Athena Gold’s high-grade gold exploration assets in two of the world’s safest and most prolific mining jurisdictions, backed by a highly technical and entrepreneurial leadership team, make it a compelling investment opportunity worth examining.
Athena Gold (CSE:ATHA,OTCQB:AHNR) is a dynamic gold exploration company focused on advancing its newly acquired asset in Ontario’s Red Lake Gold Camp in Canada, and its gold discovery project in Nevada’s Excelsior Springs in the US. These projects are located in two of the world’s safest, tier-one mining jurisdictions, where major mining companies are increasingly refocusing their exploration efforts due to geopolitical stability and established mining infrastructure.
Ontario’s Red Lake and Nevada’s Walker Lane Trend are globally renowned for their high-grade gold deposits. By operating in these regions, Athena Gold aligns itself with the recent trend toward safer, more predictable mining jurisdictions.
The company is guided by a young, entrepreneurial and highly technical leadership team, uniquely equipped to unlock the potential of its assets through cost-effective and innovative exploration strategies. Athena Gold is committed to discovery-driven growth, prioritizing projects with world-class potential.
The Laird Lake project, encompassing 4,158 hectares, is located in Ontario’s Red Lake Gold District, an iconic mining camp producing over 30 million ounces of gold. This project spans over 10 kilometers of the Balmer-Confederation Assemblage contact, a key geological structure historically hosting major gold deposits, including the renowned Great Bear mine, now owned by Kinross (TSX:K,NYSE:KGC), and Madsen mine, owned by West Red Lake Gold (TSXV:WRLG:,OTCQB:WRLGF).
Recent sampling has confirmed the project’s exceptional potential, including a bonanza-grade surface grab sample returning 373 grams per ton (g/t) gold — the highest recorded at the site. Mineralization has been identified over a 2.2-kilometer strike length, with further extensions open to the east and west. Strategic proximity to major operations, such as West Red Lake Gold Mines' flagship Madsen mine and Kinross Gold’s Great Bear project, further enhances its appeal.
Map of Laird Lake project, showing selected assays from the October 2024 sampling program.
Athena Gold is executing a systematic exploration strategy, with plans for a property-wide geochemistry survey in 2025. These efforts aim to identify drill targets for a winter-spring drilling campaign, focusing on high-grade zones and expanding the project’s resource potential.
The Excelsior Springs project is located in Nevada’s Walker Lane Trend, a prolific mining district with more than 40 million ounces of historical gold output. Major mining companies already operating in the Walker Lane trend include Kinross Gold, AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU) and Centerra Gold (TSX:CG). Located on patented and unpatented ground with year-round access, the project boasts a rich history of high-grade gold mining, including the Buster Mine, which produced 19,200 ounces at grades exceeding 40 g/t gold in the late 19th century.
Athena Gold has identified significant potential for Excelsior Springs, with near-surface gold oxide mineralization. A standout discovery in the Western Slope zone yielded an impressive intercept of 5.35 g/t gold over 33.5 meters, supported by broader mineralized zones such as 1.02 g/t gold over 52 meters. These results suggest the potential for an open-pit mining operation, making the project an attractive prospect for resource expansion.
The project is geologically analogous to AngloGold’s Silicon project, which has demonstrated similar mineralization and structural settings. Excelsior Springs also benefits from a multi-phase exploration plan. A recent property-wide structural mapping program is refining the understanding of geological controls, with trenching and targeted geochemical sampling already underway.
Upcoming exploration phases will include oriented core drilling to delineate high-grade zones further and test for additional deposits.
David Goodman transitioned from a successful legal career to the investment management industry, becoming a partner, vice-president and portfolio manager at the firm behind Dynamic Funds. As president and CEO of Dynamic Funds and later DundeeWealth, he led the firm to significant growth, increasing assets under management from $5 billion to approximately $50 billion. Under his leadership, the firm was recognized multiple times as Fund Company of the Year at the Canadian Investment Awards. Goodman has also served on the boards of DundeeWealth, Repadre Capital, Dundee and SickKids Foundation.
Koby Kushner is a licensed professional engineer in Ontario and a CFA charter holder, with a background in mining engineering and equity research. He has worked at several mines in Ontario and Manitoba, including Hemlo (Barrick Gold) and Detour, gaining experience across all stages of project development. As an equity research analyst at Red Cloud Securities, a mining-focused investment bank, he covered more than 100 companies across various development stages and commodities, with a focus on precious and energy metals.
John Power has been with Athena Gold since its inception, serving in various capacities, including president and CEO. He managed the Langtry silver project, developing an NI 43-101 compliant resource of more than 60 million ounces of silver. Power was the president of Redwood Microcap Fund, where he increased shareholder value sixfold. He has also served as a director and/or officer of Magellan Gold and co-managing member of Silver Saddle Resources, a private entity owning mining claims in Nevada.
Ty Minnick is a certified public accountant with more than 25 years of experience across various industries. Since 2011, he has worked with Augusta Gold (formerly Bullfrog Gold), serving as chief financial officer until October 2020, and continuing as a consultant thereafter. He has also been associated with Grand Mesa CPAs and served as director of finance and administration for the Grand Junction Regional Airport Authority.
Ben Kuzmich is a geologist with a strong track record of significant discoveries, driving the technical aspects of Athena’s projects. His expertise includes porphyry and epithermal systems, with a focus on cost-efficient exploration.
Mining in Ontario is big business. In 2021, Ontario’s mining industry produced roughly C$11.1 billion worth of minerals, accounting for 20 percent of Canada’s total production value. The importance of the mining industry has helped create a mining-friendly jurisdiction that understands the value of capitalizing on its natural resources. That’s why the Fraser Institute has ranked Ontario among the top 15 jurisdictions worldwide for investment attractiveness.
Additionally, the Canadian government is making a significant push to ramp up the production of critical minerals, including copper, lithium and aluminum. This push has resulted in more than 31 critical mineral projects in advanced exploration stages in Ontario,e paving the way for the development of a domestic supply chain for the country.
Heritage Mining (CSE:HML) is an exploration and development mining company with district-scale assets targeting gold and copper mineralizations within Ontario. The company’s flagship Drayton-Black Lake project is a strategically assembled district-scale project with encouraging bulk samples, high-grade gold intercepts and robust existing infrastructure. An experienced management team leads Heritage Mining with more than 100 years of combined experience working within the natural resources sector.
The Drayton-Black Lake project is a district-scale asset with a rich history, but a single company has never operated the entire area. Instead, it was split up among different operators and has never received systematic exploration to determine its mineralizations' actual width and depth.
As a result, Heritage Mining is launching the first systematic exploration program that will identify promising deposits throughout the entire area of this historic region from a low-grade, high-tonnage perspective.
The company entered a definitive asset purchase agreement with Bounty Gold Corp. to acquire 50 mining claims in the Split Lake zone adjacent to Heritage's flagship Drayton-Black Lake project. Heritage will acquire a 100 percent interest in the Split Lake property in exchange for issuing Bounty 100,000 common shares.
“Relative to other projects in the area, we are very close to infrastructure. There is a paved highway through the property, all-weather logging roads, and well-maintained ATV roads. So it’s quite a bit different than other projects in Northern Ontario: there are no ice roads and we don’t have to fly in to do work,” CEO Peter Schloo stated in an interview.
The company also operates the Contact Bay project containing high-grade copper-nickel mineralizations. The 4,700-hectare land package is within an active mining area and has known gold, nickel and platinum-palladium mineralizations. While the Drayton-Black Lake project is the main focus, Contact Bay will expose the company to critical minerals.
Heritage Mining’s management team has a proven track record in the mining industry and has overseen transactions exceeding C$15 billion. In addition, the team has experience in corporate finance, administration and geology.
The 14,229-hectare project has undergone significant historical exploration, including more than 176 holes drilled, with high-grade gold and copper discoveries. The project is located in a mature mining district in Ontario, a jurisdiction known for its low geopolitical risk and mining-friendly government.
The Alcona Area has been approved for Phase II Drill Program to define its deposit potential.
The project covers 4,700 hectares and contains multiple high-grade copper-nickel and gold occurrences. Contact Bay is also located in Ontario andt is in the exploration phase, with targets identified for exploratory drilling.
Geophysical interpretation of the Contact Bay area along with findings from the 2023 prospecting program, suggest geological similarities to other Archean nickell-copper-PGE occurrences and deposits.
Peter Schloo holds the CPA, CA and CFA designations with over eight years of progressive experience in capital markets, operations and assurance. He has held senior executive and director positions in a number of private companies, a majority in the precious metals sector including CFO of Spirit Banner Capital and VP of corporate development and interim CFO for Ion Energy. Schloo is also currently a director of Pacific Empire Minerals. (PEMC). His past successes include over C$80 million in associated capital raising opportunities involving public and private companies.
Patrick Mohan is a 35-year investor relations veteran and is the founder, president and chief executive officer of Mohan Group. Mohan is also on the board of Metals Creek Resources Corp. Previously, he occupied the position of president, CEO, director and head of investor relations at Kitrinor Metals. Mohan’s past successes include the development of the Cote Gold Project and the sale of Trelawney Mining & Exploration to IAMGOLD for C$585 million (US$595 million) in cash In 2012.
Wray Carvelas has provided 25 years of visionary leadership, developing and implementing ambitious strategic plans. As a senior executive at DRA Global he was responsible for the growth and development of the business in both North and South America. The mandate was to grow business in the Americas, both organically and inorganically without any significant capital base. Carvelas also held positions at KBR, ELB, and De Beers, involving management of development, production, and metallurgical (R&D and capital management) responsibilities.
Thomas Reid has a 30 year career with Sun Life Financial as CFO Canada and head of corporate development. Since joining Sun Life Financial in 1994, Reid has held increasingly senior positions throughout Sun Life in finance, corporate development, public relations and investor relations. From 2009 to 2020, Reid led the group retirement services business at Sun Life, growing the assets under management from $30 billion to $130 billion. For the last four years, Reid was responsible for the strategy and growth team for Sun Life in Canada, where his team led strategic planning for the Canadian businesses and explored how Sun Life could invest in new businesses to accelerate the company's growth in Canada. Reid also holds the CPA and CA designations.
Rachel Chae, with over eight years of experience, has served as CFO for various publicly traded companies, including several Canadian junior mineral exploration companies. She holds the chartered professional accountant designation working at Cross Davis & Company LLP, a chartered professional accountant firm providing accounting services to publicly listed entities, primarily in the mining sector.
Patrick Sullivan is a mining, M&A and securities lawyer at a national law firm with a decade of experience in the junior mineral exploration sector. He has acted on several significant global mining transactions including South32 Limited’s $2.1 billion acquisition of Arizona Mining, Washington Companies’ $1.2 billion acquisition of Dominion Diamond, and Hudbay Minerals’ $555 million acquisition of Augusta Resource Corporation. Sullivan also has significant experience advising on mineral stream and royalty finance transactions.
Rick Horne has over 40 years of experience as an economic geologist. His experience includes senior roles with Acadian Mining (Atlantic Gold) as chief geologist and with Dufferin Gold Mine (Resource Capital Gold) as chief geologist and mine manager. Horne is an expert in lode gold systems, structural geology and geological mapping spending 22 years with NS Energy and Mines focussing on Bedrock mapping.
Mitchel Lavery has over 45 years’ experience in the exploration and development of mining projects with several junior and major mining companies. Lavery was instrumental in the discovery of the Bell Creek Gold Mine in Timmins, ON; the development and operation of the Joubie Gold Mine, Val-d’Or, QC; and the acquisition and development of the Quebec Lithium property, Lacorne, QC. He is the president and a director of Seahawk Gold. and is a qualified person under NI-43-101 regulations.
Yukon Metals Corp. (CSE: YMC, FSE: E770, OTCQB: YMMCF) (" Yukon Metals " or the " Company ") is pleased to provide results of an Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical survey program over its 7,000-hectare Birch Property ("Birch"), located 65 km northeast of Burwash Landing, Yukon. Birch is one of Yukon Metals' seventeen high-quality properties across 42,500 hectares in the Yukon.
Highlights:
Rory Quinn, President & CEO stated, "With this geological survey program, which includes induced polarization, surface mapping, and soil and rock sampling programs, Yukon Metals is closer to uncovering the mineral potential of the highly prospective Birch Property. The next step will be to commence drilling at Birch, targeting mineralized skarn horizons ."
The survey identified several high-priority geophysical anomalies supporting the next phase of exploration. These results mark an important step forward in advancing Birch as a highly prospective property for precious and base metal mineralization. The geophysical data is being integrated with surface geochemical results, geological mapping, and previously collected airborne magnetic survey data, to define both high-priority drill targets, and areas for future exploration.
The ERT and IP surveys were conducted to study the electrical properties of the area's dominant rock formations, including limestone, marble, schist, and granite. Structural geological features and contacts can be inferred from the geo-electric signatures of the rock, guiding drill placement.
These techniques involve sending electrical currents into the ground and measuring how different materials respond, creating detailed subsurface maps that highlight geological layers and structures. Induced polarization measures how certain materials, like metallic minerals, temporarily store and release electrical charge, often indicating the presence of sulfides. Conductivity indicates rock containing electrically conductive minerals such as sulphides and metallic elements. Resistivity is used to guide identification of rock type, delineate rock types, depth of overburden and identify anomalous zones.
Advanced software processed the data to produce high-resolution images, helping identify key geological features such as bedrock layers, mineralized zones, and areas of uncertainty.
Figure 1- 2024 Geophysics Lines with anomalous Copper in Soil and Rock Samples.
Figure 2- Conductivity sections with overlain 2024 copper-in-soil greater than 200 ppm. High conductivity zones (red) show a strong, continuous anomaly across six of the parallel surveys, potentially indicative of mineralized zones
Figure 3- 3d views of Induced Polarization chargeability sections. High chargeability zones (red) potentially indicative of sulphide mineralization and consistent with skarn geophysical signatures are visible in most of the surveys.
Figure 4- 3d views of Resistivity sections. Deep, high resistivity zones (red) are likely schist. Low resistivity zones (blue) are likely marble, intrusive granodiorite or mineralized skarns. The prospective low resistivity zones align with IP chargeability and conductivity highs. Near-surface high resistivity (red) may be permafrost surficial colluvium.
About the Birch Project
Yukon Metals owns 100% of the helicopter-accessed Birch project located 65km northeast of the community of Burwash Landing. The Birch project area is dominated by frost-heaved boulders in unglaciated terrain, with outcrop present on steeper ridges. The project lies predominantly within the Finlayson assemblage of the Yukon-Tanana Terrane, consisting of variably carbonaceous schist and quartzite, marble, garnet amphibolite and rare metaplutonic rocks.
The Yukon-Tanana Terrane structurally overlies the Ruby Range Batholith which is regionally mapped in the northeastern portion of the property occurring as Ruby Range quartz-feldspar porphyry and Rhyolite Creek porphyry and intermediate and felsic volcanic rock (Israel et. Al., 2011). Project-level mapping indicates the geology of the area is comprised of schists and marble units, moderately to strongly oxidised felsic intrusive, and patchy oxidised porphyritic rhyolite dykes.
Copper, zinc and molybdenum mineralization was first identified in the area in the early 1970s as part of a small exploration campaign which uncovered several skarn horizons in the northern project area, as well as molybdenite in quartz veins and stringers in granodiorite float on the southeastern side of the property (MINFILE 115G 077). Gold was not assayed for until interest renewed in the early 2010s with soil and mapping exploration work over the area uncovering several high soil anomalies ranging from 0.02-15g/t Au.
The Birch claims were staked over skarn copper and soil gold anomalies in 2022 by Lapie Mining Inc., and subsequently acquired by Yukon Metals in 2024 as part of the Berdahl land package. Highlights from the 2024 prospecting and geochemical program include soil samples across the northern and central sections of the claim block revealing significant gold, copper, and molybdenum mineralization. A particularly strong copper and gold anomaly has been identified in the northern portion of the block, extending roughly east-west over 1,400 meters, signaling an exciting target for further exploration. Additionally, rock-chip float samples from the eastern segment of this anomaly have shown impressive values.
Methodology
Geophysical Survey
A Lippmann 4-point Resistivity System was used. A 200-300 m cable configuration was selected for high near-surface detail and 50-100 m of depth penetration. Data was collected and inverted using Advance Geophysics Inc. Earth Imager 2D software. Noisy data points and electrodes with poor contact resistance were removed and data was filtered for spikes or depressions in resistivity. The software produced two-dimensional tomograms using a smoothed, least squares damped and robust inversion parameters. Preliminary interpretations were conducted.
The chargeability, conductivity, and resistivity scales shown on the individual survey sections are not standardized across all sections and may vary to effectively highlight local geological features. Variations in scale are used to optimize the visualization of anomalies and do not imply absolute differences in geophysical values between sections. Conductivity ranges from 0.01 to 3.9 ms/M, chargeability from -3 to 45 ms, and resistivities from 200-50,000 Ohm-m.
Rock and Soil Sampling
Rock and soil samples were sent to ALS Minerals for analysis with sample preparation in Whitehorse, Yukon and analysis in North Vancouver, British Columbia.
Rock samples were prepared by crush to 70 % passing 2mm, 250g split pulverised better than 85% passing 75 microns (Prep-31A). Pulp samples were analysed for 34 elements by four acid digestion and ICP-AES (ME-ICP61). All samples were analyzed for gold by fire assay and AAS with a 50g nominal sample weight (Au-AA24). Samples over 10g/t Au were assayed by 50g sample fire assay with gravimetric finish (Au-GRA22).
Soil samples were collected with a battery-powered permafrost soil drill recovering high-quality samples below boulders and frozen ground to depths of 1m. This technique was designed specifically for Yukon geochemical exploration to better delineate mineralization along steep, rocky and permanently frozen north-facing slopes unsuitable for traditional soil sampling techniques. Samples were dried and sieved to 180 um (Prep-41A) and analysed for 51 elements by aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS and ICP-AES (AuME-TL44).
Rock samples taken while prospecting referenced in this release are selective in nature and collected to determine the presence or absence of mineralization and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.
Figure 5- IP and Resistivity line locations on the Birch Property
Figure 6- Birch project location map with relation to other YMC properties
Qualified Person
The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Helena Kuikka, P.Geo., VP Exploration for Yukon Metals and a Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101).
About Yukon Metals Corp.
Yukon Metals is well financed and represents a property portfolio built on over 30 years of prospecting by the Berdahl family, the prospecting team behind Snowline Gold's portfolio of primary gold assets . The Yukon Metals portfolio consists primarily of copper-gold and silver-lead-zinc assets, with a substantial gold and silver component. The Company is led by an experienced Board of Directors and Management Team across technical and finance disciplines.
Yukon Metals is focused on fostering sustainable growth and prosperity within Yukon's local communities, while simultaneously enhancing stakeholder value. Our strategy centers around inclusivity and shared prosperity, offering both community members and investors the chance to contribute to, and benefit from, our ventures.
The Yukon
The Yukon ranks 10 th most prospective for mineral potential across global jurisdictions according to the Fraser Institute's 2023 Survey of Mining Companies and is host to a highly experienced and conscientious local workforce, fostered by a long culture of exploration coupled with deep respect for the land. Recent major discoveries with local roots such as Snowline Gold's Rogue Project - Valley Discovery, demonstrate the Yukon's potential to generate fresh district-scale mining opportunities.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF Yukon Metals CORP.
(signed) "Rory Quinn"
For more information, please contact:
Rory Quinn, President & CEO
Email: roryquinn@yukonmetals.com
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release contains certain forward-looking information, including information about the metal association and geology of the prospect area at Birch pointing to the prospectivity for a gold-rich copper porphyry system, significant scale having been demonstrated by a soil anomaly over 1,400 meters long, the potential for economic grades of copper and gold based on grades taken from surface rock chips, the Yukon's potential to generate fresh district-scale mining opportunities, and the Company's future plans and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify the forward-looking information. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those discussed or implied in the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Birch not being a prospective gold-rich copper porphyry system, not having significant scale and a lack of economic grade minerals; the Yukon not having the potential to generate fresh district-scale mining opportunities; and other risks and uncertainties. See the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's listing statement dated May 30, 2024, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for additional risk factors. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law
References
Israel, S., Murphy, D., Bennett, V., Mortensen, J. and Crowley, J., 2011. New insights into the geology and mineral potential of the Coast Belt in southwestern Yukon. In: Yukon Exploration and Geology 2010, K.E. MacFarlane, L.H. Weston and C. Relf (eds.), Yukon Geological Survey, p. 101-123.
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Yukon Metals Corp. (CSE: YMC, FSE: E770, OTCQB: YMMCF) (" Yukon Metals " or the " Company ") is pleased to provide results of an Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical survey program over its 7,000-hectare Birch Property ("Birch"), located 65 km northeast of Burwash Landing, Yukon. Birch is one of Yukon Metals' seventeen high-quality properties across 42,500 hectares in the Yukon.
Highlights:
Rory Quinn, President & CEO stated, "With this geological survey program, which includes induced polarization, surface mapping, and soil and rock sampling programs, Yukon Metals is closer to uncovering the mineral potential of the highly prospective Birch Property. The next step will be to commence drilling at Birch, targeting mineralized skarn horizons ."
The survey identified several high-priority geophysical anomalies supporting the next phase of exploration. These results mark an important step forward in advancing Birch as a highly prospective property for precious and base metal mineralization. The geophysical data is being integrated with surface geochemical results, geological mapping, and previously collected airborne magnetic survey data, to define both high-priority drill targets, and areas for future exploration.
The ERT and IP surveys were conducted to study the electrical properties of the area's dominant rock formations, including limestone, marble, schist, and granite. Structural geological features and contacts can be inferred from the geo-electric signatures of the rock, guiding drill placement.
These techniques involve sending electrical currents into the ground and measuring how different materials respond, creating detailed subsurface maps that highlight geological layers and structures. Induced polarization measures how certain materials, like metallic minerals, temporarily store and release electrical charge, often indicating the presence of sulfides. Conductivity indicates rock containing electrically conductive minerals such as sulphides and metallic elements. Resistivity is used to guide identification of rock type, delineate rock types, depth of overburden and identify anomalous zones.
Advanced software processed the data to produce high-resolution images, helping identify key geological features such as bedrock layers, mineralized zones, and areas of uncertainty.
Figure 1- 2024 Geophysics Lines with anomalous Copper in Soil and Rock Samples.
Figure 2- Conductivity sections with overlain 2024 copper-in-soil greater than 200 ppm. High conductivity zones (red) show a strong, continuous anomaly across six of the parallel surveys, potentially indicative of mineralized zones
Figure 3- 3d views of Induced Polarization chargeability sections. High chargeability zones (red) potentially indicative of sulphide mineralization and consistent with skarn geophysical signatures are visible in most of the surveys.
Figure 4- 3d views of Resistivity sections. Deep, high resistivity zones (red) are likely schist. Low resistivity zones (blue) are likely marble, intrusive granodiorite or mineralized skarns. The prospective low resistivity zones align with IP chargeability and conductivity highs. Near-surface high resistivity (red) may be permafrost surficial colluvium.
About the Birch Project
Yukon Metals owns 100% of the helicopter-accessed Birch project located 65km northeast of the community of Burwash Landing. The Birch project area is dominated by frost-heaved boulders in unglaciated terrain, with outcrop present on steeper ridges. The project lies predominantly within the Finlayson assemblage of the Yukon-Tanana Terrane, consisting of variably carbonaceous schist and quartzite, marble, garnet amphibolite and rare metaplutonic rocks.
The Yukon-Tanana Terrane structurally overlies the Ruby Range Batholith which is regionally mapped in the northeastern portion of the property occurring as Ruby Range quartz-feldspar porphyry and Rhyolite Creek porphyry and intermediate and felsic volcanic rock (Israel et. Al., 2011). Project-level mapping indicates the geology of the area is comprised of schists and marble units, moderately to strongly oxidised felsic intrusive, and patchy oxidised porphyritic rhyolite dykes.
Copper, zinc and molybdenum mineralization was first identified in the area in the early 1970s as part of a small exploration campaign which uncovered several skarn horizons in the northern project area, as well as molybdenite in quartz veins and stringers in granodiorite float on the southeastern side of the property (MINFILE 115G 077). Gold was not assayed for until interest renewed in the early 2010s with soil and mapping exploration work over the area uncovering several high soil anomalies ranging from 0.02-15g/t Au.
The Birch claims were staked over skarn copper and soil gold anomalies in 2022 by Lapie Mining Inc., and subsequently acquired by Yukon Metals in 2024 as part of the Berdahl land package. Highlights from the 2024 prospecting and geochemical program include soil samples across the northern and central sections of the claim block revealing significant gold, copper, and molybdenum mineralization. A particularly strong copper and gold anomaly has been identified in the northern portion of the block, extending roughly east-west over 1,400 meters, signaling an exciting target for further exploration. Additionally, rock-chip float samples from the eastern segment of this anomaly have shown impressive values.
Methodology
Geophysical Survey
A Lippmann 4-point Resistivity System was used. A 200-300 m cable configuration was selected for high near-surface detail and 50-100 m of depth penetration. Data was collected and inverted using Advance Geophysics Inc. Earth Imager 2D software. Noisy data points and electrodes with poor contact resistance were removed and data was filtered for spikes or depressions in resistivity. The software produced two-dimensional tomograms using a smoothed, least squares damped and robust inversion parameters. Preliminary interpretations were conducted.
The chargeability, conductivity, and resistivity scales shown on the individual survey sections are not standardized across all sections and may vary to effectively highlight local geological features. Variations in scale are used to optimize the visualization of anomalies and do not imply absolute differences in geophysical values between sections. Conductivity ranges from 0.01 to 3.9 ms/M, chargeability from -3 to 45 ms, and resistivities from 200-50,000 Ohm-m.
Rock and Soil Sampling
Rock and soil samples were sent to ALS Minerals for analysis with sample preparation in Whitehorse, Yukon and analysis in North Vancouver, British Columbia.
Rock samples were prepared by crush to 70 % passing 2mm, 250g split pulverised better than 85% passing 75 microns (Prep-31A). Pulp samples were analysed for 34 elements by four acid digestion and ICP-AES (ME-ICP61). All samples were analyzed for gold by fire assay and AAS with a 50g nominal sample weight (Au-AA24). Samples over 10g/t Au were assayed by 50g sample fire assay with gravimetric finish (Au-GRA22).
Soil samples were collected with a battery-powered permafrost soil drill recovering high-quality samples below boulders and frozen ground to depths of 1m. This technique was designed specifically for Yukon geochemical exploration to better delineate mineralization along steep, rocky and permanently frozen north-facing slopes unsuitable for traditional soil sampling techniques. Samples were dried and sieved to 180 um (Prep-41A) and analysed for 51 elements by aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS and ICP-AES (AuME-TL44).
Rock samples taken while prospecting referenced in this release are selective in nature and collected to determine the presence or absence of mineralization and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.
Figure 5- IP and Resistivity line locations on the Birch Property
Figure 6- Birch project location map with relation to other YMC properties
Qualified Person
The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Helena Kuikka, P.Geo., VP Exploration for Yukon Metals and a Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101).
About Yukon Metals Corp.
Yukon Metals is well financed and represents a property portfolio built on over 30 years of prospecting by the Berdahl family, the prospecting team behind Snowline Gold's portfolio of primary gold assets . The Yukon Metals portfolio consists primarily of copper-gold and silver-lead-zinc assets, with a substantial gold and silver component. The Company is led by an experienced Board of Directors and Management Team across technical and finance disciplines.
Yukon Metals is focused on fostering sustainable growth and prosperity within Yukon's local communities, while simultaneously enhancing stakeholder value. Our strategy centers around inclusivity and shared prosperity, offering both community members and investors the chance to contribute to, and benefit from, our ventures.
The Yukon
The Yukon ranks 10 th most prospective for mineral potential across global jurisdictions according to the Fraser Institute's 2023 Survey of Mining Companies and is host to a highly experienced and conscientious local workforce, fostered by a long culture of exploration coupled with deep respect for the land. Recent major discoveries with local roots such as Snowline Gold's Rogue Project - Valley Discovery, demonstrate the Yukon's potential to generate fresh district-scale mining opportunities.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF Yukon Metals CORP.
(signed) "Rory Quinn"
For more information, please contact:
Rory Quinn, President & CEO
Email: roryquinn@yukonmetals.com
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release contains certain forward-looking information, including information about the metal association and geology of the prospect area at Birch pointing to the prospectivity for a gold-rich copper porphyry system, significant scale having been demonstrated by a soil anomaly over 1,400 meters long, the potential for economic grades of copper and gold based on grades taken from surface rock chips, the Yukon's potential to generate fresh district-scale mining opportunities, and the Company's future plans and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify the forward-looking information. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those discussed or implied in the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Birch not being a prospective gold-rich copper porphyry system, not having significant scale and a lack of economic grade minerals; the Yukon not having the potential to generate fresh district-scale mining opportunities; and other risks and uncertainties. See the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's listing statement dated May 30, 2024, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for additional risk factors. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law
References
Israel, S., Murphy, D., Bennett, V., Mortensen, J. and Crowley, J., 2011. New insights into the geology and mineral potential of the Coast Belt in southwestern Yukon. In: Yukon Exploration and Geology 2010, K.E. MacFarlane, L.H. Weston and C. Relf (eds.), Yukon Geological Survey, p. 101-123.
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https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e421b09b-19e3-40cb-b270-83d992c6f139
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