Premium Nickel Reports 17.55 Metres of 3.28% NiEq or 6.16% CuEq (2.07% Ni, 1.98% Cu, 0.11% Co) at Selebi North Underground, 403 Metres down Plunge of the Historic Resource
Premium Nickel Resources (TSXV: PNRL, OTCQX: PNRLF) has announced new assay results from drilling at its Selebi North underground mine in Botswana. Key highlights include 17.55 meters grading at 3.28% NiEq (2.07% Ni, 1.98% Cu, 0.11% Co) from hole SNUG-24-089 and 28.60 meters grading at 1.95% NiEq (0.84% Ni, 1.96% Cu, 0.04% Co) from hole SNUG-24-081. These results will be integrated into the forthcoming NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate, expected this June. A total of 35,246 meters have been drilled to date, with 92 drillholes completed and more assays forthcoming. The aim is to upgrade inferred resources to indicated resources and incorporate this data into a NI 43-101 compliant Prefeasibility Study to optimize initial mine life estimates.
- 17.55 meters grading at 3.28% NiEq (2.07% Ni, 1.98% Cu, 0.11% Co) from hole SNUG-24-089.
- 28.60 meters grading at 1.95% NiEq (0.84% Ni, 1.96% Cu, 0.04% Co) from hole SNUG-24-081.
- New drill results support the high-grade polymetallic nature of the deposit.
- Upcoming NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate expected in June 2024.
- A total of 35,246 meters in ninety-two drillholes have been completed.
- The historical mineral resource estimates do not comply with NI 43-101 and should not be relied upon.
- Results indicate additional drilling is needed to properly determine true width of mineralization on each limb.
"The assays from the down plunge extension of the Selebi North historic resource continue to confirm the interpretation of up-side potential of the high-grade Ni-Cu-Co polymetallic nature of this deposit. These assays will be included in the first Selebi National Instrument 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"), that will combine drilling from both Selebi North and Selebi Main, which is expected this June." - CEO, Keith Morrison
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 16, 2024) - Premium Nickel Resources Ltd. (TSXV: PNRL) (OTCQX: PNRLF) ("PNRL" or the "Company") is pleased to report additional assay results from drilling at its past-producing nickel-copper-cobalt sulphide ("Ni-Cu-Co") Selebi North underground ("SNUG") mine in Botswana. Previous results for 47 holes were released in ten separate news releases between November 14, 2023 and April 17, 2024. This release highlights results for a further six holes. Details of the assay results are shown below along with accompanying visuals (Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3). Drill core photos for all highlighted holes released to date, including the holes reported herein, are accessible by Clicking Here and can also be found on the Company's website at www.premiumnickelresources.com.
Highlights include:
- SNUG-24-089 (South Limb, 403 metres down plunge of historic resource):
17.55 metres of
- SNUG-24-081 (South Limb and N2 Limb, within historic resource):
28.60 metres of
incl. 6.10 metres of
Keith Morrison, CEO of PNRL, commented: "The assays from the down plunge extension of the Selebi North historic resource continue to confirm the interpretation of up-side potential of the high-grade Ni-Cu-Co polymetallic nature of this deposit. These assays will be included in the first Selebi National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") compliant Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"), that will combine drilling from both Selebi North and Selebi Main, which is expected this June. While there is geoscience data indicating that both orebodies continue down plunge from our current drilling, the underground drills will focus on upgrading the inferred resources to indicated resources, with the intent of incorporating the data into a NI 43-101 compliant Prefeasibility Study ("PFS") optimizing initial mine life estimates."
Assay results are given below in Table 1 for SNUG-24-081, 082, 077, 089, 093 and 100; hole collar details are given in Table 2. Figures 1 through 3 show the location of the holes relative to the historic resource and underground infrastructure.
The various mineralized zones have been historically mined and subsequently named N2 Limb, N3 Limb and South Limb to demarcate their location on the folded mineralized horizon. Additional drilling is needed to properly determine true width of mineralization on each limb and define the folded mineralization.
Table 1: Assay Results Selebi North Deposit
| Hole-ID | From (m) | To (m) | *Length (m) | Ni (%) | Cu (%) | Co (%) | Limb | **NiEq (%) | ***CuEq (%) |
| SNUG-24-081 | 231.15 | 259.75 | 28.60 | 0.84 | 1.96 | 0.04 | South /N2 | 1.95 | 3.66 |
| including | 231.15 | 237.25 | 6.10 | 0.91 | 4.13 | 0.05 | South /N2 | 3.18 | 5.97 |
| and | 243.20 | 249.85 | 6.65 | 1.16 | 1.99 | 0.06 | South /N2 | 2.31 | 4.33 |
| and | 253.05 | 259.75 | 6.70 | 1.28 | 1.93 | 0.07 | South /N2 | 2.41 | 4.52 |
| SNUG-24-082 | 418.00 | 435.65 | 17.65 | 1.08 | 1.22 | 0.06 | South | 1.81 | 3.40 |
| including | 427.65 | 435.65 | 8.00 | 1.26 | 1.67 | 0.07 | South | 2.25 | 4.23 |
| SNUG-24-087 | 6.90 | 19.00 | 12.10 | 0.81 | 0.89 | 0.04 | South | 1.35 | 2.53 |
| including | 10.60 | 14.80 | 4.20 | 1.71 | 2.18 | 0.09 | South | 3.00 | 5.64 |
| SNUG-24-089 | 591.95 | 609.50 | 17.55 | 2.07 | 1.98 | 0.11 | South | 3.28 | 6.16 |
| SNUG-24-093 | 206.10 | 224.35 | 18.25 | 0.88 | 0.63 | 0.04 | N2 | 1.28 | 2.40 |
| including | 206.10 | 209.25 | 3.15 | 2.06 | 1.54 | 0.09 | N2 | 3.01 | 5.65 |
| and | 218.00 | 220.60 | 2.60 | 2.17 | 0.59 | 0.10 | N2 | 2.63 | 4.94 |
| SNUG-24-100 | 451.75 | 464.40 | 12.65 | 0.96 | 1.65 | 0.05 | South | 1.91 | 3.59 |
| including | 451.75 | 455.35 | 3.60 | 1.37 | 0.63 | 0.08 | South | 1.82 | 3.42 |
| including | 461.95 | 464.40 | 2.45 | 2.17 | 2.59 | 0.11 | South | 3.70 | 6.96 |
*Length refers to drillhole length and not true width. True widths are unknown.
**NiEq was calculated assuming a price of $US 8.67/lb for Ni, $US 4.61/lb for Cu and $US 12.62/lb for Co with no adjustments for recoveries or payabilities.
Table 2: Drill Collar Information Selebi North Deposit
| HOLE ID | Mine East | Mine North | Elevation | Dip | Mine Azimuth | Hole Length | Comment |
| SNUG-24-081 | 35094.1 | 84759.0 | -51.8 | -34.7 | 172.1 | 293.6 | Rig #1 935mL |
| SNUG-24-082 | 35364.9 | 84407.5 | 81.3 | -73.3 | 235.6 | 536.8 | Rig #2 810mL |
| SNUG-24-087 | 35068.0 | 84686.0 | -45.7 | -37.0 | 176.0 | 59.6 | Rig #1 925mL |
| SNUG-24-089 | 35378.0 | 84423.1 | 81.2 | -64.43 | 185.7 | 707.6 | Rig #3 810mL |
| SNUG-24-093 | 35064.7 | 84692.2 | -44.4 | -17.41 | 306.1 | 248.6 | Rig #1 925mL |
| SNUG-24-100 | 35366.8 | 84407.7 | 81.3 | -72.13 | 220.7 | 599.6 | Rig #2 810mL |
Drilling and BHEM Continues
Three drills are currently active on the 810 metre level exploration drift. The two drill bays located at the southern most extent of the 810 metre level exploration drift allow for the evaluation of areas further down plunge and outside of the known historic resource estimate. The third drill is stationed in the newly completed development located approximately 130 metres east orthogonal to of the main 810 metre level exploration drift, allowing for optimal intersection angles on South Limb and N2 Limb.
BHEM surveys have been completed in a total of thirty (30) underground drillholes including nine (9) 2024 holes drilled from the 810 metre level exploration drift evaluating the down plunge potential of the South Limb. Results from these surveys indicate that the mineralized zones continue down plunge of current drilling, permitting larger step-out intervals.
As of May 14, 2024, a total of 35,246 metres in ninety-two (92) drillholes have been completed from seven underground drill bays with three of those drillholes currently in-progress. Assay results for completed holes will be released as they are received and confirmed by the Company.
Quality Control
The underground drilling program is being carried out through an agreement with Forage Fusion Drilling Ltd. of Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada, who have provided three Zinex U-5 drills for purchase and training of local operators. Drill core samples are BQTK (40.7 mm diameter). All samples are ½ core cut by a diamond saw on site. Half of the core is retained for reference purposes. Samples are generally 1.0 to 1.5 metre intervals or less at the discretion of the site geologists. Sample preparation and lab analysis was completed at ALS Chemex in Johannesburg, South Africa. Commercially prepared blank samples and certified Cu/Ni sulphide analytical control standards with a range of grades are inserted in every batch of 20 samples or a minimum of one set per sample batch. Analyses for Ni, Cu and Co are completed using a peroxide fusion preparation and ICP-AES finish (ME-ICP81).
Holes are numbered as follows: SNUG (Selebi North Underground) + year + hole number starting at 013.
BHEM Surveys
The BHEM surveys at Selebi utilize the Crone PEM system operated by local Batswana staff. Survey data is collected using a 3 component fluxgate probe collecting full waveform data. Surveys have been collected using timebases between 50 and 1000ms (0.25 Hz to 5 Hz). The data has been processed to a calculated residual step response to better quantify the conductive sources. This added processing has proven to be invaluable because of the size of the highly conductive mineralized system.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Sharon Taylor, Vice President Exploration of the Company, who is a "qualified person" for the purposes of NI 43-101.
Technical Report
Scientific and technical information relating to the Selebi Mine is supported by the technical report titled "Technical Report on the Selebi Mines, Central District, Republic of Botswana, Report for NI 43-101", dated June 16, 2022 (effective date of March 1, 2022) (the "Selebi Technical Report"), and prepared by SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. for PNRL. Reference should be made to the full text of the Selebi Technical Report, including the assumptions, limitations and data verification therein relating to the historic data compilation presented in this news release, which was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and is available electronically on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.com) under PNRL's issuer profile.
Historic Resource Estimate
The historical mineral resource estimate referenced herein (the "Historic Resource") was calculated in 2016 for the Selebi North, Selebi Main, Phikwe South and Southeast Extension deposits in accordance with South African Mineral Resource Committee ("SAMREC") code and does not comply with NI 43-101. To that end, the Historic Resource is considered to be historical in nature and should not be relied upon as a current mineral resource estimate. While management believes that the Historic Resource could be indicative of the presence of mineralization on the deposits, a qualified person for purposes of NI 43-101 has not completed sufficient work to classify the historical mineral estimates as current mineral resource estimates and PNRL is not treating the historical mineral estimates as current mineral resource estimates.
About Premium Nickel Resources Ltd.
PNRL is a mineral exploration and development company that is focused on the redevelopment of the previously producing nickel, copper and cobalt resources mines owned by the Company in the Republic of Botswana.
PNRL is committed to governance through transparent accountability and open communication within our team and our stakeholders. Our skilled team has worked over 100 projects collectively, accumulating over 400 years of resource discoveries, mine development and mine re-engineering experience on projects like the Company's Selebi and Selkirk mines. PNRL's senior team members have on average more than 20 years of experience in every single aspect of mine discovery and development, from geology to operations.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Keith Morrison
Director and Chief Executive Officer
Premium Nickel Resources Ltd.
For further information about Premium Nickel Resources Ltd., please contact:
Jaclyn Ruptash
Vice President, Communications and Government and Investor Relations
+1 (604) 770-4334
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. For the purposes of this release, forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to: the ability of the Company to implement its drilling, geoscience and metallurgical work on its properties and work plans generally; the implementation of the objectives, goals and future plans of the Company including the proposed advancement of the Selebi Mines as currently contemplated; the ability of exploration activities (including drill results) to accurately predict mineralization; management's belief that the Selebi and Selebi North deposits may be connected at depth; the timing to release of the remaining assay results; the ability of the Company to implement its drilling, geoscience and metallurgical work on its properties and work plans generally; the implementation of the objectives, goals and future plans of the Company including the proposed advancement of the Selebi Mines as currently contemplated; the ability of the Company to define mineral resource estimates on the Selebi Mines in accordance with NI 43-101 and/or obtain an updated MRE in respect of the Selebi Mines; the productivity rates for underground drilling at Selebi North; drilling results confirming the legacy fold pattern continues at depth; the effective targeting activities proposed by the Company; the ability to identify mineralization down plunge of existing workings and the ability of such findings to be used to complete a MRE and/or to support further economic studies the ability and timing of advancing the underground drilling program at Selebi North as contemplated (if at all); the ability to expand the resource potential at the Selebi Mine; the results of the drill program on Selebi North and the timing and disclosures of the Company regarding same; the relationships between, and continuity of, the various deposits (if any); the benefits of the Company's approach to exploration; management's belief that the Historic Resource could be indicative of the presence of mineralization on the deposits; and the anticipated benefits of the Company's approach to the resource development plan. These forward-looking statements, by their nature, require the Company to make certain assumptions and necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; the ability of exploration results to predict mineralization or the feasibility of mine production; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; changes in equity markets; inflation; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry; and those risks set out in the Company's public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.com) under PNRL's issuer profile. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
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Figure 1: Selebi North: Location of Reported Drill Holes with Underground Infrastructure, Historic Resources, Exploration Targets and modeled BHEM plates.
To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7759/209350_figure1.jpg
Figure 2: Selebi North: Location of Reported Drill Holes with Underground Infrastructure, Historic Resources and Exploration Targets.
To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7759/209350_figure2.jpg
Figure 3: Detailed view showing location of drillholes reported and mentioned in this release.
To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7759/209350_figure3.jpg
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/209350
FAQ
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