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Solitario Commences Drilling on its Golden Crest Gold Project

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Solitario Resources Corp. (NYSE American:XPL)(TSX:SLR) has commenced core drilling on its 100%-owned Golden Crest gold project in South Dakota. The Phase-One 2024 drilling program aims to drill 10-12 holes totaling 5,000 meters, starting with the high-grade Downpour Zone. Previous trenching and surface sampling revealed significant gold values, with trench assays up to 17.60 g/t gold and 37 select surface grab samples showing high-grade distributions. The project is located near the Homestake-Wharf mining complex, which has produced approximately 52 million ounces of gold. Solitario's cash balance and marketable securities stand at approximately US$9.3 million.

Positive
  • Commencement of core drilling program on 100%-owned Golden Crest gold project
  • High-grade gold values from previous trenching and surface sampling (up to 17.60 g/t gold)
  • Strategic location near historic Homestake-Wharf mining complex
  • Strong cash position of approximately US$9.3 million
Negative
  • None.

The commencement of drilling at Solitario's Golden Crest project marks a pivotal step in their exploration efforts. The high-grade surface results from trenching and surface rock sampling indicate a promising zone with significant gold potential. Particularly noteworthy are the trench samples, with several showing high gold grades above 10 grams per tonne (gpt). This indicates the presence of substantial mineralization near the surface, which could be indicative of a larger deposit at depth.

From a geological perspective, the project's proximity to the Homestake-Wharf mining complex, a historic gold district, is also significant. This region's history of gold production strengthens the hypothesis of substantial gold reserves in the area. However, the actual economic viability of these findings will depend on the forthcoming drill results, which should verify the extent and concentration of gold mineralization at depth.

It's important to remember that surface samples, while promising, do not guarantee economically viable mining operations. Investors should watch for the results of this drilling phase to better understand the project's potential.

The initiation of drilling at Solitario's Golden Crest project could signal a positive development for the company's financial outlook. The high-grade sample results indicate potential for a sizable gold deposit, which, if verified by drilling, could significantly boost Solitario's asset base and market valuation. The company's current cash balance of approximately $9.3 million is adequate to support these initial exploration efforts without immediate financing concerns.

However, investors should be mindful of the risks associated with early-stage exploration projects. There is substantial uncertainty until drill results confirm the extent and quality of mineralization. Positive drill results could attract partnerships or financing, enhancing shareholder value. Conversely, disappointing results might necessitate further fundraising, potentially diluting existing shares.

In the short term, market reaction will likely hinge on updates from the drilling program. Long-term value will be contingent on the project's progression from exploration to potentially a development phase.

Solitario's drilling activity at Golden Crest is entering a market environment where gold prices have shown robust performance, driven by economic uncertainties and inflation concerns. Successful drilling results could position Solitario to capitalize on high gold prices, enhancing its competitive standing in the market. The company's strategic land holdings in South Dakota, a region with robust historical gold production, add strategic value.

Yet, it's important to consider market dynamics; the gold exploration sector is highly competitive and the long path from discovery to production can be fraught with challenges. The ongoing commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives is a positive signal to socially conscious investors, reflecting responsible operational practices.

Investors should monitor how Solitario communicates progress and engages with stakeholders, as transparent and positive updates can boost investor confidence and potentially uplift stock performance in the short to medium term.

DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / July 15, 2024 / Solitario Resources Corp. ("Solitario") (NYSE American:XPL)(TSX:SLR) is pleased to announce core drilling has begun on its 100%-owned Golden Crest gold project in South Dakota. Phase-One of the 2024 drilling program consists of drilling approximately 10-12 holes totaling 5,000 meters. The first area to be drill tested is the high-grade Downpour Zone where trenching and surface rock sampling has revealed high-grade gold at surface (Trench and Surface Sample Assay Maps). Assay highlights of the trenching program are as follows:

Trench Number

Length

Avg. Gold Grade

(meters)

(grams/tonne)

Tr-1

36

17.60

Tr-2

60

8.55

Tr-3

12

0.56

Tr-4

15

2.18

Tr-5

15.6

17.1

Downpour Trenching Results (Previously Released)

In addition to the high-grade trenching results, surface grab sampling of the area surrounding the trenches revealed significant gold values over a corridor of approximately 800 meters long and up to 500 meters wide. Within this zone, 37 select surface grab samples were collected and displayed the following gold-grade distributions (previously released results):

  • 7 samples above 10 gpt gold

  • 16 samples above 3 gpt gold

  • 25 samples above 1 gpt gold

Chris Herald, President and CEO of Solitario, stated: "With the drill now turning, we are beginning a new phase in the exploration of our Golden Crest project. It is remarkable that such a large well-endowed gold region has never been drill tested, especially one that is situated so close to one of America's largest historic gold districts, the Homestake-Wharf mining complex. We are excited to begin drilling at Golden Crest and look forward to reporting our progress and results."

Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Assurance

The collection of all trench and surface rock samples was supervised by project geologists, including chain of custody. Rock samples were reconnaissance select grab samples that display alteration, usually silicification and hydrothermal brecciation. These samples were derived mainly from residually weathered rock fragments, sub-crop, and less commonly, outcrop. The significance of these samples is limited to determining whether gold, or trace elements usually associated with gold, are present within rocks affected by hydrothermal alteration fluids. Assay results may not be representative of, nor verify economically mineable mineralization. Samples were analyzed by ALS Laboratories in Reno, NV, a laboratory accredited in accordance with the standards of ISO 17025:2017. The samples were crushed and pulverized, and sample pulps were analyzed using industry standard fire assay methods. A certified reference sample or duplicate was inserted at least every 20th sample.

Sandor Ringhoffer, CPG, SME RM, is a geologic consultant of Solitario and a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, responsible for approving the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About Solitario

Solitario is a natural resource exploration company focused on high-quality Tier-1 gold and zinc exploration projects. Solitario's 100%-owned Golden Crest properties in South Dakota constitute strategic land holdings along the western and southwestern extensions of the Homestake-Wharf mining district that has produced approximately 52 million ounces of gold and is reported to contain another 30 million ounces in historical resources (not SK-1300 or NI-4301 compliant). The project area is located in a safe jurisdiction with highly developed infrastructure, an unbroken 150-year record of continuous gold mining, a skilled mining workforce, and a history of high-grade, underground mineable gold deposits.

The Company is traded on the NYSE American ("XPL") and on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("SLR"). In addition to its South Dakota property holdings, Solitario holds a 50% joint venture interest (Teck Resources 50%) in the high-grade Lik zinc deposit in Alaska and a 39% joint venture interest (Nexa Resources 61%) on the high-grade Florida Canyon zinc project in Peru. At Florida Canyon, Solitario is carried to production through its joint venture arrangement with Nexa. Solitario's Management and Directors hold approximately 9.1% (excluding options) of the Company's 81.4 million shares outstanding. Solitario's cash balance and marketable securities stand at approximately US$9.3 million. Additional information about Solitario is available online at www.solitarioresources.com.

Solitario has a long history of committed Environmental, Social and Responsible Governance ("ESG") of its business. We realize ESG issues are also important to investors, employees, and all stakeholders, including communities in which we work. We are committed to conducting our business in a manner that supports positive environmental and social initiatives and responsible corporate governance. Importantly, we work with joint venture partners that not only value the importance of ESG issues in the conduct of their business on our joint venture projects but are leaders in the industry in this important segment of our business.

For More Information Please Contact:

Chris Herald, President and CEO
Solitario Resources Corp.
Tel. 303-534-1030 ext. 1

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (and the equivalent under Canadian securities laws), that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. They are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and address activities, events or developments that Solitario expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, and are based on current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Solitario's Golden Crest land position does not cover any of the areas of historical gold production or historical unmined resources. Certain historical information concerning exploration and gold production in the Black Hills region has been obtained through both public and private sources and are believed to be substantially factual, but Solitario can give no assurances of the accuracy of such information. The existence of historic mines and resources adjacent to Solitario's land position do not necessarily support the existence of economic mineral deposits on Solitario's land position. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's expectation of the projected timing and outcome of engineering studies; expectations regarding the receipt of all necessary permits and approvals to implement a mining plan, if any, at any of its mineral properties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among others, risks relating to risks that Solitario's and its joint venture partners' exploration and property advancement efforts will not be successful; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of zinc, gold, lead and silver; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; uncertainties concerning reserve and resource estimates; availability of outside contractors, and other activities; uncertainties relating to obtaining approvals and permits from governmental regulatory authorities; the possibility that environmental laws and regulations will change over time and become even more restrictive; and availability and timing of capital for financing the Company's exploration and development activities, including uncertainty of being able to raise capital on favorable terms or at all; risks relating to the impacts of pandemics or similar epidemics; as well as those factors discussed in Solitario's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") including Solitario's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other SEC filings (and Canadian filings) including, without limitation, its latest Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company does not intend to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Solitario Resources Corp.



View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the scope of Solitario's (XPL) 2024 drilling program at Golden Crest?

Solitario's Phase-One 2024 drilling program at Golden Crest aims to drill approximately 10-12 holes totaling 5,000 meters, starting with the high-grade Downpour Zone.

What were the gold assay highlights from Solitario's (XPL) trenching program at Golden Crest?

The trenching program at Golden Crest revealed high-grade gold assays, with the highest average gold grade of 17.60 g/t over 36 meters in Trench 1.

How much gold has the nearby Homestake-Wharf mining complex produced, according to Solitario (XPL)?

According to Solitario, the nearby Homestake-Wharf mining complex has produced approximately 52 million ounces of gold and is reported to contain another 30 million ounces in historical resources.

What is Solitario's (XPL) current cash and marketable securities position as of July 15, 2024?

As of July 15, 2024, Solitario's cash balance and marketable securities stand at approximately US$9.3 million.

Solitario Resources Corp.

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