- 15 pierce points now define the 421 zone and have established continuity.
- 421 zone of high-grade copper-gold mineralization has been followed along a plunge length of 325 metres and remains open for extension.
- Average mineralized drill intercepts in the 421 zone are greater than historic drill intercepts in the
Canyon Creek zone1 (See Table 2). - Reported mineralized intercepts in 2019 range from 3 to 142 metres2 (See Table 2).
- Over 60% of drill holes in 2019 intersected reportable length and grade of sulphide mineralization2.
- Drilling has proven that high-grade copper-gold mineralization continues up plunge to the south and shows significant potential for extension of the 421 zone in that direction.
The 421 zone was a raw discovery in late 2018 and has now evolved into one of the mining industry's most significant high-grade copper-gold exploration projects. The Stardust project hosts this discovery in a Tier 1 jurisdiction with exceptional access to infrastructure.
Drilling Results
Highlights from the newly reported results include a step to the south in drill hole DDH19-SD-453M which returned 26.30 metres grading 1.45% copper, 1.48 gram per tonne (g/t) gold and 22.2 g/t silver, or 2.59% copper equivalent (CuEq)4. A second interval in the same hole returned 7.20 metres of 2.10% copper, 1.41 g/t gold and 33.4 g/t silver or 3.29% CuEq. These mineralized intervals are believed to be an offset extension of the 421 zone mineralization up plunge and to the south, on the south side of a splay of the Canyon Creek Fault. This is the most southerly test of the 421 zone to date indicating shallower mineralization remains open in this direction.
____________________________ |
1 See the technical report titled "Stardust Project Ni 43-101 Technical Report Omineca Mining Division, |
2 See full drill results table available at www.sunmetals.ca. |
The southern extension of the 421 zone establishes a closer spatial link to the historic
Drill holes DDH19-SD-443D and DDH19-SD-444D represent step-outs down plunge and to the north on sections 2150N and 2200N respectively (see figures 3 and 4). These new intervals have revealed a lower extension of the 421 zone mineralization envelope and are still open to depth.
The two most northerly fences of drilling on sections 2275N and 2375N did not intersect significant intervals of sulphide mineralization implying that there is a faulted down drop in the area. Samples collected from drill holes DDH19-SD-452D and DDH19-SD-454D are still pending at the time of this release, however visual inspection and logging of the drill core does not indicate that significant material intersections are expected.
New drill result highlights include:
Table 1: Drill Highlights
Drill Hole Name | From (m) | To (m) | Length | Copper | Gold | Silver | Copper Equivalent | Gold Equivalent |
DDH19-SD-443D | 678.30 | 695.30 | 17.00 | 1.17 | 1.05 | 19.2 | 2.00 | 3.17 |
DDH19-SD-444D | 735.00 | 738.20 | 3.20 | 1.65 | 1.30 | 29.4 | 2.73 | 4.32 |
and | 762.00 | 772.95 | 10.95 | 3.19 | 3.59 | 58.1 | 6.00 | 9.49 |
DDH19-SD-453 | 540.70 | 567.00 | 26.30 | 1.45 | 1.48 | 22.2 | 2.59 | 4.09 |
including | 553.80 | 557.40 | 3.60 | 3.98 | 3.45 | 66.6 | 6.75 | 10.68 |
and | 594.00 | 601.20 | 7.20 | 2.10 | 1.41 | 33.4 | 3.29 | 5.20 |
(3) True widths of the reported mineralized intervals have not been determined. |
(4) Assumptions used in USD for the copper equivalent calculation were metal prices of |
Review of 2019 Exploration of the 421 zone
The discovery of the 421 zone at the Stardust project in northcentral
The 2019 Stardust field program began in May with two drills dedicated to delineation and exploration of the new zone of semi-massive and massive sulphide mineralization. A third drill was added late in the season, with the field program continuing through to
The average mineralized drill intercept length in the 421 zone is greater than historic drill intercepts in the
Table 2: Complete Summary of 421 Zone Drill Results
Hole | From | To | Interval | Copper | Gold | Silver | Zinc | Copper | Gold |
DDH18-SD-421 | 433.80 | 435.00 | 1.20 | 1.07 | 0.16 | 17.4 | 0.01 | 1.33 | 2.10 |
DDH18-SD-421 | 460.00 | 462.90 | 2.90 | 0.55 | 0.41 | 8.7 | 0.01 | 0.89 | 1.41 |
DDH18-SD-421 | 506.60 | 507.30 | 0.70 | 1.29 | 1.45 | 22.3 | 0.02 | 2.42 | 3.82 |
DDH18-SD-421 | 517.00 | 617.00 | 100.00 | 2.51 | 3.03 | 52.5 | 0.41 | 5.05 | 8.00 |
incl | 539.80 | 617.00 | 77.20 | 3.11 | 3.74 | 64.9 | 0.53 | 6.27 | 9.92 |
incl | 539.80 | 576.30 | 36.50 | 3.89 | 4.47 | 84.6 | 1.06 | 7.89 | 12.49 |
incl | 587.90 | 617.00 | 29.10 | 3.35 | 4.30 | 65.7 | 0.07 | 6.67 | 10.55 |
DDH19-SD-428D | 493.45 | 635.80 | 142.35 | 1.22 | 1.28 | 21.8 | 0.41 | 2.40 | 3.79 |
incl. | 562.80 | 595.00 | 32.20 | 2.47 | 2.37 | 47.4 | 1.61 | 5.05 | 7.99 |
incl. | 604.95 | 619.05 | 14.10 | 3.45 | 4.12 | 57.9 | 0.44 | 6.74 | 10.67 |
DDH19-SD-429M | 564.00 | 654.05 | 90.05 | 1.08 | 1.40 | 21.6 | 0.22 | 2.24 | 3.55 |
incl. | 586.50 | 593.00 | 6.50 | 4.61 | 7.05 | 60.2 | 1.68 | 10.29 | 16.28 |
incl. | 649.45 | 654.05 | 4.60 | 2.96 | 5.31 | 131.8 | 1.65 | 8.16 | 12.91 |
DDH19-SD-430D | 490.60 | 512.60 | 22.00 | 1.53 | 1.02 | 24.6 | 0.03 | 2.40 | 3.79 |
DDH19-SD-430D | 546.00 | 653.00 | 107.00 | 1.64 | 1.77 | 28.6 | 0.03 | 3.02 | 4.79 |
incl. | 572.20 | 630.30 | 58.10 | 2.49 | 2.61 | 44.3 | 0.04 | 4.55 | 7.19 |
DDH19-SD-431M | No Significant Value | ||||||||
DDH19-SD-432D | 680.15 | 691.95 | 11.80 | 0.61 | 0.54 | 11.1 | 0.01 | 1.05 | 1.66 |
DDH19-SD-433D | Did not reach target | ||||||||
DDH19-SD-434D | No Significant Value | ||||||||
DDH19-SD-435D | No Significant Value | ||||||||
DDH19-SD-436D | 502.60 | 548.15 | 45.55 | 1.44 | 1.18 | 27.0 | 0.04 | 2.44 | 3.86 |
incl. | 542.30 | 548.15 | 5.85 | 5.13 | 3.78 | 91.0 | 0.18 | 8.39 | 13.27 |
DDH19-SD-436D | 598.40 | 623.25 | 24.85 | 3.13 | 4.85 | 93.5 | 0.28 | 7.12 | 11.27 |
incl. | 609.20 | 618.20 | 9.00 | 6.04 | 9.13 | 183.7 | 0.60 | 13.67 | 21.62 |
DDH19-SD-437M | 537.60 | 624.00 | 86.40 | 1.65 | 1.56 | 28.8 | 0.28 | 3.00 | 4.75 |
incl. | 585.70 | 607.00 | 21.30 | 3.13 | 2.14 | 51.4 | 1.08 | 5.39 | 8.52 |
DDH19-SD-438D | 564.40 | 572.90 | 8.50 | 3.09 | 3.47 | 72.0 | 0.08 | 5.95 | 9.41 |
DDH19-SD-438D | 594.00 | 597.05 | 3.05 | 1.08 | 1.26 | 21.8 | 0.02 | 2.07 | 3.28 |
DDH19-SD-439D | 637.00 | 657.50 | 20.50 | 1.17 | 0.96 | 20.4 | 0.01 | 1.96 | 3.11 |
DDH19-SD-439D | 714.50 | 724.45 | 9.95 | 0.78 | 0.70 | 97.1 | 0.28 | 2.19 | 3.47 |
DDH19-SD-440M | 582.00 | 591.00 | 9.00 | 1.26 | 1.91 | 32.8 | 0.01 | 2.76 | 4.37 |
DDH19-SD-440M | 708.90 | 724.80 | 15.90 | 2.38 | 2.68 | 66.6 | 0.10 | 4.71 | 7.45 |
DDH19-SD-441M | 609.25 | 650.80 | 41.55 | 2.33 | 2.73 | 44.3 | 0.07 | 4.47 | 7.08 |
incl. | 609.25 | 620.30 | 11.05 | 3.35 | 3.88 | 60.7 | 0.14 | 6.39 | 10.11 |
incl. | 639.50 | 650.80 | 11.30 | 3.94 | 4.58 | 79.2 | 0.11 | 7.58 | 11.98 |
DDH19-SD-442D | 669.75 | 720.70 | 50.95 | 0.64 | 0.67 | 10.6 | 0.01 | 1.16 | 1.83 |
incl. | 669.75 | 693.20 | 23.45 | 0.92 | 0.92 | 14.4 | 0.01 | 1.63 | 2.58 |
DDH19-SD-443D | 678.30 | 695.30 | 17.00 | 1.17 | 1.05 | 19.2 | 0.01 | 2.00 | 3.17 |
DDH19-SD-444D | 735.00 | 738.20 | 3.20 | 1.65 | 1.30 | 29.4 | 0.01 | 2.73 | 4.32 |
DDH19-SD-444D | 762.00 | 772.95 | 10.95 | 3.19 | 3.59 | 58.1 | 0.07 | 6.00 | 9.49 |
DDH19-SD-445D | Did not reach target | ||||||||
DDH19-SD-446M | No Significant Value | ||||||||
DDH19-SD-447D | No Significant Value | ||||||||
DDH19-SD-448M | No Significant Value | ||||||||
DDH19-SD-449D | No Significant Value | ||||||||
DDH19-SD-450D | Did not reach target | ||||||||
DDH19-SD-451D | 807.00 | 810.70 | 3.70 | 1.64 | 1.36 | 25.8 | 0.01 | 2.73 | 4.32 |
DDH19-SD-452D | Pending | ||||||||
DDH19-SD-453M | 540.70 | 567.00 | 26.30 | 1.45 | 1.48 | 22.2 | 0.01 | 2.59 | 4.09 |
incl. | 553.80 | 557.40 | 3.60 | 3.98 | 3.45 | 66.6 | 0.02 | 6.75 | 10.68 |
DDH19-SD-453M | 594.00 | 601.20 | 7.20 | 2.10 | 1.41 | 33.4 | 0.01 | 3.29 | 5.20 |
DDH19-SD-454D | Pending | ||||||||
DDH19-SD-455D | Hole in progress – on hold |
Planning for 2020
The 2019 field program was completed on
Details on the timing, quantum and form of field activities in 2020 will be announced when the planning process has been completed.
Graphics & Table
Updated graphics including a plan map of the 2019 drill program (Figure 1), cross sections 2050N, 2150N, 2200N, 2275N, 2325N and a 421 zone vertical section (Figures 2-7), and a full table of reported results to date from the 2019 drill program (Drill Results Table) are available on the Company website3:
Figure 1: Plan View of drilling – 421 Zone
https://sunmetals.ca/site/assets/files/3787/figure_1_plan_421_zone.pdf
Figure 2: Section 2050N
https://sunmetals.ca/site/assets/files/3787/figure_2_section_2050.pdf
Figure 3: Section 2150N
https://sunmetals.ca/site/assets/files/3787/figure_3_section_2150.pdf
Figure 4: Section 2200N
https://sunmetals.ca/site/assets/files/3787/figure_4_section_2200.pdf
Figure 5: Long Section
https://sunmetals.ca/site/assets/files/3787/figure_5_421z_long_section.pdf
Drill Results Table:
https://sunmetals.ca/site/assets/files/3787/master_drill_results_table.pdf
Geophysics
Borehole Electromagnetic (BHEM) geophysical surveys were conducted on 17 of the 28 drill holes during the season using SJ Geophysics Volterra system. The surveys provide valuable information by detecting mineralization proximal to drill holes which might not be present in the drill hole. This data can be used to guide future drilling. In addition, 71.85 line km of large loop Time Doman Electromagnetics (TDEM) was completed on surface. The surveys cover the entire strike length of the carbonate package associated with the 421 zone and will be used to target areas of additional mineralization. In addition, two lines of magnetotellurics were completed, one North-South and one East-West across the zone for a total of 6.2 line kilometres. Full Interpretation and modelling of the survey results is ongoing.
Infrastructure
In order to extend the field program into winter, the Stardust camp was expanded to a 40 worker capacity and upgraded for all season use. At the work site, a new 4.1 km long access road was constructed from the valley bottom to the current work area allowing safer all-season access.
Environmental Baseline
An automated hydrometric station was installed downstream of the mineralized area to facilitate collection of high-quality water discharge data from the area. A broad water quality sampling program, initiated in 2018, continued through the 2019 field season to characterize the baseline water quality data in the area. Installation of an all-season weather station was initiated to collect detailed meteorological data. All instrumentation will provide the quality of data that will be expected by Engineers and government agencies for any potential engineering or permitting that the Company may wish to undertake in future. This work was completed in cooperation and coordination with
Metallurgy
Metallurgical samples have been gathered from the 2019 diamond drilling in the 421 zone and sent for initial testing. The goal will be to determine optimal grind size, predicted metal recoveries and metal concentrate characteristics. Work index will also be calculated from this sample. Results are expected in early Q2.
About
Quality Assurance / Quality Control
Drilling completed on the project in 2019 was supervised by on-site
Technical aspects of this news release have been reviewed, verified and approved by
On Behalf of the Board of Directors of
Chief Executive Officer
Neither
About
Resource Category | Tonnes | Copper % | Zinc % | Gold g/t | Silver g/t | % Cu Eq 5 |
Indicated | 985,000 | 1.34 | 0.62 | 1.59 | 36.8 | 2.92 |
Inferred | 1,985,000 | 1.24 | 0.14 | 1.72 | 30.5 | 2.65 |
(5) The cut-off grade used in the resource estimate was 1.5% copper equivalent (Cu Eq). Metal price assumptions for the Cu Eq calculation in this table were |
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to
Such forward-looking information, involves known and unknown risks, which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business; the Company's formative stage of development; the Company's financial position; possible variations in mineralization; conclusions of future economic evaluations; business integration risks; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; current economic conditions; future prices of commodities; fluctuations in the securities market; fluctuations in currency markets; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulation and political or economic development; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; the costs and timing of the development of new deposits; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the failure of contracted parties to perform; the timing and success of exploration activities generally; delays in permitting; possible claims against the Company; the timing of future economic studies; labour and employee disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals, financing or the completion of exploration; relationships with and claims by local communities and First Nations; and title to properties as well as those factors discussed in the Annual Information Form of the Company dated
Although
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