Drill results include 45.7 m of 21.7 g/t Au and 68.7 m of 15.92 g/t Au
THUNDER BAY, ON, May 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Premier Gold Mines Limited
("Premier" or "the Company") is pleased to provide an update
of active exploration and development programs at the South Arturo
Mine, located in the Carlin Trend of Nevada. Highlights
include the development of two new deposits planned in 2018, along
with multiple high-grade in-fill drill results from these deposits
as highlighted below.
El Nino Upper Zone
In-fill drilling in the upper zone demonstrates high grades that
may have a positive effect on the resources and incentive to
develop this project into the production schedule. Results
include:
- 140 feet grading 0.33 oz/ton Au (42.7 metres of 11.20
g/t Au) including 25 feet grading 0.95 oz/ton Au
(7.6 m of 32.47 g/t Au) in hole
ELN17-MX-06
- 200 feet grading 0.20 oz/ton Au (61.0 m of 6.96 g/t Au) including 50 feet
grading 0.46 oz/ton Au (15.2 m of
15.94 g/t Au) in hole ELN17-MX-14
El Nino Near-Pit
Near surface in-fill and expansion drilling also resulted in
better than expected grades that provide additional incentive and
upside to develop these resources. Results include:
- 225 feet grading 0.46 oz/ton Au (68.6 m of 15.92 g/t Au) including 35 feet
grading 1.88 oz/ton Au (10.7 m of
64.57 g/t Au) in hole EL17-10
- 150 feet grading 0.63 oz/ton Au (45.7 m of 21.68 g/t Au) including 45 feet
grading 1.28 oz/ton Au (13.7 m of
43.84 g/t Au) in hole EL17-12
Phase 3 Pit Zone
Results included exceptional widths and excellent grades that
indicate additional upside and incentive to develop the next
phase. Results include:
- 118.8 feet grading 0.23 oz/ton Au (36.2 m of 7.95 g/t Au) in hole ART17-01C
- 261.6 feet grading 0.15 oz/ton Au (79.7 m of 5.21 g/t Au) in hole ART17-04C
- 117.0 feet grading 0.48 oz/ton Au (35.7 m of 16.54 g/t Au) including 50 feet
grading 0.82 oz/ton Au (15.2 m of
28.26 g/t Au) and an additional intercept of 226.5 feet grading
0.09 oz/ton Au (69.0 m of 3.05
g/t Au) in hole ART17-10C
Near-Surface Mineralization at the South Hinge Target
- 27.7 feet grading 0.07 oz/ton Au (8.4 m of 2.23 g/t Au) in hole BD17-06C
- 77.5 feet grading 0.03 oz/ton Au (23.6 m of 1.17 g/t Au) in hole BD17-08C
The South Arturo Mine is a series of deposits that is operated
under a joint venture between Premier (40% ownership) and Barrick
Gold Exploration Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barrick Gold
Corporation ("Barrick"). Barrick is the operator and
processes ore from South Arturo at their Goldstrike facility
located 5 kilometres to the south.
Processing of stockpiled ore from the Phase 2 pit has been
accelerated in 2018 with gold production for the year having
already exceeded annual guidance of 5,000 to 10,000 ounces.
In addition to processing of stockpiled ore, efforts have shifted
towards further exploration on the greater property package and the
development of two new mining operations on the property beginning
in 2018; the Phase 1 open pit and the El Nino underground mine.
"This project continues to deliver positive results and these
high grade intercepts are some of the best the company has ever
achieved," stated Ewan Downie,
President & CEO. "Results-to-date support our belief that
this joint venture, made up of several deposits in the heart of the
Carlin Trend, will continue to provide a solid operational future.
Premier has already realized a significant return on our investment
with no dilution to our shareholders on upcoming phases of
development. These deposits remain open for expansion and we expect
South Arturo to remain a critical component of the Premier's
production profile".
Phase 1 Open Pit Project
Development of the Phase 1 open-pit is scheduled to begin in
mid-2018 and will be one of the first North American mines operated
by Barrick that will test autonomous haul trucks that could lead to
reduced mining and maintenance costs and improved safety.
In addition to ore that will be processed at Goldstrike, work
will continue to advance a potential run-of-mine (ROM) heap leach
opportunity. Column leach testing to verify ROM recoveries
will be completed in 2018 to validate and strengthen recovery
curves. Additional drilling may be considered to potentially add
additional mineralization in the eastern portion of the pit.
El Nino Underground Project
The El Nino deposit is located down-plunge of the Phase 2 pit
that was mined in 2016-17. Development of the El Nino
underground mine is expected to begin in H2-2018. During 2017
core drilling from surface was completed in the Upper Zone and
Cubex RC drilling was completed from within the pit to test
mineralization near the pit, in-fill gaps in the Upper Zone,
delineate potential voids, and condemn areas around planned
underground development. Drilling results in the Upper Zone
confirmed the mineral inventory; see Table 1 highlights.
|
Table 1: El Nino
2017 Core Drilling Highlights
|
Hole
ID
|
Coordinates(1)
|
Azimuth/Dip
|
Elevation
(ft)
|
From
(ft)
|
To
(ft)
|
Intercept(2)
(ft)
|
Au
(oz/t)
|
Intercept(2)
(m)
|
Au
(g/t)
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
ELN17-MX-01
|
41.03973487
|
-116.4130648
|
100/-85
|
5256
|
310.0
|
350.0
|
40.0
|
0.04
|
12.2
|
1.23
|
ELN17-MX-02
|
41.03963022
|
-116.4126627
|
350/-90
|
5269
|
370.0
|
425.0
|
55.0
|
0.06
|
16.8
|
2.19
|
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
375.0
|
385.0
|
10.0
|
0.16
|
3.0
|
5.52
|
ELN17-MX-03
|
41.0398133
|
-116.4131754
|
090/-80
|
5254
|
330.0
|
340.0
|
10.0
|
0.16
|
3.0
|
5.52
|
ELN17-MX-04
|
41.04002602
|
-116.4138944
|
030/-85
|
5232
|
290.0
|
300.0
|
10.0
|
0.10
|
3.0
|
3.29
|
ELN17-MX-06
|
41.03956375
|
-116.4126504
|
240/-80
|
5269
|
295.0
|
435.0
|
140.0
|
0.33
|
42.7
|
11.21
|
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
325.0
|
350.0
|
25.0
|
0.95
|
7.6
|
32.47
|
ELN17-MX-07
|
41.03963624
|
-116.4126789
|
340/-80
|
5268
|
355.0
|
365.0
|
10.0
|
0.15
|
3.0
|
5.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
375.0
|
400.0
|
25.0
|
0.10
|
7.6
|
3.39
|
ELN17-MX-08
|
41.03959632
|
-116.4127098
|
300/-84
|
5263
|
325.0
|
390.0
|
65.0
|
0.07
|
19.8
|
2.43
|
ELN17-MX-09
|
41.03957963
|
-116.4126393
|
020/-84
|
5269
|
360.0
|
400.0
|
40.0
|
0.13
|
12.2
|
4.35
|
ELN17-MX-10
|
41.03964441
|
-116.4126635
|
350/-75
|
5268
|
415.0
|
425.0
|
10.0
|
0.11
|
3.0
|
3.74
|
ELN17-MX-11
|
41.03957343
|
-116.4124682
|
032/-71
|
5270
|
370.0
|
470.0
|
100.0
|
0.25
|
30.5
|
8.57
|
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
395.0
|
405.0
|
10.0
|
0.44
|
3.0
|
14.98
|
|
and
|
|
|
|
|
430.0
|
440.0
|
10.0
|
0.45
|
3.0
|
15.43
|
ELN17-MX-12
|
41.03957963
|
-116.4126393
|
025/-50
|
5269
|
360.0
|
595.0
|
235.0
|
0.18
|
71.6
|
6.21
|
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
400.0
|
450.0
|
50.0
|
0.35
|
15.2
|
12.14
|
|
and
|
|
|
|
|
485.0
|
505.0
|
20.0
|
0.39
|
6.1
|
13.41
|
ELN17-MX-13
|
41.03980236
|
-116.4131149
|
060/-60
|
5254
|
370.0
|
505.0
|
135.0
|
0.08
|
41.1
|
2.78
|
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
395.0
|
425.0
|
30.0
|
0.18
|
9.1
|
6.03
|
ELN17-MX-14
|
41.03980236
|
-116.4131149
|
052/-55
|
5254
|
365.0
|
565.0
|
200.0
|
0.20
|
61.0
|
6.96
|
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
405.0
|
455.0
|
50.0
|
0.47
|
15.2
|
15.94
|
ELN17-MX-15
|
41.04007911
|
-116.4139598
|
358/-70
|
5230
|
350.0
|
365.0
|
15.0
|
0.07
|
4.6
|
2.43
|
ELN17-MX-16
|
41.04002054
|
-116.41387
|
020/-65
|
5232
|
340.0
|
365.0
|
25.0
|
0.31
|
7.6
|
10.70
|
ELN17-MX-17
|
41.03989219
|
-116.4132786
|
357/-54
|
5251
|
400.0
|
415.0
|
15.0
|
0.12
|
4.6
|
4.25
|
ELN17-MX-22
|
41.03932027
|
-116.4120303
|
020/-70
|
5289
|
365.0
|
405.0
|
40.0
|
0.04
|
12.2
|
1.47
|
ELN17-MX-23
|
41.03986517
|
-116.4132174
|
015/-55
|
5252
|
410.0
|
455.0
|
45.0
|
0.08
|
13.7
|
2.81
|
ELN17-MX-24
|
41.0398791
|
-116.4132419
|
030/-55
|
5252
|
410.0
|
495.0
|
85.0
|
0.06
|
25.9
|
2.19
|
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
440.0
|
455.0
|
15.0
|
0.12
|
4.6
|
4.11
|
ELN17-MX-25
|
41.03930384
|
-116.4120346
|
340/-77
|
5289
|
285.0
|
300.0
|
15.0
|
0.09
|
4.6
|
3.09
|
1) Coordinates are in
WGS84, 2) True widths are estimated to be 80 to 90% of core
length
|
The Cubex drill program has confirmed continuity of
mineralization near the pit with higher than expected grades
encountered near the planned portal. The Cubex drilling could
not reach target depths to fully test the Upper Zone and additional
surface drilling or drilling from underground will be completed in
the future. Table 2 provides highlight results from the Cubex
drill program.
|
Table 2: El
Nino 2017 Cubex Drilling Highlights
|
Hole
ID
|
Coordinates(1)
|
Azimuth/
Dip
|
Elevation
(ft)
|
From
(ft)
|
To
(ft)
|
Intercept(2)
(ft)
|
Au
(oz/t)
|
Intercept(2)
(m)
|
Au
(g/t)
|
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
EL17-01
|
41.03900465
|
-116.4138531
|
019/0
|
5013
|
10.0
|
30.0
|
20.0
|
0.07
|
6.1
|
2.26
|
|
|
|
|
|
60.0
|
95.0
|
35.0
|
0.07
|
10.7
|
2.50
|
EL17-02
|
41.03903222
|
-116.4138367
|
019/-7
|
5022
|
5.0
|
185.0
|
180.0
|
0.08
|
54.9
|
2.67
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
130.0
|
185.0
|
55.0
|
0.15
|
16.8
|
5.25
|
EL17-04
|
41.03888924
|
-116.4136098
|
025/0
|
5017
|
35.0
|
95.0
|
60.0
|
0.20
|
18.3
|
6.75
|
EL17-05
|
41.03891107
|
-116.4135986
|
025/-7
|
5015
|
0.0
|
90.0
|
90.0
|
0.14
|
27.4
|
4.80
|
|
|
|
|
|
125.0
|
135.0
|
10.0
|
0.18
|
3.0
|
6.27
|
EL17-06
|
41.03888924
|
-116.4136098
|
025/-17
|
5017
|
15.0
|
200.0
|
185.0
|
0.12
|
56.4
|
4.22
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
50.0
|
90.0
|
40.0
|
0.26
|
12.2
|
8.95
|
and
|
|
|
|
|
245.0
|
255.0
|
10.0
|
0.21
|
3.0
|
7.03
|
EL17-07
|
41.03887254
|
-116.4134573
|
029/-5
|
5021
|
60.0
|
90.0
|
30.0
|
0.07
|
9.1
|
2.37
|
EL17-08
|
41.03881268
|
-116.4135045
|
029/-14
|
5012
|
60.0
|
275.0
|
215.0
|
0.07
|
65.5
|
2.30
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
180.0
|
200.0
|
20.0
|
0.14
|
6.1
|
4.87
|
and
|
|
|
|
|
245.0
|
270.0
|
25.0
|
0.17
|
7.6
|
5.79
|
EL17-09
|
41.03881496
|
-116.4135045
|
029/-26
|
5013
|
90.0
|
385.0
|
295.0
|
0.09
|
89.9
|
2.91
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
205.0
|
290.0
|
85.0
|
0.13
|
25.9
|
4.46
|
and
|
|
|
|
|
280.0
|
290.0
|
10.0
|
0.31
|
3.0
|
10.77
|
EL17-10
|
41.03904312
|
-116.4140177
|
000/-10
|
5017
|
50.0
|
275.0
|
225.0
|
0.46
|
68.6
|
15.91
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
105.0
|
260.0
|
155.0
|
0.64
|
47.2
|
22.05
|
and
|
|
|
|
|
220.0
|
255.0
|
35.0
|
1.88
|
10.7
|
64.56
|
EL17-12
|
41.03911454
|
-116.4141129
|
344/-10
|
5018
|
85.0
|
235.0
|
150.0
|
0.63
|
45.7
|
21.67
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
160.0
|
205.0
|
45.0
|
1.28
|
13.7
|
43.85
|
EL17-14
|
41.03905128
|
-116.4139246
|
008/-12
|
5018
|
65.0
|
240.0
|
175.0
|
0.09
|
53.3
|
3.05
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
220.0
|
235.0
|
15.0
|
0.43
|
4.6
|
14.74
|
1) Coordinates are in
WGS84, 2) True widths are estimated to be 80 to 90% of core
length
|
Phase 3 Open Pit Project
Phase 3 is an additional potential open pit at South Arturo and
the 2017 drill program returned numerous positive results.
Continuity of the mineralization was confirmed,
higher-than-expected grades were encountered in the southern extent
of the current pit design, and new mineralization was also
intersected below the current pit design. Drilling in 2018 is
planned to define the extents of the high-grade breccia zone and
the potential for expansion. Table 3 provides highlight
results from the Phase 3 - 2017 drill program.
|
Table 3: Phase 3 -
2017 Drilling Highlights
|
Hole
ID
|
Coordinates(1)
|
Azimuth/
Dip
|
Elevation
(ft)
|
From
(ft)
|
To
(ft)
|
Intercept(2)
(ft)
|
Au
(oz/t)
|
Intercept
(2)
(m)
|
Au
(g/t)
|
Longitude
|
Latitude
|
ART17-01C
|
41.03132989
|
-116.4208134
|
333/-84
|
5720
|
670.2
|
789.0
|
118.8
|
0.23
|
36.2
|
7.95
|
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
696.2
|
716.0
|
19.8
|
0.33
|
6.0
|
11.31
|
|
and
|
|
|
|
|
741.0
|
749.0
|
8.0
|
0.44
|
2.4
|
15.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
1088.0
|
1113.0
|
25.0
|
0.06
|
7.6
|
1.95
|
|
|
|
|
|
1198.0
|
1203.0
|
5.0
|
0.18
|
1.5
|
6.07
|
ART17-02C
|
41.03214607
|
-116.420721
|
238/-81
|
5790
|
982.4
|
1033.0
|
50.6
|
0.13
|
15.4
|
4.59
|
|
|
|
|
|
1098.0
|
1128.0
|
30.0
|
0.10
|
9.1
|
3.36
|
ART17-04C
|
41.03217877
|
-116.4207067
|
305/-73
|
5791
|
734.4
|
996.0
|
261.6
|
0.15
|
79.7
|
5.21
|
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
734.4
|
877.0
|
142.6
|
0.20
|
43.5
|
6.99
|
ART17-10C
|
41.03130071
|
-116.4207623
|
292/-81
|
5719
|
733.0
|
850.0
|
117.0
|
0.48
|
35.7
|
16.53
|
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
738.0
|
788.0
|
50.0
|
0.82
|
15.2
|
28.25
|
|
and
|
|
|
|
|
955.0
|
1030.0
|
75.0
|
0.06
|
22.9
|
2.02
|
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
955.0
|
990.0
|
35.0
|
0.08
|
10.7
|
2.57
|
|
and
|
|
|
|
|
1020.0
|
1030.0
|
10.0
|
0.09
|
3.0
|
3.12
|
|
|
|
|
|
1061.0
|
1287.5
|
226.5
|
0.09
|
69.0
|
3.05
|
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
1076.0
|
1121.0
|
45.0
|
0.16
|
13.7
|
5.59
|
1) Coordinates are in
WGS84, 2) True widths are estimated to be 80 to 90% of core
length
|
South Arturo - Exploration
In addition to continued development activities, exploration
initiatives are aimed at adding additional resources and testing
new target areas on the property. In 2018, activities will
continue to advance the South Hinge and East Dee targets.
South Hinge is one of the primary exploration targets owing to
its proximity as a potential link between the Phase 2 and Phase 3
pit designs that could lead to potential expansion of the planned
Phase 3 pit. The deep high-grade target at South Hinge was
not reached in the 2017 drill program, however mineralization was
encountered above the target with the results highlighted in Table
4.
|
Table 4: South
Hinge 2017 Drilling Highlights
|
Hole
ID
|
Coordinates(1)
|
Azimuth/
Dip
|
Elevation
(ft)
|
From
(ft)
|
To
(ft)
|
Intercept(2)
(ft)
|
Au
(oz/t)
|
Intercept
(2)
(m)
|
Au
(g/t)
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
BD17-01C
|
41.03669806
|
-116.427577
|
282/-55
|
5291
|
92.0
|
97.0
|
5.0
|
0.11
|
1.5
|
3.91
|
BD17-03C
|
41.03686944
|
-116.427255
|
269/-89
|
5290
|
82.8
|
87.8
|
5.0
|
0.01
|
1.5
|
0.48
|
BD17-04C
|
41.03755721
|
-116.4268952
|
323/-48
|
5287
|
42.5
|
47.5
|
5.0
|
0.05
|
1.5
|
1.68
|
BD17-05C
|
41.03628961
|
-116.4281789
|
140/-90
|
5284
|
142.0
|
147.0
|
5.0
|
0.14
|
1.5
|
4.87
|
BD17-06C
|
41.03739662
|
-116.4268656
|
218/-90
|
5285
|
58.0
|
85.7
|
27.7
|
0.07
|
8.4
|
2.23
|
BD17-07C
|
41.03579864
|
-116.4266688
|
198/-48
|
5351
|
46.0
|
59.0
|
13.0
|
0.04
|
4.0
|
1.27
|
BD17-08C
|
41.03734703
|
-116.4269294
|
151/-90
|
5286
|
0.0
|
77.5
|
77.5
|
0.03
|
23.6
|
1.17
|
including
|
|
|
|
|
16.0
|
23.5
|
7.5
|
0.07
|
2.3
|
2.37
|
1) Coordinates are in
WGS84, 2) True widths are estimated to be 80 to 90% of core
length
|
East Dee is a target located to the east of the Phase 1 pit
believed to be located on the east side of the Bootstrap Formation;
a similar structural setting to El Nino. Drilling at East Dee is
planned in 2018 and the Ardent target which is a generative
exploration target on the property where drilling in 2017
intersected favourable structure and strong and continuous
alteration with the potential to host Carlin-style
mineralization.
All abbreviations used in this press release are available at
this link. (click here)
Stephen McGibbon, P. Geo., is the
Qualified Person for the information contained in this press
release and is a Qualified Person within the meaning of National
Instrument 43-101. The primary assay laboratories for the South
Arturo Mine are ALS Chemex Labs (ALS Chemex) and American Assay
Labs (American Assay) in Reno,
Nevada. For a complete description of sample preparation,
analytical methods and QA/QC procedures, refer to the technical
report for the South Arturo dated March 26,
2018 (effective date December 31,
2017), entitled "Technical Report on the South Arturo Mine,
Elko County, State of Nevada, USA" located on Premier's
website and at www.sedar.com.
Premier Gold Mines Limited is a gold producer and
respected exploration and development company with a high-quality
pipeline of precious metal projects in proven, accessible and safe
mining jurisdictions in Canada,
the United States, and
Mexico.
This Press Release contains certain information that may
constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian
securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but
is not limited to, statements about strategic plans, including
future operations, future work programs, capital expenditures,
discovery and production of minerals, price of gold and currency
exchange rates, timing of geological reports and corporate and
technical objectives. Forward-looking information is necessarily
based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered
reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties,
and other factors which may cause the actual results and future
events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
forward-looking information, including the risks inherent to the
mining industry, adverse economic and market developments and the
risks identified in Premier's annual information form under the
heading "Risk Factors". There can be no assurance that such
information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future
events could differ materially from those anticipated in such
information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue
reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking
information contained in this press release is given as of the date
hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management
and information available to management as at the date
hereof. Premier disclaims any intention or obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as
required by law.
SOURCE Premier Gold Mines Limited