News
NorthWest Copper Reports Strong Copper, Gold and Silver Drill Results From the Lorraine Project, Expanding Mineralization
March 23, 2023
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NorthWest Copper (“NorthWest” or “the Company”) (TSX-V: NWST) (OTCQX: NWCCF) is pleased to announce positive results from the 2022 Lorraine drilling program, the first drilling conducted by NorthWest on the property. Drilling has encountered multiple intersections of copper, gold and silver outside of the resource shell. Highlights from assays include:
- LOR-22-130: 45.85 metres 1 at 0.61% CuEq 2 from 109.00 metres;
- Including 23.00 metres at 0.98% CuEq from 109.00.
- LOR-22-131: 46.90 metres at 0.74% CuEq from 15.00 metres;
- Including 17.00 metres at 1.41% CuEq from 30.00 metres.
- LOR-22-136: 102.80 metres at 0.31% CuEq from 91.00 metres.
Lorraine is located approximately 40 km north of NorthWest’s flagship Kwanika-Stardust project. The proximity to Kwanika-Stardust, the high-grade near-surface resource and the significant exploration potential make it NorthWest’s exploration priority for 2023. Drilling results indicate that mineralization extends beyond the limits of the Mineral Resource Estimate 3 and that the Lorraine system is big, complex and open in multiple directions. The 2022 exploration results demonstrate the potential for resource growth at Lorraine, and continued work at the project will be the primary focus of NorthWest’s 2023 exploration program.
“Our goal for the 2022 drilling at Lorraine was to test concepts that could extend the resource beyond what was outlined in the Mineral Resource Estimate, and we successfully hit mineralization peripheral to and below what was previously known”, said President and CEO Peter Bell. “We are just getting started at Lorraine which we believe has very strong growth potential, not only around the resource but across the 65,817-hectare property. Drilling to date has been quite shallow and we are starting to identify deeper roots to the system.”
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1 True widths of the reported mineralized intervals have not been determined.
2 Assumptions used in USD for the copper equivalent calculation (CuEq) were metal prices of $3.50/lb. copper, $1,650/oz gold, $21.50/oz silver, and recovery is assumed to be 86.0% for copper, 63.5% for gold and 61.6% for silver. The following equation was used to calculate copper equivalence: CuEq = copper (%) + (gold (g/t) x 0.5076) + (silver (g/t) x 0.006417)
3 See NI 43-101 technical report titled “Lorraine Copper-Gold Project NI 43-101 Report & Mineral Resource Estimate Omineca Mining Division, B.C” authored by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P. Geol., P.Geo. and Alfonso Rodriguez, M.Sc., P.Geo. both of APEX Geoscience Ltd., dated September 12, 2022 with an effective date of June 30, 2022, filed under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com .
Introduction
The Lorraine project is a precious metal enriched alkalic porphyry copper system located in North-Central British Columbia 280 km northwest of Prince George and approximately 40 km north of NorthWest’s Kwanika-Stardust project. The Lorraine property covers 65,817 hectares (658.17 km 2 ), an area larger than the city of Toronto. The project is accessible by logging roads from Prince George and is 50 km by road from the existing 230 kV electrical transmission line that runs to the Kemess Mine site.
The Lorraine project encompasses the majority of the highly prospective Ducking Creek Syenite Complex. This package of rocks is elongated northwest to southeast and is 30 km long by 20 km wide. It has similarities to other BC alkalic systems including Mount Polley, Mount Milligan, Galore Creek, Copper Mountain, and deposits in the Iron Mask Batholith (Afton, Pothook, Crescent, and Ajax). British Columbian alkalic porphyry systems are typically enriched in gold, silver and platinum-group-element, have high copper grades, and commonly contain several distinct porphyry centers.
The 2022 updated Mineral Resource Estimate at Lorraine covers the Lower Main, Upper Main and Bishop Zones. These zones occupy a 2.0 x 0.6 km corridor centered on Lorraine Peak (Figure 1). The Mineral Resource Estimate contains combined 12.952 Mt of Indicated Resources at an average grade of 0.55 % Cu and 0.16 g/t Au and Inferred Resources of 45,452 Mt at 0.43 % copper and 0.10 g/t gold, using a cut-off grade of 0.20% copper 4 . The Duckling Creek Syenite Complex contains numerous showings that host mineralization like that seen in the Lorraine Mineral Resource Estimate area. Currently NorthWest has 18 regional targets defined outside of the main Lorraine area. Some, like Slide and Boundary have seen limited historic drilling, whilst others, like Nova and Goat have not yet been drill-tested (Figure 2).
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4 See NI 43-101 technical report titled “Lorraine Copper-Gold Project NI 43-101 Report & Mineral Resource Estimate Omineca Mining Division, B.C” authored by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P. Geol., P.Geo. and Alfonso Rodriguez, M.Sc., P.Geo. both of APEX Geoscience Ltd., dated September 12, 2022 with an effective date of June 30, 2022, filed under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com .
Drill Results Discussion
This is NorthWest’s inaugural drill program at Lorraine. Before the 2022 drill program, Lorraine had not been drilled in 14 years. During this program seven holes were drilled for a total of 2,867 m. Three were drilled in the Lower Main Zone, two in the Upper Main Zone and two were drilled in the open area between the Lower and Upper Main Zones (Figure 1). Holes were drilled to an average depth of 410 m downhole and were drilled at about a -45° dip, except for LOR-22-134 which was drilled at -80° to test below LOR-22-133 (Figure 6). The drillhole results below are discussed in chronological order.
LOR-22-130 was designed to test the downdip northwesterly extension of high-grade mineralization in the southwestern part of the Lower Main Zone (Figure 1 & 3). It was also designed to test a deep high chargeability detected during an Induced Polarization geophysical survey in 2022. The hole intersected multiple significant intersections. From surface it cut 18.90 metres of 0.28% CuEq, followed by 45.85 metres at 0.61% CuEq from 109.00 metres downhole. This interval contained a higher-grade zone with 0.98% CuEq over 23.00 metres. After this followed by 20.90 at 0.34% CuEq and 43.70 metres at 0.18% CuEq from 214.00 and 279.20 metres respectively. Mineralization is hosted in logged monzonite to dioritic rocks and consists most commonly of disseminated chalcopyrite < pyrite, although the most strongly mineralized interval contains disseminated bornite showing net texture locally.
LOR-22-131 was designed to test the western extension of high-grade, near-surface mineralization in the southwestern part of the Lower Main Zone (Figure 1 & Figure 4). Mineralization occurs as chalcopyrite, bornite, and chalcocite, both in veins/dykes and disseminations, and is commonly associated with syenite/felspathic dykes. The best mineralization result of 1.41% CuEq over 17.00 metres occurs near the top of the drill hole from 30.00-47.00 metres in a structural corridor containing a major mineralized fault and complex lithologies. This is within a wider interval of 46.90 metres at 0.70% CuEq. Additional to this is a 2.00 metre high-grade gold zone with 6.19g/t Au from 98.00 metres downhole. Mineralization occurs as fine-grained disseminations and in a stockwork of hairline to mm-scale veinlets. Bornite occurs locally in veins with magnetite as well as fine-grained disseminations adjacent to veins. Rare chalcopyrite occurs in hairline veinlets. Copper-sulphides and magnetite are locally replaced by malachite/hematite/limonite in veinlets. Veinlets commonly have narrow K-feldspar alteration envelopes.
LOR-22-132 was designed to test an open area between the Upper and Lower Main Zones (Figure 1). The hole encountered 67 metres of 0.23% CuEq and 15.00 metres at 0.21% CuEq but had to be abandoned due to technical issues (Figure 5). Mineralization is hosted within syenite to monzonite intrusions and occurs as disseminated and rarely vein-hosted chalcopyrite. Chalcopyrite is typically associated with pyrite. Fracture fill malachite occurs within the top 11 m of the hole and was visible at the drill pad on surface.
LOR-22-133 and LOR-22-134 were designed to test the downslope extension of the Upper Main Zone to the southwest in the 500-metre open area between the Upper Mains Zone and historical holes LOR-04-82 and LOR-05-105, which both contained strong near-surface copper mineralization (Figure 1). The 2022 holes were drilled from the same pad at the same 010° azimuth, with LOR-22-133 drilled at -45° and LOR-22-134 drilled at -80° (Figure 6).
LOR-22-133 did not intersect significant mineralization. Copper sulphides occur as finely disseminated chalcopyrite in fine-grained syenites and in pyroxenite with globular alkali feldspar, and more rarely in narrow calcite veinlets. The most strongly mineralized interval was 0.34% CuEq chalcopyrite over 1.05 metres.
LOR-22-134 In contrast to hole 133, the more steeply angled hole 134 encountered stronger mineralization and returned 50.20 metres at 0.22% CuEq from 173.00 metres downhole including a 3.00m interval with 1.29% CuEq. Mineralization is hosted by syenites and pyroxenites with the strongest results hosted in intercalated syenite and pyroxenite with diffuse contacts. Mineralization has disseminated chalcopyrite < pyrite, with rare intervals that contain trace bornite.
LOR-22-135 was designed to test the downdip northwesterly extension of the northwestern part of the Lower Main Zone outside of the current mineral resource estimate (Figure 1). Mineralization is primarily disseminated through sections consisting of fine grained chalcopyrite, with variable zones of bornite and chalcocite banded mafic syenites and in poikilitic fine-grained pyroxenites. This hole hit multiple zones of mineralization with the highest-grade zone being 0.80% CuEq over 23.20 metres followed by a shorter 2.10 metres interval with 0.84% CuEq from 233.00 and 295.00 metres depth downhole (Figure 7). This was followed by 10.65 metres at 0.33% CuEq, 20.90 meters at 0.47 % CuEq and 9.55 metres of 0.18% CuEq near the end of hole. The top of the hole has two sections of 0.10% and 0.13% CuEq over 80.75 and 17.10 metres downhole depth that reflects the current understanding of the updated mineral resources estimate.
LOR-22-136 was designed to test in an area between the Upper and Lower Main Zones and the northeastern extension of the Lower Main Zone (Figure 1). It intersected mineralization that is outside and higher grade than the current Mineral Resource Estimate (Figure 8). This consisted of 102.80 metres with 0.31% CuEq, followed by 14.00 metres of 0.26% CuEq and 15.30 metres of 0.24% CuEq from 91.00, 229.20, and 329.00 metres respectively. Chalcopyrite dominates the copper mineralization, with local zones that include bornite and bornite-chalcocite. The sulphides are disseminated and hosted primarily by a fine-grained biotite syenite. Subordinate copper-sulphide mineralization occurs in rare veinlets.
Table 1: Drill Results from This News Release
| Hole | From(m) | To(m) | Interval 5 (m) | Cu (PCT) | Au (g/t) | Ag (g/t) | CuEq 6 (PCT) | |
| LOR-22-130 | 5.10 | 24.00 | 18.90 | 0.23 | 0.07 | 1.5 | 0.28 | |
| also | 109.00 | 154.85 | 45.85 | 0.49 | 0.19 | 3.6 | 0.61 | |
| incl | 109.00 | 132.00 | 23.00 | 0.79 | 0.30 | 5.8 | 0.98 | |
| also | 214.00 | 234.90 | 20.90 | 0.30 | 0.07 | 1.5 | 0.34 | |
| also | 279.20 | 322.90 | 43.70 | 0.16 | 0.03 | 1.0 | 0.18 | |
| LOR-22-131 | 15.00 | 61.90 | 46.90 | 0.59 | 0.25 | 4.2 | 0.74 | |
| incl | 30.00 | 47.00 | 17.00 | 1.13 | 0.46 | 8.0 | 1.41 | |
| also | 98.00 | 100.00 | 2.00 | 0.00 | 6.19 | 0.4 | - | |
| LOR-22-132 | 6.00 | 73.00 | 67.00 | 0.18 | 0.08 | 1.6 | 0.23 | |
| also | 334.00 | 349.00 | 15.00 | 0.14 | 0.12 | 1.1 | 0.21 | |
| LOR-22-133 | No significant result | |||||||
| LOR-22-134 | 173.00 | 223.20 | 50.20 | 0.18 | 0.06 | 1.0 | 0.22 | |
| incl. | 173.00 | 176.00 | 3.00 | 1.05 | 0.37 | 8.3 | 1.29 | |
| LOR-22-135 | 20.30 | 101.05 | 80.75 | 0.07 | 0.06 | 0.8 | 0.10 | |
| also | 153.00 | 170.10 | 17.10 | 0.10 | 0.05 | 0.9 | 0.13 | |
| also | 233.00 | 256.20 | 23.20 | 0.63 | 0.27 | 4.4 | 0.80 | |
| also | 295.00 | 297.10 | 2.10 | 0.67 | 0.22 | 9.9 | 0.84 | |
| also | 320.35 | 331.00 | 10.65 | 0.26 | 0.11 | 2.1 | 0.33 | |
| also | 381.70 | 402.60 | 20.90 | 0.36 | 0.18 | 2.8 | 0.47 | |
| also | 491.95 | 501.50 | 9.55 | 0.01 | 0.31 | 2.2 | - | |
| LOR-22-136 | 0.00 | 17.00 | 17.00 | 0.09 | 0.07 | 0.8 | 0.13 | |
| also | 91.00 | 193.80 | 102.80 | 0.28 | 0.05 | 1.3 | 0.31 | |
| also | 229.20 | 243.20 | 14.00 | 0.21 | 0.07 | 1.5 | 0.26 | |
| also | 329.00 | 344.30 | 15.30 | 0.20 | 0.04 | 1.9 | 0.24 | |
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5 True widths of the reported mineralized intervals have not been determined.
6 Assumptions used in USD for the copper equivalent calculation (CuEq) were metal prices of $3.50/lb. copper, $1,650/oz gold, $21.50/oz silver, and recovery is assumed to be 86.0% for copper, 63.5% for gold and 61.6% for silver. The following equation was used to calculate copper equivalence: CuEq = copper (%) + (gold (g/t) x 0.5076) + (silver (g/t) x 0.006417)
Quality Assurance / Quality Control
Drilling completed at Lorraine in 2022 was supervised by on-site NorthWest personnel who collected and tracked samples and implemented a full QA/QC program using blanks, standards and duplicates to monitor analytical accuracy and precision. The samples were sealed on site and shipped to AGAT Laboratories (AGAT) in Calgary, Alberta. AGAT’s quality control system complies with global certifications for Quality ISO 9001:2015. Core samples were analyzed using a combination of AGAT’s 201-071 process for low-level concentrations (ICP-MS/4 Acid digestion) and higher-level concentrations were finalized with method 201-097 (Sodium Peroxide Fusion/ICP-OES). Gold assaying was completed with 202-055, a 30-gram fire assay with ICP finish.
Technical aspects of this news release have been reviewed, verified, and approved by Tyler Caswell, P.Geo., VP Exploration of NorthWest, who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Minerals Projects .
Figure 1: Drillhole Locations with block model and topography.
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed677df9-1abf-454c-a96a-68437d2b00e2
Figure 2. Plan view of the Lorraine Top Cat tenement block and target areas
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/056f7516-7fba-40ea-9948-5977b95ca8e6
Figure 3: Section Showing LOR-22-130
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc22cbab-4649-4f90-bf7b-792b565ef7c2
Figure 4: Section Showing LOR-22-131
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f7518a3a-5a4a-408d-bd47-b94013aca386
Figure 5: Section Showing LOR-22-132
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/250ac4d2-6f67-42e2-b010-f4715c81e884
Figure 6: Section Showing LOR-22-133 and 134
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c2e5f6c1-acc8-4978-9afd-aae88dd02c54
Figure 7: Section Showing LOR-22-135
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5ff7c408-d5ce-4dba-9d9b-0260bf1ad7d9
Figure 8: Section Showing LOR-22-136
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/94726009-7c96-48fc-8d10-d8c20cb43aa6
About NorthWest Copper:
NorthWest Copper is a new copper-gold explorer and developer with an exciting pipeline of projects in British Columbia. With a robust portfolio in a tier one jurisdiction, NorthWest Copper is well positioned to participate fully in a strengthening global copper market. We are committed to responsible mineral exploration and are working collaboratively with First Nations to ensure future work and development incorporates stewardship best practices and respects traditional land use. Additional information can be found on the Company’s website at www.northwestcopper.ca .
On Behalf of the Board of Directors of NorthWest Copper Corp.
“Peter Bell”
Director, President and CEO
For further information, please contact:
Peter Lekich, Director Investor Relations
Tel: 604-697-4962
Email: ac.reppoctsewhtron@hcikelp
Neither 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.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, trend analysis and other information contained in this news release about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking information including but not limited to statements with respect to: the Company’s goals for 2023; geological interpretations; anticipated drill results and exploration results; the estimation of mineral resources; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; future operations; mine plans; future exploration prospects; the completion and timing of technical reports; future growth potential of NorthWest Copper; and future development plans. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, constitutes forward-looking information. Although NorthWest believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information since NorthWest can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in NorthWest’s periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking information are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from NorthWest’s expectations include risks associated with the business of NorthWest; risks related to reliance on technical information provided by NorthWest; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Company’s mineral properties; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and First Nation groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in NorthWest’s filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com ). Forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the information are made. NorthWest does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
