
Press Releases
MIDAS GOLD UPDATE ON PILOT-SCALE METALLURGICAL TESTING FOR THE STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT, IDAHO
Successful metallurgical pilot plant runs identify opportunities to make the process flowsheet more robust, more economical, lower technical risk, and more environmentally sound
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Midas Gold Corp. (TSX:MAX / OTCQX:MDRPF) today reported on continuing progress in its feasibility-level metallurgical test program for the Stibnite Gold Project (“Project”) located in Idaho, USA. This important component of the Project feasibility study (“FS”) is progressing well and is expected to be concluded in the second quarter of 2018. The work, conducted at several laboratories, is being coordinated by Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd. (“Blue Coast”) and M3 Engineering and Technology Corp. (“M3”), under the guidance of a team of metallurgical experts working with Midas Gold.
Highlights of the results of metallurgical testing since the completion of the 2014 preliminary feasibility study (“PFS”), all of which should have economic benefits to the Project, include the following:
A coarser primary grind, reducing energy and grinding media costs;
Higher gold and antimony concentrate grades;
Higher overall gold and antimony recoveries;
Reduced reagent consumption, reducing operating costs; and
Use of on-site limestone for pH control, significantly reducing the need for trucked-in lime, thereby reducing operating costs. On-site limestone use also increases environmental performance, improves downstream gold recovery and reduces reagent consumption, which provides both environmental and economic benefits.
“Progress with metallurgical testing, including a number of pilot plant runs, has demonstrated potential for improved environmental and economic parameters in the upcoming feasibility study,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “These test results represent another important milestone in the advancement of the Stibnite Gold Project towards completion of a feasibility study.”
Previously Reported Progress
Earlier work, described in a press release dated February 14, 2017, achieved progress in risk reduction in primary grinding design and in reducing projected costs of the flotation process while generally enhancing metallurgical recoveries. Highlights of progress as compared to the PFS reported in that press release included (see February 14, 2017 news release for details):
Reduced consumption of flotation reagents, reducing operating costs;
Coarsened primary grind (from 75 to 85 microns), reducing energy and grinding media costs; and
Improved antimony concentrate grades from 59% to 63-65%, reducing shipping costs and increasing payability.
This update provides information on key advancements made since the February 2017 press release.
Reductions in Concentrate Production
The majority of capital costs associated with the processing plant for the Stibnite Gold Project are related to the autoclave and associated processes, so a reduction in the tonnage of concentrate into this process can be expected to reduce the size, and hence cost, of that part of the process facilities. Consequently, recent flotation work has developed a cleaner flotation process that reduces the amount of material to be processed through the proposed on-site pressure oxidation and related circuits, while still achieving overall gold recoveries matching or exceeding those reported in the PFS. This work has included batch and pilot plant programs, with the pilot plant performance closely replicating the enhanced metallurgy achieved in batch testing.
Process Enhancements in Pressure Oxidation
During 2017, significant progress was made in the development of the pressure oxidation and downstream unit processes for the Project, initially confirming work that had been done for the PFS, then exploiting opportunities to make the process more robust and cost effective, and to reduce technical risk. Initial testing, completed in mid-2017, provided the foundation for a successful, 6-day pilot plant campaign in Q4/2017 on flotation concentrate from representative composite samples of Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats material. This program largely supported metallurgical recovery expectations from the PFS and so validated the process as proposed in the PFS.
However, opportunities were identified during this work that have subsequently been shown to enhance the process further. The key process refinement involved incorporating the use of ground limestone in the autoclave to control free acid levels, which offers some key benefits:
It enhances the environmental stability of the final process products;
By using limestone mined on-site as a neutralization medium, it substantially reduces the tonnage of lime to be trucked to site, which would reduce operating costs and offsite vehicle traffic;
It has been demonstrated in testing that the use of limestone improves the ease of downstream processing and potentially reduces cyanide consumption, which would also reduce operating costs; and
It also makes the metallurgical performance more robust and less susceptible to variations in ore types being mined from the various feed sources in the Project.
Further benefits are likely to be realized from this process enhancement. These are expected to have further positive impacts on Project economics, but at this stage these are not fully quantified. The enhanced process, using ground limestone for pH control, has been extensively tested by both bench-scale and pilot plant testing, and is a proven approach used effectively at other commercial pressure oxidation operations. A variety of feed types from all three deposits have been tested and all were found to respond well to the enhanced process.
Latest Gold Recovery Projections vs Pre-feasibility Study
Below, the overall recoveries of gold achieved from flowsheet development in the FS are compared with those adopted for the PFS. Note that the final recoveries adopted for the FS may differ from those listed below, depending on results from the variability studies currently underway:
Low Antimony | High Antimony | |||||
Yellow Pine | Hangar Flats | West End | Yellow Pine | Hangar Flats | ||
Flotation recovery | ||||||
FS testing to date | ||||||
- Batch | 93.7 | 91.9 | n/a | 91.4 | 91.8 | |
- Pilot plant | 92.3* | |||||
PFS projection | 93.2 | 91.8 | n/a | 90.1 | 87.6 | |
POX-CIL extraction | ||||||
FS testing to date | ||||||
- Batch | 97.5 | 98.0 | 98.0 | 97.5 | 98.0 | |
- Pilot plant | 98.3* | |||||
PFS projection | 97.6 | 97.0 | 98.2 | 97.6 | 97.0 | |
Overall recoveries (Overall recoveries include assumed 0.8% post-CIL gold loss) | ||||||
FS testing to date | ||||||
- Batch | 90.6 | 89.3 | n/a | 88.4 | 89.2 | |
- Pilot plant | 90.0 | |||||
PFS projection | 90.2 | 88.3 | n/a | 87.2 | 84.3 | |
Notes: |
Work is presently focusing on fine-tuning the remaining downstream processes.
Geometallurgy and Variability
The geometallurgical program is advancing in parallel with the hydrometallurgical testing. A first phase, involving diagnostic process testing of the different lithological and alteration ore types, has (not surprisingly) revealed links between ore geology and expected metallurgy. This work has been used to create a suite of samples to be tested as part of the flotation variability program. These samples have been selected to encompass the variability in plant feed types to be expected though the life of the Project. This testing is currently underway and is expected to be complete within three months.
The pressure oxidation variability studies are largely complete, with one more round of tests planned, mostly to provide samples for environmental testing of the combined (flotation and leach) process tailings.
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.
Management Changes
At the end of February, 2018, Midas Gold’s Chief Operating Officer, Bob Barnes will be retiring from his executive position. Nevertheless, Mr. Barnes will continue to serve on the Board of Directors of Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. in a non-executive function, with continued emphasis on environmental compliance and safety. During his six plus years with the Company, Bob has played a leadership role as the Stibnite Gold Project has transitioned from exploration through PEA and PFS and has particularly left his mark on the safety and environmental compliance aspects of site activities, where there was only one lost time incident in five years of drilling and other site activities, and six years without a recordable environmental incident.
Also at the end of February, Rocky Chase, Midas Gold’s Vice President of Environment and Sustainability will be departing the Company. During more than five years with the Company, Mr. Chase focused on environmental compliance, baseline environmental data collection, permit application preparation and many other tasks integral to the advancement of the Stibnite Gold Project into the regulatory process.
Midas Gold thanks both Mr. Barnes and Mr. Chase for their contributions to the Company over a number of years and wishes them the best in their future.
Compliance with National Instrument 43-101
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“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
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Idaho, Inc., Idaho Gold Resources, LLC and Stibnite Gold Company, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of deposits in the Stibnite‐Yellow Pine district of central Idaho that comprise the Stibnite Gold Project. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors, as well as a mineral resource contained in Historic Tailings.
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; the potential for antimony production from the Project; the anticipated completion of a feasibility study and filing of a NI 43-101 technical report in conjunction therewith; 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”, “opportunities”, “confirm”, “if” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “might” “be achieved”. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Midas Gold Corp. (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 2014 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 2014 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 UPDATES MINERAL RESOURCES FOR THE STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT, IDAHO
Updated Estimate to Support Mine Planning and Feasibility Study
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (TSX:MAX / OTCQX:MDRPF) today updated its mineral resource estimates for the Stibnite Gold Project (the “Project”), located in the historic Stibnite-Yellow Pine mining district in Idaho, USA. These updated estimates incorporate: (1) additional drilling completed since 2014 that was focused on converting mineral resources from the inferred to the indicated category within the limits of mineral reserve limiting pit in the 2014 Preliminary Feasibility Study (“2014 PFS”), (2) additional data collected and recovered from pre-Midas Gold activities, and (3) more detailed geological modelling supported by relogging Midas Gold core, rock geochemistry, mapping, alteration modeling and other information. While overall totals and averages have seen modest changes since 2014, key highlights include:
First time definition of a measured resource at Yellow Pine, located at surface, with a grade of 2.5 g/t gold and 0.25% antimony, which would be the first area to be mined under the development plan proposed in the 2014 PFS.
An overall 6% increase in gold grade and a 22% increase in antimony grade in the Yellow Pine deposit, which would be the first deposit to be mined under 2014 PFS, which should benefit project economics as compared to the 2014 PFS.
A 31% increase in antimony contained in the mineral resources for the Project, split between the Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats deposits, potentially increasing production of this critical metal.
On a total project basis, a 2% increase in measured and indicated gold grade and a 3% increase in gold contained in the measured and indicated mineral resources.
The West End deposit saw a 6% increase in gold contained in indicated mineral resources, and a 49% increase in gold contained in inferred mineral resources.
These increases in measured and indicated mineral resources are partially offset by reductions in inferred mineral resources as a result of the updated model and conversion of inferred resources.
Details of the above highlights are provided, below.
Table 1: Consolidated Mineral Resource Statement(1,2,3,4,5,6) for the Stibnite Gold Project
Total(5) Open Pit Oxide + Sulfide Mineral Resources - Base Case Estimate
Classification | Tonnage (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade (%)(5) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
Measured | 4,623 | 2.53 | 377 | 3.91 | 581 | 0.25 | 25,821 |
Indicated | 100,289 | 1.62 | 5,234 | 2.47 | 7,955 | 0.08 | 178,016 |
M & I | 104,912 | 1.66 | 5,610 | 2.53 | 8,536 | 0.09 | 203,838 |
Inferred(6) | 23,174 | 1.29 | 959 | 2.04 | 1,518 | 0.04 | 20,524 |
All mineral resources have been estimated in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) definitions, as required under National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”).
Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell in order to demonstrate potential for economic viability, as required under NI43-101; mineralization lying outside of these pit shells is not reported as a mineral resource. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate and therefore numbers may not appear to add precisely.
Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,050 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a contingency (see details below).
Open pit oxide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.45 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,050 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a contingency (see details below).
“Total” project mineral resources include those resources from the Yellow Pine, Hangar Flats, West End and Historic Tailings deposits.
Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
“The updated mineral resource estimate for the Stibnite Gold Project represents another milestone in the path towards completion of a feasibility study,” said Stephen Quin, President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp, “The successful execution of a focused drilling campaign combined with extensive geological modelling has resulted in a refined and enhanced mineral resource estimate that has confidence levels sufficient to support the completion of a feasibility study,” he said. “While the overall changes to the mineral resource estimates are relatively modest, the positive changes are concentrated in the Yellow Pine deposit, and particularly the upper portions of that deposit, which should provide enhanced margins in the early years of the operational life, since the Yellow Pine deposit would be the first deposit to be mined.”
Highlighted Changes to Mineral Resource Estimates
The principal changes in the 2018 mineral resource estimates (relative to the 2014 PFS consolidated mineral resource statement) are a 2% increase in Measured and Indicated (M&I) gold grade and a 3% increase in M&I gold contained in mineral resources, as well as a 31% increase in indicated antimony contained in mineral resources. These changes are largely driven by a 6% increase in M&I gold grade at Yellow Pine, a 10% increase in indicated mineralized tonnage in the West End deposit and increased antimony contained in mineral resources in both the Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats deposits. Positive changes are slightly offset by a 2% decrease in indicated gold contained in mineral resources at Hangar Flats.
The change in grade at Yellow Pine is the result of additional drilling and a more detailed geological model, which better segregates mineralized and unmineralized materials on the basis of newly identified fault zones defined based on re-logging, oriented core data from the 2016-2017 drilling program and surficial pit mapping from pre-Midas Gold activities. Similarly, increased tonnage in the West End deposit is the result of a more detailed geological model which subdivides metasedimentary formations into individual lithotypes and models stratigraphic offset along post-mineralization faults. Another principal change in the West End model is the definition of more oxide resources following a thorough comparison of cyanide recoverable to total gold ratios against distribution of logged oxidation in drill logs.
All models use sub-block or partial-block percentage reporting to accurately report in-situ mineral resources, which will allow for quantitative forecasting of mining dilution in the feasibility study.
Increases in antimony contained in mineral resources at Yellow Pine are due to new drilling in the antimony resource area, definition of an antimony grade shell using indicator methods, and re-evaluation of legacy data used in the estimate on the basis of reconciliation against historic production records. Similarly, the increase in antimony contained in mineral resources at Hangar Flats is the result of new drilling in the antimony resource area and different treatment of legacy drillhole data following assessment of the impact of this data. Additional details for each deposit are provided below.
2018 Updated Mineral Resources within the 2014 PFS Mineral Reserve Pit
Since the 2014 mineral resource update, Midas Gold’s efforts have almost exclusively been focused on optimizing mineral resources located within the mineral reserve limiting pit defined in the 2014 PFS. In order to more clearly illustrate the results of these efforts, the table below compares the updated mineral resources within the same 2014 PFS mineral reserve limiting pit. This comparison is provided for information purposes only and is only intended to allow a direct comparison of mineral resources within that 2014 PFS mineral reserve limiting pit. This comparison should not be interpreted as a statement of mineral reserves; mineral reserves will only be defined in the pending feasibility study, due for completion in later 2018.
Table 2: Comparison of 2018 and 2014 Consolidated Mineral Resource Statement(1,2,3,4,5,6) for the Stibnite Gold Project Located Within the 2014 PFS Mineral Reserve Limiting Pits + Historic Tailings
Classification | Tonnage (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade (%)(5) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
2018 Update | |||||||
Measured and Indicated | 85,999 | 1.70 | 4,693 | 2.31 | 6,392 | 0.08 | 155,500 |
Inferred(6) | 7,134 | 1.22 | 279 | 1.41 | 324 | 0.01 | 1,218 |
2014 Estimate | |||||||
Indicated | 83,224 | 1.67 | 4,476 | 2.50 | 6,684 | 0.07 | 132,660 |
Inferred(6) | 7,203 | 1.33 | 308 | 2.02 | 467 | 0.06 | 9,671 |
2014-2018 Change | |||||||
Indicated | +2,775 | +0.03 | +217 | (0.19) | (292) | +0.01 | +22,840 |
Inferred(6) | (69) | (0.11) | (29) | (0.61) | (143) | (0.05) | (8,453) |
Percentage Change | |||||||
Indicated | +3% | +2% | +5% | -8% | -4% | +14% | +17% |
Inferred | -1% | -8% | -9% | -30% | -31% | -83% | -87% |
Antimony mineral resources are reported as a subset of the total mineral resource within the conceptual pit shells used to constrain the total gold mineral resource in order to demonstrate potential for economic viability, as required under NI43-101; mineralization outside of these pit shells is not reported as a mineral resource. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.
Open pit antimony sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade 0.1% antimony within the overall 0.75 g/t Au gold cut-off. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,050 per ounce of gold, $4.00/lb antimony and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a contingency (see details below). The antimony subdomain is further limited to discrete zones of mineralization with grades that exceed 0.1% antimony.
Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
Mineral Resource Estimates by Deposit
The mineral resource estimate for the Project encompasses four separate deposits: Yellow Pine, Hangar Flats, West End and Historic Tailings. Each deposit was modelled based on a combination of Midas Gold and pre-Midas Gold drilling, with the latter information being used only where sufficient confidence was obtained to support its use. Details of each of the mineral resource estimates are summarized below.
Yellow Pine Mineral Resource Estimate
The mineral resource estimate for the Yellow Pine deposit is summarized in the table below and is based on 69,753m of drilling in 629 holes, including 43,814m of drilling in 223 holes by Midas Gold and the balance drilled by others. Additional work, including oriented core drilling by Midas Gold since the 2014 PFS, relogging of core, rock geochemistry and alteration modelling, mapping, surface sampling and other information, has made possible a significantly improved and more detailed geologic model, resulting in improved understanding of controls on mineralization. The principal changes in the 2018 updated mineral resource estimate for Yellow Pine versus that in the 2014 PFS are (1) use of additional geostatistical estimation domains and search strategies reflecting the improved geological model, and (2) constraint of the antimony shell using a combination of geological boundaries and indicator kriging. An additional minor change was to remove some additional Bradley-era (1939-1953) drill holes that were used in the PFS and eliminate the range restrictive search strategy applied to this data. This estimation plan was adopted following additional confirmatory drilling in the high-grade central part of the deposit by Midas Gold, a review of legacy data relative to structural boundaries and model reconciliation against historic production. The net result of the mineral resource estimate for Yellow Pine is a 3% increase in gold contained in indicated mineral resources, a 6% increase in gold grade and an 62% reduction in gold contained in inferred mineral resources, the latter is a result of the conversion of ounces to the indicated category and reduced grade extrapolation based on improved geologic controls and more restrictive search strategies. Within the PFS Mineral Reserve Pit, the result is a 6% increase in indicated gold grade and a 2% increase in indicated contained gold resources. Other significant changes to the model include more accurate reconstructions of the Bradley and Hecla legacy pit-bottoms, use of partial block percentage reporting, and removal of some low-precision silver assays from the estimation plan.
Table 4: 2018 Updated Yellow Pine Mineral Resource Statement (1,2,3)
Classification | Tonnage (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
Sulphide (1) | |||||||
Measured | 4,623 | 2.53 | 377 | 3.91 | 581 | 0.25 | 25,821 |
Indicated | 38,598 | 1.99 | 2,469 | 2.31 | 2,863 | 0.10 | 81,406 |
M & I (2) | 43,221 | 2.05 | 2,845 | 2.48 | 3,444 | 0.11 | 107,228 |
Inferred (3) | 3,814 | 1.18 | 145 | 0.72 | 88 | 0.00 | 76 |
Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell in order to demonstrate potential for economic viability, as required under NI43-101; mineralization lying outside of these pit shells is not reported as a mineral resource. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.
Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,050 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a contingency (see details below).
Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
Hangar Flats Mineral Resource Estimate
The Hangar Flats mineral resource estimate tabulated below is based on 39,181m of drilling in 217 holes, including 26,583m of drilling in 106 holes by Midas Gold and the balance drilled by others. The updated Hangar Flats resource model incorporates additional drilling by Midas Gold since the 2014 PFS with only minor changes to the block estimation strategy and geological model but a more restrictive classification methodology. The net result of the updated mineral estimate for Hangar Flats is a 2% decrease in gold contained in indicated mineral resources and an 7% reduction in gold contained in inferred mineral resources, the latter a result of the conversion of ounces to the indicated category and the results of additional drilling. Within the PFS Mineral Reserve Pit, the result is a 3% increase in indicated gold grade and a 1% decrease in indicated contained gold resources.
Table 5: 2018 Updated Hangar Flats Mineral Resource Statement (1,2,3)
Classification | Tonnage (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
Sulphide (2) | |||||||
Indicated | 19,697 | 1.71 | 1,080 | 4.80 | 3,041 | 0.20 | 86,962 |
Inferred (3) | 7,654 | 1.37 | 336 | 3.95 | 971 | 0.12 | 19,885 |
Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shellin order to demonstrate potential for economic viability, as required under NI43-101; mineralization lying outside of these pit shells is not reported as a mineral resource. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.
Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,050 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a contingency (see details below).
Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
West End Mineral Resource Estimate
The updated West End mineral resource estimate tabulated below is based on 73,695m of drilling in 857 holes, including 11,767m of drilling in 50 holes by Midas Gold and the balance drilled by others. A more detailed geological model was constructed based on 50 digitized legacy bench maps which better constrains mineralization within the West End Fault Zone corridor, models offset along important post-mineralization faults and subdivides key stratigraphic horizons within the thicker metasedimentary units. The new geological model, coupled with new drilling, newly digitized blast hole assays and 448 new gold fire assays obtained for pulps from pre-Midas Gold drill holes, led to improved modeling of controls on mineralization and an updated mineral resource estimation strategy based on the geologic model. In addition, Midas Gold re-evaluated the spatial distribution of oxide resources on the basis of oxidation logging and cyanide-recoverable to total gold block ratios resulting in an 115% increase in oxide resource tonnage. The net result of the mineral resource estimate for West End is a 6% increase in gold contained in indicated mineral resources, and a 49% increase in gold contained in inferred mineral resources. Within the PFS Mineral Reserve Pit, the result is a 2% decrease in indicated gold grade and a 14% increase in indicated gold contained in mineral resources, largely resulting from definition of additional lower grade oxide mineral resources.
Table 6: 2018 Updated West End Mineral Resource Statement (1,2,3,4)
Classification | Tonnage (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) |
Oxide (3) | |||||
Indicated | 18,765 | 0.92 | 557 | 1.37 | 827 |
Inferred(4) | 3,907 | 0.92 | 115 | 0.96 | 121 |
Sulphide (2) | |||||
Indicated | 20,645 | 1.55 | 1,029 | 1.48 | 980 |
Inferred (4) | 7,659 | 1.45 | 357 | 1.32 | 325 |
Total | |||||
Indicated | 39,411 | 1.25 | 1,586 | 1.43 | 1,806 |
Inferred (4) | 11,566 | 1.27 | 472 | 1.20 | 446 |
Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell in order to demonstrate potential for economic viability, as required under NI43-101; mineralization lying outside of these pit shells is not reported as a mineral resource. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.
Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,050 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a contingency (see details below).
Open pit oxide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.45 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,050 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a contingency (see details below).
Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
Historic Tailings Mineral Resource Estimate
No additional data has been collected in respect of the historic tailings, and the mineral resources stated below are the same as those reported in the 2014 PFS and are repeated here for the sake of completeness.
Table 7: Historic Tailings Mineral Resource Statement (1,2,3)
Classification | Tonnage (000s) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Silver Grade (g/t) | Contained Silver (000s oz) | Antimony Grade (%) | Contained Antimony (000s lbs) |
Indicated | 2,583 | 1.19 | 99 | 2.95 | 245 | 0.17 | 9,648 |
Inferred (3) | 140 | 1.23 | 6 | 2.88 | 13 | 0.18 | 563 |
Mineral resources are reported in total above cut-off since all the spent heap leach ore stacked on top of the tailings will be removed for construction purposes and the tailings full exposed. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.
Open pit sulfide mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t Au. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,050 per ounce of gold and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, plus a contingency (see details below).
Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
Sensitivity to Cut-Off Grade
As show in the Table 8 below, the mineral resource estimates for the Project are not particularly sensitive to gold cut-off grade.
Table 8: Combined Sensitivity to Cut-Off Grade (Base Case Highlighted) (1,2)
Sulfide Cutoff Grade (g/t Au) | Oxide Cutoff Grade (g/t Au) | Yellow Pine (sulfide) | Hangar Flats (sulfide) | West End (oxide + sulfide) | Historic Tailings (sulfide) | Total (oxide + sulfide) | |||||
Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Contained Gold (000s oz) | ||
Measured and Indicated | |||||||||||
0.6 | 0.3 | 1.89 | 2,964 | 1.55 | 1,153 | 1.02 | 1,818 | 1.16 | 102 | 1.45 | 6,037 |
0.65 | 0.35 | 1.95 | 2,923 | 1.61 | 1,128 | 1.10 | 1,737 | 1.17 | 102 | 1.52 | 5,890 |
0.7 | 0.4 | 2.00 | 2,884 | 1.66 | 1,103 | 1.18 | 1,659 | 1.17 | 101 | 1.60 | 5,747 |
0.75 | 0.45 | 2.05 | 2,845 | 1.71 | 1,080 | 1.25 | 1,586 | 1.19 | 99 | 1.66 | 5,610 |
0.8 | 0.5 | 2.10 | 2,806 | 1.75 | 1,056 | 1.32 | 1,516 | 1.21 | 96 | 1.73 | 5,474 |
0.85 | 0.55 | 2.14 | 2,769 | 1.80 | 1,031 | 1.39 | 1,450 | 1.24 | 92 | 1.79 | 5,342 |
0.9 | 0.6 | 2.18 | 2,732 | 1.85 | 1,006 | 1.46 | 1,388 | 1.26 | 89 | 1.85 | 5,215 |
Inferred(2) | |||||||||||
0.6 | 0.3 | 1.06 | 172 | 1.19 | 392 | 1.04 | 545 | 1.21 | 6 | 1.09 | 1,115 |
0.65 | 0.35 | 1.10 | 163 | 1.25 | 373 | 1.12 | 519 | 1.21 | 6 | 1.16 | 1,061 |
0.7 | 0.4 | 1.15 | 153 | 1.31 | 353 | 1.20 | 494 | 1.22 | 6 | 1.23 | 1,006 |
0.75 | 0.45 | 1.18 | 145 | 1.37 | 336 | 1.27 | 472 | 1.23 | 6 | 1.29 | 959 |
0.8 | 0.5 | 1.22 | 138 | 1.43 | 316 | 1.33 | 452 | 1.27 | 5 | 1.35 | 911 |
0.85 | 0.55 | 1.26 | 129 | 1.49 | 301 | 1.39 | 433 | 1.3 | 5 | 1.40 | 868 |
0.9 | 0.6 | 1.30 | 121 | 1.54 | 287 | 1.44 | 416 | 1.31 | 5 | 1.45 | 829 |
Mineral resources are reported in relation to the base-case conceptual pit shell in order to demonstrate potential for economic viability, as required under NI43-101; mineralization lying outside of these pit shells is not reported as a mineral resource. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability - see “Compliance with NI43-101” below. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate.
Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
Cut-Off Grade and Prospects for Economic Extraction
The updated mineral resources are reported within the same pit-shells and at the same cut-off grades as Midas Gold used in 2014. The cut-off grades of 0.75 g/t gold for sulphides and 0.45 g/t gold for oxides are equivalent to a conservative gold price assumption of approximately $1,050/ounce, based on updated cost estimates from ongoing feasibility level engineering studies (Table 9, below). Prospects for eventual economic extraction of the mineral resources, as required by NI43-101, were demonstrated in the 2014 PFS by developing conceptual pit shells using a Lerchs-Grossman algorithm and input parameters derived from preliminary cost estimates associated with pre-feasibility level engineering studies, as outlined in the press release dated September 10, 2014. Only mineral resources above these cut-offs and within the mineral resource-limiting pits are reported; mineralization falling below this cut-off grade or outside the resource-limiting pits is not reported, no matter what the grade. Antimony and silver are considered by-products and were not utilized in pit optimizations or for establishing likelihood of economic extraction. Sensitivity to cut-off grade is reported in Table 7 above.
Table 9: Gold Cut-off Grade Calculation Parameters
Input Parameters | Units | Cost | Notes |
Mining Cost - Resource | $/tonne mined | 2.00 | Includes mining G&A |
Mining Cost - Waste | $/tonne mined | 2.00 | Includes mining G&A |
Oxide Processing Cost | $/tonne mined | 7.00 | Excludes G&A costs |
Oxide Au Recovery | % | 86 | |
Oxide / Sulfide Boundary (1) | CN Au : FA Au | 0.6 | |
Sulfide Processing Cost | $/tonne milled | 16.00 | Excludes G&A costs |
Sulfide Au Recovery | % | 91 | |
Dore Transport Cost | $/oz Au | 1.15 | |
Dore Refining Cost | $/oz Au | 1.00 | |
G&A and Rehabilitation Cost | $/tonne milled | 4.00 | |
Pit Slopes | degrees | 48 | |
Au Payability | % | 99.5 | |
Au Selling Price - Base Case | $/oz | 1,050 | |
Mining dilution | % | 0 | |
Mining recovery | % | 100 | |
Net Smelter Return Royalty on Au | % | 1.7 |
AuCN is cyanide leachable gold, AuFA is total gold.
Assumptions used to derive the cut-off grades and define the resource-limiting pits are estimated in order to meet the NI43-101 requirement for mineral resource estimates to demonstrate “reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction”. The cut-off grades to be used in the upcoming feasibility study may vary from those used to limit the mineral resources reported herein, as the inputs to that study are determined. No inference is implied in the changes to the assumptions used in the cut-off grade calculations from the prior mineral resource estimates as to what will be used in the upcoming feasibility, as those assumptions remain to be determined.
Updated Technical Report and Upcoming Feasibility Study
The details of four mineral resource estimates for Yellow Pine, Hangar Flats, West End and Historic Tailings will be provided in a NI43-101 Technical Report to be filed in conjunction with the completion of the feasibility study scheduled for later in 2018.
With the completion of the mineral resource estimates contained herein, the results of the metallurgical test programs and the other engineering, design and baseline work completed, Midas Gold and its consultants are currently completing mine planning, estimates of capital and operating costs, and other components of the planned feasibility study. The feasibility study is anticipated to be completed in late 2018 and results will be announced when appropriate and will be detailed in the required Technical Report.
2018 Mineral Resource Estimate Methodology
The mineral resource estimates for Yellow Pine, Hangar Flats and West End were prepared to industry standards and best practices using commercial mine-modeling and geostatistical software. Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. is the Qualified Person responsible for the Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats mineral resource estimates for the purposes of NI43-101. Bart Stryhas, C.P.G. and former Chief Geologist of the Stibnite Mine, is the Qualified Person responsible for the West End mineral resource estimate and West End geologic model for the purposes of NI43-101. The Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats geologic models and mineral resource estimates were completed under the supervision of Midas Gold’s Senior Resource Geologist Austin Zinsser, SME-R.M., and Exploration Manager Chris Dail, C.P.G. Each deposit was segregated into multiple estimation domains based on geologic models with the majority of mineral resources estimated using ordinary kriging interpolation of capped composites in multiple estimation passes. Search ellipse orientation and anisotropy were based on structural and geological controls and/or variogram models with first pass major axis search distances generally 40-60m, and subsequent pass distances generally 100-150m.
Midas Gold and its consultants conducted extensive statistical analyses to assess the quality of the pre-Midas Gold legacy drill hole data in preparation of 2014 PFS mineral resource estimates. Confirmatory drilling has generally shown the data to be of good quality but use of historical data still presents certain risks in mineral resource estimation due to historical drilling, sampling and assaying methodologies. The improved constraints on mineralization provided by the updated geological model at Yellow Pine have reduced the variance of resource sensitivities run with and without Bradley Mining Company pre-1953 data to within 2%. Based on these sensitivity studies, and on good reconciliation against historic production records from the Yellow Pine and Homestake pits, a limited set of pre-1953 drillholes was used in all estimation passes to improve local accuracy of the estimates rather than limiting the influence of this data through range-restricted searches, as was done in the 2014 PFS. Similarly, antimony mineral resources were estimated using some pre-1953 drilling but were limited to areas where confirmatory Midas Gold drilling established continuity of this mineralization.
Mineral Resources are classified under the categories of Measured, Indicated and Inferred according to Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) guidelines. Mineral resource classification for gold was based primarily on drillhole spacing and on continuity of mineralization. Measured resources were defined at Yellow Pine as blocks with an average distance to three drillholes of less than ~15m (50 feet) and occurring within the Central Yellow Pine or Homestake estimation domains where historic production occurred. Indicated resources were defined as those with an average distance to three drillholes of less than ~36m (120 feet) at Yellow Pine and ~30m (100 feet) at Hangar Flats. Indicated resources at West End were defined as those with an average drillhole spacing of less than ~30m (100 feet) and meeting additional requirements. Final resource classification shells were manually constructed on sections. Antimony and silver are not classified separately and are reported based on gold classification. A full description of the modeling methodologies for each deposit will be included in a technical report scheduled for release in conjunction with completion of feasibility study for the Project. Modeling methodologies for the Historic Tailings mineral resource estimates are discussed in a news release dated October 28th, 2013.
Compliance with National Instrument 43-101
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (“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 and drilling activities at Stibnite carried out by Midas Gold were undertaken under the supervision of Richard Moses, C.P.G., Field Operations Manager for the Stibnite Gold Project, Chris Dail, C.P.G., Exploration Manager for the Stibnite Gold Project, Austin Zinsser, SME-R.M., Senior Resource Geologist for the Stibnite Gold Project, and Kent Turner, SME-R.M., all Qualified Persons.
Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., of Kirkham Geosystems Ltd. is the Qualified Person, as defined in National Instrument 43-101, responsible for the Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats mineral resource estimates as reported herein. He has read and approved the relevant technical portions of this news release related to the mineral resource estimates for which he is responsible. Bart Stryhas, C.P.G. and former Chief Geologist of the Stibnite Mine (part of the West End deposit), is the Qualified Person responsible for the West End mineral resource estimate and West End geologic model for the purposes of NI43-101. He has read and approved the relevant technical portions of this news release related to the mineral resource estimates for which he is responsible.
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates do not account for mineability, selectivity, mining loss and dilution. These mineral resource estimates include inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied.
The Project mineral resources are contained within areas that have seen historic disturbance resulting from prior mining activities. In order for Midas Gold to advance its interests, the Project will be subject to a number of Federal, State and local laws and regulations and will require permits to conduct its activities. However, Midas Gold is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal or other reasons that would prevent it from advancing the Project.
About Midas Gold
Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Idaho, Inc., Idaho Gold Resources, LLC and Stibnite Gold Company, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of deposits in the Stibnite-Yellow Pine district of central Idaho. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors, as well as a mineral resource contained in Historic Tailings.
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; the potential for antimony production from the Project; the anticipated completion of a feasibility study and filing of a NI 43-101 technical report in conjunction therewith; 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, Midas Gold Corp. (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 2014 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 2014 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.
Note to US Investors
This news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws. The terms “mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. “Inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC Industry Guide 7 standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. “Indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and a great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an “indicated mineral resource” or “inferred mineral resource” will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. Accordingly, information contained in this News Release contain descriptions of the Company’s mineral deposits that may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
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 GOLD RESUMES RESOURCE OPTIMIZATION DRILLING AT ITS STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT, IDAHO
MGI-16-415 intersects 3.1g/t Au, 10.7g/t Ag & 0.49% Sb over 42.7m (4.2g/t AuEq(3))
MGI-16-417 intersects 2.2g/t Au, 8.0g/t Ag & 0.46% Sb over 122.5m (3.2g/t AuEq(3))
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today announced that it has resumed its resource optimization drill program at the Stibnite Gold Project, Idaho. In addition, Midas Gold reported results from holes completed in late 2016 as part of this program, which has the goal of improving, expanding and de-risking the mineral resources defined in the December 2014 preliminary feasibility study (“PFS”) before commencing a feasibility study (“FS”); all three of these goals were achieved with these latest results.
Assay results have been received for two drill holes completed at the southern end of the Yellow Pine deposit and a third drill hole completed in the central portion of the same deposit. Highlights of the drill holes are tabulated below, while complete results are attached at the end of the press release.
Highlights of Recent Assay Results - Yellow Pine Deposit, Stibnite Gold Project
Hole ID | Type | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m)(1) | Gold (g/t)(2) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) | AuEq (g/t)(3) |
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MGI-16-415 | Core | 62.5 | 105.2 | 42.7 | 3.12 | 10.7 | 0.49 | 4.2 |
and | 108.2 | 114.3 | 6.1 | 0.99 | 68.7 | 3.49 | 8.8 | |
MGI-16-417 | Core | 0 | 122.5 | 122.5 | 2.21 | 8.0 | 0.46 | 3.2 |
including | 3.6 | 32.6 | 29.0 | 2.28 | 26.5 | 1.53 | 5.7 | |
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Hole MGI-16-415 intersected substantially higher grades than were anticipated (based on legacy underground exploration drilling from the 1940s), while MGI-16-416 was angled obliquely, but missed the target area and will need to be re-drilled at a slightly different angle in order to intersect the target. Hole MGI-16-417 targeted an area with little Midas Gold data, intersected slightly higher grades than anticipated, and verified the location of an important post-mineral structure.
“These latest drill results realized all three of Midas Gold’s goals for its resource enhancement drill program at the Stibnite Gold Project: expanding the mineral resource, improving confidence in the geological model, and improving margin by identifying higher grade material within the proposed pit limits,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “Hole MGI-16-415 successfully extended the limits of known high-grade gold-antimony mineralization over 50m to the south, in an area within the limits of the 2014 PFS mineral reserve pit limits, but which had been treated as development rock in the PFS. Hole MGI-16-417 generally verified the mineral resource and provided important structural constraints on mineralization.”
Drilling in 2017, which recently commenced, will be focused on the Yellow Pine deposit, initially following up on encouraging results from MGI-16-414 and MGI-16-417. Additional shallow inclination drill holes are planned to obtain additional data beneath the historical pit lake and to improve understanding of geological controls on high-grade gold and antimony mineralization.
South Yellow Pine Drilling
The Monday Tunnel was driven in 1928-1932 from the south end of the Yellow Pine Pit along the trace of the Meadow Creek Fault Zone (“MCFZ”), the District scale structure that forms the eastern boundary of the Yellow Pine ore-body. In the 1940s, eight small diameter underground core holes financed by the US Government’s Defense Minerals Exploration Agency were completed in this area, focused on exploration for antimony and tungsten. The 2014 PFS geologic model for the southern section of the Yellow Pine deposit was partially based on this legacy underground drilling and the mineralization was modeled as inferred mineralization and subsequently treated as development rock in the 2014 PFS economic model. Drill hole MGI-16-415 returned gold grades approximately twice those carried as inferred mineralization in the 2014 PFS block model (3.12g/t Au in current drilling versus 1.6g/t Au predicted) with substantially higher antimony grades as well. The drill hole intercept was approximately 30% shorter than was predicted in the block model and the differences are likely due to better core recovery and sampling methodology in the modern-era drilling versus the older legacy drilling.
“This higher-grade gold and antimony mineralization at the south end of the Yellow Pine deposit represents an economically attractive resource expansion target within and immediately adjacent to the proposed open pit and warrants additional drilling,” said Mr. Quin.
The second drill hole, MGI-16-416, was drilled in a more southerly direction, sub-parallel to the target zone, but did not penetrate the mineralized corridor of the Meadow Creek Fault Zone. Historical drilling from surface and in legacy underground workings in this area suggest this hole just missed the target. Additional drilling is being considered to intersect and extend the known limits of the mineralized zone farther to the south.
Central Yellow Pine
Drill hole MGI-16-417 was drilled to obtain additional information beneath the historical Yellow Pine pit in order to replace legacy data and to test for continuity of an important post-mineralization fault in the deposit. The drill hole generally confirmed the grades estimated in the 2014 PFS block model, returning approximately 5% higher gold grades, as well as higher antimony grades. Sub-economic inferred mineralization in the footwall of the post-mineralization fault was not confirmed, which has no impact on project economics.
High Grade Antimony Mineralization
Both MGI-16-415 and MGI-16-417 intersected multiple sets of narrow, high grade antimony veins within broader zones of lower grade stockwork and disseminated gold mineralization. These vein intersections and their orientations are consistent with newly developed geologic concepts for the Yellow Pine deposit that are based on Midas Gold work and age dating studies conducted by researchers at the Idaho Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey. This work suggests that the antimony vein systems have overprinted earlier, more disseminated, gold mineralization may be related to a separate mineralizing event. The implications, confirmed by the oriented core data from these holes, also indicate more focused drilling at appropriate orientations may provide evidence for continuity to these high-grade stibnite vein systems, which can run multi-percent antimony, and could enhance project economics.
Details of the previous news releases, the Project and the 2014 Prefeasibility Study 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 click here.
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 “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 Drill Assay Results - Yellow Pine Deposit, Stibnite Gold Project
Hole-ID | Hole Type | Collar Azimuth | Collar Dip | TD (m) | From (m) | To (m) | Width (m)(1) | Au (g/t)(2) | Ag (g/t) | Sb (%) | AuEq (g/t)(3) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-16-415 | Core | 155 | -35 | 170.7 | 62.5 | 105.2 | 42.7 | 3.12 | 10.7 | 0.49 | 4.25 |
including | 64.0 | 71.6 | 7.6 | 2.83 | 24.8 | 1.00 | 5.16 | ||||
including | 97.5 | 105.2 | 7.6 | 3.53 | 23.7 | 1.44 | 6.70 | ||||
and | 108.2 | 114.3 | 6.1 | 0.99 | 68.7 | 3.49 | 8.85 | ||||
MGI-16-416 | Core | 170 | -30 | 149.4 | No significant intercepts | ||||||
MGI-16-417 | Core | 128 | -45 | 189.3 | 0 | 122.5 | 122.5 | 2.21 | 8.0 | 0.46 | 3.22 |
including | 3.6 | 32.6 | 29.0 | 2.28 | 26.5 | 1.53 | 5.66 | ||||
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MIDAS GOLD'S PLAN OF RESTORATION & OPERATIONS FOR ITS STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT DEEMED COMPLETE
US Forest Service Completeness Determination Allows Project to Proceed into the NEPA Process
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today announced that the United States Forest Service (“US Forest Service”) has determined that the Plan of Restoration and Operations (“PRO”) filed by Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. on September 21, 2016 for the restoration, re-development and operation of the Stibnite Gold Project (“Project”) in Valley County, Idaho has met the requirements for a plan of operations under US Forest Service regulations. With this determination, the US Forest Service has confirmed that Midas Gold provided sufficient information in the PRO to commence the formal review of the Stibnite Gold Project under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”).
“Midas Gold is pleased that the US Forest Service has deemed our Plan of Restoration and Operations complete,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “The US Forest Service determination allows us to formally enter the NEPA process. Federal and State agencies can now begin consideration of Midas Gold’s plan for the repair and restoration of legacy impacts of over 100 years of past mining activity while re-developing the site as a modern mining operation. Our plan was designed from the outset with closure in mind, to be protective of the environment, and to provide significant employment and economic benefits to the local and regional economy.”
The US Forest Service will now commence the review process as required by NEPA. It is expected that the State of Idaho will request that such a review be conducted in a joint review process that allows coordination of Federal, State and other agencies and regulatory bodies for a more efficient, timely and effective review.
“We look forward to working with the Federal and State regulators, Tribal governments, Valley County, and our local communities to ensure that there is a thorough and comprehensive review process for the Stibnite Gold Project,” said Laurel Sayer, President & CEO of Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. “We believe that the Midas Gold team has presented an outstanding plan for the future of the Stibnite Gold Project site that has been developed with input from many interested parties. Our plan is different because we started with the idea that mining and the environment can work hand in hand. We know we can take an area mined for 100 years and use the mineral resources there today to fund the restoration that the local environment desperately needs, while providing jobs and economic benefits. We can and will restore the site to a productive and self-sustaining ecosystem through the implementation of our plan. A key part of this restoration plan is to bring back salmon to the headwaters of the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River for the first time since the 1930s,” she said. “We look forward to working closely and collaboratively with the various governments, communities and interested parties to ensure the Project design is robust, economically beneficial, and protective of the natural environment.”
Next Steps
With the completeness determination, the US Forest Service will now work with Midas Gold to prepare a strong, clear and responsible “proposed action”, based on the PRO, for consideration under NEPA. On finalizing the proposed action, the US Forest Service will seek input in a public comment period to determine the scope of the Project. Once the scoping process is complete, the US Forest Service will work towards preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) for review and filed with the Council on Environmental Quality.
“The team at Midas Gold is committed to continue being open and transparent as we move through the public review of our plan for restoration of the Stibnite Gold Project Site,” said Ms. Sayer. “We will continue to seek and welcome public input. Please visit our website www.midasgoldidaho.com where you can give us your feedback and sign up for a tour of the site in the coming summer. You can review the PRO, and a presentation summarizing key PRO aspects, which will be available on our website in January 2017.”
Midas Gold anticipates that Federal agencies, led by the US Forest Service, and Idaho state agencies (led by the Idaho Department of Lands), will soon enter into a Memorandum of Understanding that will provide clarity on timelines and agency responsibilities with respect to conducting a review of the PRO under NEPA. The process contemplated has been termed the “Idaho Joint Review Process” and is expected to provide for an efficient and timely review by the Federal and State agencies.
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 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; that all requisite information will be available in a timely manner such that the PRO and highlights presentation summarizing key PRO aspects may be posted to Midas Gold’s website by January 2017; 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 DRILLING CONFIRMS SCALE OF MINERALIZING SYSTEM AT ITS STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT, IDAHO
MGI-16-414 intersects 200.3m @ 2.2g/t Au, 3.2g/t Ag & 0.13% Sb
(including 6.1m @ 3.6 g/t Au & 1.75% Sb)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today announced the additional assay results from its ongoing resource enhancement drill program on the Stibnite Gold Project, Idaho. As reported on August 23, 2016, Midas Gold initiated this drill program with a goal of improving, expanding and de-risking the mineral resources defined in the December 2014 preliminary feasibility study (“PFS”) before commencing a feasibility study (“FS”). A single oriented HQ diameter drill hole was completed in the central portion of the Yellow Pine deposit in order to replace historical drill data and provide improved controls on gold and, particularly, antimony mineralization in this area. Drill hole MGI-16-414 intersected a 200m long continuous interval of significant gold mineralization and, in addition, cut a series of distinct higher grade antimony vein sets, starting at surface. Highlights of the intercept are tabulated below, while complete results are attached at the end of the press release.
Highlights of Recent Assay Results - Yellow Pine Deposit, Stibnite Gold Project
Hole ID | Type | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-16-414 | Core | 0.0 | 200.3 | 200.3 | 2.25 | 3.2 | 0.13 |
Including | 188.1 | 194.2 | 6.1 | 3.58 | 5.3 | 1.75 |
(1) The reported drill hole intercept widths are close to true widths, but true widths may be slightly less once modelling is completed.
“This 200m intercept of continuous gold mineralization, starting from surface, demonstrates the impressive scale and continuity of the mineralizing system in the Yellow Pine deposit, one of three deposits that comprise our Stibnite Gold Project,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “The narrower, higher grade antimony intercepts within the much broader gold mineralizing system are consistent with prior drilling and historical mining records. These results improve our confidence in the controls on mineralization at Yellow Pine, and will enhance our resource estimates in this critical, early mine life area,” said Mr. Quin. Drilling is continuing, including additional holes planned for this area. Further drill results from the central and southern portions of the Yellow Pine deposit are pending. “Based on the results of the holes received to date, Midas Gold will be extending its drill program into the first quarter of 2017,” said Mr. Quin.
Hole MGI-16-414
As identified in the 2014 PFS, several areas within the Yellow Pine deposit were identified as potential sites for additional drilling that could result in potential improved confidence, enhanced economic returns through resource conversion and/or extending higher grade areas. Hole MGI-16-414 was drilled at a shallow inclination targeting an area directly beneath the former open pit that had extensive historical, but limited Midas Gold, drilling data due to challenges with drill hole management in this area. Recent structural analysis from pit mapping, reconstruction of historic underground stopes and oriented drill core suggested the majority of previous operators’ drilling was oriented to cut gold mineralized structures at optimum angles but not later faults and associated stibnite vein arrays. Hole MGI-16-414 was oriented to target the east-northeast gold-mineralized breccia zones as well as a series of east-west to west-northwest trending, north dipping antimony vein sets that are exposed in the current high wall of the former open pit. The results for hole MGI-16-14 are slightly lower grade than the legacy drill data for gold in this area (at 2.25g/t Au vs. the block model indicating 2.55g/t Au), which is consistent with the PFS modelling that indicates slightly lower gold grades if historical drill data is excluded from the grade estimate. However, the hole intersected significant stibnite veining outside the limits of the known antimony resource envelope. The antimony vein arrays were the subject of historical underground development and stoping, and subsequent open pit mining, and accounted for much of the past antimony production at Stibnite. Hole MGI-16-414 intersected six discrete zones of antimony veining ranging from 1.5-meters to over 10-meters true thickness and cut the veins at high angles. The drillhole and associated oriented core structural information will facilitate improved modeling of these features in future mineral resource and reserve estimates.
Details of the previous news releases, the Project and the Prefeasibility Study can be found filed under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or at www.midasgoldcorp.com.
To view the locations of current drill holes, 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 “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 Drill Assay Results - Yellow Pine Deposit, Stibnite Gold Project
HOLE-ID | Hole Type | Collar Azimuth | Collar Dip | TD (m) | From (m) | To (m) | Width (m)(1) | Au (g/t)(2) | Ag (g/t) | Sb (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-16-414 | Core | 215 | -28 | 227.7 | 0.0 | 200.3 | 200.3 | 2.25 | 3.2 | 0.128 |
Including | 14.3 | 20.4 | 6.1 | 3.59 | 5.1 | 0.011 | ||||
And | 26.5 | 34.1 | 7.6 | 4.34 | 2.7 | 0.005 | ||||
And | 55.5 | 66.1 | 10.7 | 4.49 | 2.9 | 0.005 | ||||
And | 125.6 | 136.3 | 10.7 | 1.84 | 3.6 | 0.409 | ||||
And | 163.7 | 175.9 | 12.2 | 3.22 | 3.8 | 0.495 | ||||
And | 188.1 | 194.2 | 6.1 | 3.58 | 5.3 | 1.747 |
(1) The reported drill hole intercept widths are close to true widths, but true widths may be slightly less once modelling is completed. Not all numbers will sum due to rounding.
(2) Gold composites are generated using a 0.5 g/t Au cutoff grade. Higher-grade composites are generated using a 3.0 g/t Au cutoff grade over a minimum 6-meter downhole length and may include internal waste below cutoff grade. Antimony composites are generated using a 0.05% Sb cutoff grade and may contain internal waste.
Yellow Pine Deposit - Drill Hole Plan Map
MIDAS GOLD REPORTS HIGH GRADES AT ITS STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT, IDAHO
MGI-16-411 intersects 35.2m @ 3.1g/t Au (including 18.3m @ 5.0g/t Au)
MGI-16-412 intersects 22.9m @ 4.7g/t Au & 0.15% Sb
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) today announced the first assay results from its ongoing resource enhancement drill program on the Stibnite Gold Project, Idaho. As reported on August 23, 2016, Midas Gold initiated this drill program with a goal of improving, expanding and de-risking the mineral resources defined in the December 2014 preliminary feasibility study (“PFS”) before commencing a feasibility study (“FS”).
Two holes completed at the north end of the Yellow Pine deposit intersected significantly higher than anticipated grades, as compared to the PFS mineral resource block model. The additional data from these holes extends a higher-grade trend approximately 100m northeast and is anticipated to support conversion of the mineral resource in this area from the inferred mineral resource category to the indicated mineral resource category. A third exploration hole intersected anomalous gold in a prospect outside of the mineral resource area. Highlights are tabulated below while complete results are attached at the end of the press release.
“The 2014 preliminary feasibility study identified several areas where further drilling could potentially enhance the economic returns for the Stibnite Gold Project through resource conversion and/or extending higher grade areas,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “Our first two drill holes, completed in a sparsely drilled portion of the Homestake area of the Yellow Pine deposit, achieved both objectives - resource conversion and higher grade.” These two holes targeted an area of inferred mineralization, and returned similar widths as reported in the PFS block model, but returned gold grades 2-3 times higher than predicted. “These inferred mineral resources are located within the PFS mineral reserve pit and were treated as waste rock in the PFS financial model. Conversion of these inferred mineral resources into indicated mineral resources and, subsequently, mineral reserves, would reduce strip ratios, increase payable gold and Project NPV,” said Mr. Quin. “Additional drill results from the central and southern portions of the Yellow Pine deposit are pending.”
Highlights of Recent Assay Results - Yellow Pine Deposit, Stibnite Gold Project
Hole ID | Type | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Gold (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Antimony (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-16-411 | Core | 118.7 | 153.9 | 35.2 | 3.10 | 0.7 | 0.00 |
including | 123.4 | 141.7 | 18.3 | 4.96 | 0.8 | 0.00 | |
MGI-16-412 | Core | 86.8 | 109.7 | 22.9 | 4.70 | 2.1 | 0.15 |
* The reported drill hole intercept widths are close to true widths, but true widths may be slightly less once modelling is completed.
Holes MGI-16-411 and MGI-16-412
The area targeted by drill holes MGI-16-411 and -412 is situated along a stretch of a linear, northeast trending, 25-50m wide, steeply dipping structure discovered during 2012 Midas drilling, which was named the Hidden Fault Zone (“HFZ”) due to its lack of exposure. The drill holes targeted a gap in drilling along the projected trace of the structure. This area was modeled as inferred mineral resources in the 2014 PFS and was estimated to have a grade of 1.3g/t gold, but fell within the boundaries of the reserve pit. As a result, the inferred mineral resources were treated as waste rock in the PFS mine plan and financial model, having a negative impact on strip ratio and Project economics.
The HFZ structure, which has been systematically drilled over an approximately 1km length, is open to the northeast of the drilled area and southwest of the current limits of the Yellow Pine Deposit. It is located along a distinctive topographic linear that extends for several km in both directions beyond the deposit area. The zone is marked by extensive multi-stage brecciation, silicification, and gouge development. The granodiorite and granite intrusive host rocks show pervasive illite alteration of feldspars and micas and potassium feldspar flooding along with sulphide replacement of biotite.
DDH MGI-16-413
Extensive drilling by prior operators and Midas Gold indicates the presence of mineralization to the northeast of the Yellow Pine deposit, but on the east side of the Meadow Creek Fault Zone (“MCFZ”). Unlike the Yellow Pine deposit, which lies to the west of the MCFZ, the mineralization in this area is hosted in sediments, not intrusive rocks. Both narrow structurally controlled high grade and broadly disseminated lower grade gold mineralization occur locally in the metasedimentary package southeast of, adjacent to, and within, the MCFZ and other structural corridors. Mineralization in the metasediments in this area occurs in a package of altered carbonate rocks lying between two quartzite packages and is associated with vuggy silica veining, silica flooding and silica cemented breccia material. Breccia and silica flooding fabrics in the mineralized zones have variable orientations and the lack of good geological control due to negligible outcrop exposure creates uncertainty in determining mineralized trends in the subsurface.
Midas Gold hole MGI-12-307, drilled in 2012, intercepted 49.4m grading 5.4g/t Au, including multiple consecutive samples assaying over 10 g/t Au, but falls below the PFS mineral reserve pit. Historic hole B-043 intercepted 14m grading 5.9g/t Au approximately 100m to the south of this intercept.
Recently completed hole MGI-16-413 was situated northeast of the intercept in hole B-043 and above hole MGI-12-307 and targeted shallower mineralization cut in scattered nearby Midas Gold and prior operator’s drill holes. Alteration and sulphide mineralization in the hole occurs throughout the carbonate package and is localized in bedding parallel lenses and laminations, disseminated in small cross cutting breccia zones and/or localized quartz-carbonate microveinlets. Anomalous gold grades were intercepted in four zones that averaged between 0.17g/t and 0.70g/ over widths of 4-12m. While the mineralization and alteration intercepted were encouraging, additional work is required to better understand the controls on mineralization in this area of complex interaction between favourable stratigraphy, major and minor structures.
Details of the previous news releases, the Project and the Prefeasibility Study can be found filed under Midas Gold’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or at www.midasgoldcorp.com.
To view the locations of current drill holes, 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 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; the timing and costs of future activities on the Corporation’s properties, including but not limited to development and operating costs in the event that a production decision is made; success of exploration, development and environmental protection and remediation activities; permitting time lines and requirements; requirements for additional capital; requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “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”. Statements concerning mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates may also be deemed to constitute Forward-Looking Information to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Stibnite Gold Project is developed. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration, development, environmental and other 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 exploration, development and environmental protection 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 and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under 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 Deposit, Stibnite Gold Project
HOLE-ID | Hole Type | Collar Azimuth | Collar Dip | TD (m) | From (m) | To (m) | Width (m)(1) | Au (g/t)(2) | Ag (g/t) | Sb (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MGI-16-411 | Core | -45 | 186 | 182.9 | 40.5 | 57.9 | 17.4 | 0.82 | 1.1 | 0.00 |
74.7 | 82.3 | 7.6 | 0.42 | 0.7 | 0.00 | |||||
118.7 | 153.9 | 35.2 | 3.10 | 0.7 | 0.00 | |||||
Incl 123.4 | 141.7 | 18.3 | 4.96 | 0.8 | 0.00 | |||||
MGI-16-412 | Core | -45 | 158 | 135.6 | 54.9 | 64.0 | 9.1 | 0.36 | 0.6 | 0.00 |
86.8 | 109.7 | 22.9 | 4.70 | 2.1 | 0.15 | |||||
MGI-16-413 | Core | -35 | 180 | 106.2 | No Significant Intercepts |
(1) The reported drill hole intercept widths are close to true widths, but true widths may be slightly less once modelling is completed.
(2) Composites are generated using a 0.5 g/t Au cutoff grade over a minimum 6-meter downhole length and may include internal waste below cutoff grade.
MIDAS GOLD FILES PLAN OF RESTORATION & OPERATIONS FOR STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT
Integrated Plan for the Restoration of Legacy Impacts & for Development of a Modern Operation
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) (“Midas Gold” or the “Company”) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Midas Gold Idaho, Inc., which operates the Stibnite Gold Project (“Project”) in central Idaho, filed a Plan of Restoration and Operations (the “PRO”) with the U.S. Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands on September 21, 2016 in order to initiate the environmental assessment and permitting process for the Project. Midas Gold anticipates that the U.S. Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands will conduct internal reviews to determine the PRO’s adequacy and completeness and will then commence the public review process in accordance with the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act and other requirements.
“The proposal laid out in the Plan of Restoration and Operations represents a rare opportunity to use private investment for natural resource restoration in conjunction with the redevelopment of the site as a modern mining operation that provides economic benefits to the region,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “The redevelopment of the Stibnite Gold Project site will see the restoration of salmon migration into the headwaters of a branch of the Salmon River for the first time since the 1930s, clean up a large abandoned mine site that has compromised the local ecosystem, and benefit the local economy and local communities through the creation of a long life, modern operation that prioritizes protection of the environment.”
Community Input
Midas Gold has spent more than five years building relationships with individuals and organizations across Idaho, establishing existing environmental baseline conditions at the Project site, and conducting extensive technical studies to determine the environmental, social, technical and economic feasibility of redeveloping the Stibnite Gold Project. Through several phases of consultation and discussions over the past several years, Midas Gold has, where possible, incorporated the suggestions and advice of community members and other stakeholders into its plans for the Stibnite Gold Project in order to demonstrate that the Project will have a positive outcome from social, cultural and conservation perspectives, minimize its environmental footprint, while providing economic benefits and employment to the region.
“Cleaning up the site’s existing legacy impacts and restoring salmon migration are just the first steps of the multi‐year plan to restore the Stibnite Gold Project site to a self sustaining ecosystem,” said Laurel Sayer, President & CEO of Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. “This large scale and long life Project will require a substantial qualified workforce, provide numerous employment opportunities for Idahoans, and generate many business opportunities in all phases and aspects of the Project restoration and operations.”
Environmental Considerations
The Stibnite Gold Project has been designed with restoration and closure in mind. From the outset, Midas Gold has incorporated these objectives: addressing historical impacts, protecting the environment during all Project phases, and completing reclamation that incorporates stream restoration, wetland construction and enhancement, reforestation and fish and wildlife habitat enhancement.
With the redevelopment of the Project site, Midas Gold will repair the damage from a century of mining activity that has left a legacy of un‐reclaimed open pits, tailings, development rock dumps, heap leach piles and a failed hydro dam, all of which have impaired water quality and elevated metal and sediment levels in local waterways. Forest fires have compounded the legacy impacts, accelerating erosion, reducing water quality and exacerbating the effects of past human activity.
Economic & Employment Benefits
As described in the PRO, the Stibnite Gold Project will generate significant net employment and economic benefits to the local communities, counties, the State of Idaho and the Nation, providing more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs over the approximately 15+ years of construction and operations at wages two to three times the local and Idaho averages. Numerous business opportunities will also be created in Valley County and across Idaho during this period. The Project will also contribute significant local, state and federal taxes. Additional employment and benefits will occur during the closure and monitoring periods.
Regulatory Considerations & Process
The integrated Plan of Restoration and Operations for the Stibnite Gold Project will be subject to permit conditions that safeguard the environment and provide financial assurance that is sufficient to cover third party costs for closure and site reclamation. The majority of cleanup and restoration of legacy impacts will occur early in the Project life, thereby ensuring that Midas Gold delivers the intended benefits.
Midas Gold will support the U.S. Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands as they co‐ordinate the review of the Plan of Restoration and Operations by the public, by other Federal, State and local agencies, and by local and Tribal governments. “The proposal to develop the Stibnite Gold Project in an historical mining area, with an already impacted fishery, includes our ongoing commitment to continue open, respectful communication as we work with governments and with all of the Stibnite Gold Project’s stakeholders to navigate diverse interests in a collaborative manner,” said Ms. Sayer.
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; the timing and costs of future activities on the Corporation’s properties, including but not limited to development and operating costs in the event that a production decision is made; success of exploration, development and environmental protection and remediation activities; permitting time lines and requirements; requirements for additional capital; requirements for additional water rights and the potential effect of proposed notices of environmental conditions relating to mineral claims; planned exploration and development of properties and the results thereof; planned expenditures and budgets and the execution thereof. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “potential”, “safeguard”, “sufficient”, “confirm” or “does not anticipate”, “believes”, “contemplates”, “recommends” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Statements concerning mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates may also be deemed to constitute Forward-Looking Information to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that may be encountered if the Stibnite Gold Project is developed. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Corporation has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies will be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations; that the current exploration, development, environmental and other 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 exploration, development and environmental protection 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 and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under 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 licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation’s public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation and may cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-Looking Information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information.
Except as required by law, the Corporation does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
MIDAS GOLD COMPLEMENTS ITS LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH NEW APPOINTMENTS
Mr. M. Bogert appointed to Midas Gold Corp. Board of Directors
Ms. L. Sayer appointed President of Midas Gold Idaho & steps down from Midas Gold Corp. Board
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) (“Midas Gold” or the “Company”) today announced the appointment of Laurel Sayer as President and Chief Executive Officer of Midas Gold Idaho, Inc., (“MGII” or “Midas Gold Idaho, Inc.”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Midas Gold Corp. and the operating company for the Stibnite Gold Project in central Idaho. In addition, Midas Gold announced the appointment of Michael Bogert to the board of directors of Midas Gold Corp., replacing Ms. Sayer as she steps down to take on her new role. These appointments reflect Midas Gold’s objective of increasing local accountability and local representation in all its activities.
“In order to best reflect the needs and values of Idaho, Midas Gold has Idahoans at all levels of our decision-making process,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “Laurel Sayer’s move from the board of Midas Gold Corp. to leadership of the operating company, Midas Gold Idaho, complements the strong technical team led by Bob Barnes, who will continue as Chief Operating Officer. We are excited that Laurel will take a hands-on approach to help guide us in shaping the future of the Stibnite Gold Project, particularly given her commitment to conservation and protection of the environment.” Ms. Sayer will also be appointed to the board of directors of Midas Gold Idaho, joining four fellow Idahoans and two other US citizens, ensuring a dominant presence of Idaho interests at the operating level of the organization.
“Michael Bogert joins fellow Idahoan Keith Allred on the board of Midas Gold Corp. and brings a strong regulatory track record, with considerable experience at the State and Federal levels, to Midas Gold’s board of seven directors,” said Peter Nixon, Chairman of Midas Gold Corp. “We are looking forward to Michael’s input and guidance as we navigate the regulatory process for our Stibnite Gold Project”
Laurel Sayer
Ms. Sayer’s extensive experience in the fields of conservation, government, collaborative enterprise and leadership qualities complement the local and technical experience of MGII’s directors and staff. The team’s immediate focus will be to further advance the Stibnite Gold Project through the regulatory process.
In addition to her industry experience, having served on Midas Gold’s Board of Directors since 2014, Ms. Sayer has worked extensively within the environmental and arts communities as well as within Idaho state politics and U.S. federal politics. Ms. Sayer currently serves as executive director of the Idaho Coalition of Land Trusts, a position she accepted in 2013, and from which she will be retiring her executive role to focus on MGII. Prior to 2013, Ms. Sayer spent more than two decades working on policy matters with Idaho members of the U.S. Congress, Congressman Mike Simpson and Senator Mike Crapo, with an emphasis on natural resource matters. In her career, Ms. Sayer has a proven track record in building consensus amidst diverse opinions and political ideologies of key stakeholders in many situations, successfully creating meaningful relationships and delivering results with local, state, regional and federal government agencies.
Michael Bogert
Michael Bogert joins the Board of Directors of Midas Gold, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Ms. Sayer as she takes on an executive role at MGII. Currently an attorney in Parsons Behle & Latimer’s Boise and Washington DC offices, Mr. Bogert is the former counselor to U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, the former regional administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) Region 10 office in Seattle and the former counsel to the Governor of the State of Idaho. As counselor to Secretary Kempthorne, Mr. Bogert advised the Secretary on various policy issues in the areas of endangered species and served as the Governor’s lead policy negotiator on Tribal water rights settlements. As the regional administrator for EPA Region 10, Mr. Bogert was responsible for leading EPA’s partnerships with the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, as well as the 271 federally recognized Tribes in EPA Region 10. He has also previously served on the Board of Directors of a publicly-traded mining company.
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.
MIDAS GOLD TO INITIATE DRILL PROGRAM ON ITS STIBNITE GOLD PROJECT
Drilling aims to Expand & Improve Mineral Resources and Enhance Project Returns
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Midas Gold Corp. (MAX:TSX / MDRPF:OTCQX) (“Midas Gold” or the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a drill program for its Stibnite Gold Project (the “Project”), located in Idaho, USA. The Company’s objective for the drill program is to improve, expand and de-risk the mineral resources defined in the December 2014 preliminary feasibility study (the “PFS”) before commencing a feasibility study (the “FS”). Positive results could enhance the Project economics in the planned FS. The drill program is expected to commence in September and is scheduled to continue into late 2016. In parallel with drilling, Midas Gold plans to collect an approximately 14-ton bulk sample from existing core material in preparation for metallurgical pilot plant testing.
“The 2014 preliminary feasibility study identified a number of opportunities to enhance the economic returns for the Stibnite Gold Project related to the mineral resources,” said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. “To maximize the return on investment to shareholders from this drill program, targets have been ranked on a discounted present value basis, and some drill holes have been designed to achieve multiple objectives. In addition, drill holes will be sequenced on an iterative basis, working out from the known to the unknown, in order to maximize the potential for success.”
Drill Program Objectives
The PFS outlined a number of mineral resource related opportunities that have the potential to enhance Project financial returns, extend Project life and de-risk the projected production. These opportunities include:
Better defining the shallow, high grade mineralization in the core of the Yellow Pine deposit and portions of the Hangar Flats deposit, where certain historical drill data generated during prior commercial mining operations was excluded from the PFS due to uncertainty as to the reliability of the data. This excluded data suggests, if confirmed, potential for improved continuity of higher gold and antimony grades in the early production years (as set out in the PFS), which could increase payable gold and antimony production and enhance Project net present value (“NPV”).
Conversion (through additional drilling) of inferred mineral resources located within the PFS mineral reserve pits into indicated mineral resources and mineral reserves, thereby reducing strip ratio and increasing payable gold and Project NPV, if the results are positive.
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. Successful conversion could expand the PFS mineral reserve pits, and may also bring some currently excluded indicated mineral resources into the mineral reserves as a result of the expanded pit, thereby increasing payable gold and Project NPV.
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 priorities are prospects and exploration areas (such as the northeast and south ends of the Yellow Pine deposit, and possibly the Scout prospect, where the grades intersected to date suggest potential to displace or supplement early mine life production and enhance Project NPV. If initial results are positive, additional drilling would be required to define a mineral resource.
Replacing certain historical data that was used in the PFS and deemed to be reliable, but where additional confirmation drilling would further de-risk the mineral resource estimate in advance of commencement of the FS.
The majority of the drilling will take place on Midas Gold’s private land, with some holes located on unpatented mineral claims. All drilling will take place in accordance with Idaho Department of Lands regulations and with the terms of the plan of operations and decision notice issued by the U.S. Forest Service in early 2016, as applicable. “As with all of our activities, we will conduct the drilling and metallurgical sampling programs in a safe and environmentally conscientious manner,” said Mr. Quin. “Additionally, in accordance with our local-hire philosophy, we will look to Idaho first for our workforce and contracting requirements.”
Metallurgical Pilot Plant Sample Collection
The collection of a 14-ton metallurgical bulk sample from existing core material is also scheduled to commence in September. Sample material will include medium and large diameter core (HQ and PQ), much of which was drilled in 2011-2013. Collection of this bulk sample is a precursor to the planned pilot plant program that will commence later this year. See the news release dated July 21, 2016 for additional details on the planned metallurgical test program. The diagnostic and flotation test work discussed in the July 21, 2016 news release is progressing well, and results will be announced once received and reviewed.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
All drilling and sample collection will be conducted under the guidance of a team of internal and external qualified persons in order to ensure the integrity of the sample collection process and the ability to use the collected samples in the final feasibility study.
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 (“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, 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 Statements
Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “Forward-Looking Information”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or financial performance that is based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “intended”, “expected”, “understanding”, “purpose”, “designed”, “planned”, “better predict” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “can”, “could”, “should”, “would” or “be achieved”. 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.