Press Releases
MIDAS GOLD COMPLETES 50KM OF DRILLING AT ITS GOLDEN MEADOWS GOLD-ANTIMONY PROJECT, IDAHO
Hole MGI-12-331 intersects 25.8m of 3.65 g/t Au at Hangar Flats
Hole MGI-12-337 intersects 17.8m grading 3.20 g/t Au, 23.5g/t Ag and 1.54% Sb at Yellow Pine
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced that it has completed the 2012 work program at its 100% owned Golden Meadows gold-antimony project located in Idaho. This work program included more than 50km of core, sonic, reverse circulation (“RC”), geotechnical and water well drilling completed with the objectives of upgrading the confidence of the existing mineral resource, expanding those mineral resources, testing the geotechnical characteristics of the wall rocks and completing water wells for groundwater monitoring purposes. This information will be utilized in the preparation of updated mineral resource estimates as well as optimizing the Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”), the results of which were reported on September 4, 2012.
Significant achievements in 2012 include the following:
Completion of 50,546m of core, sonic, RC, geotechnical and water well drilling in 235 holes, of which 41,429m was core drilling in 162 holes, 7,360m was RC in 29 holes, 481m of sonic drilling to pre-collar other holes and 1,276m was completed in 44 water wells. This is more than double the number of metres and holes completed in 2011, and this drilling is expected to result in an improved mineral resource that will be reported in the first half of 2013.
Approximately 40,000m of resource drilling was designed to upgrade the confidence level in the inferred mineral resources in all three of the known deposits (Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine) or to expand those deposits. Results generally confirmed the previously defined mineral resources and, as a result, are expected to upgrade a significant portion of the mineral resources to an indicated category. In addition, step-out drilling expanded the deposits beyond the previously defined resource limits - especially at Yellow Pine and West End.
Approximately 5,300m of drilling was conducted for the purposes of discovering completely new deposits, which drilling was primarily centred on the newly defined Scout gold-antimony deposit.
Approximately 700m of holes were drilled specifically to collect sample material for metallurgical testing which, along with sample material collected from other holes, is being utilized in an extensive metallurgical optimization program currently underway at independent laboratories.
In addition to drilling, Midas Gold conducted extensive geophysical, geochemical and geological exploration programs (including more than 52km of CSAMT surveys, 3,400 soil samples and 350 stream sediment samples) with the objective of discovering new deposits, and successfully outlined a number of new targets.
In parallel with its exploration and resource definition drilling programs, Midas Gold had significant programs to collect environmental baseline, geotechnical, water quality, groundwater hydrology, and other information to support its plans for an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment scheduled for completion in the second half of 2013.
During 2012, Midas Gold completed extensive remediation of its own disturbance, as well as legacy disturbance left by prior operators, including planting of 8,245 trees, application of dust suppression products to 6.5 miles of private and public roads and reclamation of 18.5 acres.
Midas Gold completed its activities in an environmentally responsible and safe manner, often exceeding local, state and federal regulatory requirements.
Aside from the above milestones, Midas completed a positive PEA, the results of which were announced on September 4, 2012, which outlined the potential for the development of a significant, low-cost, large-scale gold mining operation with important antimony by-products, subject to the acquisition of additional information such as that collected during 2012 and planned for 2013 and, of course, all necessary regulatory approvals. The PEA also outlined the basis for the concurrent reclamation of the extensive legacy environmental disturbance resulting from more than 100 years of mining activity, including the remediation of the site supporting the re-establishment of fish migration past the former Yellow Pine pit.
The Golden Meadows Project design continues to progress beyond the PEA phase, with particular focus on assessing alternate process flow-sheets, alternate project throughputs and related capital costs, and staging of the development to optimize the overall project economics and permitability. These alternates will be considered in the updated PEA, scheduled for the second half of 2012
New Drill Results
Significant previously unreported assay results from the most recent drill holes are summarized in Table 1, below, with more detailed results in Table 2 at the end of this release. Additional results from the ongoing program will be released when assays are received and validated.
Table 1: Highlights of Recent Drill Results from Yellow Pine & West End Deposits
Hole-ID | Hole Type | Area | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m)(1) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-325(1) | Core | Yellow Pine | 123.9 | 171.6 | 47.7 | 1.48 | 2.6 | 0.004 |
MGI-12-331 | Core | Hangar Flats | 101.8 | 127.6 | 25.8 | 3.65 | 2.6 | 0.007 |
MGI-12-335 | Core | Yellow Pine | 8.9 | 26.8 | 17.9 | 3.07 | 0.4 | 0.244 |
And | 98.8 | 180.1 | 81.4 | 1.03 | 0.6 | 0.002 | ||
Including | 158.5 | 172.2 | 13.7 | 2.18 | 0.8 | 0.003 | ||
MGI-12-337 | Core | Yellow Pine | 91.4 | 109.3 | 17.8 | 3.20 | 23.5 | 1.540 |
MGI-12-339 | Core | Yellow Pine | 57.0 | 81.2 | 24.2 | 2.61 | 15.2 | 0.905 |
Including | 57.0 | 69.7 | 12.7 | 3.67 | 21.5 | 1.271 |
(1) Based upon the current 3D interpretation of the Hangar Flats and Yellow Pine deposits, the intervals quoted here are at or near true thickness and are composited using a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off and may include short intervals of internal waste below the cut-off grade. Intervals denoted (1) are likely to have true widths less than the interval reported herein.
“The completion of the 2012 work program marks a significant milestone in evaluating the economic potential of the Golden Meadows Project,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “With this information in hand, Midas Gold will be able to update its mineral resource estimates, complete an updated preliminary economic assessment and evaluate opportunities to optimize the project design, throughput and potential. Midas Gold is also committed to working with local communities, regulators, governments, tribal entities and other stakeholders to ensure its activities result in a significantly enhanced environmental legacy, while providing potential for significant employment, contracts and taxes to the local community, the State of Idaho and the United States.”
2012 Drill Program
Midas has completed over 50,000m of core, sonic and RC drilling as part of its 2012 drilling program, and has recently completed work on site for the season.
Recent drilling activities in the Hangar Flats and Yellow Pine deposit were part of Midas Gold’s 2012 resource development drilling program which consists of: (1) in-fill drill holes designed to convert inferred mineral resources to the indicated category, (2) step-out drill holes targeting new areas of gold mineralization adjacent to existing mineral resources and, (3) drill holes for geotechnical, water well and metallurgical purposes.
Yellow Pine
Generally, the in-fill drilling program completed in 2012 has been successful in confirming the presence of inferred mineral resources at Yellow Pine. Some infill drill holes have cut mineralization assaying higher grade than had been predicted but over shorter widths while others are intersecting longer intervals of slightly lower grade material than predicted in the models. In addition, a number of step-out holes have intersected significant mineralization outside the resource limits, especially west of the old Yellow Pine pit and in the northeast portion of the Yellow Pine deposit.
Drill holes completed at the northeastern end of the Homestake area of the Yellow Pine deposit continue to delineate gold mineralization adjacent to the Meadow Creek Fault zone. Drill holes MGI-12-325 and MGI-12-335, intersecting 47.7 m of 1.48 g/t gold and 81.4m of 1.03 g/t gold respectively, generally confirmed modeled mineral resources within the metasedimentary roof-pendant. Drill holes MGI-12-329 and MGI-12-332 were designed to test for gold mineralization occurring outside of the mineral resource boundaries within the fault zone separating the roof pendant and the batholith. These holes, collared north of other holes in this area, did not intersect significant mineralization, nor did some holes testing the deeper portions of the mineralization in the Homestake area.
At the south end of the Yellow Pine deposit, in the Monday Tunnel area, recently completed drill holes have verified the presence of shallow high-grade gold-antimony mineralization previously defined by 1950s historic operators. Holes MGI-12-337 and MGI-12-339, drilled in an easterly direction, intersected high-grade gold-antimony mineralization on the west side of a major structure. MGI-12-343 was drilled from the same pad but in a westerly direction to assess mineralization outside of the mineral resource limits but did not intersect significant mineralization.
Hangar Flats
Recent drill holes at Hangar Flats were designed to test geophysical anomalies on the west side of the Meadow Creek fault zone within conceptual resource-limiting pit shells and as in-fill holes to improve confidence in modeled mineral resources. To date, drill holes on the western side of the Meadow Creek Fault intersected the geophysically predicted structural zones, but have only intersected short zones of mineralization. Infill hole MGI-12-331, completed on the eastern side of the Meadow Creek Fault Zone, intersected shallow high-grade gold mineralization where only low grade material was predicted in resource models but did not confirm a higher grade zone interpreted at depth. Approximately 15 additional in-fill drill holes are planned for early 2013 in the Hangar Flats deposit with the objective of converting remaining inferred mineralization to the indicated category.
Illustrations
To view the locations of current drill holes, please click here.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The exploration activities at Golden Meadows were carried out under the supervision of Richard Moses, CPG, Qualified Person and Field Operations Manager for the Golden Meadows Project.
Samples are transported, handled and stored with chain of custody procedures. Core is sawed or split in representative halves with one half submitted to the laboratory for analysis and the second half of the split saved for archival purposes. Typical core samples are 1-2m in length. All gold assays are by a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by an atomic absorption finish (with a 0.002g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 6g/t are re-analyzed using a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. All composites utilize a 0.5g/t cut off and may include internal waste. Silver is analyzed via a 4-acid digestion followed by an ICP finish (with a 1.0g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 10g/t Ag are reanalyzed using a 50g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Some intervals may not add or subtract correctly due to rounding, but are deemed insignificant. Analyses are carried out by ALS CHEMEX in their Reno and Winnemucca, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia laboratories. Umpire samples are routinely submitted to third party labs and blank and standard samples are used for quality assurance and quality control and a review of the results of analyses of the blanks, standards and duplicates by the Company’s Qualified Person indicates values are within normal and acceptable ranges.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc., and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates were reported for all three deposits in a news release dated June 27, 2012 and are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “Preliminary Economic Assessment Technical Report for the Golden Meadows Project, Idaho” dated August 15, 2012, (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. This Preliminary Economic Assessment outlines a concept for the development of a large scale, long life, low cost open pit gold mining operation producing gold and by-product antimony based on the estimated mineral resource, as well as outlining a number of opportunities for potential enhancement of the conceptual project.
Yellow Pine is a significant past producer of gold, silver, antimony and tungsten from the 1930s through the mid-1950s. The Homestake deposit located at the northeast end of the Yellow Pine deposit and was operated by Hecla Mining Company from 1987 through 1989. The area between Yellow Pine and Homestake, known as the Clark Tunnel prospect, was the site of early 1930’s and 1940’s era exploration, but no mining has occurred and it has seen only minimal modern exploration drilling. The Hangar Flats deposit was the site of historic underground mining from the 1920’s to the late 1930’s.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2012 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; outcomes of appeals of regulatory decisions; litigation; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
Table 2: Assay Results to Accompany Midas Gold Corp. News Release dated December 18, 2012
HOLE-ID | HOLE TYPE | Area | Azimuth | Inclination | Hole Length | FROM (m) | TO (m) | Interval (m) (1) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) | W (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-325(1) | Core | Yellow Pine | 120 | -79 | 173.4 | 85.0 | 115.1 | 30.0 | 0.61 | 3.1 | 0.004 | 0.001 |
And | 123.9 | 171.6 | 47.7 | 1.48 | 2.6 | 0.004 | 0.003 | |||||
Including | 148.3 | 169.6 | 21.3 | 2.19 | 1.4 | 0.003 | 0.003 | |||||
MGI-12-331 | Core | Hangar Flats | 0 | -90 | 275.8 | 11.3 | 23.0 | 11.7 | 0.86 | 1.9 | 0.007 | 0.005 |
And | 101.8 | 127.6 | 25.8 | 3.65 | 2.6 | 0.007 | 0.003 | |||||
And | 134.4 | 160.2 | 25.8 | 0.94 | 2.3 | 0.121 | 0.004 | |||||
And | 200.3 | 212.3 | 12.0 | 2.30 | 58.6 | 0.005 | 0.071 | |||||
MGI-12-335 | Core | Yellow Pine | 120 | -65 | 199.6 | 8.9 | 26.8 | 17.9 | 3.07 | 0.4 | 0.244 | 0.006 |
And | 98.8 | 180.1 | 81.4 | 1.03 | 0.6 | 0.002 | 0.002 | |||||
Including | 158.5 | 172.2 | 13.7 | 2.18 | 0.8 | 0.003 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-337 | Core | Yellow Pine | 120 | -60 | 251.8 | 91.4 | 109.3 | 17.8 | 3.20 | 23.5 | 1.540 | 0.001 |
MGI-12-338 | Core | Yellow Pine | 249 | -53 | 224.6 | 29.6 | 58.4 | 28.8 | 0.52 | 0.0 | 0.004 | 0.035 |
And | 201.3 | 215.3 | 14.0 | 0.77 | 2.3 | 0.003 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-339 | Core | Yellow Pine | 120 | -45 | 221.6 | 57.0 | 81.2 | 24.2 | 2.61 | 15.2 | 0.905 | 0.004 |
Including | 57.0 | 69.7 | 12.7 | 3.67 | 21.5 | 1.271 | 0.005 |
(1) Based upon the current 3D interpretation of the Hangar Flats and Yellow Pine deposits, the intervals quoted here are at or near true thickness and are composited using a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off and may include short intervals of internal waste below the cut-off grade. Intervals denoted (1) are likely to have true widths less than the interval reported herein.
MIDAS GOLD REPORTS HIGH GRADE RESULTS FROM YELLOW PINE & WEST END DEPOSITS, GOLDEN MEADOWS PROJECT
Hole MGI-12-307 intersects 49.5m of 5.42 g/t gold including 15.9m of 12.29 g/t gold at Yellow Pine,
Hole MGI-12-310 intersects 37.5m of 2.94 g/t gold at Yellow Pine
Hole MGI-12-309 intersects 61.7m of 1.97 g/t Au at West End
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced assay results from its ongoing infill and step-out core drilling program from the Yellow Pine and West End deposits on its Golden Meadows Project, Idaho. These most recent results both confirm the presence of inferred gold mineralization within the resource-limiting pit shells and document additional high grade gold mineralization outside of previous mineral resource boundaries.
Significant assay results from these most recent drill holes are summarized in Table 1, below, with more detailed results in Table 2 at the end of this release. Additional results from the ongoing program will be released when assays are received and validated.
Table 1: Highlights of Recent Drill Results from Yellow Pine & West End Deposits
Hole-ID | Hole Type | Area | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-307(1) | Core | Yellow Pine | 201.0 | 250.6 | 49.5 | 5.42 | 2.5 |
Including | 230.7 | 246.6 | 15.9 | 12.29 | 5.4 | ||
MGI-12-309 | Core | West End | 139.0 | 200.7 | 61.7 | 1.97 | 3.7 |
Including | 174.7 | 198.4 | 23.8 | 3.19 | 7.6 | ||
MGI-12-310 | Core | Yellow Pine | 123.9 | 161.4 | 37.5 | 2.94 | 2.1 |
Including | 141.6 | 159.4 | 17.8 | 5.43 | 2.9 |
(1) Based upon the current 3D interpretation of the West End and Yellow Pine deposits, the intervals quoted here are at or near true thickness and are composited using a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off and may include short intervals of internal waste below the cut-off grade. Intervals denoted (1) are likely to have true widths less than the interval reported herein.
“This fall’s in-fill and step-out drilling programs at the Yellow Pine and West End deposits continue to improve confidence in our inferred mineral resources and to expand the overall limits to mineralization,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “We are especially pleased with the results of drill hole MGI-12-307 as it demonstrates lateral continuity of a new high-grade zone at the Yellow Pine deposit.”
2012 Drill Program
Midas has completed over 46,000m of core and RC drilling as part of its 2012 drilling program, and currently has three core rigs operating on site after having as many as nine rigs operating over the summer months.
Yellow Pine
Recent drilling activities in the Yellow Pine deposit are part of Midas Gold’s ongoing resource development drilling program which consists of: (1) in-fill drill holes designed to convert inferred mineral resources to the indicated category, (2) step-out drill holes targeting new areas of gold mineralization adjacent to existing mineral resources and, (3) drill holes for geotechnical and metallurgy purposes. Generally, the in-fill drilling program has been successful in confirming the presence of inferred mineral resources at Yellow Pine. Some infill drill holes have cut mineralization assaying higher grade than predicted but over shorter widths while others are intersecting longer intervals of slightly lower grade material than predicted in the models. In addition, a number of step-out holes have intersected significant mineralization outside the resource limits, especially west of the old Yellow Pine pit and in the northeast of Yellow Pine. “Overall, we are pleased with the results of the in-fill and step-out drilling program. Our inferred resources are generally holding together under tighter drill spacing and we anticipate successful conversion of a substantial majority of the mineral resources to the indicated category in preparation for our updated technical study,” said Stephen Quin.
Drill hole MGI-12-307, located at the northern end of the Homestake area of the Yellow Pine deposit, was drilled through the margin of the resource-limiting conceptual pit shell for geotechnical purposes and intersected high-grade gold mineralization over significant widths. The hole was completed north of other new, significant intercepts in this area, including those in holes MGI-12-263 and MGI-12-267, reported previously. Gold mineralization in this area occurs within and adjacent to a structural corridor along the contact between the metasedimentary roof-pendant and igneous rocks of the Idaho batholith. The mineralized zone is characterized by strong silicification and sulphide mineralization and contains short intervals assaying significantly higher grade than the broadly disseminated gold mineralization characteristic of the main body of the Yellow Pine deposit. The zone occurs below the historic property boundary separating land parcels previously controlled by different operators prior to Midas Gold’s consolidation of district mineral rights in 2011. Because of this, the area received minimal historic drill testing. With additional drilling, this new zone may constitute a significant addition to Yellow Pine mineral resources.
West End
Production of oxide heap leach gold ores from the West End pit ceased in the 1990’s, but gold mineralization was documented continuing well below the pit bottom by past exploration and development drilling. Midas Gold initiated drilling in the West End deposit in 2010 and the 2012 drilling campaign was designed to: (1) confirm historic drill data, (2) in-fill and convert inferred resources to indicated and (3) step-out around and below the modeled resource pit bottom.
Drill holes MGI-12-269, MGI-12-295, MGI-12-305 and MGI-12-309, reported herein, were drilled to improve confidence in inferred mineral resources. These holes cut mineralization at significant depth, where predicted, demonstrating the reliability of the West End structural model. Drill holes MGI-11-120 and MGI-11-121, pre-collared in 2011 and completed in 2012as part of Midas Gold’s ongoing geotechnical pit slope stability program, cut mineralization beneath and adjacent to the modeled resource-limiting conceptual pit.
Exploration Permitting
Midas Gold has been advised that the US Forest Service’s record of decision in respect of permitting of certain drilling activities planned for 2013 on US Forest Service land has been appealed. Midas Gold is reviewing the basis of the appeal. In the meantime, drilling activities continue under existing permits on Midas Gold’s private land and US Forest Service land.
Illustrations
To view the locations of current drill holes, please click here.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The exploration activities at Golden Meadows were carried out under the supervision of Richard Moses, CPG, Qualified Person and Field Operations Manager for the Golden Meadows Project.
Samples are transported, handled and stored with chain of custody procedures. Core is sawed or split in representative halves with one half submitted to the laboratory for analysis and the second half of the split saved for archival purposes. Typical core samples are 1-2m in length. All gold assays are by a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by an atomic absorption finish (with a 0.002g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 6g/t are re-analyzed using a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. All composites utilize a 0.5g/t cut off and may include internal waste. Silver is analyzed via a 4-acid digestion followed by an ICP finish (with a 1.0g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 10g/t Ag are reanalyzed using a 50g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Some intervals may not add or subtract correctly due to rounding, but are deemed insignificant. Analyses are carried out by ALS CHEMEX in their Reno and Winnemucca, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia laboratories. Umpire samples are routinely submitted to third party labs and blank and standard samples are used for quality assurance and quality control and a review of the results of analyses of the blanks, standards and duplicates by the Company’s Qualified Person indicates values are within normal and acceptable ranges.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc., and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates were reported for all three deposits in a news release dated June 27, 2012 and are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “Preliminary Economic Assessment Technical Report for the Golden Meadows Project, Idaho” dated August 15, 2012, (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. This Preliminary Economic Assessment outlines a concept for the development of a large scale, long life, low cost open pit gold mining operation producing gold and by-product antimony based on the estimated mineral resource, as well as outlining a number of opportunities for potential enhancement of the conceptual project.
Yellow Pine is a significant past producer of gold, silver, antimony and tungsten from the 1930s through the mid-1950s. The Homestake deposit located at the northeast end of the Yellow Pine deposit and was operated by Hecla Mining Company from 1987 through 1989. The area between Yellow Pine and Homestake, known as the Clark Tunnel prospect, was the site of early 1930’s and 1940’s era exploration, but no mining has occurred and it has seen only minimal modern exploration drilling. Historical geologic, ground geophysical and drilling data obtained by Midas suggested the possibility that significant mineralization might be present in this area and recent drill results confirm this potential. The West End deposit was the site of open pit mining with heap leach recovery of gold from the 1970s to the late 1990s.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2012 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; outcomes of appeals of regulatory decisions; litigation; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
Table 2: Assay Results to Accompany Midas Gold Corp. News Release dated November 21, 2012
Hole-ID | Hole Type | Area | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) | Tungsten (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-11-120 | Core | West End | 60.8 | 97.1 | 36.3 | 1.30 | 1.1 | 0.01 | 0.001 |
MGI-11-121 | Core | West End | 144.8 | 172.5 | 27.7 | 1.91 | 11.1 | 0.01 | 0.001 |
Including | 159.7 | 172.5 | 12.8 | 2.67 | 21.6 | 0.01 | 0.001 | ||
MGI-11-121 | Core | West End | 232.9 | 260.6 | 27.7 | 1.37 | 5.4 | 0.01 | 0.003 |
MGI-12-260 | RC | West End | 61.0 | 85.3 | 24.4 | 1.26 | 3.3 | 0.01 | 0.002 |
And | 144.8 | 167.6 | 22.9 | 0.57 | 0.4 | 0.01 | 0.002 | ||
And | 173.7 | 207.3 | 33.5 | 1.72 | 1.3 | 0.00 | 0.002 | ||
And | 216.4 | 245.4 | 29.0 | 0.70 | 1.4 | 0.01 | 0.001 | ||
MGI-12-269 | RC | West End | 118.9 | 179.8 | 61.0 | 1.05 | 0.8 | 0.01 | 0.001 |
Including | 149.4 | 169.2 | 19.8 | 1.50 | 1.0 | 0.00 | 0.002 | ||
MGI-12-295 | Core | West End | 8.5 | 27.3 | 18.8 | 1.32 | 4.4 | 0.01 | 0.003 |
And | 168.4 | 179.5 | 11.1 | 0.67 | 0.0 | 0.00 | 0.001 | ||
And | 258.3 | 305.0 | 46.6 | 1.03 | 1.8 | 0.01 | 0.002 | ||
MGI-12-297(2) | Core | Yellow Pine | 48.8 | 61.0 | 12.2 | 3.64 | 4.0 | 0.01 | 0.004 |
MGI-12-303 | Core | West End | 149.5 | 163.4 | 13.9 | 0.64 | 0.8 | 0.01 | 0.004 |
And | 202.7 | 215.5 | 12.8 | 3.34 | 4.1 | 0.02 | 0.002 | ||
MGI-12-304 | Core | Yellow Pine | 29.6 | 42.7 | 13.1 | 0.54 | 0.0 | 0.00 | 0.001 |
MGI-12-305 | Core | West End | 61.7 | 100.3 | 38.6 | 0.90 | 1.0 | 0.00 | 0.001 |
And | 107.1 | 119.8 | 12.7 | 0.73 | 1.1 | 0.02 | 0.001 | ||
And | 133.5 | 144.9 | 11.4 | 2.81 | 2.7 | 0.01 | 0.002 | ||
And | 165.5 | 194.5 | 29.0 | 1.15 | 0.8 | 0.01 | 0.001 | ||
MGI-12-307(1) | Core | Yellow Pine | 64.6 | 78.6 | 14.0 | 0.85 | 1.6 | 0.00 | 0.000 |
And | 101.0 | 121.6 | 20.6 | 0.63 | 0.7 | 0.00 | 0.001 | ||
And | 201.0 | 250.6 | 49.5 | 5.42 | 2.5 | 0.00 | 0.002 | ||
Including | 230.7 | 246.6 | 15.9 | 12.29 | 5.4 | 0.01 | 0.002 | ||
MGI-12-309 | Core | West End | 139.0 | 200.7 | 61.7 | 1.97 | 3.7 | 0.01 | 0.003 |
Including | 174.7 | 198.4 | 23.8 | 3.19 | 7.6 | 0.01 | 0.004 | ||
And | Core | West End | 214.4 | 237.3 | 22.9 | 1.04 | 0.6 | 0.00 | 0.002 |
MGI-12-310 | Core | Yellow Pine | 123.9 | 161.4 | 37.5 | 2.94 | 2.1 | 0.04 | 0.001 |
Including | 141.6 | 159.4 | 17.8 | 5.43 | 2.9 | 0.09 | 0.001 | ||
MGI-12-316 | Core | West End | 51.5 | 63.4 | 11.9 | 0.92 | 1.4 | 0.01 | 0.012 |
And | 112.8 | 131.1 | 18.3 | 0.85 | 0.9 | 0.00 | 0.001 | ||
MGI-12-317 | Core | Yellow Pine | 235.8 | 254.1 | 18.3 | 0.68 | 1.7 | 0.05 | 0.001 |
MGI-12-318 | Core | Yellow Pine | 60.4 | 72.2 | 11.9 | 1.06 | 1.7 | 0.00 | 0.001 |
MGI-12-322 | Core | Yellow Pine | 35.7 | 51.8 | 16.2 | 2.54 | 3.3 | 0.01 | 0.002 |
(1) Based upon the current 3D interpretation of the West End and Yellow Pine deposits, the intervals quoted here are at or near true thickness and are composited using a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off and may include short intervals of internal waste below the cut-off grade. Intervals denoted (1) are likely to have true widths less than the interval reported herein.
(2) Hole abandoned, terminated in mineralization.
MIDAS GOLD'S 2012 EXPLORATION PROGRAM OUTLINES MULTIPLE TARGETS ON ITS GOLDEN MEADOWS PROPERTY
Several Multi-element, Multi-source Anomalies Defined Extending Known Mineralization & In New Areas
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced that its 2012 geological, geochemical and geophysical programs completed across its Golden Meadows property in Idaho successfully confirmed and extended areas of known or suspected mineralization and outlined several new gold-silver-antimony targets. A number of these target areas exhibit coincident highly anomalous stream, soil and rock multi-element geochemical signatures and are associated with strong airborne electromagnetic (“EM”) and ground geophysical anomalies that show characteristics similar to those associated with the three known deposits. These results suggest potential for the discovery of further significant new gold-silver-antimony deposits at Golden Meadows, as well as extensions to known deposits. Highlights of the 2012 program include:
The 2km long trend between the already defined Hangar Flats and Yellow Pine deposits, which area encompasses three consistently highly anomalous areas in gold, silver and antimony in both stream and soil samples, each with associated Controlled Source Audio-frequency Magnetotelluric (“CSAMT”) and airborne EM anomalies consistent with the adjacent deposits. Limited drilling in this area, such as in the Monday tunnel area, has already intersected high grade sulphide mineralization; these results suggest there could be significant mineral potential in these areas.
The 1km long area extending from the north end of the West End mineral resource to the Sugar prospect, also with coincident multi-element soil, rock and silt anomalies, and associated CSAMT and airborne EM anomalies. This trend is coincident with the fault offset continuation of favourable host rocks that are associated with the majority of the West End mineral resource and suggests this significant mineralized system extends considerably further than has currently been tested by drilling.
The Rabbit prospect, a Midas Gold discovery in 2010 that has developed into an approximately 1km wide zone of coincident soil and silt multi-element anomalies with associated CSAMT and airborne EM anomalies. The results suggest potential for a significant scale but blind mineralized system in the Rabbit area.
The Mule prospect, also a Midas Gold discovery, with significant gold-silver values in soils, coincident multi-gram gold values in rock samples in altered intrusives and a strong airborne EM anomaly.
Expanded previously known trends, such as the Scout-Upper Garnet-Upper Midnight trend and the Garnet-Doris K trend, where soils, CSAMT and airborne EM outline two highly anomalous approximate 1km long trends with known multi-gram assays in rock samples and wide-spaced drill holes.
“Our 2012 geochemical and ground geophysical surveys were designed to identify and delineate potential extensions to known mineral trends and identify completely new mineralized areas,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “The results of our 2012 regional exploration has exceeded our expectations and has generated a target-rich environment, with multiple, large scale, multi-element, multi-survey anomalies that suggest potential for substantial extensions to known mineralized systems as well as outlining some large scale new targets,” he said. “In 2013, we intend to evaluate the potential of the highest priority of these new opportunities through drilling.” Despite the long history of exploration in the district that extends back to the earliest 1900s, most mineralization is blind and the property has not been subject to systematic modern exploration that can detect such mineralization. By way of comparison, the Hangar Flats deposit was discovered based on a single outcrop a few metres across, the Yellow Pine deposit was completely blind and the West End-style sediment-hosted mineralization was unrecognized until the 1970s; each turned into a substantial gold deposit. The recently defined Scout prospect was discovered as a result of geochemical and geophysical surveys detecting a potential blind mineralized system where drilling has subsequently demonstrated significant gold-silver-antimony grades over considerable strike length and thicknesses.
2012 Stream Sediment Sampling Program
Midas Gold staff completed a high density stream silt sampling program to assist in evaluation of anomalies generated from its 2011 airborne geophysical program. The 2012 survey involved collection of 351 silts roughly every 300-500m along all the major drainages within the project area, testing extensive areas previously not sampled and/or newly staked by Midas Gold in 2011 as a result of the airborne geophysical survey. The average catchment area of sampled drainages is roughly 1.0-1.5km2, providing a high degree of localization for the source of the anomalies. The stream sediment survey covers a total area of approximately 110km2 and encompasses most of Midas Gold’s land holdings.
Over 80% of the silt samples reported anomalous gold and pathfinder elements, with a maximum value of 1.78 ppm (1.78 g/t) gold, 1.91 ppm (1.91g/t) silver, 458 ppm antimony, 340 ppm tungsten reported from the silts collected during the 2012 sampling program. The strongest gold and multi-element pathfinder anomalies outside of the known deposits occur in silt samples collected from streams draining from the northern extension of the Hangar Flats trend (toward Yellow Pine), as well as the Garnet, Rabbit, Cinnamid-Ridgetop, Upper Midnight, Doris K and Sugar prospects.
2012 Soil Sediment Sampling Program
Midas Gold staff and contractors established several large soil grids and completed a fill-in soil sampling program designed to assist in the evaluation of airborne geophysical anomalies generated from its 2011 airborne geophysical program. This was done to confirm and further expand on anomalies outlined in various historic datasets from past operators and to expand those anomalies defined during Midas Gold’s soil surveys completed between 2009 and 2011. The soil surveys involved collection of 3,429 B-horizon soil samples covering approximately 25km2 of the Company’s 110 square kilometer property position. These new grids complement data from historic grids that cover another 13 km2 of the project area.
Multi-element pathfinder and gold-in-soil anomalies were outlined in several areas including: (1) anomalies at the Mule prospect, coincident with strong gold-in-rock and airborne geophysical anomalies; (2) at the Sugar Prospect, coincident with airborne EM, aeromagnetics and CSAMT anomalies; and, (3) at various other prospects. Over 80% of the soil samples reported anomalous gold and pathfinder elements with a maximum value of 1.9 ppm (1.9g/t) gold, 6.8 ppm (6.8g/t) silver, 2,580 ppm (0.26%) antimony and 510 ppm tungsten reported from the soils collected during the 2012 sampling program, illustrating the pervasive nature of the mineralization in the areas sampled.
2012 CSAMT Ground Geophysical Survey Program
Geophysical survey crews from Zonge Engineering, a Tucson-based contractor, completed a total of 51.5 line-km of ground geophysical surveys using CSAMT along twelve, east-west oriented, 4.3km long lines. The surveys covered approximately 21km2, with lines spaced 400m apart and stations every 25m along the lines. The survey coverage extends from north of the Yellow Pine deposit south to the DMEA area of the Hangar Flats Deposit. Preliminary results received from the contractor indicate all three of the known deposits covered by the CSAMT surveys show a response and a significant number of new anomalies were generated this year that appear to be of an appropriate size and character to warrant additional follow-up. Additional details of results from the CSAMT survey will be released when the final data is received and integrated with the other exploration datasets.
CSAMT is a low-impact, non-intrusive, commonly-used, surface-based geophysical method which provides resistivity information in the subsurface. The CSAMT method involves transmitting a controlled signal over a range of frequencies into the ground from one location (transmitter site) and measuring the received electric and magnetic fields in the area of interest (receiver site). The measured field magnitudes are used to calculate the apparent resistivity of the area underlying the receiver site. Calculated resistivity values from CSAMT data relate to geology and can be attributed to effects of rock type, porosity, pore fluids, faults and the presence of certain mineral assemblages, and in this case minerals associated with gold mineralization within the district. Areas of low resistivity may be caused by a number of factors, but can often be attributed to areas of mineralization and combined with other data can yield valuable 3-dimensional information on subsurface structures, geology and mineralization prior to drill testing.
Illustrations
To view the locations of geochemical anomalies, please click here.
Sampling Procedures and Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The exploration activities at Golden Meadows were carried out under the supervision of Christopher Dail, C.P.G., Qualified Person and Exploration Manager for the Golden Meadows Project.
Stream silt samples were collected in the field from small stream catchments using stainless steel implements and wet sieved in the field to -20 mesh and then later dried and sieved in the laboratory to -80 mesh. Soil samples were collected in the field using stainless steel implements and then later dried and sieved in the laboratory to -80 mesh. Field duplicates were collected every 20th sample for quality control purposes for both silts and soils. Both soils and silt samples were digested with a 4-acid hot leach followed by analysis for gold and 41 trace elements via atomic absorption and mass spectrometry at ALS Chemex laboratories in Reno, Nevada and Vancouver, B.C. using method ME-MS41L. Blank and standard samples are used for quality assurance and quality control and a review of the results of analyses of the blanks, standards and duplicates by the Corporation’s Qualified Person indicates values are within normal and acceptable ranges.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc., and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates were reported for all three deposits in a news release dated June 27, 2012 and are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “Preliminary Economic Assessment Technical Report for the Golden Meadows Project, Idaho” dated August 15, 2012, (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. This Preliminary Economic Assessment outlines a concept for the development of a large scale, long life, low cost open pit gold mining operation producing gold and by-product antimony based on the estimated mineral resource, as well as outlining a number of opportunities for potential enhancement of the conceptual project.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, “anomalous” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
MIDAS GOLD REPORTS RESULTS FROM HIGH GRADE CORE OF YELLOW PINE DEPOSIT, GOLDEN MEADOWS PROJECT, IDAHO
Hole MGI-12-306 intersects 238m of 2.61g/t Au, and 0.29% Sb; including 61.6m of 3.37g/t Au, and 0.72% Sb
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced further results from its ongoing infill and step-out core drilling program on its Golden Meadows Project, Idaho, including results from definition drilling in the high grade core of the Yellow Pine deposit beneath the former open pit. Historic mining operations ceased in the Yellow Pine pit in 1952, but high grade gold-antimony mineralization was documented as continuing well below the pit bottom in past exploration and development drilling. Hole MGI-12-306 was drilled as part of Midas Gold’s ongoing resource definition and metallurgical sample collection program, as recommended in the recently released Preliminary Economic Analysis (“PEA”). Hole MGI-12-306 was drilled in order to: (a) confirm and upgrade the resource estimates for this area that is conceptually scheduled for early production in the PEA, (b) to provide fresh samples to optimize recovery from higher grade mineralization scheduled for the early years of the conceptual mine plan outlined in the PEA, and (c) to provide additional antimony assay data to support antimony resource estimation for a larger portion of the Yellow Pine deposit. Only 17% of mill feed incorporated into the conceptual mine plan set out in the PEA currently has an antimony estimate associated with it, yet Midas drilling has outlined antimony mineralization well outside the antimony zone used in the PEA in the Yellow Pine deposit. Hole MGI-12-306 was successful in respect of all three objectives; this release also includes additional infill and step-out holes in the Yellow Pine deposit area.
Significant assay results from these most recent drill holes at Yellow Pine are summarized in Table 1, below, with more detailed results in Table 2 at the end of this release. Additional results from the ongoing program will be released when assays are received and validated.
Table 1: Highlights of Recent Drill Results from Yellow Pine
Hole ID | Target Area | Hole Type | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-306(3) | Yellow Pine | Core | 37.2 | 275.2 | 238.0 | 2.61 | 3.0 | 0.29 |
including | 200.0 | 261.5 | 61.6 | 3.37 | 6.0 | 0.72 | ||
including | 208.2 | 221.0 | 12.8 | 2.71 | 12.7 | 1.58 |
“We are pleased with the drill results from this year’s drilling at Yellow Pine, where we have expanded the limits of known gold-silver-antimony mineralization, and are now focusing on infill and step-out drilling to better define the high grade mineralization (including the antimony zones) and to convert inferred resources to indicated resources,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “We also plan to continue testing the outer limits of the Yellow Pine system, since recent geophysical studies and 3-dimensional reconstruction of faults suggest there is potential for additional mineralization along the flanks of the Yellow Pine Deposit, where post-mineral faults may have offset mineralization, and we hope to further test these targets in the coming months,” he said.
Metallurgical Program
As part of Midas Gold’s ongoing work program to advance the project post-PEA, a large representative suite of more than 500 metallurgical sample composites was selected from core holes drilled by Midas Gold and will be utilized for flow sheet development and variability testing. On-going flotation testing will be performed by SGS in Vancouver, B.C., in order to further optimize metallurgical performance under the supervision of Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd., B.C. The PEA incorporated quantitative evaluation of 70 variability composites for gold, antimony and host rock mineralogy by scanning electron microscope (QEMSCAN). Grindability testing and more than 130 flotation test runs have been completed to date, results of which were utilized in the PEA.
As recommended in the PEA, further metallurgical sampling and test work is continuing in order to further optimize and refine the conceptual process plant flow sheet and metallurgical parameters. This additional metallurgical testing is part of a comprehensive project optimization process being undertaken, as recommended in the PEA, to evaluate the potential for:
Optimization of flow sheets and plant sizing, including potential for a 25-50% increase in throughput.
Extending the higher grade production profile for additional time, through extensions to the higher grade known deposits, definition of additional higher grade deposits and/or definition of significantly higher grade/lower tonnage mineralization that could be blended with the lower grade West End tonnage thereby giving an effective higher grade feed to the mill;
Extension of antimony by-product credits to a broader proportion of the mineral resources as the antimony resources are currently limited to approximately 17% of the mill feed utilized in the PEA, primarily due to lack of analytical antimony values in historic drill datasets;
Increasing resources and/or reducing strip ratios by drill testing unclassified material within the conceptual pit limits that is currently treated as waste in the PEA, but is essentially undrilled;
Exploration - both around deposits and throughout district with the objective of defining higher grade mineralization that is economically advantaged relative to the lower margin West End material utilized in the PEA.
2012 Drill Program
Midas has completed over 41,000m of core and RC drilling as part of its 2012 drilling program, and currently has four core rigs operating on site after having as many as nine rigs operating over the summer months.
Illustrations
To view the locations of current drill holes, please click here.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The exploration activities at Golden Meadows were carried out under the supervision of Richard Moses, CPG, Qualified Person and Site Operations Manager for the Golden Meadows Project.
Samples are transported, handled and stored with chain of custody procedures. Core is sawed or split in representative halves with one half submitted to the laboratory for analysis and the second half of the split saved for archival purposes. Typical core samples are 1-2m in length. All gold assays are by a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by an atomic absorption finish (with a 0.002g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 6g/t are re-analyzed using a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. All composites utilize a 0.5g/t cut off and may include internal waste. Silver is analyzed via a 4-acid digestion followed by an ICP finish (with a 1.0g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 10g/t Ag are reanalyzed using a 50g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Some intervals may not add or subtract correctly due to rounding, but are deemed insignificant. Analyses are carried out by ALS CHEMEX in their Reno and Winnemucca, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia laboratories. Umpire samples are routinely submitted to third party labs and blank and standard samples are used for quality assurance and quality control and a review of the results of analyses of the blanks, standards and duplicates by the Company’s Qualified Person indicates values are within normal and acceptable ranges.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc., and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates were reported for all three deposits in a news release dated June 27, 2012 and are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “Preliminary Economic Assessment Technical Report for the Golden Meadows Project, Idaho” dated August 15, 2012, (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. This Preliminary Economic Assessment outlines a concept for the development of a large scale, long life, low cost open pit gold mining operation producing gold and by-product antimony based on the estimated mineral resource, as well as outlining a number of opportunities for potential enhancement of the conceptual project.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
Table 2: Assay Results to Accompany Midas Gold Corp. News Release dated October 15, 2012
Hole ID | Target Area | Hole Type | Bearing | Inclination | Total Depth (m) | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) | Tungsten (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-297(1) | Yellow Pine | Core | 177 | -20 | 60.96 | 48.8 | 61.0 | 12.2 | 3.64 | 4.0 | 0.01 | 0.004 |
MGI-12-304 | Yellow Pine | Core | 0 | -90 | 263.35 | 29.6 | 42.7 | 13.1 | 0.54 | 0.0 | 0.00 | 0.001 |
MGI-12-306(3) | Yellow Pine | Core | 165 | -31 | 291.4 | 37.2 | 275.2 | 238.0 | 2.61 | 3.0 | 0.29 | 0.005 |
including | 200.0 | 261.5 | 61.6 | 3.37 | 6.0 | 0.72 | 0.003 | |||||
including | 208.2 | 221.0 | 12.8 | 2.71 | 12.7 | 1.58 | 0.002 |
(1) Hole abandoned prematurely.
(2) Based upon the current 3D interpretation of the Yellow Pine deposits the intervals quoted here are at or near true thickness and are composited using a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off and may include short intervals of internal waste below the cut-off grade unless otherwise noted
(3) Intervals denoted (3) are less than true width.
MIDAS GOLD EXPANDS MINERALIZATION AT THE SCOUT PROSPECT, GOLDEN MEADOWS PROJECT, IDAHO
Hole MGI-12-302 intersects 121.2m of 1.20g/t Au, 0.49% Sb
Hole MGI-12-308 intersects 58.1m of 1.21g/t Au
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced additional assay results from its ongoing core drilling program at its Scout Prospect, on the Golden Meadows Project in Idaho. Step-out drilling continues to intersect significant gold-silver-antimony mineralization and is expanding the area of mineralization beyond previously defined boundaries and suggests potential for a good grade, bulk tonnage mineralizing system with significant antimony credits.
“Our recent drill results from Scout have not only confirmed the presence of high-grade gold-silver-antimony mineralization delineated in widely spaced historic drill holes, but have expanded this mineralization down-dip, up-dip and along-strike, and have shown the mineralization to be much thicker than prior, short drill holes had indicated,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “In addition, ground and airborne geophysical surveys suggest that the mineralized system may extend farther along strike, indicating potential for a bulk tonnage mineralizing system with good gold grades and significant antimony credits,” he said. Additional drilling is in progress and is designed to further define the nature and extent of gold-silver-antimony mineralization at the Scout prospect.
Significant assay results from the most recent holes are summarized in Table 1, below, and full results are listed in Table 2 at the end of this news release. Previous 2011 and 2012 assay results from Scout, as reported in other news releases, can be found on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com. Additional results from the ongoing program will be released when assays are received and validated.
Table 1: Significant Results from Recent Scout Drill Holes
Hole ID | Hole Type | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-302 | Core | 85.3 | 206.5 | 121.2 | 1.20 | 2.0 | 0.490 |
including | 85.3 | 100.6 | 15.2 | 3.33 | 1.6 | 0.173 | |
including | 150.9 | 162.9 | 12.0 | 4.55 | 4.7 | 1.708 | |
MGI-12-308 | Core | 171.6 | 229.7 | 58.1 | 1.21 | 1.4 | 0.043 |
The average aggregate true thickness of mineralization at Scout, based on drilling completed to date, is 75m and the mineralized area can be trace along strike at least 450m and down dip at least 200m. Mineralization is open to the north, south, down-dip and (to a limited extent) up-dip, with geophysical surveys and shallow historic drilling suggesting a strike length in excess of 650m. Several of the holes drill by Midas, including the two reported here, ended in mineralization. Overall, drill results received to date, combined with the results of geophysical surveys and historic drilling, suggest potential for a large scale, bulk tonnage gold system with significant antimony and silver credits. Antimony is primarily used as a flame retardant in the manufacture of plastics and other materials, as well as an alloy with lead in batteries. Recent antimony prices have averaged approximately US$5.70 per pound.
2012 Drill Program
Midas has completed over 41,000m of core and reverse circulation drilling as part of its 2012 drilling program, and currently has four core rigs operating on site.
Scout Prospect Description & History
The Scout Ridge prospect is situated approximately 1.25 km northeast of the Hangar Flats deposit, and has been traced approximately 650m along strike in widely spaced drill holes along a north-south fault system that hosts widespread gold-silver-antimony mineralization. This fault system, all of which may not be mineralized, can be inferred to extend for several km to the north-northwest, based on Midas Gold’s 2011 airborne magnetics and EM surveys. Scattered soil anomalies and geologic mapping along this fault shows that it lies approximately 1km to the east of, and parallel to, the Meadow Creek fault system (which controls the Hangar Flats and Yellow Pine gold-silver-antimony-tungsten deposits).
The Scout prospect was first discovered in the 1940s, after U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Bureau of Mines workers conducted experimental biogeochemical sampling in the district, which outlined a large gold and antimony biogeochemical anomaly. The area that hosts the biogeochemical anomaly occurs in a distinct, linear, north-south trending topographic depression interpreted to be a less resistant structural zone that is marked by strong geophysical anomalies. A series of weak but pronounced soil anomalies occur parallel to this trend, slightly uphill to the east, where the drilled zones would project to the surface (but are covered by talus and slope debris). Several small pits and trenches (that were likely excavated during 1940s during government-sponsored antimony-tungsten exploration) exposed massive, blocky, slightly schistose quartzite containing narrow, gold-bearing, high-grade stibnite veins and altered, sulphide-bearing, igneous dikes. Stratigraphic relationships, derived from outcrop mapping and drill data, indicate the valley itself is underlain by calc-silicates and silicified and dolomitized carbonates, similar to those that hosts the nearby Garnet Prospect. The Garnet prospect lies approximately 0.8km to the east of Scout and was the site of a 1995 open pit mining operation that produced approximately 35,000 ounces of gold from oxidized ores in skarn and calc-silicates grading approximately 6g/t gold. Between 1948 and 1990 three companies explored the Scout area with 20 short drill holes, totaling approximately 2,435m. Six east-west IP geophysical lines (by past operators and Midas Gold) have been run across the Scout Prospect area and delineate a large resistivity low and IP chargeability anomaly that could be indicative of a larger sulphide mineralized system.
Midas has now completed seven holes totaling 1,767.5m at Scout and, combined with results from the historic drilling, indicates the Scout Prospect is underlain by a series of stacked, tabular lenses of north-striking, moderately west-dipping shears, sheeted fracture zones and stockwork veins that host gold-silver-antimony mineralization that can be traced along strike for at least 450m.
Illustrations
To view the locations of current drill holes, please click here.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The exploration activities at Golden Meadows were carried out under the supervision of Richard Moses, CPG, Qualified Person and Site Operations Manager for the Golden Meadows Project.
Samples are transported, handled and stored with chain of custody procedures. Core is sawed or split in representative halves with one half submitted to the laboratory for analysis and the second half of the split saved for archival purposes. Typical core samples are 1-2m in length. All gold assays are by a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by an atomic absorption finish (with a 0.002g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 6g/t are re-analyzed using a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. All composites utilize a 0.3g/t cut off and may include up to 10 metres of internal waste. Silver is analyzed via a 4-acid digestion followed by an ICP finish (with a 1.0g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 10g/t Ag are re-analyzed using a 50g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Some intervals may not add or subtract correctly due to rounding, but are deemed insignificant. Analyses are carried out by ALS CHEMEX in their Reno and Winnemucca, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia laboratories. Umpire samples are routinely submitted to third party labs and blank and standard samples are used for quality assurance and quality control and a review of the results of analyses of the blanks, standards and duplicates by the Company’s Qualified Person indicates values are within normal and acceptable ranges.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc., and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates were reported for all three deposits in a news release dated June 27, 2012 and are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “Preliminary Economic Assessment Technical Report for the Golden Meadows Project, Idaho” dated August 15, 2012 (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. This Preliminary Economic Assessment outlines a concept for the development of a large scale, long life, low cost open pit gold mining operation producing gold and by-product antimony based on the estimated mineral resource, as well as outlining a number of opportunities for potential enhancement of the conceptual project.
Hangar Flats is a high-grade gold-silver-antimony-tungsten discovery made in 2009 and these most recent drill intercepts are step-outs to the north from the areas discovered and drilled during the 2009 and 2010 field seasons. Yellow Pine is a significant past producer of gold, silver, antimony and tungsten from the 1930s through the mid-1950s. The Homestake deposit located at the northeast end of the Yellow Pine deposit and was operated by Hecla Mining Company from 1987 through 1989. The area between Yellow Pine and Homestake, known as the Clark Tunnel prospect, was the site of early 1930’s and 1940’s era exploration, but no mining has occurred and it has seen only minimal modern exploration drilling. Historical geologic, ground geophysical and drilling data obtained by Midas suggested the possibility that significant mineralization might be present in this area and recent drill results confirm this potential. The West End deposit was the site of open pit mining with heap leach recovery of gold from the 1970s to the late 1990s. Scout is a 1950’s area prospect located near the old town of Stibnite that was the site of scattered past exploration trenching and limited drilling by past operators. In the winter of 2011 Midas discovered significant gold-antimony mineralization at Scout and has been conducting step-out drilling and geophysical surveys to further define the limits of the mineralized system.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2012 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licenses and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
Table 2: Recent Drill Results from Scout to Accompany News Release dated October 11, 2012
Hole ID | Hole Type | Bearing | Inclination | Total Depth (m) | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-302 | Core | 120 | -45 | 274.0 | 85.3 | 206.5 | 121.2 | 1.20 | 2.0 | 0.490 |
including | 85.3 | 100.6 | 15.2 | 3.33 | 1.6 | 0.173 | ||||
including | 150.9 | 162.9 | 12.0 | 4.55 | 4.7 | 1.708 | ||||
And | 218.7 | 237.1 | 18.4 | 0.85 | 0.5 | 0.019 | ||||
And | 248.4 | 274.0 | 25.6 | 0.36 | 0.1 | 0.016 | ||||
MGI-12-308 | Core | 90 | -55 | 250.7 | 29.0 | 35.4 | 6.4 | 0.49 | 0.0 | 0.004 |
And | 61.0 | 80.5 | 19.5 | 0.55 | 0.1 | 0.002 | ||||
And | 98.8 | 103.3 | 4.6 | 0.66 | 0.3 | 0.097 | ||||
And | 126.2 | 137.6 | 11.4 | 0.31 | 0.7 | 0.152 | ||||
And | 171.6 | 229.7 | 58.1 | 1.21 | 1.4 | 0.043 | ||||
And | 247.5 | 250.7 | 3.2 | 1.26 | 0.7 | 0.003 |
MIDAS GOLD REPORTS SIGNIFICANT RESULTS FROM INFILL & STEP-OUT DRILLING AT ITS GOLDEN MEADOWS PROJECT, IDAHO
Hole MGI-12-223 intersects 44.8m at 2.26g/t Au, 0.59% Sb at Yellow Pine
Hole MGI-12-281 intersects 95.3m at 2.80g/t Au at Yellow Pine
Hole MGI-12-286 intersects 110.3m at 2.23g/t Au, including 26.7m at 3.97g/t Au, at West End
Hole MGI-12-293 intersects 132.6m at 3.56g/t Au & 0.43% Sb, including 36.9m at 4.92g/t Au & 1.51% Sb, at Yellow Pine
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced additional assay results from its ongoing core and reverse circulation (“RC”) drilling program on its Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine District, Idaho. Results from Yellow Pine drilling include confirmation holes delineating high-grade gold-antimony mineralization and step-out holes expanding the limits of gold mineralization beyond previously defined mineral resource boundaries. Results from West End drilling continue to expand the known limits of gold mineralization, both at depth and laterally from boundaries reported in mineral resource estimates released May 2012, and demonstrate the presence of higher grades within the overall mineral resource.
Some of the more significant assay results from the most recent holes are highlighted in Table 1, below, with more detailed results in Table 2 at the end of this release. Additional results from the ongoing program will be released when assays are received and validated.
Table 1: Highlights of Recent Drill Results from Golden Meadows
Hole ID | Hole Type | Area | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony % |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-223 (1) | Core | Yellow Pine | 44.5 | 89.3 | 44.8 | 2.26 | 9.3 | 0.59 |
MGI-12-241 | Core | Yellow Pine | 7.6 | 50.3 | 42.7 | 3.63 | 1.8 | 0.00 |
MGI-12-258 | Core | West End | 42.4 | 151.8 | 109.4 | 1.30 | 2.4 | 0.00 |
And | 162.5 | 208.0 | 45.6 | 2.81 | 2.8 | 0.01 | ||
Including | 167.0 | 177.7 | 10.7 | 5.57 | 2.8 | 0.02 | ||
MGI-12-263 | Core | Yellow Pine | 102.0 | 143.0 | 41.0 | 2.54 | 1.6 | 0.00 |
MGI-12-265 | Core | West End | 71.6 | 114.3 | 42.7 | 2.61 | 4.0 | 0.01 |
And | 122.8 | 152.1 | 29.3 | 2.98 | 3.0 | 0.01 | ||
MGI-12-281 (2) | Core | Yellow Pine | 186.4 | 281.6 | 95.3 | 2.80 | 1.8 | 0.00 |
MGI-12-282 | Core | West End | 46.3 | 87.8 | 41.5 | 2.89 | 2.5 | 0.00 |
MGI-12-284 (1) | RC | West End | 51.8 | 74.7 | 22.9 | 2.12 | 1.6 | 0.01 |
And | 80.8 | 131.1 | 50.3 | 3.22 | 2.9 | 0.06 | ||
Including | 86.9 | 118.9 | 32.0 | 4.60 | 3.9 | 0.08 | ||
MGI-12-286 (1) | Core | West End | 265.0 | 375.4 | 110.3 | 2.23 | 1.7 | 0.00 |
Including | 278.7 | 305.4 | 26.7 | 3.97 | 1.5 | 0.00 | ||
MGI-12-293 (1)(2) | Core | Yellow Pine | 124.4 | 257.0 | 132.6 | 3.56 | 9.7 | 0.43 |
Including | 180.8 | 217.6 | 36.9 | 4.92 | 14.2 | 1.51 |
(1) Based upon the current 3D interpretation of the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits the intervals quoted here are at or near true thickness and are composited using a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off and may include short intervals of internal waste below the cut-off grade. Intervals denoted(1) may be oriented oblique to the trend of the mineralization and true thicknesses may be less than the interval reported. Actual true thicknesses will be determined through 3D modeling as part of the resource estimation process.
(2) These holes bottomed in mineralization.
“We are pleased with the recent results from our ongoing drilling program at our Golden Meadows Project, particularly at Yellow Pine, where recent metallurgical holes have confirmed the presence of high-grade gold-silver-antimony mineralization delineated in historic drill holes,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “Additional drill results from step-out holes continue to expand the known limits of gold mineralization beyond the boundaries utilized in the mineral resource estimates, both at the Yellow Pine and the West End deposits, demonstrating that we have yet to define the limits of these large mineralized systems,” he said. “Also encouraging is the presence of intercepts at West End with grades well above the average of the mineral resource estimate.” Drilling planned for the fall and winter program is aimed at continuing efforts to convert inferred Yellow Pine mineral resources utilized in Midas Gold’s recent Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”), highlights of which were reported in a news release dated September 4, 2012, to the indicated category and defining the limits of mineralization around the deposit. Additional drilling is also planned to further define the nature and extent of gold-antimony mineralization within the recently reported Scout prospect, to further evaluate the Hangar Flats deposit and to complete geotechnical holes for pit wall stability evaluations.
2012 Drill Program
Midas has completed over 38,000m of core and RC drilling as part of its 2012 drilling program, and currently has four core rigs operating on site after having as many as nine rigs operating over the summer months. Drill results will be utilized to update independent mineral resource estimates for all three know mineral deposits (Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine) by Q2/13 which will support a more detailed PEA or Pre-feasibility Study targeted for completion in the second half of 2013.
Yellow Pine
Results from thirty holes, drilled to in-fill and step-out from the Yellow Pine pit area and Homestake portions of the Yellow Pine deposit, are reported herein and are located on a map accompanying this release. A number of these holes were drilled around the periphery of the deposit, testing for the limits of the mineralization, where results were expected to not be as strong as in the main part of the mineralized system.
Drill hole MGI-12-293, which was completed to collect material for metallurgical testing and to verify historic assay data, intercepted a thick interval grading 3.56g/t Au, 9.7g/t Ag and 0.43% Sb over 132.6m. This intercept includes a zone within the central portion of the high-grade antimony zone assaying 4.92g/t Au, 14.2g/t Ag and 1.51% Sb over 36.9m. Other significant gold-silver-antimony intercepts include hole MGI-12-223, which cut 2.26g/t Au, 9.3g/t Ag and 0.59% Sb over 44.8m. Since these hole was drilled oblique to the trend of the mineralization due to constraints on collar locations, true thicknesses may be less than the interval reported. Antimony mineralization in the Yellow Pine deposit constitutes a significant potential by-product revenue source in the early years of the preliminary mine plan outlined in Midas Gold’s PEA.
In-fill holes completed to date have generally confirmed inferred mineral resources in the Yellow Pine deposit, with some zones assaying higher grade than predicted and others reporting slightly narrower zones of mineralization than modeled. Drill holes completed from the east side of the historic 1940s – 1950s open-pit in the central portion of the Yellow Pine deposit cut a thicker zone of unmineralized fault material than was modeled in the mineral resource estimate but overall continue to validate inferred mineral resources within the high-grade core of the deposit, including 2.80g/t Au over 95.3m intercepted in hole MGI-12-281.
Five hundred metres to the northeast, in the Homestake portion of the Yellow Pine deposit, recently completed drill holes continue to extend known gold mineralization on the east side of a fault previously thought to limit mineral resources. Previously reported RC drill holes intercepted high grade gold within and across this structure. Step-out diamond drill holes completed this summer have identified extensions of this zone to the northeast, along strike and within metasedimentary units on the southeast side of the structure. Recent intercepts include 2.54g/t Au over 41.0m (MGI-12-263), 1.31g/t Au over 33.7m (MGI-12-276), and 1.45g/t Au over 19.8m (MGI-12-267) and 1.26g/t Au over 23.5m (MGI-12-267). This near-surface zone remains open along strike and at depth.
West End
Results for fifteen drill holes completed this summer in the West End deposit are reported herein and are located on a map accompanying this release.
Recent drilling within the deposit has successfully confirmed the presence of inferred gold mineralization at depth, within the main structural corridor, including some higher grade intercepts within the overall mineral resource such as 3.22g/t Au over 50.3m (including 4.60g/t Au over 32.0m) in hole MGI-12-284 and 3.97g/t Au over 26.7m (MGI-12-286). Recent intercepts occurring within or just below the conceptual resource-limiting pit include 2.23g/t Au over 110.3m (MGI-12-286), 2.81g/t Au over 45.6m (MGI-12-258) and 1.88g/t Au over 52.6m (MGI-12-254). Other drill holes have intercepted significant gold mineralization in the footwall of the main structural corridor, including hole MGI-12-273, cutting 1.52g/t Au over 76.8m. This deposit remains open at depth and to the east beyond the limits of the resource-limiting gold shells and conceptual pits utilized in the mineral resource estimate reported in May of 2012.
Hangar Flats
Results for five drill holes completed this summer are reported herein and are located on a map accompanying this release.
The majority of drill holes reported herein were completed to verify the lateral continuity of shallowly dipping mineralized zones extending northeast from the main structural corridor of the Hangar Flats deposit. Recent moderate-grade and moderate-width drill intercepts in this area are generally consistent with the inferred mineral resources modeled in this domain, as reported in the mineral resource estimate released June 2012. These include 1.33 g/t Au over 35.7m (MGI-12-189) and 0.78 g/t Au over 21.2m (MGI-12-216). This drilling has further verified the conceptual model for the deposit of high-grade gold-antimony mineralization occurring within the structural corridor of the Meadow Creek Fault Zone and horse-tailing into thinner, lower grade zones to the east.
Illustrations
To view the locations of current drill holes, please click here.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The exploration activities at Golden Meadows were carried out under the supervision of Richard Moses, CPG, Qualified Person and Site Operations Manager for the Golden Meadows Project.
All gold assays are by a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by an atomic absorption finish (with a 0.002g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 6g/t are re-analyzed using a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. All composites utilize a 0.5g/t cut off and may include up to 6 metres of internal waste. Internal waste has been assigned a nominal grade of 0.0g/t. Composites above cut-off grade, but less than 10 metres in length, are not reported. Silver is analyzed via a 4-acid digestion followed by an ICP finish (with a 1.0g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 10g/t Ag are reanalyzed using a 50g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Some intervals may not add or subtract correctly due to rounding, but are deemed insignificant. Analyses are carried out by ALS CHEMEX in their Reno and Winnemucca, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia laboratories. Umpire samples are routinely submitted to third party labs and blank and standard samples are used for quality assurance and quality control and a review of the results of analyses of the blanks, standards and duplicates by the Company’s Qualified Person indicates values are within normal and acceptable ranges.
Previous 2011 and 2012 assay results were reported in other news releases that can be found on Midas Gold’s web site at www.midasgoldcorp.com.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc., and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates were reported for all three deposits in a news release dated June 27, 2012 and are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “Preliminary Economic Assessment Technical Report for the Golden Meadows Project, Idaho” dated September 21, 2012 (the “Technical Report”) is available under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Preliminary Economic Assessment outlines a concept for the development of a large scale, long life, low cost open pit gold mining operation producing gold and by-product antimony based on the estimated mineral resource, as well as outlining a number of opportunities for potential enhancement of the conceptual project.
Hangar Flats is a high-grade gold-silver-antimony-tungsten discovery made in 2009 and these most recent drill intercepts are step-outs to the north from the areas discovered and drilled during the 2009 and 2010 field seasons. Yellow Pine is a significant past producer of gold, silver, antimony and tungsten from the 1930s through the mid-1950s. The Homestake deposit is located at the northeast end of the Yellow Pine deposit and was operated by Hecla Mining Company from 1987 through 1989. The area between Yellow Pine and Homestake, known as the Clark Tunnel prospect, was the site of early 1930’s and 1940’s era exploration, but no mining has occurred and it has seen only minimal modern exploration drilling. Historical geologic, ground geophysical and drilling data obtained by Midas suggested the possibility that significant mineralization might be present in this area and recent drill results confirm this potential. The West End deposit was the site of open pit mining with heap leach recovery of gold from the 1970s to the late 1990s.
The Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits remain open to expansion along strike and to depth. In addition, Midas Gold continues to review and assess information contained within an extensive exploration database developed by Midas Gold from almost 100 years of exploration activity by multiple owners and operators with the objective of identifying opportunities for the potential discovery of additional gold mineralization.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; the success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2012 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
Table 2: Assay Results to Accompany Midas Gold Corp. News Release dated September 24, 2012
Hole ID | Target Area | Hole Type | Bearing | Inclination | Total Depth (m) | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) | Tungsten (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-189 | Hangar Flats | Core | 140 | -88 | 306.6 | 138.4 | 174.0 | 35.7 | 1.33 | 0.9 | 0.005 | 0.003 |
MGI-12-216 | Hangar Flats | Core | 314 | -53 | 400.8 | 28.4 | 41.2 | 12.8 | 1.03 | 1.3 | 0.004 | 0.003 |
And | 110.6 | 122.2 | 11.6 | 1.33 | 1.9 | 0.025 | 0.003 | |||||
And | 237.1 | 258.3 | 21.2 | 0.78 | 1.7 | 0.020 | 0.003 | |||||
MGI-12-220 | Hangar Flats | Core | 320 | -65 | 322.0 | 148.1 | 165.5 | 17.4 | 1.78 | 0.8 | 0.005 | 0.006 |
And | 203.3 | 226.5 | 23.2 | 1.93 | 6.1 | 0.304 | 0.003 | |||||
And | 248.7 | 270.8 | 22.1 | 0.64 | 63.1 | 0.058 | 0.069 | |||||
MGI-12-221 | Yellow Pine | Core | 110 | -55 | 345.3 | 116.0 | 127.9 | 11.9 | 0.62 | 1.1 | 0.002 | 0.001 |
And | 272.0 | 290.3 | 18.3 | 0.87 | 0.8 | 0.002 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-223 (2) | Yellow Pine | Core | 292 | -89.5 | 203.6 | 44.5 | 89.3 | 44.8 | 2.26 | 9.3 | 0.592 | 0.002 |
MGI-12-224 | Yellow Pine | Core | 120 | -79 | 310.1 | 167.5 | 233.5 | 66.0 | 1.21 | 1.0 | 0.004 | 0.002 |
And | 257.3 | 310.1 | 52.9 | 2.08 | 1.9 | 0.005 | 0.001 | |||||
Including | 268.5 | 292.3 | 23.8 | 3.81 | 2.7 | 0.005 | 0.001 | |||||
MGI-12-226 | Yellow Pine | Core | 0 | -90 | 225.6 | 61.0 | 113.1 | 52.1 | 1.29 | 1.5 | 0.026 | 0.008 |
MGI-12-229 | Hangar Flats | Core | 0 | -90 | 464.5 | 436.2 | 448.1 | 11.9 | 2.30 | 8.4 | 0.327 | 0.003 |
MGI-12-231 | Yellow Pine | Core | 120 | -70 | 334.7 | 257.6 | 285.0 | 27.4 | 1.95 | 3.9 | 0.227 | 0.001 |
MGI-12-232 | Yellow Pine | Core | 300 | -65.5 | 252.8 | 196.8 | 207.1 | 10.4 | 0.64 | 0.4 | 0.002 | 0.001 |
MGI-12-233 | Yellow Pine | Core | 300 | -81 | 293.7 | 127.4 | 139.5 | 12.0 | 0.50 | 1.1 | 0.004 | 0.003 |
And | 203.6 | 218.1 | 14.5 | 0.78 | 1.1 | 0.002 | 0.002 | |||||
And | 248.9 | 259.5 | 10.7 | 1.11 | 0.2 | 0.002 | 0.001 | |||||
MGI-12-234 | Hangar Flats | Core | 0 | -90 | 341.1 | 39.9 | 77.6 | 37.6 | 1.54 | 2.0 | 0.123 | 0.005 |
Including | 39.9 | 53.8 | 13.9 | 2.76 | 3.1 | 0.093 | 0.005 | |||||
And | 88.7 | 104.6 | 15.9 | 1.82 | 2.2 | 0.006 | 0.159 | |||||
MGI-12-235 | Yellow Pine | Core | 89 | -50 | 258.2 | 167.0 | 185.0 | 18.0 | 0.76 | 1.6 | 0.006 | 0.002 |
MGI-12-236 | Yellow Pine | Core | 300 | -70 | 398.7 | 299.2 | 315.0 | 15.9 | 1.08 | 2.7 | 0.005 | 0.002 |
And | 334.8 | 361.2 | 26.4 | 1.01 | 4.2 | 0.022 | 0.002 | |||||
And | 367.3 | 377.3 | 10.1 | 0.66 | 1.3 | 0.002 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-241 | Yellow Pine | Core | 120 | -45 | 201.8 | 7.6 | 50.3 | 42.7 | 3.63 | 1.8 | 0.003 | 0.003 |
And | 58.2 | 89.8 | 31.5 | 1.18 | 1.6 | 0.003 | 0.003 | |||||
And | 145.7 | 157.6 | 11.9 | 0.79 | 1.3 | 0.004 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-242 | Yellow Pine | Core | 119 | -49.5 | 278.1 | 209.4 | 221.3 | 11.9 | 1.88 | 0.9 | 0.002 | 0.001 |
MGI-12-243 | Yellow Pine | Core | 120 | -73 | 379.5 | 214.9 | 265.6 | 50.8 | 0.96 | 1.7 | 0.004 | 0.003 |
And | 295.5 | 307.4 | 11.9 | 1.33 | 0.5 | 0.003 | 0.001 | |||||
And | 351.3 | 361.5 | 10.2 | 1.01 | 0.3 | 0.002 | 0.000 | |||||
MGI-12-248 | Yellow Pine | Core | 120 | -45 | 217.6 | 68.9 | 94.6 | 25.8 | 0.79 | 1.8 | 0.003 | 0.004 |
And | 102.6 | 138.8 | 36.3 | 0.86 | 1.4 | 0.004 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-252 | Yellow Pine | Core | 120 | -70 | 376.1 | 269.1 | 287.1 | 18.0 | 0.58 | 1.2 | 0.002 | 0.000 |
And | 294.9 | 360.4 | 65.5 | 1.49 | 8.2 | 0.408 | 0.001 | |||||
Including | 326.1 | 344.3 | 18.1 | 2.64 | 1.1 | 0.002 | 0.001 | |||||
MGI-12-253 | Yellow Pine | Core | 176 | -70 | 314.3 | 35.1 | 46.8 | 11.7 | 0.77 | 1.5 | 0.002 | 0.001 |
And | 109.1 | 124.4 | 15.2 | 0.90 | 1.1 | 0.004 | 0.002 | |||||
And | 154.2 | 164.7 | 10.5 | 1.05 | 1.1 | 0.003 | 0.001 | |||||
And | 250.9 | 275.4 | 24.5 | 0.60 | 0.8 | 0.003 | 0.001 | |||||
And | 287.1 | 314.3 | 27.1 | 0.68 | 1.0 | 0.002 | 0.001 | |||||
MGI-12-254 (2) | West End | Core | 333 | -76 | 315.6 | 220.1 | 272.6 | 52.6 | 1.88 | 2.8 | 0.009 | 0.002 |
Including | 249.8 | 263.5 | 13.7 | 2.57 | 1.9 | 0.010 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-255 (2) | West End | Core | 278 | -77 | 343.5 | 225.3 | 265.0 | 39.8 | 1.80 | 2.2 | 0.016 | 0.003 |
Including | 236.7 | 259.1 | 22.4 | 2.68 | 2.7 | 0.016 | 0.003 | |||||
MGI-12-258 | West End | Core | 324 | -82 | 356.0 | 42.4 | 151.8 | 109.4 | 1.30 | 2.4 | 0.005 | 0.001 |
Including | 122.2 | 151.8 | 29.6 | 2.40 | 2.2 | 0.006 | 0.001 | |||||
And | 162.5 | 208.0 | 45.6 | 2.81 | 2.8 | 0.011 | 0.003 | |||||
Including | 167.0 | 177.7 | 10.7 | 5.57 | 2.8 | 0.017 | 0.004 | |||||
And | 253.6 | 285.6 | 32.0 | 1.29 | 0.5 | 0.003 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-259 | Yellow Pine | Core | 152 | -55 | 310.9 | 24.8 | 40.7 | 15.9 | 1.34 | 1.6 | 0.003 | 0.002 |
And | 75.6 | 90.1 | 14.5 | 2.21 | 2.4 | 0.004 | 0.002 | |||||
And | 106.5 | 133.2 | 26.7 | 0.64 | 1.0 | 0.002 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-260 | West End | RC | 0 | -90 | 294.1 | 61.0 | 85.3 | 24.4 | 1.26 | 3.3 | 0.009 | 0.002 |
And | 173.7 | 207.3 | 33.5 | 1.72 | 1.3 | 0.003 | 0.002 | |||||
And | 216.4 | 245.4 | 29.0 | 0.70 | 1.4 | 0.006 | 0.001 | |||||
MGI-12-261 | Yellow Pine | Core | 120 | -52 | 410.6 | 143.6 | 155.0 | 11.4 | 0.68 | 1.3 | 0.002 | 0.004 |
And | 180.1 | 201.8 | 21.6 | 0.86 | 1.3 | 0.002 | 0.002 | |||||
And | 252.8 | 264.7 | 11.9 | 0.60 | 5.0 | 0.006 | 0.001 | |||||
And | 399.8 | 410.6 | 10.8 | 0.52 | 0.7 | 0.001 | 0.001 | |||||
MGI-12-263 | Yellow Pine | Core | 119 | -60 | 252.1 | 102.0 | 143.0 | 41.0 | 2.54 | 1.6 | 0.003 | 0.002 |
And | 185.8 | 203.6 | 17.8 | 0.83 | 2.2 | 0.004 | 0.001 | |||||
And | 213.4 | 228.9 | 15.5 | 0.80 | 0.0 | 0.001 | 0.001 | |||||
MGI-12-265 | West End | Core | 307 | -65 | 344.1 | 71.6 | 114.3 | 42.7 | 2.61 | 4.0 | 0.013 | 0.002 |
And | 122.8 | 152.1 | 29.3 | 2.98 | 3.0 | 0.013 | 0.004 | |||||
And | 205.7 | 216.4 | 10.7 | 1.02 | 1.1 | 0.002 | 0.002 | |||||
And | 224.9 | 238.4 | 13.4 | 0.66 | 0.0 | 0.001 | 0.000 | |||||
MGI-12-266 | Yellow Pine | Core | 85 | -48.5 | 223.4 | 27.0 | 54.9 | 27.9 | 0.72 | 0.7 | 0.003 | 0.001 |
And | 65.8 | 99.1 | 33.2 | 3.14 | 1.6 | 0.038 | 0.001 | |||||
Including | 67.8 | 85.7 | 17.8 | 5.20 | 2.2 | 0.068 | 0.001 | |||||
MGI-12-267 | Yellow Pine | Core | 120 | -45 | 173.7 | 12.5 | 32.3 | 19.8 | 1.45 | 1.1 | 0.003 | 0.005 |
And | 83.2 | 106.7 | 23.5 | 1.26 | 2.2 | 0.002 | 0.002 | |||||
And | 120.4 | 133.2 | 12.8 | 0.52 | 0.9 | 0.001 | 0.000 | |||||
And | 142.3 | 158.0 | 15.7 | 2.96 | 0.9 | 0.002 | 0.005 | |||||
MGI-12-270 | Yellow Pine | Core | 300 | -54 | 212.5 | 191.7 | 203.6 | 11.9 | 0.85 | 0.5 | 0.002 | 0.001 |
MGI-12-272 | Yellow Pine | Core | 61 | -64 | 221.0 | 56.7 | 70.6 | 13.9 | 0.91 | 0.8 | 0.003 | 0.003 |
And | 88.4 | 112.2 | 23.8 | 1.00 | 0.9 | 0.003 | 0.002 | |||||
And | 130.0 | 145.9 | 15.9 | 0.60 | 0.8 | 0.003 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-273 (2) | West End | Core | 104 | -76 | 381.6 | 121.2 | 135.2 | 14.0 | 1.06 | 0.5 | 0.047 | 0.001 |
And | 157.3 | 176.9 | 19.7 | 2.95 | 3.1 | 0.010 | 0.002 | |||||
And | 187.5 | 201.3 | 13.9 | 1.58 | 1.4 | 0.007 | 0.002 | |||||
And | 246.9 | 323.7 | 76.8 | 1.52 | 1.3 | 0.015 | 0.004 | |||||
Including | 254.8 | 266.7 | 11.9 | 2.58 | 1.0 | 0.005 | 0.003 | |||||
And | 351.1 | 361.3 | 10.2 | 0.51 | 2.2 | 0.012 | 0.001 | |||||
MGI-12-274 | West End | RC | 0 | -90 | 182.9 | 16.8 | 48.8 | 32.0 | 1.30 | 0.5 | 0.009 | 0.001 |
And | 59.4 | 97.5 | 38.1 | 2.26 | 5.0 | 0.030 | 0.004 | |||||
Including | 85.3 | 97.5 | 12.2 | 4.67 | 7.8 | 0.031 | 0.009 | |||||
MGI-12-276 | Yellow Pine | Core | 120 | -45 | 91.4 | 35.7 | 69.3 | 33.7 | 1.31 | 3.5 | 0.005 | 0.003 |
Including | 51.4 | 63.4 | 12.0 | 2.28 | 3.0 | 0.005 | 0.003 | |||||
MGI-12-278 | Yellow Pine | Core | 118 | -66 | 257.3 | 118.9 | 132.7 | 13.9 | 0.91 | 0.5 | 0.002 | 0.002 |
MGI-12-279 | Yellow Pine | Core | 0 | -90 | 277.7 | 264.7 | 277.7 | 13.0 | 1.00 | 0.5 | 0.002 | 0.001 |
MGI-12-280 | West End | RC | 300 | -65 | 239.3 | 117.4 | 131.1 | 13.7 | 1.62 | 2.9 | 0.011 | 0.004 |
And | 137.2 | 184.4 | 47.2 | 1.20 | 0.9 | 0.008 | 0.002 | |||||
And | 219.5 | 239.3 | 19.8 | 1.64 | 0.6 | 0.007 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-281 (3) | Yellow Pine | Core | 300 | -55 | 281.6 | 87.6 | 107.8 | 20.1 | 0.55 | 2.3 | 0.005 | 0.002 |
And | 117.7 | 133.5 | 15.9 | 0.98 | 1.7 | 0.003 | 0.000 | |||||
And | 186.4 | 281.6 | 95.3 | 2.80 | 1.8 | 0.005 | 0.002 | |||||
Including | 188.4 | 232.0 | 43.6 | 3.34 | 1.9 | 0.003 | 0.002 | |||||
Including | 255.6 | 281.6 | 26.1 | 2.81 | 1.9 | 0.008 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-282 | West End | Core | 300 | -72.5 | 380.7 | 46.3 | 87.8 | 41.5 | 2.89 | 2.5 | 0.005 | 0.003 |
Including | 54.9 | 69.8 | 14.9 | 4.00 | 1.0 | 0.005 | 0.004 | |||||
And | 313.9 | 326.8 | 12.8 | 0.70 | 1.6 | 0.002 | 0.000 | |||||
MGI-12-284 (2) | West End | RC | 0 | -90 | 192.0 | 7.6 | 19.8 | 12.2 | 0.70 | 2.4 | 0.007 | 0.001 |
And | 51.8 | 74.7 | 22.9 | 2.12 | 1.6 | 0.010 | 0.002 | |||||
And | 80.8 | 131.1 | 50.3 | 3.22 | 2.9 | 0.064 | 0.002 | |||||
Including | 86.9 | 118.9 | 32.0 | 4.60 | 3.9 | 0.084 | 0.003 | |||||
MGI-12-285 | Yellow Pine | Core | 300 | -36 | 119.5 | 84.7 | 115.5 | 30.8 | 1.57 | 5.1 | 0.112 | 0.002 |
MGI-12-286 (2) | West End | Core | 0 | -90 | 417.0 | 265.0 | 375.4 | 110.3 | 2.23 | 1.7 | 0.004 | 0.002 |
Including | 278.7 | 305.4 | 26.7 | 3.97 | 1.5 | 0.004 | 0.003 | |||||
MGI-12-287 | West End | RC | 0 | -90 | 109.7 | 77.7 | 88.4 | 10.7 | 1.08 | 0.3 | 0.008 | 0.001 |
MGI-12-290 (2) | West End | Core | 298 | -71 | 322.2 | 106.4 | 117.0 | 10.7 | 1.55 | 0.9 | 0.019 | 0.003 |
And | 232.3 | 282.6 | 50.3 | 1.00 | 0.9 | 0.003 | 0.001 | |||||
MGI-12-291 | Yellow Pine | Core | 299 | -51 | 255.4 | 221.0 | 247.0 | 26.1 | 2.24 | 5.2 | 0.182 | 0.002 |
Including | 224.8 | 244.9 | 20.1 | 2.63 | 6.2 | 0.233 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-293 (2) (3) | Yellow Pine | Core | 310 | -40 | 257.0 | 86.9 | 117.0 | 30.2 | 0.77 | 3.2 | 0.108 | 0.003 |
And | 124.4 | 257.0 | 132.6 | 3.56 | 9.7 | 0.425 | 0.002 | |||||
Including | 180.8 | 217.6 | 36.9 | 4.92 | 14.2 | 1.506 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-294 | West End | Core | 300 | -82 | 360.3 | 31.1 | 43.3 | 12.2 | 0.87 | 4.0 | 0.011 | 0.003 |
And | 91.7 | 108.1 | 16.3 | 1.86 | 2.0 | 0.020 | 0.002 | |||||
MGI-12-295 (1) | West End | Core | 0 | -90 | 378.5 | 8.5 | 27.3 | 18.8 | 1.32 | 4.4 | 0.007 | 0.003 |
And | 168.4 | 179.5 | 11.1 | 0.67 | 0.0 | 0.003 | 0.001 |
(1) The bottom portions of these holes are incomplete and are not reported.
(2) Based upon the current 3D interpretation of the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits the intervals quoted here are generally at or near true thickness and are composited using a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off and may include short intervals of internal waste below the cut-off grade. Intervals denoted (2) may be oriented oblique to the trend of the mineralization and true thicknesses may be less than the interval reported. Actual true thicknesses will be determined through 3D modeling as part of the resource estimation process.
(3) These holes bottomed in mineralization.
MIDAS GOLD FILES TECHNICAL REPORT FOR GOLDEN MEADOWS PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT ON SEDAR
Study Demonstrates Potential for Robust, Long-life, Low Cost Gold Production with Antimony Credits
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced that it has filed an independent Technical Report (“Technical Report”) on SEDAR detailing the results of the recent Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA” or “Study”) on its Golden Meadows Project (the “Project”) in Idaho. As summarized in a news release dated September 4, 2012, the Study demonstrates the potential for a robust return from a long life, low cost gold operation with important antimony by-product credits. In addition, the Study outlines a number of opportunities for further optimization of the Project including, but not limited to:
Potential for increased throughput while maintaining a single process line, keeping capital cost increases modest;
Potential additions to the higher grade resources (either in and around the currently known mineral resources or from new discoveries) that would extend the period of higher grade production beyond Year 8, deferring lower grade, lower margin production to later years;
Conversion of some portions of the currently unclassified material within the Study pit limits that are currently treated as waste, potentially increasing mineral resources and reducing strip ratios;
Potential for expanded delineation of antimony by-product credits within the gold mineral resource, since only 17% of the gold mineral resources currently have antimony values estimated, increasing and/or extending the potential by-product credit revenue stream; and,
Exploration upside through the potential discovery of significant new gold deposits, with or without by-product antimony credits.
Midas Gold is currently working to realize on all of the opportunities listed above, including a significant amount of infill, step-out and exploration drilling completed subsequent to the PEA cut-off date, but the outcomes of such activities cannot yet be determined.
“The full technical report provides readers with the opportunity to understand the level of detail and analysis that went into completing this Preliminary Economic Assessment,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “The Study also outlines the risks and opportunities that will be addressed as Midas Gold advances its Golden Meadows Project and provides a clear outline of its plans to manage and mitigate the impacts of its current and future activities, as well as leaving this extensively disturbed brownfields site in significantly better condition than it currently is.”
Readers should note that the PEA mine plan and economic model include the use of inferred mineral resources. Inferred mineral resources are considered to be too speculative to be used in an economic analysis except as allowed for by Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) in PEA studies. There is no guarantee that inferred mineral resources can be converted to indicated or measured mineral resources and, as such, there is no guarantee the Project economics described in the PEA will be achieved.
As previously reported, the purpose of the Study was to (a) provide a preliminary concept for the scale and type of mining project that the Golden Meadows Project could support, (b) identify options and alternatives for consideration by Midas in consultation with regulators, governments, communities and other interested parties, (c) identify areas where additional work is required before a preliminary feasibility study (“PFS”) can be completed, and (d) demonstrate potential for positive economic returns that would support continued investment in the Golden Meadows Project. With this Study in hand, Midas Gold intends to actively engage with interested parties to evaluate potential options and considerations for the possible development of this large scale, long life mining operation in order to manage and mitigate impacts and ensure the sustainability of Midas Gold’s activities.
The Golden Meadows property has been the site of extensive open pit and underground mining for almost 100 years and, as such, has seen considerable disturbance and environmental impact. Midas Gold’s approach to the conceptual design of this project has been to select economic approaches and alternatives that mitigate and minimize the results of its proposed activities, to remediate considerable amounts of legacy disturbance and to develop a closure and reclamation concept that leaves the site with enhanced fisheries, wetlands and other productive environmental attributes. Midas Gold plans to engage with regulators, governments, communities, tribes, non-governmental agencies and other interested parties to consider the options identified in the PEA, to evaluate reasonable alternatives and to develop preferred options that can be incorporated into a future PFS and, if warranted, the permitting process for a full-scale mining operation.
“Our objective is to balance the potential for economic returns to our shareholders, to generate significant fiscal and employment benefits to the local communities and the State of Idaho, while protecting and enhancing the local environment and eco-system,” said Mr. Quin. “We believe that an appropriate balance can be reached and we look forward to working with regulators, governments, communities and other interested parties to realize that end.”
Compliance with National Instrument 43-101
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person.
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates do not account for mineability, selectivity, mining loss and dilution. These mineral resource estimates include inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
The mineral resources at Golden Meadows are contained within areas that have seen historic disturbance resulting from prior mining activities. In order for Midas Gold to advance its interests at Golden Meadows, the Project will be subject to a number of Federal, State and local laws and regulations and will require permit to conduct its activities. However, Midas Gold is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal or other reasons that would prevent it from advancing the Project.
For readers to fully understand the information in this news release and the PEA, they should read the Technical Report (available on SEDAR) in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the information set out in this news release which qualifies the Technical Information. The Technical Report intended to be read as a whole, and summaries or sections should not be read or relied upon out of context. The technical information in that report is subject to the assumptions and qualifications contained in the Technical Report.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc. and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” “confirm” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, “contemplates”, “recommends” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, certain assumptions as to production rate, operating cost, recovery and metal costs as set out in this news release, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2012 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
MIDAS GOLD COMPLETES POSITIVE PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT FOR GOLDEN MEADOWS PROJECT, IDAHO
Study Demonstrates Potential for Robust, Long-life, Low Cost Gold Production with Antimony Credits
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced the results of an independent, National Instrument 43-101 compliant Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA” or “Study”) completed on its Golden Meadows Project (the “Project”) in Idaho as summarized in Table 1 below. The purpose of the Study was to (a) provide a preliminary concept for the scale and type of mining project that the Golden Meadows Project could support, (b) identify options and alternatives for consideration by Midas Gold in consultation with regulators, governments, communities and other interested parties, (c) identify areas where additional work is required before a pre-feasibility study (“PFS”) can be completed, and (d) demonstrate potential for positive economic returns that would support continued investment in the Golden Meadows Project. With this Study in hand, Midas Gold intends to actively engage with interested parties to evaluate potential options and considerations for the possible development of this large scale, long life mining operation in order to manage and mitigate impacts and ensure the sustainability of Midas Gold’s activities.
The Golden Meadows property has been the site of extensive open pit and underground mining for almost 100 years and, as such, has seen considerable disturbance and environmental impact. Midas Gold’s approach to the conceptual design of this project has been to select economic approaches and alternatives that mitigate and minimize the results of its proposed activities, to remediate considerable amounts of legacy disturbance and to develop a closure and reclamation concept that leaves the site with enhanced fisheries, wetlands and other productive environmental attributes. Midas Gold plans to engage with regulators, governments, communities, tribes, non-governmental agencies and other interested parties to consider the options identified in the PEA, to evaluate reasonable alternatives and to develop preferred options that can be incorporated into a future PFS and, if warranted, the permitting process for a full-scale mining operation.
Table 1: Preliminary Economic Assessment Highlights, Golden Meadows Project, Idaho(1)
(Base Case, at US$1,400/oz of gold)
Years 1-8 | Life-Of-Mine (14.2 years) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Annual Average | Total | Annual Average | Total | |
Payable Gold (K oz) | 390 | 3,121 | 348 | 4,922 |
Payable Antimony (M lbs) | 9.9 | 79.3 | 6.4 | 90.6 |
Cash Costs (US$/oz)(2) (Net of by-product credits) | 331 | 425 | ||
Initial Capital (US$M) | 879 | |||
Pre-tax NPV5% (US$M) | 2,136 | |||
After-tax NPV5% (US$M) | 1,482 | |||
IRR (Pre-tax/After-tax) | 33.7%/27.2% | |||
After-tax Payback (Production Years) | 3.0 |
(1) In this release, “M” = million, “K” = thousands, all amounts in US$
(2) See non-IFRS measures below
“This Preliminary Economic Assessment demonstrates potential for a robust, long life, low cost mining operation at Golden Meadows that could be in the lowest quartile of global gold producers,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “The Study provides the basis for us to engage the various interested parties in discussions related to the options and scenarios laid out, and to work with them to determine the optimal and preferred options. The Golden Meadows Project represents a tremendous opportunity to create significant long term, well paid employment in an economically depressed part of Idaho, generate a substantial stream of revenue to county, state and federal governments, to remediate and improve the environmental sustainability of this heavily disturbed site, and to create attractive returns for our shareholders,” he said. “With a positive Study in hand, we have the basis from which to enter into meaningful discussions with interested parties to ensure we understand their perspectives, collect their input and consider options to improve and enhance the conceptual plan laid out in the PEA.”
Conference Call, Webcast and Conferences
Midas Gold will be hosting a conference call and webcast to discuss highlights of the PEA at 7:00 AM PDT on Wednesday September 5, 2012. Details are provided toward the end of this news release.
Midas Gold is also attending and presenting at the Precious Metals Summit in Vail, Colorado, on September 6-7, 2012, and is attending the Gold Forum in Denver, Colorado, September 9-12, 2012.
Preliminary Economic Assessment
The PEA was compiled by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (“SRK”) who was engaged by Midas Gold Corp.’s wholly owned subsidiary, Midas Gold, Inc. (“MGI”), to evaluate potential options for the conceptual development of a mine at the Golden Meadows Project based on information available up to the date of the Study. Ausenco Solutions Canada Inc. (infrastructure and mineral processing); Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd. (metallurgy); RTR Resource Management, Inc. (permitting and social and environmental considerations), and JDS Energy and Mining Inc. (project management and economic analysis) also contributed to the Study. Additional details are provided in a technical report to be filed on SEDAR by mid-September 2012.
Midas Gold instructed SRK and the other Study contributors to conduct the PEA with the sustainable operation and long-term reclamation of the Project as a key design consideration, with the intent to build a project that would eventually result in an improvement of the environmental conditions that currently exist at Golden Meadows due to historic mining in the area.
The PEA summarized in this news release is intended to provide only an initial, high-level review of the Project potential and design options, which is preliminary in nature. The PEA mine plan and economic model include the use of Inferred resources. Inferred resources are considered to be too speculative geologically to be used in an economic analysis except as permitted under NI43-101 in PEA studies. There is no guarantee that Inferred resources can be converted to Indicated or Measured resources, and as such, there is no certainty the Project economics described herein will be realized.
Project Concept
The preliminary designs presented in the PEA are based on the recognition that the site has been previously extensively mined and thus considerations were made for economic feasibility, mitigation or cleanup of “targeted” legacy environmental issues, improvement of water quality, minimizing mining-related disturbance, and protection of the fishery during operations and on mine closure. In formulating the mine closure, consideration was given to re-establishment of the upstream fishery, backfilling open pits (when appropriate) as part of waste management, and focusing meeting applicable water quality standards during operation with mechanical treatment and on passive water treatment for long term closure. Additional details of these considerations are provided in the ‘Environmental’, ‘Closure and Remediation’ and ‘Permitting’ sections below.
The Project, as currently envisioned, consists of three gold mineral resources with zones of antimony and silver mineralization located in an area of significant historic mining activity. Conventional open pit methods are recommended for mining the three deposits (Yellow Pine, Hangar Flats, and West End), all of which are located within three kilometres of each other.
The deposits contain oxide and sulphide mineralization that are contemplated to be treated with different extraction processes. The oxide material is amenable to milling and then vat leaching to recover gold and silver only. Sulphide materialization is recommended to be milled and treated with sequential flotation to produce two products: an antimony concentrate for off-site shipment to a third party smelter and a gold concentrate that would be further processed on site using pressure oxidation (POX) followed by vat leaching and cyanide destruction within the plant building to produce gold-silver doré.
Production is assumed to be nominally 20,000 t/d or 7.3 Mt/year of mill feed. With this assumed production rate, the mine life would be approximately 14.2 years, with approximately 101 Mt of material processed. The mine would have an overall strip ratio of 3.7 tonnes of waste rock per tonne of economic mineralized rock. Gold accounts for approximately 93% of the value of the payable metals, antimony accounts for about 7% of the payable value and silver has a negligible economic contribution.
Mineral Resources
Updated mineral resources were estimated for each of the three deposits that comprise the Golden Meadows Project. The mineral resource estimates are summarized in Table 2 below and were previously reported by deposit in news releases dated May 16, 2012, June 4, 2012 and June 27, 2012. Antimony and silver values were only estimated within certain limited sub-domains and are summarized in Table 3 below. As a result, the grades for these metals in Table 2 are reported averaged over the entire, much larger gold mineral resource volumes, which may underrepresent the overall grades for these metals.
Table 2: Mineral Resource Estimate(1) - All Three Deposits comprising the Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., June 25, 2012
Mineral Resource Category | Tonnes (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade(5) (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade(4)(5) (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Pit Oxide(2) Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 10,573 | 0.90 | 305 | 0.00 | - | 0.00% | 122 |
Inferred | 2,201 | 0.97 | 68 | 0.00 | - | 0.00% | 178 |
Open Pit Sulphide(3) Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 67,653 | 1.80 | 3,925 | 0.60 | 1,312 | 0.07% | 108,385 |
Inferred | 53,917 | 1.63 | 2,822 | 0.93 | 1,603 | 0.08% | 92,606 |
Total Open Pit Oxide + Sulphide(2)(3) Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 78,226 | 1.68 | 4,229 | 0.52 | 1,312 | 0.06% | 108,507 |
Inferred | 56,117 | 1.60 | 2,890 | 0.89 | 1,603 | 0.07% | 92,784 |
(1) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit oxide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.42 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (as detailed in June 27, 2012 news release).
(3) Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (as detailed in June 27, 2012 news release).
(4) Where antimony grades are shown as “0.00” there is antimony present but it rounds to 0.00.
(5) Antimony and silver were not estimated for the entire West End deposit and significant portions of the Hangar Flats and Yellow Pine deposits due to a lack of sufficient assays, and these un-estimated volumes are averaged into the totals at an assumed zero grade.
Table 3: Antimony Subdomains(1) Mineral Resource, Yellow Pine & Hangar Flats Deposits
Prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., June 25, 2012 for the Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Mineral Resource Category | Tonnes (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Pit Sulphide(2) Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 9,999 | 2.31 | 743 | 3.15 | 1,012 | 0.49% | 108,507 |
Inferred | 8,639 | 2.08 | 576 | 5.04 | 1,400 | 0.49% | 92,784 |
(1) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit sulphide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below). The antimony subdomain is further limited to discrete zones of mineralization with grades that exceed 0.1% Sb.
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates do not account for mineability, selectivity, mining loss and dilution. These mineral resource estimates include Inferred mineral resources that are normally considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these Inferred mineral resources will be converted to Measured and Indicated mineral resource categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves once economic considerations are applied.
The mineral resource estimates for the Hangar Flats, West End, and Yellow Pine deposits were prepared by SRK as summarized herein. The economically driven pit shell that limits the mineral resource was based entirely on gold value, with antimony and silver reporting within the resource-limiting pit but not defining it. Within the resource-limiting pit, antimony and silver grades are reported without any cut-off. Any mineralization lying outside the resource-limiting pit is not reported as mineral resources.
Since the date of this mineral resource estimate, additional drilling has been completed, and is continuing to infill and extend the mineralization reported herein and updated mineral resource estimates are targeted for the end of Q1/13.
Conceptual Life-of-mine Open Pit Production Schedule
Individual conceptual mine plans were developed for each of the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits. The conceptual Life-of-mine (“LOM”) plan is summarized in Table 4, which is attached at the end of this release. The mine plans utilized approximately 80% of the recently reported mineral resource for the Golden Meadows Project that is summarized above.
Processing
The gold in the three deposits comprising the Golden Meadows Project is primarily contained in pyrite and arsenopyrite, while the antimony is contained in stibnite, and silver in pyrite, arsenopyrite and stibnite. As a result, the mineralized material contemplated to be processed would be crushed, ground and sulphides recovered by sequential flotation of the stibnite and then, subsequently, the pyrite and arsenopyrite, yielding two concentrates. The mineralized material is considered to be of medium hardness, with bond ball mill work indexes ranging from 13.0 to 13.7kWh/t. The conceptual base case approach to the sulphide concentrates is for the stibnite (antimony, along with minor gold and silver) concentrate to be sold to third parties for processing, while the pyrite-arsenopyrite concentrate (containing the gold) will be pressure oxidized on site and gold recovered as doré. Based on metallurgical test work completed to date, recoveries utilized in the PEA are as set out in Table 5 below. The grade of the gold concentrate is designed to manage sulphur grades for onsite pressure oxidation; were the gold concentrates to be shipped off-site for processing, higher concentrations are achievable.
Table 5: Recoveries Utilized in PEA, Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Process | Units | Yellow Pine | Hangar Flats | West End |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sulphides with Recoverable Antimony Grades | ||||
Antimony Flotation | ||||
Concentrate grade | % Sb | 50 | 50 | n/a |
Recovery | % | 80 | 80 | n/a |
Gold-bearing Sulphide Flotation | ||||
Concentrate grade | % Sulphur | 10+ | 10+ | n/a |
Gold Flotation Recovery | % | 88 | 89 | n/a |
POX Residue Gold Extraction | % | 98 | 98 | n/a |
Overall Gold Recovery | % | 86 | 87 | n/a |
Sulphides Without Recoverable Antimony Grades | ||||
Gold-bearing Sulphide Flotation | ||||
Concentrate grade | % Sulphur | 10+ | 10+ | 10+ |
Recovery | % | 93 | 92 | Variable (1) |
POX Residue Gold Extraction | % | 98 | 98 | 98 |
Overall Gold Recovery | % | 91 | 90 | Variable (1) |
Oxides | ||||
Gold Leach Extraction | % | 80 | 80 | Variable (1) |
(1) Depending on degree of oxidation
Indicative economic analysis shows that the slightly lower overall gold recovery in the material with recoverable antimony is more than offset by the recoverable, payable antimony values.
Tailings & Waste Rock Management
A total of 101 Mt (68.7 Mm3) of tailings are expected to be produced during the 14.2-year mine life of the recommended project. Based on results of current metallurgical test work and the recommended processing options, three separate tailings streams would be produced: oxide, POX, and flotation tailings. The geochemistry of the POX and oxide tailings suggests they may require containment within a lined facility, while the flotation tailings are considered to be relatively benign and could be placed in a separate unlined facility. However, the buffering capacity of the flotation tailings may serve to neutralize the POX tailings, and create a more benign product overall, which suggests that co-mingled tailings contained within a single, lined facility may be the better option. The recommended tailing storage facility (“TSF”) would consist of a lined basin and lined rock fill dam constructed in stages throughout the LOM. The downstream face of the rock fill dam would be buttressed by the waste rock facility (“WRF”), substantially reinforcing the dam. Waste rock from the mining operations at West End is recommended to be backfilled into the Yellow Pine pit. Other waste rock is recommended to be deposited in a designed WRF adjacent to the Hangar Flats deposit. In order to schedule waste placement within the waste facilities and isolate potential leachable material, a detailed waste management plan would be developed, including components of geochemical characterization, water management, and capping to limit infiltration.
Capital Costs
Capital costs (“CAPEX”) estimates were done based on Q3 2012, un-escalated U.S. dollars and are summarized in Table 6 below. Vendor quotes were obtained for all major equipment. Some of the costs were developed from first principles, while some were estimated based on factored references and experience with similar projects.
Table 6: Capital Cost Estimate, Golden Meadows Project
Area | Detail | Pre-production (M$) | Sustaining (M$) | Total (M$) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Direct Costs | Open Pit Mine | 121.9 | 107.2 | 229.1 |
Processing and Utilities | 243.0 | 79.6 | 322.6 | |
On-site Infrastructure | 93.1 | 38.8 | 131.9 | |
Off-site Infrastructure | 67.0 | 0.0 | 67.0 | |
Indirect Costs | 148.9 | 19.4 | 168.3 | |
Owner’s Costs | 39.7 | 0.0 | 39.7 | |
Closure Costs | 0.0 | 53.0 | 53.0 | |
CAPEX Without Contingency | 713.6 | 298.0 | 1,011.6 | |
Contingency (variable) | 165.7 | 4.7 | 170.4 | |
TOTAL CAPEX ESTIMATE with Contingency | 879.4 | 302.6 | 1,182.0 |
Operating Costs
Operating cost estimates (“OPEX”) were done based on Q3 2012, un-escalated U.S. dollars and are summarized in Table 7 below. Most costs were developed from first principles, although some were estimated based on factored references and experience with similar projects.
Table 7: Operating Cost Estimate, Golden Meadows Project
Item | Unit Cost Estimate | ||
---|---|---|---|
$/t Mined | $/t Milled | Cash Cost(2) $/Au ounce Payable | |
Mining | 1.67(1) | 7.78 | 160 |
Mineral Processing | 13.94 | 287 | |
General and Administration | 4.14 | 85 | |
Total (without by-product credits) | 25.86 | 532 | |
Total (with by-product credits) | 425 |
(1) Excluding pre-strip (Year -1) mining which is captured as a capital cost
(2) see non-IFRS measures below
In the first eight years of operation, cash costs without by-product credits average US$479 per payable ounce of gold, and just US$331 per payable oz of gold after by-product credits are applied (see non-IFRS measures below).
Costs were independently estimated for oxides, low-antimony sulphides and high-antimony sulphides, as set out in Table 8 below.
Table 8: Operating Cost Estimate by Type of Mineralization, Golden Meadows Project
Item | Unit | Combined | Oxide | Sulphide | High Sb |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mining ($1.67/tonne mined*) | $/t milled | 7.78 | 7.78 | 7.78 | 7.78 |
Stockpile material handling | $/t milled | 0.13 | 0.13 | 0.13 | 0.13 |
Crushing and Grinding | $/t milled | 2.83 | 2.83 | 2.83 | 2.83 |
Oxide Processing | $/t oxide milled | 0.82 | 5.53 | ||
Sb Flotation | $/t high Sb milled | 0.28 | 1.66 | ||
Au Flotation | $/t sulphide milled | 1.77 | 2.08 | 2.08 | |
POX | $/t sulphide milled | 7.87 | 9.23 | 9.23 | |
Water Management | $/t milled | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25 |
General and Administrative | $/t milled | 4.14 | 4.14 | 4.14 | 4.14 |
Total | 25.86 | 20.66 | 26.44 | 28.10 |
* Excluding pre-strip (Year -1) mining which is captured as a capital cost
Production Schedule
Based on the conceptual mining schedule for the three deposits and recoveries summarized above, Table 9 sets out the estimated contained and payable metals over the life-of mine and is attached at the end of this release.
Economic Analysis
The economic assessment in the PEA is preliminary in nature and uses inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that this PEA will be realized. The inferred mineral resource used in the mine plan is 37% of the total life-of-mine mineral resource.
Four potential cash flow cases were studied using metal prices summarized in Table 10 below. All cash flow cases used the same mineral resource estimate, mine plan and production factors, as shown in Table 11 below.
Table 10: Metal Price Assumptions for the Four Economic Cases, Golden Meadows PEA
Case | Gold Price ($/ounce) | Silver Price ($/ounce) | Antimony Price ($/pound) | Basis |
---|---|---|---|---|
Case A | 1,200 | 20.00 | 5.50 | Gold price used in the mine optimization. The gold price is approximately the 5-year trailing average to the end of July 2012. |
Case B (Base Case) | 1,400 | 23.50 | 6.00 | Approximate three-year trailing average gold price to the end of July 2012. |
Case C | 1,600 | 27.00 | 6.50 | Approximate eighteen-month trailing average gold price to the end of July 2012. |
Case D | 1,800 | 30.00 | 7.00 | An upside case to show project potential at a gold price about 12% higher than prices at the end of July 2012. |
Table 11: Summary of Production - All Cases, Golden Meadows PEA
Item | Unit | Value |
---|---|---|
LOM PRODUCTION | ||
Waste Mined | Mt | 372 |
Mineralized Material Mined | Mt | 101 |
Strip Ratio (Waste tonnes:mineralized material tonnes) | t:t | 3.7 |
Daily Mill Throughput | t/d | 20,000 |
Annual Mill Throughput | Mt | 7.3 |
Mine Life | Production Years | 14.2 |
MILL HEAD GRADE - OVERALL | ||
Gold | g/t Au | 1.72 |
Silver | g/t Ag | 1.60 |
Antimony | % Sb | 0.08 |
Oxide Process | ||
Tonnes | Mt | 15.0 |
Gold | g/t Au | 1.05 |
Silver | g/t Ag | 0.10 |
Gold Flotation Process (excluding Antimony Flotation) | ||
Tonnes | Mt | 69.0 |
Gold | g/t Au | 1.75 |
Silver | g/t Ag | 0.42 |
Sb Flotation Process (>0.1% Sb only) | ||
Tonnes | Mt | 17.4 |
Gold | g/t Au | 2.18 |
Silver | g/t Ag | 0.67 |
Antimony | % Sb | 0.45 |
CONCENTRATE PRODUCTION | ||
Antimony Concentrate | dry metric tonnes | 126,474 |
LOM PAYABLE METAL | ||
Gold | Koz | 4,922 |
Silver | Koz | 335 |
Antimony | Klb | 90,618 |
The results of the economic analysis are summarized in Table 12 below.
Table 12: Economic Results by Case, Golden Meadows PEA
Parameter | Unit | Pre-tax Results | After-tax Results |
---|---|---|---|
Case A ($1,200/ounce Au, $5.50/pound Sb, $20.00/ounce Ag) | |||
NPV0% | M$ | 2,549 | 1,874 |
NPV5% | M$ | 1,464 | 1,036 |
IRR | % | 27 | 22 |
Payback period | Production years | 2.8 | 3.7 |
Case B ($1,400/ounce Au, $6.00/pound Sb, $23.50/ounce Ag) - Base Case | |||
NPV0% | M$ | 3,580 | 2,557 |
NPV5% | M$ | 2,136 | 1,482 |
IRR | % | 34 | 27 |
Payback period | Production years | 2.3 | 3.0 |
Case C ($1,600/ounce Au, $6.50/pound Sb, $27.00/ounce Ag) | |||
NPV0% | M$ | 4,611 | 3,233 |
NPV5% | M$ | 2,808 | 1,923 |
IRR | % | 40 | 32 |
Payback period | Production years | 1.9 | 2.6 |
Case D ($1,800/ounce Au, $7.00/pound Sb, $30.00/ounce Ag) | |||
NPV0% | M$ | 5,642 | 3,910 |
NPV5% | M$ | 3,480 | 2,364 |
IRR | % | 46 | 36 |
Payback period | Production years | 1.7 | 2.3 |
The contribution to the project economics, by metal, is about 93% from gold, 7% from antimony, and less than 1% from silver.
Using a discount rate of 5%, the after-tax break-even gold price for the project is $880/ounce gold (63% of the Case B gold price) assuming no contribution from antimony or silver.
Sensitivity Analysis
Sensitivity analyses were performed using metal prices, mill head grade, CAPEX, and OPEX as variables. The value of each variable was changed plus and minus 20% independently while all other variables were held constant. The results of the sensitivity analyses are shown in Table 13 below.
Table 13: Sensitivity Analysis - All Cases, Golden Meadows PEA
Case | Variable | After-tax NPV5% (M$) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
-20% Variance | 0% Variance | 20% Variance | ||
Case A | CAPEX | 1,176 | 1,036 | 889 |
OPEX | 1,242 | 1,036 | 816 | |
Metal Price or Grade | 436 | 1,036 | 1,593 | |
Case B (Base Case) | CAPEX | 1,619 | 1,482 | 1,344 |
OPEX | 1,683 | 1,482 | 1,277 | |
Metal Price or Grade | 828 | 1,482 | 2,122 | |
Case C | CAPEX | 2,060 | 1,923 | 1,786 |
OPEX | 2,124 | 1,923 | 1,721 | |
Metal Price or Grade | 1,193 | 1,923 | 2,652 | |
Case D | CAPEX | 2,501 | 2,364 | 2,227 |
OPEX | 2,565 | 2,364 | 2,163 | |
Metal Price or Grade | 1,547 | 2,364 | 3,181 |
Economic Impacts
The economic analysis set out in the PEA also provides some indications of the potential economic impact of the Golden Meadows Project on the local, Idaho and US economies, should the future work and permitting support development of a mining operation. Highlights include:
Direct employment of more than 400 people during the three-year construction phase and 425 people during the subsequent 14.2 year operating phase at annual salaries estimated to average more than double the average 2010 census reported salaries for Idaho;
A study by the University of Idaho estimates 2.5 times as many community-based jobs are likely to be dependent on each direct job at such a mine, with such jobs related to contracting, transportation, services and other support activities;
An average annual payroll of $20 million during the conceptual 14.2 year life of mine;
Gross investment of approximately over $500 million in capital equipment and equipment manufacturing during the construction phase, with an additional $200 million or more during operations, the substantial majority of which is expected to be sourced from within the United States; and,
Approximately $1,023 million in direct taxes to all levels of government, including payments to the local county ($3 million), State ($220 million) and Federal ($800 million) governments over the 14.2 year operating life of the project, but excluding payroll taxes, state sales taxes and income taxes paid by employees.
MGI is already having a significant impact on the local economy, with upwards of 115 people directly employed or working with contractors on site in 2011 and 146 so far in 2012, making MGI the largest private sector employer in Valley County, more than 70% of whom reside in the State of Idaho and almost half are from Valley and adjacent Adams counties. MGI has also been able to utilize a significant number of contractors and suppliers from within Valley and Adams counties and the State of Idaho, with an estimated 85% of its project expenditures being spent in Idaho, approximately half of which is being spent with local entities.
Environmental
Midas Gold and MGI recognize the importance of protecting the environment and, to facilitate the development of a sustainable project, Midas Gold established the following environmental objectives for the Project:
Protect surface and ground water quality;
Protect and enhance the fishery;
Maintain or enhance the objectives of CERCLA-ordered environmental improvements;
Minimize potential for sedimentation and spills along transportation corridors; and
Incorporate environmental enhancement opportunities into the conceptual concurrent and final reclamation plans.
In order to achieve Midas Gold’s and MGI’s objectives, SRK has incorporated the following design considerations, from an environmental perspective, into the recommended Project:
Minimize the project footprint - the concepts of backfilling pits, where practical, and concentrating tailings storage in one location (rather than multiple smaller locations) are high priorities for design. Minimizing the footprint enables better protection of water quality and simpler, more effective water management.
Management of water - a comprehensive water management strategy to minimize and reuse water supplies in order to support in-stream flow requirements for important fish species has been developed for additional study as part of this PEA.
Management of waste - the waste management plan for the project involves the potential for segregation and selective handling and placement of potentially reactive waste rock, and storage of flotation, oxide, and POX tailings in a synthetically lined facility. Further, blending of the plus 90% by volume, inert flotation material with the small volume POX tailings, is expected to chemically neutralize any residues in the POX tailings.
Reduce contact of Project infrastructure (including roads in particular) with waterways - The conceptual design presented in this PEA of an alternate road corridor to the Project site would move the main transportation route away from much of the environmentally sensitive Johnson Creek & South Fork of the Salmon River (“SFSR”) waterways.
Enhance the fishery - The environmental design also involves the creation of three fish spawning reaches in the East Fork of the SFSR (“EFSFSR”) above the planned Yellow Pine pit, backfilling of the Yellow Pine pit, and construction of a new channel through the backfilled area that would provide fish passage into the upper reaches of the EFSFSR and Meadow Creek drainage areas that are currently inaccessible due to the steep gradient within the abandoned Yellow Pine pit.
Clean up past environmental degradation - Selective environmental clean-up projects would be considered as part of the overall mine plan, where feasible; additional reclamation treatments at the historic spent ore disposal area (“SODA”) is an example of this opportunity.
Management of air quality - The use of the best practice control technology and practices to control air emissions at the site would be employed.
Environmental Monitoring - Monitoring to ensure compliance with all applicable air, water, waste, and reclamation objectives and to validate the effectiveness of water treatment and best management practice (BMP) technologies is a fundamental component of the Project.
Closure and Remediation
The conceptual closure plan is focused on effective remediation of a considerable area degraded by historic mining practices (including waste dumps, abandoned pits, leach pads, former mill and smelter location, etc.) by re-mining areas of past disturbance, creating substantially improved containment, and managing waste materials in fully engineered and contained facilities. The conceptual closure plan would create more than 60 hectares of new wetlands, restore local drainages, reopen fish pathways along the EFSFSR south of the current Yellow Pine pit lake to migratory species (including salmon), and create three fisheries enhancement habitats. In addition, all newly generated waste would be covered and planted to create sustainable vegetative cover.
Recognizing that there is already substantial disturbance from extensive past open pit and underground mining within its Golden Meadows project boundaries, over the past several years Midas Gold has undertaken a series of voluntary remediation efforts to mitigate the on-going impact of legacy environmental disturbance, including reclaiming more than five acres of ground disturbed prior to Midas Gold’s involvement in the area, planting 5,000 trees in 2011 (with a further 7,800 scheduled for planting in the fall of 2012) to reduce suspended solids run-off, application of dust suppression materials to almost seven miles of public roads, and replaced or repaired numerous culverts and other stream crossings, all of which has helped to reduce the sediment loading of local drainages, enhancing the downstream water quality and fish habitat.
Permitting
Midas Gold has developed an integrated plan to address the potential Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) and the potential regulatory process for any new mining operation, should such be warranted after the additional recommended work and further studies are completed. The plan considers: (a) environmental baseline study needs, (b) MGI’s ultimate “preferred alternative” to be described in the PFS, (c) a concurrent EIS and permitting schedule, (d) environmental risk management strategy, including “offsets” to potential impacts, and (e) an internal management program driven by scheduling milestones and cost tracking.
Substantial existing environmental baseline information generated by previous operators and governmental agencies is being confirmed and supplemented by MGI. This baseline is a compilation of previous studies and several EIS conducted for recent mining operations, remedial cleanup investigations, and multiple resource agency inventories. The new supplemental studies by MGI are aimed at describing ‘current mining’ environmental conditions at the site.
Project Risks & Opportunities
Aside from the risks typical of all large scale mining projects, such as confidence in mineral resource estimates, metallurgical performance, capital and operating cost increases, commodity price decreases, etc., the principal Project risks identified in the PEA include the following:
Ability to acquire a mining permit while maintaining an reasonable development timeline;
Success in converting Inferred resources to Measured or Indicated categories; and
The ability to attract and retain experienced professionals given the competitive state of the global mining industry.
Excluding the typical opportunities for such a mining project as that conceptualized in the PEA, such as higher metal prices, lower costs, etc., a number of specific opportunities have been identified at Golden Meadows and include the following:
Increases in mineral resources - all of the three deposits that contributed mineral resources to the conceptual plan laid out in the PEA are open to expansion and drilling is continuing. Additional mineral resources could extend the mine life, increasing the Project NPV and IRR.
Higher grade mineral resources - if MGI was successful in defining higher grade mineral resource within or around the existing deposits, or in completely new deposits, these mineral resources could displace lower grade material into the future, increasing the Project NPV and IRR.
Increased by-products - as noted in the mineral resource section above, antimony and silver grades have only been estimated for a small portion (approximately 17%) of the overall mineral resource. As additional drilling and modelling is completed, were by-product values extended into the un-estimated areas, higher by-product production could be contemplated and could result in reduced net operating costs, increasing the Project NPV and IRR.
Conversion of in-pit unclassified material - the currently contemplated pits have significant volumes of material with little to no drilling that are therefore unclassified tonnes treated as waste in the current financial model. Drilling has been on-going in 2012, and is continuing, with the objective of converting some portion of these unclassified tonnes to mineral resources above contemplated cut-off grades, which would result in increased mineral resources and mine life, positively affecting the NPV and IRR of the Project.
Improved geotechnical parameters - the currently contemplated pits have slopes assigned to them based on limited geotechnical information. Geotechnical drilling is currently in process to assist with better defining the appropriate geotechnical parameters, which could result in steeper pit walls, reducing strip ratios and therefore lowering operating costs.
Potential increases in design throughput - such increases could result in an improved capital return scenario.
Alternate oxide material processing options - such options could allow earlier or parallel processing of oxide materials, increasing production and economic returns.
Generation of quicklime – generation of quicklime from local limestone sources could reduce costs and the number of vehicles required to bring materials to site.
Moving Forward
MGI intends to use the recommendations in the PEA as the basis for informed discussions with tribal and other governments, NGOs, regulatory agencies, recreational groups, local communities and others in order to cooperatively develop a Project that is sustainable both from an economic and environmental perspective.
MGI did not wait for completion of the PEA to initiate activities it knew would be required to advance the Project towards completion of a PFS and design of a project that may subsequently warrant the filing of permit applications. MGI has already completed approximately 38,246m of in-fill and step-out drilling in 2012 in and around the mineral resources summarized herein with the objective of (a) upgrading the confidence in the existing Inferred mineral resources and better defining potential by-product values, (b) testing currently unclassified material within the current pit limits for its potential to host mineralization, (c) testing for possible extensions to the existing mineral deposits, (d) geotechnical drilling, and (e) commencing the testing for other potential deposits, such as Scout. In addition, MGI has begun collecting additional metallurgical samples for further testing, is continuing its geotechnical and baseline environmental assessments, is assessing potential local sources of limestone, and is continuing with other Project related activities.
All of the new 2012 drilling is to be incorporated in a new mineral resource estimate scheduled for completion in Q1/13, while all other information, including possible 2013 drilling, is to be incorporated into future studies (whether an updated PEA or a PFS) and to provide sufficient detail and confidence to contemplate the filing of permit applications, should the Project economics warrant once this additional information has been collected and incorporated into such studies.
Illustrations
To view the conceptual project layout and closure, please click here.
Updated Technical Report
Midas Gold plans to file a NI 43-101 Technical Report on SEDAR by mid-September detailing the information set out herein.
Compliance with National Instrument 43-101
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates do not account for mineability, selectivity, mining loss and dilution. These mineral resource estimates include inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these Inferred mineral resources will be converted to the Measured and Indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
The mineral resources at Golden Meadows are contained within areas that have seen historic disturbance resulting from prior mining activities. In order for MGI to advance its interests at Golden Meadows, the Project will be subject to a number of Federal, State and local laws and regulations and will require permit to conduct its activities. However, MGI is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal or other reasons that would prevent it from advancing the project.
For readers to fully understand the information in this news release, they should read the Technical Report (to be available on SEDAR or at www.midasgoldinc.com by mid-September 2012) in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the information set out in this news release which qualifies the Technical Information. The Technical Report intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context. The technical information in that report is subject to the assumptions and qualifications contained in the Technical Report.
Non-IFRS Performance Measure
“Cash Operating Costs” is a non-IFRS Performance Measure. This performance measure is included because this statistic is a key performance measure that management uses to monitor performance. This performance measure does not have a meaning within IFRS and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. This performance measure should not be considered in isolation as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS.
Conference Call & Webcast Details
Midas Gold will be hosting a conference call and webcast at 7:00 AM PT on Wednesday September 5, 2012 to discuss highlights of the PEA on the Golden Meadows Project and to provide analysts and investors the opportunity to ask questions; call in details are as follows:
Canada & USA Toll Free Dial In: 1-800-319-4610
Outside of Canada & USA call: +1-604-638-5340
International local numbers are available at: http://services.choruscall.com/links/itfsa.html. Callers should dial in 5 - 10 min prior to the scheduled start time and simply ask to join the Midas Gold call.
Midas Gold will also webcast the presentation to accompany the discussion; simply click on the following link to access the presentation: http://services.choruscall.com/links/midas20120905.html.
The conference call will be available for replay by calling Canada & USA Toll Free 1-800-319-6413 or Outside Canada & USA Call: +1-604-638-9010. Alternatively, international local numbers are available at: http://services.choruscall.com/links/itfsa.html and enter the code 8230 followed by the # sign. The call will be available for one month.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The resource estimation for the gold deposits at Golden Meadows was completed by David Rowe, C.P.G of SRK under the supervision of Guy Dishaw, P. Geo, of SRK. The other QPs responsible for the PEA study are set out below.
Gordon Doerksen, P.Eng., JDS Energy and Mining Inc. (overall project management and economic analysis);
Dino Pilotto, P.Eng., SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (mining);
Bruce Murphy, FSAIMM, SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (mine geotech);
Maritz Rykaart, P.Eng., SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (waste management)
John Duncan, P.Eng. SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (water management);
Chris Martin, C.Eng., Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd. (metallurgy);
Kevin Scott, P.Eng., Ausenco Solutions Canada Inc. (infrastructure and mineral processing); and
Rick Richins, BS, MS, RTR Inc. (environmental considerations).
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc. and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” “confirm” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, “contemplates”, “recommends” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, certain assumptions as to production rate, operating cost, recovery and metal costs as set out in this news release, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2012 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
Table 4: Conceptual Life-of-mine Open Pit Production Schedule, Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Description | Unit | Total | Year | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
-1* | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | |||
Yellow Pine mineralized material mined | Mt | 47.2 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 7.3 | 5.4 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 5.9 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Hangar Flats mineralized material mined | Mt | 20.5 | - | - | - | 2.0 | 2.5 | 2.7 | 0.4 | - | 1.6 | - | - | - | 0.7 | 2.1 | 7.3 | 1.3 |
West End mineralized material mined | Mt | 33.6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 6.6 | 5.2 | - | - |
Total | Mt | 101.3 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 1.3 |
Overall Mill Head Grade | Au g/t | 1.72 | 1.93 | 1.94 | 2.09 | 1.93 | 1.95 | 1.79 | 1.99 | 1.84 | 2.07 | 1.23 | 1.34 | 1.24 | 1.45 | 1.77 | 1.48 | 1.96 |
Overall Waste Tonnes | Mt | 371.7 | 14.4 | 12.3 | 25.1 | 29.6 | 28.9 | 27.6 | 28.8 | 23.6 | 32.6 | 27.5 | 25.6 | 31.2 | 21.3 | 23.0 | 19.8 | 0.5 |
Overall Strip Ratio waste t:mineralized t | t:t | 3.7 | 5.8 | 4.7 | 3.4 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.3 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 2.9 | 3.2 | 2.7 | 0.4 |
* Material mined in Year -1 is processed in Year 1
Table 9: Annual Plant Feed, Recovery and Cash Cost Estimates, PEA for Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Description | Unit | Total | Year | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | |||
Total Plant feed | (Mt) | 101.3 | 5.1 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 1.3 |
Gold grade | (g/t) | 1.72 | 1.94 | 2.09 | 1.93 | 1.95 | 1.79 | 1.99 | 1.84 | 2.07 | 1.23 | 1.34 | 1.24 | 1.45 | 1.77 | 1.48 | 1.96 |
Silver grade | (g/t) | 1.60 | 7.21 | 3.34 | 2.65 | 2.26 | 1.72 | 2.63 | 2.19 | 1.03 | - | - | - | - | 0.18 | 0.48 | 3.86 |
Antimony grade (for +0.1% Sb material) | (%) | 0.45 | 0.60 | 0.36 | 0.46 | 0.38 | 0.36 | 0.41 | 0.53 | 0.31 | - | - | - | 0.29 | 0.55 | 0.51 | 0.84 |
Gold Recovery | (%) | 89.0 | 87.4 | 88.8 | 88.9 | 89.6 | 89.9 | 90.7 | 90.4 | 90.6 | 79.6 | 91.3 | 84.6 | 88.7 | 90.3 | 89.9 | 89.6 |
Silver Recovery | (%) | 13.0 | 16.1 | 15.0 | 15.6 | 12.5 | 10.2 | 8.5 | 11.0 | 7.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 14.2 | 15.0 | 10.2 |
Antimony Recovery (for +0.1% Sb material) | (%) | 80.0 | 80.0 | 80.0 | 80.0 | 80.0 | 80.0 | 80.0 | 80.0 | 80.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 80.0 | 80.0 | 80.0 | 80.0 |
Payable Gold | Koz | 4,922 | 272 | 425 | 399 | 403 | 372 | 419 | 383 | 447 | 222 | 284 | 244 | 300 | 371 | 308 | 72 |
Payable Silver | Koz | 335 | 102 | 46 | 40 | 28 | 21 | 39 | 30 | 14 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 5 | 8 |
Payable Antimony | Mlb | 90.6 | 20.8 | 15.3 | 14.1 | 10.9 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 7.5 | 2.5 | - | - | - | - | 1.6 | 5.8 | 3.9 |
Cash Cost (without by-product credit) | $/payable oz Au | 532 | 484 | 450 | 489 | 482 | 523 | 468 | 498 | 452 | 818 | 656 | 712 | 580 | 504 | 590 | 540 |
Cash Cost (with by-product credit) | $/payable oz Au | 425 | 35 | 239 | 283 | 325 | 453 | 417 | 382 | 419 | 818 | 656 | 712 | 578 | 479 | 481 | 225 |
MIDAS GOLD CONFIRMS SCOUT AS A MAJOR NEW ANTIMONY-GOLD SYSTEM AT ITS GOLDEN MEADOWS PROJECT, IDAHO
Hole MGI-12-249 intersects 1.85% Sb and 0.77 g/t Au over 183.3m
Including: 13.9m grading 1.77 g/t Au, 2.96% Sb; and 23.8m grading 1.04 g/t Au, 2.69% Sb
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced assay results from three exploration holes drilled at the Scout Prospect on its Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine District, Idaho. These new results are from follow-up holes drilled after Midas Gold’s winter reverse circulation (“RC”) drilling program successfully cut thick intervals of gold-silver-antimony mineralization, as reported in a news release dated April 25, 2012. These results, which include significant gold and antimony intercepts, not only confirm historic drill results but also extend the known mineralized area approximately 150 metres to the south of the prior RC holes, demonstrating the presence of a major gold-antimony mineralizing system at Scout. Highlights of significant assay results from these new drill holes are summarized in Table 1, below, while more detailed results are in Table 2 at the end of this release.
Table 1: Highlights of Recent Drill Results from the Scout Prospect
Hole ID | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-238 | 93.6 | 240.5 | 146.9(1) | 0.86 | 4.5 | 0.46 |
Including | 203.0 | 227.7 | 24.7 | 1.46 | 5.0 | 0.64 |
MGI-12-244 | 93.1 | 134.7 | 41.6 | 2.14 | 5.3 | 0.45 |
MGI-12-249(2) | 48.3 | 58.8 | 10.5 | 0.71 | 2.9 | 0.14 |
And | 79.6 | 262.9 | 183.3(1) | 0.77 | 13.1 | 1.85 |
Including | 79.6 | 141.7 | 62.2 | 1.16 | 12.1 | 1.15 |
And | 149.7 | 169.6 | 20.0 | 0.35 | 15.5 | 2.13 |
And | 211.4 | 225.3 | 13.9 | 1.77 | 5.9 | 2.96 |
And | 239.1 | 262.9 | 23.8 | 1.04 | 14.6 | 2.69 |
“The results of our recent drilling at Scout clearly demonstrate the presence of a major new gold-silver-antimony system at our Golden Meadows Project. These most recent results confirmed mineralization reported in nearby historic drill holes by intersecting significant thicknesses of gold-silver-antimony mineralization where predicted and, in addition, at depths below those previously tested by past operators,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “The considerable thicknesses of high grade antimony mineralization, with significant associated gold and silver values, intercepted in the most recent holes, suggests potential to define a major new gold-silver antimony mineral resource in this area.” More drilling is planned in the coming months to evaluate the extent and tenor of this system as it remains wide open to expansion along strike, to depth and toward surface. “Scout is the first of more than a dozen high priority exploration targets identified by Midas Gold on its Gold Meadows Project to be drill tested, and drilling of more of these targets is planned for later in 2012 and into 2013,” said Mr. Quin.
2012 Drill Program
To the end of July, Midas Gold has completed a total of 32,166 meters in 120 holes during its 2012 drill campaign, with between six and nine core and RC rigs operating on the property at various times through the season. Drilling with six core rigs is currently focused on continued in-fill and step-out drilling at the West End and Yellow Pine deposits with a view to upgrading the confidence levels of prior mineral resource estimates as well as testing unclassified material within the resource-limiting pits used to constrain the mineral resource estimates that are currently treated as waste but may, in some locations, be mineralized. In addition, core drilling to collect metallurgical samples, hydrological drilling (with a seventh, sonic rig), baseline environmental programs and other activities are proceeding with the objective of supporting completion of a pre-feasibility study (“PFS”) in 2013 and, subsequently, commencing the permitting of a mining operation, if supported by the PFS. Exploration focused on new targets and prospects within the Golden Meadows property will occur intermittently throughout the summer and fall of 2012 with the objective of discovering additional mineral deposits as has been successfully achieved at Scout. In parallel with these activities, work is proceeding on preparation of a preliminary economic assessment, due for completion in Q3/12, and components of the PFS.
Scout Prospect Description & History
The Scout Prospect is situated approximately 1.25km northeast of the Hangar Flats deposit, along a north-south fault system that hosts widespread gold-silver and antimony mineralization that can be traced along strike for approximately 650m in widely spaced drill holes. This fault system, all of which may not be mineralized, can be inferred to be present for several km to the north-northwest, based on Midas Gold’s 2011 airborne magnetics and EM surveys. Scattered soil anomalies and geologic mapping along this fault shows that it lies approximately 1km to the east of, and parallel to, the Meadow Creek fault system, which controls the Hangar Flats and Yellow Pine gold-silver-antimony-tungsten deposits.
The Scout Prospect was first discovered in the 1940s, after US Geological Survey and US Bureau of Mines workers conducted experimental biochemical sampling in the district, which outlined a large gold and antimony biogeochemical anomaly. The area that hosts the biochemical anomaly occurs in a distinct, linear, north-south trending topographic depression, interpreted to be a less resistant structural zone, which is marked by strong geophysical anomalies. A series of weak but pronounced soil anomalies occur parallel to this trend, slightly uphill to the east, where the drilled zones would project to the surface but are covered by talus and slope debris. Several small pits and trenches, which were likely excavated during the 1940s during government-sponsored antimony-tungsten exploration, exposed massive, blocky, slightly schistose quartzite containing narrow, gold-bearing, high-grade stibnite veins and altered, sulfide-bearing igneous dikes. Stratigraphic relationships, derived from outcrop mapping and drill data, indicate the valley itself is underlain by calc-silicates and silicified and dolomitized carbonates, similar to those that host the nearby Garnet Prospect. The Garnet prospect lies approximately 0.8km to the east of Scout and was the site of a 1995 open pit mining operation that produced approximately 35,000 ounces of gold from oxidized ores in skarn and calc-silicates that graded approximately 6 g/t gold.
Between 1948 and 1990 three companies explored the Scout area with 20 drill holes, totaling approximately 2,435m of drilling. Six east-west IP geophysical lines (by past operators and Midas Gold) run across the Scout Prospect area and delineate a large resistivity low and numerous IP chargeability anomalies that could be indicative of a much larger sulphide mineralized system than currently defined by drilling.
Mineralization can be traced down dip at least 250m and along strike for several hundreds of meters and occurs within a thick section of fractured, sheared and brecciated quartzites, felsic intrusive rocks, calcareous schists and thin dolomitic marbles impregnated with disseminated pyrite and stockwork veins of stibnite.
About Antimony
Antimony is a metal produced dominantly in China that is primarily used as a flame retardant in the manufacture of a variety of materials and, to a lesser extent, as an alloy with lead in the manufacture of batteries. Recent pricing for antimony was US$12,750 per tonne (or US$5.78 per pound), or about 70% more per pound than copper. The British Geologic Survey identified antimony as one of the metals with the highest supply risk in a recent survey, while the European Commission placed antimony on the list of fourteen raw materials on a list of critical concerns for the European Union in the face of serious potential supply shortages. In its 2012 Mineral Commodity Outlook, the US Geologic Survey noted that, ‘In China, the world’s leading antimony producer, the Government continued to shut down antimony mines and smelters in an effort to control environmental issues and resolve safety problems. The local Government in Lengshuijiang, Hunan Province, which accounts for about 60% of the world antimony supply, shuttered almost all of its mines and smelters. Also, officials in Lengshuijiang announced that after more than 110 years of continuous mining, the area now had only 5 years of mining life left.”
Illustrations
To view illustrations, please click here.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The exploration activities at Golden Meadows were carried out under the supervision of Christopher Dail, C.P.G., Qualified Person and Exploration Manager for the Golden Meadows Project.
All gold assays are by a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by an atomic absorption finish (with a 0.005g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 6g/t are re-analyzed using a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Silver is analyzed via a 4-acid digestion followed by an ICP finish (with a 0.5g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 10g/t Ag are reanalyzed using a 2g ICP-AES, four acid digest, while samples reporting > 750g/t Ag are reanalyzed using a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Antimony is analyzed via a 4-acid digestion followed by an ICP finish (with a 5.0g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 2,000g/t Sb are reanalyzed using XRF with a 0.9g charge in a Lithium Borate fusion (with a 0.01% lower reporting limit).
All gold composites utilize a 0.3g/t cut off and may include internal waste. Some intervals may not add or subtract correctly due to rounding, but are deemed insignificant. Analyses are carried out by ALS CHEMEX in their Reno and Winnemucca, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia laboratories. Blank and standard samples are used for quality assurance and quality control and a review of the results of analyses of the blanks, standards and duplicates by the Corporation’s Qualified Person indicates values are within normal and acceptable ranges.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc. and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates were reported for all three deposits in a news release dated April 20, 2011 and are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources, Golden Meadows Project, Valley County, Idaho” dated June 6, 2011 (the “Technical Report”) and updated on June 12, 2012 is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “suggests”, “potential”, “confirm” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2012 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
Table 2: Table of Scout Drill Results
(To accompany Midas Gold news release dated August 2, 2012)
Hole ID | Hole Type | Bearing | Inclination | Total Depth (m) | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-238 | Core | 077 | -66 | 267.2 | 93.6 | 240.5 | 146.9(1) | 0.86 | 4.5 | 0.46 |
Including | 93.6 | 130.5 | 36.9 | 1.20 | 6.0 | 0. 54 | ||||
And | 152.1 | 178.3 | 26.2 | 1.14 | 2.1 | 0.10 | ||||
And | 203.0 | 227.7 | 24.7 | 1.46 | 5.0 | 0.64 | ||||
MGI-12-244 | Core | 077 | -45 | 212.1 | 22.0 | 25.9 | 4.0 | 0.53 | 0.6 | 0.01 |
Including | 37.8 | 55.5 | 17.7 | 0.43 | 0.7 | 0.05 | ||||
And | 93.1 | 134.7 | 41.6 | 2.14 | 5.3 | 0.45 | ||||
And | 148.6 | 170.4 | 21.8 | 0.33 | 0.3 | 0.08 | ||||
MGI-12-249(2) | Core | 115 | -53 | 278.9 | 48.3 | 58.8 | 10.5 | 0.71 | 2.9 | 0.14 |
And | 79.6 | 262.9 | 183.3(1) | 0.77 | 13.1 | 1.85 | ||||
Including | 79.6 | 141.7 | 62.2 | 1.16 | 12.1 | 1.15 | ||||
And | 149.7 | 169.6 | 20.0 | 0.35 | 15.5 | 2.13 | ||||
And | 211.4 | 225.3 | 13.9 | 1.77 | 5.9 | 2.96 | ||||
And | 239.1 | 262.9 | 23.8 | 1.04 | 14.6 | 2.69 |
(1) These broader intervals of antimony mineralization are composited on the basis of the overall zone of antimony mineralization, whereas the sub-intervals are estimated on the basis of gold cut-offs as detailed in the QA/QC section below, which zones lie within but are not identical to the antimony zones. In some cases, the antimony composite has been expanded to encompass all of an overlapping gold composite to simplify reporting.
(2) Based upon the current 3D interpretation of the Scout prospect, the intervals quoted here are at or near true thickness. For intervals in hole MGI-12-249, true thickness is approximately 90% of reported interval.
MIDAS GOLD CONFIRMS NO MATERIAL CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) confirms that as of the date of this news release, there are no material corporate developments and the Company is not aware of any material undisclosed developments that would cause the recent movements in the Company’s share price.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc. and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources, Golden Meadows Project, Valley County, Idaho” dated June 6, 2011 (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. A new technical report covering all three updated mineral resources will be filed on SEDAR in conjunction with the completion of a preliminary economic assessment, scheduled for completion in Q3/12.
MIDAS GOLD COMPLETES MINERAL RESOURCE UPDATE WITH A DOUBLING OF GOLD IN INDICATED CATEGORY
Overall Contained Gold at Golden Meadows increases 22%; First Antimony & Silver Estimates
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced the last of three planned independent NI43-101 mineral resource estimates for its Golden Meadows Project in Idaho, completing the process of updating its mineral resource estimates to incorporate second half of 2011 and early 2012 drill results. These updated estimates resulted in an overall 22% increase in contained gold at Golden Meadows in just six months of drilling. Including the previously announced updates for the West End and Yellow Pine deposits, gold contained in indicated mineral resources has increased 103% (to 4.23 million oz at a grade of 1.68 g/t gold) from the June 2011 estimate. A total of 59% of the contained gold at Golden Meadows is now in the indicated category, while 41% (2.89 million oz at a grade of 1.60g/t gold) is in the inferred category. Furthermore, antimony and silver have been added to the Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats mineral resource estimates, with 108.5 million pounds of contained antimony in the indicated category and an additional 92.8 million pounds of contained antimony inferred within the overall mineral resource. While each element is reported below for each of the three deposits, as constrained in the base case Whittle(r) pits, higher grade antimony and silver subdomains are also reported separately within 0.1% antimony shells, as detailed on the following page, which subdomains host all of the modeled antimony and have an average grade of 0.49% antimony. Antimony was not modeled outside the 0.1% antimony shell.
Mineral Resource Estimate(1) - All Three Deposits comprising the Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., June 25, 2012
Mineral Resource Category | Tonnes (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade(5) (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade(4)(5) (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Pit Oxide(2) Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 10,573 | 0.90 | 305 | 0.00 | - | 0.00% | 122 |
Inferred | 2,201 | 0.97 | 68 | 0.00 | - | 0.00% | 178 |
Open Pit Sulphide(3) Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 67,653 | 1.80 | 3,925 | 0.60 | 1,312 | 0.07% | 108,385 |
Inferred | 53,917 | 1.63 | 2,822 | 0.93 | 1,603 | 0.08% | 92,606 |
Total Open Pit Oxide + Sulphide(2)(3) Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 78,226 | 1.68 | 4,229 | 0.52 | 1,312 | 0.06% | 108,507 |
Inferred | 56,117 | 1.60 | 2,890 | 0.89 | 1,603 | 0.07% | 92,784 |
(1) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit oxide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.42 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
(3) Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
(4) Where antimony grades are shown as “0.00” there is antimony present but it rounds to 0.00.
(5) Antimony and silver were not estimated for the West End deposit due to a lack of sufficient assays, and is averaged into the totals at an assumed zero grade.
Antimony Subdomains(1) Mineral Resource, Yellow Pine & Hangar Flats Deposits, Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., June 25, 2012
Mineral Resource Category | Tonnes (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Pit Sulphide(2) Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 9,999 | 2.31 | 743 | 3.15 | 1,012 | 0.49% | 108,507 |
Inferred | 8,639 | 2.08 | 576 | 5.04 | 1,400 | 0.49% | 92,784 |
(1) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below). The antimony subdomain is further limited to discrete zones of mineralization with grades that exceed 0.1% Sb.
“The updated mineral resource for the three deposits within our Golden Meadows Project demonstrates excellent progress over the past year,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “While the indicated gold mineral resource has more than doubled, we have also added significant value to the project by including antimony as a potential by-product and increased the overall contained gold by 22%, with significant gains at West End and Yellow Pine, partially offset by reductions at Hangar Flats. The addition of an antimony resource will become more important as we move into our economic studies, since the higher grade antimony mineralization is concentrated near surface and can be extracted early in a mine plan,” he said. “Furthermore, we have improved the confidence in our resource models as Midas Gold’s drill data provides better control on the mineralization and replaces a significant amount of historic data. Step out drilling, completed subsequent to the resource cut-off date, continues to intersect significant new mineralization outside of our current mineral resource at Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats, while drilling has recently commenced shortly at the West End deposit, which remains open to expansion in several directions.”
Hangar Flats Mineral Resource Update
The base case mineral resource estimate for the Hangar Flats deposit was prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and is summarized herein. Sensitivity according to gold cut-off grade is summarized below. The economically driven pit shell that limits the mineral resource was based entirely on gold value, with antimony and silver reporting within the resource-limiting pit but not defining it. Within the resource-limiting pit, antimony and silver grades are reported without any cut-off. Any mineralization lying outside the resource-limiting pit is not reported as mineral resources.
Since the date of this mineral resource estimate, additional drilling has been completed at Hangar Flats, and is continuing, that is extending the mineralization to the west and east beside and below the mineral resources reported herein, while Midas Gold plans to test possible extensions to the south of the current mineral resource later in 2012, subject to permitting, in areas where prior drilling has indicated potential for extensions to mineralization and is supported by airborne EM geophysical anomalies.
Mineral Resource Statement (1), Hangar Flats Deposit, Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., June 25, 2012
Mineral Resource Category | Tonnes (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Pit Oxide(2) Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 750 | 0.73 | 18 | - | - | - | - |
Inferred | 589 | 0.82 | 15 | - | - | - | - |
Open Pit Sulphide(3) Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 16,440 | 1.73 | 914 | 1.37 | 725 | 0.12 | 44,217 |
Inferred | 7,828 | 1.50 | 378 | 0.09 | 22 | 0.02 | 3,106 |
Total Open Pit Oxide + Sulphide(2)(3) Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 17,189 | 1.69 | 932 | 1.31 | 725 | 0.12 | 44,217 |
Inferred | 8,416 | 1.45 | 393 | 0.08 | 22 | 0.02 | 3,106 |
(1) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit oxide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.42 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
(3) Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
Higher Grade Antimony Area at Hangar Flats
As noted above, within the larger envelope of gold mineralization, there are zones significantly enriched in antimony and silver relative to the overall mineral resource. These zones, defined by a plus 0.1% antimony shell, lie entirely within the pit-limited mineral resource and are reported separately below to illustrate the higher grades of antimony and silver within the overall mineral resource.
Mineral Resource Antimony Subdomain(1), Hangar Flats Deposit, Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., June 13, 2012
Mineral Resource Category | Tonnes (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Pit Sulphide(2) Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 3,475 | 2.16 | 242 | 4.31 | 482 | 0.58 | 44,217 |
Inferred | 339 | 1.33 | 14 | 0.91 | 10 | 0.42 | 3,106 |
(1) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below). The antimony subdomain is further limited to discrete zones of mineralization with grades that exceed 0.1% Sb.
Hangar Flats Mineral Resource Estimate at different Cut-off Grades
The sensitivity of the Hangar Flats deposit mineral resource estimate to different cut-off grades is tabulated below.
Sensitivity of Mineral Resource Statement (1) for the Hangar Flats Deposit to Cut-off Grade
Category (Base case highlighted) | Cut-off Grade (g/t Gold) | Tonnes (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oxide Indicated | 0.65 | 363 | 0.97 | 11 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 |
0.55 | 491 | 0.87 | 14 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | |
0.42 | 750 | 0.73 | 18 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | |
0.35 | 926 | 0.67 | 20 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | |
0.25 | 1,201 | 0.58 | 22 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | |
Sulphide Indicated | 0.95 | 13,962 | 1.89 | 846 | 1.55 | 694 | 0.14 | 41,555 |
0.85 | 15,233 | 1.80 | 883 | 1.44 | 703 | 0.13 | 42,314 | |
0.75 | 16,440 | 1.73 | 914 | 1.37 | 725 | 0.12 | 44,217 | |
0.65 | 17,829 | 1.65 | 945 | 1.29 | 737 | 0.11 | 44,810 | |
0.55 | 19,241 | 1.57 | 972 | 1.20 | 740 | 0.11 | 44,965 | |
Oxide Inferred | 0.65 | 286 | 1.09 | 10 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 |
0.55 | 462 | 0.91 | 13 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | |
0.42 | 589 | 0.82 | 15 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | |
0.35 | 685 | 0.75 | 17 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | |
0.25 | 942 | 0.63 | 19 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | |
Sulphide Inferred | 0.95 | 5,698 | 1.75 | 320 | 0.12 | 21 | 0.02 | 2,638 |
0.85 | 6,717 | 1.62 | 350 | 0.10 | 22 | 0.02 | 2,814 | |
0.75 | 7,828 | 1.50 | 378 | 0.09 | 22 | 0.02 | 3,106 | |
0.65 | 9,125 | 1.39 | 407 | 0.08 | 23 | 0.02 | 3,420 | |
0.55 | 10,318 | 1.30 | 430 | 0.08 | 25 | 0.02 | 3,412 | |
Total Indicated | 0.65 Oxide, 0.95 Sulphide | 14,325 | 1.86 | 857 | 1.51 | 694 | 0.13 | 41,555 |
0.55 Oxide, 0.85 Sulphide | 15,723 | 1.77 | 897 | 1.39 | 703 | 0.12 | 42,314 | |
0.42 Oxide, 0.75 Sulphide | 17,189 | 1.69 | 932 | 1.31 | 725 | 0.12 | 44,217 | |
0.35 Oxide, 0.65 Sulphide | 18,755 | 1.60 | 965 | 1.22 | 737 | 0.11 | 44,810 | |
0.25 Oxide, 0.55 Sulphide | 20,442 | 1.51 | 994 | 1.13 | 740 | 0.10 | 44,965 | |
Total Inferred | 0.65 Oxide, 0.95 Sulphide | 5,984 | 1.72 | 330 | 0.11 | 21 | 0.02 | 2,638 |
0.55 Oxide, 0.85 Sulphide | 7,179 | 1.57 | 363 | 0.09 | 22 | 0.02 | 2,814 | |
0.42 Oxide, 0.75 Sulphide | 8,416 | 1.45 | 393 | 0.08 | 22 | 0.02 | 3,106 | |
0.35 Oxide, 0.65 Sulphide | 9,811 | 1.34 | 424 | 0.07 | 23 | 0.02 | 3,420 | |
0.25 Oxide, 0.55 Sulphide | 11,260 | 1.24 | 449 | 0.07 | 25 | 0.01 | 3,412 |
(1) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit oxide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.42 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
(3) Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
(4) Where antimony grades are shown as “0.00” there is antimony present but it rounds to 0.00.
Hangar Flats Mineral Resource Estimation
Mineral resource estimates for Hangar Flats were completed using Gemcom GEMS® software by David Rowe, C.P.G., of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc. and incorporates the results of 49 holes drilled in 2011 and 2012 that were not utilized in the prior mineral resource estimate.
In reviewing the total drilling database, SRK and Midas Gold have eliminated all underground channel samples and any historic Bradley era holes that were not supported by Midas drilling, which resulted in a drop in total contained ounces of gold, especially from the inferred category. The underground channel samples were deemed inferior to the historic drilling, which holes were primarily drilled in the 1940’s using typical ‘A’ gauge core bits, with sludge and core both assayed. While the channel samples may have identified mineralization, the quality of the samples and the lack of reliable mapping in reference to the samples preclude confident estimation into immediately adjacent areas. Additional drilling would be required to determine whether this data could be used (if verified) or replaced in future mineral resource estimates with new data. The veracity of the remaining historic drilling, which was completed in the 1940s through the 1990s, was confirmed through a rigorous data verification protocol. This included reviewing original drill logs, assay certificates and survey information, comparison of data from different drilling campaigns within the same area, and comparison to the Midas Gold holes. Blocks of 25m and 50m that were well informed (6 samples minimum) by both historic data and recent drilling were compared to validate the older data. Where no bias existed, and where good correlations dominated, the older data was used in grade estimation.
Three dimensional structural domains were constructed based on the orientation of the structural controls for gold deposition, and the gold deposit extents were limited within a gold shell constructed at a 0.25 g/t Au fire assay (“AuFA”) threshold. The gold shell was also limited at the boundaries of the deposit so as not to extend more than 60 meters beyond any mineralized drill hole intercept. Antimony and silver shells were also constructed to drill holes, with 0.1% Sb and 5 g/t Ag cut-offs. Although spatially related, the antimony and silver mineralization is characterized by different structural controls than the gold mineralization.
Original gold, silver, and antimony assay values from drilling were capped, according to cumulative frequency plots of assays within resource limiting shells. Gold capping of individual assays resulted in a loss of 4% total metal. For silver and antimony, capping resulted in metal losses of 10% and 12% respectively. Composite samples were then created at three meter intervals, and were restricted to the limits of the 0.25g/t Au shell.
Ordinary kriging was used to interpolate grades within each of the three structural domains, and the total gold, silver, and antimony block model estimates consisted of two successively larger passes. The first pass used a maximum search radius of 40, 50, and 45 meters for each gold, silver, and antimony respectively, which represents one half (1/2) of the maximum range of the variography, and was subdivided into octants for gold only. The second pass was set to estimate the remaining blocks within the gold shell. Total gold, silver, and antimony assay values were estimated within blocks measuring 15x15x6 meters.
Once the estimation process was completed, the previously mined areas were removed, based on available surveys of the existing underground workings, the limits of which have been locally confirmed by holes drilled through voids and timbers.
Mineral resources are classified in the Indicated category for all blocks estimated by at least four composite samples from a minimum of two drill holes, and a minimum of three octants from the first interpolation pass which searched out to 40 metres or one half (1/2) of the maximum range of sample grade continuity defined by the variography. Final broad areas of indicated blocks were outlined by constructing a classification envelope designed to encompass zones predominantly flagged by the first search pass. This process allows review of the geologic control/confidence on the deposit, and expands certain areas but excludes others from Indicated category. All remaining blocks within the gold shell are classified as Inferred.
Cut-off Grade Selection
The cut-off grade selected for the base case resource-limiting pit was estimated on the basis of gold only, and used the following assumptions:
June 2012 Estimate | June 2011 Estimate | |
---|---|---|
Gold Price (US$/oz) | $1,400.00 | $1,200.00 |
Refining & transport (US$/oz recovered) | $7.00 | $5.00 |
Mining cost (US$/tonne moved) | $1.50 | $1.50 |
Sulphide processing cost (US$/tonne processed) | $23.00 | $20.00 |
Oxide processing cost (US$/tonne processed) | $10.00 | $5.00 |
G&A cost (US$/tonne processed) | $3.00 | $2.00 |
Sulphide recovery | 90% | 95% |
Oxide recovery | 80% | 85% |
NSR Royalty | 0% | 5% |
Maximum Pit slopes | 45 degrees | 45 degrees |
Discount rate | 7% | 0% |
This led to a calculated cut-off grade of 0.36g/t gold for oxides and 0.65g/t for sulphides. In order to provide a level of conservatism, Midas Gold requested SRK to add a 15% contingency factor, increasing the base case cut-off grades to 0.42g/t gold for oxides and 0.75g/t for sulphides. This cut-off grade and the assumptions above were used by Jim Robertson, P.Eng., of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc., to float conceptual pits using Whittle(r) that limit the mineral resources so that only mineral resources above these cut-offs and within the resource-limiting pit are reported; mineralization falling outside the resource-limiting pit is not reported, no matter what the grade. The strip ratio for this resource-limiting pit dropped from last year’s 7.31:1 to a current 7.1:1 (tonnes of waste to tonnes of mineral resource within the pit).
It should be noted that the assumptions used to derive the cut-off grades and define the resource-limiting pits are estimated so as to meet the NI43-101 requirement for mineral resource estimates to demonstrate “reasonable prospects for economic extraction” and the cut-off grades to be used in the upcoming preliminary economic assessment may vary from those used to limit the mineral resources reported herein, as the inputs to that study are determined. No inference is implied in the changes to the cut-off grade assumptions from the prior mineral resource estimates as to what will be used in the upcoming preliminary economic assessment, as those assumptions remain to be determined.
Updated Technical Report
The details of all three mineral resource estimates will be provided in a NI43-101 Technical Report to be filed in conjunction with the completion of a preliminary economic assessment due in Q3/12.
Compliance with National Instrument 43-101
David Rowe, CPG, of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc. is the qualified person, as defined in National Instrument 43-101, responsible for the mineral resource estimates for the Hangar Flats deposit as reported herein. He has read and approved the relevant technical portions of this news release related to the mineral resource estimates for which he is responsible.
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates do not account for mineability, selectivity, mining loss and dilution. These mineral resource estimates include inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
The mineral resources at Golden Meadows are contained within areas that have seen historic disturbance resulting from prior mining activities. In order for Midas to advance its interests at Golden Meadows, the project will be subject to a number of Federal, State and local laws and regulations and will require permit to conduct its activities. However, Midas is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal or other reasons that would prevent it from advancing the project.
Illustrations
To view the locations of current drill holes and the old and new pit boundaries for the Hangar Flat deposit, please click here.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The resource estimation for the gold deposits at Golden Meadows was completed by David Rowe, C.P.G., and Wayne Barnett, Pr.Sci. Nat., of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc. under the supervision of Guy Dishaw, P. Geo, of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc., and was reviewed by Paul Jensen, C.P.G., Qualified Person and Midas Gold’s Senior Geologist for the Golden Meadows Project.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc. and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources, Golden Meadows Project, Valley County, Idaho” dated June 6, 2011 (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. A new technical report covering all three updated mineral resources will be filed on SEDAR in conjunction with the completion of a preliminary economic assessment, scheduled for completion in Q3/12.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” “confirm” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2012 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
Mineral Resource Estimate(1) - All Three Deposits comprising the Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., June 25, 2012
Hangar Flats | West End (5) | Yellow Pine | All Deposits | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oxides(2) (@ 0.42g/t Au cut-off) | ||||
Indicated | ||||
Tonnes(000s) | 750 | 8,251 | 1,572 | 10,573 |
GoldGrade (g/t) | 0.73 | 0.83 | 1.30 | 0.90 |
SilverGrade (g/t) | - | - | - | |
AntimonyGrade (%) (4) | - | 0.00% | 0.00% | |
ContainedGold (000s oz) | 18 | 221 | 66 | 305 |
ContainedSilver (000s oz) | - | - | - | |
ContainedAntimony (000s lbs) | - | 122 | 122 | |
Inferred | ||||
Tonnes(000s) | 589 | 1,185 | 427 | 2,201 |
GoldGrade (g/t) | 0.82 | 0.63 | 2.12 | 0.97 |
SilverGrade (g/t) | - | - | - | |
AntimonyGrade (%) (4) | - | 0.02% | 0.00% | |
ContainedGold (000s oz) | 15 | 24 | 29 | 68 |
ContainedSilver (000s oz) | - | - | - | |
ContainedAntimony (000s lbs) | - | 178 | 178 | |
Sulphides(3) (@ 0.75g/t Au cut-off) | ||||
Indicated | ||||
Tonnes(000s) | 16,440 | 25,750 | 25,463 | 67,653 |
GoldGrade (g/t) | 1.73 | 1.52 | 2.14 | 1.80 |
SilverGrade (g/t) | 1.37 | 0.72 | 0.60 | |
AntimonyGrade (%) (4) | 0.12% | 0.11% | 0.07% | |
ContainedGold (000s oz) | 914 | 1,262 | 1,749 | 3,925 |
ContainedSilver (000s oz) | 725 | 587 | 1,312 | |
ContainedAntimony (000s lbs) | 44,217 | 64,168 | 108,385 | |
Inferred | ||||
Tonnes(000s) | 7,828 | 14,076 | 32,013 | 53,917 |
GoldGrade (g/t) | 1.50 | 1.30 | 1.80 | 1.63 |
SilverGrade (g/t) | 0.09 | 1.54 | 0.93 | |
AntimonyGrade (%) (4) | 0.02% | 0.13% | 0.08% | |
ContainedGold (000s oz) | 378 | 588 | 1,856 | 2,822 |
ContainedSilver (000s oz) | 22 | 1,581 | 1,603 | |
ContainedAntimony (000s lbs) | 3,106 | 89,500 | 92,606 | |
Oxides+ Sulphides (2)(3) | ||||
Indicated | ||||
Tonnes(000s) | 17,189 | 34,001 | 27,036 | 78,226 |
GoldGrade (g/t) | 1.69 | 1.36 | 2.09 | 1.68 |
SilverGrade (g/t) | 1.31 | - | 0.68 | 0.52 |
AntimonyGrade (%) (4) | 0.12% | - | 0.11% | 0.06% |
ContainedGold (000s oz) | 932 | 1,483 | 1,814 | 4,229 |
ContainedSilver (000s oz) | 725 | - | 587 | 1,312 |
ContainedAntimony (000s lbs) | 44,217 | - | 64,290 | 108,507 |
Inferred | ||||
Tonnes(000s) | 8,416 | 15,261 | 32,440 | 56,117 |
GoldGrade (g/t) | 1.45 | 1.25 | 1.81 | 1.60 |
SilverGrade (g/t) | 0.08 | - | 1.52 | 0.89 |
AntimonyGrade (%) (4) | 0.02% | - | 0.13% | 0.07% |
ContainedGold (000s oz) | 393 | 612 | 1,885 | 2,890 |
ContainedSilver (000s oz) | 22 | - | 1,581 | 1,603 |
ContainedAntimony (000s lbs) | 3,106 | - | 89,678 | 92,784 |
(1) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit oxide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.42 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details above).
(3) Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details above).
(4) Where antimony grades are shown as “0.00” there is antimony present but it rounds to 0.00, where blank, antimony was not estimated.
(5) Antimony and silver were not estimated for the West End deposit due to a lack of sufficient assays, and is averaged into the totals at an assumed zero grade.
MIDAS GOLD TO PRESENT ITS GOLDEN MEADOWS PROJECT AT IDAHO DAY IN TORONTO JUNE 5, 2012
Idaho Delegation Includes Lt. Governor Brad Little & Former Governor Cecil D. Andrus
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) is pleased to be presenting highlights of its Golden Meadows Project in Idaho at a one day “Idaho Day in Toronto” conference being held on June 5, 2012 at the Trump International Hotel. Idaho Day is co-sponsored by several mining companies active in Idaho and a number of leading national and international brokerage firms. The Idaho delegation is led by Idaho’s Lieutenant Governor Brad Little and former Governor Cecil D. Andrus, Idaho’s longest serving governor, who also spent four years as US Secretary of the Interior.
“The Idaho Day in Toronto conference provides a unique opportunity for investors and analysts to get a first-hand account of the importance of the mining industry to the State of Idaho and of its unique regulatory environment,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “As a leading exploration company active in Idaho, Midas Gold is proud to be co-sponsoring this event.”
Any investor or analyst interested in attending this event in downtown Toronto tomorrow should contact Midas Gold’s Manager of Investor Relations, whose contact details are below.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc. and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho, a world class gold deposit with significant potential for by-products of antimony and silver, and potentially tungsten. The principal deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates were detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources, Golden Meadows Project, Valley County, Idaho” dated June 6, 2011 (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Updates to those mineral resource estimates were announced for West End on May 16, 2012 and for the Yellow Pine deposit on June 4, 2012 including significant increases in contained gold, while an update for the Hangar Flats deposit is pending. A new technical report covering all three updated mineral resources will be filed on SEDAR in conjunction with the completion of a preliminary economic assessment, scheduled for completion in Q3/12.
MIDAS GOLD'S YELLOW PINE MINERAL RESOURCE UPDATE EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS & DEPOSIT CONTINUES TO GROW
Gold Indicated Mineral Resource increases 445%; Antimony and Silver added to Estimates
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced the second of three planned independent NI43-101 mineral resource estimates for its Golden Meadows Project in Idaho. Gold contained in indicated mineral resources at the Yellow Pine Deposit has increased 445% (to 1.815 million oz at a grade of 2.09g/t) from the previously reported estimate, while the inferred mineral resource was largely replaced with newly added ounces of gold and contains 1.885 million ounces at a grade of 1.81g/t gold. A total of 49% of the resource ounces are now in the indicated category - up from 14% in 2011 - even with a 52% increase in total gold contained in the Yellow Pine Deposit and all of the indicated and inferred mineral resource reported herein is contained within resource-limiting open pit shells. Furthermore, antimony and silver have been added to the Yellow Pine mineral resource estimate, as detailed below, including an area with significantly higher grade antimony-silver grades that is detailed on the following page.
Mineral Resource Statement (1), Yellow Pine Deposit, Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., May 31, 2012
Mineral Resource Category | Tonnes (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade(4) (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Pit Oxide(2)Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 1,572 | 1.30 | 66 | - | - | 0.00 | 122 |
Inferred | 427 | 2.12 | 29 | - | - | 0.02 | 178 |
Open Pit Sulphide(3)Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 25,463 | 2.14 | 1,749 | 0.72 | 587 | 0.11 | 64,168 |
Inferred | 32,013 | 1.80 | 1,856 | 1.54 | 1,581 | 0.13 | 89,500 |
Total Open Pit Oxide + Sulphide(2)(3)Mineral Resources | |||||||
Indicated | 27,036 | 2.09 | 1,814 | 0.68 | 587 | 0.11 | 64,290 |
Inferred | 32,440 | 1.81 | 1,885 | 1.52 | 1,581 | 0.13 | 89,678 |
(1) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate and therefore numbers may not appear to add precisely. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit oxide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.42 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
(3) Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
(4) Where antimony grades are shown as “0.00” there is antimony present but it rounds to 0.00.
“The updated mineral resource for Yellow Pine demonstrates excellent progress over the past year,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “While the indicated mineral resource has grown significantly, we are also very pleased with the significant gain in overall contained ounces of gold, confirming our expectations that the Yellow Pine system has great potential for additional discovery,” he said. “Adding antimony and silver for the first time in a modern resource report is also a significant achievement, bringing potential economic and strategic value to our project. In addition, mineralization remains open in several directions and recent drilling has already demonstrated that it continues to increase.”
The base case mineral resource estimate for the Yellow Pine deposit as prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and is summarized herein. Sensitivity according to gold cut-off grade is summarized below. The economically driven pit shell that limits the mineral resource was based entirely on gold value, with antimony and silver reporting within the resource-limiting pit but not defining it. Within the resource-limiting pit, antimony and silver grades are reported without any cut-off. Any mineralization lying outside the resource-limiting pit is not reported as mineral resources.
Since the date of this mineral resource estimate, additional drilling has been completed, and is continuing, that is extending the mineralization to the west and east beside and below the mineral resources reported herein, while Midas Gold plans to test possible extensions to the south of the current mineral resource later in 2012, subject to permitting, in areas where prior drilling has indicated potential for extensions to mineralization.
Higher Grade Antimony Area
As noted above, within the larger envelope of gold mineralization, there are zones significantly enriched in antimony and silver relative to the overall mineral resource. These zones, defined by a plus 0.1% antimony shell, lie entirely within the pit-limited mineral resource and are reported separately below to illustrate the higher grades of antimony and silver within the overall mineral resource.
Mineral Resource Antimony Subdomain(1), Yellow Pine Deposit, Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., May 31, 2012
(1) Mineral resources are reported as a subset of the total mineral resource in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below). The antimony subdomain is further limited to discrete zones of mineralization with grades that exceed 0.1% Sb.
Geographic Distribution of Mineral Resources
For ease of reference to prior news releases detailing results of drilling, the mineral resource estimate within the pit shell is also provided below, split into a south area (around the former Yellow Pine open pit operated by Bradley Mining in the 1930s through 1950s), and a north area (around and below the old Clark Tunnel and Homestake area (Hecla Mining Company operated a small scale open pit heap leach operation on oxide material in the Homestake area in the 1990s). The southern portion of the mineral resources tends to have slightly higher gold but significantly higher antimony and silver grades than the northern portion of the deposit.
Mineral Resource Statement (1), Yellow Pine Deposit - South Area, Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., May 31, 2012
Mineral Resource Category | Tonnes (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Pit Oxide(2) Mineral Resources - South Area | |||||||
Indicated | 762 | 1.34 | 33 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 100 |
Inferred | 252 | 2.65 | 21 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.03 | 150 |
Open Pit Sulphide(3) Mineral Resources - South Area | |||||||
Indicated | 17,953 | 2.23 | 1,288 | 0.76 | 439 | 0.13 | 51,751 |
Inferred | 25,454 | 1.79 | 1,465 | 1.90 | 1,555 | 0.15 | 86,733 |
(1) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit oxide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.42 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
(3) Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
Mineral Resource Statement (1), Yellow Pine Deposit - North Area, Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., May 31, 2012
Mineral Resource Category | Tonnes (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade (4) (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Pit Oxide(2) Mineral Resources - North Area | |||||||
Indicated | 810 | 1.26 | 33 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 21 |
Inferred | 174 | 1.36 | 8 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 28 |
Open Pit Sulphide(3) Mineral Resources - North Area | |||||||
Indicated | 7,510 | 1.91 | 461 | 0.61 | 148 | 0.07 | 12,418 |
Inferred | 6,559 | 1.86 | 391 | 0.12 | 26 | 0.02 | 2,767 |
(1) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit oxide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.42 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
(3) Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
(4) Where antimony grades are shown as “0.00” there is antimony present but it rounds to 0.00.
Yellow Pine Mineral Resource Estimate at different Cut-off Grades
The sensitivity of the Yellow Pine deposit mineral resource estimate to different cut-off grades is tabulated below.
Sensitivity of Mineral Resource Statement (1) for the Yellow Pine Deposit to Cut-off Grade
Category (Base case highlighted) | Cut-off Grade (g/t Gold) | Tonnes (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s ozs) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s ozs) | Antimony Grade(4) (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oxide(2)- Indicated | 0.65 | 1,229 | 1.51 | 60 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.004 | 122 |
0.55 | 1,405 | 1.39 | 63 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.004 | 122 | |
0.42 | 1,572 | 1.30 | 66 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.004 | 122 | |
0.35 | 1,654 | 1.25 | 67 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.004 | 122 | |
0.25 | 1,758 | 1.20 | 68 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.004 | 122 | |
Sulphide(3)- Indicated | 0.95 | 23,258 | 2.26 | 1,689 | 0.78 | 582 | 0.12 | 63,003 |
0.85 | 24,292 | 2.20 | 1,719 | 0.75 | 585 | 0.12 | 63,662 | |
0.75 | 25,463 | 2.14 | 1,749 | 0.72 | 587 | 0.11 | 64,168 | |
0.65 | 26,590 | 2.08 | 1,774 | 0.69 | 587 | 0.11 | 64,593 | |
0.55 | 27,871 | 2.01 | 1,799 | 0.66 | 587 | 0.11 | 65,157 | |
Oxide(2)- Inferred | 0.65 | 341 | 2.52 | 28 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.02 | 178 |
0.55 | 370 | 2.37 | 28 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.02 | 178 | |
0.42 | 427 | 2.12 | 29 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.02 | 178 | |
0.35 | 452 | 2.02 | 29 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.02 | 178 | |
0.25 | 479 | 1.93 | 30 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.02 | 178 | |
Sulphide(3)- Inferred | 0.95 | 26,969 | 1.98 | 1,719 | 1.65 | 1,427 | 0.14 | 81,349 |
0.85 | 29,210 | 1.90 | 1,784 | 1.60 | 1,505 | 0.13 | 85,072 | |
0.75 | 32,013 | 1.80 | 1,856 | 1.54 | 1,581 | 0.13 | 89,500 | |
0.65 | 34,894 | 1.71 | 1,921 | 1.48 | 1,657 | 0.12 | 94,550 | |
0.55 | 38,032 | 1.62 | 1,981 | 1.39 | 1,702 | 0.12 | 99,410 | |
Total - Indicated | 0.65 Oxide, 0.95 Sulphide | 24,487 | 2.22 | 1,748 | 0.74 | 582 | 0.12 | 63,125 |
0.55 Oxide, 0.85 Sulphide | 25,697 | 2.16 | 1,782 | 0.71 | 585 | 0.11 | 63,784 | |
0.42 Oxide, 0.75 Sulphide | 27,036 | 2.09 | 1,814 | 0.68 | 587 | 0.11 | 64,290 | |
0.35 Oxide, 0.65 Sulphide | 28,244 | 2.03 | 1,841 | 0.65 | 587 | 0.10 | 64,714 | |
0.25 Oxide, 0.55 Sulphide | 29,630 | 1.96 | 1,867 | 0.62 | 587 | 0.10 | 65,279 | |
Total - Inferred | 0.65 Oxide, 0.95 Sulphide | 27,310 | 1.99 | 1747 | 1.63 | 1,427 | 0.14 | 81,526 |
0.55 Oxide, 0.85 Sulphide | 29,580 | 1.91 | 1812 | 1.58 | 1,505 | 0.13 | 85,250 | |
0.42 Oxide, 0.75 Sulphide | 32,440 | 1.81 | 1,885 | 1.52 | 1,581 | 0.13 | 89,678 | |
0.35 Oxide, 0.65 Sulphide | 35,346 | 1.72 | 1950 | 1.46 | 1,657 | 0.12 | 94,728 | |
0.25 Oxide, 0.55 Sulphide | 38,511 | 1.62 | 2011 | 1.37 | 1,702 | 0.12 | 99,588 |
(1) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit oxide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.42 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
(3) Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
(4) Where antimony grades are shown as “0.00” there is antimony present but it rounds to 0.00.
Yellow Pine Mineral Resource Estimation
Mineral resource estimates for Yellow Pine were completed using Gemcom GEMS(r) software by David Rowe, C.P.G., of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc. and incorporates the results of 92 holes drilled in 2011 and 2012 that were not utilized in the prior mineral resource estimate.
This resource estimate relies on an extensive database of 451 holes drilled by owners prior to Midas Gold, and on 92 holes completed by Midas Gold. In reviewing the total drilling database, SRK and Midas Gold have eliminated 215 drill holes of the total 758 drilled from consideration for various quality assurance reasons. These 215 eliminated holes were primarily drilled in the 1940’s using typical ‘A’ gauge core bits, with sludge and core both assayed and, while they may have identified mineralization, these areas that have not already been delineated by later drilling, will need to be re-drilled prior to incorporating them into a mineral resource estimate. Where the original assay intervals were composited, these holes were removed from consideration. Shallow churn drill holes and air track drill holes were also excluded from the resource calculation. The veracity of the remaining historic drilling, which was completed in the 1940s through the 1990s, was confirmed through a rigorous data verification protocol. This included reviewing original drill logs, assay certificates and survey information, comparison of data from different drilling campaigns within the same area, and comparison to the Midas Gold holes. Blocks of 25m and 50m that were well informed (6 samples minimum) by both historic data and recent drilling were compared to validate the older data. Where no bias existed, and where good correlations dominated, the older data was used in grade estimation. The verification process has increased the degree of confidence in the quality of drilling prior to Midas Gold’s ownership.
Three dimensional structural domains were constructed based on the orientation of the structural controls for gold deposition, and the gold deposit extents were limited within a gold shell constructed at a 0.25 g/t Au fire assay (“AuFA”) threshold. The gold shell was also limited at the boundaries of the deposit so as not to extend more than 60 meters beyond any mineralized drill hole intercept. Antimony and silver shells were also constructed, at 0.1% Sb and 10 g/t Ag respectively. Although spatially related, the antimony and silver mineralization is characterized by different structural controls than the gold mineralization.
Original drill hole gold, silver, and antimony assay values were capped, at 13.5 g/t, 100 g/t, and 7.0% respectively, within the gold grade shell to restrict the influence of high grade outlier values. Composite samples were then created at three meter intervals, and were restricted to the limits of the 0.25g/t Au shell.
Ordinary kriging was used to interpolate grades within each of the three structural domains, and the total gold, silver, and antimony block model estimates consisted of two successively larger passes. The first pass used a maximum search radius of 45 meters for each gold, silver, and antimony, which represents one half (1/2) of the maximum range of the variography, and was subdivided into octants for gold only. The second pass was set to estimate the remaining blocks within the gold shell. Total gold, silver, and antimony assay values were estimated within blocks measuring 15x15x6 meters.
Once the estimation process was completed, the previously mined areas were removed, based on available surveys of the existing open pits, the limits of which have been locally confirmed by holes drilled through backfill material that was placed in some of the pits post-mining, where applicable.
Mineral resources are classified in the Indicated category for all blocks estimated by at least four composite samples from a minimum of two drill holes, and a minimum of three octants from the first interpolation pass which searched out to 45 metres or one half (1/2) of the maximum range of sample grade continuity defined by the variography. Final broad areas of indicated blocks were outlined by constructing a classification envelope designed to encompass zones predominantly flagged by the first search pass. This process allows review of the geologic control/confidence on the deposit, and expands certain areas but excludes others from Indicated category. All remaining blocks within the gold shell are classified as Inferred.
Cut-off Grade Selection
The cut-off grade selected for the base case resource-limiting pit was estimated on the basis of gold only, and used the following assumptions:
May 2012 Estimate | June 2011 Estimate | |
---|---|---|
Gold Price (US$/oz) | $1,400.00 | $1,200.00 |
Refining & transport (US$/oz recovered) | $7.00 | $5.00 |
Mining cost (US$/tonne moved) | $1.50 | $1.50 |
Sulphide processing cost (US$/tonne processed) | $23.00 | $20.00 |
Oxide processing cost (US$/tonne processed) | $10.00 | $5.00 |
G&A cost (US$/tonne processed) | $3.00 | $2.00 |
Sulphide recovery | 90% | 95% |
Oxide recovery | 80% | 85% |
NSR Royalty | 0% | 5% |
Maximum Pit slopes (2012 has 4 domains) | 45/43/40 degrees | 45 degrees |
Discount rate | 7% | 0% |
This led to a calculated cut-off grade of 0.36g/t gold for oxides and 0.65g/t for sulphides. In order to provide a level of conservatism, Midas Gold requested SRK to add a 15% contingency factor, increasing the base case cut-off grades to 0.42g/t gold for oxides and 0.75g/t for sulphides. This cut-off grade and the assumptions above were used by Jim Robertson, P.Eng., of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc., to float conceptual pits using Whittle(r) that limit the mineral resources so that only mineral resources above these cut-offs and within the resource-limiting pit are reported; mineralization falling outside the resource-limiting pit is not reported, no matter what the grade. The strip ratio for this resource-limiting pit is 2.63:1 (tonnes of waste to tonnes of mineral resource within the pit).
It should be noted that the assumptions used to derive the cut-off grades and define the resource-limiting pits are estimated so as to meet the NI43-101 requirement for mineral resource estimates to demonstrate “reasonable prospects for economic extraction” and the cut-off grades to be used in the upcoming preliminary economic assessment may vary from those used to limit the mineral resources reported herein, as the inputs to that study are determined. No inference is implied in the changes to the cut-off grade assumptions from the prior mineral resource estimates as to what will be used in the upcoming preliminary economic assessment, as those assumptions remain to be determined.
Future Plans for Yellow Pine Drilling
Drilling at Yellow Pine is continuing, with approximately 14,000m of drilling planned in 51 holes designed to continue to upgrade the remaining inferred mineral resource to the indicated category and to step out beyond the limits of the current mineral resources. As happened in 2011 drilling, some holes will serve both purposes as the upper portions of the holes drill through existing mineral resources, thereby upgrading the confidence level, before extending out beyond the limits of the current mineral resource estimates to continue to test for potential extensions to the mineral resource at Yellow Pine.
Status of Hangar Flats Mineral Resource Estimates
Modelling of the updated Hangar Flats mineral resource has commenced, incorporating the results of 49 new in-fill and step-out holes completed in 2011 and early 2012 and an updated mineral resource estimate is expected to be completed in June 2012. “The results of these new holes have been previously announced by Midas Gold and, overall, results of the in-fill drilling would seem to support a conversion of a portion of the inferred mineral resource to the indicated category,” said Mr. Quin. “However, as noted in prior news releases, a previously unrecognized deflection in the Meadow Creek fault likely cut off some of the inferred mineralization incorporated in the last mineral resource estimate, and some of the holes drilled in the northern portion of the prior resource-limiting pit intercepted lower grade and narrower zones of mineralization than anticipated.”
Drilling subsequent to the cut-off date for both the Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats mineral resource estimates has, as reported in recent news releases available on SEDAR, indicated further extensions to the mineralization, beyond that being included in these updated estimates, and drilling is continuing.
Updated Technical Report
The details of all three mineral resource estimates will be provided in a NI43-101 Technical Report to be filed in conjunction with the completion of a preliminary economic assessment due in Q3/12.
Compliance with National Instrument 43-101
David Rowe, CPG, of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc. is the qualified person, as defined in National Instrument 43-101, responsible for the mineral resource estimates for the Yellow Pine deposit as reported herein. He has read and approved the relevant technical portions of this news release related to the mineral resource estimates for which he is responsible.
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates do not account for mineability, selectivity, mining loss and dilution. These mineral resource estimates include inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
The mineral resources at Golden Meadows are contained within areas that have seen historic disturbance resulting from prior mining activities. In order for Midas to advance its interests at Golden Meadows, the project will be subject to a number of Federal, State and local laws and regulations and will require permit to conduct its activities. However, Midas is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal or other reasons that would prevent it from advancing the project.
Illustrations
To view the locations of current drill holes and the old and new pit boundaries for the Yellow Pine deposit, please click here.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The resource estimation for the gold deposits at Golden Meadows was completed by David Rowe, C.P.G of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc. under the supervision of Guy Dishaw, P. Geo, of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc., and was reviewed by Paul Jensen, C.P.G., Qualified Person and Midas Gold’s Senior Geologist for the Golden Meadows Project.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc. and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources, Golden Meadows Project, Valley County, Idaho” dated June 6, 2011 (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. A new technical report covering all three updated mineral resources will be filed on SEDAR in conjunction with the completion of a preliminary economic assessment, scheduled for completion in Q3/12.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” “confirm” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2011 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
MIDAS GOLD PLANS AN ADDITIONAL ~40,000M OF DRILLING ON ITS GOLDEN MEADOWS PROJECT, IDAHO
Phase II Work Includes Continued Infill & Step-out drilling, Completion of a PEA and Exploration
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced its work plans for the remainder of 2012, including up to 40,000m of additional drilling, beyond the 17,000m completed in Phase I of the 2012 program. This Phase II work plan is focused on (1) continued infill and step-out drilling on the three main deposits that comprise the current mineral resources, which all remain open to expansion, (2) completion of a preliminary economic assessment (“PEA”) based on updated mineral resource estimates for all three deposits, (3) advancing the Golden Meadows Project towards a subsequent preliminary feasibility study (“PFS”) and permit applications in 2013, and (4) continued exploration for new deposits, outside of those hosting the current mineral resources. Midas Gold is fully funded for its 2012 activities and beyond.
“The Golden Meadows Project represents a world class mineral resource, with excellent grade, potential for significant by-product credits and is located in a geopolitically stable jurisdiction,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “These factors warrant a sustained commitment to further expanding the existing mineral resources, as well as advancing the project through completion of a PEA and into a subsequent PFS,” he said. “In addition, we continue exploration within our extensive and highly prospective Golden Meadows Project holdings for potential new gold, silver, antimony and/or tungsten deposits.”
2012 Work Program
Board approval was recently granted for an additional Phase II work program comprised of up to 40,000m of drilling, beyond the 17,000m Phase I drilling completed in the first quarter of 2012. Up to 35,000m of this drilling is targeted as infill and step-out drilling in and around the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, with the balance of up to 5,000m focused on discovery of new gold deposits beyond the current geologic limits of these three deposits. Most of the Phase II infill and step-out drilling will be concentrated on the West End and Yellow Pine deposits, where significant upside remains to the mineral resource estimates, as demonstrated by recent drill results at Yellow Pine and by the recent updated mineral resource update for the West End deposit. A more limited program is planned for the Hangar Flats deposit, since this deposit has been the focus of a significant portion of the 2012 drilling to date, including drilling completed in April and May that forms part of the 35,000m of above-noted Phase II drilling. As previously disclosed, updated mineral resource estimates are scheduled for completion later in Q2/12 for the Hangar Flats and the Yellow Pine deposits that incorporate the Phase I drilling, while a further update to the mineral resource estimates will be completed in 2013 that will incorporate the Phase II drilling. During Phase II, up to 5,000m of exploration drilling is planned to test a number of prospects and targets outside of the three main deposits for their potential to host completely new deposits. In aggregate, these Phase II activities are forecast to cost between US$24 million and US$27 million over and above the Phase I expenditures incurred in Q1/12, with the range dependent on the total metres drilled (as some of the meterage is subject to permit applications that are currently under review by the US Forest Service).
In parallel with the Phase II drilling discussed above, Midas Gold is advancing the Golden Meadows Project towards completion of a PEA, scheduled for delivery in Q3/12, based on the updated mineral resource estimates (once completed) for all three deposits. As reported on April 23, 2012, most of the metallurgical testing for each of the three deposits with mineral resources has been completed, confirming that conventional, low-risk metallurgical approaches achieve excellent results. Additional mine planning, geotechnical, design, engineering and cost estimation work is proceeding for delivery of the PEA in Q3/12.
While the PEA is not scheduled for completion until Q3/12, given the size and grade of the existing mineral resources, the metallurgical test results, the potential for by-product credits and other factors, Midas Gold has determined to proceed with the work required to advance the Golden Meadows Project towards completion of a subsequent PFS by conducting the requisite Phase II infill and step-out drilling to finalize the definition of a substantial majority of the existing deposits to a minimum indicated resource category, completing required geotechnical, hydrogeological and hydrology studies, conducting additional metallurgical test work to continue to optimize process recoveries and options, advancing design and engineering activities, as well as cost estimation and other activities. Since the PEA will incorporate a component of inferred mineral resource that cannot be utilized in a PFS, the infill drilling is required before a PFS can be finalized. In addition to the aforementioned Phase II drilling, design and engineering work, environmental baseline data collection, installation of an expanded camp on the Golden Meadows property, required and voluntary environmental remediation and other activities will also continue in support of current and future permit applications and general improvement of site conditions.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The field activities are carried out under the supervision of Richard Moses, L.G., and Chris Dail, C.P.G., Field Operations Manager and Exploration Manager for Midas Gold, respectively.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc. and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, potential development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates were reported for all three deposits in a news release dated April 20, 2011 and are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources, Golden Meadows Project, Valley County, Idaho” dated June 6, 2011 (the “Technical Report”), which is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. An updated mineral resource estimate for the West End deposit was reported in a news release dated May 16, 2012. A new technical report covering all three updated mineral resource estimates, once completed, will be filed on SEDAR in conjunction with the completion of a preliminary economic assessment, which is scheduled for completion in Q3/12.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential”, “confirm” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “is warranted” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2011 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
MIDAS GOLD SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES WEST END MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE, GOLDEN MEADOWS PROJECT, IDAHO
Indicated Mineral Resource increases 32%, while Inferred Mineral Resource increases 61%
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced the first of three planned independent NI 43-101 mineral resource estimates for its Golden Meadows Project in Idaho. Gold contained in indicated mineral resources for the West End deposit has increased 32% (to 1.48 million oz) from the previously reported estimate, while the gold contained in inferred mineral resources has increased 61% (to 0.61 million oz). A total of 71% of the resource ounces are in the indicated category and all of the indicated and inferred resource reported herein is contained within resource-limiting open pit shells. The overall grade of the mineral resource remained similar to that previously reported and the West End deposit remains open to expansion in several directions.
The base case mineral resource estimate for the West End deposit as prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. is summarized below, while the sensitivity according to cut-off grade is summarized on the following page.
Mineral Resource Statement (1), West End Deposit, Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
Prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., May 11, 2012
Mineral Resource Category | Tonnes (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) |
---|---|---|---|
Open Pit Oxide(2) Mineral Resources | |||
Indicated | 8,251 | 0.83 | 221.1 |
Inferred | 1,185 | 0.63 | 23.9 |
Open Pit Sulphide(3) Mineral Resources | |||
Indicated | 25,750 | 1.52 | 1,262.3 |
Inferred | 14,076 | 1.30 | 588.1 |
(1) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability – see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. All composites have been capped where appropriate.
(2) Open pit oxide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.42 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
(3) Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,400 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a 15% contingency (see details below).
“The updated mineral resource for West End demonstrates excellent progress over the past year,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “There are as many ounces in the indicated category today as there were in all categories a year ago and the grade has been maintained; in addition, the total number of ounces has grown significantly,” he said. “Even with these increases in confidence and total contained gold, the West End deposit remains open in several directions and a large drill program is planned for the summer of 2012 to test this potential for continued resource additions, as well as continuing to upgrade the remaining inferred mineral resource.”
West End Mineral Resource Estimate at different Cut-off Grades
The sensitivity of the West End mineral resource estimate to different cut-off grades is tabulated below.
Category (Base case highlighted) | Cut-off Grade (g/t Gold) | Tonnes (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s ozs) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oxide - Indicated | 0.65 | 4,360 | 1.11 | 156 |
0.55 | 5,693 | 0.99 | 182 | |
0.42 | 8,251 | 0.83 | 221 | |
0.35 | 9,895 | 0.76 | 241 | |
0.25 | 12,647 | 0.66 | 268 | |
Sulphide - Indicated | 0.95 | 19,916 | 1.72 | 1,104 |
0.85 | 22,700 | 1.62 | 1,184 | |
0.75 | 25,750 | 1.52 | 1,262 | |
0.65 | 29,341 | 1.42 | 1,343 | |
0.55 | 33,603 | 1.32 | 1,425 | |
Oxide - Inferred | 0.65 | 389 | 0.86 | 11 |
0.55 | 623 | 0.76 | 15 | |
0.42 | 1,185 | 0.63 | 24 | |
0.35 | 1,625 | 0.56 | 29 | |
0.25 | 2,394 | 0.48 | 37 | |
Sulphide - Inferred | 0.95 | 10,529 | 1.45 | 492 |
0.85 | 12,116 | 1.38 | 538 | |
0.75 | 14,076 | 1.30 | 588 | |
0.65 | 15,824 | 1.23 | 627 | |
0.55 | 17,591 | 1.17 | 661 | |
Total - Indicated | 0.65 Oxide, 0.95 Sulphide | 24,276 | 1.61 | 1,260 |
0.55 Oxide, 0.85 Sulphide | 28,392 | 1.50 | 1,366 | |
0.42 Oxide, 0.75 Sulphide | 34,001 | 1.36 | 1,483 | |
0.35 Oxide, 0.65 Sulphide | 39,236 | 1.26 | 1,584 | |
0.25 Oxide, 0.55 Sulphide | 46,249 | 1.14 | 1,693 | |
Total - Inferred | 0.65 Oxide, 0.95 Sulphide | 10,918 | 1.43 | 503 |
0.55 Oxide, 0.85 Sulphide | 12,740 | 1.35 | 553 | |
0.42 Oxide, 0.75 Sulphide | 15,261 | 1.25 | 612 | |
0.35 Oxide, 0.65 Sulphide | 17,449 | 1.17 | 657 | |
0.25 Oxide, 0.55 Sulphide | 19,985 | 1.09 | 698 |
West End Mineral Resource Estimation
Mineral resource estimates for West End were completed using Gemcom GEMS® software by David Rowe, C.P.G., of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc. and incorporates the results of 21 holes drilled in 2010 and 2011 that were not utilized in the prior mineral resource estimate, as well as a more robust approach to handling the oxide vs. sulphide boundary. These holes were primarily drilled to test the potential to expand the boundaries of the West End mineral resource below, and to the west and east of the previous estimate. These holes also assisted with confirming prior resource estimates since the holes were generally started off within the existing mineral resource and penetrated through it before extending outside the prior resource limits.
This resource estimate relies on an extensive database of 655 holes drilled by owners prior to Midas Gold and was supplemented by the 21 holes completed by Midas Gold. The veracity of the historic drilling, which was completed in the 1970s through the 1990s, was confirmed through a rigorous data verification protocol. This included reviewing original drill logs, assay certificates and survey information, comparison of data from different drilling campaigns within the same area, and production reconciliation records from mining operations (including a review by the former chief geologist that supervised much of the drilling and the mining operations for a period in the early 1990s), and comparison to the Midas Gold holes. The verification process resulted in a high degree of confidence in the quality of drilling prior to Midas Gold’s drilling and is detailed in the June 2011 Technical Report, a copy of which is filed on SEDAR.
Three dimensional geologic domains were constructed based on host rock lithologies, and the gold deposit extents were limited within a gold shell constructed at a 0.25 g/t Au fire assay (“AuFA”) threshold. The gold shell was also limited at the boundaries of the deposit so as not to extend more than 50 meters beyond any mineralized drill hole intercept.
The geologic model was further subdivided into three distinct regions for resource estimation based on the orientation of the structural controls for gold deposition. Original drill hole gold fire assay values were capped within each lithologic domain to restrict the influence of high grade outlier values. Composite samples were then created at three meter intervals, and were restricted to the limits of the host lithologic domain; composites from one lithologic domain were not used in interpolation of blocks in a different lithologic domain.
Separate interpolation passes using ordinary kriging were utilized within each of the three structural regions, and the total gold block model estimate consisted of two successively larger passes. The first pass used a maximum search radius of 45 meters, which represents one half (1/2) of the maximum range of the variography, and was subdivided into octants. The second pass was set to estimate the remaining blocks within the gold shell. Total gold from fire assay values were estimated within blocks measuring 15x15x6 meters. A separate gold model was also estimated using only cyanide leachable gold composite values (“AuCN”). Oxide gold mineralization was outlined by calculating the ratio of the cyanide leachable gold block values by the total gold block values (AuCN/AuFA). Only blocks with AuCN/AuFA ratio values greater than 0.7 were included in the final oxide resource. All other blocks were reported as sulphide resource.
Once the estimation process was completed, the previously mined areas were removed, based on available surveys of the existing open pits, the limits of which have been locally confirmed by holes drilled through backfill material that was placed in some of the pits post-mining, where applicable.
Resources are classified in the Indicated category for all blocks estimated by at least four composite samples from a minimum of two drill holes, and a minimum of two octants from the first interpolation pass which searched out to 45 metres or one half (1/2) of the maximum range of sample grade continuity defined by the variography. All remaining blocks within the gold shell are classified as Inferred.
Cut-off Grade Selection
The cut-off grade selected for the base case resource-limiting pit was estimated on the basis of gold only, and used the following assumptions:
May 2012 Estimate | June 2011 Estimate | |
---|---|---|
Gold Price (US$/oz) | $1,400.00 | $1,200 |
Refining & transport (US$/oz recovered) | $7.00 | $5.00 |
Mining cost (US$/tonne moved) | $1.50 | $1.50 |
Sulphide processing cost (US$/tonne processed) | $23.00 | $20.00 |
Oxide processing cost (US$/tonne processed) | $10.00 | $5.00 |
G&A cost (US$/tonne processed) | $3.00 | $2.00 |
Sulphide recovery | 90% | 95% |
Oxide recovery | 80% | 85% |
NSR Royalty | 0% | 0% |
Maximum pit slope | 48 degrees | 50 degrees |
Discount rate | 7% | 0% |
This led to a calculated cut-off grade of 0.36g/t gold for oxides and 0.65g/t for sulphides. In order to provide a level of conservatism, Midas Gold requested SRK to add a 15% contingency factor, increasing the base case cut-off grades to 0.42g/t gold for oxides and 0.75g/t for sulphides. This cut-off grade and the assumptions above were used by Jim Robertson, P.Eng., of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc., to float conceptual pits that limit the mineral resources so that only mineral resources above these cut-offs and within the resource-limiting pit are reported; mineralization falling outside the resource-limiting pit is not reported, no matter what the grade. The strip ratio for this resource-limiting pit is 2.88:1 (tonnes of waste to tonnes of mineral resource within the pit).
It should be noted that the assumptions used to derive the cut-off grades and define the resource-limiting pits are estimated so as to meet the NI43-101 requirement for mineral resource estimates to demonstrate “reasonable prospects for economic extraction” and the cut-off grades to be used in the upcoming preliminary economic assessment may vary from those used to limit the mineral resources reported herein, as the inputs to that study are determined. No inference is implied in the changes to the cut-off grade assumptions from the prior mineral resource estimates as to what will be used in the upcoming preliminary economic assessment, as those assumptions remain to be determined.
Given that the drilling in the West End deposit completed prior to Midas Gold’s acquisition was almost entirely conducted for determining quantities of mineralization potentially amenable to heap leaching, prior operators generally did not assay for potential by-product metals such as silver, antimony and tungsten. As a result, there is insufficient information to determine the grades for such metals within the West End deposit. However, based on the limited amount of data that is available, the grades for such metals is expected to be low and may not be economically recoverable, except for possibly minor amounts of silver that may be recovered where associated with gold mineralization.
Future Plans for West End Drilling
Drilling at West End is set to recommence shortly, with approximately 14,000m of drilling planned in 58 holes designed to continue to upgrade the remaining inferred mineral resource to the indicated category and to step out; as happened in 2010-11 drilling, some holes will serve both purposes as the upper portions of the holes drill through existing mineral resources, thereby upgrading the confidence level, before extending out beyond the limits of the current mineral resource estimates to continue to test for potential extensions to the mineral resource at West End.
Status of Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats Mineral Resource Estimates
Estimation of the Yellow Pine mineral resource is underway and is incorporating the results of 92 holes drilled in 2011 and early 2012; the updated estimate is expected to be completed by the end of May, 2012. “While the overall quantum of the mineral resource has not yet been determined, it should be noted that the majority of the meterage in the 92 new holes being incorporated into the mineral resource update was designed to upgrade the mineral resources from the inferred to the indicated category (with positive results, as has been reported),” said Mr. Quin. “However, while increases in the mineral resources can be expected (since extensions to mineralization were defined outside the limits of the prior mineral resource estimates) and given the larger number of ounces in the prior mineral resource estimate, any increase in mineral resource is anticipated to be proportionally lower than that for West End, where most of the newly incorporated drilling was step-out,” he added.
Modelling of the updated Hangar Flats mineral resource has commenced, incorporating the results of 49 new in-fill and step-out holes completed in 2011 and early 2012 and an updated mineral resource estimate is expected to be completed in June 2012. “The results of these new holes have been previously announced by Midas Gold and, overall, results of the in-fill drilling would seem to support a conversion of a portion of the inferred mineral resource to the indicated category,” said Mr. Quin. “However, as noted in prior news releases, a previously unrecognized deflection in the Meadow Creek fault likely cut off some of the inferred mineralization incorporated in the last mineral resource estimate.”
Unlike the West End deposit, there is expected to be sufficient data for antimony and silver to estimate a mineral resource for these metals at Hangar Flats and Yellow Pine. However, there is not expected to be sufficient data to define a tungsten grade within these deposits.
Drilling subsequent to the cut-off date for both the Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats mineral resource estimates has, as reported in recent news releases available on SEDAR, indicated further extensions to the mineralization, beyond that being included in these updated estimates, and drilling is continuing.
Updated Technical Report
The details of all three mineral resource estimates will be provided in a NI43-101 Technical Report to be filed in conjunction with the completion of a preliminary economic assessment due in Q3/12.
Compliance with National Instrument 43-101
David Rowe, CPG, of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc. is the qualified person, as defined in National Instrument 43-101, responsible for the mineral resource estimates for the West End deposit as reported herein. He has read and approved the relevant technical portions of this news release related to the mineral resource estimates for which he is responsible.
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates do not account for mineability, selectivity, mining loss and dilution. These mineral resource estimates include inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
The mineral resources at Golden Meadows are contained within areas that have seen historic disturbance resulting from prior mining activities. In order for Midas to advance its interests at Golden Meadows, the project will be subject to a number of Federal, State and local laws and regulations and will require permit to conduct its activities. However, Midas is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal or other reasons that would prevent it from advancing the project.
Illustrations
To view the locations of current drill holes and the old and new pit boundaries for the West End deposit, please click here.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The resource estimation for the gold deposits at Golden Meadows was completed by David Rowe, C.P.G of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc. under the supervision of Guy Dishaw, P. Geo, of SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc., and was reviewed by Paul Jensen, C.P.G., Qualified Person and Midas Gold’s Senior Geologist for the Golden Meadows Project.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc. and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources, Golden Meadows Project, Valley County, Idaho” dated June 6, 2011 (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. A new technical report covering all three updated mineral resources will be filed on SEDAR in conjunction with the completion of a preliminary economic assessment, scheduled for completion in Q3/12.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” “confirm” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2011 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
MIDAS GOLD HOLDS ITS FIRST AGM AND PROVIDES CORPORATE OVERVIEW OF PROGRESS OVER THE YEAR
Achieves Significant Milestones Corporately and at its Golden Meadows Project, Idaho
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced the results of its first annual general meeting as a public company, at which all of the directors were re-elected and all resolutions were passed. Chairman, Peter Nixon, and President and CEO, Stephen Quin, provided the meeting with an overview of the company’s progress over the past 12 months, where a number of significant milestones have been achieved corporately and at Midas Gold’s Golden Meadows gold-silver-antimony-tungsten project in Idaho.
“The past year has been one of tremendous progress,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “We have built a team and defined a project that has the potential to become a world-class gold project with potential for important by-products of antimony, silver and possibly tungsten,” he said. “We have the funding and are advancing Golden Meadows towards an updated mineral resource estimate and completion of a PEA, and plan to rapidly move towards completion of a pre-feasibility study and permitting thereafter.”
Corporate Overview
During the past 12 months or so, Midas Gold has:
Assembled a highly qualified board of directors with experience in exploration, mine development, financing and operations, capital markets, financial controls and reporting and corporate governance;
Built a management team with experience and a track record from discovery, through resource and reserve development, feasibilities, mine development and financing and operations, closure and reclamation based in Vancouver (BC) Lake Fork and Boise (Idaho) and Spokane (Washington);
Completed the consolidation of the historic Stibnite-Yellow Pine district, which has seen past production of almost one million ounces of gold and is estimated to have produced approximately 90% of all the antimony and two thirds of all the tungsten in the US during the Second World War and Korean War period. As a result of the consolidation, all significant mineral deposits and occurrences are 100% owned by Midas Gold and its subsidiaries, royalty-free, or under option to Midas Gold to earn 100% ownership;
Completed and announced the first comprehensive mineral resource estimate and technical report on three gold deposits within Golden Meadows property, which outlined a substantial, high grade gold mineral resource, all of which was constrained within conceptual open pits using a US$1,200/oz gold price;
Subsequent to the mineral resource estimate, conducted more than 43,500m of drilling in 175 holes designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resources on all three gold deposits at Golden Meadows, with considerable success, particularly with respect to demonstrating that previous property and geological boundaries did not constrain the mineral resources, all of which will be incorporated into a new mineral resource estimate expected to be completed shortly;
Collected and compiled more than 19 historic geological and exploration databases, through which the mineral resource estimates were supported (reinforced by Midas Gold drill holes) and which defined 16 priority prospects. This information was supplemented by an airborne EM survey that identified 10 priority anomalies (some coincident with the prospects) and suggests potential for the discovery of completely new deposits within the Golden Meadows property;
Assembled an experienced group of external consultants to oversee and direct the technical programs on the Golden Meadows property in support of a preliminary economic assessment scheduled for completion in Q3/12 and subsequent permitting plans;
Conducted an extensive mineralogical and metallurgical test program that demonstrated that conventional, low risk metallurgical approaches can achieve excellent results;
Significantly advanced design and costing of a major mining facility targeting a design throughput of 20,000 tonnes per day, production of gold and antimony concentrates with potential silver (and possibly tungsten) by-products, as well as considering options for the direct production of metal on or off site, all of which will be addressed in a preliminary economic assessment scheduled for completion in Q3/12;
Continued to conduct extensive, on-going environmental base line studies in anticipation of future permit applications while conducting significant voluntary remediation of legacy environmental disturbance;
Commenced an extensive community and stakeholder engagement program, with numerous introductory meetings with local community, state and federal representatives; county, state and federal regulators; non-governmental organizations and other interested parties;
Listed Midas Gold on the TSX Exchange in July 2011 with one of the largest gold resources ever for an IPO;
Raised more than US$90 million publicly and privately.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The exploration activities at Golden Meadows were carried out under the supervision of Christopher Dail, C.P.G., Qualified Person and Exploration Manager for the Golden Meadows Project.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc. and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates were reported for all three deposits in a news release dated April 20, 2011 and are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources, Golden Meadows Project, Valley County, Idaho” dated June 6, 2011 (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” “confirm” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2011 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
STEPHEN QUIN, PRESIDENT & CEO OF MIDAS GOLD, RECEIVES CIM'S SELWYN G. BLAYLOCK MEDAL
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) is pleased to announce that Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold, last night accepted the Selwyn G. Blaylock Medal, which is awarded by the Canadian Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM). Stephen was awarded this medal in recognition of a career dedicated to the responsible and sustainable advancement and development of national and international exploration.
Established in 1948, the medal honours Selwyn G. Blaylock, one of the pioneers in the mining industry in western Canada. He was president of Cominco, recipient of several international awards for his work in metallurgy, and was the President of the CIM in 1934-35.
“I would like to extend my sincerest personal congratulations to Stephen as recipient of this prestigious reward,” commented Peter Nixon, Chairman of the Board of Midas Gold Corp. “As President and CEO of Midas Gold, Stephen continues to demonstrate exceptional leadership, management skills and industry knowledge. He is a most deserving recipient of the Selwyn G. Blaylock Medal.”
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc. and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. Additional information is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
MIDAS GOLD REPORTS ADDITIONAL DRILL RESULTS AT YELLOW PINE AND HANGAR FLATS, GOLDEN MEADOWS PROJECT, IDAHO
Additional results extend intercept in hole MGI-12-199 to 102.4m grading 3.10 g/t Au at Yellow Pine
Hole MGI-12-203 intersects 46.0 m grading 2.54 g/t Au, 3.6 g/t Ag, 0.28% Sb plus 20.9m grading 1.39 g/t Au, 118.9 g/t Ag, 6.37% Sb and 0.12% W below Hangar Flats
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced additional assay results from its continuing drilling campaign at its Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine District, Idaho. Drilling at both Hangar Flats and Yellow Pine intersected strong gold-silver-antimony-tungsten mineralization over significant intervals beneath or adjacent to the limits of conceptual pits used to constrain prior mineral resource estimates.
Significant assay results from these most recent drill holes are summarized in Table 1, below, with a detailed list of intercepts in Table 2 at the end of this release.
Table 1: Highlights of Recent Golden Meadows Drill Results
Hole ID | Hole Type | Target Area | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m)2 | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) | Tungsten (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-186 | Core | Yellow Pine | 122.5 | 202.7 | 80.2 | 1.56 | 0.8 | 0.00 | 0.003 |
MGI-12-187 | Core | Yellow Pine | 192.9 | 293.8 | 100.9 | 1.24 | 1.3 | 0.02 | 0.005 |
MGI-12-1921 | Core | Hangar Flats | 104.9 | 143.0 | 38.1 | 2.24 | 1.2 | 0.01 | 0.005 |
306.6 | 396.2 | 89.6 | 1.57 | 43.1 | 2.76 | 0.067 | |||
MGI-12-1931 | Core | Hangar Flats | 15.9 | 56.1 | 40.2 | 1.58 | 2.8 | 0.04 | 0.003 |
246.1 | 356.6 | 110.5 | 1.27 | 24.5 | 1.77 | 0.028 | |||
MGI-12-194 | Core | Yellow Pine | 61.9 | 84.1 | 22.3 | 4.77 | 1.4 | 0.00 | 0.004 |
MGI-12-1991 | Core | Yellow Pine | 20.7 | 123.1 | 102.4 | 3.10 | 1.4 | 0.00 | 0.003 |
MGI-12-201 | Core | Hangar Flats | 113.1 | 146.0 | 32.9 | 2.03 | 16.3 | 0.73 | 0.020 |
190.5 | 232.0 | 41.5 | 3.02 | 11.3 | 0.68 | 0.004 | |||
including | 204.2 | 228.5 | 24.2 | 4.24 | 15.5 | 0.90 | 0.004 | ||
MGI-12-203 | Core | Hangar Flats | 210.6 | 256.6 | 46.0 | 2.54 | 3.6 | 0.28 | 0.003 |
including | 238.8 | 248.1 | 9.3 | 8.59 | 4.3 | 0.04 | 0.003 | ||
306.6 | 327.5 | 20.9 | 1.39 | 118.9 | 6.37 | 0.118 | |||
MGI-12-205 | RC | Yellow Pine | 4.6 | 42.7 | 38.1 | 4.40 | 1.4 | 0.01 | 0.005 |
131.1 | 153.9 | 22.9 | 1.84 | 2.2 | 0.00 | 0.002 | |||
MGI-12-206 | Core | Yellow Pine | 4.3 | 75.1 | 70.9 | 2.57 | 1.5 | 0.00 | 0.003 |
(1) Portions of this hole or preliminary results from this hole previously reported.
(2) Based upon the current 3D interpretation of the Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats deposits, the intervals quoted here are at or near true thickness unless otherwise noted in the text.
“Our ongoing drill program at both Hangar Flats and Yellow Pine is outlining areas of good grade gold-silver-antimony (+/- tungsten) mineralization over significant intervals beneath or adjacent to pits used to limit our prior mineral resource estimates,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “These holes, completed during our Phase I drilling program, will continue to add confidence to our geologic and resource models for both Hangar Flats and Yellow Pine deposits and offer potential for increases in the overall mineral resources for each deposit,” he said. “The values for silver, antimony and, on occasion, tungsten, in these holes offer significant potential for by-product credits.” Additional drilling is planned in the coming months, with the objective of further expanding and refining the mineral resource models for both deposits, as well as for the West End deposit.
2012 Drill Program
Midas completed its 17,000m Phase I winter drilling program earlier in April, but drilling is continuing through spring break-up with three core rigs before ramping up for the planned summer drill campaign. The Phase II drill program, to be conducted over the balance of the year, will be focused on continued in-fill and step out drilling on the three known mineral resources (Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine), while parallel exploration drilling (subject to applicable permitting) will focus on new targets and prospects within the Golden Meadows property with the objective of discovering additional mineral deposits.
Recent Results
In the northeastern portion of the Homestake area of the Yellow Pine Deposit, hole MGI-12-205 was collared approximately 34m northeast of hole MGI-11-108 (a hole completed in 2011). That 2011 hole intersected 71.6m grading 2.2 g/t Au (reported previously) and this 2012 step-out hole intersected two intercepts that correlate with the zone cut in the 2011 hole, including an interval 33.5m in length grading 0.61 g/t Au and an interval 22.9m in length grading 1.84 g/t Au. The intercepts from these holes occur to the southeast of a northeast trending fault previously thought to limit mineralization in this direction and both intercepts lie outside of the pit used to limit the prior mineral resource estimate for the Yellow Pine Deposit. This new zone remains open along strike and up dip and, to a lesser extent, down dip and opens up a significant area for exploration for potential additional mineral resources between the Yellow Pine and West End pits.
Recent drilling has also encountered mineralization along the western margin of the Yellow Pine deposit, south of the Clark Tunnel area and north of the former centre of historic mining at Yellow Pine. Drilling here demonstrates that good grades and thicknesses of gold mineralization exist northwest of a northeast trending fault that was previously thought to limit mineralization in this direction, as illustrated by the results in holes MGI-11-124 and MGI-12-187. These intercepts open up a large area of patented claims that has seen little exploration in the past 75 years, and which is largely covered by waste dumps from prior mining activities.
Although drilling on the upper, northern end of the Hangar Flats Deposit has been curtailed for the spring, in part due to lower than expected grades and thicknesses in that area, drilling beneath the Hangar Flats deposit along the lower, southern end of the deposit continues to intersect strong gold-silver-antimony-tungsten mineralization down dip from previous drilling. Final results for holes MGI-12-192, MGI-12-193, MGI-12-203 (portions of which were reported previously), are reported herein and, along with holes MGI-12-168 and MGI-12-169, demonstrate the presence of widespread gold-silver-antimony-tungsten mineralization as much as 100m beneath pits used to limit the prior mineral resource estimate for Hangar Flats. Some of these intercepts have significant antimony and silver associated with the gold mineralization, as illustrated by hole MGI-12-193, which intersected 110.5m grading 1.27 g/t Au, 24.5 g/t Ag and 1.77% Sb and hole MGI-12-203, which intersected 20.9m grading 1.39 g/t Au, 118.9 g/t Ag, 6.37% Sb and 0.118% W.
Illustrations
To view the locations of current drill holes, please click here.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The exploration activities at Golden Meadows were carried out under the supervision of Christopher Dail, C.P.G., Qualified Person and Exploration Manager for the Golden Meadows Project.
All gold assays are by a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by an atomic absorption finish (with a 0.005g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 6g/t are re-analyzed using a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Silver is analyzed via a 4-acid digestion followed by an ICP finish (with a 0.5g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 10g/t Ag are reanalyzed using a 2g ICP-AES, four acid digest, while samples reporting > 750g/t Ag are reanalyzed using a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Antimony is analyzed via a 4-acid digestion followed by an ICP finish (with a 5.0g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 2,000g/t Sb are reanalyzed using XRF with a 0.9g charge in a Lithium Borate fusion (with a 0.01% lower reporting limit).
All composites utilize a 0.5g/t gold cut off and may include up to 6 meters of continuous internal waste. Composites above cut-off grade, but less than 10 meters in length, are not reported. Some intervals may not add or subtract correctly due to rounding, but are deemed insignificant. Analyses are carried out by ALS CHEMEX in their Reno and Winnemucca, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia laboratories. Blank and standard samples are used for quality assurance and quality control and a review of the results of analyses of the blanks, standards and duplicates by the Corporation’s Qualified Person indicates values are within normal and acceptable ranges.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc. and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates were reported for all three deposits in a news release dated April 20, 2011 and are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources, Golden Meadows Project, Valley County, Idaho” dated June 6, 2011 (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
About Antimony
Antimony is a metal dominantly produced in China that is primarily used as a flame retardant in the manufacture of a variety of materials and, to a lesser extent, as an alloy with lead in the manufacture of batteries. Recent pricing for antimony was US$13,100 per tonne (or US$5.94 per pound), or about 50% more per pound than copper. The British Geologic Survey identified antimony as one of the metals with the highest supply risk in a recent survey, while the European Commission placed antimony on the list of fourteen raw materials on a list of critical concerns for the European Union in the face of serious potential supply shortages. In its 2012 Mineral Commodity Outlook, the US Geologic Survey noted that, ‘In China, the world’s leading antimony producer, the Government continued to shut down antimony mines and smelters in an effort to control environmental issues and resolve safety problems. The local Government in Lengshuijiang, Hunan Province, which accounts for about 60% of the world antimony supply, shuttered almost all of its mines and smelters. Also, officials in Lengshuijiang announced that after more than 110 years of continuous mining, the area now had only 5 years of mining life left.’
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” “confirm” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2011 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
Table 2: Detailed Golden Meadows Drill Results
Hole ID | Hole Type | Target Area | Bearing | Inclination | Total Depth (m) | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m)2 | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) | Tungsten (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-164 | Core | Hangar Flats | 320 | -60 | 294.4 | 84.1 | 96.3 | 12.2 | 4.78 | 2.5 | 0.01 | 0.003 |
190.5 | 206.0 | 15.5 | 4.15 | 8.3 | 0.65 | 0.003 | ||||||
212.8 | 228.8 | 16.0 | 4.42 | 6.3 | 0.48 | 0.003 | ||||||
MGI-12-186 | Core | Yellow Pine | 71 | -71.5 | 309.1 | 122.5 | 202.7 | 80.2 | 1.56 | 0.8 | 0.00 | 0.003 |
MGI-12-187 | Core | Yellow Pine | 120 | -72.5 | 365.8 | 192.9 | 293.8 | 100.9 | 1.24 | 1.3 | 0.02 | 0.005 |
MGI-12-1901 | RC | Hangar Flats | 140 | -62.5 | 274.3 | 79.3 | 94.5 | 15.2 | 0.57 | 1.6 | 0.04 | 0.003 |
MGI-12-1911 | Core | Hangar Flats | 320 | -72.5 | 315.5 | 12.5 | 27.6 | 15.1 | 1.25 | 4.1 | 0.03 | 0.008 |
48.8 | 86.6 | 37.8 | 0.80 | 1.4 | 0.04 | 0.004 | ||||||
270.4 | 282.6 | 12.2 | 0.91 | 2.1 | 0.06 | 0.006 | ||||||
MGI-12-1921 | Core | Hangar Flats | 280 | -83 | 396.2 | 7.3 | 20.9 | 13.6 | 0.73 | 1.3 | 0.01 | 0.006 |
49.1 | 78.9 | 29.9 | 0.93 | 0.7 | 0.01 | 0.007 | ||||||
104.9 | 143.0 | 38.1 | 2.24 | 1.2 | 0.01 | 0.005 | ||||||
165.5 | 186.5 | 21.0 | 1.03 | 2.4 | 0.09 | 0.004 | ||||||
306.6 | 396.2 | 89.6 | 1.57 | 43.1 | 2.76 | 0.067 | ||||||
MGI-12-1931 | Core | Hangar Flats | 0 | -90 | 368.5 | 15.9 | 56.1 | 40.2 | 1.58 | 2.8 | 0.04 | 0.003 |
175.9 | 187.6 | 11.7 | 1.00 | 1.6 | 0.04 | 0.003 | ||||||
246.1 | 356.6 | 110.5 | 1.27 | 24.5 | 1.77 | 0.028 | ||||||
MGI-12-1941 | Core | Yellow Pine | 120 | -45 | 184.1 | 0.0 | 19.5 | 19.5 | 2.49 | 6.1 | 0.00 | 0.002 |
27.7 | 54.7 | 27.0 | 1.80 | 2.7 | 0.01 | 0.004 | ||||||
61.9 | 88.7 | 26.8 | 4.06 | 1.3 | 0.00 | 0.003 | ||||||
117.4 | 135.2 | 17.8 | 0.66 | 1.7 | 0.00 | 0.002 | ||||||
MGI-12-1971 | Core | Hangar Flats | 0 | -90 | 338.9 | 4.4 | 39.6 | 35.2 | 1.87 | 1.9 | 0.04 | 0.006 |
249.2 | 271.0 | 21.8 | 2.00 | 3.2 | 0.06 | 0.006 | ||||||
MGI-12-1991 | Core | Yellow Pine | 120 | -45 | 286.2 | 20.7 | 123.1 | 102.4 | 3.10 | 1.4 | 0.00 | 0.003 |
Including | 43.3 | 88.7 | 45.4 | 3.22 | 1.2 | 0.00 | 0.003 | |||||
and | 95.0 | 111.0 | 16.0 | 3.86 | 1.5 | 0.00 | 0.003 | |||||
MGI-12-201 | Core | Hangar Flats | 0 | -90 | 340.8 | 113.1 | 146.0 | 32.9 | 2.03 | 16.3 | 0.73 | 0.020 |
190.5 | 232.0 | 41.5 | 3.02 | 11.3 | 0.68 | 0.004 | ||||||
204.2 | 228.5 | 24.2 | 4.24 | 15.5 | 0.90 | 0.004 | ||||||
MGI-12-203 | Core | Hangar Flats | 320 | -65 | 392.3 | 210.6 | 256.6 | 46.0 | 2.54 | 3.6 | 0.28 | 0.003 |
including | 238.8 | 248.1 | 9.3 | 8.59 | 4.3 | 0.04 | 0.003 | |||||
278.1 | 296.9 | 18.8 | 1.54 | 1.3 | 0.00 | 0.003 | ||||||
306.6 | 327.5 | 20.9 | 1.39 | 118.9 | 6.37 | 0.118 | ||||||
MGI-12-204 | Core | Hangar Flats | 320 | -66 | 321.9 | 126.8 | 142.0 | 15.2 | 0.66 | 0.9 | 0.01 | 0.003 |
MGI-12-205 | RC | Yellow Pine | 120 | -60 | 189.0 | 4.6 | 42.7 | 38.1 | 4.40 | 1.4 | 0.01 | 0.005 |
53.3 | 67.1 | 13.7 | 0.79 | 0.6 | 0.00 | 0.003 | ||||||
91.4 | 125.0 | 33.5 | 0.61 | 1.0 | 0.00 | 0.002 | ||||||
131.1 | 153.9 | 22.9 | 1.84 | 2.2 | 0.00 | 0.002 | ||||||
MGI-12-206 | Core | Yellow Pine | 120 | -75 | 306.3 | 4.3 | 75.1 | 70.9 | 2.57 | 1.5 | 0.00 | 0.003 |
including | 4.3 | 14.0 | 9.8 | 6.32 | 2.3 | 0.00 | 0.002 | |||||
48.5 | 60.2 | 11.7 | 5.47 | 1.5 | 0.00 | 0.004 | ||||||
88.4 | 130.2 | 41.8 | 0.56 | 1.1 | 0.00 | 0.003 |
(1) Portions of this hole or preliminary results from this hole previously reported.
(2) Based upon the current 3D interpretation of the Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats deposits, the intervals quoted here are at or near true thickness unless otherwise noted in the text.
MIDAS GOLD CONFIRMS SIGNIFICANT AU-SB SYSTEM AT SCOUT PROSPECT, GOLDEN MEADOWS PROJECT, IDAHO
Hole MGI-12-198 intersects 13.7m grading 2.01% Sb and 16.8m grading 1.69 g/t Au, 0.91% Sb
Hole MGI-12-202 intersects 30.5m grading 1.17g/t Au, 0.27% Sb and 47.3m grading 1.39 g/t Au, 0.09%Sb
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced assay results from two exploration holes drilled at the Scout Prospect on its Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine District, Idaho. Drilling by prior owners and operators had traced mineralization in the Scout area over approximately 650m of strike but typically drilled to depths of less than 150m. These recent drill results, which include significant gold and antimony intercepts, not only confirm historic drill results, but also significantly expand the spatial extent of the known mineralized area and indicate the presence of a significant gold-antimony mineralizing system in the Scout area.
Significant assay results from these drill holes, the first drilled by Midas Gold on the Scout Prospect, are summarized in the table below.
Highlights of Recent Drill Results from the Scout Prospect
Hole ID | Hole Type | Bearing | Inclination | Total Depth (m) | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m)* | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) | Tungsten (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-12-198 | RC | 0 | -90 | 228.6 | 89.9 | 103.6 | 13.7 | 0.75** | 3.1 | 2.01 | 0.005 |
167.6 | 184.4 | 16.8 | 1.69 | 3.7 | 0.91 | 0.004 | |||||
MGI-12-202 | RC | 090 | -60 | 256.0 | 48.8 | 79.3 | 30.5 | 1.17 | 2.6 | 0.27 | 0.009 |
93.0 | 140.2 | 47.2 | 1.39 | 3.3 | 0.09 | 0.010 |
* Based upon the current 3D interpretation of the Scout prospect, the intervals quoted here are at or near true thickness unless otherwise noted in the text.
** The composite Au value reported here contains intervals below the composite cut-off described below, but is reported here based on high antimony values
“We are pleased with the results of our first two holes drilled on the Scout prospect, which both confirmed historic drill results and intersected additional areas of gold-silver-antimony mineralization where predicted, confirming the presence of a significant gold-antimony system in the Scout area,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “These holes, completed during our winter drilling program at our Golden Meadows Project, were the first exploration holes drilled in this area in over two decades and were the result of our compilation of numerous pieces of historic geologic and exploration data from as far back as the 1940’s, from multiple operators,” he said. “More drilling is planned in the coming months to better evaluate the potential of this system, subject to permitting”.
2012 Drill Program
Midas has completed its originally planned 17,000m Phase I winter drilling program but is continuing through spring break-up with two to three core rigs before ramping up for the planned summer drill campaign. The additional drilling, to be conducted over the balance of the year, will be focused on continued in-fill and step out drilling on the three known mineral resources (Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine), while exploration drilling being conducted in parallel, subject to applicable permitting, will focus on new targets and prospects within the Golden Meadows property with the objective of discovering additional mineral deposits.
Scout Prospect Description & History
The Scout Ridge prospect is situated approximately 1.25 km northeast of the Hangar Flats deposit, along a north-south fault system that hosts widespread gold-silver and antimony mineralization, and can be traced along strike for approximately 650m in widely spaced drill holes. The fault system, all of which may not be mineralized, can also be inferred to extend for several km to the north-northwest, based on Midas Gold’s 2011 airborne magnetics and EM surveys. Scattered soil anomalies and geologic mapping of this fault shows that it lies approximately 1km to the east of, and parallel to, the Meadow Creek fault system, which controls the Hangar Flats and Yellow Pine gold-silver-antimony-tungsten deposits.
The Scout prospect was first discovered in the 1940s, after US Geological Survey and US Bureau of Mines workers conducted experimental biochemical sampling in the district, which outlined a large gold and antimony biogeochemical anomaly. The area that hosts the biochemical anomaly, occurs in a distinct, linear, north-south trending topographic depression interpreted to be a less resistant structural zone, which is marked by strong geophysical anomalies. A series of weak but pronounced soil anomalies occur parallel to this trend, slightly uphill to the east, where the drilled zones would project to the surface but are covered by talus and slope debris. Several small pits and trenches, which were likely excavated during 1940s during government-sponsored antimony-tungsten exploration, exposed massive, blocky, slightly schistose quartzite containing narrow, gold-bearing, high-grade stibnite veins and altered, sulfide-bearing igneous dikes. Stratigraphic relationships, derived from outcrop mapping and drill data, indicate the valley itself is underlain by calc-silicates and silicified and dolomitized carbonates, similar to those that host the nearby Garnet Prospect. The Garnet prospect lies approximately 0.8km to the east of Scout, and was the site of a 1995 open pit mining operation that produced approximately 35,000 ounces of gold from oxidized ores in skarn and calc-silicates grading approximately 6 g/t gold.
Between 1948 and 1990 three companies explored the Scout area with 20 drill holes, totaling approximately 2,435m. Six east-west IP geophysical lines (by past operators and Midas Gold) run across the Scout Prospect area and delineate a large resistivity low and numerous IP chargeability anomalies that could be indicative of a larger sulphide mineralized system.
Illustrations
To view the locations of current drill holes, please click here.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The exploration activities at Golden Meadows were carried out under the supervision of Christopher Dail, C.P.G., Qualified Person and Exploration Manager for the Golden Meadows Project.
All gold assays are by a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by an atomic absorption finish (with a 0.005g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 6g/t are re-analyzed using a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Silver is analyzed via a 4-acid digestion followed by an ICP finish (with a 0.5g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 10g/t Ag are reanalyzed using a 2g ICP-AES, four acid digest, while samples reporting > 750g/t Ag are reanalyzed using a 30g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Antimony is analyzed via a 4-acid digestion followed by an ICP finish (with a 5.0g/t lower reporting limit). Samples reporting values > 2,000g/t Sb are reanalyzed using XRF with a 0.9g charge in a Lithium Borate fusion (with a 0.01% lower reporting limit).
All composites utilize a 0.5g/t gold cut off and may include up to 6 meters of continuous internal waste. However, where by-products such as antimony are significant, composites that fall below these cut-off requirements may be reported. Composites above cut-off grade, but less than 10 meters in length, are not reported. Some intervals may not add or subtract correctly due to rounding, but are deemed insignificant. Analyses are carried out by ALS CHEMEX in their Reno and Winnemucca, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia laboratories. Blank and standard samples are used for quality assurance and quality control and a review of the results of analyses of the blanks, standards and duplicates by the Corporation’s Qualified Person indicates values are within normal and acceptable ranges.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc. and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates were reported for all three deposits in a news release dated April 20, 2011 and are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources, Golden Meadows Project, Valley County, Idaho” dated June 6, 2011 (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” “confirm” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2011 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.
MIDAS GOLD PROGRESSES METALLURGICAL TESTING ON GOLDEN MEADOWS PROJECT, IDAHO
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX) today announced an interim update from metallurgical testing on samples from its Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine District, Idaho. These results, which include tests on a variety of mineralized samples from each of the three mineral deposits comprising the Golden Meadows Project, confirm that conventional, low-risk metallurgical approaches achieve excellent results.
“We are encouraged by the results from our metallurgical testing to date, which confirm that conventional, low risk approaches used during past operations and tested by prior operators can achieve excellent results,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “These tests demonstrate moderate ore hardness, excellent liberation and separation of gold-rich and antimony-rich sulphides at reasonable grind sizes, as well as good recoveries into good quality flotation concentrates that comprise a small mass pull relative to the overall mill feed. These results indicate that overall metallurgical performance for Golden Meadows material should be very positive.” Metallurgical testing is continuing and the current and final test results will be used to determine those to be used in the preliminary economic assessment scheduled for completion in Q3/12.
Metallurgical Test Program
Over the past several months, Midas Gold has been conducting a systematic metallurgical test program at SGS in Lakefield and Vancouver, as well as other laboratories, under the supervision of Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd., in order to evaluate options for, and optimize the recovery of, gold (“Au”), antimony (“Sb”) and other potential by-products. This test program involved the collection of representative samples from each of the three deposits that make up the Golden Meadows Project (Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine), as well as a composite representing a blend of all three deposits.
For the Sb-rich samples (from Hangar Flats and parts of Yellow Pine), this test work has evaluated two principal approaches to flotation: firstly, a variant of that traditionally used during operations on site in the 1920s through 1950s, where ore was subjected to sequential flotation of Sb-rich concentrates and then Au-rich concentrates and, secondly, an alternative approach utilizing bulk flotation of all sulphide minerals (including both antimony and gold containing sulphides) and then, subsequently, using flotation to extract an Sb-rich concentrate from the bulk concentrate. Both approaches have provided positive results. The sequential flotation approach has the benefit of extensive on-site operating experience and its development is the most advanced at this time, but was primarily designed to ensure optimal antimony recovery and concentrate quality. The bulk flotation route offers the potential for higher overall gold recoveries. At this time, the bulk flotation route has less extensive testing, but work is continuing to advance this option as it shows considerable promise.
For the essentially Sb-free samples (West End and the remainder of Yellow Pine), a bulk gold flotation process has been developed and is now well proven.
In addition, Midas Gold has commenced the process of evaluating options for handling of each of the Au-rich and Sb-rich concentrates, including both on-site and off-site processing for each concentrate. Regardless of the option chosen, gold concentrates will require oxidation before gold extraction, and Midas Gold is focussing its test work on the pressure oxidation of the gold concentrates, which could be conducted at a company-owned facility on or off site, or at a third party facility off-site. It is important to note that the low overall sulphide content of the deposits and that all of the gold is tied up with those sulphides (except for the minor amount of oxide material) means that only a relatively small portion of the proposed mill feed would be subject to pressure oxidation, reducing capital and operating costs relative to whole ore pressure oxidation. Further, the high ratio of gold to sulphur in the concentrates produced and ease with which the concentrate can be processed through pressure oxidation, indicates that the process promises to be relatively cost-effective. The antimony concentrates produced in the testing undertaken have assayed up to 62% Sb and are expected to be directly saleable to third parties. Options for handling of antimony concentrates being considered include off-site processing, focused on sales to third party smelters, and the possibility for on- or off-site processing to convert the antimony bearing mineral in those concentrates, stibnite, into end-products for market consumption, such as antimony trioxide (flame retardant) or antimony metal (for alloys in batteries and the like). Test work on the latter process is in its early stages.
Thirdly, Midas Gold has embarked on a test program to evaluate gold recoveries from oxide materials using tank leaching (CIL or CIP), particularly those at the West End deposit, which could provide opportunities for an earlier start to production as compared to waiting for completion of the full sulphide and potential pressure oxidation circuit on site. Results are promising, with up to 85% gold extraction and potentially favourable processing economics (low reagent consumptions) achieved from true oxide samples.
Hardness testing
Extensive SAG, rod and ball mill amenability testing has been conducted on multiple samples of material from each of the three deposits. Results indicate the mineralized materials are of medium hardness, with ball mill work indexes in the range of 11.9 to 14.2 kWt/tonne for the three deposits. The West End mineralized materials tending to have a somewhat higher SAG mill index than Hangar Flats and Yellow Pine; however, current thinking is that the optimal circuit will use a rod mill and ball mill combination, as opposed to SAG mill and ball mill, providing greater operating flexibility and more uniform feed to a pressure oxidation circuit.
Sulphide liberation
Mineralogical studies have shown that, while some finer interlocking sometimes occurs between the antimony and gold-bearing minerals, the sulphide minerals are liberated from the gangue at a coarse size. This result points to the potential for a coarser primary grind under the bulk flotation scenario than currently adopted in the test programs, followed by regrinding of the bulk concentrates to achieve the desired selectivity between antimony- and gold-bearing minerals. As the flotation results discussed herein indicate, good separation of Au and Sb-rich sulphides has been achieved.
Sequential Flotation Test Work on Sb-rich samples
Based on testing completed to date on sulphide composites from all three deposits individually, as well as a composite of material from all three deposits, flotation recoveries of antimony from Golden Meadows’ antimony-bearing materials of 60% to 80% have been achieved with, typically, less than 1% gold losses into the antimony concentrate. Typical commercial antimony concentrate grades of 50-62% Sb have repeatedly been produced at these recoveries. Subsequent gold recovery into concentrates in the range of 81% to 93% gold have been successfully achieved, with little antimony reporting to the gold concentrate, confirming historic experience that the antimony and gold can be separated into two separate concentrates. The lower gold recoveries noted above are from samples of West End material with varying degrees of oxidation, which represent a minor component of the overall mineral resource at Golden Meadows, while recoveries from fresh sulphide material from West End tend to be in the range of 87-93%. Concentrate mass pulls associated with these recoveries in the sequential flotation test work are expected to be in the range of 9% to 11%.
The bulk flotation and subsequent antimony concentrate separation route, while showing promise to exceed these recoveries (with a somewhat higher overall mass pull), is still under development, and additional testing is on-going.
Flotation Test Work on Au-only samples
Extensive (including larger scale) bulk sulphide flotation testing has been conducted on Au-only materials from West End and Yellow Pine. These have yielded good gold recoveries, averaging 93% at Yellow Pine and 83% at West End, recoveries from the latter being lower due to the inclusion of poorer floating (but leachable) oxide component in the West End composite (see above). Test work to date on West End samples, excluding the oxides, have yielded recoveries averaging 91%.
Pressure Oxidation Test Work
A program of bench scale pressure oxidation test work on gold concentrates is being undertaken during the month of April, but no results are currently available from this latest test program. Early results from test work leading up to this program, prior test work by other parties, and the nature of the mineralogy of the sulphides, suggests high recoveries are achievable, with a good quality residue.
Continuing Work
As noted earlier, this is an interim update on metallurgical test work completed to date and additional testing is continuing in order to further optimize metallurgical performance which, combined with the results reported herein, will determine the final results to be included in the preliminary economic assessment scheduled for completion in Q2/12. Further metallurgical test work will continue after the cut-off date for the PEA, the additional data from which will be used in the preliminary feasibility study scheduled for completion in 2013.
Quality Assurance
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The metallurgical test work on the Golden Meadows samples was carried out under the supervision of Christopher Martin, C.Eng., an independent Qualified Person and principal consultant for Blue Coast Metallurgy for test work on the Golden Meadows Project.
About Midas Gold and the Golden Meadows Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Inc., and Idaho Gold Resources, LLC, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of the Golden Meadows Project in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors. Independent mineral resource estimates were reported for all three deposits in a news release dated April 20, 2011 and are detailed in a consolidated technical report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources, Golden Meadows Project, Valley County, Idaho” dated June 6, 2011 (the “Technical Report”) is available on Midas Gold’s website at www.midasgoldcorp.com or under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Hangar Flats is a high-grade gold-silver-antimony-tungsten discovery made in 2009 and these most recent drill intercepts are step-outs to the north from the areas discovered and drilled during the 2009 and 2010 field seasons. Yellow Pine is a significant past producer of gold, silver, antimony and tungsten from the 1930s through the mid-1950s. The Homestake deposit located at the northeast end of the Yellow Pine deposit and was operated by Hecla Mining Company from 1987 through 1989. The area between Yellow Pine and Homestake, known as the Clark Tunnel prospect, was the site of early 1930’s and 1940’s era exploration, but no mining has occurred and it has seen only minimal modern exploration drilling. Historical geologic, ground geophysical and drilling data obtained by Midas suggested the possibility that significant mineralization might be present in this area and recent drill results confirm this potential. The West End deposit was the site of open pit mining with heap leach recovery of gold from the 1970s to the late 1990s.
The Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits remain open to expansion along strike and to depth. In addition, Midas Gold continues to review and assess information contained within an extensive exploration database developed by Midas Gold from almost 100 years of exploration activity by multiple owners and operators with the objective of identifying opportunities for the potential discovery of additional gold mineralization.
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; the timing and costs of future exploration activities on the Corporation’s properties; success of exploration activities; permitting time lines and requirements, requirements for additional capital, requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Golden Meadows Project is developed. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies in 2011 will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration and other objectives concerning the Golden Meadows Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; projected recoveries from flotation and pressure oxidation test work; results of future metallurgical test work; ability to sell concentrates to third parties at attractive prices, were that option selected; potential performance of secondary processing on site or off-site off concentrates and the ability to permit such; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under U.S. federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation’s planned exploration on the Golden Meadows Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation’s dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation’s lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation 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. 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, the Corporation 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.