VANCOUVER,
Nov. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Amarc
Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSX‐V: AHR;OTCBB: AXREF)
is pleased to announce that it has made a significant
copper-molybdenum-silver discovery at its IKE Project located
approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Gold Bridge, British Columbia ("BC"). Assay
results received from an initial nine hole (5,400 metre) diamond
drill program have confirmed the presence of an important
porphyry-style deposit.
The nine discovery drill holes intersected
chalcopyrite and molybdenite mineralization from surface and over a
broad area, measuring 1,200 metres east-west by 600 metres
north-south and to depths of approximately 500 metres.
Mineralization at IKE remains open in all lateral directions and to
depth. These holes and post-drilling geological, geochemical and
geophysical surveys completed outwards from the drilled area
indicate that the IKE porphyry system has the potential for
important-scale resource volumes. Amarc has secured
additional mineral claims in the IKE area to cover other compelling
deposit targets as well as potential infrastructure sites. A
comprehensive corporate and technical business plan is being
implemented to efficiently move IKE forward.
Highlights from the nine hole discovery drill
program include:
- 247 metres of 0.42% CuEQ1 @ 0.28% Cu, 0.030% Mo
and 2.0 g/t Ag
- 234 metres of 0.43% CuEQ @ 0.26% Cu, 0.040% Mo and 1.7 g/t
Ag
- 92 metres of 0.41% CuEQ @ 0.31% Cu, 0.020% Mo and 2.1 g/t
Ag
- 194 metres of 0.49% CuEQ @ 0.30% Cu, 0.046% Mo and 0.8 g/t
Ag
- 308 metres of 0.41% CuEQ @ 0.26% Cu, 0.032% Mo and 1.8 g/t
Ag
- 97 metres of 0.46% CuEQ @ 0.32% Cu, 0.030% Mo and 2.2 g/t
Ag
"Our Amarc team has made an exciting new bulk
tonnage porphyry copper-molybdenum-silver discovery at IKE in the
heartland of British Columbia's
producing porphyry copper mines," said Amarc Executive Chairman
Bob Dickinson. "The
extent, continuity and grade of the mineralization encountered
indicate important potential resource volumes. It is very
encouraging that long, continuous intercepts at IKE have returned
copper equivalent grades in the range of those for operating copper
mines in the province. Amarc is planning an expanded drill program
at IKE in 2015, with the goal of fully delineating the
copper-molybdenum-silver deposit."
A drill plan, cross sections and other maps and
results from the 2014 programs are included in the new corporate
presentation on the Amarc website at
(http://www.amarcresources.com).
Like many major porphyry deposits, IKE formed in
a very active, multi-stage hydrothermal system that was extensive
and robust. The footprint of the hydrothermal system at IKE
is approximately six square kilometres. More recent site
exploration conducted following the 2014 discovery drilling program
includes a new, high resolution airborne magnetic survey, a copper
and multi-element in talus fines geochemical survey and a detailed
Induced Polarization ("IP") ground geophysical survey. These
surveys indicate exciting expansion potential beyond the immediate
area of the IKE discovery drilling. For example, numerous talus
fines samples collected up to 800 metres southwest and 600 metres
southeast of the area drilled assayed 1,000 to 3,800 ppm copper
(0.10% to 0.38% Cu). Furthermore, the IP survey which covered only
a portion of the hydrothermal system outlined two coalescing
porphyry mineralizing systems, measuring approximately 800 metres
north-south and 2,250 metres east-west. This porphyry-style
mineralization remains open to expansion to the south and north,
and is largely co-incident with major magnetic low features. These
features indicate the presence of well-defined, broad-scale
magnetite destruction zones that are important targets for
additional drilling.
Geological mapping and logging of diamond drill
core at IKE indicate the deposit is hosted entirely by multi-phase
intrusive rocks. A possible geological analogue to guide further
drilling activity at IKE is BC's Highland Valley porphyry
copper-molybdenum deposit; it has a similar geological setting
within the interior of a felsic batholith, as well as comparable
metal assemblage and grades. The regional structural setting
at IKE also includes major northwest-trending structures and dykes,
which were active in the Tertiary period during formation of the
IKE deposit. This overall setting is similar to that of many
important porphyry belts along the Cordillera in North and
South America.
Results from Amarc's nine discovery drill holes
are summarized in the Table of Assay Results below.
IKE
DISCOVERY |
TABLE OF ASSAY RESULTS |
Drill Hole |
Dip |
Azim |
EOH |
Incl. |
From |
To |
Int.2,3 |
CuEQ¹ |
Cu |
Mo |
Ag |
ID |
(°) |
(°) |
(m) |
(m) |
(m) |
(m) |
(%) |
(%) |
(%) |
(g/t) |
IK14001 |
-45 |
0 |
742.2 |
|
55.0 |
213.7 |
158.7 |
0.38 |
0.27 |
0.020 |
2.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
242.0 |
489.0 |
247.0 |
0.42 |
0.28 |
0.030 |
2.0 |
|
|
|
|
incl. |
242.0 |
275.0 |
33.0 |
0.43 |
0.35 |
0.011 |
4.1 |
|
|
|
|
incl. |
284.6 |
362.5 |
77.9 |
0.44 |
0.31 |
0.027 |
2.0 |
|
|
|
|
incl. |
372.9 |
395.2 |
22.3 |
0.45 |
0.25 |
0.045 |
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
incl. |
404.1 |
489.0 |
84.9 |
0.50 |
0.30 |
0.045 |
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
528.0 |
634.6 |
106.6 |
0.28 |
0.23 |
0.009 |
1.9 |
IK14002 |
-45 |
100 |
551.1 |
|
57.3 |
180.1 |
122.8 |
0.41 |
0.32 |
0.017 |
2.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
206.0 |
494.6 |
288.6 |
0.40 |
0.24 |
0.038 |
1.6 |
|
|
|
|
incl. |
206.0 |
440.0 |
234.0 |
0.43 |
0.26 |
0.040 |
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
and |
206.0 |
364.0 |
158.0 |
0.45 |
0.26 |
0.046 |
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
and |
368.5 |
440.0 |
71.5 |
0.41 |
0.27 |
0.031 |
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
521.7 |
551.1 |
29.4 |
0.45 |
0.15 |
0.076 |
0.6 |
IK14003 |
-60 |
180 |
419.4 |
|
10.2 |
102.0 |
91.8 |
0.41 |
0.31 |
0.020 |
2.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
282.0 |
365.0 |
83.0 |
0.20 |
0.08 |
0.029 |
0.7 |
IK14004 |
-50 |
90 |
388.6 |
|
128.0 |
189.0 |
61.0 |
0.29 |
0.13 |
0.036 |
0.9 |
IK14005 |
-60 |
0 |
772.7 |
|
32.0 |
80.0 |
48.0 |
0.27 |
0.23 |
0.007 |
1.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
269.4 |
552.3 |
282.9 |
0.44 |
0.29 |
0.038 |
0.7 |
|
|
|
|
incl. |
269.4 |
463.2 |
193.8 |
0.49 |
0.30 |
0.046 |
0.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
602.9 |
616.1 |
13.2 |
0.33 |
0.29 |
0.009 |
0.6 |
IK14006 |
-45 |
90 |
681.8 |
|
9.0 |
75.0 |
66.0 |
0.25 |
0.21 |
0.008 |
1.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
124.0 |
574.3 |
450.3 |
0.37 |
0.24 |
0.028 |
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
incl. |
124.0 |
432.2 |
308.2 |
0.41 |
0.26 |
0.032 |
1.8 |
|
|
|
|
and |
124.0 |
207.8 |
83.8 |
0.43 |
0.31 |
0.026 |
2.2 |
|
|
|
|
and |
216.4 |
258.0 |
41.6 |
0.43 |
0.30 |
0.024 |
2.8 |
|
|
|
|
and |
381.9 |
432.2 |
50.4 |
0.72 |
0.35 |
0.088 |
1.8 |
|
|
|
|
incl. |
441.9 |
490.0 |
48.1 |
0.46 |
0.27 |
0.044 |
1.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
671.0 |
681.8 |
10.8 |
0.33 |
0.28 |
0.007 |
2.0 |
IK14007 |
-60 |
90 |
688.5 |
|
7.9 |
24.9 |
17.0 |
0.31 |
0.22 |
0.020 |
1.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
139.5 |
167.0 |
27.5 |
0.27 |
0.06 |
0.051 |
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
223.0 |
274.0 |
51.0 |
0.24 |
0.05 |
0.048 |
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
304.0 |
411.9 |
107.9 |
0.24 |
0.12 |
0.030 |
0.7 |
IK14008 |
-45 |
90 |
788.8 |
|
135.4 |
168.0 |
32.6 |
0.30 |
0.24 |
0.009 |
2.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
233.0 |
258.5 |
25.5 |
0.34 |
0.23 |
0.023 |
1.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
278.1 |
567.0 |
288.9 |
0.37 |
0.27 |
0.022 |
1.6 |
|
|
|
|
incl. |
287.7 |
384.3 |
96.6 |
0.46 |
0.32 |
0.030 |
2.2 |
|
|
|
|
incl. |
418.7 |
462.8 |
44.0 |
0.38 |
0.31 |
0.015 |
1.8 |
|
|
|
|
incl. |
484.0 |
564.0 |
80.0 |
0.38 |
0.30 |
0.018 |
1.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
605.0 |
648.0 |
43.0 |
0.25 |
0.20 |
0.012 |
1.0 |
IK14009 |
-45 |
270 |
376.1 |
|
10.5 |
200.0 |
189.5 |
0.24 |
0.16 |
0.018 |
1.1 |
|
|
|
|
incl. |
10.5 |
98.0 |
87.5 |
0.29 |
0.20 |
0.019 |
1.4 |
1 |
Copper equivalent (CuEQ) calculations use metal prices: Cu
US$3.00/lb, Mo US$12.00/lb and Ag US$20.00/oz. Metallurgical
recoveries and net smelter returns are assumed to be 100%. |
2 |
Widths reported are drill widths, such that the true
thicknesses are unknown. |
3 |
All assay intervals represent length weighted averages. |
|
|
IKE has important economic potential as
indicated by the copper equivalent grades returned over long
continuous drill intercepts, which compare favourably to the range
of copper equivalent grades for reserves and resources at active BC
porphyry copper (± molybdenum ± gold ± silver) mines. For example,
Mt. Milligan has proven and probable reserves of 478 million tonnes
at 0.20% copper and 0.39 g/t gold for a CuEQ1 grade of
0.44%, and Highland Valley has proven and probable mineral reserves
of 663 million tonnes at 0.29% copper and 0.008% molybdenum for a
CuEQ of 0.32% (see websites of Thompson Creek Metals Company Inc.
and Teck Resources Limited, respectively).
At IKE, chalcopyrite and molybdenite were
precipitated during at least three stages of hydrothermal activity.
The mineralization occurs as fine to relatively coarse, mostly
discrete grains, mainly as disseminations and less commonly in
fractures and veins. Multi-element analyses returned consistently
low concentrations of metallurgically or environmentally
deleterious elements. These characteristics, and the generally low
concentrations of pyrite at IKE, suggest that there is potential to
produce, clean good-grade copper and molybdenum concentrates by
standard flotation processing.
In addition to the IKE mineral property, Amarc
has acquired interests in extensive adjacent mineral tenures from
two mining entities. Given the compelling exploration results
from historical programs throughout the district (also discussed in
Amarc's new corporate presentation at
(http://www.amarcresources.com) and the common tendency of porphyry
deposits to form in clusters, the Company's technical team believes
these properties also have potential to host bulk-tonnage porphyry
copper mineralization.
Mark
Rebagliati, P. Eng., a Qualified Person as defined under
National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical
content of this release. All drill core was logged, photographed
and cut in half with a diamond saw. Half core samples were sent to
Activation Laboratories Ltd ("Actlabs") in Kamloops, Canada facility (17025 accredited),
for preparation and analyses. Drill core samples were analyzed for
Cu, Mo and 34 additional elements by 4 acid digestion of a 0.25 g
sample followed by an ICP-AES finish. Cu, Mo, Ag, Au and 59
additional elements we also analyzed by Aqua Regia digestion of a
0.5 g sample followed by an ICP-MS finish. As part of a
comprehensive Quality Assurance Quality Control ("QAQC") program,
one standard, one in-line replicate and one inter-laboratory
duplicate were inserted into the sample stream in each group of 20
samples, as well as one or more field blanks in each analytical
batch and then checked to ensure proper QAQC.
About the IKE Property
Amarc has the right to acquire a 100% interest in the IKE mineral
tenures from two individuals (see www.amarcresources.com).
The IKE discovery is located 40 kilometres
northwest of the historical mining community of Gold Bridge in an area of wide U-shaped
valleys bounded by ridges within the Coast Range. The district has
long been explored for its numerous showings of copper, molybdenum,
gold and silver mineralization. Amarc's discovery core drilling
program was located above tree line within a large and barren
cirque. Although current access to the property is by
helicopter, there is good infrastructure in the region. Mainline
logging roads which lead east to Gold
Bridge are located 20 kilometres to the south of IKE. Power,
railways and highways are all available in the area of Gold Bridge and the nearby town of
Lillooet.
Amarc is committed to constructive engagement
and building positive long-term relationships with all communities
in the region, including mutually beneficial partnership agreements
with Aboriginal groups (see Amarc corporate presentation at
(http://www.amarcresources.com). The Company also continues to
build on positive relationships with regulators, supporting
government's consultation duties to assist with timely and fair
regulatory decision-making.
About Amarc Resources Ltd.
Amarc is a British
Columbia-based mineral exploration and development company
with an experienced and successful management team that is focused
on advancing the IKE project, a major porphyry copper discovery in
the heartland of BC's copper mining industry.
Amarc is associated with Hunter Dickinson Inc.
(HDI) a diversified, global mining company with a 25 year history
of porphyry discovery and development success. Previous and current
HDI porphyry projects include some of the Provinces' and worlds'
most important mineral resources, such as Mt. Milligan, Kemess,
Gibraltar, Prosperity, Xietongmen,
Florence, Sisson, Maggie and Pebble. From its head office in
Vancouver, Canada, HDI applies its
unique strengths and capabilities to acquire, develop, operate and
monetize mineral properties to provide superior returns to
shareholders.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Ronald W. Thiessen
Chief Executive Officer
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor any other
regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Forward Looking and other Cautionary
Information
This presentation includes certain statements
that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All such
statements, other than statements of historical facts that address
exploration drilling, exploitation activities and other related
events or developments are forward-looking statements. Although the
Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking
statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are
not guarantees of future performance and actual results or
developments may differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements. Assumptions used by the Company to
develop forward-looking statements include the following: Amarc's
projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits
and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of
Amarc's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or
technical problems will occur. Factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those in forward-looking
statements include market prices, potential environmental issues or
liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining
activities, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of
mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain
necessary permits, licenses and tenure and delays due to third
party opposition, changes in and the effect of government policies
regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation,
the exploration and development of properties located within
Aboriginal groups asserted territories may affect or be perceived
to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, which may cause
permitting delays or opposition by Aboriginal groups, continued
availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market
or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such
statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual
results or developments may differ materially from those projected
in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Amarc
Resources Ltd., investors should review the Company's annual Form
20-F filing with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that
are available at www.sedar.com.
SOURCE Amarc Resources Ltd.