Murchison Minerals Receives Remaining Assays from PYC Target and Commences Airborne Electromagnetic Survey Covering Full Extent of the HPM Ni-Cu-Co Project
BURLINGTON, ON / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2022 / Murchison Minerals Ltd. ("Murchison" or the "Company") (TSXV:MUR OTCQB:MURMF) is pleased to announce results from the exploration program that was completed in the fourth quarter of 2021 on the
The results from the Q4 2021 regional exploration program confirms that Murchison's exploration approach is effective at locating near-surface Ni-Cu-Co sulfide mineralization. This methodology consists of mapping conductive features based on airborne EM survey results, ground truthing EM conductors using a beep mat, then sampling using a backpack drill. Mineralization discovered using this process is inventoried and the best targets are ranked for drill-testing.
To build on the inventory of highly prospective EM anomalies identified in 2021, the Company is pleased to announce today the commencement of an Airborne Electromagnetic Survey that will cover the full extent of the HPM project area, which was increased from 139 km2 to 576 km2 in December 2021. The survey is being completed by Geotech Ltd. of Aurora, Ontario utilizing VTEM technology which has proven to be highly successful at detecting massive to semi-massive sulphide mineralization like that found at HPM.
Today's results follow a recently completed comprehensive data compilation, verification and modelling program utilizing all the historic drill hole data from the Barre de Fer Zone (BDF) to build a preliminary 3D interpretation of the nickel mineralization (Figure 4). The model shows that the BDF Zone outcrops at surface, extends to a vertical depth of 295 m, has a strike length of 315 m, and is composed of multiple stacked lenses over a maximum surface projection of 150 m width. Individual lenses have a maximum thickness of 28 m. Mineralization has been intersected to a vertical depth of 440 m, and the Zone remains undrilled and open along strike and at depth. No resource estimates have been completed on the BDF Zone to date.
Highlights
- Commenced large-scale airborne geophysical survey to entirely cover the prospective HPM claim block
- Previously flown VTEM survey covered only
15% of the total property and detected over 50 EM anomalies with follow up prospecting in 2021 detecting nickel bearing sulphide mineralization at multiple locations - EM conductors identified from the recently launched VTEM survey will be followed up by an extensive ground prospecting program during the summer of 2022
- Hole PYC21-005 drilled to a depth of 170 m intersected multiple zones of Ni-Cu-Co-bearing sulphide mineralization totaling 54.97 m of composite thickness (Table 1 & Figure 2 & 3), including:
- 9.38 m grading
0.51% Ni Eq (42.58 m to 51.96 m) including 2.68 m at0.92% Ni Eq (49.28 m to 51.96 m) - 19.12 m grading
0.37% Ni Eq (84.25 m to 103.37 m)
- 9.38 m grading
- Hole PYC21-006 drilled to a depth of 285 m intersected multiple zones of Ni-Cu-Co bearing sulphide mineralization totaling 66.93 m of composite thickness (Table 1 & Figure 2 & 3), including:
- 21.5 m grading
0.42% Ni Eq (125.30 m to 146.80 m) including 3.50 m at0.80% Ni Eq (137.0 m to 140.5 m) - 12.68 m grading
0.31% Ni Eq (46.50 m to 59.18 m) including0.86% Ni Eq over 1.27 m (53.63 m to 54.90 m)
- 21.5 m grading
- Hole PYC21-002 drilled to a depth of 257 m intersected multiple zones of Ni-Cu-Co bearing sulphide mineralization totaling 36.86 of composite thickness (Table 1), including:
- 15.12 m grading
0.51% Ni Eq (167.50 m to 182.62 m) including 1.0 m at1.12% Ni Eq (169.0 m to 170.0 m) and 2.0 m at0.84% Ni Eq (177.0 m to 179.0 m)
- 15.12 m grading
Murchison Minerals President and CEO Troy Boisjoli comments:
"The results to date support our assessment that the HPM project is an emerging Ni-Cu-Co district, and our value accretive exploration strategy has Murchison well positioned to significantly advance the project. This comes at a time when the 2022 Federal Budget contains
Murchison Minerals Vice-President of Exploration John Shmyr comments:
"We are pleased with today's results as the HPM project now includes i) PYC with Ni-Cu-Co mineralization confirmed over the 550 m drilled portion of the 1.95 km strike length, ii) BDF Zone with high-grade Ni-Cu-Co mineralization completely unconstrained, iii) multiple exploration targets with Ni-Cu-Co mineralization confirmed by surface sampling, and iv) numerous EM conductors interpreted to represent near surface Ni-Cu-Co mineralization. All these results are within only
2022 VTEM Survey
The VTEM survey will consist of 200 metre spaced flight lines for a minimum of approximately 3,200 line kilometres; however, it is expected that additional lines will be flown at a tighter spacing of 100 metres where conductive targets are identified during the program.
Figure 1: Map of 2022 Geophysical Survey Area showing the results of the 2021 program in the small block comprising
The Company has completed the compilation of data available from the Geological Survey of Quebec, where extensive areas of noritic and gabbroic rocks similar the BDF and PYC Zones were highlighted across the property (Figure 1). These intrusive rocks form a large domain of mixed mafic to ultramafic intrusive complex known as the Hart-Jaune terrane which define a broad gravity anomaly across the property. These rocks are considered favourable for the development of magmatic sulphide mineralization and exhibit similarities to the host intrusion of the Voisey's Bay deposits in Labrador. The entirety of the claim area is considered prospective and has the potential to yield prospective geophysical anomalies corresponding to magmatic nickel sulphide mineralization. Murchison is very eager to receive the results from the 2022 survey.
2021 Fall HPM Drill Campaign and PYC Assay Results
Murchison has now received all remaining assay results from the 2021 exploration drill campaign focused on testing the PYC target. In total eight drill holes were completed in October and November of 2021 with the initial assays from the first holes PYC21-007 and PYC21-008 released on March 7, 2022. Murchison has now received and reviewed the assays from hole PYC21-001 to PYC21-006 and is able to confirm that all holes intersected nickel-bearing sulphide mineralization (Table 1).
Today's assay results demonstrate the depth-continuity of mineralization observed on surface during the summer prospecting program, and the mineralization correlates with a 1.95 km-long electromagnetic anomaly (EM) (see August 16th, 2021 release). The assays establish the mineralization as a prospective target for potential bulk tonnage nickel-copper- cobalt. The PYC results alongside the recently re-released assays from the BDF Zone indicate the project area is prospective for both low-grade high tonnage and high-grade mineralization.
The mineralization observed at PYC consists of half metre- to metre-scale semi-massive to massive sulphides - as well as intermittent sulphide breccias and disseminated sulphides over tens of metres within a dark fine-grained gabbro. The sulphide mineralization forms two steeply dipping broad parallel zones, separated by approximately 30 metres of unmineralized gabbro.
Table 1 Fall 2021 HPM Drill Hole Assays
Hole |
| From (m) | To (m) | Length** (m) | Ni % | Cu % | Co % | Ni Eq. %* |
PYC21-001 | 75.80 | 81.15 | 5.35 | 0.19 | 0.08 | 0.04 | 0.31 | |
86.00 | 92.00 | 6.00 | 0.24 | 0.11 | 0.05 | 0.40 | ||
PYC21-002 | 14.75 | 15.35 | 0.60 | 0.18 | 0.07 | 0.03 | 0.28 | |
19.20 | 22.00 | 2.80 | 0.12 | 0.12 | 0.02 | 0.22 | ||
136.42 | 149.00 | 12.58 | 0.16 | 0.08 | 0.03 | 0.28 | ||
167.50 | 182.62 | 15.12 | 0.31 | 0.15 | 0.06 | 0.51 | ||
includes | 169.00 | 170.00 | 1.00 | 0.64 | 0.54 | 0.12 | 1.12 | |
includes | 177.00 | 179.00 | 2.00 | 0.54 | 0.10 | 0.11 | 0.84 | |
202.00 | 207.76 | 5.76 | 0.13 | 0.08 | 0.03 | 0.23 | ||
PYC21-003 | 74.00 | 82.05 | 8.05 | 0.36 | 0.20 | 0.07 | 0.60 | |
includes | 78.85 | 81.28 | 2.43 | 0.69 | 0.33 | 0.14 | 1.14 | |
93.93 | 100.73 | 6.80 | 0.16 | 0.07 | 0.03 | 0.27 | ||
103.00 | 108.22 | 5.22 | 0.11 | 0.06 | 0.02 | 0.19 | ||
PYC21-004 | 316.50 | 320.22 | 3.72 | 0.17 | 0.13 | 0.03 | 0.30 | |
322.45 | 323.30 | 0.85 | 0.27 | 2.17 | 0.06 | 1.12 | ||
328.51 | 329.87 | 1.36 | 0.13 | 0.11 | 0.03 | 0.24 | ||
365.08 | 386.00 | 20.92 | 0.17 | 0.09 | 0.03 | 0.29 | ||
394.00 | 397.45 | 3.45 | 0.16 | 0.07 | 0.03 | 0.26 | ||
PYC21-005 | 9.17 | 20.50 | 11.33 | 0.14 | 0.07 | 0.03 | 0.24 | |
34.50 | 40.23 | 5.73 | 0.20 | 0.12 | 0.04 | 0.34 | ||
42.58 | 51.96 | 9.38 | 0.31 | 0.15 | 0.06 | 0.51 | ||
includes | 49.28 | 51.96 | 2.68 | 0.57 | 0.21 | 0.11 | 0.92 | |
84.25 | 103.37 | 19.12 | 0.23 | 0.11 | 0.04 | 0.37 | ||
117.85 | 127.26 | 9.41 | 0.13 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 0.21 | ||
PYC21-006 | 17.90 | 31.00 | 13.10 | 0.16 | 0.09 | 0.03 | 0.27 | |
34.45 | 39.00 | 4.55 | 0.16 | 0.05 | 0.03 | 0.26 | ||
41.50 | 44.00 | 2.50 | 0.20 | 0.07 | 0.04 | 0.32 | ||
46.50 | 59.18 | 12.68 | 0.18 | 0.07 | 0.04 | 0.31 | ||
includes | 53.63 | 54.90 | 1.27 | 0.54 | 0.15 | 0.11 | 0.86 | |
63.08 | 72.73 | 9.65 | 0.19 | 0.09 | 0.04 | 0.33 | ||
119.93 | 122.88 | 2.95 | 0.09 | 0.04 | 0.02 | 0.15 | ||
125.30 | 146.80 | 21.50 | 0.25 | 0.12 | 0.05 | 0.42 | ||
includes | 137.00 | 140.50 | 3.50 | 0.50 | 0.18 | 0.10 | 0.80 | |
includes | 145.35 | 145.85 | 0.50 | 0.56 | 0.10 | 0.11 | 0.87 |
*Nickel Equivalent (Ni Eq.) values were calculated using the following USD metal prices from Apr 13, 2022:
**Reported as core length, true thickness is not known.
Table 2 Fall 2021 HPM Drill Hole Collar Information
DDH | Easting UTM* | Northing UTM* | Elevation (m) | Azimuth (⁰) | Dip (⁰) | EOH (m) |
PYC21-001 | 613090 | 5722052 | 908 | 46 | -49 | 152 |
PYC21-002 | 613090 | 5722052 | 908 | 46 | -75 | 257 |
PYC21-003 | 613024 | 5722126 | 898 | 43 | -51 | 128 |
PYC21-004 | 613024 | 5722126 | 898 | 57 | -79 | 449 |
PYC21-005 | 613445 | 5721845 | 902 | 216 | -46 | 170 |
PYC21-006 | 613445 | 5721845 | 902 | 216 | -70 | 285 |
*UTM Projected Coordinate System: NAD83 UTM Zone 19N.
Figure 2: Cross-section of PYC21-005 & 006 with Ni Eq. displayed.
Figure 3: Map of PYC EM geophysical anomaly with location of drill holes.
2022 Exploration Campaign
In addition to the prospecting program, Murchison is moving forward with preparations for a summer drill program on the HPM property. Drilling at BDF will focus on expansion and delineation of mineralization, where assays have returned grades up to 52.15 metres of
This information, along with the expanded VTEM survey, will assist in planning for the upcoming summer prospecting program to be conducted across the property.
QA/QC
Murchison has implemented and is adhering to a strict Quality Assurance/Quality Control program. NQ-size core was drilled, and mineralized intervals were marked by geologists during core description. The marked intervals were sampled using a core saw, one-half is kept as a witness sample at a core facility in Saguenay, Quebec and the other assigned a unique number and placed within a plastic bag. The specific gravity of each sample was measured using the mass-in-air / mass-in-water method. Samples were shipped directly to SRC Geoanalytical Labs in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The samples were ground and prepared for analysis by the lab using total digestion. Analyzes were performed using ICP-OES for nickel, copper, and cobalt. Every 25th sample sent to the lab was a field duplicate (quarter core), blanks and certified reference material were also submitted approximately every 25th sample.
About the HPM Project
The HPM Project is located east of the Manicouagan structure, the site of a major 215 Ma impact event. The extensive reservoir at Manicouagan supports five hydro-power plants. The existing Quebec Cartier rail line, located eight kilometres west of the PYC project area, links Labrador City to Port Cartier and Sept Iles, two major iron ore port facilities.
Figure 4: HPM Location Map
The HPM Project is located within the Haut-Plateau de la Manicouagan area. The claims host prospective gabbroic, ultramafic and anorthositic bodies within the Manicouagan metamorphic complex and are associated with significant nickel-copper-cobalt sulphide mineralization first identified by Falconbridge in 1999, where they discovered extensive nickel-bearing sulphide mineralization at BDF during drilling in 2001 - 2002. Murchison Minerals Ltd.'s predecessor - Manicouagan Minerals - drilled in the area in 2008 and 2009. The majority of the past drilling at the HPM Project targeted the BDF geophysical conductor and confirmed the presence of nickel-copper-cobalt sulphide mineralization over approximately 300-metres strike length to a depth of 280 metres. The mineralization remains open at depth and partially along strike.
The Company recently completed a comprehensive data compilation, verification and modelling program, comprising all drill hole data from the BDF Zone. The modelling program consisted of developing a preliminary 3D interpretation of nickel mineralization at BDF (Figure 5). Based on the modelling, the Zone outcrops on surface, extends to a vertical depth of 295 m, has a strike length of 315 m, and is composed of multiple stacked lenses over a maximum Zone footprint width of 150 m. Individual lenses have a maximum thickness of 28 m. However, extensive mineralization has been intersected to a vertical depth of 440 m, and the Zone remains undrilled and unconstrained along strike and at depth. No resource estimates have been completed on the Zone to date.
Figure 5: Barre de Fer Zone Preliminary Nickel Mineralization Model, isometric view looking Northeast
After Murchison Minerals Ltd. acquired
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 Mr. Shmyr is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
About Murchison Minerals Ltd. (TSXV:MUR) (OTCQB:MURMF)
Murchison is a Canadian‐based exploration Company focused on nickel-copper-cobalt exploration at the
Additional information about Murchison and its exploration projects can be found on the Company's website at www.murchisonminerals.ca. For further information, please contact:
Troy Boisjoli, President and CEO or
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.
FLI herein includes, but is not limited to: future drill results; stakeholder engagement and relationships; parameters and methods used with respect to the assay results; the prospects, if any, of the deposits; future prospects at the deposits; and the significance of exploration activities and results. FLI is designed to help you understand management's current views of its near- and longer-term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. FLI by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such FLI. Although the FLI contained in this press release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities of the Company that actual results will be consistent with such FLI, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such FLI. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such FLI contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. Unless otherwise noted, this press release has been prepared based on information available as of the date of this press release. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the FLI or information contained herein. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in FLI. Assumptions upon which FLI is based, without limitation, include: the ability of exploration activities to accurately predict mineralization; the accuracy of geological modelling; the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; the legitimacy of title and property interests in the deposits; the accuracy of key assumptions, parameters or methods used to obtain the assay results; the ability of the Company to obtain required approvals; the results of exploration activities; the evolution of the global economic climate; metal prices; environmental expectations; community and nongovernmental actions; and any impacts of COVID-19 on the deposits, the Company's financial position, the Company's ability to secure required funding, or operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available at www.sedar.com.
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SOURCE: Murchison Minerals Ltd.
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