TSXV – BMET
VANCOUVER, Jan. 29, 2019 /CNW/ - BeMetals Corp.
("BeMetals" or the "Company") (TSXV: BMET) is pleased
to announce that further encouraging results have been returned
from its Phase 2 aircore drilling program at the Pangeni Copper
Exploration Project ("Pangeni Project") in Zambia.
Highlights:
- Newly identified H1 target
- Highest tenor aircore sample returned 1,268 ppm copper
- Independent laboratory confirms pXRF results from a
representative set of samples
This program included both the 100-metre spaced infill aircore
drilling of priority targets generated from Phase 1 drilling, and
the initial testing of other priority regional targets on the
Pangeni property. The Phase 2 program has generated a new target,
H1, that is located in a compelling geological setting below the
thin Kalahari sand, near the contact between basement units and
interpreted Katangan stratigraphy (See figures 1 & 2). This
geological setting is known to host many of the significant copper
deposits in the world class Zambian Copperbelt.
The Phase 2 results have also returned the highest tenor copper
sample from the aircore programs to date on the property, with a
one metre sample of 1,268 parts per million ("ppm") copper in
borehole D2-09 (See Figures 1 &
2). This sample is at a depth of 27 metres, some 3 metres below the
Kalahari sand, and is supported by a sample at 26 metres depth of
943 ppm copper in the same borehole. This 100 metre infill borehole
followed up a 586 ppm copper anomaly returned in borehole D2-07
from the 200-metre spaced Phase 1 program.
John Wilton, President, CEO and
Director of BeMetals said, "The Pangeni Project continues to
deliver robust exploration results indicating the potential for the
discovery of significant copper mineralization on the property. The
Company, with its strong technical and local Optionees on this
project, Copper Cross Zambia and Pangeni Mineral Resources Limited,
has designed and implemented its exploration work with the
objective to identify tier one scale deposits."
The new compelling H1 target, and other defined anomalies from
the combined Phase 1 & 2 programs will be further tested at the
start of the 2019 field season. The interpreted geological setting
of the H1 copper anomaly, in particular, represents a high priority
target for the project along with the D2 and SW targets. These
copper results are based upon a strict aircore drilling sampling
protocol and determined using a Desktop XRF analyser ("pXRF") in a
field facility. On January 10, 2019,
an independent laboratory, Intertek Genalysis of Australia, provided results from a
representative set of 93 samples from both the Phase 1 & 2
aircore programs. These results compare favourably with the pXRF
determinations. The combined results of the Phase 1 & 2
aircore programs have demonstrated the prospectivity of the Pangeni
Project and value of efficient money-in-the-ground focused
deployment of exploration funds."
PHASE TWO AIRCORE RESULTS
The completed Phase 2 aircore program included 46 boreholes for
1,891 metres of drilling. The thickness of the Kalahari cover
unit varied as anticipated between the F1, F2 and G2 lines that
average some 49 metres, whereas the H1, D2 and E2 lines averaged
overall some 25 metres of cover (See figure 1). This work has
importantly defined targets within a previously largely untested
region of potential extensions to the Zambian Copperbelt.
Figure 1 shows the location of the Phase 2
aircore on lines D2, E2, F1, F2, G2 and H1 with individual
boreholes indicating the range of maximum values for copper sampled
in each hole illustrated in blue symbols. The Phase 2 aircore
drilling included 100-metre spaced infill drilling centres on lines
D2 and E2 with 200-metre spaced reconnaissance exploration drilling
on lines F1, F2, G2 and H1. In general, good success was made in
penetrating various hard ferricrete layers found in some areas of
the Kalahari sequence, and a total of 421 samples were analysed by
pXRF from the Phase 2 program. These representative samples were
collected predominately from the base of Kalahari, saprolite, and
weathered bedrock areas of the regolith.
The H1 target is identified by aircore boreholes H1-5 and H1-07
that returned 586 ppm and 290 ppm copper respectively. The
thickness of Kalahari cover on this line ranged from 9 to 57 metres
with an average of some 26 metres.
Significant Phase 2 aircore results on line E2 were aircore
boreholes E2-08, E2-09 and E2-10, respectively returning 236 ppm,
157 ppm and 104 ppm copper anomalies that now define targets of
1,028 ppm, 452 ppm, and 537 ppm copper from boreholes E2-5, E2-04
and E2-03 respectively. The Kalahari thickness across this line
varies from 19 to 28 metres with an average of approximately 24
metres.
Field sampling required a minimum of five samples per borehole
representing, generally, 2 metres from the base of the Kalahari
sand, and 3 metres into saprolite and/or weathered bedrock where
taken when possible. Strict sampling protocol was observed
throughout the pXRF analysis to include; equipment calibration,
systematic use of certified reference material, blank standards,
and field duplicates (see details below in QA/QC
section).
Figure 2 shows the range of copper values returned
from Phase 2 aircore lines in blue symbols, plotted on a geological
map based upon the interpretation of aeromagnetic data acquired
over the property. Of specific interest is the understood
favourable geological setting of the H1 target at the contact
between basement units and the northwestern thrust domain, in close
proximity to potential Katangan host units. A number of significant
copper mines throughout the Zambian Copperbelt are known to be
located in such geological situations.
The improved definition of the Line E2 anomaly some 600 metres
northeast of the SW Target, where previous core drilling on the
property in 2016, returned 5.5 metres at 0.48% copper (from 142.5
metres depth) in core borehole SW1 remains a priority target for
the 2019 exploration program (See figure 2).
The combined Phase 1 & 2 aircore program show the efficient
nature of this exploration approach to the initial testing of the
Pangeni Project, the thin to moderate thickness of the Kalahari
cover units, and the critical identification of copper anomalies
below the cover units. The next phase of exploration work will
include aircore infill drilling to define current 200-metre spaced
targets from Phase 2 (H1 Target) along with core drill testing of
the priority H1, SW and D2 targets.
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
On January 10, 2019, an
independent laboratory, Intertek Genalysis of Australia, provided results from a
representative set of 93 samples from both the Phase 1 & 2
aircore programs. These results were determined using multi-acid,
near total digest, and analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma
("ICP") Optical (Atomic) Emission Spectrometry ("OES"). They
compare favourably with the pXRF results and support the vigorous
sampling protocol implemented for the field operations.
Field operations and management have been provided by Remote
Exploration Services ("RES") an independent geological consulting
and contracting company. The aircore drilling was conducted by
Blurock Mining Services, of Kitwe, Zambia. Details of the sampling protocol were
provided in BeMetals news release "BeMetals Returns Positive
Results From Phase 1 Aircore Drilling Program At Pangeni Copper
Project," dated November 15, 2018,
available on www.bemetalscorp.com and SEDAR.
PANGENI COPPER EXPLORATION PROJECT
The Pangeni Project is located on the western extension of the
Zambian Copperbelt, within the Lufilian Arc, underlain by Katangan
Supergroup metasediments which are covered by a thin veneer of
Kalahari sands. The Sentinel, open pit, Copper Mine is
operated by First Quantum Minerals some 130 kilometres to the
northeast of the Pangeni Copper Exploration Project. A number
of major international mining companies have identified this region
of the Zambian Copperbelt to be prospective for the discovery of
tier one copper mines and are conducting exploration field work in
this region.
ABOUT BEMETALS CORP.
BeMetals is a new base metal mining company focused on becoming
a significant base metal producer through the acquisition of
quality exploration, development and production stage base metals
projects. Our growth strategy is led by a strong Board of
Directors, key members of which have an extensive, proven track
record in delivering considerable value in the mining sector
through the discovery, construction and operation of mines around
the world. The Board, its Advisors, and senior management also
provide outstanding deal flow of projects to BeMetals based upon
their extensive network of contacts in international minerals
business.
ON BEHALF OF BEMETALS CORP.
"John Wilton"
John Wilton
President, CEO and Director
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
Technical information in this news release
has been reviewed and approved by John
Wilton, Pr. Sci. Nat., the Company's CEO and President and a
"Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101
standards.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and
"forward looking information" (as defined under applicable
securities laws), based on management's best estimates, assumptions
and current expectations. Such statements include but are not
limited to, statements with respect to the plans for future
exploration and development of the Pangeni Project and the
acquisition of additional base metal projects. Generally,
these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "expected",
"budgeted", "forecasts" , "anticipates" "plans", "anticipates",
"believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "aims",
"potential", "goal", "objective", "prospective", and similar
expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may",
"can", "could" or "should" occur. These statements should not
be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements
to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such
statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the
Pangeni Project; risks related to international operations; risks
related to general economic conditions, actual results of current
exploration activities, unanticipated reclamation expenses; changes
in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; fluctuations
in prices of metals including copper and other base metals;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, increases in
market prices of mining consumables, possible variations in
resource estimates, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant,
equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour
disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance
coverage and other risks of the mining industry; delays in the
completion of exploration, development or construction activities,
changes in national and local government regulation of mining
operations, tax rules and regulations, and political and economic
developments in countries in which the Company operates. Although
the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in
forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause
results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can
be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as
actual results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. The forward-looking statements and
forward looking information are made as of the date hereof and are
qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The
Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such
factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any
forward-looking statements or forward looking information contained
herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as
require by law. Accordingly, readers should not place undue
reliance on forward-looking statements and information. Please
refer to the Company's most recent filings under its profile at
www.sedar.com for further information respecting the risks
affecting the Company and its business.
SOURCE BeMetals Corp.