Mawson Acquires Option for 85% of the Skelleftea North Gold Project in Northern Sweden

Rhea-AI Summary

Mawson Gold Limited announced a joint venture agreement to earn up to 85% of the Skelleftea North Gold Project in Sweden, covering 2,500 hectares. The project features multiple gold outcrops, with grades reaching 15.1 g/t in samples. The agreement involves an initial payment of C$20,000 and the issuance of 260,000 shares. Mawson aims to invest C$3 million over 4 years to secure a controlling interest. The project is strategically located near major mining operations, enhancing Mawson's Nordic portfolio.

Positive

• Earn-up to 85% interest in Skelleftea North Gold Project, enhancing strategic positioning.
• High gold sample grades, with multiple samples exceeding 10 g/t.
• Drill-ready target located in a prolific gold mining district, flanked by established mines.

Negative

• None.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 17, 2022 / Mawson Gold Limited ("Mawson") or (the "Company") (TSX:MAW)(Frankfurt:MXR)(OTC Pink:MWSNF) is pleased to announce the entering into an option and joint venture agreement (the "Option Agreement") to earn-in up to 85% of the 2,500 ha ("hectare") in the Skelleftea North Gold Project ("Skelleftea North", or the "Project") from Elemental Exploration Scandinavia AB ("Elemental"), a private company at arm's length to Mawson. Skelleftea is located in Northern Sweden 4 hours drive from Mawson's flagship Rajapalot project, making it complementary to Mawson's Nordic focus and experience base.

Highlights:

• Multiple gold outcrops across the 3 km x 6 km permit area grading up to 15.1 g/t (12 samples, range 0.01 to 15.1 g/t Au, average 4.35 g/t Au).
• Drill ready target, with better channel samples including 3.8m at 4.5 g/t Au and 1.6m at 5.4 g/t.
• Located in renowned Skellefte Belt, a modern goldfield with over 6 million ounces of gold produced.
• Right to acquire up to 85% in the project over a 10-year period.
• Excellent strategic fit; leveraging local exploration team and track record, and consolidating the Nordic focus through addition of a year-round drilling prospect to complement our advanced Rajapalot project.

Mr. Fairhall, CEO, states, "Skelleftea North is a hugely exciting drill ready project, in a world-class mining belt, flanked by 4 mines that have extracted over 6 million ounces of gold combined. Fennoscandia is ripe for discovery and we have seen a race for ground and new discoveries resulting from un-precedented exploration activity in the region. Being almost completely covered by till, outcrops of this quality are rare in the Nordics - the last of which in Mawson's portfolio was Palokas, which underwrote our growing million-ounce gold equivalent discovery at Rajapalot. We will leverage that team's decade long experience in the region to advance this Project, thereby adding further value creation optionality for Mawson's shareholders."

The Skelleftea North Gold Project consists of 2,500 ha of contiguous 100%-owned claims located in the well-endowed Skellefte Mining District of Northern Sweden, located 40 km north-northwest of the city of Skelleftea (Figure 1). The Skellefte Belt comprises a poly-deformed, Paleoproterozoic-aged volcano-sedimentary rocks containing several large gold deposits that have produced in excess of 6 Moz of gold (most notably from the Boliden, Bjorkdal and Kankberg gold mines, see Figure 1). Swedish mining giant Boliden has dominated production in the district for nearly a century and has established processing facilities at the site of the historical Boliden gold mine (historical production of 4 Moz at 15.1 g/t Au) located ~22 km to the southwest and smelting facilities in Skelleftea. Mandalay Resources Corporation operates the Bjorkdal gold mine located 8 km to the southwest of the Project, having historically produced over 1.3 Moz Au with a further 1 Moz Au remaining in M&I resources. The Skelleftea North Project is also flanked by the Akerberg open-pit mine located some 2 km to the northwest, which historically produced 150 Koz Au (at 3.1 g/t Au) in the early 2000's. In addition, there are 85 known polymetallic sulfide deposits within the Skellefte Mining District, the largest being the currently-operating Renstrom and Kristineberg mines having produced over 14 Mt and 32 Mt of polymetallic sulfide ore respectively.

The Project area contains outcropping gold mineralization across the 3 km x 6 km land package (see Figure 2), with grab samples collected grading up to 15.1 g/t Au. Gold is hosted within a structurally controlled quartz-vein system containing arsenopyrite gangue. Veins occur as localized ‘vein-swarms' within a late sub-vertical mafic dyke intruded within an interpreted pre-existing structural feature. Weak deformation fabrics observed within the host dyke suggest the gold-mineralization has a late post-deformational emplacement age, and therefore interpreted as a late-orogenic, epigenetic deposit style.

The most advanced target on the Project is at the Dalbacka Prospect (see Figure 3), where an approximately180m long outcropping mafic dyke intrudes a deformed pyrrhotite-bearing graphitic black shale that extends as a clear magnetic anomaly to the east and west under cover for approximately 1.5 km (see Figure 4). The full outcropping extent of the mafic dyke contains gold-bearing quartz/arsenopyrite mineralization across both its outcropping length and width (between 3m and 10m - see Table 1). Highlighted results from Elemental's exploration and Mawson's confirmatory work include:

• Channel TR119948 3.8m at 4.5 g/t Au (true width approx. 80%).
• Channel TR119944 1.6m at 5.4 g/t (true width).
• 5 grab samples cross spanning the outcrop averaging 5.1 g/t Au (range 0.8 to 10.0 g/t Au).
• Isolated 6.0 g/t Au sample 1.8 km west of main outcrop, broadly along trend.
• Isolated 15.1 g/t Au sample found in quartz-arsenopyrite vein in the Storberget Prospect located in the north of the Project.

The Dalbacka Prospect is located on privately owned land and is fully permitted for year-round drilling. Following a detailed ground magnetic survey, drilling will commence in Q2 2022.

Channel samples are considered representative of the in-situ mineralization sampled, while grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property.

Option Agreement Terms

Under the terms of the Option Agreement, Mawson has paid Elemental C$20,000 as reimbursement for certain costs incurred to maintain the Project in good standing, and has issued 260,000 common shares (the "Common Shares") to Elemental at an issue price of C$0.16 per common share. The Common Shares are subject to a statutory hold period expiring on May 18, 2022.

Mawson has the right to earn up to 85% of the project and enter into a joint venture. Key terms of the Option Agreement:

• An option to earn an initial 75% interest, exercisable by Mawson subject to incurring aggregate expenditures of C$3,000,000 over 4 years, provided that a minimum C$220,000 is spent in year one (inclusive of C$20,000 already paid) and C$280,000 in year two.
• An option to earn an additional 10% interest (for 85% total) exercisable by the Mawson upon completion of a NI 43-101 compliant pre-feasibility or feasibility study.
• Mawson will be the Operator during the option period.
• Following Mawson earning 85%, formation of a standard joint venture ("JV"), with both parties contributing to ongoing funding.
• Should either party dilute below 10%, the diluting party's interest will convert to a 2% Net Smelter Royalty ("NSR"). The non-diluting party will hold an exclusive right to acquire 50% of the NSR for C$1,500,000 at any time prior to the date that is 12 months after commercial production.

Mawson will utilize the services of Elemental to manage certain operational and statutory responsibilities on the Project.

The securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.

Technical Background and Qualified Person

The Qualified Person, Michael Hudson, Executive Chairman of Mawson Gold, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has reviewed and verified the technical contents of this release.

Channel samples were taken with a powered rock-saw with continuous sampling taken across the full length of each channel, at a nominal 1m sampling interval. Sample locations were measured with a handheld GPS, and sent to three certified laboratories to conduct gold assay analysis. Samples were taken and transported by Mawson and Elemental Exploration personnel or commercial transport from site to the CRS Minlab Oy facility in Kempele, Finland, or to the ALS Global sample preparation facility in Mala, Sweden. Samples submitted to Kempele were prepared and analyzed for gold using the PAL1000 technique which involves grinding the sample in steel pots with abrasive media in the presence of cyanide, followed by measuring the gold in solution with flame AAS equipment. Samples were also sent to MSA Laboratory in Langley, British Colombia for 50g fire assay and ICP finish method Au ICP-AED. Samples submitted to Mala were analyzed using 30 g fire assay with AA finish method Au-AA25. The QA/QC program of Mawson consists of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold content. In addition, all three laboratories insert blanks and standards during the analytical process.

Regional production and resource estimate sources are hyperlinked. These historical data have not been verified by Mawson and are quoted for information purposes only.

Gold equivalent "AuEq" = Au+(Co/1005) based on assumed prices of cobalt US$23.07/lb and gold US$1,590/oz. Details of Mawson's Inferred Mineral Resource can be read in the Company's news release dated August 26, 2021 (here).

About Mawson Gold Limited (TSX:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, OTCPINK:MWSNF)

Mawson Gold Limitedis an exploration and development company. Mawson has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic Arctic exploration company with the flagship Rajapalot gold-cobalt project in Finland, and option to earn up to 85% in the Skelleftea Gold Project in Sweden. Mawson also owns or is joint venturing into three high-grade, historic epizonal goldfields covering 470 km² in Victoria, Australia and is well placed to add to its already significant gold-cobalt resource in Finland.

About Elemental Exploration Scandinavia AB

Elemental Exploration Scandinavia AB is a privately-owned, Swedish-based exploration company founded in 2020 by Ms. Amanda Scott and Dr. Thomas Fromhold, both qualified exploration geologists residing in Sweden, with experience in Australia and the Nordics. Notably Dr. Fromhold held the position of Exploration Manager for 4 years with Mandalay Resources Corporation at their Swedish operations. Amanda Scott is credited with the discovery of high-grade iron ore at Jigalong in the East Pilbara and the Amanda gold deposit in the Pilbara, and is currently a non-executive director of ASX-listed Hannans Ltd.

On behalf of the Board, "Ivan Fairhall" Ivan Fairhall, Director and CEO

Further Information www.mawsongold.com 1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7 Mariana Bermudez (Canada), Corporate Secretary, +1 (604) 685 9316, info@mawsongold.com

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Although Mawson believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate, and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Mawson cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates; changes in world metal markets; changes in equity markets; ability to achieve goals; that the political environment in which the Company operates will continue to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases, including the novel COVID-19 virus; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; reliance on a single asset; planned drill programs and results varying from expectations; unexpected geological conditions; local community relations; dealings with non-governmental organizations; delays in operations due to permit grants; environmental and safety risks; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Mawson's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedar.com. While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Mawson, in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, Mawson can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Mawson disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Figure 1: Regional Setting of the Skellefteå North Gold Project

Figure 2: Skellefteå North Gold Project Tenure and Prospect Map

Figure 3: Dalbacka Prospect Channel and Outcrop Sampling

Figure 4: Skellefteå North Gold Project Geochemistry and TMI Magnetics

Table 1: Assay Results

Sample ID	Channel Name	From (m)	To (m)	Length (m)	Au ppm (FA)	Easting (SWEREF99)	Northing (SWEREF99)	MSL (m)
Channel Samples
2733628	TR119943	0.0	0.8	0.8	0.01	769170.2	7219723	235
2733629	TR119943	0.8	1.8	1.0	0.02	769170.8	7219724	235
2733630	TR119943	1.8	2.8	1.0	0.02	769171.5	7219725	235
2733631	TR119943	2.8	3.8	1.0	0.01	769172.2	7219726	235
2733632	TR119943	3.8	4.8	1.0	1.74	769172.9	7219726	235
2733633	TR119943	4.8	5.8	1.0	0.46	769173.7	7219727	235
2733634	TR119943	5.8	6.8	1.0	0.22	769174.3	7219728	235
2733635	TR119943	6.8	7.8	1.0	0.98	769174.8	7219728	235
2733636	TR119943	7.8	8.8	1.0	0.37	769175.2	7219729	235
2733637	TR119943	8.8	9.8	1.0	0.08	769175.4	7219730	235
2733638	TR119943	9.8	10.8	1.0	0.33	769175.7	7219731	235
2733639	TR119943	10.8	11.8	1.0	0.55	769176	7219732	235
2733640	TR119943	11.8	12.8	1.0	1.4	769176.3	7219733	235
2733641	TR119943	12.8	13.8	1.0	0.35	769176.7	7219734	235
2733642	TR119943	13.8	14.8	1.0	0.005	769177	7219735	235
2733643	TR119943	14.8	15.8	1.0	0.005	769177.4	7219736	235
2733644	TR119943	15.8	16.8	1.0	0.005	769177.8	7219737	235
2733645	TR119944	0.0	0.8	0.8	8.08	769152.9	7219737	241
2733646	TR119944	0.8	1.6	0.8	1.92	769152.6	7219736	241
2733647	TR119945	0.0	1.0	1.0	0.52	769143.8	7219740	234
2733648	TR119945	1.0	2.0	1.0	0.005	769143.5	7219739	234
2733649	TR119946	0.0	0.7	0.7	0.06	769060.7	7219777	234
2733651	TR119946	0.7	1.2	0.5	0.04	769060.1	7219777	234
2733677	TR119946	1.2	1.7	0.5	1.41	769059.6	7219777	234
2733652	TR119946	1.7	2.7	1.0	1.18	769058.9	7219777	234
2733653	TR119946	2.7	3.7	1.0	0.52	769057.9	7219776	234
2733654	TR119946	3.7	4.7	1.0	0.37	769056.9	7219776	234
2733655	TR119946	4.7	5.7	1.0	1.22	769055.9	7219776	234
2733656	TR119946	5.7	6.7	1.0	0.57	769055	7219776	234
2733657	TR119946	6.7	7.7	1.0	0.37	769054	7219775	234
2733658	TR119946	7.7	8.7	1.0	0.23	769053	7219775	234
2733659	TR119946	8.7	9.7	1.0	0.51	769052	7219775	234
2733660	TR119946	9.7	10.7	1.0	0.99	769051.1	7219775	234
2733661	TR119946	10.7	11.7	1.0	0.74	769050.1	7219775	234
2733662	TR119946	11.7	12.7	1.0	0.73	769049.1	7219774	234
2733678	TR119946	12.7	13.2	0.5	0.86	769048.4	7219774	234
2733663	TR119947	0.0	0.7	0.7	0.005	769047.8	7219774	236
2733664	TR119947	0.7	1.7	1.0	0.005	769047.4	7219773	236
2733665	TR119947	1.7	2.7	1.0	0.005	769046.9	7219772	236
2733666	TR119947	2.7	3.2	0.5	0.005	769046.5	7219772	236
2733667	TR119948	0.0	1.0	1.0	0.03	769092.8	7219750	237
2733668	TR119948	1.0	2.0	1.0	0.04	769092.5	7219750	237
2733669	TR119948	2.0	3.0	1.0	4.26	769092.1	7219751	237
2733670	TR119948	3.0	4.0	1.0	6.89	769091.8	7219752	237
2733671	TR119948	4.0	4.8	0.8	3.52	769091.5	7219753	237
2733672	TR119948	4.8	5.8	1.0	1.86	769091.2	7219754	237
2733673	TR119948	5.8	6.8	1.0	0.05	769090.8	7219755	237
2733674	TR119948	6.8	7.8	1.0	0.02	769090.5	7219756	237
Grab Samples
KDL19-002					5.52	7224084	772412
KDL19-005					1.96	7219773	769052
KDL19-006					0.8	7219781	769030
KDL19-007					15.1	7224087	772416
KDL19-009					5.85	7219755	769108
KDL19-010					9.95	7219747	769144
KDL19-011					6.87	7219734	769191
KDL19-012					0.02	7218713	769366
KDL19-013					5.99	7220100	767203
KDL19-015					0.01	7225106	770600
KDL19-016					0.02	7219789	767225
KDL19-017					0.02	7218835	774095

SOURCE: Mawson Gold Limited

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/683658/Mawson-Acquires-Option-for-85-of-the-Skelleftea-North-Gold-Project-in-Northern-Sweden

FAQ

What is the significance of the joint venture agreement for MWSNF?

The joint venture allows Mawson to earn up to 85% interest in the Skelleftea North Gold Project, enhancing its exploration and potential revenue.

What geological features make the Skelleftea North Project attractive?

The project contains high-grade gold samples and is located in a well-endowed mining district with several historical production sites.

What are the financial commitments under the Option Agreement for MWSNF?

Mawson has committed to spend a minimum of C$220,000 in the first year and an aggregate of C$3 million over four years to earn a 75% initial interest.

When is drilling expected to commence at the Skelleftea North Project?

Drilling is expected to start in Q2 2022, following the completion of a detailed ground magnetic survey.

How does the Skelleftea North Project fit into Mawson's overall strategy?

The project complements Mawson's flagship Rajapalot project, leveraging local expertise and resources to enhance overall exploration efforts in the Nordic region.