Murchison Confirms Widespread Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Surface Mineralization at Its PYC Target with Grades up to 1.27% Nickel Equivalent (2.59% Copper Equivalent)

Rhea-AI Summary

Murchison Minerals Ltd. (TSXV:MUR) reported significant assay results from its June prospecting program at the PYC target on the HPM property in Quebec. The data showcased widespread nickel, copper, and cobalt mineralization across a 1.7 km strike length. Notably, assay grades reached 1.27% Nickel Equivalent and 2.59% Copper Equivalent. Murchison plans a fall drill program to further explore the PYC target, which has shown promising thickness and potential for large-tonnage mineralization. The project is situated near existing infrastructure, enhancing its viability.

Positive

• Assay results confirm widespread nickel-copper-cobalt mineralization across a 1.7 km strike.
• High assay grades of up to 1.27% Nickel Equivalent and 2.59% Copper Equivalent noted.
• Plans for a fall drill program to further assess the PYC target's potential.

Negative

• Depth extent of mineralization remains uncertain; further drilling needed for confirmation.

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 16, 2021 / Murchison Minerals Ltd. ("Murchison" or the "Company") (TSXV:MUR) is pleased to announce that it has received assay results from its June prospecting program at the PYC target area on the 100%-owned HPM (Haut-Plateau de la Manicouagan) property in Quebec. These results, shown in Figure 1, confirm widespread nickel-copper-cobalt surface mineralization across the entirety of the traced 1.7 km strike length of sulphide mineralization (see June 29, 2021 release). The results are from grab samples and short backpack drill core samples, featuring assays as high as 1.27% Nickel Equivalent or 2.59% Copper Equivalent (0.79% Ni, 0.14% Cu, 0.15% Co) from 0.83 metres of backpack drill core. The assay results also confirm mineralization south-east of the PYC target at the newly discovered Dix showing, which assayed as high as 0.90% Nickel Equivalent or 1.83% Copper Equivalent (0.44% Ni, 0.39% Cu, 0.10% Co) from 0.45 metres of backpack drill core. (Note: the backpack drill core samples are being treated as grab samples only used to collect non-weathered sample material.)

The prospecting results confirm that the PYC target is highly prospective for hosting large-tonnage nickel-copper-cobalt mineralization within a large, semi-massive, pyrrhotite body. The prospecting included the collection of 49 litho-geochemical samples, with 38 of the samples exceeding 0.3% Copper Equivalent (see Figure 1 and Table 1). Murchison has applied for permits to conduct a fall drill program to extensively test PYC.

Murchison's VP Exploration John Shmyr comments: "We are very excited by the results we are seeing at HPM, and the team cannot wait to complete more work on the project - it has amazing potential that is now being realized. If the mineralization at PYC continues at depth, then we may be looking at a sulphide body with significant tonnage potential. We look forward to commencing our first drill program on the project since 2009."

The thickness of the PYC mineralization has yet to be confirmed by drilling but was systematically tested with backpack drilling at one location where it was determined to be approximately 59 metres wide. The mineralization was split between two parallel limbs (28 metres and 31 metres wide) that were separated by 30 metres of unmineralized gabbro, but other locations appear to consist of a single, thicker horizon. The depth extent of the mineralization is currently unknown, but preliminary geophysical modelling suggests it extends to at least 300 metres depth, basically the detection limit of the EM survey. Murchison has submitted an 8 kg preliminary metallurgical sample collected from PYC during the prospecting program to the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) for QEMSCAN analysis and preliminary flotation tests to determine the host mineral of the nickel mineralization as well as a preliminary flowsheet for the recovery of the contained nickel, copper, and cobalt. Murchison expects to receive these results soon.

The PYC target is located approximately 8 km from existing power and rail infrastructure. Until completion of this field program, PYC had only been tested with two short drill holes in 2001 (hole 151-03) and 2009 (hole 09-701-01). These two holes respectively intersected 18.5 metres (ending in mineralization) and 12.0 metres of disseminated to semi-massive sulphides grading 0.26% nickel, 0.13% copper and 500 ppm cobalt and 0.27% nickel, 0.20% copper and 500 ppm cobalt. Historic grab samples collected by Falconbridge in 1999 at PYC assayed as high as 0.76% Ni and 0.93% Cu.

Figure 1 - Prospecting Assays Results mapped at PYC and DIX

Table 1 - PYC Prospecting Assay Highlights

*Copper Equivalent (CuEq) and Nickel Equivalent (NiEq) values are based on the following metal prices from Aug 9th, 2021: $8.60/lb Ni, $4.24/lb Cu, and $23.76/lb Co.

Figure 2 - Gossan defining surface mineralization at PYC

Figure 3 - Example of sulphide mineralization from PYC observed in backpack drill core

PYC Fall 2021 Drill Plan

Murchison plans to conduct a fall drill program to delineate the PYC target once permits have been received.

The proposed drill plan considers the following:

• Drill hole spacing of 100 m (along strike) by 100 m (along dip).
• The Maxwell Model EM plates.
• The existing drill hole, 151-03, which was terminated in mineralization, thus all drill holes were planned beyond this horizon.
• The 2021 prospecting program mapped the outcropping expression of the known mineralization.

The PYC target is currently defined by two drill holes, 151-03 and 09-701-01; the drill program is designed to test the subvertical Maxwell Model EM plates associated with 151-03 (Figure 4). The proposed drill program may be extended to the northwest and southeast flexures observed in the EM plates.

Figure 4 - Long-section view looking northeast and plan view of the PYC Maxwell Model EM plates, the proposed drill hole targets, and drill hole 151-03 displaying assay nickel concentrations.

The 18 proposed drill holes are planned along nine fences, spaced 100 m apart, over a strike length of 800 m. The upper-most hole in each fence was designed to intersect the Maxwell Model EM plate 50 m below the topography. The lower hole in each fence is designed to intersect the Maxwell Model EM plate 100 m below the upper hole to provide maximum coverage along the fence. In areas where the Maxwell Model EM plate does not extend at least100 m below the upper designed hole, the along-dip spacing was reduced to 50 m. Six of the fences use along-dip spacing of 100 m, and the remaining three fences use along-dip spacing of 50 m. One hole is proposed below the existing 151-03 hole at a 50 m spacing. The program totals 3,550 m with drill holes ranging between 120 m and 345 m in length.

Figure 5 - Oblique view looking north-northeast of the PYC Maxwell Model EM plates, the proposed drill holes, and drill hole 151-03 displaying assay nickel concentrations.

The Maxwell Model EM plates that formed the basis of the targeting suggest that the conductive body is sub-vertical, but at the decimeter-scale the plates undulate dip direction from NE (75° at the shallowest) to SW (62° at the shallowest). The conductive body likely has a reasonably constant strike and dip that needs to be confirmed through drilling. The proposed drill plan will provide guidance for the start-up, but the drill program will be dynamic in nature.

The Company will re-evaluate the Barre de Fer prospect (1.5 km north-east of PYC) to create an initial mineral resource estimate for the historically drilled nickel-copper-cobalt mineralization. Barre de Fer has exceptional drill intercepts, including 43.15 metres grading 1.74% Ni, 0.90% Cu and 904 ppm Co in hole HPM-08-03 drilled in 2008. (2.45 % NiEq or 4.94% CuEq)

Local Infrastructure

The HPM project is located east of the Manicouagan Crater, the site of a major meteorite impact estimated to be 215 million-years-old. The extensive water reservoir supports five hydro-power installations. The existing Quebec Cartier rail line, located 8 kilometres west of the PYC project area, links Labrador City to Port Cartier and Sept Iles, two major iron ore port facilities.

Qualifying Statement

The foregoing scientific and technical disclosures on the HPM project have been reviewed by John Shmyr, P.Geo., VP Exploration, a registered member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan and current holder of a special authorization with the Ordre des Géologues du Québec. Mr. Shmyr is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Murchison Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: MUR)

Murchison is a Canadian‐based exploration company focused on the exploration and development of the 100%-owned Brabant Lake zinc‐copper‐silver project in north‐central Saskatchewan. The Company also owns 100% of the HPM nickel‐copper‐cobalt project in Quebec and holds an option to earn 100%-interest in the Barraute VMS (Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide) exploration project also located in Quebec, north of Val d'Or. Murchison currently has 108.9 million shares issued and outstanding.

Additional information about Murchison and its exploration projects can be found on the Company's website at www.murchisonminerals.com. For further information, please contact:

Jean‐Charles (JC) Potvin, President and CEO
jcpotvin@murchisonminerals.com

Erik H Martin, CFO
Tel: (416) 350‐3776
info@murchisonminerals.com

CHF Capital Markets
Thomas Do, IR Manager
Tel: (416) 868-1079 x 232
thomas@chfir.com

Forward‐Looking Information

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward‐looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. This forward‐looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward‐looking information. The parties undertake no obligation to update forward‐looking information except as otherwise may be required by applicable securities law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Murchison Minerals Ltd.

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FAQ

What are the key assay results from Murchison's August 2021 press release?

The assay results from Murchison Minerals' June prospecting program showed high grades, with up to 1.27% Nickel Equivalent and 2.59% Copper Equivalent across a 1.7 km strike length.

What are Murchison Minerals' plans regarding the PYC target area?

Murchison Minerals plans to conduct a fall drill program to further delineate the PYC target after receiving necessary permits.

How significant are the mineralization findings at Murchison's PYC target?

The findings at the PYC target are significant as they confirm widespread nickel-copper-cobalt mineralization, indicating potential for large-tonnage deposits.

What infrastructure supports the PYC project by Murchison Minerals?

The PYC project is located approximately 8 km from existing power and rail infrastructure, facilitating economic development.

What historical data supports the current findings at Murchison's PYC target?

Previous drill holes have encountered significant mineralization, with historic grab samples showing assays as high as 0.76% Nickel and 0.93% Copper.