"The idea that there could be a metallogenic trend of bulk-minable, sediment-hosted gold deposits in north-central México makes for a very compelling exploration strategy," explained
Also herein, Southern Empire provides a summary of its 2022 north-central México exploration strategies, property acquisitions, and an update regarding option agreement amendments with Commander Resources Ltd. (Commander).
Detailed mineralogical studies were conducted at the
In the
The initial LISA CAN SRµ-XRF mineralogical study further supports Southern Empire's hypothesis that gold mineralization at Pedro is potentially Carlin-style (see Photo 2). A summary of this study follows:
- SRµ-XRF analyses were conducted on representative pyrite grains in sample SER-2B.
- The exceptional operating conditions (<2µm spot size) allowed the identification of trace elements Hg and Tl associated with pyrite grains and the arsenic (As) altered rims of pyrite grains.
- Hg and Tl occur together in the As-rich rim of pyrite grain SER-2B-1-1 (see Photo 2).
- Although the core interval assayed 0.750 grams gold/tonne (g Au/t; an average of repeated samples S43451 & S43451R), no gold was identified in the limited number of samples studied using SRµ-XRF.
- Hg and Tl are not associated with each other.
- Hg is heterogeneously distributed in most pyrites.
- Characteristic Sb L-edge XRF emission peaks could not be resolved from strong Ca-K edge XRF emission peaks.
About Synchrotron Micro-XRF Analysis
Synchrotron Micro-XRF analysis is a non-destructive analytical study technique that enables screening for elemental constituents within mineral grains of interest, thus providing important mineralogical data to be applied to mineral deposit classification and exploration. Using a tuneable synchrotron X-ray source provides an intensity that cannot be matched by normal laboratory X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sources. LISA CAN has used the technique in various capacities, including on gold-enriched specimens from various geological deposit settings.
Review of 2022 and Update: México Gold Exploration and the Mapimí Gold Corridor
During 2021 and 2022, Southern Empire acquired by option and staking three gold projects with bulk-tonnage scale potential in north-central México:
Centauro Gold Project , Jiménez Municipality, Chihuahua State;Pedro Gold Project , Mapimí Municipality, Durango State; and,La Loma Gold Project , Nazas & Lerdo Municipalities, Durango.
These three separate gold projects are located along an approximately 150-kilometre (km), southeast trending, Oligocene tectonostratigraphic geological belt that Southern Empire is referring to as the Mapimí Gold Corridor.
The Centauro and Pedro Gold Projects have been the subject of significant historical exploration work, including detailed geological and satellite spectral alteration mapping, grid-controlled soil geochemistry, magnetic and induced polarization geophysical surveys, and drilling (Centauro: 5,795 metres (m) core in 27 holes; Pedro: 1,265.0 m core in 8 holes and 1,335.5 m reverse circulation in 9 holes).
On
On
On
In December, 2022, Southern Empire (through Minera BRG) staked and registered two new claims at Centauro and one new claim at La Loma. These new claims, while duly registered, require final approval, which is pending pursuant to a ruling from México's Federal Government. Taxes are not due until the claims are approved, although some exploration is permissible.
Details regarding the Pedro, Centauro and La Loma property acquisitions are provided in Southern Empire's news releases dated:
The "Mapimi Gold Corridor"
At Centauro and Pedro, and to an extent, the lesser studied La Loma, a range of similar and specific geological, mineralogical, alteration and geochemical features are noted and these that support Southern Empire's theory of the Mapimí Gold Corridor being a unique, newly recognized metallogenic belt potentially hosting Carlin-style gold deposits (see Table 1).
The Mapimí Gold Corridor (see Figures 1a and 1b) is situated along the northwestern end of the Cretaceous carbonate stratigraphy of the Mexican Fold and Thrust Belt where east-west Oligocene extension led to the development of the Northern México Basin and Range physiographic province.
The Mapimí Gold Corridor is highlighted by the occurrences of gold and a suite of specific elements (arsenic, antimony, mercury, thallium) that are indicators of Carlin-style gold mineralization, all of which are present at Southern Empire's Centauro, Pedro and La Loma properties.
As observed at both Centauro and Pedro, gold mineralization is predominantly associated with hematite-stained, weak- to moderately-silicified, brecciated limestone conglomerates of the Eocene to Oligocene Ahuichila Formation. On both properties, the Ahuichila Fm. is predominately represented by limestone dominated, polymictic conglomerates associated with linear NNW trending, probable graben structures. The silicified auriferous breccia zones are typically linear, paralleling the NNW graben trend. The silicified conglomerate zones at both Centauro and Pedro are highlighted by kilometre-scale, coincident geochemical soil anomalies of gold (Au; >10 ppb), arsenic (As; >100 ppm), plus antimony (Sb), thallium ("Tl") and mercury ("Hg"). The Ahuichila Fm. stratigraphically overlies the Late Cretaceous to Eocene Caracol Formation. Overlapping with the period of Oligocene extension, and following the same NNW trend, are scattered various intrusive plutons and plugs of Paleogene monzodiorite to granodiorite.
Historical drill results from Southern Empire's Centauro and Pedro Gold Projects include wide intercepts (up to ~112 m) of highly anomalous gold grades; see Table 2. Historical drilling at both properties has been widely spaced (drill collars typically spaced >300m apart) and relatively shallow, with most holes penetrating to vertical depths of less than 200 m.
Further discussions of the Centauro, Pedro and La Loma properties are provided in Southern Empire's news releases and quarterly filings of Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), available on SEDAR.
Qualified Person (QP)
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been prepared, reviewed and approved by
About
Southern Empire is focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of metals and minerals deposits in
In northeastern Durango State, México, Southern Empire has an option to acquire a 100-percent beneficial interest in the 1,750-hectare
In the Cargo Muchacho mountains of
At Oro Cruz, extensive historical drilling and large-scale open-pit and underground mining of the American Girl, Padre y Madre, Queen, and Cross oxide gold deposits by the American Girl Mining Joint Venture ("AGMJV") occurred between 1987 and 1996. During that time, gold was recovered by either heap leaching of lower-grade, or milling of higher-grade ores until AGMJV operations ceased in late 1996 because of declining gold prices leaving the Oro Cruz Property with many gold exploration targets in addition to a historical inferred resource estimate, reported In 2011 by
On behalf of the Board of Directors of
Cautionary Notice on Forward-Looking Information
Information provided in this news release may contain forward-looking information or forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. Such information or statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations and are not guarantees of future performance. Southern Empire cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond its respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Southern Empire's limited operating history, the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations, results of exploration programs on its projects, and those risks and uncertainties identified in its annual and interim financial statements and management discussion and analysis. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions, and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Southern Empire undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.
Cautionary Notice Regarding Historical Resource Estimate
Cautionary Notice Regarding Exploration Work Programs
The timing and the ability to conduct Southern Empire's exploration programs are, among other things, contingent on: governmental regulations allowing for the issuance of permits; affects of the COVID-19 pandemic; and the availability of exploration personnel, drill contractors, equipment, lodging, etc. Southern Empire will adhere to COVID-19 directives regarding safe working practices putting worker and community health and safety first and will proceed with exploration and development work programs only if potential COVID-19 risks can be effectively managed.
Neither the
SOURCE
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