Trailbreaker Resources Ltd. (TBK.V) (“Trailbreaker” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the results of the Phase 1 exploration program at its 100%-owned Eakin Creek property in south-central British Columbia (BC). A 1,000 x 600-metre area has been defined as having a gold-in-soil anomaly coincident with an Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical anomaly. Also, widespread gold mineralization in bedrock and float samples was identified.
The 2022 program utilized multiple exploration tools including:
The MMI survey defined a 1,000 x 600 metre Au-Ag-Cu-Sb (gold-silver-copper-antimony) anomaly that is open to the south. This anomaly is coincident with resistivity and chargeability anomalies defined by the IP survey, which is strongest at 50 to 100m of depth.
Prospecting has identified gold-bearing mineralization hosted by two main lithologies (expanded upon below), with the majority of mineralized samples occurring within the geochemical and geophysical anomalies. Grab samples from bedrock returned assay values up to 8.2 g/t Au and 130 g/t Ag from separate outcrops more than 1 km apart.
Daithi Mac Gearailt, CEO of Trailbreaker, commented: “When Trailbreaker generated the Eakin Creek target earlier this year, it had all the indications for discovery potential: some of the highest gold-in-till values from regional till sampling in BC, high-grade rock float samples, and a compelling historic chip sample taken along the highway cut. We looked at which exploration techniques were missing, and what tools we could use to vector in to large mineralized systems potentially hidden under the till. Combining two common exploration tools that had never been done here - MMI and IP - along with Trailbreaker’s seasoned prospectors, we now have the data and results to confidently plan an exploratory drill program at Eakin Creek.”
Gold mineralization at the Eakin Creek property was found to be hosted in two distinct lithologies:
1. An altered diorite unit with disseminated pyrite and quartz-carbonate-pyrite veining (Photo 1). This unit outcrops along Highway #24 which bisects the property. Assays from outcrop grab samples returned values up to 8.2 g/t Au and 17.0 g/t Ag from the vicinity of the historic ‘G Occurrence’. Grab samples from an outcrop located 1.0 km east-northeast of the G Occurrence (outside of the bounds of the IP survey) returned assays up to 1.1 g/t Au and 130 g/t Ag. The dioritic lithology is host to abundant quartz-calcite veining along multiple orientations. Disseminated pyrite occurs throughout the wallrock, as well as in the veins. This diorite unit is part of the early Jurassic Polaris ultramafic suite. It is bound to the west by a fault contact with similarly-aged granites of the Thuya Batholith (see Geology map).
2. A limonitic felsic intrusive unit with disseminated and massive pyrite (Photo 2). This rock type has not been observed in the very limited outcrop exposure on the property; rather it is most commonly found within a boulder field approximately 400 x 300 metres in area. Grab samples from this lithology returned assay values up to 5.6 g/t Au and 30.7 g/t Ag (from separate samples), with six samples assaying >1.0 g/t Au. This boulder field is located ‘down-ice’ (along the direction of documented glacial ice flow) of the zone of highest resistivity identified from the IP survey (see Figure 1 below, or click link). As this felsic lithology would likely have a more resistive signature than the dominant diorite lithology, Trailbreaker geologists have determined the strongly resistive zone to be a likely source of these mineralized boulders.
Prospecting also uncovered a third, less common style of gold mineralization: quartz boulders bearing galena, chalcopyrite, and pyrite. These boulders were limited to a 5-metre area and are sub-rounded in shape. Assays returned values up to 4.2 g/t Au and 50.1 g/t Ag.
Photo 1 (left): Disseminated pyrite within a diorite unit outcropping along the highway. Assays returned values up to 8.2 g/t Au and 130 g/t Ag. Photo 2 (right): Limonitic felsic intrusive float with up to 10% pyrite. This unit is found as float within a 400x300m boulder field. Assays from the felsic rock returned values up to 5.6 g/t Au and 30.7 g/t Ag.
The highest gold grades occurring within the diorite unit were found 90m northwest of the historic ‘G Occurrence’, which consists of a 3.0 m chip sample interval grading 3.15 g/t Au, within a 14.0 m interval grading 0.9 g/t Au.
Despite the historic mineral occurrences and its proximity to infrastructure, the Eakin Creek property has never been drilled. A permit application to conduct a drill program has been submitted to the BC EMLI (Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation) and is pending approval. Trailbreaker geologists are currently planning drill targets at three areas of heightened interest:
1. The historic “G Occurrence” and associated mineralized outcrops
2. The zone of strongest chargeability and resistivity (north of Highway #24)
3. The felsic intrusive boulder field and strongest soil geochemical gold anomaly
Figure 1: Eakin Creek property IP and geochemical results. Resistivity and chargeability at 50m (left) and gold in soil (right) with overlaid rock grab sample. Link to full size.
The Eakin Creek property is located 100 kilometres north of Kamloops, BC and can be accessed via Highway #24 and by well-maintained forest service roads (see Location map). The property covers 1,610 hectares of prospective ground that drains into placer gold-bearing Eakin Creek. The property lies in an underexplored portion of the Quesnel tectonic terrane which hosts many of BC’s producing copper and gold mines, such as the New Afton, Ajax, Mt Polley, Highland Valley, and Copper Mountain mines. The claim package is 100%-owned by Trailbreaker Resources with no underlying royalties or payments.
A regional-scale till sampling survey conducted by the Geological Survey of Canada has shown that this underexplored portion of the Quesnel terrane has an anomalous Cu-Au-As-Mo geochemical signature that is indicative of copper porphyry environments elsewhere in BC. Furthermore, some of BC’s highest gold grain-count values are recorded from till samples from the Eakin Creek property (see Regional Till Survey map).
Placer gold was first discovered in Eakin Creek in the late 1800s, with small scale placer mining occurring through to the 1940s. The hard rock source of the placer gold remained a mystery for over 100 years. Gold in bedrock was first discovered on the property in 1983 during the construction of Highway #24, with subsequent hard rock discoveries continuing through to the early 1990s.
Prospecting and trenching have proved difficult in the area due to widespread glacial till cover; however, the limited historical exploration completed to date has been successful in determining the sources of gold-in-soil anomalies. Numerous high-grade float rock grab samples have been obtained from surficial pits, assaying up to 2.60 oz/ton (89.13 g/t) Au and locally containing visible gold. Historic outcrop sampling returned a 3.0 m chip sample interval grading 3.15 g/t Au, within a 14.0 m interval grading 0.9 g/t Au (see Historic Rock Geochemistry map).
Until 2022, no IP surveys had been conducted on the property. No drilling has ever been conducted on the property.
For more details and maps on Eakin Creek see the dedicated section on Trailbreaker’s website.
Message from the President
“The Eakin Creek property has quickly become one of our most exciting assets. It’s all here: the gold, the access, and the infrastructure. The logical next step is to get some hard data from the subsurface. Stay tuned for further updates.”
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Daithi Mac Gearailt
President and Chief Executive Officer
OTHER
Rock sample analysis and assaying were conducted by Bureau Veritas Mineral Laboratories Canada in Vancouver, BC, which is an ISO-17025 accredited laboratory. Rock samples were crushed, split and pulverized to a 250 g pulp passing through a 200-mesh screen (prep code PRP70-250). For gold analysis, a 50 g split underwent fire assay with an ICP-ES finish (FA350-Au). Samples assaying >10 ppm Au were re-analyzed with a gravimetric finish (FA550-Au). Samples also underwent 37-element analysis involving aqua regia digestion and ICP-ES/MS analysis (AQ200).
Soil sample analysis was conducted by SGS Laboratories Canada in Vancouver, BC which is an ISO-17025 accredited laboratory. Mobile Metal Ion (MMI) technology was used, analysing for 53 elements. Target elements were extracted using weak solutions of organic and inorganic compounds, rather than by conventional acid-based digestion. Analysis was done on a 50 g sample, and the extracted solution was analyzed by ICP-MS.
Trailbreaker Resources employs rigorous quality assurance procedures regarding sample collection, chain of custody and data entry. The reader is cautioned that grab samples are single rock samples that are typically, but not exclusively, constrained to mineralization. Grab samples are selective in nature and collected to determine the presence or absence of metal values. These do not necessarily provide an accurate representation of the tenor of the targeted zone sampled.
Carl Schulze, P. Geo., Consulting Geologist with Aurora Geosciences Ltd, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for Trailbreaker's BC and Yukon exploration projects, and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this release.
For new information about the Company’s projects, please visit Trailbreaker’s website at TrailbreakerResources.com and sign up to receive news. For further information, follow Trailbreaker’s tweets at Twitter.com/TrailbreakerLtd, use the ‘Contact’ section of our website, or contact us at (604) 681-1820 or at info@trailbreakerresources.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or financial performance that is based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action; expectations regarding future exploration and drilling programs and receipt of related permitting. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as "anticipates", "expects", "understanding", "has agreed to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "would", "occur" or "be achieved". Although Trailbreaker has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Trailbreaker and may 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 not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, if any, Trailbreaker has applied several material assumptions, including the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, Trailbreaker does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Message from the President
“Receiving our exploration permit for Swan is a big step toward advancing the Atsutla Gold Project. We now have the capability to be more aggressive with our exploration efforts in order to advance the Swan target.” – Daithi Mac Gearailt
Swan Target Description
The Swan target is located in the eastern Atsutla Gold Property area, in northern BC. Swan is a potential gold-silver-copper (Au-Ag-Cu) porphyry system, defined by a 900 m by 700 m Au-Ag-Cu-arsenic (As) – antimony (Sb) – molybdenum (Mo) – lead (Pb) soil geochemical anomaly along a gossanous ridge. The host setting is a leucogranite porphyry intrusion with argillic and phyllic alteration assemblages. Bedrock sampling by Trailbreaker in the centre of the soil anomaly has returned values up to 11.5 g/t Au and 16.8 g/t Ag.
Historic IP surveying around the Swan target took place in the valley west of the soil anomaly. This work focused on a molybdenum anomaly associated with a semi-circular chargeability high. This chargeability feature partially wraps around the soil anomaly, but the survey dimensions do not cover the entire anomaly. Additionally, IP surveying will be valuable in identifying potential chargeability highs, which may indicate high sulphide content and associated alteration zonation. As well, resistivity characteristics may help vector toward felsic intrusive centers and high-density quartz veining which would indicate the potassic core of a porphyry system.
Figure 1: Highlights of the Swan target include the strong Au geochemical anomaly, phyllic and argillic alteration zones, and the partial chargeability high ring feature defined from a historic IP survey.
About the Atsutla Gold Project
The Atsutla Gold project covers over 40,000 hectares of underexplored and prospective ground in northwestern BC. The project covers a portion of the Atsutla mountain range 70 km south of the BC-Yukon border. Placer gold was recorded in the area during the early 1900s, with very little subsequent mineral exploration.
The project is centered over the crustal-scale Teslin-Thibert fault system that marks the division between the Quesnel and Cache Creek terranes. Gold mineralization is associated with Mesozoic intrusive batholiths that are the predominant geological unit on the property. Trailbreaker has discovered five significant zones of gold mineralization across the property. These are:
About Trailbreaker Resources
Trailbreaker Resources is a mining exploration company focused primarily on mining-friendly British Columbia and Yukon Territory, Canada. Trailbreaker is committed to continuous exploration and research, allowing maintenance of a portfolio of quality mineral properties which in turn provides value for shareholders. The company has an experienced management team with a proven track record as explorers and developers throughout the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Alaska and Nevada.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Daithi Mac Gearailt
President and Chief Executive Officer
Carl Schulze, P. Geo., Consulting Geologist with Aurora Geosciences Ltd, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for Trailbreaker's BC and Yukon exploration projects, and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this release.
Other
For new information about the Company’s projects, please visit Trailbreaker’s website at TrailbreakerResources.com and sign up to receive news. For further information, follow Trailbreaker’s tweets at Twitter.com/TrailbreakerLtd, use the ‘Contact’ section of our website, or contact us at (604) 681-1820 or at info@trailbreakerresources.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or financial performance that is based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action; expectations regarding future exploration and drilling programs and receipt of related permitting. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as "anticipates", "expects", "understanding", "has agreed to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "would", "occur" or "be achieved". Although Trailbreaker has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Trailbreaker and may 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 not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, if any, Trailbreaker has applied several material assumptions, including the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, Trailbreaker does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available athttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c66345bd-85aa-42bb-a466-fe24fe4ce990
Trailbreaker Resources Ltd. (TBK.V) ("Trailbreaker" or "the Company") is pleased to report geochemical results from the 2023 surficial exploration program at their Castle Rock property on northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia (BC).
Highlights from the surficial exploration program include:
Message from the President
"Our grassroots exploration efforts at Castle Rock have continued to build upon a showing with limited previous exploration, and are quickly developing this into a compelling project with multiple targets. Castle Rock is a great testament to our tried-and-true exploration methodology which has proven to add value to our portfolio of early-stage exploration projects. We are excited to continue to advance Castle Rock, along with the rest of our portfolio." – Daithi Mac Gearailt
Figure 1: Soil geochemical anomalies and highlighted rock and moss-mat samples from the 2023 surface sampling program, overlain on interpretation of the regional airborne magnetic survey. Sampling defines a 3 km gold-in-soil trend which includes the Heart zone and newly defined Watchtower and Kokummi zones. Rock sampling has confirmed historic values at the Flan zone and defined an open gold-in-soil anomaly. Additionally, anomalous moss-mat samples in the southeast and eastern portions of the property have defined new areas of potential mineralization, leading to additional claim staking.
Heart, Watchtower, and Kokummi zones (3 km long soil trend)
Rock and soil geochemical sampling and prospecting successfully defined a three-kilometre gold-in-soil trend with multiple >30 ppb gold anomalies, centered on the previously known Heart showing. The Heart showing was discovered in 2012 and consists of a brecciated granodiorite dyke containing 5 to 10% pyrite-chalcopyrite. Historic chip sampling returned assays of 2.0 g/t Au over 30 metres 1 .
During the 2023 surface campaign, rock samples collected from an outcrop 175 m north-northwest of the Heart showing returned assay results up to 2.2 g/t Au. These samples were collected from a strongly oxidized granite, very similar to the main Heart zone showing. Additionally, gossanous basalt containing pyrite was sampled in outcrop 80 m east-northeast of the Heart showing, and returned assay results up to 2.2 g/t Au.
Soil sampling near the Heart showing expanded the continuous gold-in-soil anomaly, defining the Heart zone to approximately 1,150 m in strike length and up to 300 m in width.
A new multi-sample gold-in-soil anomaly, the Watchtower zone, was identified approximately 325 m to the southwest of the Heart showing. No previous sampling had been conducted in the area prior to 2023. The anomaly remains open to the south and west. This may represent an additional mineralization centre near the Heart zone.
A second newly identified gold-in-soil anomaly, the Kokummi zone, was defined to the south-southeast of the Heart zone. This anomaly is on strike of the Heart zone and is defined by gold-in-soil values >30 ppb along multiple soil sampling lines, defining a >600 m strike length.
Flan zone
Historic sampling at the Flan zone returned assays up to 135 g/t Au in boulders 2 . Sampling during 2023 was designed to confirm the presence of mineralization and to define a bedrock source. Gossanous float material sampled at the Flan zone confirmed high-grade gold mineralization, with assays up to 42.1 g/t Au and 1.93% Cu. As well, basalt-hosted semi-massive pyrite-chalcopyrite-pyrrhotite sampled in outcrop returned assays up to 3.1 g/t Au. It is believed that this outcrop-hosted mineralization is associated with the float samples, and that similar mineralization may occur under vegetative and/or till cover. The Flan zone lies at the intersection of two magnetic lineaments. This structural intersection may be an important control of gold mineralization.
The Flan zone occurs on the western extent of the soil geochemical grid. However, another gold-in-soil anomaly was defined from the 2023 sampling approximately 500 m north of the outcrop mineralization at the Flan zone. The anomaly is defined by >30 ppb gold-in-soil, and remains open to the west and north.
Reconnaissance sampling
To assess potential mineralization outside of the primary area covered by soil sampling, moss-mat sampling, targeting additional drainages on the property, was employed. Moss-mat sampling is used as a reconnaissance style sampling method, similar to stream sediment sampling, providing indications of metal content within a drainage and providing a vector for the location of mineralization.
Two areas returned multiple moss-mat samples with greater than 10 ppb gold. The first area is in the southeastern portion of the property, near the postulated contact of the Kokummi stock and the Karmutsen basalts. The second area is within a valley that drains from the eastern flank of Mt. Adam. This valley, which has not undergone any exploration work, is marked by magnetic lineaments, similar to those at the Heart-Kokummi soil trend. Additional claims were staked in this area to cover all drainages potentially causing these elevated moss-mat samples.
Future Work Recommendations
Future work at the Castle Rock property will be focussed toward continuing to define the extent of mineral potential on the property, as well as advancing individual targets toward initial drill testing. This work will include permitting to conduct advanced exploration activities, additional surface geochemical work, and geophysical surveying.
About the Castle Rock property
The Castle Rock property covers 3,108 hectares of land, approximately 70 km northwest of Campbell River, BC on northern Vancouver Island (Figure 1). It was acquired by Trailbreaker in 2022 and was recently consolidated through an option agreement with Cazador Resources Ltd. (see August 8, 2023 news release ). Trailbreaker conducted initial exploration assessment work in 2022 and followed up with a second surface exploration program in 2023 (results are contained in this news release).
The claims cover five BC Minfile occurrences on a district-scale structure that is >5 km-long, with newly identified gold ± copper-enriched intrusions. These Minfile occurrences are relatively new discoveries, mostly due to access created by recent logging activity.
Northern Vancouver Island is host to several large Cu-Au porphyry deposits, including Northisle's Hushamu deposit (Inferred Resource of 5.57 Moz AuEq) 3 , and BHP Billiton's past producing Island Copper porphyry copper deposit (produced >2.7 B lb Cu and >1.0 Moz Au) 3 .
At the Castle Rock property, gold is dominantly hosted in Jurassic granodiorite dykes which have been emplaced along a regional-scale fault zone separating Lower to Middle Triassic Daonella Bed sedimentary rocks from Upper Triassic Karmutsen Formation basalts.
About Trailbreaker Resources
Trailbreaker Resources is a project generator focused primarily on mining-friendly British Columbia and Yukon Territory, Canada. We are committed to continuous exploration and research, allowing us to maintain a portfolio of quality mineral properties which in turn provides value for our shareholders. The company has an experienced management team with a proven track record as project generators and developers throughout the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Alaska and Nevada.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Daithi Mac Gearailt
President and Chief Executive Officer
Carl Schulze, P. Geo., Consulting Geologist with Aurora Geosciences Ltd, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for Trailbreaker's BC and Yukon exploration projects, and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this release.
Other
For new information about the Company's projects, please visit Trailbreaker's website at TrailbreakerResources.com and sign up to receive news. For further information, follow Trailbreaker's tweets at Twitter.com/TrailbreakerLtd , use the ‘Contact' section of our website, or contact us at (604) 681-1820 or at info@trailbreakerresources.com .
References
1) https://minfile.gov.bc.ca/Summary.aspx?minfilno=092L%20%20399
2) https://minfile.gov.bc.ca/Summary.aspx?minfilno=092L%20%20396
3) https://cmscontent.nrs.gov.bc.ca/geoscience/PublicationCatalogue/InformationCircular/BCGS_IC2014-04.pdf
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or financial performance that is based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action; expectations regarding future exploration and drilling programs and receipt of related permitting. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as "anticipates", "expects", "understanding", "has agreed to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "would", "occur" or "be achieved". Although Trailbreaker has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Trailbreaker and may 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 not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, if any, Trailbreaker has applied several material assumptions, including the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, Trailbreaker does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ae9292a0-501f-4c65-93e1-4c863323130c
News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia
Trailbreaker Resources Ltd. (TBK.V) ("Trailbreaker" or "the Company") is pleased to provide a company update on exploration activities during the 2023 field season, and on our continued efforts to build shareholder value.
2023 was an active year for Trailbreaker, with work conducted across a wide array of our projects. Work included the filing of an NI 43-101 technical report on the Atsutla project, optioning out of a portion of the Eagle Lake property, drill testing on the Eakin Creek project, conducting surface exploration at the Golden Sable and Castle Rock projects, and conducting a site visit at the Sheldon project. As well, the technical team was bolstered by the appointment of a new position of Vice President of Exploration. Work towards permitting of projects in order to conduct drill testing is ongoing. As well, the technical team is actively engaged in conducting project generation to bring new highly prospective properties into the Trailbreaker portfolio. Trailbreaker intends to carry the momentum from this year's activities into 2024, and to continue to build on the 2023 exploration successes.
Message from the President
"Thank you to our base of loyal shareholders who have continued to believe in and support our exploration approach through a tough metals market. We are excited to be advancing numerous projects and are looking forward to an active 2024 exploration season. We are also excited about the ongoing target generation that our technical team has been engaging in, which we feel will continue to add highly prospective projects into our pipeline." – Daithi Mac Gearailt
2023 Exploration Activities
Click the hyperlinks below for more information on each project, news release, or presentation.
Atsutla : Prior to the start of the field season, Trailbreaker filed an NI 43-101 technical report for the Atsutla project, located in northwestern BC (see news release dated May 15, 2023 ). The technical report and accompanied structural geology report with drill recommendations, provide a geological framework and clear exploration methodology to advance the Atsutla project. There is strong potential both for intrusion-hosted auriferous quartz veins in the western portion of the property, where rock samples assayed up to 630 g/t gold (Au); and for porphyry copper-gold (Cu-Au) mineralization at the Swan zone, where rock samples returned up to 11.7 g/t Au.
Eagle Lake : Trailbreaker optioned out a portion of the Eagle Lake project, located in central BC, to Vizsla Copper. These four claims abut Vizsla Copper's Woodjam project (see news release dated June 12, 2023 ). Vizsla Copper has the option to acquire a 100% interest in the four optioned claims by issuing an aggregate of 400,000 common shares to Trailbreaker over three years. Trailbreaker and Teck Resources Ltd. retain a combined 2% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on these claims. Trailbreaker retains the prospective Moffat zone portion of the Eagle Lake project, where historic drill results returned grades up to 3.52 g/t Au over 9.9 m. Also at the Moffat zone, a 2022 MMI (mobile metal ion) soil survey defined an 850 x 700 m gold-copper-silver-molybdenum (Au-Cu-Ag-Mo) anomaly.
Eakin Creek : Trailbreaker's field season began with a successful diamond drill program at the Eakin Creek project, south-central BC (see news release dated September 5, 2023 ). Gold was intersected in all eleven drillholes, highlighted by intervals including: 1.0 m of 14.3 g/t Au in hole EC-23-02; 3.0 m of 2.42 g/t Au in hole EC-23-01; and 15.7 m of 0.32 g/t Au in hole EC-23-05. This drill program represented a successful and cost-effective first pass test of a highly prospective target, with 2,039 m of drilling completed for less than CAD$500k. Additional drilling is recommended to expand the known extent of mineralized zones.
Golden Sable : Surface work at the Golden Sable project, south-central BC, extended the gold-in-soil anomaly to 4 km in length (see news release dated September 14, 2023 ). The Golden Sable project was newly acquired by Trailbreaker (see news release dated May 29, 2023 ). The project was subsequently explored by Trailbreaker, focusing on a previously identified significant gold-in-soil anomaly. This anomaly is locally supported by 2018 drill results, including 24.0 m of 0.83 g/t Au, in turn including a sub-interval of 4.0 m of 2.4 g/t Au. Outcrop exposure on the property is limited, and no follow-up drilling along the gold-in-soil anomaly has occurred, leaving a majority of the highly prospective anomaly untested.
Sheldon : A site visit to the Sheldon project, central Yukon, confirmed historic gold-in-rock values, as well as numerous key geological features indicating a potential "reduced intrusion-related gold system" (RIRGS). Rock samples collected in an area hosting abundant sheeted quartz veins containing arsenopyrite and bismuthinite, near the contact of the Sheldon Stock granite and hornfels sedimentary rocks, returned assays up to 6.48 g/t Au. The site visit confirmed the geological model, presence of high-priority targets, and supported our exploration approach to be applied at the Sheldon property. An updated project presentation may be found on our website.
Castle Rock : Trailbreaker announced the acquisition of the Castle Rock property, northern Vancouver Island, BC, through a combination of claim staking and a partnership agreement with Cazador Resources (see news release dated January 20, 2023 ). The property was subsequently consolidated through a secondary agreement with Cazador Resources, giving Trailbreaker the option to gain a 100% interest in the property (see news release dated August 8, 2023 ). A surface exploration program, consisting of 497 soil samples, 50 rock samples, and geological mapping, was completed at Castle Rock. This program followed up on the 2022 gold-in-soil anomaly identified near the gold-rich Heart porphyry prospect, and on historic rock samples at the Flan zone (see news release dated September 25, 2023 ). Assay samples for this work are still outstanding and will be reported separately once received.
Vice President of Exploration : In addition to Trailbreaker's field exploration activities, Dillon Hume, M.Sc., P.Geo., joined the team as the Vice President of Exploration in July, 2023. Mr. Hume brings a wealth of mineral exploration experience to Trailbreaker, having been involved in significant discoveries, including the East Ridge Zone at the Red Chris Cu-Au porphyry mine, and the Krakatoa Zone at the Kudz Ze Kayah VHMS deposit. Mr. Hume completed an M.Sc. degree on the structural and mineralogical controls of gold mineralization at the Tajitos orogenic gold deposit in Sonora, Mexico, and is registered as a professional geoscientist in British Columbia. He brings a strong management and technical foundation to help propel Trailbreaker's exciting project portfolio.
Project Generation
Trailbreaker is continually conducting project generation, including reviewing projects that may add significant exploration potential and fit well within Trailbreaker's portfolio. Project generation is primarily focused on identifying underexplored and undervalued projects which the technical team feels have realistic potential for significant advancement. Project generation work is primarily focused on gold projects in British Columbia and Yukon.
Outlook for future work
Trailbreaker is preparing for another year of exploration across a suite of prospective projects. Surface work and geophysical surveys will be conducted at numerous properties to develop drill targets that could lead to significant discoveries. As well, the technical team is planning first-pass drill programs for several projects. Additional news on specific work programs can be expected through the winter and spring months, as these planning efforts solidify.
In addition to field work for 2024, the Trailbreaker team will be attending conferences over the winter months, including but not limited to: the AMEBC RoundUp conference from January 22-25, 2024 in Vancouver; the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference from March 3-6, 2024 in Toronto; and the Kamloops Exploration Group Conference from April 9-10, 2024 in Kamloops.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Daithi Mac Gearailt
President and Chief Executive Officer
Carl Schulze, P. Geo., Consulting Geologist with Aurora Geosciences Ltd, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for Trailbreaker's BC and Yukon exploration projects, and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this release.
Other
For new information about the Company's projects, please visit Trailbreaker's website at TrailbreakerResources.com and sign up to receive news. For further information, follow Trailbreaker's tweets at Twitter.com/TrailbreakerLtd , use the ‘Contact' section of our website, or contact us at (604) 681-1820 or at info@trailbreakerresources.com .
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or financial performance that is based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action; expectations regarding future exploration and drilling programs and receipt of related permitting. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as "anticipates", "expects", "understanding", "has agreed to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "would", "occur" or "be achieved". Although Trailbreaker has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Trailbreaker and may 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 not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, if any, Trailbreaker has applied several material assumptions, including the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, Trailbreaker does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Telephone: 604 681 1820
Facsimile: 604 681 1864
https://www.TrailbreakerResources.com
https://twitter.com/TrailbreakerLtd.
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Trailbreaker Resources Ltd. (TBK.V) ("Trailbreaker" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed a surficial exploration program at its Castle Rock property on northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia (BC).
The program consisted of the collection of 497 soil samples, 50 prospecting grab samples, and geological mapping. It was primarily designed to follow up on the channel sample and associated 400 m x 50 m gold-in-soil anomaly defined as the Heart zone in 2022.
Daithi Mac Gearailt, CEO of Trailbreaker, commented: "The program provided excellent coverage of the already robust gold anomaly at the Heart zone. This is a very recent discovery in an underexplored area of the Island. With the results in hand, we will have a more complete picture of the strike length of the anomaly and whether there are additional geochemical trends."
All assays for the program remain pending.
About the Castle Rock property
The Castle Rock property covers 3,108 hectares on Northern Vancouver Island, approximately 70 km northwest of Campbell River, BC (Figure 1). It was acquired by Trailbreaker in 2022 and was recently consolidated through an option agreement (see August 8, 2023 news release ).
The claims cover five BC Minfile occurrences along a district-scale structure that is >5 km long, with newly identified gold ± copper-enriched intrusions. These Minfile occurrences are relatively new discoveries, mostly due to access created by recent logging activity.
Northern Vancouver Island is host to several large copper-gold (Cu-Au) porphyry deposits including Northisle's Hushamu deposit (Inferred Resource of 5.57 Moz AuEq) 1 , and BHP Billiton's past producing Island Copper porphyry copper deposit (has produced >2.7 B lb Cu and >1.0 Moz Au) 1 .
At the Castle Rock property, gold is dominantly hosted in Jurassic granodiorite dykes emplaced along a regional-scale fault zone separating Lower to Middle Triassic Daonella Bed sedimentary rocks from Upper Triassic Karmutsen Formation basalts.
Figure 1: Location of the Castle Rock property on Vancouver Island 1 .
2023 exploration at the Heart and Flan zones
The Heart zone was the primary focus of the 2023 exploration program. The Heart showing (upon which the zone is centered) was discovered in 2012 and consists of a brecciated granodiorite dyke containing 5% to 10% combined pyrite and chalcopyrite. Historic chip sampling returned assays of 2.0 g/t Au over 30 metres 2 .
During 2022, Trailbreaker completed a channel sampling program at the Heart showing which returned values up to 0.68 g/t Au over 13.11 m, including a subinterval of 1.85 g/t Au over 2.92 m. A small soil geochemical survey outlined a 400 m x 50 m, northwest-southeast trending gold-in-soil anomaly. This is interpreted to represent the surface footprint of the gold-bearing dyke exposed at the Heart showing. Soil values up to 5.44 g/t Au were returned, and the anomaly remains open. This area is referred to as the Heart zone.
During the 2023 program, the exploration team expanded the soil grid, now covering 3.2 km x 1.5 km with 497 soil samples (see Figure 2). Additional prospecting was also done along trend of the Heart zone to explore for similar mineralization to that of the main Heart showing.
The soil survey was also extended to cover the Flan zone, located approximately 1.5 km west of the Heart zone. The zone was originally discovered in 2000 and comprises numerous high-grade boulders assaying up to 135 g/t Au 3 . Prospecting at the Flan zone during the 2023 program uncovered significant pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite mineralization hosted in a mafic volcanic unit. While the boulders were originally interpreted as sourced from the Heart zone, the mineralized volcanic rocks may represent a recently exposed bedrock source discovered in 2023 within 200 metres of the historic location of the boulders.
Figure 2: 2023 sample locations at the Castle Rock property with inset showing 2022 results at the Heart zone.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Daithi Mac Gearailt
President and Chief Executive Officer
Carl Schulze, P. Geo., Consulting Geologist with Aurora Geosciences Ltd, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for Trailbreaker's BC and Yukon exploration projects, and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this release.
Other
For new information about the Company's projects, please visit Trailbreaker's website at TrailbreakerResources.com and sign up to receive news. For further information, follow Trailbreaker's tweets at Twitter.com/TrailbreakerLtd , use the ‘Contact' section of our website, or contact us at (604) 681-1820 or at info@trailbreakerresources.com .
References
1) https://cmscontent.nrs.gov.bc.ca/geoscience/PublicationCatalogue/InformationCircular/BCGS_IC2014-04.pdf
2) https://minfile.gov.bc.ca/Summary.aspx?minfilno=092L%20%20399
3) https://minfile.gov.bc.ca/Summary.aspx?minfilno=092L%20%20396
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or financial performance that is based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action; expectations regarding future exploration and drilling programs and receipt of related permitting. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as "anticipates", "expects", "understanding", "has agreed to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "would", "occur" or "be achieved". Although Trailbreaker has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Trailbreaker and may 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 not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, if any, Trailbreaker has applied several material assumptions, including the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, Trailbreaker does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
| Trailbreaker Resources Ltd. | ||
| 650 W. Georgia Street, #2110 | ||
| Vancouver, British Columbia | ||
| Canada, V6B 4N9 | ||
| Telephone: | 604 681 1820 | |
| Facsimile: | 604 681 1864 | |
| https://www.TrailbreakerResources.com | ||
| https://twitter.com/TrailbreakerLtd. | ||
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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Trailbreaker Resources Ltd. (TBK.V) ("Trailbreaker" or "the Company") is pleased to announce results from its 2023 surficial exploration program at the Golden Sable property in south-central British Columbia (BC). Efforts were focused on investigating a historic 3-kilometre-long gold-in-soil anomaly. The program was successful in extending the anomaly a further 1 kilometre to the southeast, where it remains open.
Daithi Mac Gearailt, CEO of Trailbreaker, commented: "This was an excellent first-pass evaluation of a property with known gold mineralization. There is a very significant gold-in-soil trend here, with historic drilling to verify the presence of gold mineralization in bedrock."
About the Golden Sable property
The 2,852-hectare Golden Sable property is located 75 km northeast of Kamloops, BC, and 20 km south of Bridge Lake, BC. It is easily accessible via Highway 24 and the Bonaparte Forest Service Road. Golden Sable comprises two main areas, Golden Sable (GS) East and GS West, which are contiguous (see Figure 1 and May 29, 2023 news release ).
The Golden Sable property covers an intrusion-related gold target. The claims lie within the Quesnel tectonic terrane that hosts many of British Columbia's active and past-producing gold mines. Middle to Upper Triassic Nicola Group volcanics and sedimentary rocks comprise the majority of the underlying bedrock geology. The property also straddles the margins of a large, early Jurassic hornblende-biotite granodiorite pluton with prevalent younger mafic and andesitic dikes.
From 2006 to 2013 Amarc Resources delineated the 3-kilometre-long soil anomaly on the GS West block, which was subsequently drill tested by Sable Resources in 2018.
The inaugural, 1,339-metre drill program conducted by Sable Resources on the GS West block encountered gold mineralization in 5 of 7 drill holes. Results include an intersection of 0.83 g/t gold (Au) over 24.0m, including 2.4 g/t gold over 4.0m. Gold mineralization was found to be associated with mafic and intermediate dike swarms trending northwest – southeast along the granitic contacts.
No follow-up drilling has been conducted to date, and the majority of the gold-in-soil anomaly remains untested.
Figure 1: Location of Trailbreaker's Golden Sable property.
Trailbreaker's 2023 exploration program
The 2023 surficial exploration program was designed to evaluate the quality of the historic soil sample locations, locate the historic drill holes, map and prospect available outcrops, and continue soil sampling to the southeast of the GS West historic gold-in-soil trend.
The program was successful in extending the GS West gold-in-soil anomaly 1 km farther to the southeast, where it remains open. Assaying of the soil samples within this trend returned values up to 242 ppb Au (see Figure 2).
A tightly-spaced soil sample grid was also performed over historic soil samples in the area of drilling to evaluate the consistency and quality of previous results. Assay results within this grid returned values up to 601 ppb Au and displayed a similar anomalous signature to that of the historic soil sampling, confirming the validity of the historic anomaly.
Geological mapping revealed outcrops of granite and andesitic dikes within the gold-in-soil trend. Significant pyrite mineralization occurs in the area of the historic drilling.
Figure 2: 2023 exploration at Golden Sable West.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Daithi Mac Gearailt
President and Chief Executive Officer
Carl Schulze, P. Geo., Consulting Geologist with Aurora Geosciences Ltd, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for Trailbreaker's BC and Yukon exploration projects, and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this release.
OTHER
For new information about the Company's projects, please visit Trailbreaker's website at TrailbreakerResources.com and sign up to receive news. For further information, follow Trailbreaker's tweets at Twitter.com/TrailbreakerLtd , use the ‘Contact' section of our website, or contact us at (604) 681-1820 or at info@trailbreakerresources.com .
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or financial performance that is based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action; expectations regarding future exploration and drilling programs and receipt of related permitting. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as "anticipates", "expects", "understanding", "has agreed to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "would", "occur" or "be achieved". Although Trailbreaker has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Trailbreaker and may 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 not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, if any, Trailbreaker has applied several material assumptions, including the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, Trailbreaker does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Telephone: 604 681 1820
Facsimile: 604 681 1864
https://www.TrailbreakerResources.com
https://twitter.com/TrailbreakerLtd
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e2f6002a-b3b5-4a84-8752-4fcc36952b63
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All amounts expressed in US dollars
Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) said today it was making significant progress in building a business for the future with a peerless Tier One 1 focused asset portfolio and a strategy that continues to uncover and unlock value, while also fostering productive partnerships in its host countries.
Speaking in New York to investors at an in-depth presentation on the group's position, achievements and plans, president and chief executive Mark Bristow said that since the merger, Barrick had generated $23 billion in operating cash flow, invested $15 billion in its operations and growth projects — effectively recapitalizing operations for the next 10 years or more — reduced the net debt by nearly $4 billion and returned over $5 billion to shareholders. 2
"Our world-class projects are set to deliver a new growth phase and our targeted exploration programs are on course to maintain Barrick's unmatched record of reserve replacement, which allows us to project a 10-year production profile," he said.
Barrick is opening up exciting new frontiers in Chile, Peru and Ecuador while also exploiting value-creating opportunities within its current asset portfolio. "In Nevada, we're making significant progress with mine extension projects at Leeville, Goldrush, Hanson, Robertson, Swift and new extensions to Turquoise Ridge. The newly permitted Goldrush mine is ramping up production and the adjacent Fourmile, which is currently 100% owned by Barrick, is turning out to be a truly world-class asset," Bristow said.
Barrick has completed a preliminary economic assessment at Fourmile using conservative mining rates and costs, all of which draw directly from the current Goldrush mine plan. The results highlight the potential for annual operating cash flows that are at least 70% higher than the already world-class Goldrush project. 3
Bristow said Barrick's holistic approach to sustainability is central to every aspect of its value-driven business. "It enables us to make the most of the highest-quality gold assets in the industry while building a world-class copper business. It supports the evolution of a partnership model that benefits all stakeholders. It is key to the management of the mines that generate the free cash flow to fund our organic growth projects and build the strong balance sheet that enables a disciplined return to shareholders. Not least, it attracts the best and the brightest new employees because it resonates with their own values," he said.
The webcast of today's Investor Day presentations is available at www.barrick.com .
Enquiries:
| President and CEO Mark Bristow +1 647 205 7694 +44 788 071 1386 | Senior EVP and CFO Graham Shuttleworth +1 647 262 2095 +44 779 771 1338 | Investor and Media Relations Kathy du Plessis +44 20 7557 7738 Email: barrick@dpapr.com |
Website: www.barrick.com
Endnote 1
A Tier One Gold asset has the potential for +5Moz and +10 years of production at +500kozpa at $1400/oz reserve prices, with all in sustaining costs per ounce in the lower half of the industry cost curve. A Tier One Copper Asset has potential for +5Mt contained copper and +20 years of production of +200ktpa at $3/lb reserve prices, with costs per pound in the lower half of the industry cost curve. Tier One Assets must be located in a world class geological district with potential for organic reserve growth and long-term geologically driven addition.
Endnote 2
Returns to shareholders include dividends, return of capital distributions and share buybacks.
Endnote 3
Fourmile financial metrics and production metrics are based upon Barrick's internal preliminary economic assessment which is conceptual in nature because it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. The preliminary economic assessment for Fourmile is based upon $1,900/oz mineable stope optimizer. The assumptions outlined within the preliminary economic assessment have formed the basis for the ongoing study and are made by a Qualified Person. Fourmile is currently 100% owned by Barrick. As previously disclosed, Barrick anticipates Fourmile being contributed to the Nevada Gold Mines joint venture, at fair market value, if certain criteria are met.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans, or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words "progress", "continue", "target", "ramp up", "potential", "project", and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: Barrick's forward-looking production guidance, including our ten-year outlook for gold and copper and anticipated production growth from Barrick's organic project pipeline and reserve replacement; our expected progress with respect to our growth projects, including our mine extension projects at Leeville and the Pipeline region and the ramp up at Goldrush; our exploration strategy; the potential for Fourmile to become a world-class asset and anticipated annual operating cash flows from the project; Barrick's sustainability strategy; and expectations, regarding future price assumptions, financial performance and other outlooks or guidance.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to political instability in certain of the jurisdictions in which Barrick operates; risks associated with projects in the early stages of evaluation and for which additional engineering and other analysis is required; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper, or certain other commodities (such as diesel fuel, natural gas, and electricity); the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation, and exploration successes; risks associated with working with partners in jointly controlled assets; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/ or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices; expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Canada, the United States, or the other jurisdictions in which the Company or its affiliates do or may carry on business in the future; risks related to disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities, including disruptions in the supply of key mining inputs due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and conflicts in the Middle East; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; risks associated with new diseases, epidemics and pandemics; litigation and legal and administrative proceedings; employee relations including loss of key employees; failure to obtain key licenses by governmental authorities; increased costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change, including extreme weather events, resource shortages, emerging policies and increased regulations related to greenhouse gas emission levels, energy efficiency and reporting of risks; and availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).
Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barrick's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
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All amounts expressed in US dollars
Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) today updated its mineral resource estimate for its wholly-owned Fourmile project in Nevada, resulting in a 192% increase in indicated resources (1.4 million ounces grading 11.76gt), a 137% increase in inferred resources (6.4 million ounces grading 14.1gt) and a 35% increase in grade relative to Barrick's 2023 year-end mineral resource estimate 1 .
The increases reflect the addition of 25 new drill holes to the 2023 mineral resource estimate across the southernmost portion of the orebody, immediately adjacent to the Goldrush project at Cortez which is part of the Nevada Gold Mines joint venture (NGM).
Speaking today at Barrick's Investor Day in New York , president and chief executive Mark Bristow said that the Fourmile project was a truly world-class asset and could be compared to the original Goldstrike deposit, the foundational asset of Barrick which is now part of NGM's Carlin.
"Our strategy of investing in organic growth through exploration and mineral resource management has set us apart from the industry. We believe in creating real value through discovery and development rather than relying on an increase in the gold price to justify high-premium mergers and acquisitions," he said.
"Since the formation of the NGM joint venture in 2019, we have added more than 19Moz of proven and probable mineral reserves to the life of mine plan on a 100% basis 2 . This does not yet reflect the additional exploration upside that we see today, including Greater Leeville and Hanson in Cortez Underground," said Bristow.
Mineral resource management and evaluation executive Simon Bottoms added that the updated mineral resource estimate for Fourmile only covers approximately one-third of the overall orebody as defined by drilling to date.
"To illustrate the potential value that a truly world-class orebody like Fourmile has, we have completed a preliminary economic assessment using conservative mining rates and costs, all of which draw directly from the current Goldrush mine plan. The results highlight the potential for annual operating cash flows resulting from Fourmile to be more than 70% higher than the already world-class Goldrush project 3 . For the next stage of the project, we plan to start a three-year prefeasibility study in 2025, which will not only continue to define substantial resources and reserves across the entire orebody from surface drilling, while the northern Bullion Hill access is permitted and developed, but will also undertake pilot autoclave and roaster test work," Bottoms said.
Enquiries:
| President and CEO Mark Bristow +1 647 205 7694 +44 788 071 1386 | Senior EVP and CFO Graham Shuttleworth +1 647 262 2095 +44 779 771 1338 | Investor and Media Relations Kathy du Plessis +44 20 7557 7738 Email: barrick@dpapr.com |
Website: www.barrick.com
Technical Information
The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Craig Fiddes, SME-RM, Lead, Resource Modeling, Nevada Gold Mines; Simon Bottoms, CGeol, MGeol, FGS, FAusIMM, Mineral Resource Management and Evaluation Executive; John Steele, CIM, Metallurgy, Engineering and Capital Projects Executive; and Joel Holliday, FAusIMM, Executive Vice-President, Exploration—each a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects .
All mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates are estimated in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects . Unless otherwise noted, such mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates are as of December 31, 2023 except Fourmile, which is as of November 22, 2024.
Endnote 1
Estimated in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects as required by Canadian securities regulatory authorities.
| Fourmile 2024 Gold Mineral Resources 1, 2,3,4,5 | |||||||||||||
| As at November 22, 2024 | MEASURED (M) 6 | INDICATED (I) 6 | (M) + (I) 6 | INFERRED 7 | |||||||||
| Tonnes | Grade | Contained ozs | Tonnes | Grade | Contained ozs | Contained ozs | Tonnes | Grade | Contained ozs | ||||
| Based on attributable ounces | (Mt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (Mt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (Moz) | (Mt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | |||
| Fourmile underground (100%) | — | — | — | 3.6 | 11.76 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 14 | 14.1 | 6.4 | |||
| TOTAL | — | — | — | 3.6 | 11.76 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 14 | 14.1 | 6.4 | |||
| See "Mineral Reserves and Resources Endnotes". | |||||||||||||
| Fourmile 2023 Gold Mineral Resources 1,2,3,4,5 | |||||||||||||
| As at December 31, 2023 | MEASURED (M) 6 | INDICATED (I) 6 | (M) + (I) 6 | INFERRED 7 | |||||||||
| Tonnes | Grade | Contained ozs | Tonnes | Grade | Contained ozs | Contained ozs | Tonnes | Grade | Contained ozs | ||||
| Based on attributable ounces | (Mt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (Mt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | (Moz) | (Mt) | (g/t) | (Moz) | |||
| Fourmile underground (100%) | — | — | — | 1.5 | 10.04 | 0.48 | 0.48 | 8.2 | 10.1 | 2.7 | |||
| TOTAL | — | — | — | 1.5 | 10.04 | 0.48 | 0.48 | 8.2 | 10.1 | 2.7 | |||
| See "Mineral Reserves and Resources Endnotes". | |||||||||||||
Endnote 2
Proven and probable reserve gains at Nevada Gold Mines calculated from cumulative net change in reserves from year end 2019 to 2023, as shown in the table below (100% basis):
| Year | P&P Reserves (Moz) | Acquisition & Divestments (Moz) i | Depletion (Moz) | Net Change (Moz) | |
| 2019 a | 48 | - | (4.5 | ) | 4.5 |
| 2020 b | 45 | - | (4.0 | ) | 0.85 |
| 2021 c | 50 | 0.38 | (4.3 | ) | 9.0 |
| 2022 d | 48 | - | (3.7 | ) | 1.8 |
| 2023 e | 47 | - | (3.5 | ) | 2.7 |
| 2019 – 2023 Total | N/A | 0.38 | (20 | ) | 19 |
Totals may not appear to sum correctly due to rounding.
All estimates are estimated in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects as required by Canadian securities regulatory authorities.
a Estimates as of December 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted. Proven reserves of 160 million tonnes grading 4.24 g/t, representing 22 million ounces of gold, and Probable reserves of 410 million tonnes grading 2.02 g/t, representing 26 million ounces of gold. Conversions may not recalculate due to rounding.
b Estimates as of December 31, 2020, unless otherwise noted. Proven reserves of 150 million tonnes grading 4.23g/t, representing 21 million ounces of gold, and Probable reserves of 360 million tonnes grading 2.11g/t, representing 24 million ounces of gold. Conversions may not recalculate due to rounding.
c Estimates as of December 31, 2021, unless otherwise noted. Proven mineral reserves of 99 million tonnes grading 4.82g/t, representing 15 million ounces of gold, and Probable reserves of 420 million tonnes grading 2.58g/t, representing 35 million ounces of gold. Conversions may not recalculate due to rounding.
d Estimates as of December 31, 2022, unless otherwise noted. Proven mineral reserves of 83 million tonnes grading 5.24g/t, representing 14 million ounces of gold, and Probable reserves of 500 million tonnes grading 2.12g/t, representing 34 million ounces of gold. Conversions may not recalculate due to rounding.
e Estimates as of December 31, 2023, unless otherwise noted. Proven mineral reserves of 52 million tonnes grading 4.42g/t, representing 7.5 million ounces of gold, and Probable reserves of 530 million tonnes grading 2.35g/t, representing 40 million ounces of gold. Conversions may not recalculate due to rounding.
Endnote 3
Fourmile financial metrics and production metrics are based upon Barrick's internal preliminary economic assessment which is conceptual in nature because it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. The preliminary economic assessment for Fourmile is based upon $1,900/oz mineable stope optimizer. The assumptions outlined within the preliminary economic assessment have formed the basis for the ongoing study and are made by a Qualified Person. Fourmile is currently 100% owned by Barrick. As previously disclosed, Barrick anticipates Fourmile being contributed to the Nevada Gold Mines joint venture, at fair market value, if certain criteria are met.
Mineral Reserves and Resources Endnotes
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans, or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words "progress", "continue", "target", "ramp up", "potential", "project", and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: Barrick's forward-looking production guidance, including our ten-year outlook for gold and copper and anticipated production growth from Barrick's organic project pipeline and reserve replacement; our expected progress with respect to our growth projects, including our mine extension projects at Leeville and the Pipeline region and the ramp up at Goldrush; our exploration strategy; the potential for Fourmile to become a world-class asset and anticipated annual operating cash flows from the project; Barrick's sustainability strategy; and expectations, regarding future price assumptions, financial performance and other outlooks or guidance.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to political instability in certain of the jurisdictions in which Barrick operates; risks associated with projects in the early stages of evaluation and for which additional engineering and other analysis is required; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper, or certain other commodities (such as diesel fuel, natural gas, and electricity); the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation, and exploration successes; risks associated with working with partners in jointly controlled assets; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/ or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices; expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Canada, the United States, or the other jurisdictions in which the Company or its affiliates do or may carry on business in the future; risks related to disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities, including disruptions in the supply of key mining inputs due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and conflicts in the Middle East; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; risks associated with new diseases, epidemics and pandemics; litigation and legal and administrative proceedings; employee relations including loss of key employees; failure to obtain key licenses by governmental authorities; increased costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change, including extreme weather events, resource shortages, emerging policies and increased regulations related to greenhouse gas emission levels, energy efficiency and reporting of risks; and availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).
Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barrick's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
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