Aldebaran Resources Inc. (“
Aldebaran” or the
“
Company”)
(TSX-V: ALDE, OTCQX:
ADBRF) reports additional drill results from its ongoing
drill program at the Altar copper-gold project in San Juan,
Argentina. The holes reported herein are QDM-21-044 and QDM-22-046,
and the remainder of QDM-22-045 (the top 457 m of QDM-22-045, which
returned 14.9 m of epithermal gold mineralization at 19.08 g/t Au,
was previously reported by the Company on February 24, 2022).
All three holes encountered long intercepts of
copper-gold mineralization with QDM-21-044 also hitting an
attractive gold intercept (100 m of 1.15 g/t Au from 13 m depth) in
the top of the hole. QDM-21-044 and QDM-22-046 encountered
technical challenges that resulted in the holes deviating greatly
and missing their intended targets at depth; however they both
still encountered long runs of copper-gold mineralization that
appear to be defining the southwestern limit of the Radio
copper-gold system. Mineralization remains open in all other
directions and drilling is now focussing more to the northwest,
north and east. Several additional drill holes are complete with
assays pending and drilling is ongoing at site with four diamond
drill rigs currently active.
The Company also would like to announce the
exercise by its largest shareholder, Route One Investment Company
LLC, and senior management, of 3,571,499 previously issued common
share purchase warrants with an expiry date of September 15, 2022
and a strike price of $0.70. The warrants will be exercised on or
before May 17, 2022, for anticipated gross proceeds to the Company
of $2,500,049.
Highlights
QDM-21-044
- An upper
gold-rich zone returning 100 m of 1.15 g/t Au from 13 m
- Including 2 m of
5.77 g/t Au from 23 m
- Including 22 m
of 1.84 g/t Au from 67 m
- Including 2 m of
5.67 g/t Au from 75 m
- This intercept
drilled through the conceptual pit for the QDM Gold deposit,
however grades were higher than anticipated
- A lower copper zone returning
858.70 m of 0.35% CuEq from 582 m
QDM-22-045
- 804.40 m of
0.44% CuEq from 546 m
- Including 182 m
of 0.61% CuEq from 865 m
- And 75.40 m of
0.65% CuEq from 1,083 m
- And 28 m pf 0.69% CuEq from 1,262
m
QDM-22-046
- 593 m of 0.38%
CuEq from 142 m
- Including 32 m
of 0.56% CuEq from 168 m
John Black, Chief Executive Officer of
Aldebaran, commented as follows: “The upper gold zone
in hole QDM-21-044 is a pleasant surprise, as the results were
materially higher-grade than the current average grade of the QDM
gold deposit. The results from this batch of drill holes were
impacted by significant deviations during drilling which caused two
of the holes to miss their intended targets. Despite these
challenges, all three holes encountered lengthy intercepts of
mineralization in this new area and there are several holes in
progress at Radio that continue to test the extents of the
mineralization. As well, we are currently drilling some promising
geological-geophysical targets between Altar Central and Altar
East. Finally, we are pleased to announce the exercise of warrants
by Route One demonstrating their continued support for the project
and Aldebaran. The funds to be received from the early exercise of
warrants will be used to complete the current drill program at
Altar.”
Discussion of Results:
Drillhole QDM-21-044 was
drilled at an azimuth of 135 degrees and dip of -73 degrees to a
final depth of 1,440.7 m. The hole was collared on the southwestern
side of the QDM gold deposit, and the objective was to test for the
northwestern extension of the high-grade copper-gold mineralization
encountered at depth in hole QDM-21-042. Unfortunately, QDM-21-044
greatly deviated and lifted during the drilling process, ultimately
missing its intended target. From the top of the hole to
approximately 435 m, the hole intersected dacite porphyry locally
displaying strong
sericite-quartz-(pyrophyllite)-pyrite-sphalerite-tourmaline
alteration with associated magnetite-chalcopyrite-pyrite and
quartz-magnetite-pyrite-chalcopyrite±bornite veining starting near
450 meters and increasing with depth. This potassic alteration
assemblage is dominant from 800 meters depth to the bottom of the
hole, however it is commonly overprinted by weak
sericite-chlorite-hematite-clay alteration, with the additional
occurrence of associated epidote over the last hundred meters,
characterizing a propylitic assemblage likely indicative of the
outer edge of the main system.
Drillhole QDM-22-045 was
drilled at an azimuth of 133 degrees and dip of -70 degrees to a
final depth of 1,410.1 m. The hole was collared on the
northern edge of the QDM gold zone. The objective of hole
QDM-22-045 was to test for the northwestern extension of the
higher-grade copper-gold mineralization at Radio Porphyry. The top
457 m of Hole 45 have been previously reported (see Company news
release dated February 24, 2022). From 457 m to the bottom of the
hole, the hole encountered andesitic wall rocks. Alteration
progressively becomes stronger going down the hole, first with
chlorite, green sericite, and hematite, with increasing magnetite
transitioning to K-feldspar, biotite associated with
quartz-magnetite-chalcopyrite-pyrite veins. Starting at 740 m
depth, the andesites are intruded by a series of diorite dykes with
strong to intense potassic alteration, which continues until the
end of the hole.
Drillhole
QDM-22-046 was drilled at an azimuth of 135
degrees and dip of -70 degrees to a final depth of 1,286.1 m. This
hole was designed to test for the vertical extension of the
higher-grade copper-gold mineralization encountered at depth in
hole QDM-21-042, and for the extension of the system towards the
southeast. Unfortunately, this hole deviated significantly to the
south from 630 m depth, ultimately missing its intended target.
QDM-22-046 was drilled almost entirely in andesite wall rocks with
minor intervals of diorite porphyry dykes from 216 m to 400 m
depth. Strong potassic alteration occurs from the top of the hole,
characterized by the occurrence of k-feldspar-biotite-magnetite
with associated chalcopyrite-pyrite-bornite mineralization is
overprinted by green sericite-chlorite with associated
chalcopyrite-pyrite-hematite mineralization. The interval is
characterized by having moderate development of multiple vein
stockworks, dominated by quartz-pyrite-chalcopyrite,
magnetite-quartz, magnetite-only, quartz-chalcopyrite-bornite, and
quartz-tourmaline-pyrite. The occurrence of increasing
chlorite-hematite-pyrite alteration from 650 m to the bottom of the
hole, accompanied by a progressive decrease in the intensity of the
potassic alteration and quartz veining is indicative of a zonation
towards the outer edges of the main system.
Table 1 below provides details on the results
from QDM-21-044, QDM-22-045 and QDM-22-046. Locations of holes can
be seen in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3 displays all three reported
holes in relation to the Radio Porphyry deposit. Figure 4 displays
a cross section of QDM-21-044 and QDM-22-046 while Figure 5
displays a cross section of QDM-22-045.
Table 1. 2021/2022 Altar Drill Hole Results |
|
From(m) |
To(m) |
Interval(m) |
Cu(%) |
Au(g/t) |
Ag(g/t) |
Mo(ppm) |
As(ppm) |
AuEq(g/t) |
CuEq(%) |
QDM-21-044 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interval |
3.00 |
187.00 |
184.00 |
0.06 |
0.75 |
1.18 |
3 |
122 |
0.85 |
n/a |
incl. |
13.00 |
113.00 |
100.00 |
0.04 |
1.15 |
1.68 |
4 |
134 |
1.24 |
n/a |
incl. |
23.00 |
25.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
5.77 |
2.10 |
4 |
88 |
5.80 |
n/a |
and |
67.00 |
89.00 |
22.00 |
0.04 |
1.84 |
3.04 |
4 |
125 |
1.94 |
n/a |
incl. |
75.00 |
77.00 |
2.00 |
0.01 |
5.67 |
9.00 |
2 |
165 |
5.80 |
n/a |
Interval |
582.00 |
1,440.70 |
858.70 |
0.28 |
0.07 |
1.07 |
51 |
24 |
n/a |
0.35 |
QDM-22-045 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interval |
546.00 |
1,350.40 |
804.40 |
0.31 |
0.17 |
1.31 |
15 |
39 |
n/a |
0.44 |
incl. |
865.00 |
1,047.00 |
182.00 |
0.43 |
0.25 |
1.94 |
8 |
46 |
n/a |
0.61 |
and |
1,083.00 |
1,158.40 |
75.40 |
0.41 |
0.32 |
1.65 |
15 |
87 |
n/a |
0.65 |
and |
1,262.00 |
1,290.00 |
28.00 |
0.43 |
0.35 |
2.36 |
5 |
24 |
n/a |
0.69 |
QDM-22-046 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interval |
142.00 |
735.00 |
593.00 |
0.32 |
0.06 |
1.10 |
15 |
35 |
n/a |
0.38 |
incl. |
168.00 |
200.00 |
32.00 |
0.53 |
0.04 |
0.84 |
11 |
35 |
n/a |
0.56 |
The grades are uncut. CuEq values were calculated using copper,
gold, silver, and molybdenum. Metal prices utilized for the
calculations are Cu = US$3.00/lb, Au = US$1,400/oz, Ag = US$18/oz,
and Mo = US$10/lb. No adjustments were made for recovery as the
project is an early-stage exploration project and metallurgical
data to allow for estimation of recoveries is not yet available.
The formulas utilized to calculate equivalent values are CuEq
% = Cu % + Au g/t * 0.6805 + Ag g/t * 0.00875 + Mo ppm / 3000
and AuEq g/t = Au g/t + ((Cu % * 1.4694) + (Mo ppm / 2041.7092) +
(Ag ppm / 77.7778)). |
Project Update
The Company is currently drilling with four
diamond drill rigs on the Altar project with a fifth rotary rig
drilling water monitoring wells to support hydrological baseline
studies. The performance of the drill rigs has been lower than
anticipated with several holes encountering challenges, several
deviating significantly and some being abandoned before reaching
their intended target. As a result, it is expected the Company will
complete fewer drill holes than originally anticipated for this
field season. Three rigs are currently at the QDM/Radio area, while
the other is currently drilling between Altar Central and Altar
East. Holes QDM-22-047, QDM-22-048 and QDM-22-050 were abandoned at
172 m, 165.5 m and 306.1 m respectively, due to operator issues.
Holes QDM-220-047B, QDM-22-048B and QDM-22-050B were drilled from
the same pad positions in their place with QDM-22-047B completed to
a depth of 1,062 m (assays pending), while QDM-22-048B and QDM-22
050B were at approximately 1,115 m and 252.60 m deep at the time of
this release. Hole ALD-22-220 is complete and finished at 1,186.50
m depth, assays are pending. Holes QDM-22-049 and ALD-22-221 are
active and are currently approximately 800 m and 1,130 m deep at
the time of this release. The Company completed three holes to test
the extents of the high-grade gold mineralization previously
reported in QDM-22-045. Those holes, QDM-22-045U (up), QDM-22-045D
(down) and QDM-22-045L (left) were drilled to 301.40 m, 373.30 m
and 407.50 m depth, all assays are pending.
Webinar
For more context, please join CEO John Black in
a live event on May 16th at 9:00am PT/12:00pm (noon) ET.
Q&A will follow the brief presentation. Click here to register:
https://my.6ix.com/l2NLHovk.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical data contained in
this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Kevin B.
Heather, B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc, Ph.D, FAusIMM, FGS, Chief Geological
Officer and director of Aldebaran, who serves as the qualified
person (QP) under the definitions of National Instrument
43-101.
For further information, please consult
our website at
www.aldebaranresources.com or
contact:
Phone: +1 604 685-6800 Email:
info@aldebaranresources.com
About Aldebaran Resources Inc.
Aldebaran is a mineral exploration company that
was spun out of Regulus Resources Inc. in 2018 and has the same
core management team. Aldebaran acquired the Rio Grande copper-gold
project located in Salta Province, Argentina from Regulus along
with several other early-stage projects in Argentina. Aldebaran
also has the right to earn up to an 80% interest in the Altar
copper-gold project in San Juan Province, Argentina from Sibanye
Stillwater Limited. The Altar project hosts multiple porphyry
copper-gold deposits with potential for additional discoveries.
Altar forms part of a cluster of world-class porphyry copper
deposits which includes Los Pelambres (Antofagasta Minerals), El
Pachón (Glencore), and Los Azules (McEwen Copper). In March 2021
the Company announced an updated mineral resource estimate for
Altar, prepared by Independent Mining Consultants Inc. and based on
the drilling completed up to and including 2020. Aldebaran’s
primary focus is the Altar project with a view to discovering new
zones with higher-grade mineralization.
Sampling and Analytical Procedures
Altar follows systematic and rigorous sampling
and analytical protocols which meet and exceed industry standards.
These protocols are summarized below and are available on the
Aldebaran website at www.aldebaranresources.com. All drill holes
are diamond core holes with PQ, HQ or NQ core diameters. Drill core
is collected at the drill site where recovery and RQD (Rock Quality
Designation) measurements are taken before the core is boxed and
transported to the Altar camp facilities, a short distance away,
where the whole core is photographed under more optimum lighting
conditions and geological quick log is produced. The whole-core is
then marked and sampled into geological defined, systematic 1- to
2-metre sample intervals, unless the geologist determines the
presence of an important geological contact, which should not be
crossed. The whole-core is then cut-in-half with a diamond saw
blade, with half the sample retained in the core box for future
reference and the other half placed into a pre-labelled plastic
bag, sealed with a two plastic security zip ties, and labeled with
a unique sample number. The bagged samples are then placed into
larger plastic sacks and those sacks are sealed with another
plastic security zip tie and labelled for shipment. The sacks are
then placed onto wooden pallets and wrapped in plastic shrink-wrap
and stored in a secure area pending shipment to a certified ALS
laboratory sample preparation facility located in Mendoza,
Argentina, where the samples are dried, crushed, and pulverized.
The resulting sample pulps are sent by batch to the ALS laboratory
in Lima for geochemical assay analysis, including a 30g fire assay
with an atomic absorption (AA) finish analysis for gold and a full
multi-acid digestion (4-acid) with ICP-AES analysis for other
elements. Samples with results that exceed maximum detection values
for gold are re-analyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish
and other elements of interest are re-analyzed using precise
ore-grade ICP analytical techniques. Aldebaran independently
inserts certified control standards (Super Certified Reference
Materials (SCRM’s), coarse field blanks, and duplicates into the
sample stream to monitor data quality. These standards are inserted
“blindly” to the laboratory in the sample sequence prior to
departure from the Aldebaran facilities.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements regarding Aldebaran,
including management's assessment of future-plans and operations,
may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable
securities laws and necessarily involve known and unknown risks and
uncertainties, most of which are beyond Aldebaran's control. Often,
but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be
identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does
not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates",
"forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or
"believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements
that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would",
"might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.
Specifically, and without limitation, all
statements included in this press release that address activities,
events or developments that Aldebaran expects or anticipates will
or may occur in the future, including the proposed exploration and
development of the Altar project described herein, and management's
assessment of future plans and operations and statements with
respect to the completion of the anticipated exploration and
development programs, may constitute forward-looking statements
under applicable securities laws and necessarily involve known and
unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond
Aldebaran's control. These risks may cause actual financial and
operating results, performance, levels of activity and achievements
to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such
forward-looking statements. Although Aldebaran believes that the
expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are
reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will
prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements contained in
this press release are made as of the date hereof and Aldebaran
does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by
applicable securities law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies
of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the
adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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