Press Releases
STATE & FEDERAL AGENCIES AGREE TO COORDINATE PERMITTING OF MIDAS GOLD’S PROPOSED STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT
Seven Federal, State & Local Agencies Sign Agreement Committing to Work Together on Updated Schedule
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today announced that seven federal, state and local agencies have entered into an agreement outlining their commitment to work together and coordinate their efforts to permit Midas Gold Idaho’s Stibnite Gold Project (“Project”), which is located in Valley County, 39 miles east of McCall and just outside of Yellow Pine, Idaho. The U.S. Forest Service (which is the lead permitting agency), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources and Valley County signed the memorandum of understanding for the Project in early September. In addition, the U.S. Forest Service (“USFS”) provided an updated schedule for the regulatory process, which schedule accommodates the joint review process and the requests for additional information, which information Midas Gold is in the process of providing.
“This interagency agreement demonstrates a willingness of various federal, state and local agencies to cooperate and efficiently process the proposals made by Midas Gold with respect to the restoration and redevelopment of the Stibnite Gold Project,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “This cooperation will reduce duplication, coordinate reviews and allow agencies to cooperatively resolve matters that arise during the review process. The updated permitting schedule recognizes the importance of a thorough and comprehensive review to ensure that a single, robust record of decision is made; Midas Gold and its consultants are working with the regulators and their consultants to complete the process in a timely manner,” said Mr. Quin.
The Cooperation Agreement
The memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) gives the agencies the framework to evaluate Midas Gold Idaho’s Plan of Restoration and Operations (“PRO”) as they work together to prepare a single, joint environmental impact statement (“EIS”) for the Stibnite Gold Project, which is the key permitting document required by the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”). The MOU is designed to maximize the use of agency resources, minimize the duplication of efforts between agencies, avoid multiple parallel EIS processes, and allow the agencies to identify and resolve any issues that come up during the permitting process in an efficient manner. The single EIS will be a U.S. Forest Service document, however all signatory agencies will collaborate in the preparation of the EIS, provide adequate resources to ensure satisfactory and timely performance, follow a mutually agreed updated schedule, and ensure that the public process meets the requirements of all cooperating agencies and NEPA.
“This interagency agreement represents an important step for Midas Gold and the Stibnite Gold Project,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “Midas Gold’s team in Idaho continues to work closely with the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies as it continues to move forward with permitting the Stibnite Gold Project.”
Next Steps in the Regulatory Process
The various regulatory agencies are currently reviewing Midas Gold’s PRO, as submitted and declared administratively complete in late 2016, plus the extensive environmental and other baseline data Midas Gold has been collecting for the past several years, as well as supplementing this data in response to requests for additional information. The USFS, on behalf of the various regulatory agencies, is conducting an alternatives assessment and environmental analysis as required by NEPA. The assessment and analysis are the core of the review process for the Stibnite Gold Project will provide the basis for the drafting of the EIS.
Updated Schedule
The USFS, their 3rd Party Contractor, and other cooperating agencies have been steadily working through the NEPA process, reviewing the PRO, the extensive baseline data provided by Midas Gold, and the draft alternatives analysis and draft mitigation plan included with the PRO and it is apparent that drafting multiple resource specific technical reports, reviewing and compiling the baseline information provided by Midas Gold and its contractors, and providing additional information requested by the regulators will require more time than originally anticipated. These reports and the associated data are an important component of the environmental impact analysis and sufficient time must be allowed to ensure their accuracy, completeness and that they meet the regulatory requirements for an EIS and support a robust and defensible Record of Decision. The USFS has advised that they anticipate issuing a draft EIS for public comment in Q3 2018 and an approved Record of Decision in Q3 2019, instead of Q2 2019 originally anticipated before the review process commenced.
“We accept that the regulatory agencies need to complete the process comprehensively in order to ensure that the Record of Decision stands,” said Ms. Sayer. “We will be working with the regulatory agencies and our consultants to look for ways to undertake these steps in a more timely, yet comprehensive manner. Our Plan of Restoration and Operations presents a compelling case for the redevelopment of the former Stibnite mine site, allowing for the restoration of the site’s extensive impacts from mining-related activities by prior owners and the redevelopment of a modern mining facility that provides long term, well paid employment for central Idaho, and significant economic benefits to Idaho.”
Stibnite Gold Project Permitting Background
In September of 2016, Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. submitted its PRO for the restoration, re-development and operation of the Stibnite Gold Project in Valley County, Idaho. The PRO was deemed administratively complete by the USFS in December 2016, the scoping process was completed in July 2017 and the environmental analysis and alternatives assessment is currently in process.
A detailed presentation on the PRO can be found at www.midasgoldcorp.com. Details of previous news releases and technical studies can be found filed under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or at www.midasgoldcorp.com.
About Midas Gold and the Stibnite Gold Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries are focused on the exploration and, if warranted, site restoration and development of gold-antimony-silver deposits in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho that are encompassed by its Stibnite Gold Project.
Forward-Looking Information
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, next steps and courses of action including actions to be taken by the U.S. Forest Service, the State of Idaho and other government agencies and regulatory bodies. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “will”, “could”, “be achieved”. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Midas Gold has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that the current objectives concerning the Stibnite Gold Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that the formal review process under the NEPA (including a joint review process involving the U.S. Forest Services, the State of Idaho and other agencies and regulatory bodies) as well as the public comment period, scoping process and EIS will proceed in a timely manner and as expected; and that all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Midas Gold 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, changes in laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may result in unforeseen results in the review process under the NEPA; uncertainty surrounding input to be received pursuant to the scoping process including but not limited to the public comment period; risks related to dependence on key personnel; risks related to unforeseen delays in the review process including availability of personnel from the US Forest Services, State of Idaho and other agencies and regulatory bodies; as well as those factors discussed in Midas Gold’s public disclosure record. Although Midas Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Midas Gold 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, Midas Gold 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 TO PRESENT AT PRECIOUS METALS SUMMIT AND DENVER GOLD FORUM
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today announced that management will be attending and presenting at two upcoming investment conferences in Colorado, USA.
Precious Metals Summit, Beaver Creek, Colorado
Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold will be providing an update on the Company’s activities at the Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho at 11:30am MT on Tuesday, September 19th. This presentation can be viewed live by clicking here: http://www.gowebcasting.com/conferences/2017/09/18/precious-metals-summit/day/2.
Denver Gold Forum, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Mr. Quin will also be presenting at the Denver Gold Forum at 10:20am MT on Wednesday, September 27th. A webcast of the presentation will be available for viewing after September 29th by clicking here:
http://www.denvergoldforum.org/dgf17/company-webcast/MAX:CN/
About Midas Gold and the Stibnite Gold Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries are focused on the exploration and, if warranted, site restoration and development of gold-antimony-silver deposits in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho that are encompassed by its Stibnite Gold Project.
MIDAS GOLD - HIGH GRADE RESULTS FROM 2017 DRILL PROGRAM, STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT, IDAHO
MGI-17-425 intersects 3.2g/t Au, 36.1g/t Ag & 1.2% Sb (6.2g/t AuEq(2)) over 50.3m
MGI-17-426 intersects 3.2g/t Au, 3.9g/t Ag (3.4g/t AuEq(2)) over 33.5m
and 2.2g/t Au, 3.3g/t Ag & 0.14% Sb (2.6g/t AuEq(2)) over 60.1m
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today provided additional results from its 2017 drilling program at the Stibnite Gold Project, Idaho. The drilling program was designed to enhance the mineral resources defined in the December 2014 preliminary feasibility study (“PFS”), and to undertake geotechnical testing of pit walls and infrastructure areas. Positive results from the final two holes in the resource optimization program, completed at the Hangar Flats deposit, are reported below.
Recent Assay Results – Hangar Flats Deposit, Stibnite Gold Project
Hole-ID | Type | Bearing | Inclination | TD (m) | From (m) | To (m) | Width (m)(1) | Au (g/t)(1) | Ag (g/t) | Sb | AuEq (g/t)(2) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-17-425 | Core | 254 | -45.5 | 222.5 | 35.6 | 46.2 | 10.6 | 1.39 | 0.9 | 0.01 | 1.4 |
and | 79.8 | 86.0 | 6.1 | 1.71 | 1.2 | 0.00 | 1.7 | ||||
and | 107.3 | 157.6 | 50.3 | 3.22 | 36.1 | 1.22 | 6.2 | ||||
including | 143.9 | 157.6 | 13.7 | 4.75 | 100.2 | 3.33 | 12.7 | ||||
and | 191.1 | 203.3 | 12.2 | 2.05 | 14.9 | 1.37 | 5.0 | ||||
MGI-17-426 | Core | 258 | -56.0 | 260.6 | 93.6 | 104.2 | 10.7 | 1.74 | 1.0 | 0.00 | 1.8 |
and | 144.3 | 177.9 | 33.5 | 3.16 | 3.9 | 0.08 | 3.4 | ||||
and | 183.1 | 243.2 | 60.1 | 2.23 | 3.3 | 0.14 | 2.6 | ||||
including | 218.3 | 241.4 | 23.1 | 3.68 | 3.4 | 0.23 | 4.2 | ||||
MGI-17-427 | Core | 355 | -40.0 | 107.0 | No significant intercepts - geotechnical hole | ||||||
(1) Gold composites are generated using a 0.5 g/t Au cutoff grade. Antimony composites are generated using a 0.1% Sb cutoff grade. Composites may include intervals below cutoff grades. True widths are expected to be approximately 90-100% of the reported intercept. (2) Gold equivalent grades are reported for illustrative purposes only and are calculated using metal prices of $1200/oz Au, $17/oz Ag and $7600/tonne Sb and do not include recovery, transportation, refining or payability. These factors will vary for each metal, ore type and processing method and will affect the economic importance of the various metals. |
These most recent results comprise assays from two HQ diameter oriented core holes totalling 483 meters (1,585 feet) drilled for infill and mineral resource conversion purposes, and a single HQ diameter core hole totaling 107 meters (351 feet) drilled for geotechnical purposes.
“Our drilling program, initiated in September 2016, continues to provide positive results that support Midas Gold’s goal of enhancing mineral resources prior to feasibility level engineering for the Stibnite Gold Project,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “These latest intercepts from the Hangar Flats deposit further demonstrate the potential to upgrade inferred mineral resources within the PFS pit limits from a cost centre to a source of revenue. Inferred mineral resources were previously treated as development rock in the PFS project economics, as required under NI43-101. The higher-grade nature of these intercepts should provide an attractive margin if these areas are classified as mineral reserves in the feasibility study currently in process.”
Resource Optimization Drilling
The two infill holes targeted inferred mineral resources within the Hangar Flats PFS pit shell situated adjacent to former Meadow Creek Mine underground workings, which produced approximately 51,000 ounces Au at an average grade of 5.8 g/t Au between 1928 and 1938. The gold-antimony mineralization intersected in MGI-17-425 and -426 is representative of the high-grade, disseminated mineralization occurring adjacent to the underground workings that was left behind by historical operators. These two holes confirmed the continuity and structural controls of the high-grade mineralization inferred in this area, as well as the geometry of the underground levels and stopes. Both infill holes contain higher gold grades than predicted (by the PFS block model) but over slightly narrower widths. Geological models are currently being refined in preparation for updated resource estimates and feasibility study mine planning.
Geotechnical Drilling
In addition to the mineral resource enhancement drilling program, three geotechnical drill holes totalling 489 meters have been completed in the Hangar Flats deposit as part of the ongoing 2017 geotechnical drilling program. The goal of the geotechnical drilling program is to collect additional oriented core data for pit slope optimization and to complete subsurface investigations in proposed infrastructure areas. Drilling subsequently shifted from core to auger drilling for geotechnical purposes, with the auger being used to test and sample unconsolidated material in proposed infrastructure areas.
Details of the previous news releases, the Project and the 2014 PFS can be found filed under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or at www.midasgoldcorp.com.
To view a cross section and the locations of drill holes reported in this news release, please see the figures at the end of this release.
Sampling Procedures, Quality Control 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 the Stibnite Gold Project were carried out under the supervision of Kent Turner, C.P.G., Qualified Person and Consultant for the Stibnite Gold Project. T&J Enterprises, Inc. of Frenchtown MT was contracted for drilling utilizing an AR-65 core drill with HQ3 core with a diameter of 61.1 mm (2-1/2”). All holes were drill oriented using an ACT III core orientation tool from International Directional Services; LLC of Chandler, AZ. Core was photographed in the core barrel split inner tube, marked for orientation and discontinuities measured at the drill site and then recovery and RQD were measured, and logged for rock lithology, alteration, mineralization, and structure. The core was boxed, photographed in the core box, with sample intervals selected on approximately 1.52 meter (5 foot) intervals, which were then marked for cutting and sampled. One half the core was collected for assay and the second half retained in the core box for archival purposes.
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 gold 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 silver are reanalyzed using a 50g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Antimony is analyzed via a 4-Acid digestion with ICP finish with a 5g/t lower reporting limit. Samples reporting values >500g/t antimony are reanalyzed using XRF fusion. Some intervals may not add or subtract correctly due to rounding, but differences are deemed insignificant. Analyses are carried out by ALS Chemex in their Reno and Elko, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia laboratories. Umpire samples are routinely submitted to third party labs and blank and standard samples are inserted at appropriate intervals and 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 Stibnite Gold Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries are focused on the exploration and, if warranted, site restoration and development of gold-antimony-silver deposits in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho that are encompassed by its Stibnite Gold Project.
Forward-Looking Information
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 including actions taken with the goal of improving, expanding and de-risking previously defined mineral resources; the timing and availability of future drill results; potential sites for additional drilling that could result in potential improved confidence, enhanced economic returns and/or extending higher grade areas. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “once”, “estimates”, “potential”, “confirm”, “if” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” “be achieved”. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that pending drill results will be available in a timely manner without undue delay; that areas identified as potential sites for additional drilling will yield results consistent with management’s expectations based on the PFS; any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current objectives concerning the Stibnite Gold 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 activities on the Stibnite Gold 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, the industry-wide risks and project-specific risks identified in the PFS and summarized above; risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration, including drill results; 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 US 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 and development activities on the Stibnite Gold 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.
MIDAS GOLD REPORTS NOTICE OF INTENT PUBLISHED FOR STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT
Warrant Exercise Boosts Working Capital
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today announced that the Notice of Intent (“NOI”) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) on the proposed Stibnite Gold Project’s Plan of Restoration and Operations (“PRO”) was published in the Federal Register on Monday, June 5, 2017 by the United States Forest Service (“USFS”). The NOI marks the opening of the 45-day scoping period, which includes three public meetings and opportunity for the public to provide written comments to the USFS, the lead agency on the Stibnite Gold Project.
“The notice of intent represents another milestone for the Stibnite Gold Project and Midas Gold,” said Laurel Sayer, President & CEO of Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. “During the next 45-days, public participation is essential. We encourage interested parties, stakeholders and community members to share their comments, opinions and thoughts about our plan to restore and redevelop the site with the U.S. Forest Service.”
Coordinated Review Process
Before issuing the NOI, the USFS, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (“USACE”) and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) agreed to cooperate in evaluating and preparing a single EIS for the Stibnite Gold Project. As such, the Payette National Forest Office of the USFS is the lead agency, USACE will participate to ensure the EIS supports the Department of the Army under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) and the EPA will participate to ensure the EIS could support a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) Permit under Section 402 of the CWA.
“The agreement to harmonize federal reviews is a clear commitment to an efficient and timely process,” said Ms. Sayer. “Midas Gold is encouraged that the federal agencies have agreed to coordinate the permitting process under one Environmental Impact Statement. This approach ensures that every standard and requirement of the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) is adhered to while reducing time lost to redundant procedure. We believe this will lead to a better, more thorough, evaluation of the Stibnite Gold Project.”
The 45-day scoping period will run from June 5 to July 20, during which time the USFS will encourage and collect feedback from the public. Meetings for the public to learn more about the project will be held in late June in Cascade, McCall and Boise, Idaho. Officials at the USFS launched a website to collect public comments at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/payette/StibniteGold. Comments may also be mailed to Payette National Forest, ATTN: Forest Supervisor Keith Lannom - Stibnite Gold EIS, 500 N. Mission St. Bldg 2, McCall, ID 83638, or sent via email with a subject line reading “Stibnite Gold EIS Scoping Comment” to comments-intermtn-payette@fs.fed.us, or faxed to 1-208-634-0744.
After evaluating feedback received during the scoping period, cooperating agencies will prepare the draft EIS. Interested parties may comment again once the draft EIS is published, which is expected around Q2 2018.
Warrant Exercise
Midas Gold Corp. also announces that 99.7% of the C$0.60 warrants that were originally issued on May 20, 2015 have been exercised, resulting in proceeds to the Company of C$5.7 million. A total of 3,945,475 warrants for proceeds of C$2.4 million had been exercised prior to the Company’s last quarterly report (March 31, 2017) and the remaining 5,587,333 warrants, for proceeds of C$3.4 million were exercised subsequent to quarter end.
“We are encouraged by the continued support of our shareholders,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “The proceeds from the exercise of the warrants will be used to advance our twin objectives of completing a feasibility study on the Stibnite Gold Project and advancing the Project through the regulatory process so that the full benefits of the proposed site restoration and redevelopment can be delivered.”
Project Background
In September 2016, Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. submitted the PRO for the restoration, re-development and operation of the Stibnite Gold Project in Valley County, Idaho. The PRO was deemed administratively complete by the U.S. Forest Service in December 2016.
Details of previous news releases, the PRO and technical studies can be found filed under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or at www.midasgoldcorp.com.
About Midas Gold and the Stibnite Gold Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries are focused on the exploration and, if warranted, site restoration and development of gold-antimony-silver deposits in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho that are encompassed by its Stibnite Gold Project. Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. operates the project on behalf of Midas Gold Corp.’s other subsidiaries that own the mineral rights that comprise the Stibnite Gold Project.
Forward-Looking Information
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, next steps and courses of action including actions to be taken by the US Forest Service, the State of Idaho and other government agencies and regulatory bodies. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “believe”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “be achieved”. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Midas Gold has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that the current objectives concerning the Stibnite Gold Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that the formal review process under the NEPA (including a joint review process involving the US Forest Services, the State of Idaho and other agencies and regulatory bodies) as well as the public comment period, scoping process and EIS will proceed in a timely manner and as expected; and that a Memorandum of Understanding will be entered into among US Forest Service and Idaho state agencies and that the timing and content of such Memorandum of Understanding is consistent with Midas Gold’s expectations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Midas Gold 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, changes in laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may result in unforeseen results in the review process under the NEPA; uncertainty surrounding input to be received pursuant to the scoping process including but not limited to the public comment period; risks related to dependence on key personnel; risks related to unforeseen delays in the review process including availability of personnel from the US Forest Services, State of Idaho and other agencies and regulatory bodies; as well as those factors discussed in Midas Gold’s public disclosure record. Although Midas Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Midas Gold 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, Midas Gold 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 OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Corporate & Permitting Update; Industry Award Recognizing Community Engagement
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) (“Midas Gold” or the “Company”) today announced the results of its annual general meeting (the “AGM”), which was held in Vancouver on May 11, 2017. Following the meeting, Stephen Quin, President and CEO, provided those present with an overview of the Company’s progress over the past year and its plans going forward.
Annual General Meeting Voting Result
A total of 106,681,876 million common shares were represented at the AGM, or 59.12% of the votes attached to all outstanding shares at the Company’s record date of March 29, 2017. The Company’s shareholders voted in favour of the election of all director nominees listed in the Company’s management information proxy circular. Detailed results of the vote for the election of directors are as follows:
Nominee | Votes For | Votes Withheld | Total Votes Cast * | Percentage of Votes For | Percentage of Votes Withheld |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Keith Allred | 76,415,746 | 164,070 | 76,579,816 | 99.79% | 0.21% |
Michael Bogert | 76,402,362 | 175,454 | 76,577,816 | 99.77% | 0.23% |
Victor Flores | 76,316,446 | 263,370 | 76,579,816 | 99.66% | 0.34% |
Marcelo Kim | 76,313,246 | 266,570 | 76,579,816 | 99.65% | 0.35% |
Peter Nixon | 76,414,462 | 163,354 | 76,577,816 | 99.79% | 0.21% |
Stephen Quin | 76,410,046 | 169,770 | 76,579,816 | 99.78% | 0.22% |
Donald Young | 76,415,062 | 164,754 | 76,579,816 | 99.78% | 0.22% |
* Not all shares were voted in respect of all motions therefore the combined number of shares voted for or withheld may not add up to the total votes represented at the meeting.
The directors were elected to hold offices until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected or appointed.
The Company’s shareholders also approved the appointment of Deloitte LLP, Chartered Accountants, as the auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 (99.44% voted in favour).
The Company’s shareholders also approved and ratified the Company’s 2011 Evergreen Incentive Stock Option Plan as required every three years under the policies of the TSX (97.15% voted in favour).
Detailed voting results for the meeting are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Corporate Update
Following the AGM, Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. provided an update in respect of the Stibnite Gold Project, noting progress on advancing the project towards completion of a feasibility study and advancing the regulatory assessment process for site restoration and mine development. Mr. Quin emphasized opportunities to optimize the proposed development, and the value creation opportunity afforded to shareholders through the successful realization of these opportunities. Previously announced positive results from recently completed metallurgical testing and resource optimization drilling will be incorporated into the ongoing feasibility study. Mr. Quin also noted that, since the filing of the Plan of Restoration and Operations (“PRO”) in September 2016, the US Forest Service has declared the PRO administratively complete, has hired a project manager and selected a third-party contractor and, yesterday, announced that public scoping for the upcoming review process may be undertaken in local communities in the fourth week of May 2017. During this scoping period, the public will have the opportunity to provide input regarding the project, as described in the PRO, prior to the US Forest Service undertaking its analysis and consideration of alternatives under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Midas Gold Awarded Corporate Investment and Community Impact (CiCi) Award
Trade & Industry Development Magazine has announced that Midas Gold Idaho is the recipient of a Corporate Investment and Community Impact (“CiCi”) award in the ‘Community Impact Division’. “This is a great acknowledgement of our efforts in the community and vision for the future,” said Laurel Sayer, President of Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. Nomination of Midas Gold Idaho for the CiCi award was submitted by the Idaho Department of Commerce and West Central Mountains Economic Development Council (“WCMED”) in recognition of Midas Gold Idaho’s robust community engagement programs that include over US$230,000 in corporate giving to community programs, schools and sponsorships, and over 1,800 staff volunteer hours since 2013. Midas Gold joined General Motors, Microsoft, Amazon, Charles Schwab and others in receiving an award in the Community Impact Division.
“The thirty companies represented in the 2017 CiCi Awards have committed to economic development that not only will bring extraordinary capital investment to the communities in which they will locate, but will have an extraordinarily positive impact on those communities, most notably those included in the Community Impact category,” commented Scott D. Swoger, publisher of Trade & Industry Development and president of its parent company Due North Media. The CiCi Awards are unique in that, in addition to commemorating the largest capital investments for development or expansion announced within a designated year, they equally recognize projects for the positive, often transformational, impact they will have on a community, regardless of the amount of money invested by the corporation.”
About Midas Gold and the Stibnite Gold Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries are focused on the exploration and, if warranted, site restoration and development of gold-antimony-silver deposits in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho that are encompassed by its Stibnite Gold Project.
Forward-Looking Information
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, next steps and courses of action including actions to be taken by the U.S. Forest Service, the State of Idaho and other government agencies and regulatory bodies. 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”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential”, or “does not anticipate”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” “be achieved”. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Midas Gold has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that the current objectives concerning the Stibnite Gold Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that the formal review process under the NEPA (including a joint review process involving the U.S. Forest Services, the State of Idaho and other agencies and regulatory bodies) as well as the public comment period, scoping process and EIS will proceed in a timely manner and as expected; and that all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Midas Gold 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, changes in laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may result in unforeseen results in the review process under the NEPA; uncertainty surrounding input to be received pursuant to the scoping process including but not limited to the public comment period; risks related to dependence on key personnel; risks related to unforeseen delays in the review process including availability of personnel from the US Forest Services, State of Idaho and other agencies and regulatory bodies; as well as those factors discussed in Midas Gold’s public disclosure record. Although Midas Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Midas Gold 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, Midas Gold 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.
U.S. FOREST SERVICE SELECTS AECOM TO EVALUATE MIDAS GOLD’S PROPOSED STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT
Midas Gold Complements its Project Leadership Team with Recent Appointments
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today announced that the United States Forest Service (“U.S. Forest Service”) has selected AECOM to assist the agency in evaluating Midas Gold’s proposed Stibnite Gold Project. In addition, Midas Gold announced its recent appointments of Alan Haslam as Director of Permitting and Mckinsey Lyon as Director of Public Affairs, complementing its leadership team with additional permitting and public relations expertise.
“The selection of AECOM as contractor to the U.S. Forest Service and recent senior management appointments represent continuing progress in the advancement of the Stibnite Gold Project following the filing of Midas Gold’s Plan of Restoration and Operations,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “Our expanded management team looks forward to working with AECOM in advancing the review of the project, which envisions restoration of a brownfields site in conjunction with the redevelopment of a modern mining operation that is protective of the environment and provides economic and employment benefits to Valley County, Idaho and the United States of America.”
About AECOM
AECOM, a fully integrated global infrastructure firm with staff in Boise and McCall, Idaho, will work directly under the supervision of the U.S. Forest Service to assist with the regulatory review process for the Stibnite Gold Project. This partnership, as outlined in a Memorandum of Agreement (“MOA”) between the U.S. Forest Service and Midas Gold Idaho, Inc., is intended to lower the cost of the review process to the public and ensure an efficient and timely review. AECOM was chosen by the U.S. Forest Service after reviewing proposals from several qualified candidates.
“Midas Gold is pleased that the U.S. Forest Service selected a partner with world-class expertise, broad experience and the robust capabilities to assist with the Stibnite Gold Project review so that it is undertaken in a comprehensive, thorough and timely manner, and incorporates community and stakeholder input,” said Laurel Sayer, President & CEO of Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. “We are encouraged by the experience, innovative approach, and qualifications AECOM brings to the table.”
AECOM brings an Idaho-led team of experts in the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) process and specialists who are experienced in stream restoration, fisheries, biological, physical and social resources. The AECOM team also includes Watson Environmental, Ecosystem Sciences, and ERM as subcontractors for various specialized aspects of the review process for the project.
As a contractor to the U.S. Forest Service, AECOM will assist the agency in the technical review of the Stibnite Gold Project and will aid the U.S. Forest Service so that NEPA procedures and reviews are adhered to and the process is timely and transparent. With AECOM on board as its contractor, the U.S. Forest Service will commence preparing the Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) for the Stibnite Gold Project, which is a requirement under NEPA. The next step is for the U.S. Forest Service to publish a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register, signaling the agency’s intent to prepare the EIS and initiating a 30-day scoping period.
Additions to Midas Gold Leadership Team
Alan Haslam joined Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. as Director of Permitting and is leading the permitting effort for the Stibnite Gold Project. Mr. Haslam was previously Director of Mining for Agrium U.S. Inc. where he permitted several operations, including the open pit Rasmussen Valley Mine, which received a final Record of Decision in January 2017. Mr. Haslam has more than 28 years of regulatory, permitting and operational experience with mines and projects in the US and Canada.
Mckinsey Lyon joined Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. as Director of Public Affairs. Ms. Lyon, most recently a partner at Gallatin Public Affairs, brings with her significant experience in building public support for mining and other large-scale projects in Idaho. Through Gallatin, Ms. Lyon has been involved with Midas Gold and the Stibnite Gold Project for the past five years, assisting with developing community and government relations.
“Achieving the timeline announced by the U.S. Forest Service for the Stibnite Gold Project requires a dedicated team focused on ensuring that a detailed and comprehensive review is completed in a timely manner,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “Mr. Haslam brings proven ability to navigate the federal and Idaho regulatory processes, while Ms. Lyon brings a deep understanding of Idaho politics, extensive experience in community engagement, and a record of success on similar projects. These additions complement our already experienced and knowledgeable leadership team at Midas Gold that has been successfully advancing the project over the past several years.”
Stibnite Gold Project Background
In September of 2016, Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. submitted its Plan of Reclamation and Operations (“PRO”) for the restoration, re-development and operation of the Stibnite Gold Project in Valley County, Idaho. The PRO was deemed administratively complete by the U.S. Forest Service in December 2016.
A detailed presentation on the PRO can be found at www.midasgoldcorp.com. Details of previous news releases and technical studies can be found filed under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or at www.midasgoldcorp.com.
About Midas Gold and the Stibnite Gold Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries are focused on the exploration and, if warranted, site restoration and development of gold-antimony-silver deposits in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho that are encompassed by its Stibnite Gold Project.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
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, next steps and courses of action including actions to be taken by the U.S. Forest Service, the State of Idaho and other government agencies and regulatory bodies. 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”, “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” “be achieved”. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Midas Gold has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that the current objectives concerning the Stibnite Gold Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that the formal review process under the NEPA (including a joint review process involving the U.S. Forest Services, the State of Idaho and other agencies and regulatory bodies) as well as the public comment period, scoping process and EIS will proceed in a timely manner and as expected; and that all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Midas Gold 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, changes in laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may result in unforeseen results in the review process under the NEPA; uncertainty surrounding input to be received pursuant to the scoping process including but not limited to the public comment period; risks related to dependence on key personnel; risks related to unforeseen delays in the review process including availability of personnel from the US Forest Services, State of Idaho and other agencies and regulatory bodies; as well as those factors discussed in Midas Gold’s public disclosure record. Although Midas Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Midas Gold 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, Midas Gold 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 COMMENCES FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR ITS STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT, IDAHO
Feasibility Study targeted for completion in Q3 2018
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today provided an update on the Feasibility Study (“FS”) to be carried out on its Stibnite Gold Project (“Project”), which is located in Idaho, USA. M3 Engineering & Technology Corp. (“M3”) has been awarded a contract to lead the FS. Additional FS support will be provided by Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd., Tierra Group International Ltd., SRK Consulting, Kirkham Geosystems Ltd., STRATA, and others, as necessary. The target completion date for the FS is Q3 2018, which parallels the advancement of the regulatory process for mine development.
“The commencement of a definitive Feasibility Study for Midas Gold’s Stibnite Gold Project represents another milestone in the advancement of this important gold-antimony development project in Idaho,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “The objective for the study is to optimize design and costs for the restoration, redevelopment, operation and closure of this brownfields, heavily impacted former mine site. As laid out in the Plan of Restoration and Operations filed with the U.S. Forest Service in 2016, Midas Gold has fully integrated and incorporated its plans to ‘Restore the Site’ by addressing a century of legacy impacts from prior mining-related activities into the redevelopment of the area as a modern mining operation that prioritizes protection of the environment, allows salmon migration to the headwaters of a branch of the Salmon River for the first time since the 1930s, delivers employment and economic benefits to the region and leaves behind a sustainable ecosystem.”
Feasibility Study
With the Prefeasibility Study (“PFS”) and Plan of Restoration and Operations (“PRO”) complete and the regulatory process for permitting of a mine underway (see news release dated March 28, 2017), Midas Gold has initiated the FS, to be completed concurrent with environmental permitting. The focus of the FS is on optimizing the Project to maximize financial returns based on current metal price conditions and ongoing work being completed in support of the FS that began in mid-2016. Ongoing work, including the mineral resource optimization drilling program (see news release dated March 30, 2017) and metallurgical testing program (see news release dated February 14, 2017) will be incorporated into the FS. With the results of the recently reported mineral resource optimization drilling program now available, geological modelling has commenced; updated geological models will not only incorporate the results of this recent drilling, but will also include detailed geological and structural data from re-logging of prior Midas Gold drilling, additional assays collected from previously drilled holes, plus additional legacy technical data recovered subsequent to the completion of the PFS. These new geological models will be used as the basis for updated mineral resource estimates to be completed over the next several months. Metallurgical testing to support the FS continues, primarily focused on pressure oxidation of concentrates and subsequent gold recovery, and is scheduled to be completed in Q3 2017. Geotechnical field work in support of the FS is also currently in progress and expected to continue through Q1 2018. Additional field and desk top studies will also be undertaken in support of the FS.
M3 Engineering
M3 is a privately held architecture, engineering, and construction management firm founded in 1986 in Tucson, Arizona providing continuous design and construction services from project conception to final testing and integration. M3 was the lead consultant for the PFS completed on the Stibnite Gold Project, the results of which were announced on December 15, 2014. M3 offers a diverse field of services to a broad international client base with offices in Arizona, North Carolina, Mexico, Argentina, Peru and is incorporated in Guatemala, Chile and Canada. M3 has recently completed engineering, procurement and construction management (“EPCM”) contracts for the Haile gold mine development in South Carolina and the Morelos gold mine in Guerrero, Mexico, both of which mine developments were based on NI 43-101 Feasibility Studies completed by M3. M3 also recently completed the EPCM for the Buenavista copper mine in Cananea, Mexico.
Additional Information
Details of the previous news releases, the Project and the 2014 PFS can be found filed under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or at www.midasgoldcorp.com.
Quality Control 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.
About Midas Gold and the Stibnite Gold Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries are focused on the exploration and, if warranted, site restoration and development of gold-antimony-silver deposits in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho that are encompassed by its Stibnite Gold Project.
Forward-Looking Information
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 including actions taken with the goal of improving, expanding and de-risking previously defined mineral resources; the timing and results of the updated geological model and mineral resource estimates; the timing and results of the planned geotechnical programs and ongoing metallurgical testing, as well as other technical studies being undertaken; the timing and results of the planned feasibility study and all the input prices used therein including, but not limited to, the prices of gold, silver and antimony, the prices of equipment and consumables, and the cost and availability of labour; outcomes of the regulatory process for the development of a mine on the Stibnite Gold Project. 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”, “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” “be achieved”. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that pending drill results will be available in a timely manner without undue delay; that areas identified as potential sites for additional drilling will yield results consistent with management’s expectations based on the PFS; any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current objectives concerning the Stibnite Gold 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 activities on the Stibnite Gold 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, the industry-wide risks and project-specific risks identified in the PFS and summarized above; risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration, including drill results; 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 US 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 and development activities on the Stibnite Gold 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.
MIDAS GOLD REPORTS FINAL RESULTS FROM 2016-17 WINTER DRILL PROGRAM, STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT, IDAHO
MGI-17-423 intersects 2.5g/t Au, 6.3g/t Ag & 0.55% Sb over 194m (3.6g/t AuEq(2))
including 3.0g/t Au, 24.0g/t Ag & 3.08% Sb over 32m (9.4g/t AuEq(2))
MGI-17-424 intersects 2.5g/t Au, 5.7g/t Ag & 0.47% Sb over 180m (3.5g/t AuEq(2))
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today announced the final results from its 2016-2017 mineral resource optimization drilling program at the Stibnite Gold Project, Idaho. The drilling program’s objectives were designed to enhance the mineral resources defined in the December 2014 preliminary feasibility study (“PFS”), and the program has delivered overall positive results. Highlights for the last two holes in the program, completed at the Yellow Pine deposit, are reported below with complete results for the program tabulated at the end of this news release.
Highlights of Recent Assay Results – Yellow Pine Deposit, Stibnite Gold Project
Hole-ID | Type | From (m) | To (m) | Width (m)(1) | Au (g/t)(1) | Ag (g/t) | Sb (%) | AuEq (g/t)(2) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-17-423 | Core | 2.1 | 195.7 | 193.6 | 2.46 | 6.3 | 0.55 | 3.63 |
including | 156.1 | 188.0 | 32.0 | 3.04 | 24.0 | 3.08 | 9.44 | |
MGI-17-424 | Core | 35.1 | 214.6 | 179.5 | 2.45 | 5.7 | 0.47 | 3.45 |
including | 140.8 | 168.3 | 27.4 | 3.93 | 20.6 | 1.11 | 6.42 |
(1) Gold composites are generated using a 0.5 g/t Au cutoff grade. Antimony composites are generated using a 0.1% Sb cutoff grade. Composites may include intervals below cutoff grades.
(2) Gold equivalent grades are reported for illustrative purposes only and are calculated using metal prices of $1,200/oz Au, $17/oz Ag and $7,600/tonne Sb and do not include recovery, transportation, refining or payability. These factors will vary for each metal and affect the economic importance of the various metals.
The winter drilling program consisted of fourteen HQ diameter oriented core holes totalling 2,224 meters (7,296 feet). Of these, thirteen holes were drilled in the Yellow Pine deposit area and one at Hanger Flats. Four holes contain significantly higher gold grades than predicted (by the PFS block model) and six holes contain moderately higher gold grades than predicted, and as previously announced, included the best hole ever reported by Midas Gold on the Stibnite Gold Project. In general, antimony grades in the central and southern portions of the Yellow Pine deposit exceeded expectations. “The mineral resource enhancement core drilling program, completed by our team between September 2016 and February 2017, has provided very encouraging results that support Midas Gold’s goal of enhancing the mineral resources at the Stibnite Gold Project,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “These results will now be evaluated and, along with additional detailed geological and structural information collected from these and re-logged earlier holes, incorporated into an updated mineral resource for the Yellow Pine deposit in the coming months.”
Summary of Program Objectives & Results
As reported on August 23, 2016, the drilling program focused on a number of objectives based on recommendations contained in the 2014 PFS that outlined opportunities that had the potential to enhance Project financial returns, extend Project life and de-risk the projected production. These opportunities included:
1. Better defining the shallow, high grade mineralization in the core of the Yellow Pine deposit;
2.Conversion (through additional drilling) of inferred mineral resources located within the PFS mineral reserve pits into indicated mineral resources and mineral reserves;
3.Conversion (through additional drilling) of inferred mineral resources located outside, but immediately adjacent to, the PFS mineral reserve pits into indicated mineral resources and mineral reserves; and
4.Advancing current prospects that carry no mineral resource at present towards defining mineral resources with the objective of increasing payable gold and Project NPV.
The first two objectives were successfully met and the third and fourth objectives were only partially met as successful drill results in the earlier part of the drill program warranted additional focus in the areas beneath the former open pit at Yellow Pine. Additional drilling may be conducted at a later date to advance all of these objectives, including at the other deposits that comprise the Stibnite Gold Project.
Central Yellow Pine Area
The two most recently completed holes, MGI-17-423 and MGI-17-424, the last holes of the winter program, were completed in the Central Yellow Pine area and the results are reported herein. MGI-17-423 was drilled adjacent to and sub-parallel to holes -414, -421, & -422 (the results for which were previously reported on November 30, 2016 and February 23, 2017), in a broad drill fan, oriented to the southwest to intersect west-northwest and east-west trending, northerly dipping silica-sulphide vein systems and silica-sulphide breccia’s at angles appropriate to test true thickness and to validate legacy drill data. Hole MGI-17-423 intersected 194m averaging 2.46g/t Au, 6.3g/t Ag and 0.55% Sb, including 32m averaging 3.04g/t Au, 24.0 g/t Ag and 3.08% Sb. MGI-17-424 was located on a bench in the northwest portion of the historical open pit and was oriented to the southeast at a shallow angle to confirm and expand on gold and antimony mineralization under the historical open pit in an area with little modern era drilling data. The hole intersected 180m averaging 2.5g/t Au, 5.7 g/t Ag and 0.47% Sb. The intercept was slightly shorter, but slightly higher gold grade than the PFS mineral resource estimate. The broad zones of antimony-rich sheeted veins and breccias beneath the former open pit are continuous between holes completed in this program and provide increased confidence in controls on high grade mineralization.
South Yellow Pine Area
Holes MGI-16-418 and MGI-16-419 were drilled in the southeastern portion of the Yellow Pine deposit to follow up on two fences of successful 2012 and 2013 drill holes located to the northeast of 2016 holes MGI-16-418 and MGI‑16‑419 and successfully cut mineralization (the results of which were previously reported on February 23, 2017). MGI-16-418 returned approximately 30% higher gold grades over an approximately 15% longer width, but with slightly lower antimony grades than anticipated. MGI-16-419 returned gold grades twice those anticipated, but over 60% of the expected width.
Monday Tunnel Area
Two holes, MGI-16-415 and MGI-16-416, were completed in the Monday Tunnel area, located southwest of the southern rim of the former open pit (the results of which were previously reported on February 23, 2017), with MGI‑16‑415 successfully intersecting the target zone cutting substantially higher grade gold, antimony and silver than predicted from 1940s legacy underground drilling in the area, with the second hole terminated short of the target zone.
Northwest Yellow Pine – Homestake Area
Two holes, MGI-16-411 and MGI-16-412, both intersected significantly higher than anticipated grades as compared to the PFS mineral resource block model and extended a higher-grade trend approximately 100m northeast and remains open along strike (the results of which were previously reported on November 21, 2016).
Northeast Yellow Pine – Homestake Area
A single exploration hole, MGI-16-413, targeted shallower mineralization encountered in adjacent Midas Gold and legacy operator holes in metasediments adjacent to the Meadow Creek Fault Zone. As previously reported on November 21, 2016, this hole intersected quartz veining below the fault but only anomalous gold values were encountered. The complex interaction of structure and stratigraphy in this area make targeting challenging and the potential of this area will be re-evaluated in the future.
Hangar Flats
Hole MGI-16-420 targeted an area of inferred resources on the east flank of the Hangar Flats deposit away from the primary mineralizing structure, the Meadow Creek Fault Zone (the results of which were previously reported on February 23, 2017). The hole, although altered throughout, cut only low grade mineralization, below cut-off grade, averaging 0.21 g/t Au from the collar to the end of the hole.
Details of the previous news releases, the Project and the 2014 PFS can be found filed under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or at www.midasgoldcorp.com.
To view a cross section and the locations of drill holes reported in this news release, please see figures at the end of the release.
Sampling Procedures, Quality Control 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 the Stibnite Gold Project were carried out under the supervision of Richard Moses, C.P.G., Qualified Person and Field Operations Manager for the Stibnite Gold Project. T&J Enterprises, Inc. of Frenchtown MT was contracted for drilling utilizing an AR-65 core drill with HQ3 core with a diameter of 61.1 mm (2-1/2”). All holes, with the exception of one vertical hole, totaling 101.6 meters (333.3 feet), were drill oriented using an ACT III core orientation tool from International Directional Services; LLC of Chandler AZ. Drilling was conducted 24-hours/day using two shifts each with a 3-person crew (driller, drill helper, mud-man). Shifts were scheduled of 20 days on followed by 10 days off. Core was photographed in the core barrel split inner tube, marked for orientation and discontinuities measured at the drill site and then recovery and RQD were measured, and logged for rock lithology, alteration, mineralization, and structure. The core was boxed, photographed in the core box, with sample intervals selected on approximately 1.52 meter (5 foot) intervals, which were then marked for cutting and sampled. One half the core was collected for assay and the second half retained in the core box for archival purposes.
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 gold 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 silver are reanalyzed using a 50g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Antimony is analyzed via a 4-Acid digestion with ICP finish with a 5g/t lower reporting limit. Samples reporting values >500g/t antimony are reanalyzed using XRF fusion. Some intervals may not add or subtract correctly due to rounding, but differences are deemed insignificant. Analyses are carried out by ALS Chemex in their Reno and Elko, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia laboratories. Umpire samples are routinely submitted to third party labs and blank and standard samples are inserted at appropriate intervals and 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 Stibnite Gold Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries are focused on the exploration and, if warranted, site restoration and development of gold-antimony-silver deposits in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho that are encompassed by its Stibnite Gold Project.
Forward-Looking Information
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 including actions taken with the goal of improving, expanding and de-risking previously defined mineral resources; the timing and availability of future drill results; potential sites for additional drilling that could result in potential improved confidence, enhanced economic returns and/or extending higher grade areas. 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”, “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” “be achieved”. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that pending drill results will be available in a timely manner without undue delay; that areas identified as potential sites for additional drilling will yield results consistent with management’s expectations based on the PFS; any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current objectives concerning the Stibnite Gold 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 activities on the Stibnite Gold 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, the industry-wide risks and project-specific risks identified in the PFS and summarized above; risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration, including drill results; 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 US 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 and development activities on the Stibnite Gold 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.
Summary of 2016-2017 Drill Assay Results – Yellow Pine (YP) & Hangar Flats (HF) Deposit, Stibnite Gold Project
Hole-ID | Area | Collar Azimuth | Collar Dip | TD (m) | From (m) | To (m) | Width (m)(1) | Au (g/t)(1) | Ag (g/t) | Sb (%) | AuEq (g/t)(2) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-16-411 | YP | 186 | -45 | 182.9 | 40.5 | 57.9 | 17.4 | 0.82 | 1.1 | 0.00 | 0.84 |
and | 74.7 | 82.3 | 7.6 | 0.42 | 0.7 | 0.00 | 0.43 | ||||
and | 118.7 | 153.9 | 35.2 | 3.10 | 0.7 | 0.00 | 3.11 | ||||
MGI-16-412 | YP | 158 | -45 | 135.6 | 54.9 | 64.0 | 9.1 | 0.36 | 0.6 | 0.00 | 0.37 |
and | 86.8 | 109.7 | 22.9 | 4.70 | 2.1 | 0.15 | 5.03 | ||||
MGI-16-413 | YP | 180 | -35 | 106.2 | No significant intercepts | ||||||
MGI-16-414 | YP | 215 | -28 | 227.7 | 0.0 | 200.3 | 200.3 | 2.25 | 3.2 | 0.13 | 2.55 |
MGI-16-415 | YP | 155 | -35 | 170.7 | 62.5 | 105.2 | 42.7 | 3.12 | 10.7 | 0.49 | 4.25 |
and | 108.2 | 114.3 | 6.1 | 0.99 | 68.7 | 3.49 | 8.85 | ||||
MGI-16-416 | YP | 170 | -30 | 149.4 | No significant intercepts | ||||||
MGI-16-417 | YP | 128 | -45 | 189.3 | 0.0 | 122.5 | 122.5 | 2.21 | 8.0 | 0.46 | 3.22 |
MGI-16-418 | YP | 270 | -35 | 76.2 | 17.9 | 62.5 | 44.6 | 2.01 | 9.4 | 0.59 | 3.30 |
MGI-16-419 | YP | 300 | -35 | 121.3 | 40.1 | 44.5 | 4.5 | 0.67 | 0.5 | 1.82 | 4.27 |
and | 54.3 | 72.5 | 18.3 | 2.47 | 16.9 | 1.24 | 5.15 | ||||
and | 84.5 | 100.0 | 15.5 | 1.38 | 0.7 | 0.00 | 1.39 | ||||
MGI-17-420 | HF | 0 | -90 | 101.6 | No significant intercepts | ||||||
MGI-17-421 | YP | 195 | -28 | 239.6 | 1.5 | 218.2 | 216.7 | 3.24 | 6.1 | 0.30 | 3.91 |
MGI-17-422 | YP | 199 | -31 | 73.8 | Metallurgical hole, not assayed | ||||||
MGI-16-423 | YP | 208 | -27 | 228.6 | 2.1 | 195.7 | 193.6 | 2.46 | 6.3 | 0.55 | 3.63 |
MGI-16-424 | YP | 163 | -31 | 221.0 | 35.1 | 214.6 | 179.5 | 2.45 | 5.7 | 0.47 | 3.45 |
(1) Gold composites are generated using a 0.5 g/t Au cutoff grade. Antimony composites are generated using a 0.1% Sb cutoff grade. Composites may include intervals below cutoff grades.
(2) Gold equivalent grades are reported for illustrative purposes only and are calculated using metal prices of $1,200/oz Au, $17/oz Ag and $7,600/tonne Sb and do not include recovery, transportation, refining or payability. These factors will vary for each metal and affect the economic importance of the various metals.
(3) All holes are core holes.
U.S. FOREST SERVICE BEGINS ANALYSIS OF MIDAS GOLD’S STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT
Draft Record of Decision Expected in 2018 and the Final in early 2019
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today announced that the United States Forest Service (“U.S. Forest Service”) has begun its analysis, under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”), of Midas Gold Idaho, Inc.’s proposed plan of restoration and operations (“PRO”) for the Stibnite Gold Project in Valley County, Idaho. The U.S. Forest Service stated that it expects to produce a draft Record of Decision in 2018 and a final Record of Decision in the first quarter of 2019.
“After years of planning and working with the communities of Valley County, we are confident in the plan of restoration and operations we submitted to the U.S. Forest Service,” said, Laurel Sayer, President and CEO of Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. “Our approach to designing the plan, where the environment and mining can work together to restore an abandoned historic mine site and provide economic opportunity, sets the Stibnite Gold Project apart. The timeline and process outlined by the U.S. Forest Service ensures that every detail and standard of the NEPA regulatory review process is followed while also incorporating the views and input of interested and affected parties and the public.”
U.S. Forest Service officials have created a website (http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/payette/StibniteGold) for the Stibnite Gold Project, where interested parties may find information, review the PRO, follow the process and submit comments. Interested and affected parties may comment during the public scoping period (anticipated to occur in Q2 2017) and again on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which is anticipated to be published in Q1 2018. As required by NEPA, the U.S. Forest Service will announce comment periods by publishing a Notice of Intent or Notice of Availability, as applicable, in the Federal Register.
“This announcement by the U.S. Forest Service signals the beginning of the official regulatory review process for the Stibnite Gold Project and indicates that we can expect a timely process and decision,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “Under the leadership of the U.S. Forest Service, we are committed to ensuring that our project receives a thorough, fair and timely evaluation, with ample opportunity for interested parties to get involved in the review process. We look forward to working with the regulators, interested and affected parties, and the public to finalize a plan to restore the site and bring economic benefits to Valley County and Idaho.”
The next step in the permitting process is for the U.S. Forest Service to publish a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register and launch the 30-day public scoping period.
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
In September 2016, Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. submitted the PRO for the restoration, re-development and operation of the Stibnite Gold Project in Valley County, Idaho. The PRO was deemed administratively complete by the U.S. Forest Service in December 2016.
Details of previous news releases and technical studies can be found filed under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or at www.midasgoldcorp.com.
About Midas Gold and the Stibnite Gold Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries are focused on the exploration and, if warranted, site restoration and development of gold-antimony-silver deposits in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho that are encompassed by its Stibnite Gold Project. Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. operates the project on behalf of Midas Gold Corp. and its other subsidiaries that own the mineral rights that comprise the project.
Forward-Looking Information
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, next steps and courses of action including actions to be taken by the US Forest Service, the State of Idaho and other government agencies and regulatory bodies. 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”, “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” “be achieved”. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Midas Gold has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that the current objectives concerning the Stibnite Gold Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that the formal review process under the NEPA (including a joint review process involving the US Forest Services, the State of Idaho and other agencies and regulatory bodies) as well as the public comment period, scoping process and EIS will proceed in a timely manner and as expected; and that a Memorandum of Understanding will be entered into among US Forest Service and Idaho state agencies and that the timing and content of such Memorandum of Understanding is consistent with Midas Gold’s expectations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Midas Gold 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, changes in laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may result in unforeseen results in the review process under the NEPA; uncertainty surrounding input to be received pursuant to the scoping process including but not limited to the public comment period; risks related to dependence on key personnel; risks related to unforeseen delays in the review process including availability of personnel from the US Forest Services, State of Idaho and other agencies and regulatory bodies; as well as those factors discussed in Midas Gold’s public disclosure record. Although Midas Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Midas Gold 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, Midas Gold 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'S BEST HOLE EVER REPORTED AT THE STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT, IDAHO
MGI-17-421 intersects 3.2g/t Au, 6.1g/t Ag & 0.3% Sb over 217m (3.9g/t AuEq(2))
including 5.7g/t Au, 26.7g/t Ag & 1.3% Sb over 21m (8.6g/t AuEq(2))
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today announced additional results from its ongoing mineral resource optimization drill program at the Stibnite Gold Project, Idaho. The drilling program has multiple goals relating to enhancing the mineral resources defined in the December 2014 preliminary feasibility study (“PFS”), and continues to deliver positive results. Assay results have been received for three additional drill holes completed at the Yellow Pine deposit and a fourth drill hole completed in the Hangar Flats area. Highlights of the drill holes are tabulated below, while complete results are attached at the end of this news release.
Highlights of Recent Assay Results – Yellow Pine Deposit, Stibnite Gold Project
Hole-ID | Type | From | To | Width | Au | Ag | Sb | AuEq |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(m) | (m) | (m)(1) | (g/t)(1) | (g/t) | (%) | (g/t)(2) | ||
MGI-16-418 | Core | 17.9 | 62.5 | 44.6 | 2.01 | 9.4 | 0.59 | 3.30 |
including | 33.5 | 59.3 | 25.8 | 2.66 | 15.6 | 1.01 | 4.86 | |
MGI-16-419 | Core | 54.3 | 72.5 | 18.3 | 2.47 | 16.9 | 1.24 | 5.15 |
MGI-17-421 | Core | 1.52 | 218.2 | 216.7 | 3.24 | 6.1 | 0.30 | 3.91 |
including | 62.5 | 73.2 | 10.7 | 4.66 | 3.7 | 0.01 | 4.72 | |
including | 102.1 | 113.1 | 10.9 | 4.40 | 2.5 | 0.00 | 4.44 | |
including | 128.3 | 149.7 | 21.3 | 5.67 | 26.7 | 1.32 | 8.64 | |
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“The latest assay data from our ongoing drill campaign at Yellow Pine continues to provide positive results that support Midas Gold’s goal of enhancing the mineral resource at the Stibnite Gold Project,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “Hole MGI-16-421 is the best hole ever reported by Midas Gold from its drilling at the Stibnite Gold Project and occurs at shallow depths within the limits of the 2014 preliminary feasibility study mineral reserve pit limits.” Results from two additional drill holes from 2017 drilling are pending, and one additional drill hole is being drilled before the current campaign is completed for the season.
Central Yellow Pine Area
Hole MGI-17-421 was collared adjacent to the collar of hole MGI-16-414 (the results of which were reported November 30, 2016) and oriented to the southwest to intersect west-northwest to east-west trending, northerly-dipping silica-sulfide vein systems and silica-sulfide breccias at angles appropriate to test their true thickness and to validate legacy drill data from previous operators. These distinctive structural and alteration features, recognized by Midas Gold staff, typically host higher grade gold-antimony (Au-Sb) mineralization in the central areas of the Yellow Pine deposit. Prior drill hole orientations have been focused on optimal orientations for the majority of the gold mineralization but are less than ideal to properly evaluate these important mineralized trends for antimony (and related gold-silver). Hole MGI-17-421 intersected 216.7m averaging 3.24 g/t Au and 0.30% Sb and, along with the previously reported hole MGI-16-414, targeted an area directly below the former historic open pit and underground mining area. The highest-grade portions of hole MGI-17-421 are located between the “A-B” and “C” structures, below where the bulk of historical production occurred and where there was limited modern drilling data. Historical drill data suggested potential for this area to contain significant high grade gold and antimony mineralization and the gold grades in MGI-17-421 were approximately 7% higher than predicted by the PFS block model. Vein arrays and silica-sulfide breccia body orientations, as measured from oriented core, indicate the reported intervals are near true thickness.
Drill hole MGI-17-422, was drilled sub-parallel to MGI-17-421 to a depth of 74m to collect whole core for potential metallurgical comminution testing and will be assayed at a later date.
South Yellow Pine Area
Holes MGI-16-418 and MGI-16-419 were drilled in the southeastern portion of the Yellow Pine deposit to establish continuity of the high-grade silica-sulfide breccia corridor intersected in previous Midas Gold drill holes MGI-12-228, MGI-12-231, MGI-12-337, MGI-12-339, MGI-13-390 and MGI-13-391. The earlier drilling encountered good grades of gold and antimony mineralization within a more tightly constrained zone than were indicated in the legacy exploration drill data. Similarly, MGI-16-418 returned approximately 30% higher gold grades over an approximately 15% longer width, but with slightly lower antimony grades than were anticipated (based on the legacy drilling and PFS block model). The same silica-sulfide breccia corridor was intersected in MGI-16-419 which returned grades twice those anticipated, but over 60% of the expected width. Post-mineralization strike-slip faulting is present in this portion of the deposit and may have cut off mineralization in the drillhole. Geologic interpretations, based on this additional drilling and the use of oriented core are improving the structural interpretations and reducing risk for this key area of the Yellow Pine deposit.
Hangar Flats
Hole MGI-16-420 targeted an area of inferred resources on the east flank of the Hangar Flats deposit. Severe winter weather conditions, deep snow and steep slopes limited access to much of the Hangar Flats area, but this site was accessible and tested. The hole was drilled to test an alternative interpretation targeting mineralization occurring in the hanging wall of a north-easterly splay structure but cut only low grade mineralization averaging 0.24 g/t Au from the collar to hole bottom. Mineralization in this area is now known to occur only within the northerly striking Meadow Creek Fault Zone corridor. Additional drilling planned for Hangar Flats, focused on deeper but higher grade gold-antimony mineralization on the southeast side of the deposit has been deferred due to (a) winter conditions and (b) as drilling was re-prioritized into following up on excellent results from the 2016/17 drilling at Yellow Pine.
Details of the previous news releases, the Project and the 2014 PFS can be found filed under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or at www.midasgoldcorp.com.
To view a cross section and the locations of drill holes reported in this news release, please see the figures at the end of this release.
Sampling Procedures, Quality Control 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 the Stibnite Gold Project were carried out under the supervision of Richard Moses, C.P.G., Qualified Person and Field Operations Manager for the Stibnite Gold 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 gold 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 silver are reanalyzed using a 50g Fire Assay charge followed by a gravimetric finish. Antimony is analyzed via a 4-Acid digestion with ICP finish with a 5g/t lower reporting limit. Samples reporting values >500g/t antimony are reanalyzed using XRF fusion. Some intervals may not add or subtract correctly due to rounding, but differences are deemed insignificant. Analyses are carried out by ALS Chemex in their Reno and Elko, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia laboratories. Umpire samples are routinely submitted to third party labs and blank and standard samples are inserted at appropriate intervals and 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 Stibnite Gold Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries are focused on the exploration and, if warranted, site restoration and development of gold-antimony-silver deposits in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho that are encompassed by its Stibnite Gold Project.
Forward-Looking Information
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 including actions taken with the goal of improving, expanding and de-risking previously defined mineral resources; the timing and availability of further drill results; potential sites for additional drilling that could result in potential improved confidence, enhanced economic returns and/or extending higher grade areas. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential”, or “does not anticipate”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” “be achieved”. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that pending drill results will be available in a timely manner without undue delay; that areas identified as potential sites for additional drilling will yield results consistent with management’s expectations based on the PFS; any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current objectives concerning the Stibnite Gold 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 activities on the Stibnite Gold 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, the industry-wide risks and project-specific risks identified in the PFS and summarized above; risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration, including drill results; 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 US 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 and development activities on the Stibnite Gold 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.
Summary Drill Assay Results – Yellow Pine (YP) & Hangar Flats (HF) Deposits, Stibnite Gold Project
Area | Collar | Collar | TD | From | To | Width | Au | Ag | Sb | AuEq | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Azimuth | Dip | (m) | (m) | (m) | (m)(1) | (g/t)(1) | (g/t) | (%) | (g/t)(2) | ||
MGI-16-418 | YP | 270 | -35 | 76.2 | 17.9 | 62.5 | 44.6 | 2.01 | 9.4 | 0.59 | 3.30 |
including | 33.5 | 59.3 | 25.8 | 2.66 | 15.6 | 1.01 | 4.86 | ||||
MGI-16-419 | YP | 300 | -35 | 121.3 | 40.1 | 44.5 | 4.5 | 0.67 | 0.5 | 1.82 | 4.27 |
and | 54.3 | 72.5 | 18.3 | 2.47 | 16.9 | 1.24 | 5.15 | ||||
and | 84.5 | 100.0 | 15.5 | 1.38 | 0.7 | 0.00 | 1.39 | ||||
MGI-17-420 | HF | 0 | -90 | 101.6 | Anomalous Au & Sb only | ||||||
MGI-17-421 | YP | 195 | -28 | 239.6 | 1.52 | 218.2 | 216.7 | 3.24 | 6.1 | 0.30 | 3.91 |
including | 62.5 | 73.2 | 10.7 | 4.66 | 3.7 | 0.01 | 4.72 | ||||
including | 102.1 | 113.1 | 10.9 | 4.40 | 2.5 | 0.00 | 4.44 | ||||
including | 128.3 | 149.7 | 21.3 | 5.67 | 26.7 | 1.32 | 8.64 | ||||
MGI-17-422 | YP | 199 | -31 | 73.8 | Metallurgical hole, not assayed | ||||||
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MIDAS GOLD REPORTS FAVOURABLE METALLURGICAL TEST RESULTS FOR ITS STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT, IDAHO
Reduced Reagent Consumption, Coarser Grind, Higher Antimony Concentrate Grades
& Higher Gold Flotation Recoveries
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today provided an update on the feasibility-level metallurgical testing program being carried out on its Stibnite Gold Project (“Project”), which is located in Idaho, USA. This work is an important foundation for the planned feasibility study (“FS”) for the Project. The metallurgical testing program, being conducted at several laboratories in the Vancouver, B.C. area, is being coordinated by Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd. (“Blue Coast”) under the guidance of a team of metallurgical experts working with Midas Gold’s technical staff.
Program Objectives
The current metallurgical testing program is designed to achieve the following objectives:
Enhanced economics for the Project by reducing capital and operating costs, improving the antimony concentrate grade, and improving gold flotation recoveries as compared to those reported in the December 2014 prefeasibility study (“PFS”); and
Geo-metallurgically model the projected metallurgical response (throughput and recoveries) spatially across the different mineral deposits. A robust geo-metallurgical model would further reduce metallurgical risk to the Project and may create opportunities to enhance overall Project economics.
Metallurgical Testing Program
To date, the focus of the testing has been on optimisation of the grinding and flotation stages of the Project. This work has utilized composites comprising 237 intervals from 29 drill holes, and was designed to create composites that closely represent (by grade, lithology, and spatial distribution) the expected mix of ore through the first 3 years of the projected production as detailed in the PFS. As such, these composites are the most representative metallurgical composites of likely ore in the early years created for the Project testing programs to date.
Results to Date
Based on the flotation and grinding work completed to date, several encouraging results have been achieved:
Reagent dosages and overall consumption of flotation reagents have been significantly reduced without negatively affecting metallurgical performance. This should translate into reduced life-of-mine operating costs as compared to the doses used in the PFS, estimated in the range of US$20-30 million based on assumptions in the PFS.
The target primary grind has been coarsened from 75 to 85 microns without negatively affecting metallurgical performance. This should result in reductions in both capital and operating costs as compared with the primary grind size employed in the PFS.
Antimony concentrate grades have been improved. In the case of the Yellow Pine deposit, antimony concentrate grades are projected to increase from 59% antimony by weight in the PFS to 63-65%, with similar overall antimony recoveries, while gold losses to the antimony concentrate have been reduced, increasing overall payable gold recoveries for the Project as compared to the PFS. Higher antimony concentrate grades would reduce concentrate shipping costs and enhance the marketability of the concentrate, which should lead to more favourable contractual rates from buyers.
Overall reported gold flotation recoveries have increased. Based on tests using the enhanced processing conditions, gold flotation recoveries for the Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats deposits have been several percentage points higher as compared to the PFS. Materials from the West End deposit have not been sufficiently tested to confirm that the increased gold flotation recovery trend applies to that deposit.
“The results of the metallurgical optimization test work completed to date on our Stibnite Gold Project are encouraging,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “This test work represents one of a number of avenues for enhancing Project economics that we are pursuing. Other avenues include the mineral resource optimization drill program currently in process and optimizing development rock storage, as well as the balance of the metallurgical test program still to be completed.”
Next Steps
Test work to optimise the grinding and flotation circuits is nearly complete, and attention is now moving to the pressure oxidation and downstream hydrometallurgical circuits. The aim of this next stage of test work is to enhance Project economics, largely through a combination of reduced projected capital and operating costs as compared to the PFS. This work, which includes piloting of both the mineral processing and autoclave stages of the Project plus considerable batch testing to support process design, is expected to be complete by mid-2017.
Geo-Metallurgical Modelling
A detailed geo-metallurgical program is underway to model the potential variability in metallurgical performance in the process. Project geologists and metallurgists are collaborating closely to establish how the expected process response of all mineralised material within mineral resources can be modelled spatially by comparing various rock types, alteration styles and geochemical analyses with metallurgical performance. Ultimately, this modelling should support the projection of throughput and metallurgy for every block in the mineral resource and mine plan. This modelling is expected to both reduce metallurgical risk to the Project and open the opportunity for development of a mine plan that, where possible, exploits optimal metallurgical performance early in the life of the Project.
Details of the previous news releases, the Project and the 2014 Preliminary Feasibility Study can be found filed under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or at www.midasgoldcorp.com.
Quality Control 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 metallurgical testing program for the Stibnite Gold Project was carried out under the supervision of Christopher Martin, MIMMM, C.Eng., a Qualified Person and Principal Metallurgist for Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd.
About Midas Gold and the Stibnite Gold Project
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, site restoration and development of gold-antimony-silver deposits in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho that are encompassed by its Stibnite Gold Project.
Forward-Looking Information
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 including actions taken with the goal of enhancing metallurgical performance including recoveries, reagent consumption, grind size and antimony concentrate grades. 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”, “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”, “should”, “might”, “be achieved”. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that the results of metallurgical test programs will be reflected in the scale up to commercial operations; any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current objectives concerning the Stibnite Gold 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 activities on the Stibnite Gold 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, the industry-wide risks and project-specific risks identified in the PFS and summarized above; risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration, including drill results; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; changes in and the predictability of metallurgical performance, 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 US 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 and development activities on the Stibnite Gold 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.
MIDAS REPORTS SIGNIFICANT GOLD INTERCEPTS AT HANGAR FLATS, GOLDEN MEADOWS PROJECT, IDAHO
Hole MGI-10-12 intersected 4.1g/t gold over 36.6m, including 7.4g/t gold over 16.5m
Hole MGI-10-13 intersected 2.6g/t gold over 70.3m plus 2.1g/t gold over 42.7m
Hole MGI-10-26 intercepted 2.4g/t gold over 176.8m plus 1.8g/t gold over 68.6m
Hole MGI-10-27 intercepted 2.5g/t gold over 117.0m
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold, Inc. (a private company) today announced assay results from its core drilling program on the Hangar Flats deposit at the Company’s Golden Meadows Project, Idaho. A total of twenty-six drill holes were completed at Hangar Flats during the summer and fall of 2010 as part of its resource definition and exploration drill program that was designed to develop a mineral resource estimate to a level suitable for reporting under Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Technical Reporting guidelines, the results of which will be announced during Q1/11. Hangar Flats is a high grade gold-silver-antimony-tungsten discovery made in 2009 by Midas Gold and these most recent drill intercepts are step outs and infill holes from the 2009 discovery holes. Highlights of assays from these recent drill holes are summarized in the table below and the full results for the twenty-six holes released today, as well as results from our eleven-hole 2009 drill program, are provided in the attached table.
Highlights of 2010 Drilling at Hangar Flats
Hole ID | Target Area | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m)* | Gold (g/t) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-10-12 | Hangar Flats | 72.2 | 108.8 | 36.6 | 4.08 |
Including | 74.1 | 90.5 | 16.5 | 7.36 | |
MGI-10-13 | Hangar Flats | 73.2 | 143.4 | 70.3 | 2.60 |
And | 162.5 | 205.1 | 42.7 | 2.06 | |
And | 213.4 | 220.8 | 7.5 | 1.27 | |
And | 227.1 | 228.0 | 0.9 | 8.66 | |
MGI-10-26 | Hangar Flats | 10.7 | 187.5 | 176.8 | 2.43 |
Including | 126.5 | 134.1 | 7.6 | 7.09 | |
And | 195.1 | 263.7 | 68.6 | 1.82 | |
MGI-10-27 | Hangar Flats | 26.2 | 143.3 | 117.0 | 2.50 |
Including | 75.6 | 89.3 | 13.7 | 6.23 |
* Based upon the current 3D interpretation of the Hangar Flats deposit the intervals quoted here are at or near true thickness and are composited using a 0.5 g/t cutoff and may include short intervals of internal waste below the cutoff grade. Reported intervals may not correspond precisely to the ‘From’ and ‘To’ due to rounding.
“Hangar Flats has rapidly advanced from a small historical mineral occurrence, to a major drilled discovery, through an initial round of exploration drilling, and in-filled to standards suitable for formal resource estimation, all in less than two years,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold. “With drilling now complete, an updated mineral resource estimate is underway and will be released in the near future. Hangar Flats is one of three significant gold deposits in the Golden Meadows project area, in addition to numerous other gold occurrences similar in scale to Hangar Flats prior to the 2009- 10 drilling, suggesting significant additional gold potential at Golden Meadows.”
These drill results, along with those from previous drilling, indicate that the Hangar Flats deposit comprises a series of stacked ellipsoidal lenses, with best grades and thicknesses near the trace of the Meadow Creek Fault System, a major district-scale ore controlling structure. The thick, higher grade intercepts reported above and in the table attached are from the core of the deposit, while the narrower, lower grade intercepts in the table attached are from the margins of the deposit. A new resource model for Hangar Flats will be completed in Q1/11.
For current drill hole locations, please view the accompanying maps and section.
2010 Exploration Program at Golden Meadows
The drilling at Hangar Flats was undertaken as part of a forty-four hole, 12,893m drill program completed in 2010 by Midas Gold Inc., which program focused on the Hangar Flats and West End areas. All drilling was undertaken with HQ core drilling, with core logged and sawn in half on site, and samples sent offsite for assay.
About the Golden Meadows Project
The Golden Meadows Project encompasses most of the historic Stibnite-Yellow Pine Mining District in South-central Idaho where Midas Gold, Inc. (a private company), owns or controls over 4,000 hectares in the district and recently entered into a letter of intent with Vista Gold Corp. to combine Vista’s Yellow Pine deposit, which Vista has reported as containing significant gold mineral resources in the Golden Meadows project area, with Midas Gold’s interests, in a new company (“Newco”). As a result, Vista will become a 35% shareholder of Newco.
The Stibnite-Yellow Pine district lies at the intersection of major, regional fault systems and lies on the margins of the western ring fractured margin of the Tertiary Thunder Mountain caldera complex. Gold mineralization within the Golden Meadows Project appears to be an intrusion related, gold-rich system overprinted by a younger, epithermal gold system with increased silver and antimony. Historic gold production of approximately one million ounces from the district came primarily from high grade underground gold-antimony production immediately north of Hangar Flats from 1928-38, open pit mining at Yellow Pine from 1938-52, or from heap leaching of oxide gold occurrences, including West End and Homestake, from 1974 to 1997. The deeper sulphide gold potential has seen little attention in modern exploration. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Golden Meadows Project are Hangar Flats and West End, along with Vista’s Yellow Pine deposits, all associated with significant structural corridors. In addition, numerous other smaller gold occurrences have been identified, some of which have historic gold resource estimates, and which remain to be explored for their deeper sulphide potential.
For further information about Midas Gold, Inc., please contact: Investor Relations at (509) 927-GOLD (4653) or e-mail Midas at info@midasgoldinc.com
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 and reviewed by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold, Inc. The exploration activities at the Hangar Flats deposit were carried out under the supervision of Christopher Dail, C.P.G., Qualified Person and Project Manager for the Golden Meadows Project.
Gold is analyzed by fire assay fusion with 30g charges with an atomic absorption spectroscopy or gravimetric finish for gold. Analyses are carried out by ALS CHEMEX in their Reno and Winnemucca, Nevada laboratories. Blank and standard samples are used for quality assurance and quality control. After the completion of the drilling programs, random check assays were analyzed at Inspectorate and American Assay Laboratories in Reno, Nevada.
Forward-Looking Statements
This document may contain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document and Midas Gold, Inc. (the “Company”) does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect Company management’s expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the realization of mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, success of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “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” or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. By their very nature forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks related to actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of mineral resources; possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward- looking statements, 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 statements 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 statements.
Cautionary Note - The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. Midas Gold uses certain terms such as “measured”, “indicated”, “inferred”, and “mineral resources,” which the SEC guidelines strictly prohibit U.S. registered companies from including in their filings with the SEC. However, Midas Gold is not an SEC registered company. This press release is NOT for U.S. distribution and is not a solicitation or a prospectus for stock.
MIDAS GOLD ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF STEPHEN P. QUIN AS PRESIDENT & CEO
Spokane, Washington - Midas Gold Inc. (a private company) today announced the appointment of Stephen P. Quin, P.Geo., as President and Chief Executive Officer of Midas Gold, effective January 1, 2011.
“Stephen Quin brings a wealth of experience to Midas Gold,” said Frank Duval, retiring President of Midas Gold, Inc. “Mr. Quin’s experience in exploration, feasibility studies, permitting and project finance, as well as mine development and operations, positions Midas Gold to comprehensively and rapidly advance its Golden Meadows project located in the Yellow Pine - Stibnite gold district of Idaho.”
“I am excited to be joining Midas Gold at this critical juncture in its history,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold, Inc. “The consolidation of the Yellow Pine - Stibnite district as its Golden Meadows project represents a tremendous opportunity for value creation for the shareholders of Midas Gold, new and old. Not only are there significant gold mineral resources already defined, but there is exceptional exploration potential as a result of the historic fragmented ownership of the district that prevented its efficient and effective exploration. Now that the district is on the verge of being consolidated under one roof for the first time since gold was first discovered in the early 1900’s, exploration can proceed unconstrained by artificial property boundaries. Further, the significant sulphide potential below the traditional oxide gold targets represents a vast, largely untested, gold target. Continuing on the heels of two highly successful drilling programs in 2009 and 2010, we are currently planning our 2011 campaign, which will further evaluate the potential of the Golden Meadows project,” stated Mr. Quin. “At this transition point for the Company, I would like to also acknowledge the considerable effort put forward by Frank Duval and his team over the preceding years to effect the successful consolidation of the district, the compilation of many years of historic mining and exploration data, and two years of exploration that have considerably expanded the gold potential in the district.”
Biography for Stephen Quin
Prior to joining Midas Gold, Mr. Quin was President of Capstone Mining Corp., an intermediate copper producer with mines in Canada and Mexico.
In 2005, Mr. Quin co-founded Sherwood Copper Corporation and was appointed President & CEO. Under his leadership, Sherwood acquired the Minto exploration project and advanced it through feasibility and into production in 2007, on time and on budget, and subsequently doubled mill capacity and mineral resources. In early 2008, Mr. Quin led the acquisition of the high grade Kutcho copper-zinc deposit for Sherwood, currently the subject of an on-going prefeasibility study. In late 2008, Mr. Quin steered Sherwood through the combination with Capstone Mining, owner and operator of the Cozamin mine in Mexico. On completion of the merger, Mr. Quin assumed the role of President & COO of Capstone, which now has a market capitalization of approximately C$900 million.
From 1987 to 2005, Mr. Quin was a senior executive with Miramar Mining Corporation, where he co- led the acquisition and directed the exploration of the Con Mine and, subsequently, the Hope Bay project in Canada; Hope Bay became one of the largest high grade gold deposits in Canada. Miramar was acquired for approximately $1.3 billion by Newmont Canada in 2007. From 1994 to 2000, Mr. Quin was a senior executive with Northern Orion Exploration Ltd., an affiliate of Miramar, where he led the acquisition and subsequent exploration of the Agua Rica copper-gold-molybdenum porphyry in Argentina in a joint venture with BHP, as well as the San Jorge copper-gold project in Argentina.
Mr. Quin graduated with a B.Sc. (Honours) in Mining Geology from the Royal School of Mines, London, England in 1980. He is a Professional Geoscientist registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, a Fellow with the Geologic Association of Canada and Society of Economic Geologists, a Member of the Canadian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (UK). Mr. Quin also serves on the board of a number of publicly listed mining companies and industry associations.
About Midas Gold
Midas Gold is a private company that controls the majority of the Yellow Pine - Stibnite district in Idaho, a district that encompasses a number of historic past producing mines, as well as significant mineral resources. Additional details regarding Midas Gold’s mineral resources at Golden Meadows will be announced shortly. On December 7, 2010, Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE Amex Equities: VGZ) announced that it had entered into a letter of intent to combine Vista’s Yellow Pine deposit, which Vista has reported as containing significant gold mineral resources in the Golden Meadows project area, with Midas Gold’s interests, in a new company (“Newco”). As a result, Vista will become a 35% shareholder of Newco. Mr. Quin will continue as President & CEO of Newco when this combination is completed.
Additional information on Midas Gold, Newco and its Golden Meadows project will be released over the coming months.
Forward Looking Information
This new release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning thereof under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning thereof under Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this news release that address activities, events or developments that Midas Gold expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, estimates of mineral resources, the conversion of inferred mineral resources to measured and indicated resources, the conversion of mineral resources to mineral reserves, the potential to expand the resource base at the Golden Meadows project, the timing for completion and expected results of NI43-101 resource estimates by Midas Gold relating to its properties within the Golden Meadows project, potential gold resources at Vista’s Yellow Pine gold project, the entering into a definitive agreement with Midas Gold, the timing for the completion of the definitive agreement and completion of the proposed transaction between Midas Gold and Vista, and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. When used in this press release, the words “optimistic”, “potential”, “indicate”, “expect”, “intend”, “hopes”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “if”, “anticipate,” “when”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Midas Gold to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, negotiating a satisfactory definitive agreement and other related documentation, timing for completing the definitive agreement, the combination and transactions contemplated thereunder, obtaining board and regulatory approvals; tax consequences of the proposed combination; the ability to integrate the operations of Newco; uncertainty of mineral resource estimates; estimates of results based on such mineral resource estimates; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks relating to delays in the completion of future drilling programs; risks related to the adequacy of the design of such drilling programs, risks related to the ability to obtain the necessary permits; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Midas Gold’ operations of environmental regulations in the areas in which it operates; and risks due to legal proceedings. Although Midas Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by law, Midas Gold assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
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 by Stephen P. Quin, P. Geo., President & CEO of Midas Gold Inc.
Some of the mineral resources at Golden Meadows are categorized as indicated and some as inferred mineral resources. 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 categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
Cautionary Note - The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. Midas Gold uses certain terms such as “measured”, “indicated”, “inferred”, and “mineral resources,” which the SEC guidelines strictly prohibit U.S. registered companies from including in their filings with the SEC. However, Midas Gold is not an SEC registered company.