Yukon Metals Discovers High-Grade Copper Zone in Maiden Exploration Program at the AZ Property
Yukon Metals Corp (YMMCF) has announced significant findings from its maiden exploration program at the AZ property in Yukon. The company discovered high-grade copper mineralization at Chair Mountain, with values reaching up to 3.49% Cu in surface sampling.
The exploration, conducted in September 2024, focused on the 11,755-hectare AZ project, located 36km south of Beaver Creek. A prominent 1.2km-long gossan zone of rust-colored, iron-stained rock revealed consistent copper mineralization. Of 60 rock-chip samples collected, 18 showed significant copper content ranging from 0.12-3.49%.
The company plans to advance drilling at three key projects: the Star River gold-silver property, the Birch copper-gold property, and the AZ property. The Chair Mountain Project, situated 6km from the Alaska Highway, is part of YMC's broader portfolio spanning 42,500 hectares across seventeen properties in the Yukon.
Yukon Metals Corp (YMMCF) ha annunciato risultati significativi dal suo primo programma di esplorazione presso la proprietà AZ nello Yukon. L'azienda ha scoperto mineralizzazione di rame ad alto grado a Chair Mountain, con valori che raggiungono fino al 3.49% Cu nei campioni superficiali.
L'esplorazione, condotta nel settembre 2024, si è concentrata sul progetto AZ di 11.755 ettari, situato 36 km a sud di Beaver Creek. Una zona gossan prominente di 1,2 km di lunghezza, caratterizzata da rocce del colore della ruggine e macchiate di ferro, ha rivelato una mineralizzazione di rame costante. Di 60 campioni raccolti, 18 hanno mostrato un contenuto di rame significativo compreso tra 0,12 e 3,49%.
L'azienda prevede di avanzare con la perforazione in tre progetti chiave: la proprietà di oro-argento Star River, la proprietà di rame-oro Birch e la proprietà AZ. Il progetto Chair Mountain, situato a 6 km dall'Alaska Highway, fa parte del portafoglio più ampio di YMC, che si estende su 42.500 ettari attraverso diciassette proprietà nello Yukon.
Yukon Metals Corp (YMMCF) ha anunciado hallazgos significativos de su primer programa de exploración en la propiedad AZ en Yukon. La compañía descubrió mineralización de cobre de alta ley en Chair Mountain, con valores que alcanzaron hasta 3.49% Cu en muestreo superficial.
La exploración, realizada en septiembre de 2024, se centró en el proyecto AZ de 11,755 hectáreas, situado a 36 km al sur de Beaver Creek. Una destacada zona gossan de 1.2 km de longitud, compuesta de rocas de color óxido, manchadas de hierro, reveló una mineralización de cobre consistente. De 60 muestras de roca colectadas, 18 mostraron un contenido significativo de cobre que varía entre 0.12 y 3.49%.
La compañía planea avanzar con el perforado en tres proyectos clave: la propiedad de oro-plata Star River, la propiedad de cobre-oro Birch y la propiedad AZ. El proyecto Chair Mountain, ubicado a 6 km de la Carretera de Alaska, forma parte de la cartera más amplia de YMC, que abarca 42,500 hectáreas a través de diecisiete propiedades en Yukon.
유콘 메탈스 코퍼레이션 (YMMCF)은 유콘의 AZ 속성에서 첫 탐사 프로그램에 대한 중요한 발견을 발표했습니다. 회사는 의자 산에서 최고 3.49% Cu까지의 표면 샘플링에서 고급 구리 광물화를 발견했습니다.
2024년 9월에 실시된 탐사는 11,755 헥타르 규모의 AZ 프로젝트에 집중되었으며, 비버 크릭에서 남쪽으로 36km 떨어진 곳에 위치해 있습니다. Rust 색상의 철 화석이 있는 주요 1.2km 길이의 고산 지역에서 일관된 구리 광물화를 확인했습니다. 수집된 60개의 암석 조각 샘플 중 18개는 0.12-3.49% 범위의 유의미한 구리 함량을 보여주었습니다.
회사는 스타 리버 금-은 자산, 버치 구리-금 자산 및 AZ 자산에서 세 가지 주요 프로젝트에 대한 드릴링을 진행할 계획입니다. 알래스카 하이웨이에서 6km 떨어진 의자 산 프로젝트는 유콘에 걸쳐 있는 17개 자산으로 구성된 YMC의 광범위한 포트폴리오의 일환입니다.
Yukon Metals Corp (YMMCF) a annoncé des résultats significatifs de son premier programme d'exploration sur la propriété AZ dans le Yukon. La société a découvert une minéralisation de cuivre de haute qualité à Chair Mountain, avec des valeurs atteignant jusqu'à 3,49 % Cu lors des échantillonnages de surface.
L'exploration, réalisée en septembre 2024, s'est concentrée sur le projet AZ de 11 755 hectares, situé à 36 km au sud de Beaver Creek. Une zone gossan de 1,2 km de long, caractérisée par des roches de couleur rouille teintées de fer, a révélé une minéralisation de cuivre cohérente. Parmi les 60 échantillons de roche collectés, 18 ont montré un contenu en cuivre significatif variant entre 0,12 et 3,49 %.
La société prévoit d'avancer avec le forage sur trois projets clés : la propriété d'or-argent Star River, la propriété de cuivre-or Birch et la propriété AZ. Le projet Chair Mountain, situé à 6 km de l'Alaska Highway, fait partie du portefeuille plus large de YMC, qui s'étend sur 42 500 hectares à travers dix-sept propriétés dans le Yukon.
Yukon Metals Corp (YMMCF) hat bedeutende Ergebnisse aus seinem ersten Explorationsprogramm im AZ-Eigentum im Yukon bekannt gegeben. Das Unternehmen entdeckte hochgradige Kupfermineralisation am Chair Mountain, mit Werten von bis zu 3,49% Cu in Oberflächenproben.
Die Untersuchung, die im September 2024 durchgeführt wurde, konzentrierte sich auf das 11.755 Hektar große AZ-Projekt, das 36 km südlich von Beaver Creek liegt. Eine markante 1,2 km lange Gossan-Zone aus rostfarbenem, eisenhaltigem Gestein offenbarte eine konsistente Kupfermineralisierung. Von 60 gesammelten Gesteinsproben wiesen 18 einen signifikanten Kupfergehalt zwischen 0,12 und 3,49% auf.
Das Unternehmen plant, die Bohrungen in drei wichtigen Projekten voranzutreiben: dem Star River Gold-Silber-Eigentum, dem Birch Kupfer-Gold-Eigentum und dem AZ-Eigentum. Das Chair Mountain Projekt, das 6 km von der Alaska Highway entfernt ist, ist Teil von YMCs breiterem Portfolio, das sich über 42.500 Hektar verteilt und siebzehn Grundstücke im Yukon umfasst.
- High-grade copper discovery with values up to 3.49% Cu
- 30% of collected samples (18 out of 60) showed significant copper content
- Strategic location 6km from Alaska Highway enhancing accessibility
- Large property portfolio of 42,500 hectares across 17 properties
- None.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yukon Metals Corp. (CSE: YMC, FSE: E770, OTCQB: YMMCF) (“Yukon Metals” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce results from its inaugural exploration program on the 11,755-hectare AZ project, located approximately 36km south of Beaver Creek, Yukon. AZ is the largest of Yukon Metals’ seventeen properties across 42,500 hectares in the Yukon.
Highlights:
- Yukon Metals discovered extensive surface copper mineralization with values up to
3.49% Cu at Chair Mountain (Figures 1 & 2).
- The Chair Mountain Project, 6km from the Alaska Highway, is part of YMC’s massive AZ property, encompassing numerous underexplored mineral occurrences (Figure 3).
- Surface sampling identified copper mineralization across a prominent, 1.2km-long gossan zone of rust-colored, iron-stained rock (Figure 4).
Rory Quinn, President & CEO stated, “Yukon Metals is moving forward with an exciting phase of exploration, including advancing drilling at AZ’s Chair Mountain and conducting detailed mapping and sampling to define additional targets. Drilling is planned at three key projects: the Star River gold-silver property, the Birch copper-gold property, and the AZ property, which holds significant potential for copper, precious, and critical metals discoveries.”
AZ
In September 2024, Yukon Metals conducted a helicopter-supported mapping and sampling program on its AZ property. A prominent zone of orange iron-stained and altered rocks was followed over 1.2 kilometres on the north and eastern flanks of Chair Mountain. Consistent copper mineralization was found along the prospected area. Of the sixty rock-chip samples taken, 18 samples showing significant copper content, assayed from 0.12
Rock-chip samples were collected in quartz veins within basalt and andesite volcanic rocks in both outcrop and float exposures near the ridge tops. This area is coincident with a major topographic lineament, mapped regionally as a NW trending fault zone, that extends a further kilometer down to Sanpete Creek (a past alluvial gold producer) and the property boundary to the southeast.
Figure 1- Sample K140202 Grading
Figure 2- Chair Mountain
Figure 3- Oblique View Overlooking Chair Mountain & 2024 Prospecting Location
Sample | Cu % | Au ppm | Zn ppm | Type |
K140202 | 3.49 | <0.005 | 16.10 | Float |
K140222 | 1.75 | 0.01 | 30.40 | Float |
K140207 | 1.22 | 0.01 | 40.60 | Outcrop |
K140272 | 0.74 | 0.16 | 54.80 | Outcrop |
K140253 | 0.58 | <0.005 | 27.50 | Outcrop |
K140267 | 0.50 | <0.005 | 84.50 | Outcrop |
K140268 | 0.42 | <0.005 | 147.00 | Outcrop |
K140271 | 0.41 | 0.01 | 86.50 | Subcrop |
K140273 | 0.39 | 0.02 | 81.50 | Outcrop |
K140252 | 0.37 | <0.005 | 50.40 | Outcrop |
K140254 | 0.36 | 0.01 | 17.40 | Outcrop |
K140274 | 0.36 | 0.01 | 87.80 | Subcrop |
K140203 | 0.32 | 0.02 | 27.80 | Subcrop |
K140216 | 0.23 | 0.01 | 19.60 | Float |
K140220 | 0.20 | 0.01 | 39.80 | Float |
K140269 | 0.17 | 0.01 | 35.70 | Outcrop |
K140212 | 0.14 | 0.12 | 5580.00 | Float |
K140161 | 0.12 | <0.005 | 85.70 | Float |
K140204 | 0.09 | 0.28 | 2230.00 | Outcrop |
K140205 | 0.03 | 0.11 | 3400.00 | Outcrop |
Table 1- Highlighted significant 2024 rock-chip samples.
Figure 4- Rock-chip samples showing percent copper at Chair Mountain, AZ Property.
About the AZ Project
Yukon Metals owns
Figure 5- AZ property map with noted historical mineral occurrences.
Chair Mountain
Limited historical work was completed around Chair Mountain, starting in 1987, where the initial prospecting program collected only 11 samples (AR 091955). Follow-up work in 1989 within trenches near Sanpete Creek found quartz veining containing sulfides. Sample #62951 from Trench 89-4 in a 25cm-thick vein sample (true width unknown) assayed 51 ppb Au, 5.6 ppm Ag, 1,400 ppm Cu, 8,880 ppm Pb and >20,000 ppm Zn. Overlimit zinc was never assayed. Sample #62954 from Trench 89-4 assayed 59 ppb Au, 1.2 ppm Ag, 278 ppm Cu, 429 ppm Pb, 13,380 ppm Zn (AR 091955).
Strongly silicified, argillically altered and limonitic basalt flows are noted along the eastern side of Chair Mountain along with minor chalcopyrite occurrences to the north. Limited sampling in 2006 noted rock-chip float samples downstream of the eastern flank of the mountain returning values up to 0.74 g/t Au. Sampling of quartz vein float returned 0.40 g/t Au with copper ranging from 8 to 819 ppm (AR 094599).
Figure 6- Chair Mountain area geology from Israel et. al, 2007 with granite mapping from AR 094599 and the 2024 Yukon Metals field program.
Nutzotin Showing
The Nutzotin area lies 2.5km northwest of Chair Mountain along strike of a large fault mapped by the Yukon Geologic Survey in 2007 (Figure 6) Two skarn showings were uncovered in this area in the late 1960’s which reportedly yielded
During a 2006 exploration program, a composite grab sample #RC276270 over a granite stock northeast of the skarn showings returned significant copper mineralization of 1,485 ppm. Silt sample #TC276691 downstream of the stock returned 0.183 g/t gold (AR 094599). The stock reportedly shows moderate to strong orange ankeritic alteration and pyritization with abundant quartz veining, noted as commonly chalcopyrite-bearing. A small exploration program in 2012 by Strategic Metals uncovered a new mineralized zone on the northern contact of the stock with soil samples ranging between 134 to 1,105 ppm copper (AR 096422). Limited outcrop exposure, permafrost, and extensive volcanic ash over the soil profile has previously challenged exploration efforts in this area.
AZ Showing
The AZ occurrence was prospected by Ron Berdahl in the early 1990's while working for Noranda. Copper mineralization is noted on the AZ occurrence; Rock float assays returned an average of
Regional Setting
The AZ property occurs in a similar geologic setting to deposits just across the Yukon-Alaska border. The Wrangellia Terrane on the Alaska side is host to several unmined porphyry copper deposits in the Wrangell-St.Elias National Park and Preserve, which occur in or associated with Cretaceous intrusions. The most notable being the Bond Creek and Orange Hill deposits. Historical tonnage and grade estimates, reported by the US Geological Survey (Richter et al., 1975), estimate that the Bond Creek deposit may contain approximately 500 million tons grading
These historical estimates are not NI 43-101 compliant and should not be relied upon. They are presented for historical reference and to highlight the prospectivity of the AZ property with respect to nearby discoveries.
Figure 7- AZ property in relation to Wrangellia Terrane rocks and Orange Hill/ Bond Creek Historical Deposits.
Methodology
Sampling
Rock samples were sent to ALS Minerals for analysis with sample preparation in Whitehorse, Yukon and analysis in North Vancouver, British Columbia.
Samples were prepared by crushing to
Rock samples taken while prospecting referenced in this release are selective in nature and collected to determine the presence or absence of mineralization and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.
Figure 8- AZ Project Location Map
Qualified Person
The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Helena Kuikka, P.Geo., VP Exploration for Yukon Metals and a Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101).
About Yukon Metals Corp.
Yukon Metals is well financed and represents a property portfolio built on over 30 years of prospecting by the Berdahl family, the prospecting team behind Snowline Gold’s portfolio of primary gold assets. The Yukon Metals portfolio consists primarily of copper-gold and silver-lead-zinc assets, with a substantial gold and silver component. The Company is led by an experienced Board of Directors and Management Team across technical and finance disciplines.
Yukon Metals is focused on fostering sustainable growth and prosperity within Yukon's local communities, while simultaneously enhancing stakeholder value. Our strategy centers around inclusivity and shared prosperity, offering both community members and investors the chance to contribute to, and benefit from, our ventures.
The Yukon
The Yukon ranks 10th most prospective for mineral potential across global jurisdictions according to the Fraser Institute’s 2023 Survey of Mining Companies and is host to a highly experienced and conscientious local workforce, fostered by a long culture of exploration coupled with deep respect for the land. Recent major discoveries with local roots such as Snowline Gold’s Rogue Project - Valley Discovery, demonstrate the Yukon’s potential to generate fresh district-scale mining opportunities.
YUKON METALS CORP.
“Rory Quinn”
Rory Quinn, President & CEO
Email: roryquinn@yukonmetals.com
For additional information please contact:
Kaeli Gattens
Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications
Yukon Metals Corp.
E-mail: kaeligattens@yukonmetals.com
Website: www.yukonmetals.com
Webinar:
For more context, please join the Company in a live event on Thu, Jan 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM PST / 2:00 PM EST. Q&A will follow the presentation.
Click here to register: https://6ix.com/event/yukon-metals-exploration-update
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release contains certain forward-looking information, including information about the metal association and geology of the prospect areas at the AZ project, including Chair Mountain, Nutzotin, Wrangell and California, the accuracy of the copper mineralization, the potential for economic grades of copper, silver and gold, Yukon’s potential to generate fresh district-scale mining opportunities, and the Company’s future plans and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify the forward-looking information. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those discussed or implied in the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Chair Mountain and other properties not being prospective copper-rich, gold-rich or silver-rich geological systems; rock samples analysed not being representative of overall mineralization; the required assumptions of completed helicopter-supported mapping and sampling programs; not having significant scale and a lack of economic grade minerals; the Yukon not having the potential to generate fresh district-scale mining opportunities; and other risks and uncertainties. See the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s listing statement dated May 30, 2024, available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for additional risk factors. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
References
Davidson, G.,(1987). Assessment report on the Chair Gold 1-12, 15-18 mineral claims (YA94380-YA94391, YA94392-YA94395), NTS 115-K-2. Prepared for G. Harris, Whitehorse Mining District, Yukon Territory. September 1987. AR # 091955
ISRAEL, S., COBBETT, R. and FOZARD, C., 2007. Bedrock geology of the Miles Ridge area, Yukon (parts of NTS 115F/15, 16 and 115K/1, 2) (1:50 000 scale). Yukon Geological Survey, Open File 2007-7.
Mitchell, A., B.Sc. (2012). Assessment report describing soil and rock geochemical sampling at the Nutz Property, Nutz 1-30 YD110353-YD110382, NTS 115/K02. Prepared for Strategic Metals Ltd. by Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited. Whitehorse Mining District, Yukon Territory. February 2012. AR # 095814
Richter, D.H., Singer, D.A., and Cox, D.P., 1975, Mineral resources map of the Nabesna quadrangle, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Field Studies Map MF-655-K, 1 sheet, scale 1:250,000.
Schulze, C., B.Sc., (2007). NI 43-101-compliant report on the 2006 exploration program on the White River Nickel Project: ANT, HAND, WENG, RIVER, WR, PIC, and KLUX claim blocks (115K/02, 115F/15, 115F/16). Prepared for Xstrata plc (formerly Falconbridge Ltd.) by All-Terrane Mineral Exploration Services. Whitehorse Mining District, Yukon Territory. February 26, 2007. AR # 094599
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FAQ
What copper grades did YMMCF discover at the AZ property in January 2025?
How many rock-chip samples showed significant copper content in YMMCF's 2024 exploration?
What is the size of YMMCF's AZ property in Yukon?
What are YMMCF's planned drilling projects for 2025?