Osisko Metals Incorporated (the "
Company" or
"
Osisko Metals") (TSX-V: OM;
OTCQX: OMZNF; FRANKFURT: 0B51) is pleased to announce an updated
Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”) at Copper Mountain as part of the
Gaspé Copper Project, located near Murdochville in the Gaspé
Peninsula of Quebec.
The updated MRE (see Table 1 below) comprises an
open-pit Indicated Resource of 495 million tonnes grading
0.37% CuEq, representing a 30% increase in
copper-equivalent metal content over the previously
reported copper-only Inferred Resource (see April 28, 2022 press
release), as well as greater than 99% conversion
rate from Inferred to Indicated category.
At 3.25 billion pounds (1.47 million
tonnes) of contained copper, not
including significant molybdenum (180 million pounds) and silver
(28 million ounces) resources (see Table 1 below), the Copper
Mountain in-pit Indicated Resource hosts the largest undeveloped
copper asset in Eastern North America.
Other improvements in the updated MRE include
a 38% reduction of the strip ratio (now estimated
at 1.23) from the estimate in the previously reported Inferred
Resource, based on the mineralization geometry that surrounds the
former open pit mine.
Robert Wares, CEO & Chairman of the Board,
commented: “We are extremely pleased with the results of the
updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Copper Mountain Deposit.
The overall copper resource has increased since we announced the
maiden resource estimate in 2022 with significant molybdenum and
silver credits now included in the estimate. Integrating the
recently-announced positive metallurgical testing results, the
Gaspé Copper Project is showing excellent potential towards
becoming a key Canadian copper-molybdenum producer, located in one
of the world’s safest mining jurisdictions.”
Mr. Wares continued: “This MRE will provide the
basis for a Preliminary Economic Assessment, scheduled to be
released in early Q1 2025 in the context of what we believe is the
start of a strong long-term copper market. Furthermore, we strongly
believe that this important asset could become a core component of
Quebec’s critical mineral development strategy that aims to provide
essential metals for global decarbonization initiatives.”
Table 1: Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE)
Base Case
Class |
Tonnes |
Cu Eq |
Cu |
Mo |
Ag |
Cu |
Cu |
Mo |
Mo |
Ag |
|
Mt |
% |
% |
% |
g/t |
M lbs |
kt |
M lbs |
kt |
(koz) |
Indicated |
495 |
0.37 |
0.30 |
0.016 |
1.75 |
3,248 |
1,473 |
180 |
82 |
27,911 |
Inferred |
6.3 |
0.37 |
0.28 |
0.019 |
1.44 |
39 |
18 |
3 |
1 |
291 |
- The independent qualified persons
for the MRE, as defined by National Instrument (“NI”) 43-101
guidelines, is Pierre-Luc Richard, P.Geo., of PLR Resources Inc.
with contributions from Carl Michaud, P.Eng., of G-Mining for
cut-off grade and Pit shell optimization, and Colin Hardie, P.Eng.,
from BBA, for metallurgical parameters. The effective date of the
MRE is April 22, 2024.
- These Mineral Resources are not
mineral reserves as they have no demonstrated economic viability.
No economic evaluation of these Mineral Resources has been
produced. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Resources in
this MRE are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient
drilling to define these Inferred Resources as Indicated. However,
it is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral
Resources could be upgraded to Indicated category with continued
drilling.
- The Qualified Persons are not aware
of any known environmental, permitting, legal, title-related,
taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant issues that
could materially affect the MRE.
- Calculations used metric units
(metres, tonnes). Metal contents in the above table are presented
in percent, pounds or tonnes. Metric tonnages and pounds were
rounded, and any discrepancies in total amounts are due to rounding
errors.
- CIM definitions and guidelines for
Mineral Resource Estimates have been followed. See Cautionary Note
below for copper equivalency (CuEq) values.
Building upon the information released in this
updated MRE, an 8,000 to 10,000 metre drill program is planned to
commence in May that aims to 1) partially define
Measured Resources and improve grades in the higher-grade core of
the Copper Mountain deposit, which could provide approximately 60
Mt of higher grade “starter-pit” material estimated from a 0.40% Cu
lower cut-off grade; and 2) test the potential for
near-surface mineralization around the historical Needle Mountain
mine that was the starter operation for Gaspé Copper in the 1950’s
(A and B Zones).
General parameters of the updated
Mineral Resource Estimate
This resource is pit-constrained to
mineralization surrounding the past-producing Copper Mountain open
pit mine and uses, amongst other parameters, a long-term price of
US$4.00/lb copper (cutoff of 0.12% Cu) for pit shell modelling,
pre-set eastern and southeastern geographical constraints on pit
limits to minimize impacts on the town of Murdochville from future
potential mining operations, and a lower cut-off grade of 0.15%
copper for base case in-pit resource estimation. The resource was
estimated using data from historical drilling completed between the
1950’s and 2019 and 37,390 metres of drilling completed by the
Company in 2022 and 2023. See the Appendix at the end of this news
release for detailed parameters.
Mineral Resource
Sensitivity
The following table shows the resources reported
at various in-pit cut-off grades within a pit shell modelled at a
lower cut off of 0.12% Cu; the base case resource cut-off grade
reported herein is 0.15% copper and is highlighted in bold
text:
Table 2: Indicated Mineral Resource
Estimates at Variable Cut-Off Grades
Class |
Copper Cut-off(%) |
Tonnage(Mt) |
StripRatio |
Grade |
Copper Metal Resource |
Cu % |
Mo % |
M lbs |
kt |
Indicated |
0.12 |
572 |
0.93 |
0.28 |
0.015 |
3,476 |
1,576 |
0.15 |
495 |
1.23 |
0.30 |
0.016 |
3,248 |
1,473 |
0.20 |
376 |
1.94 |
0.34 |
0.018 |
2,791 |
1,266 |
0.25 |
273 |
3.05 |
0.38 |
0.020 |
2,279 |
1,034 |
0.30 |
186 |
4.93 |
0.43 |
0.022 |
1,758 |
797 |
0.40 |
86 |
11.9 |
0.53 |
0.025 |
1,000 |
454 |
Same footnotes as Table 1 apply to this
table.
Potential for Additional Mineral
Resources at Gaspé Copper
End-of-mine historical mineral resources at
Gaspé Copper that are not NI 43-101 compliant are reported in the
Noranda/Falconbridge Annual Reports 1998-2000, Quebec government
mining assessment reports and in Hussey & Bernard (SME Aug
1998, p. 36-44). The following disclosure describes areas of
remaining mineralization at Gaspé Copper that the Company believes
offer excellent potential for additional mineral resources. Osisko
Metals’ strategy at the present time is to focus on the economic
viability of the currently defined Copper Mountain resource, and if
this can be achieved, evaluation of mineralized zones described
below will follow with additional drill programs.
Larger open pit resource potential at Copper
Mountain
The current modelled Whittle pit shell includes
pre-set eastern and southeastern geographical constraints on pit
limits designed to minimize impacts on the town of Murdochville
from potential future mining operations (Figure 1), namely leaving
the southern portion of Copper Mountain intact. Geological
modelling of stockwork mineralization and residual disseminated
skarn mineralization occurring between the Copper Mountain and
Needle Mountain historical open pits, the latter located 1.6
kilometers south of Copper Mountain, indicates potential for a
significantly larger open pit resource at Gaspé Copper. Further
geological and pit modelling is required to evaluate such potential
and this work is ongoing. In the event that a larger viable
pit-constrained resource can be defined, the Company will evaluate
the possibility of reconfiguring the current layout of the site to
minimize disturbance and ensure the protection and safety of the
residents of Murdochville and the surrounding environment.
Figure 1. Plan view of the footprint of
the currently modelled Whittle pit encompassing the base case
mineral resource.
Open pit resource potential at Needle
Mountain
Modelling of the residual copper mineralization
along the perimeter and below the open pit A Zone and the
underground B Zone at Needle Mountain, including residual pillars
in the B Zone, indicates potential for a higher-grade, secondary
open-pit resource that would be distinct from the Copper Mountain
resource. The modelling is based entirely on 1950’s and 1960’s
historical drill holes, which were only partially assayed for
copper and not for molybdenum nor silver. This area will be tested
with a Phase I, 4,000-metre drill program starting at the end of
May and if successful, will be followed by a Phase II program later
in the season.
High-grade residual mineralization near past
underground operations
Residual underground skarn mineralization still
remains in the form of pillars in the mined portion of the C Zone
(grades of 1% to 2% copper), as well as massive sulfide/skarn
mineralization in the deeper E Zone (grades of 3% to 4% copper)
within the E-38 deposit and up to 800 metres north of this deposit.
The E Zone skarn aureole received little follow-up drilling north
of the E-38 deposit and offers excellent potential for further
resource definition at significantly higher copper and molybdenum
grades. Drilling of the E Zone skarn is planned for 2025.
Appendix - parameters and criteria used
for the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE)
-
General Whittle pit parameters used for the Mineral Resource
Estimate include:
Parameter |
Value |
Unit |
Copper Price |
$4.00 |
US$ per pound |
CAD:USD exchange rate |
1.33 |
|
Discount Rate |
8.0 |
Percent |
Royalty Rate |
1.0 |
Percent |
Cu concentrate transport + loading costs |
$10.40 |
US$ per wmt |
Cu concentrate shipping cost |
$66.25 |
US$ per wmt |
Cu concentrate insurance and other costs |
$23.35 |
US$ per wmt |
Cu concentrate smelter treatment cost |
$80.00 |
US$ per wmt |
Cu concentrate smelter refining cost |
$0.08 |
US$ per pound |
Cu concentrate grade |
25.0 |
Percent |
Payable Cu |
96.5 |
Percent |
In-Pit Mining Cost |
$2.85 |
US$ per tonne mined |
Mill Processing Cost |
$3.76 |
US$ per tonne milled |
General and Administrative Costs |
$1.57 |
US$ per tonne milled |
Overall Pit Slope - Rock |
48 |
Degrees |
Copper Recovery |
92 |
Percent (%) |
Mining loss / Dilution (open pit) |
0 / 0 |
Percent / Percent |
Waste Avg. Specific Gravity |
2.67 |
Tonnes/cubic metre |
Mineralization Specific Gravity (variable) |
Avg. 2.73 |
Tonnes/cubic metre |
- Resources are presented as
undiluted and in situ for an open-pit scenario and are considered
to have reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The
constraining pit shell was developed using overall pit slopes of 48
degrees in bedrock and 20 degrees in overburden. The pit
optimization to develop the resource-constraining pit shells was
performed using Geovia Whittle 2022 software.
- The MRE wireframe was prepared
using Leapfrog Edge v.2023.2.1 and is based on 570 drill holes and
41,198 samples. The drill hole database includes recent drilling
totalling 44,407 metres in 83 drill holes (Xstrata 2011-2012,
Glencore Canada 2019 and Osisko Metals 2022-2023) and also
incorporates historical drill holes totalling 126,515 metres in 487
drill holes (Noranda 1998 and earlier). Drill hole data
verification was performed by verifying the coherence of the
information but not its correctness; original logs and laboratory
certificates were only available for 2011, 2012, 2019, 2022 and
2023 drill holes. The cut-off date for the drill hole database was
February 12, 2024.
- Composites of 10-metre lengths were
created inside the mineralization volume. A total of 12,760
composites were generated with an average grade of 0.27 %Cu.
High-grade capping was done on the composited assay data;
composites were capped at 1.50% for Cu, 0.16% for Mo, and 7.5g/t
for Ag.
- Pit constrained Mineral Resources
for the base case are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.15 % Cu in
sulfide within a conceptual pit shell based on a 0.12% Cu lower
cut-off. The cut-off grades will be re-evaluated on an ongoing
basis in light of future prevailing market conditions and
costs.
- Contained copper in the resource
includes sulfide copper only and soluble copper was ignored. It was
assumed for this MRE that only the copper contained in sulfides
could have economical potential. Therefore, the soluble copper that
is present as oxides and carbonates was removed and significant
oxidized zones are all located in the south-west portion of the
deposit. The proportion of the copper contained as soluble copper
relative to sulfides is correlated to the depth of the
mineralization. Therefore, depth from the original topographic
surface was modeled and used to estimate the percentage of copper
that would be contained as soluble copper within the MRE.
- Specific gravity values were
estimated using data available in the historical drill holes.
Values were interpolated for the mineralized solid - the average
value is 2.73 tonnes/cubic metre. Surrounding barren lithologies
were assigned the average specific gravity value from all measured
samples.
- Modelled base case pit shell
measures 2,100 X 1,500 metres and reaches a maximum depth of
approximately 700 metres.
- Grade model resource estimation was
calculated from drill hole data using an ordinary kriging (OK)
interpolation method in a sub-blocked model using blocks measuring
10 m x 10 m x 10 m in size and sub-blocks down to 1.25 m x 1.25m x
1.25 m. Both ordinary kriging and inverse square distance (ID2)
interpolation methods were tested, resulting in no material
difference in the Mineral Resource Estimates.
- The Indicated and Inferred Mineral
Resource categories are constrained to areas where drill spacing is
less than 150m and 300 metres, respectively, and show reasonable
geological and grade continuity.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Copper
Equivalent Grades
Copper Equivalent grades are expressed for
purposes of simplicity and are calculated taking into account 1)
metal grades; 2) estimated long-term prices of metals: US$4.00/lb
copper, $19.00/lb molybdenum and US$22/oz silver; 3) estimated
recoveries of 92%, 70% and 70% for Cu, Mo and Ag respectively and
4) net smelter return value of metals as percentage of the price,
estimated at 86.5%, 90.7% and 75.0% for Cu, Mo and Ag
respectively.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Mineral
Resources
The mineral resources disclosed in this press
release conform to NI43-101 standards and guidelines and were
prepared by independent qualified persons. The above-mentioned
mineral resources are not mineral reserves as they do not have
demonstrated economic viability. The quantity and grade of the
reported Inferred Mineral Resources are conceptual in nature and
are estimated based on limited geological evidence and sampling.
Geological data is sufficient to imply but not verify geological
grade and/or quality of continuity. An Inferred Mineral Resource
has a lower level of confidence relative to a Measured or Indicated
Mineral Resource and constitutes an insufficient level of
confidence to allow conversion to a Mineral Reserve. It is
reasonably expected, but not guaranteed, that the majority of
Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Measured or
Indicated Mineral Resources with additional drilling. The National
Instrument 43-101 Technical Report, including the mineral resources
for the Gaspé Copper Project contained in this news release, will
be delivered and filed on SEDAR by Osisko Metals within 45 days of
the date of this news release.
Qualified Persons
The Mineral Resource Estimate and technical
information in this news release has been prepared and approved by
independent qualified persons, as defined by National Instrument
(“NI”) 43-101 guidelines: Pierre-Luc Richard, P.Geo., of PLR
Resources Inc. with contributions from Carl Michaud, P.Eng., of
G-Mining for cut-off grade and Pit Shell optimization, and Colin
Hardie, P.Eng., from BBA, for metallurgical parameters. Technical
information relating to historical copper deposits at Gaspé Copper
has been reviewed by Jeff Hussey, P. Geo., a non-independent
Qualified Person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101
standards.
About Osisko Metals
Osisko Metals Incorporated is a Canadian
exploration and development company creating value in the critical
metals space, more specifically copper and zinc. The Company is a
joint venture partner with Appian Capital Advisory LLP for the
advancement of one of Canada’s premier past-producing zinc mining
camps, the Pine Point Project, located in the Northwest
Territories, for which the 2022 PEA (as defined herein) has
indicated an after-tax NPV of C$602 million and an IRR of 25%,
based on long-term zinc price of US$1.37/lb and the current mineral
resource estimates that are amenable to open pit and shallow
underground mining. The current mineral resource estimate in the
2022 PEA consists of 15.7 Mt grading 5.55% ZnEq of
Indicated Mineral Resources and 47.2 Mt grading 5.94% ZnEq
of Inferred Mineral Resources. Please refer to the
technical report entitled “Preliminary Economic Assessment,
Pine Point Project, Hay River, Northwest Territories,
Canada” dated August 26, 2022 (with an effective date of July
30, 2022), which was prepared for Osisko Metals and PPML by
representatives of BBA Engineering Inc., HydroRessources Inc., PLR
Resources Inc. and WSP Canada Inc. (the “2022 PEA”). Please refer
to the full text of the 2022 PEA, a copy of which is available on
SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under the Osisko Metals’ issuer profile, for
the assumptions, methodologies, qualifications and limitations
described therein. The Pine Point Project is located on the south
shore of Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories, near
infrastructure, with paved highway access, an electrical
substation, as well as 100 kilometres of viable haulage roads.
In addition, the Company acquired in July 2023,
from Glencore Canada Corporation, a 100% interest in the
past-producing Gaspé Copper Project, located near Murdochville in
the Gaspé peninsula of Québec. The Company is currently focused on
resource evaluation of the Copper Mountain Deposit that hosts the
updated Mineral Resource Estimate described herein. Gaspé Copper
hosts the largest undeveloped copper resource in Eastern North
America, strategically located near existing infrastructure in the
mining-friendly province of Québec.
For further
information on this news release,
visit www.osiskometals.com or contact:Robert Wares,
Chairman & CEO of Osisko Metals Incorporated |
Email: |
info@osiskometals.com |
|
www.osiskometals.com |
Follow Osisko Metals on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/osiskometals/,on LinkedIn at
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Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking
Information
This news release contains “forward-looking
information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities
legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at
the date of this news release. Any statement that involves
predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans,
projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance
are not statements of historical fact and constitute
forward-looking information. This news release may contain
forward-looking information pertaining to the Pine Point and Gaspé
Copper Projects, including, among other things, the results of the
2022 PEA on Pine Point and the IRR, NPV and estimated costs,
production, production rate and mine life; the ability to identify
additional resources and reserves (if any) and exploit such
resources and reserves on an economic basis; the expected high
quality of the metal concentrates; the potential economic impact of
the projects on local communities, including but not limited to the
potential generation of tax revenues and contribution of jobs; the
timing and ability for Projects to reach construction decision (if
at all); the estimated costs to take the Projects to construction
decision (if at all) and the impact to the Company of the
disposition of ownership interest and control in the Pine Point
Project, which is a material property of the Company; Gaspé Copper
hosting the largest undeveloped copper resource in Eastern North
America and Glencore becoming a Control Person of the Company.
Forward-looking information is not a guarantee
of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and
assumptions of management, in light of management’s experience and
perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments,
as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant
and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation,
assumptions about: favourable equity and debt capital markets; the
ability and timing for the Pine Point joint-venture parties to fund
cash calls to advance the development of the Pine Point Project and
pursue planned exploration and development; future spot prices of
copper, zinc, lead and molybdenum; the timing and results of
exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of mineral resource
estimates; production costs; political and regulatory stability;
the receipt of governmental and third party approvals; licenses and
permits being received on favourable terms; sustained labour
stability; stability in financial and capital markets; availability
of mining equipment and positive relations with local communities
and groups. Forward-looking information involves risks,
uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events,
results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ
materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the
Company’s public disclosure record on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under
Osisko Metals’ issuer profile. Although the Company believes that
the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking
information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance
should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of
the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that
such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The
Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise
any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by
law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the
adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange,
securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or
disapproved the information contained herein.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/81834f9f-fc34-4cab-a569-166f8f53236c
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