Significant Intervals Identified in Step-Out
Holes Down-Dip
Tesla Zone Mineralization & Continuity
Confirmed Along Strike and at Depth
Electromagnetic Surveys Outline a Further
Potential +50m Up-Dip and
+200m Down-Dip Continuation of
Mineralization
Tesla Zone Continues to Remain Open in All
Directions
VANCOUVER, BC, May 28, 2024
/CNW/ - Foran Mining Corporation (TSX: FOM) (OTCQX: FMCXF) ("Foran"
or the "Company") is pleased to report additional assay results
from the ongoing 2024 exploration program at the Tesla and Bridge
Zones, part of its 100%-owned McIlvenna Bay Property (the
"Property") in Saskatchewan.
Results from our large ice-based winter drilling program
continue to expand and confirm the continuity of Tesla Zone
mineralization in large step-out holes up and down-dip of the
central zone. Of particular significance are the thick
intersections made in holes TS-24-20 and TS-24-15, which represent
230m and 320m down-dip step-outs from previously drilled
mineralization, respectively. Tesla is now confirmed as measuring
more than 500m in the dip direction
and approximately 1,050m along
strike, extending beyond the limits of the initial modelled
conductive target.
The results from seven Tesla Zone winter drill holes are
presented in this news release, which successfully targeted both up
and down-dip expansions of the zone, along with the assay results
from the lower zones from the two previously released holes drilled
into the adjacent Bridge Zone (MB-24-290 and MB-24-292).
Key Highlights:
- Hole TS-24-20, a 230m down-dip
step-out hole returned multiple massive and semi-massive lenses
over 123m in core length,
including:
- 26.9m grading 1.23% Cu, 7.55%
Zn, 38.4 g/t Ag and 0.20 g/t Au (3.67% CuEq), including
2.5m grading 2.40% Cu, 5.39% Zn, 62.5
g/t Ag and 0.20 g/t Au (4.20% CuEq), and 4.7m grading 0.62% Cu, 12.59% Zn, 26.8 g/t Ag and
0.05 g/t Au (4.48% CuEq);
- 10.0m grading 0.81% Cu, 4.99%
Zn, 31.4 g/t Ag and 0.35 g/t Au (2.58% CuEq), including
2.7m grading 0.33% Cu, 9.54% Zn, 21.1
g/t Ag and 0.12 g/t Au (3.32% CuEq).
- Hole TS-24-15, also a 320m
down-dip and step-out hole from the main Tesla Zone, intersected
multiple massive to semi-massive lenses approximately 120m southwards along strike from hole TS-24-20,
highlighted by:
- 11.8m grading 0.75% Cu, 8.22%
Zn, 41.8 g/t Ag and 0.12 g/t Au (3.41% CuEq), including
8.6m grading 0.70% Cu, 10.01% Zn,
42.2 g/t Ag and 0.14 g/t Au (3.91% CuEq);
- 4.2m grading 0.17% Cu, 8.63%
Zn, 18.2 g/t Ag and 0.03 g/t Au (2.84% CuEq), including
1.7m grading 0.15% Cu, 13.79% Zn,
21.6 g/t Ag and 0.03 g/t Au (4.38% CuEq).
- Hole TS-24-21, the southern most down-dip hole drilled to
date, defining a 700m trend of deep
intersections from HG-23-01, highlighted by:
- 11.9m grading 0.50% Cu, 7.73%
Zn, 35.7 g/t Ag and 0.30 g/t Au (3.11% Cu Eq), including
5.1m grading 0.43% Cu, 10.36% Zn,
52.4 g/t Ag and 0.36 g/t Au (3.94% CuEq)
- Hole TS-24-17, the northern most up-dip hole drilled,
highlighted by:
- 3.0m grading 2.60% Cu, 0.72%
Zn, 40.0 g/t Ag and 0.66 g/t Au (3.15% CuEq), including
1.0m grading 6.53% Cu, 1.87% Zn, 45.6
g/t Ag and 1.23 g/t Au (7.43% CuEq);
- 12.4m grading 0.56% Cu, 3.26%
Zn 31.4 g/t Ag and 0.56 g/t Au (1.96% CuEq), including
1.6m grading 0.57% Cu, 12.31% Zn,
57.4 g/t Ag and 0.42 g/t Au (4.71% CuEq).
- Lower zone from previously released hole MB-24-290 located
near the southern end of Tesla – Bridge Zone transition,
intersected significant mineralization in the Bridge Zone,
highlighted by:
- 7.4m grading 1.04% Cu, 6.71%
Zn, 22.1 g/t Ag and 0.47 g/t Au (3.33% CuEq), including
1.9m grading 1.54% Cu, 4.59% Zn, 23.9
g/t Ag and 0.75 g/t Au (3.32% CuEq).
- Tesla expansion drilling continues with two drills targeting
down-dip / along-strike extensions at the north end of the
zone.
- Summer drilling program has commenced with four drills to be
split between Tesla infill drilling and testing of high priority
regional exploration targets.
Erin Carswell, Foran's Vice
President, Exploration, commented: "Our bold strategy to define
the potential scale of Tesla during the winter ice-drilling
campaign has effectively doubled the size of the mineralized
footprint as our outstanding exploration results continue. The
major down-dip step-out holes released today have provided some of
the thickest and highest-grade results at Tesla to date, while once
again affirming the consistent presence of the mineralized zone
across significant strike and dip extents. The expanding scale of
Tesla and its potential to continue beyond the currently drilled
dimensions represents significant upside for Foran as we progress
our flagship development project at the adjacent McIlvenna Bay
Deposit. Expansion drilling is ongoing as we continue to follow the
zone north by drilling from the far shore of Hanson Lake.
Meanwhile, the upcoming summer drilling season will see us commence
land-based Tesla Zone infill drilling from the footwall to target
what we expect could be more copper-gold rich mineralization in the
upper parts of the zone, at the same time as progressing our
regional program and our efforts to continue expanding this
world-class mineral district."
2024 Winter Drill Program
Results
The 2024 ice-based winter drill program was executed between
January and April and was designed to evaluate the potential
footprint of the Tesla Zone, with six drill rigs utilized to
complete a series of up and down-dip step-out drill holes.
Achieving a thorough understanding of Tesla's potential scale is an
important precursor to ongoing exploration, especially given its
close proximity to the McIlvenna Bay Project and its potential to
influence ongoing advanced engineering and design work.
The 2024 winter program consisted of approximately 22,200m of drilling, completed in 18 drill holes
and associated wedges, targeting the Tesla and Bridge Zones. Figure
1 below provides a plan map showing the location of drill holes
targeting the Tesla Zone and the Bridge Zone areas adjacent to the
McIlvenna Bay Deposit. The drilling was successful as we continued
to confirm the continuity of the mineralized horizons and expand
the Tesla zone.
The results for seven additional Tesla holes targeting the up
and down-dip expansion of the zone are provided in this news
release, along with the results from the lower zones in two
previously released Bridge Zone holes (see News Release dated
February 22, 2024). Assay composites
from the Tesla and Bridge Zone drilling are provided in Table 1
below.
Tesla Zone – Down-Dip Expansion Results
A series of five drill holes (in order from south to north
TS-24-21, -15, -15w1, -20, -16w1) were completed along the
northeastern edge of Hanson Lake as wide step-out holes collared up
to 400m down-dip from existing holes
and spaced at 100-200m intervals
along a 650m section of the currently
defined strike length (Figures 1 and 2). This series of holes was
designed to enhance the definition and our understanding of the
down-dip part of the zone and extend the mineralization across the
lake, so that continued expansion drilling could be completed to
extend mineralization further down-dip from the shore during the
summer months following results. These widely spaced drill holes
were all successful in intersecting one or more lenses of Tesla
mineralization along the lower edge, confirming continuity of the
zone and indicating further exploration upside in the down-dip
direction to step out further on several thick intersections from
the program.
All holes intersected massive and semi-massive sulphides related
to the main Tesla lens, however two of the deep holes (TS-24-15 and
TS-24-20) drilled in the central part of the zone intersected
multiple horizons of zinc and/or zinc and copper-rich
mineralization (see drill core photos of TS-24-20 in Figure 2).
These intersections are located 200-300m down-dip from previous holes and are
expected to be followed up with infill drilling. For example,
TS-24-20 intersected six discrete zones of massive to semi-massive
and stringer sulphides over a core length of 122.8m (Table 1), including 26.9m grading 1.23% Cu, 7.55% Zn, 38.4 g/t Ag and
0.20 g/t Au (3.67% CuEq) and 10.0m
grading 0.81% Cu, 4.99% Zn, 31.4 g/t Ag and 0.35 g/t Au (2.58% Cu),
while TS-24-15 intersected four discrete zones over a 93.1m core length (Table 1), including
11.8m grading 0.75% Cu, 8.22% Zn,
41.8 g/t Ag and 0.12 g/t Au (3.41% CuEq) and 4.2m grading 0.17% Cu, 8.63% Zn, 18.2 g/t and
0.03 g/t Au (2.84% CuEq). The lower lenses of mineralization
intersected in these new holes appear to correlate with the lower
lenses intersected in previous drilling in the north central part
of the Tesla Zone, including holes TS-23-10 (see Foran's
May 25, 2023 news release) and
TS-23-12 (see Foran's October 5, 2023
news release). Tighter drill spacing will be required in this
sector of Tesla to confirm the controls and distribution of the
mineralization, but the occurrence of multiple lenses in previous
drilling increases our confidence in respect of planned future
drilling as the Tesla Zone continues to grow.
A longitudinal section across the Tesla Zone is provided in
Figure 3, demonstrating the spatial relationships between the drill
holes.
Tesla Zone – Up-Dip Expansion
Holes TS-24-17 and TS-24-18 were collared 100m apart as up-dip step-outs from previous
drill holes TS-24-12 and TS-23-10 (Figure 1, Foran's February 22, 2024 news release), and designed to
assess the expansion potential of mineralization approximately
160m to 180m up-dip in the central part of the Tesla
Zone. Assays confirmed copper +/- zinc-rich semi-massive sulphides
and stringer style mineralization in multiple lenses as provided in
Table 1. Results indicate Tesla Zone remains open up-dip, and is
expected to be followed up with additional drilling.
As previously reported, borehole EM surveys completed after
drilling TS-24-17 and TS-24-18 returned significant EM responses
that indicate mineralization likely continues a minimum of
50-75m further up-dip and
200m along strike in the up-plunge
direction, providing a robust plate model for future drill
targeting and potential expansion of the upper zones of
Tesla. Furthermore, surveys conducted on the deeper holes in
this news release indicate at least a further 100 to 200m of mineralization continuation down-dip.
Altogether, the results from the expansion drilling in 2024 have
provided a clearer picture of Tesla's potential footprint and
geometry. The new data has allowed definition of over 500m of dip extent, with multiple mineralized
lenses now interpreted at Tesla. These lenses are shown in plan
view (Figure 4) and in cross section (Figure 5) below.
Bridge Zone Drill Results
Additional assay results have also been received from the lower
intersections of the previously released Bridge Zone drill holes
MB-24-290 and MB-24-292 (see Foran's February 22, 2024 news release). These two holes
were drilled near the interpreted margins of the Bridge Zone with
the McIlvenna Bay Deposit and Tesla, respectively, and appear to
have drilled through the interpreted bounding faults for the Bridge
Zone on either side. In both cases, the drilling has returned two
significant zones of massive to semi-massive sulphides with
associated stringer zones.
As described above, hole MB-24-290 was drilled near the
interpreted northern transition from Tesla into the Bridge Zone.
Following a 76m mineralized interval
of the Tesla main lens, this hole intersected a lower lens of
mineralization below the Tesla fault that is correlated with the
Bridge Zone mineralization. This zone consists of massive to
semi-massive sulphides with an underlying stringer zone over a
7.4m core length that graded 1.04%
Cu, 6.71% Zn and 0.47 g/t Au.
Hole MB-24-292 was drilled at the south end of the Bridge Zone
corridor near the McIlvenna Bay Deposit. Following an 8.5m-thick "orphaned" intersection in the hanging
wall to the McIlvenna Bay Deposit, additional assays have now been
received from a lower massive sulphide zone intersected in that
hole that appears to correlate with the Main Lens of the McIlvenna
Bay Deposit. This lower lens was made up of massive to semi-massive
sulphides and the underlying Copper Stockwork Zone over a
7.9m core length, consisting of
2.7m of massive sulphide grading
0.63% Cu, 7.44% Zn, 16.7 g/t Ag and 0.30 g/t Au followed directly
down-hole by 5.2m of copper stockwork
mineralization grading 1.97% Cu, 2.79% Zn, 20.6 g/t Ag and 1.05 g/t
Au. This intersection appears to correlate well with surrounding
historic intersections in this part of the deposit.
Ongoing Interpretation
The 2024 winter drill program has been successful in growing the
footprint of the Tesla Zone and significantly enhanced our
understanding of both the geometry and the potential controls on
the Tesla mineralizing system. Interpretation is ongoing, however,
particularly regarding the relationship of the Bridge Zone to both
Tesla and the McIlvenna Bay Deposit. It appears that the Bridge
Zone is bound by two significant faults, the Tesla Fault to the
south and the Koziol fault in the hanging wall to the north of
McIlvenna Bay. These faults have been observed in a number of drill
holes and are well established. Within this structural zone,
evidence continues to suggest a fold in the host lithologies which
could provide significant mineralization upside (see Figure 6),
although the geometry and amplitude of the fold is still not yet
understood and will require a higher drilling density to interpret
more accurately.
Table 1 – 2024 Winter Assay Results1 (*Denotes
Previously Released)
Hole
|
Zone
|
From_m
|
To_m
|
Interval_m
|
Cu
%
|
Zn
%
|
Ag
g/t
|
Au
g/t
|
CuEq
%
|
MB-24-290*
|
MS/CS
|
1021.8
|
1049.1
|
27.4
|
1.03
|
2.17
|
28.3
|
0.20
|
1.83
|
Including
|
MS
|
1021.8
|
1030.1
|
8.3
|
1.28
|
3.62
|
35.7
|
0.03
|
2.43
|
And
|
CS
|
1030.1
|
1049.1
|
19.0
|
0.91
|
1.54
|
25.0
|
0.27
|
1.56
|
MB-24-290*
|
CS
|
1050.8
|
1098.3
|
47.5
|
0.50
|
0.65
|
9.5
|
0.05
|
0.72
|
MB-24-290*
|
CS
|
1103.8
|
1105.2
|
1.4
|
3.06
|
0.16
|
21.4
|
0.01
|
2.94
|
MB-24-290
|
MS/CS
|
1276.0
|
1283.4
|
7.4
|
1.04
|
6.71
|
22.1
|
0.47
|
3.33
|
Including
|
MS
|
1276.0
|
1281.5
|
5.5
|
0.86
|
7.46
|
21.5
|
0.37
|
3.33
|
And
|
CS
|
1281.5
|
1283.4
|
1.9
|
1.54
|
4.59
|
23.9
|
0.75
|
3.32
|
MB-24-290
|
MS
|
1299.2
|
1300.8
|
1.6
|
0.84
|
6.32
|
25.8
|
0.18
|
2.88
|
MB-24-292*
|
MS
|
871.6
|
880.0
|
8.5
|
1.56
|
2.05
|
24.3
|
0.65
|
2.52
|
Including
|
MS
|
871.6
|
874.2
|
2.6
|
0.85
|
2.64
|
19.5
|
1.59
|
2.58
|
And
|
MS
|
878.1
|
880.0
|
2.0
|
2.33
|
1.14
|
38.6
|
0.47
|
2.91
|
MB-24-292
|
MS/CS
|
1115.6
|
1123.5
|
7.9
|
1.51
|
4.38
|
19.2
|
0.79
|
3.23
|
Including
|
MS
|
1115.6
|
1118.3
|
2.7
|
0.63
|
7.44
|
16.7
|
0.30
|
3.05
|
And
|
CS
|
1118.3
|
1123.5
|
5.2
|
1.97
|
2.79
|
20.6
|
1.05
|
3.34
|
TS-24-15
|
MS/CS
|
1360.4
|
1372.3
|
11.8
|
0.75
|
8.22
|
41.8
|
0.12
|
3.41
|
Including
|
MS
|
1360.4
|
1369.0
|
8.6
|
0.70
|
10.01
|
42.2
|
0.14
|
3.91
|
And
|
CS
|
1369.0
|
1372.3
|
3.3
|
0.87
|
3.51
|
40.8
|
0.09
|
2.08
|
TS-24-15
|
MS
|
1377.4
|
1382.7
|
5.3
|
0.45
|
6.45
|
44.3
|
0.17
|
2.64
|
Including
|
MS
|
1380.9
|
1382.7
|
1.8
|
0.66
|
9.94
|
59.0
|
0.25
|
3.99
|
TS-24-15
|
MS
|
1433.6
|
1437.8
|
4.2
|
0.17
|
8.63
|
18.2
|
0.03
|
2.84
|
Including
|
MS
|
1434.5
|
1436.1
|
1.7
|
0.15
|
13.79
|
21.6
|
0.03
|
4.38
|
TS-24-15
|
MS
|
1451.1
|
1453.5
|
2.4
|
0.30
|
8.26
|
37.6
|
0.09
|
2.97
|
Including
|
MS
|
1451.1
|
1452.6
|
1.5
|
0.30
|
11.45
|
45.4
|
0.10
|
3.97
|
TS-24-15w1
|
MS
|
1402.7
|
1418.9
|
16.3
|
0.51
|
9.44
|
31.1
|
0.39
|
3.66
|
Including
|
MS
|
1402.7
|
1408.6
|
5.9
|
0.51
|
13.94
|
22.0
|
0.25
|
4.88
|
TS-24-16w1
|
MS
|
1487.0
|
1489.5
|
2.5
|
0.18
|
6.49
|
16.3
|
0.03
|
2.20
|
TS-24-16w1
|
MS
|
1647.3
|
1648.0
|
0.7
|
0.32
|
10.90
|
46.2
|
0.25
|
3.91
|
TS-24-17
|
MS/CS
|
902.4
|
905.4
|
3.0
|
2.60
|
0.72
|
40.0
|
0.66
|
3.15
|
Including
|
MS
|
902.4
|
903.4
|
1.0
|
6.53
|
1.87
|
45.6
|
1.23
|
7.43
|
TS-24-17
|
MS/CS
|
909.3
|
921.7
|
12.4
|
0.56
|
3.26
|
31.4
|
0.56
|
1.96
|
Including
|
MS
|
909.3
|
910.9
|
1.6
|
0.57
|
12.31
|
57.4
|
0.42
|
4.71
|
TS-24-17
|
MS/CS
|
926.0
|
928.3
|
2.3
|
0.06
|
4.68
|
39.3
|
0.18
|
1.74
|
TS-24-18
|
MS
|
843.8
|
846.8
|
3.0
|
1.73
|
1.63
|
9.8
|
0.57
|
2.44
|
Including
|
MS
|
844.1
|
845.2
|
1.1
|
3.63
|
3.70
|
20.9
|
1.11
|
5.16
|
TS-24-18
|
CS
|
850.2
|
851.3
|
1.1
|
2.15
|
0.46
|
12.5
|
0.37
|
2.37
|
TS-24-18
|
CS
|
897.5
|
901.5
|
4.0
|
0.52
|
0.44
|
10.2
|
0.34
|
0.85
|
TS-24-18
|
MS
|
910.4
|
910.7
|
0.3
|
2.37
|
1.29
|
28.0
|
0.64
|
3.05
|
TS-24-20
|
MS/CS
|
1347.4
|
1357.4
|
10.0
|
0.81
|
4.99
|
31.4
|
0.35
|
2.58
|
Including
|
MS
|
1352.7
|
1355.4
|
2.7
|
0.33
|
9.54
|
21.1
|
0.12
|
3.32
|
TS-24-20
|
MS/CS
|
1363.1
|
1375.5
|
12.4
|
0.59
|
3.55
|
21.4
|
0.20
|
1.81
|
TS-24-20
|
MS
|
1379.9
|
1381.5
|
1.6
|
0.16
|
5.10
|
14.0
|
0.07
|
1.78
|
TS-24-20
|
MS/CS
|
1395.2
|
1422.1
|
26.9
|
1.23
|
7.55
|
38.4
|
0.20
|
3.67
|
Including
|
MS
|
1403.8
|
1406.3
|
2.5
|
2.40
|
5.39
|
62.5
|
0.20
|
4.20
|
And
|
MS
|
1406.3
|
1411.1
|
4.7
|
0.62
|
12.59
|
26.8
|
0.05
|
4.48
|
And
|
MS
|
1414.6
|
1419.8
|
5.2
|
0.99
|
10.29
|
30.1
|
0.01
|
4.13
|
TS-24-20
|
MS
|
1456.6
|
1460.6
|
4.0
|
0.51
|
11.52
|
26.5
|
0.04
|
4.06
|
TS-24-20
|
MS
|
1466.0
|
1470.2
|
4.1
|
0.15
|
5.41
|
16.1
|
0.03
|
1.85
|
TS-24-21
|
MS
|
1340.1
|
1352.0
|
11.9
|
0.50
|
7.73
|
35.7
|
0.30
|
3.11
|
Including
|
MS
|
1344.6
|
1349.7
|
5.1
|
0.43
|
10.36
|
52.4
|
0.36
|
3.94
|
Note 1: Composite
widths are presented as core lengths. Additional drilling will be
required to confirm the geometry of the mineralized zones, but
generally true widths are thought to be 80-85% of core length.
Intervals generally composited using a 0.5% Cu cut-off grade in
stringer zones, except MB-24-290 from 1050.8-1098.3m that used a
0.3% Cu cut-off grade. Copper Equivalent values calculated
using metal prices of $4.00/lb Cu, $1.50/lb Zn, $20.00/ounce
Ag and $1,800/ounce Au and LOM metallurgical recovery rates derived
from test work on blended ores for the McIlvenna Bay Deposit
completed as part of our 2022 Feasibility Study: 91.1% Cu, 79.8%
Zn, 88.6% Au and 62.3% Ag (MS – massive / semi-massive sulphide, CS
– Copper Stockwork/Stringer). To date no metallurgical test
work has been completed on the Tesla Zone or Bridge Zone
mineralization.
|
Tesla and Bridge Zones Discovery
History
Since the initial discovery of the Tesla Zone (the "Tesla Zone"
or "Tesla") in 2022, 31 drillholes and wedges have successfully
intersected mineralization across multiple horizons that together
measure over 1,050m in strike length
and 500m in dip extent. Recent winter
drilling included step-out holes (approximately 100-400m spacings), with associated wedges, that have
intersected multiple massive and semi-massive copper and zinc
mineralized horizons and associated stringer zones which remain
open in all directions for continued expansion. Plans for the
coming summer drill program include the completion of a series of
infill drill fences across the upper part of the Tesla Zone to
begin to better define the lenses and continuity of mineralization
in preparation for a potential future resource
estimate.
The Bridge Zone (the "Bridge Zone") occurs in a ~300m long
corridor between the current southernmost drilling at Tesla and the
northernmost drilling at the McIlvenna Bay Deposit. Discovered in
2023 and now confirmed with five drillholes, the Bridge Zone is
typically characterized by multiple lenses of massive, semi-massive
and stringer style sulphide mineralization. Detailed core
observations and the results from the ongoing McIlvenna Bay Orebody
Knowledge Study, including Truscan™ XRF analysis of
the holes, have identified important geological marker units within
the Bridge Zone that link Tesla with the McIlvenna Bay Deposit and
suggest that a post-mineralization fold connects these areas.
2024 Summer Drill
Program
While the ice-based winter program is now complete, Foran's
exploration program is continuing through spring breakup with the
early conversion of two drills to fly setups to continue targeting
large down-dip / down-plunge extensions of the zone from the north
shore of the lake.
In parallel, preparations are underway to commence our large
summer exploration program in June this year, with a total of four
drill rigs scheduled to continue through to November 2024 and encompass approximately 28,000
metres. These drills will be split between testing of high priority
regional targets and continued definition / infill drilling of
upper parts of the Tesla Zone. Of the summer drilling,
approximately 12,000m is planned to
test regional geological and electromagnetic target areas located
within trucking distance of the McIlvenna Bay Project. A further
16,000 metres of drilling has been allocated to Tesla, with two to
three rigs drilling fences of holes through the mineralized zone
from the southern footwall side where dry land is available.
Directional drilling technologies will be employed to ensure that
the drillholes intersect the Tesla Zone at the proper angle. A
series of wedged holes will also be completed from each pilot hole
drilled to achieve multiple intersections into the mineralization
from each fence. This drilling will achieve additional
intersections between the current wide spaced drill holes and
provide the increased definition of the zones necessary for a
potential future resource estimate to be undertaken.
Quality Assurance and Quality
Control
Drilling was completed using NQ size diamond drill core and core
was logged by employees of the Company. During the logging process,
mineralized intersections were marked for sampling and given unique
sample numbers. Sampled intervals were sawn in half using a diamond
blade saw. One half of the sawn core was placed in a plastic bag
with the sample tag and sealed, while the second half was returned
to the core box for storage on site. Sample assays are performed by
the Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC") Geoanalytical Laboratory
in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. SRC is
a Canadian accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) and
independent of Foran. Analysis for Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn is performed
using ICP-OES after total multi-acid digestion. Au analysis is
completed by fire assay with ICP-OES finish. A complete suite of
QA/QC reference materials (standards, blanks, and duplicates) are
included in each batch of samples processed by the laboratory. The
results of the assaying of the QA/QC material included in each
batch are tracked to ensure the integrity of the assay data.
Qualified Person
Mr. Roger March, P. Geo.,
Principal Geoscientist for Foran, is the Qualified Person for all
technical information herein and has reviewed, verified and
approved the technical information in this news release.
The Company's head office is located at 409 Granville Street,
Suite 904, Vancouver, BC,
Canada, V6C 1T2. Common Shares of
the Company are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange
("TSX") under the symbol "FOM" and on the OTCQX Best Market
under the symbol "FMCXF".
About Foran Mining
Foran Mining is a copper-zinc-gold-silver exploration and
development company, committed to supporting a greener future,
empowering communities and creating circular economies which create
value for all our stakeholders, while also safeguarding the
environment. The McIlvenna Bay Project is located entirely
within the documented traditional territory of the Peter Ballantyne
Cree Nation, comprises the infrastructure and works related to
pre-development and advanced exploration activities of the Company,
and hosts the McIlvenna Bay Deposit and Tesla Zone. The Company
also owns the Bigstone Deposit, a resource-development stage
deposit located 25km southwest of the McIlvenna Bay Property.
The McIlvenna Bay Deposit is a copper-zinc-gold-silver rich VHMS
deposit intended to be the centre of a new mining camp in a
prolific district that has already been producing for 100 years.
The McIlvenna Bay Property sits just 65km West of Flin Flon, Manitoba and is part of the world
class Flin Flon Greenstone Belt that extends from Snow Lake, Manitoba, through Flin Flon to Foran's ground in eastern
Saskatchewan, a distance of over
225km.
The McIlvenna Bay Deposit is the largest undeveloped VHMS
deposit in the region. The Company announced the results from its
NI 43-101 compliant Technical Report on the Feasibility Study for
the McIlvenna Bay Deposit (the "McIlvenna Feasibility
Study") on February 28, 2022,
outlining that current mineral reserves would potentially support
an 18-year mine life producing an average of 65 million pounds of
copper equivalent annually. The Company filed the McIlvenna
Feasibility Study on April 14, 2022,
with an effective date of February 28,
2022. The Company also filed a NI 43-101 Technical Report
for the Bigstone Deposit resource estimate on January 21, 2021, as amended on February 1, 2022. Investors are encouraged to
consult the full text of these technical reports which may be found
on the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca.
The Company's head office is located at 409 Granville Street,
Suite 904, Vancouver, BC,
Canada, V6C 1T2. Common Shares of
the Company are listed for trading on the TSX under the symbol
"FOM" and on the OTCQX under the symbol "FMCXF".
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD
LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking information
and forward-looking statements, as defined under applicable
securities laws (collectively referred to herein as
"forward-looking statements"). These statements relate to future
events or to the future performance of the Company and reflect
management's expectations and assumptions as of the date hereof or
as of the date of such forward-looking statement.
All statements other than statements of historical fact are
forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking
statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans",
"expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates",
"continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends",
"anticipates" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of,
such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or
results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be
taken, occur or be achieved. The forward-looking statements in this
news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as
of the date specified in such statement. Forward looking statements
in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements
regarding our objectives and our strategies to achieve such
objectives; our beliefs, plans, estimates, projections and
intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future
events, including in respect of exploration objectives and
expectations; as well as specific statements in respect of our
expectations in respect of our exploration operations, assays and
electromagnetic surveys, including in respect of the Tesla Zone's
up-dip and down-dip continuation of mineralization; our view that
the Tesla Zone remains open in all directions and may continue to
be expanded beyond the currently drilled dimensions; expectations
in respect of the expansion and continuity of the Tesla Zone
mineralization, including in respect of potential expansion of the
upper zones of Tesla; our conductive target modelling; our
interpretation of assay results, including those identified in this
news release in respect of the Tesla Zone and Bridge Zone, and
expectations regarding potential intersection of certain
mineralization lenses; our exploration and drilling plans, design
and expectations, including in respect of the Tesla Zone and Bridge
Zone, the number of drills, their targets, and drilling orientation
and locations, and conducting expansion and infill drilling at the
Tesla Zone and testing of high priority regional targets; our
summer drilling program, including its commencement in June 2024, number of drill rigs to be used and
their schedule, and plan to drill approximately 28,000 metres in
total, including approximately 12,000 metres of regional
exploration and 16,000 metres of drilling at Tesla; our ability to
define the potential scale of and consistency of mineralization at
Tesla; expectations regarding future exploration results; the
expectation that the further expansion of the Tesla Zone could
benefit our Company as the development of the McIlvenna Bay Project
progresses; our expectation that summer drilling targets at the
Tesla Zone could identify more copper-gold rich mineralization in
the upper parts of such zone; the quality of the mineral district
where our regional exploration program is being undertaken; the
goals and design of our winter drill program, including in respect
of evaluating the Tesla Zone's potential footprint and geometry;
our goal of understanding Tesla's potential scale in connection
with its proximity to the McIlvenna Bay Project and potential to
influence ongoing advanced engineering and design work; our
expectation that there is exploration upside in the down-dip
direction to conduct further step out intersections at the Tesla
Zone; our confidence in respect of planned future drilling at
Tesla; our interpretation of mineralization lenses and bounding
faults, including in respect of the Tesla Zone, Bridge Zone and
McIlvenna Bay Deposit, and the potential for expansion of known
mineralization with further drilling; the potential relationship
and connection between the Bridge Zone and the Tesla Zone and
McIlvenna Bay Deposit; our plans to potentially conduct a future
resource estimate in respect of the Tesla Zone; and our commitment
to a greener future, empowering communities and creating circular
economies which create value for all stakeholders while
safeguarding the environment.
Inherent in forward-looking statements are known and unknown
risks, estimates, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that
may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the
Company to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These
factors include, but are not limited to, management's belief,
expectations and response to the following and, in certain cases,
management's response with regard to the following: the Company's
reliance on the McIlvenna Bay Property; the Company has a history
of losses and may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to be
profitable or to generate positive cash flow on a sustained basis;
the Company is exposed to risks related to mineral resources
exploration and development; the Company has no history of mineral
production; the Company is subject to government regulation and
failure to comply could have an adverse effect on the Company's
operations; the Company's operations are subject to extensive
environmental, health and safety regulations; mining operations
involve hazards and risks; the Company may not be able to acquire
or maintain satisfactory mining title rights to its property
interests; indigenous peoples' title claims may adversely affect
the Company's ability to pursue exploration, development and mining
on the Company's mineral properties; the Company's operations
require the acquisition and maintenance of permits and licenses,
and strict regulatory requirements must be adhered to; mineral
resource and mineral reserve estimates are based on interpretations
and assumptions that may not be accurate; uncertainties and risks
relating to the technical report entitled the "Technical Report on
the Feasibility Study for the McIlvenna Bay Project, Saskatchewan, Canada", dated April 14, 2022 and with an effective date of
February 28, 2022 (the "2022
Feasibility Study"); the Company may be involved in disputes
related to its contractual interests in certain properties; the
mining industry is highly competitive; the Company's operations may
be adversely impacted by the effects of climate change and climate
change regulation; risks related to wildfires and other extreme
weather events; the Company's future success depends on its
relationships with the communities in which it operates; risks
related to surface rights; and the additional risks identified in
our latest annual information form and our filings with Canadian
securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca).
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be
other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated,
estimated, described or intended.
The forward-looking statements contained in this news release
reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events
and are based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered
reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant
operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and
contingencies. These assumptions include: the accuracy of mineral
reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they
are based, including geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics
of rocks confirming to sampled results and metallurgical
performance; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore grades
and recoveries; assumptions and discount rates being appropriately
applied to the technical studies; success of the Company's
projects, including the McIlvenna Bay Project; prices for zinc,
copper, gold and silver remaining as estimated; currency exchange
rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the
Company's projects; capital decommissioning and reclamation
estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies
and services (including transportation); availability of equipment;
sustained labour stability with no labour-related disruptions; that
infrastructure anticipated to be developed, operated or made
available by third parties will be developed, operated or made
available as currently anticipated; no unplanned delays or
interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all
necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received
in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental,
health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not
exhaustive.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements and should note that the assumptions and
risk factors discussed in this news release are not exhaustive.
Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may
differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements contained in this news release. All
forward-looking statements herein are qualified by this cautionary
statement. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as
may be required by law. If the Company does update one or more
forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it
will make additional updates with respect to those or other
forward-looking statements, unless required by law. Additional
information about these assumptions, risks and uncertainties is
contained in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on
SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
SOURCE Foran Mining Corporation