervision of the exploration on the Silver Queen project and for the preparation of the technical information in this disclosure.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
"Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr."
Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr., P.Geo
President, Director, Equity Metals Corporation
For further information, visit the website at https://www.equitymetalscorporation.com; or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at ir@mnxltd.com.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Equity Metals Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/118628
News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia
Equity Metals Corporation (TSXV: EQTY) ("Equity") reports drill results with multiple +500gt Ag-eq intervals (see attached table below) from the western portion of the Sveinson target on the Silver Queen property, BC. Highlights include hole SQ21-059 which returned multiple high-grade gold-silver-polymetallic intercepts, including:
The drill intercepts are from the final six of twelve core holes which tested the western half of the 1-kilometre long Sveinson target during the Fall of 2021 (see Figures 1 and 2). Drilling was widely spaced, but successfully intersected multiple shallow veins at less than 100 metres below surface, as well as deeper vein intercepts up to 400 metres below surface. Veins were intersected across the full 150 metre width of the Sveinson structural zone, with preliminary 3D modeling indicating continuity between these drill holes and the earlier released holes from the eastern end of the target area and previously reported holes from the Camp and No. 3 vein targets.
The Sveinson target is a broad east-west-trending structural zone which forms the transition from the strongly silver-enriched Camp target to the west into the gold-enriched southern portion of the No. 3 target to the east. Four separate veins, initially modelled from the Camp target, project into the Sveinson target and were primary targets of this most recent drill testing.
VP Exploration Rob Macdonald commented, "These most recent drill results continue to establish the continuity of high-grade mineralization in the Camp/Sveinson targets, extending mineralization to over 1.25 kilometres in strike-length and not only confirming the presence of multiple mineralized structures, but also the high-grade tenor of both silver and gold mineralization."
The company also reports it has completed its Winter'22 drill program on the property. The program consisted of 13 core holes totaling 4,382 metres, including six holes (2,431m) at the NG-3 target and seven holes (1,931m) on the Camp and Sveinson targets. Logging and sampling are in progress. Assay results are pending and anticipated over the coming 6 to 8 weeks.
Figure 1: Plan Map of targets on the Silver Queen vein system, BC
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5566/115334_8e5b79f2b4fe99f5_002full.jpg
Figure 2: Longitudinal View of the Sveinson Target showing AgEq/m values.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5566/115334_8e5b79f2b4fe99f5_003full.jpg
Table 1: Summary Composites from September2021 Drilling on the Sveinson Target.
| Hole # | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Au (g/t) | Ag (g/t) | Cu (%) | Pb (%) | Zn (%) | AuEq (g/t) | AgEq (g/t) | Comments |
| SQ21-056 | 47.9 | 48.4 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 44 | 0.2 | 1.9 | 3.2 | 3.8 | 285 | |
| SQ21-056 | 122.3 | 123.0 | 0.7 | 1.5 | 38 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 3.6 | 270 | |
| SQ21-057 | 125.6 | 129.5 | 3.9 | 0.8 | 23 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 1.9 | 2.5 | 187 | 26% Dilution |
| inc. | 125.6 | 126.5 | 0.8 | 2.0 | 54 | 0.1 | 1.8 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 489 | |
| SQ21-057 | 234.3 | 234.8 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 978 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 13.5 | 1011 | |
| SQ21-057 | 266.0 | 267.2 | 1.2 | 2.2 | 145 | 0.0 | 6.0 | 7.6 | 10.7 | 802 | 21% Dilution |
| inc. | 266.5 | 267.2 | 0.7 | 3.5 | 248 | 0.0 | 10.2 | 9.8 | 16.4 | 1233 | |
| SQ21-057 | 466.5 | 466.8 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 47 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 9.7 | 6.9 | 518 | |
| SQ21-057 | 477.9 | 479.5 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 63 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.9 | 218 | |
| SQ21-058 | 110.7 | 111.0 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 36 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 11.7 | 6.6 | 494 | |
| SQ21-058 | 301.4 | 303.4 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 52 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 3.5 | 3.4 | 257 | 26% Dilution |
| inc. | 302.4 | 303.4 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 79 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 5.8 | 5.0 | 379 | |
| SQ21-059 | 31.5 | 32.0 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 147 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 5.0 | 377 | |
| SQ21-059 | 94.1 | 96.7 | 2.6 | 3.8 | 509 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 4.3 | 14.2 | 1064 | |
| inc. | 95.0 | 96.0 | 1.0 | 9.5 | 1355 | 2.1 | 2.5 | 10.6 | 36.6 | 2746 | |
| inc. | 95.6 | 96.0 | 0.4 | 22.5 | 3473 | 5.6 | 2.5 | 1.8 | 77.8 | 5837 | |
| SQ21-059 | 99.6 | 101.1 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 141 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 3.2 | 242 | |
| SQ21-059 | 204.4 | 205.5 | 1.0 | 17.5 | 25 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 18.2 | 1368 | 48% Dilution |
| inc. | 204.4 | 204.7 | 0.3 | 59.3 | 78 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 61.5 | 4612 | |
| SQ21-059 | 302.9 | 304.0 | 1.1 | 3.1 | 20 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 3.7 | 275 | |
| SQ21-059 | 307.6 | 308.4 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 106 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 3.1 | 4.9 | 371 | |
| SQ21-060 | 91.4 | 91.6 | 0.2 | 1.1 | 104 | 0.1 | 17.8 | 2.7 | 12.0 | 899 | |
| SQ21-060 | 215.6 | 216.8 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 16 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 129 | |
| inc. | 216.6 | 216.8 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 44 | 0.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 5.9 | 442 | |
| SQ21-060 | 289.3 | 289.6 | 0.4 | 2.1 | 51 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 1.8 | 4.0 | 301 | |
| SQ21-061 | 230.4 | 231.4 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 83 | 0.0 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 4.7 | 354 | |
| SQ21-061 | 285.6 | 286.2 | 0.6 | 2.3 | 131 | 0.0 | 6.1 | 8.2 | 11.0 | 827 | |
| SQ21-061 | 288.9 | 289.2 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 118 | 0.0 | 4.1 | 5.8 | 7.6 | 572 | |
| |
Samples were analyzed by FA/AAS for gold and 48 element ICP-MS by MS Analytical, Langley, BC. Silver (>100ppm), copper, lead and zinc (>1%) overlimits assayed by ore grade ICP-ES analysis, High silver overlimits (>1000g/t Ag) and gold overlimits (>10g/t Au) re-assayed with FA-Grav. Silver >10,000g/t re-assayed by concentrate analysis, where a FA-Grav analysis is performed in triplicate and a weighed average reported. Composites calculated using a 80g/t AgEq (1g/t AuEq) cut-off and
About Silver Queen Project
The Silver Queen Project is a premier gold-silver property with over 100 years of historic exploration and development and is located adjacent to power, roads and rail with significant mining infrastructure that was developed under previous operators Bradina JV (Bralorne Mines) and Houston Metals Corp. (a Hunt Brothers company). The property contains an historic decline into the No. 3 Vein, camp infrastructure, and a maintained Tailings Facility.
The Silver Queen Property consists of 45 mineral claims, 17 crown grants, and two surface crown grants totalling 18,852ha with no underlying royalties. Mineralization is hosted by a series of epithermal veins distributed over a 6 sq km area. An initial NI43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate was detailed in a News Release issued on July 16th, 2019 and is hosted by the No. 3 Vein, which is traced by drilling for approximately 1.2km and then to the southeast where it transitions into the NG-3 Vein close to the buried Itsit copper-molybdenum porphyry.
More than 20 different veins have been identified on the property, forming an extensive network of zoned Cretaceous- to Tertiary-age epithermal veins. The property remains largely under explored.
About Equity Metals Corporation
Equity Metals Corporation is a Manex Resource Group Company. Manex provides exploration, administration, and corporate development services for Equity Metals' two major mineral properties, the Silver Queen Au-Ag-Zn-Cu project, located in central B.C., and the Monument Diamond project, located in Lac De Gras, NWT.
The Company owns 100% interest, with no underlying royalty, in the Silver Queen project, located along the Skeena Arch in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia. The property hosts high-grade, precious- and base-metal veins related to a buried porphyry system, which has been only partially delineated. The Company also has a controlling JV interest in the Monument Diamond project, NWT, strategically located in the Lac De Gras district within 40 km of both the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines. The project owners are Equity Metals Corporation (57.49%), Chris and Jeanne Jennings (22.11%); and Archon Minerals Ltd. (20.4%). Equity Metals is the operator of the project.
The Company also has royalty and working interests in other Canadian properties, which are being evaluated further to determine their value to the Company.
Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is VP Exploration of Equity Metals Corporation and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. He is responsible for the supervision of the exploration on the Silver Queen project and for the preparation of the technical information in this disclosure.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
"Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr."
Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr., P.Geo
President, Director, Equity Metals Corporation
For further information, visit the website at https://www.equitymetalscorporation.com; or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at ir@mnxltd.com.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Equity Metals Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/115334
News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia
While some have posited that the gold price may break US$3,000 per ounce and carry on as high as US$4,000 or US$5,000, there are those with hopes that US$10,000 gold or even US$40,000 gold could become a reality.
These impressive price predictions have investors wondering, what is gold's all time high? In the past year, a new gold all time high (ATH) has been reached dozens of times, and we share the latest one and what has driven it to this level below. We also take a look at how the gold price has moved historically and what has driven its performance in recent years.
Before discovering what the highest gold price ever was, it’s worth looking at how the precious metal is traded. Knowing the mechanics behind gold's historical moves can help illuminate why and how its price changes.
Gold bullion is traded in dollars and cents per ounce, with activity taking place worldwide at all hours, resulting in a live price for the metal. Investors trade gold in major commodities markets such as New York, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong. London is seen as the center of physical precious metals trading, including for silver. The COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange is home to most paper trading.
There are many popular ways to invest in gold. The first is through purchasing gold bullion products such as bullion bars, bullion coins and rounds. Physical gold is sold on the spot market, meaning that buyers pay a specific price per ounce for the metal and then have it delivered. In some parts of the world, such as India, buying gold in the form of jewelry is the largest and most traditional route to investing in gold.
Another path to gold investment is paper trading, which is done through the gold futures market. Participants enter into gold futures contracts for the delivery of gold in the future at an agreed-upon price. In such contracts, two positions can be taken: a long position under which delivery of the metal is accepted or a short position to provide delivery of the metal. Paper trading as a means to invest in gold can provide investors with the flexibility to liquidate assets that aren’t available to those who possess physical gold bullion.
One significant long-term advantage of trading in the paper market is that investors can benefit from gold’s safe-haven status without needing to store it. Furthermore, gold futures trading can offer more financial leverage in that it requires less capital than trading in the physical market.
Interestingly, investors can also purchase physical gold via the futures market, but the process is complicated and lengthy and comes with a large investment and additional costs.
Aside from those options, market participants can invest in gold through exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Investing in a gold ETF is similar to trading a gold stock on an exchange, and there are numerous gold ETF options to choose from. For instance, some ETFs focus solely on physical gold bullion, while others focus on gold futures contracts. Other gold ETFs center on gold-mining stocks or follow the gold spot price.
It is important to understand that you will not own any physical gold when investing in an ETF — in general, even a gold ETF that tracks physical gold cannot be redeemed for tangible metal.
With regards to the performance of gold versus trading stocks, gold has an interesting relationship with the stock market. The two often move in sync during “risk-on periods” when investors are bullish. On the flip side, they tend to become inversely correlated in times of volatility. There are a variety of options for investing in stocks, including gold mining stocks on the TSX and ASX, gold juniors, precious metals royalty companies and gold stocks that pay dividends.
According to the World Gold Council, gold's ability to decouple from the stock market during periods of stress makes it “unique amongst most hedges in the marketplace.” It is often during these times that gold outperforms the stock market. For that reason, it is often used as a portfolio diversifier to hedge against uncertainty.
The gold price peaked at US$2,954.72, its all-time high, on February 20, 2025. What drove it to set this new ATH?
Gold set a new record high on February 20 as US President Donald Trump continued tariff talks and seemingly sided with Russian President Vladimir Putin against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Elon Musk's call to audit the gold holdings in Fort Knox has also brought attention to the yellow metal.
Gold has repeatedly broken new highs in recent weeks as uncertainty continues to reign under Trump. The week before, gold rose as Trump announced blanket 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Prior to that, the precious metal got a boost when Trump proposed that the US would resettle Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and then develop it into "the Riviera of the Middle East." The suggestion has been condemned globally.
Concerns over trading wars led to highs earlier that week, after Trump confirmed over the weekend he would enact extensive tariffs on North American allies Canada and Mexico beginning February 4. The two countries returned the favor, announcing retaliatory tariffs. On February 3, following talks with Mexico's and Canada's leaders, Trump agreed to delay the tariffs by one month.
The prior week, the gold price set new highs in all currencies alongside a weakening US dollar, the US Federal Reserve leaving interest rates unchanged, a rush to safe haven assets and the looming threat of US President Donald Trump's tariffs on February 1. Additionally, new US economic data showed inflation-adjusted gross domestic product in the country increased an annualized 2.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024 after rising 3.1 percent in the third quarter.
Gold has seen upward momentum in the last year on a variety of factors. In 2025, the gold price was on the rise early in the new year as President Trump and his team began to talk seriously about a wide-ranging set of tariffs on several countries in the run-up and following his inauguration on January 20.
Gold also reacted to a weaker-than-expected US private employment report on January 8, which showed that the economy added 122,000 jobs in the private sector in December, below the estimated 140,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the latest US jobs report on January 10, showing that nonfarm payrolls for December 2024 rose the most since March 2024, while unemployment fell to 4.1 percent.
On January 29, the Bank of Canada shaved 25 basis points off its policy interest rate, marking its sixth consecutive decrease, and announced plans to end quantitative tightening. On the same day, the US Federal Reserve opted to leave its interest rate unchanged. The following day, President Trump announced it very likely will be placing 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada as of February 1, alongside tariffs on the EU and China.
As for gold demand, on October 30 the World Gold Council reported that gold purchases from undocumented sources and gold ETF inflows were both drivers of demand growth in Q3 2024. On the other hand, central bank gold purchases were down during the quarter.
Read our in-depth breakdown of gold's recent price performance below.
2025 gold price chart. December 31, 2024, to February 20, 2025.
Chart via the Investing News Network.
Despite these recent runs, gold has seen its share of both peaks and troughs over the last decade. After remaining rangebound between US$1,100 and US$1,300 from 2014 to early 2019, gold pushed above US$1,500 in the second half of 2019 on a softer US dollar, rising geopolitical issues and a slowdown in economic growth.
Gold’s first breach of the significant US$2,000 price level in mid-2020 was due in large part to economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To break through that barrier and reach what was then a record high, the yellow metal added more than US$500, or 32 percent, to its value in the first eight months of 2020.
The gold price surpassed that level again in early 2022 as Russia's invasion of Ukraine collided with rising inflation around the world, increasing the allure of safe-haven assets and pulling the yellow metal up to a price of US$2,074.60 on March 8, 2022. However, it fell throughout the rest of 2022, dropping below US$1,650 in October.
Five year gold price chart. February 19, 2020, to February 20, 2025.
Chart via the Investing News Network.
Although it didn't quite reach the level of volatility as the previous year, the gold price experienced drastic price changes in 2023 on the back of banking instability, high interest rates and the breakout of war in the Middle East.
After central bank buying pushed the gold price up to the US$1,950.17 mark by the end of January, the US Federal Reserve’s 0.25 percent rate hike on February 1 sparked a retreat as the dollar and Treasury yields saw gains. The precious metal went on to fall to its lowest price level of the year at US$1,809.87 on February 23.
The banking crisis that hit the US in early March caused a domino effect through the global financial system and led to the mid-March collapse of Credit Suisse, Switzerland’s second-largest bank. The gold price jumped to US$1,989.13 by March 15. The continued fallout in the global banking system throughout the second quarter of the year allowed gold to break above US$2,000 on April 3, and go on to flirt with a near-record high of US$2,049.92 on May 3.
Those gains were tempered by the Fed’s ongoing rate hikes and improvements in the banking sector, resulting in a downward trend in the gold price throughout the remainder of the second quarter and throughout the third quarter. By October 4, gold had fallen to a low of US$1,820.01 and analysts expected the precious metal to be on the path to drop below the US$1,800 level.
That was before the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel ignited legitimate fears of a much larger conflict erupting in the Middle East. Reacting to those fears, and rising expectations that the US Federal Reserve would begin to reverse course on interest rates, gold broke through the important psychological level of US$2,000 per ounce and closed at US$2,007.08 on October 27. As the Israel-Hamas fighting intensified, gold reached a then new high of US$2,152.30 during intraday trading on December 3.
That robust momentum in the spot gold price has continued into 2024, chasing new highs on fears of a looming US recession, the promise of Fed rate cuts on the horizon, the worsening conflict in the Middle East and the tumultuous US presidential election year. By mid-March, gold was pushing up against the US$2,200 level.
That record-setting momentum continued into the second quarter of 2024 when gold broke through US$2,400 per ounce in mid-April on strong central bank buying, sovereign debt concerns in China and investors expecting the Fed to start cutting interest rates. The precious metal went on to hit US$2,450.05 per ounce on May 20.
Throughout the summer, the hits have just kept on coming. The global macro environment is highly bullish for gold in the lead up to the US election. Following the failed assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump and a statement about coming interest rate cuts by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, the gold spot price hit a new all-time high on July 16 at US$2,469.30 per ounce.
One week later, news that President Joe Biden would not seek re-election and would instead pass the baton to his VP Kamala Harris eased some of the tension in the stock markets and strengthened the US dollar. This also pushed the price of gold down to US$2,387.99 per ounce on July 22.
However, the bullish factors supporting gold over the past year remain in play and the spot price for gold has gone on to breach the US$2,500 level first on August 2 on a less than stellar US jobs report before closing just above the US$2,440 level. A few weeks later, gold pushed past US$2,500 once again on August 16, to close above that level for the first time ever after the US Department of Commerce released data showing a fifth consecutive monthly decrease in a row for homebuilding.
The news that the Chinese government issued new gold import quotas to banks in the country following a two month pause also helped fuel the gold price rally. Central bank gold buying has been a significant tailwind for the gold price this year, and China's central bank has been one of the strongest buyers.
Market watchers expected the Fed to cut interest rates by a quarter point at their September meeting, but news on September 12 that the regulators were still deciding between the expected cut or a larger half-point cut led gold prices on a rally that carried through into the next day, bringing gold prices near US$2,600.
At the September 18 Fed meeting, the committee ultimately made the decision to cut rates by half a point, news that sent gold even higher. By Friday, September 20, it moved above US$2,600 and held above US$2,620.
In October, gold breached the US$2,700 level and continued to set new highs on a variety of factors, including further rate cuts and economic data anticipation, the escalating conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Hezbollah, and economic stimulus in China — not to mention the very close race between the US presidential candidates.
While the gold price fell following President Trump's win in early November and largely held under US$2,700 through the end of the year, it began trending upwards in 2025 to the new all-time high on the factors discussed earlier in the article.
What's next for the gold price is never an easy call to make. There are many factors that affect the gold price, but some of the most prevalent long-term drivers include economic expansion, market risk, opportunity cost and momentum.
Economic expansion is one of the primary gold price contributors as it facilitates demand growth in several categories, including jewelry, technology and investment. As the World Gold Council explains, “This is particularly true in developing economies where gold is often used as a luxury item and a means to preserve wealth.” Market risk is also a prime catalyst for gold values as investors view the precious metal as the “ultimate safe haven,” and a hedge against currency depreciation, inflation and other systemic risks.
Going forward, in addition to the Fed, inflation and geopolitical events, experts will be looking for cues from factors like supply and demand. In terms of supply, the world’s five top gold producers are China, Australia, Russia, Canada and the US. The consensus in the gold market is that major miners have not spent enough on gold exploration in recent years. Gold mine production has fallen from around 3,200 to 3,300 metric tons each year between 2018 and 2020 to around 3,000 to 3,100 metric tons each year between 2021 and 2023.
On the demand side, China and India are the biggest buyers of physical gold, and are in a perpetual fight for the title of world’s largest gold consumer. That said, it's worth noting that the last few years have brought a big rebound in central bank gold buying, which dropped to a record low in 2020, but reached a 55 year high of 1,136 metric tons in 2022.
The World Gold Council has reported that central bank gold purchases in 2023 came to 1,037 metric tons, marking the second year in a row above 1,000 MT. In the first half of 2024, the organization says gold purchases from central banks reached a record 483 metric tons.
“I expect the Fed’s rate-cutting cycle to be good for gold, but central bank buying has been and remains a major factor," Lobo Tiggre, CEO of IndependentSpeculator.com, said in an email to the Investing News Network (INN) at the beginning of Q4.
David Barrett, CEO of the UK division of global brokerage firm EBC Financial Group, is also keeping an eye on central bank purchases of gold.
“I still see the global central bank buying as the main driver — as it has been over the last 15 years,” he said in an email to INN. "This demand removes supply from the market. They are the ultimate buy-and-hold participants and they have been buying massive amounts."
In addition to central bank moves, analysts are also watching for escalating tensions in the Middle East, a weakening US dollar, declining bond yields, and further interest rate cuts as factors that could push gold higher as investors look to secure their portfolios.
Speaking at the Metals Investor Forum, held in Vancouver, British Columbia, this September, Eric Coffin, editor of Hard Rock Analyst, outlined those key factors as supporting his prediction that gold could reach US$2,800 by the end of 2024.
“When it comes to outside factors that affect the market, it’s just tailwind after tailwind after tailwind. So I don’t really see the trend changing,” Coffin said.
Also speaking at the Metals Investor Forum, Jeff Clark, founder and editor at TheGoldAdvisor.com, was even more bullish on the precious metal. He sees Santa delivering US$3,000 gold as a good possibility.
However, others see gold taking a little longer to breach the US$3,000 level. Delegates at the London Bullion Market Association's annual gathering in October have forecasted a gold price of US$2,941 in the next 12 months.
Randy Smallwood of Wheaton Precious Metals (TSX:WPM,NYSE:WPM) thinks US$3,000 could become a reality within a couple of years. He told INN in an October interview that he believes the west has finally caught the gold fever that has mainly been contained to the east for much of the year.
Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) is predicting gold will hit US$2,900 in early 2025, as it expects to see an increase in gold ETF inflows, continued central bank buying and interest rate cuts, as well as further conflicts in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Alain Corbani, head of mining of Montbleu Finance and manager of the Global Gold and Precious Fund, told INN in an early January 2025 interview that his price target for the year is US$3,000 per ounce. He advises that the direction of interest rates in the US will be the most important factor to watch.
As a final note on the price of gold and buying gold bullion, it’s important for investors to be aware that gold price manipulation is a hot topic in the industry.
In 2011, when gold hit what was then a record high, it dropped swiftly in just a few short years. This decline after three years of impressive gains led many in the gold sector to cry foul and point to manipulation. Early in 2015, 10 banks were hit in a US probe on precious metals manipulation. Evidence provided by Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) showed “smoking gun” proof that UBS Group (NYSE:UBS), HSBC Holdings (NYSE:HSBC), the Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE:BNS) and other firms were involved in rigging gold and silver rates in the market from 2007 to 2013.
Not long after, the long-running London gold fix was replaced by the LBMA gold price in a bid to increase gold price transparency. The twice-a-day process, operated by the ICE Benchmark Administration, still involves a variety of banks collaborating to set the gold price, but the system is now electronic.
Still, manipulation has by no means been eradicated, as a 2020 fine on JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) shows. The next year, chat logs were released in a spoofing trial for two former precious metals traders from the Bank of America’s (NYSE:BAC) Merrill Lynch unit. They show a trader bragging about how easy it is to manipulate the gold price.
Gold market participants have consistently spoken out about manipulation. In mid-2020, Chris Marcus, founder of Arcadia Economics and author of the book “The Big Silver Short,” said that when gold fell back below the US$2,000 mark after hitting close to US$2,070, he saw similarities to what happened with the gold price in 2011.
Marcus has been following the gold and silver markets with a focus specifically on price manipulation for nearly a decade. His advice? “Trust your gut. I believe we’re witnessing the ultimate ’emperor’s really naked’ moment. This isn’t complex financial analysis. Sometimes I think of it as the greatest hypnotic thought experiment in history.”
While we have the answer to what the highest gold price ever is as of now, it remains to be seen how high gold can climb, and if the precious metal can reach as high as US$5,000, US$10,000 or even US$40,000.
Even so, many market participants believe gold is a must have in any investment profile, and there is little doubt investors will continue to see gold price action making headlines this year and beyond.
This is an updated version of an article first published by the Investing News Network in 2020.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
Gold price chart, February 13 to 20, 2025.
Chart via the Investing News Network.
Gold has also made headlines this week on the back of calls for an audit of Fort Knox.
The Kansas-based army installation reportedly holds 4,580 metric tons of gold, but despite ongoing requests has not been fully audited since 1953. Tech billionaire Elon Musk has suggested that the newly established US Department of Government Efficiency, better known as DOGE, should take on the task.
Long-term factors supporting gold include strong central bank demand and buying from eastern investors.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Aurum Resources offers a compelling value proposition through its highly prospective gold asset in Côte d'Ivoire, a fast-emerging gold region in West Africa. Its cost-effective exploration strategy of drill rig ownership also distinguishes it from its peers.
Aurum Resources (ASX:AUE) is a mineral exploration company primarily focused on gold through its flagship Boundiali gold project located in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa.
Côte d'Ivoire's gold mining sector is experiencing significant growth and development, with several key projects contributing to the country's economic expansion. The overall gold mining sector in Côte d'Ivoire is supported by substantial investments in infrastructure and exploration.
Geopolitically, Côte d'Ivoire outperforms most developing countries in the world in political, legal, tax and operational risk metrics. Additionally, Côte d'Ivoire continues to make notable strides in its political stability and Absence of Violence and Terrorism Index.
Boundiali Gold Project – BD Target 1 Artisanal Working
Aurum has entered into a Bid Implementation Agreement with Mako Gold for Aurum to acquire 100 percent of the issued shares in Mako. This proposed merger will allow both Aurum and Mako security holders to benefit from the combination of Aurum’s strong balance sheet and exceptional drilling efficiencies with AU$23 million in cash at the end of December 2024 to support work programs targeted at further resource definition across Aurum and Mako’s assets in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Aurum is currently in its final phase of compulsory acquisition of remaining Mako shares after it received over 90% acceptance of MKG shares in late January 2025.
The merger is backed by a highly experienced board and management team with extensive gold experience from grassroots discovery, through to resource drill-out, feasibility studies, project finance, and production.
The Boundiali gold project in Cote d’Ivoire is located within the Boundiali Greenstone Belt, which hosts Resolute’s Syama gold operation (11.5 Moz) and the Tabakoroni deposit (1 Moz) in Mali. Neighbouring assets also include Barrick’s Tongon mine (5 Moz) and Montage Gold’s Kone project (4.5 Moz).
The Boundiali project area covers the underexplored southern extension of the Boundiali belt, where a highly deformed synclinal greenstone horizon traverses finer-grained basin sediments, and to the west, Tarkwaian clastic rocks lie in contact with a granitic margin. The project benefits from year-round road access and excellent infrastructure.
The first stage of drilling at Boundiali occurred from late October 2023 to end of November 2024 for both the BM and BD tenements (BM1 and BM2; BD1, BD2 and BD3 targets) and was designed to test below-gold-in-soil anomalies oriented along NE trending structures, define new gold prospects and define maiden JORC resources. With over 63,000m diamond holes drilled during this period, Maiden JORC gold resources estimate was delivered in late December 2024.
Drilling costs are estimated at US$45 per metre, as Aurum owns all of its eight drilling rigs and employs its operators, representing a significant value proposition relative to peers who use commercial drilling companies that charge upwards of $200 per meter. The company believes there is potential for multi-million ounce gold resources to be defined with hundreds thousands meters of drilling over years within the Boundiali Gold Project’s land holding areas.
The Boundiali gold project comprises four contiguous granted licenses: PR0808 (80 percent interest), PR0893 (80 percent and earning to 88 percent interest), PR414 (100 percent interest), and PR283 (earning to 70 percent interest). Historic exploration at PR0893 includes 93 AC drill holes and four RC holes. Airborne geophysical surveying, geological mapping and extensive soil sampling have also been performed at PR0893, while PR0808 has had 91 RC holes drilled for 6,229 metres along with geochemical analysis and modeling. Detailed geochemical sampling and drilling at PR414 revealed three strong gold anomalies and returned impressive high-grade results.
Following the renewal of its Boundali South (BST) exploration licence in September 2024, drilling at the Nyangboue deposit is planned for H1 2025 and H2 2025. Previous exploration at BST has returned impressive results, including 20 m at 10.45 g/t gold from 38 meters, and 30 m at 8.30 g/t gold from 39 m.
In May 2024, Aurum entered a strategic partnership agreement to earn up to a 70 percent interest in exploration tenement PR283, to be renamed Boundiali North (BN). Aurum, through subsidiary Plusor Global Pty Ltd, has partnered with Ivorian company Geb & Nut Resources Sarl and related party (GNRR) to explore and develop the Boundiali North (BN) tenement which covers 208.87sq km immediately north of Aurum’s BD tenement. Further to this agreement,
Aurum announced it has earned 80 percent project interest after completing more than 20,000 m of diamond core drilling.
Boundiali Project JORC Mineral Resource Estimate
Aurum has announced a maiden independent JORC mineral resource estimate of 1.59 Moz gold for its 1,037 sq. km. The Boundiali Gold Project comprises the BST, BDT1 & BDT2, BMT1 and BMT3 deposits. Drilling is ongoing on these deposits, and Aurum has identified other prospects at Boundiali which have yet to be drilled. Since October 2023, the company has completed an extensive 63,927-metre diamond drilling program. This aggressive exploration campaign has rapidly defined a significant gold resource of 50.9 Mt @ 1.0 g/t gold for 1.6 million ounces.
A 100,000 m of drilling is planned and being carried out at Boundiali using eight self-owned diamond rigs to drive resource growth with two JORC resources updates in 2025.
In 2025, Aurum plans to launch a mining exploitation licence application and complete a PFS and environment study for the Boundiali Gold Project.
Troy Flannery has more than 25 years’ experience in the mining industry, including nine years in corporate and 17 years in senior mining engineering and project development roles. He has a degree in mining engineering, masters in finance, and first class mine managers certificate of competency. Flannery has performed non-executive director roles with numerous ASX listed companies and was the CEO of Abra Mining until October 2021. He has worked at numerous mining companies, mining consultancy and contractors, including BHP, Newcrest, Xstrata, St Barbara Mines and AMC Consultants.
Dr. Caigen Wang founded Tietto Minerals (ASX:TIE), where he led the company as managing director for 13 years through private exploration, ASX listing, gold resource definition, project study and mine building to become one of Africa’s newest gold producers at its Abujar gold mine in Côte d’Ivoire. He holds a bachelor, masters and PhD in mining engineering. He is a fellow of AusIMM and a chartered professional engineer of Institution of Engineer, Australia. Wang has 13 years of mining academic experience in China University of Mining and Technology, Western Australia School of Mine and University of Alberta, and over 20 years of practical experience in mining engineering and mineral exploration in Australia, China and Africa. Other professional experience includes senior technical and management roles in mining houses, including St. Barbara, Sons of Gwalia, BHP Billiton, China Goldmines PLC and others.
Mark Strizek has nearly 30 years’ experience in the resource industry, having worked as a geologist on various gold, base metal and technology metal projects. He brings invaluable geological, technical and development expertise to Aurum, most recently as an executive director at Tietto Minerals’, which progressed from an IPO to gold production at the Abujar gold project in West Africa. Strizek has worked as an executive with management and board responsibilities in exploration, feasibility, finance and development-ready assets across Australia, West Africa, Asia and Europe.
Tartana Minerals is a new copper producer with strong cash flow and a substantial exploration footprint in a tier 1 mining jurisdiction. Tartana Minerals is creating shareholder value through investment in increasing its existing copper, zinc and gold resources and accelerating exploration of key projects within its highly prospective exploration portfolio. Tartana Minerals presents a compelling investment against a strong macroeconomic environment for copper.
Tartana Minerals (ASX:TAT) is a copper, gold, silver and zinc, producer, explorer and developer in Far North Queensland. Its flagship project is the 100 percent owned Tartana copper and zinc project which comprises four mining leases located north of Chillagoe. The company’s business model has involved refurbishing an existing heap leach - solvent extraction – crystallisation plant which is located on the Tartana mining leases. The refurbishment and commissioning of this plant is now completed and the company is producing copper sulphate pentahydrate which is sold to offtaker, Kanins International. Copper sulphate is priced on a premium plus percentage of the LME copper price and provides investors with leverage to anticipate increasing copper prices.
The company, formerly known as R3D Resources, changed its name to Tartana Minerals in April 2024. Tartana Minerals is based in Sydney, Australia.
Tartana Minerals has reported the following resources:
These copper, zinc and gold resources remain open at depth and along strike and the company has designed drilling programs to expand these resources. In particular, the copper mineralisation and potentially the gold mineralisation have scope to be upgraded through ore sorting.
However, the refurbished heap leach – solvent extraction – crystallisation plant utilises existing copper in the ponds and the heaps and these copper sources will be replenished when we commence mining from the open pit.
Copper sulphate contains 25 percent copper metal and payment is based on the LME copper price for the preceding month plus a premium. It is one of the few forms of saleable copper where the copper content receives the full LME price.
Sprinklers operating on the lower heap. Note the presence of copper (blue).
Tartana Minerals completed the acquisition of Queensland Strategic Metals with drilling planned to commence in 2025 that includes the Daisy Bell tin-tungsten project where historical drilling and our mapping have identified a potentially tin-rich zone.
The Chillagoe region of Far North Queensland is highly prospective with the discovery and development of a number of key projects over the last few decades including Red Dome (2.5 Moz gold), Mungana (1.2 Moz gold), and King Vol (250 kt zinc). These deposits occur along the Palmerville Fault in a similar location to the Tartana Mining leases.
The mining leases at Tartana contain copper, zinc and gold mineralisation but the company also has significant projects which are both east and west of the Palmerville Fault. In the west it has the Cardross and Mountain Maid copper-gold projects and further north it has the Beefwood project. Mountain Maid has gold resources mentioned above and which are open to the south and at depth while the company is finalising a maiden copper resource for the Cardross project.
The Beefwood project comprises a buried geophysical target and surface sampling has recovered samples grading up to 180 g/t gold with no apparent source. Drilling is planned to test this target in the current dry season.
In the east of the Palmerville Fault, the company has the Bellevue/Dry River project, the OK South project and the Dimbulah Porphyry project, all copper projects with historic copper mines and prospects. Like many parts of Far North Queensland, historical exploration has not been systematic and thorough despite many promising expressions of surface mineralisation.
At the Nightflower project, Tartana has upgraded its exploration target after reviewing its earlier estimation, in light of the recent increases in the antimony price. Nightflower is a high-grade silver-lead deposit with previously overlooked significant antimony credits. Nightflower exploration target includes 2.75 Mt @ 364 g/t silver equivalent for 32 Moz silver equivalent to 5.36 Mt @ 270 g/t silver equivalent for 47 Moz silver equivalent (the exploration target is conceptual in nature only and there is no guarantee that further exploration will define a resource). Drilling is now being planned to test the target and upgrade previously identified mineralisation to JORC 2012 reporting standards.
Tartana’s exploration team comprises experienced exploration geologists with supporting cash flow from their copper production, they expect to be able to drill the most promising targets in the short term.
Overall, the macroeconomic environment for copper remains strong. The LME three-month copper price hit US$5.24/lb on May 17, the highest since March 7, 2022, driven by a weaker US dollar, Chinese property stimulus measures, and a short squeeze on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange futures market.
In the near-to-mid term, China’s demand for refined copper is expected to grow, due to better-than-expected performances from key consumer segments, including the power grid, solar installations and electric vehicle and air conditioning appliance sales. On the supply side, the copper concentrate market is expected to remain in a significant deficit due to the estimated delay in the Cobre Panama mine restart but will be partially offset by the higher projected production from smelters in China. As a result, we see further demand growth and supply tightening for the copper market as positive for base metal equities to maintain significant leverage to increase prices.
Jihad Malaeb is an experienced entrepreneur across a number of industries, including hospitality and construction, as well as having significant experience in mineral exploration and mining operations – both as an active investor and company director. He currently owns and operates a portfolio of hospitality businesses and real estate across Australia, which have been established over the past 30 years. Malaeb was previously a non-executive director of Critical Resources (ASX:CRR), where he helped steer CRR as one of its largest shareholders and as a board member.
Steve Bartrop’s professional experience spans more than 30 years covering periods in both the mining industry and financial sector. With a geology background, Bartrop has worked in exploration, feasibility and evaluation studies and mining in a range of commodities and in different parts of the world. In the financial sector, he has been involved in research, corporate transactions and IPOs spanning more than 20 years, including senior roles at JPMorgan, Bankers Trust and Macquarie Equities.
Bruce Hills is an accountant and is currently an executive director of Breakaway Investment Group, which operates the Breakaway Private Equity Emerging Resources Fund. Hills is a director of a number of unlisted companies in the mining and financial services sectors including The Risk Board and Stibium Australia. Hills has 35 years’ experience in the financial sector including 20 years in the banking industry primarily in the areas of strategy, finance and risk.
Dr. Alistair Lewis is a successful entrepreneur and highly experienced medical doctor with over 40 years’ experience. For the past 10 years, Lewis has been involved in the management of mining and exploration companies. In 2017, Lewis established Oosen Lewis Mining in North Queensland. He financed the aggregation of a substantial portfolio of gold, tin, tungsten and antimony assets and instigated subsequent extensive exploration programs. These assets now form part of the QSM portfolio.
Michael Thirnbeck is an experienced geologist with over 25 years in managing numerous mineral development projects in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Australia. He has been a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy since 1989 and holds B.Sc (Hons.) degree from the University of Queensland.
Shuyi (Kiara) Wang was appointed a director of Tartana Minerals on July 17, 2024. Wang is an accomplished, emerging leader with a strong academic and professional background. She holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy from The University of Melbourne and is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor at the prestigious Melbourne Law School.