TRX Gold Announces Best Drill Hole Result In History Of Buckreef Gold

Rhea-AI Summary

TRX Gold has announced its best drill result ever at the Buckreef Gold Project, with hole BMDD310 intersecting 35.5 metres at 5.48 g/t Au from 64m. The company also revealed the discovery of a new gold mineralization shear zone named the 'Stamford Bridge Zone', located approximately 200m east of the Buckreef Main Zone.

Key drill results from the Stamford Bridge Zone include: BMDD310 with 35.5m @ 5.48 g/t Au, BMDD312 with 17.2m @ 3.14 g/t Au, and BMGT001 with multiple significant intersections. The new zone shows similar geological characteristics to the Main Zone and potentially forms a 1-kilometer 'bridge' between the Buckreef Gold Main Zone and the Eastern Porphyry.

Positive

• Best drill result in company history: 35.5m @ 5.48 g/t Au (194.54 gtm)
• Discovery of new Stamford Bridge Zone with high-grade mineralization
• Over 50% success rate in early-stage drilling of the new zone
• Potential to reduce strip ratio and improve mining economics due to shallow mineralization
• Location near existing Main Pit operations enables easy integration into future mine plans

Negative

• Early-stage results with only two sections along the newly identified trend drilled
• True width estimated to be only 50-60% of the reported intersection lengths

Insights

Mining Geologist

This drill result represents an exceptional discovery that significantly enhances Buckreef Gold's potential. The intercept of 35.5 meters at 5.48 g/t Au is remarkably high-grade and thick compared to typical gold deposits. The newly discovered Stamford Bridge Zone shows promising characteristics:

• Located just 200 meters east of the main resource zone, suggesting potential resource expansion
• Shows similar geological features to the main zone, indicating potential for significant mineralization
• Could form a mineralized "bridge" connecting multiple zones across 1 kilometer
• Shallow depth and proximity to existing operations could mean lower mining costs

The 50% success rate in early drilling and the presence of typical shear zone characteristics ("pinch and swell") suggest this could be a major structural feature. The potential to reduce strip ratios and add near-surface ounces could significantly improve project economics.

Financial Analyst

This discovery could substantially impact TRX Gold's valuation and future cash flows. Key financial implications include:

• Potential resource expansion beyond current 2M+ ounce gold resource
• Lower mining costs due to proximity to existing infrastructure
• Possible reduction in strip ratio, which would improve operating margins
• Enhanced exploration upside could attract strategic investors or M&A interest

For a company with a market cap of $110M, this discovery could be transformative. The high-grade nature (8.06 g/t Au over 13m) suggests potential for improved project economics. The shallow depth of mineralization means lower capital requirements for future development.

TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TRX Gold Corporation (TSX: TRX) (NYSE American: TRX) (the “Company” or “TRX Gold”) is excited to announce its best drill result ever, on a gram x tonne x meters (“gtm”) basis with hole BMDD310 intersecting 35.5 metres (“m”) @ 5.48 g/t Au (194.54 gtm) from 64 m. This drill hole result is approximately 200 m east of the Buckreef Main Zone, host to Buckreef Gold’s 2M+ ounce Au Mineral Resource¹ and where current operations are ongoing in the Main Pit.

The Company is also excited to announce the discovery of a promising new gold mineralization shear zone, named the “Stamford Bridge Zone” at which current drill results are revealing geological characteristics and mineral alterations similar to that at Buckreef’s Main Zone. Hole BMDD310, mentioned above, is located along the Stamford Bridge Zone.

Stamford Bridge Shear Zone Drill Results To Date:

1. Hole BMDD310 intersected 35.5 m @ 5.48 g/t Au from 64 m; including 13m @8.06g/t Au.
2. Hole BMDD312 intersected 17.2 m @ 3.14 g/t Au from 164.6 m.
3. Geotechnical hole BMGT001 intersected 11.39 m @ 2.80 g/t Au from 104.0 m, and 22.0 m @ 2.36 g/t Au from 186.6 m. Both results are interpreted to be part of the Stamford Bridge Zone trend.
4. BMGT001 intersected the Buckreef Main Zone of 32.80 m @ 1.70 g/t Au (ending in mineralization) from 393.0 m.

The Stamford Bridge Zone was discovered through detailed geological mapping of the Main Pit floor that identified a trend of high-grade mineralization on the eastern side of the Main Pit trending 070⁰ East (Figures 1). This is an exceptional discovery at the Buckreef Gold Project, resulting in the most significant mineralization identified within Buckreef Gold’s drill history.

The exploration team then identified that geotechnical hole BMGT001 (one of geotechnical holes drilled as part of the Buckreef Main Zone geotechnical study completed by Terrane Geoscience Inc.) located 160 m east of the Main Pit, drilled across the Stamford Bridge (Figure 1), and was subsequently relogged (Table 1). The logging confirmed the presence of three mineralization zones, including the Stamford Bridge Zone. The zones were sampled, and the assay results are summarized below (Table 1). To date, the new Stamford Bridge Zone has shown evidence of a sheared mineralized zone with similar geological characteristics to that found in the Main Zone, i.e., zones are measured as being near vertical with strong alteration.

Isaac Bisansaba, Manager of Technical Services at Buckreef Gold, explains, “To have an over 50% success rate at this early stage of drilling a newly discovered shear zone is very exciting. Thus far, from four drillholes, two returned remarkable results and the two other holes still show evidence of strongly mineralized shear structure. This seems to represent the pinch and swell, typical of shear zones.”

Thus far, drilling has covered 100 m of this newly identified mineralized structure and geological logging confirms the continuity of the structure. These results are beginning to form what can become a potential 1-kilometer “bridge” between the Buckreef Gold Main Zone, where current operations are ongoing, and the parallel, high-priority, gold mineralization zone known as the Eastern Porphyry (see Figure 1). The latter also links to the Anfield Zone, discovered in 2022. (see May 15, 2023 press release)

The Company has planned an expanded diamond drill program to test for further mineralization along this newly developing trend.   Although these are early-stage results, and only two sections along the newly identified trend have been drilled, key interpretations include:

1. The Stamford Bridge Zone is potentially a significant shear zone and geologically similar to the Buckreef Main Zone. It bridges the gap between Buckreef Main Zone and the Eastern Porphyry deposit to the Southeast.
2. Pinching and swelling of the Stamford Bridge Zone has been observed in the first section drilled; 4m wide in the first drillhole and over 17 m wide on the second drillhole down dip; and
3. The second section has intercepted a significant shear zone, over 35 m wide with distorted shear fabric by alteration overprint. Therefore, a minimal number of follow-up drillholes will be required to understand geometry of this new discovery.
   

“We are very excited about these new findings, which have resulted from diligent geoscientific work and interpretation by our team at Buckreef Gold. The grades and widths are both impressive and encouraging as the new Stamford Bridge Zone represents a great exploration opportunity and a chance to uncover more mineable gold in the ground at Buckreef Gold. Being relatively shallow and in close proximity to our Main Pit, mineralization from this Stamford Bridge Zone would be expected to make it into future mine plans and possibly reduce the strip ratio overall, making future mining more economic. I have always said, there is a lot of gold at Buckreef Gold, we need to continue exploring this underexplored property and look forward to further exploration results!”, commented Stephen Mullowney, TRX Gold Chief Executive Officer.

Figure 1. Buckreef Gold Property Showing Location of Stamford Bridge Zone and Drill Hole Results

Figure 2. Drill sections - Stamford Bridge Zone

Table 1: Summary of Results – Stamford Bridge

Hole ID	Hole Type	Drill Holes Location					Sample Depth		Width (m)	Assay Grade (gpt)	Lithology	Comment
		East (m)	North (m)	RL (m)	Azimuth	Dip	From (m)	To (m)
BMGT001	DD	391,780	9,658,453	1,217.8	270	-50	104.00	115.39	11.39	2.80	Msh
							186.00	208.00	22.00	2.36	Msh	Stamford Bridge Mineralized shear zone with strong alteration
							393.00	425.80	32.80	1.70	Msh	Buckreef Main mineralized shear zone
BMDD309	DD	391,676	9,658,400	1,216.6	334	-60	101.80	104.50	2.70	1.65	Msh	Mineralized shear zone with strong alteration
BMDD310	DD	391,723	9,658,418	1,217.2	334	-60	64.50	100.00	35.50	5.48	Msh
					Including		76.00	89.00	13.00	8.06		Mineralized shear zone with strong alteration
BMDD312	DD	391,685	9,658,382	1,216.4	335	-60	164.60	181.80	17.20	3.14	Msh	Mineralized shear zone with strong alteration

Qualified Person

Mr. William van Breugel, P.Eng, BASc (Hons), technical Advisor to TRX Gold Corporation, is the Company’s Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects” (“NI 43-101”) and has reviewed and assumes responsibility for the scientific and technical content in this press release.

Sample Protocol QA/QC

The sample chain of custody is managed by the Buckreef geology team on site. Reported results are from diamond drilled core samples. Intervals of core to be analyzed are split into half using a mechanized core cutter, with one half sent to the Laboratory for geochemical analysis and the remaining half kept in storage for future reference and uses. Diamond drilled core has been a HQ size and recoveries are consistently 100% across all drill holes intercept reported.

Sampling and analytical procedures are subject to a comprehensive quality assurance and quality control program. The QAQC program involves insertion of duplicate samples, blanks and certified reference materials in the sample stream. Gold analyses are performed by standard fire assaying protocols using a 50-gram charge with atomic absorption (AAS) finish and a gravimetric finish performed for assays greater than 10 grams per tonne.

Sample Preparation and analysis are performed by independent SGS Laboratory in Mwanza, Tanzania. SGS Laboratory is ISO17025 accredited and employs a Laboratory Information Management System for sample tracking, quality control and reporting.

The results summarized in this release are from Stamford Bridge target. The intercepts confirm an interpreted mineralized shear zone trending 070 degrees (ENE) that is over a km long. The intersections reported here has covered only the first 100m strike length, they are down-hole lengths and may not represent true width, however the true width is estimated to be between 50% - 60% of the length.

About TRX Gold Corporation

TRX Gold is rapidly advancing the Buckreef Gold Project. Anchored by a Mineral Resource published in May 2020, the project currently hosts an NI 43-101 Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 35.88 MT at 1.77 g/t gold containing 2,036,280 oz of gold and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 17.8 MT at 1.11g/t gold for 635,540 oz of gold. The leadership team is focused on creating both near-term and long-term shareholder value by increasing gold production to generate positive cash flow. The positive cash flow will be utilized for exploratory drilling with the goal of increasing the current gold Resource base and advancing the Sulphide Ore Project which represents 90% of current gold Resources. TRX Gold’s actions are led by the highest ESG standards, evidenced by the relationships and programs that the Company has developed during its nearly two decades of presence in Geita Region, Tanzania.

For investor or shareholder inquiries, please contact:
Investor Relations
Christina Lalli
Vice President, Investor Relations
TRX Gold Corporation
+1-438-399-8665
c.lalli@TRXgold.com
www.TRXgold.com

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined in the applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “hopes”, “intends”, “estimated”, “potential”, “possible” and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results “will”, “may”, “could” or “should” occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect TRX Gold management’s expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to continued operating cash flow, expansion of its process plant, estimation of mineral resources, ability to develop value creating activities, recoveries, subsequent project testing, success, scope and viability of mining operations, the timing and amount of estimated future production, and capital expenditure.

Although TRX Gold believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. The actual achievements of TRX Gold or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. These risks, uncertainties and factors include general business, legal, economic, competitive, political, regulatory and social uncertainties; actual results of exploration activities and economic evaluations; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; changes in costs; future prices of gold and other minerals; mining method, production profile and mine plan; delays in exploration, development and construction activities; changes in government legislation and regulation; the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and in a timely manner or at all; contests over title to properties; employee relations and shortages of skilled personnel and contractors; the speculative nature of, and the risks involved in, the exploration, development and mining business. These risks are set forth in reports that TRX Gold files with the SEC and the various Canadian securities authorities. You can review and obtain copies of these filings from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml and the Company’s profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR+”) at www.sedarplus.ca.

The disclosure contained in this press release of a scientific or technical nature relating to the Company’s Buckreef Project has been summarized or extracted from the technical report entitled “The National Instrument 43-101 Independent Technical Report, Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Buckreef Gold Mine Project, Tanzania, East Africa for TRX Gold” with an effective date (the “Effective Date”) of May 15, 2020 (the “2020 Technical Report”). The 2020 Technical Report was prepared by or under the supervision Mr. Wenceslaus Kutekwatekwa (Mining Engineer, Mining and Project Management Consultant) BSc Hons (Mining Eng.), MBA, FSAIMM, of Virimai Projects, and, Dr Frank Crundwell, MBA, PhD, a Consulting Engineer, each of whom is an independent Qualified Person as such term is defined in NI 43-101. The information contained herein is subject to all of the assumptions, qualifications and procedures set out in the 2020 Technical Report and reference should be made to the full details of the 2020 Technical Report which has been filed with the applicable regulatory authorities and is available on the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company did not complete any new work that would warrant reporting material changes in the previously reported Mineral Resource (“MRE”) and Mineral Reserve statements during the prior reporting period. The Company has engaged two globally recognized and respected mining consulting groups to undertake a comprehensive review of the MRE, and economic analysis which was previously conducted under the 2003 CIM code. This in turn follows significant infill and exploration drilling, plus other required technical work undertaken over the prior 18 months. This work is currently being undertaken to be compliant with the November 2019 CIM Code for the Valuation of Mineral Properties, which are different with respect to the 2003 guidelines. There can be no assurance that there will not be a change in the MRE and Mineral Reserve as disclosed in the 2020 Technical Report after such work has been updated (in accordance with the 2019 CIM code).

The information contained in this press release is as of the date of the press release and TRX Gold assumes no duty to update such information.

The TSX and NYSE America have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this press release, which has been prepared by the management of TRX Gold.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8cbd389f-fd6f-4784-8794-d3e27b6c1c6a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ec185d63-4ed8-494d-a588-86a7c88411c6

FAQ

What was TRX Gold's best drill result at Buckreef Gold?

Hole BMDD310 intersected 35.5 metres at 5.48 g/t Au from 64m, representing the best drill result in the company's history on a gram x tonne x meters basis (194.54 gtm).

What is the Stamford Bridge Zone discovery by TRX Gold?

The Stamford Bridge Zone is a newly discovered gold mineralization shear zone located approximately 200m east of the Buckreef Main Zone, showing similar geological characteristics to the Main Zone.

How far has TRX Gold drilled in the Stamford Bridge Zone?

Drilling has covered 100m of the newly identified mineralized structure, with geological logging confirming the continuity of the structure.

What are the potential benefits of the Stamford Bridge Zone for TRX?

The zone could potentially reduce strip ratios, make future mining more economic, and create a 1-kilometer bridge between the Buckreef Gold Main Zone and the Eastern Porphyry.