Churchill Resources Inc. (“
Churchill” or the
“
Company”) (
TSXV: CRI) is pleased
to announce that it has completed a National Instrument 43-101 –
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“
NI
43-101”) technical report on the Taylor Brook Project (the
“
Report”) that is highly encouraging for high
grade nickel discoveries throughout the Layden Intrusive Trend and
into the adjacent Taylor Brook Gabbro Complex
(“
TBGC”).
- Layden Intrusive Trend: Models as a
single contiguous highly magnetic body at depths below -400m,
extends over 10km, and contains multiple targets; is anchored to
the southeast by the Taylor Brook Gabbro (South Lobe), which is
both highly magnetic, coincidentally the highest gravity signature
in Western Newfoundland and located on the craton margin; to the
northwest, outcrops at the high-grade nickel discovery at the
Layden showing; and given the similar relative ages of the Layden
and Taylor Brook gabbroic intrusions, suggesting a relationship
between the two.
- Nickel Sulphide Occurrences: The
intimate association of sulphide with the Layden pulses suggest
that the sulphides separated from a parental mafic to ultramafic
magma in manner typical of orthomagmatic nickel sulphide deposits
(e.g., Voisey’s Bay, Eagle, etc.). Thus far mineralization has
reached 14.5% nickel tenor over 1.7m in our shallow sampling. As
previously disclosed, drilling intercepts include: 2.79% Ni over
4m; 4.44% Ni over 1.77m; and 3.04% Ni over 1.70m.
- Exploration Rationale: Our current
exploration rationale is based on the model that the pulses are
conduits of nickel sulphide-bearing magmas. As such the conduits
themselves, or underlying magmatic intrusions along the whole
Layden Intrusive Trend, from which the conduits originated, should
be the primary exploration targets.
“We are excited that we have begun to confirm a
potentially district scale ca. Silurian (443-419 million years ago)
magmatic nickel intrusive complex, extending over 10 km from the
high grade Layden intrusive where nickel tenors thus far reach to
14.5% over 1.7m in our shallow sampling,” commented Paul Sobie,
Churchill’s CEO. “This potential Silurian Period of orthomagmatic
nickel sulphide represents a new metallotect in the Newfoundland
Appalachian Orogen and is sandwiched between the well-known
Ordovician Buchans and Rambler base metal camps to the south east
and east of us, and the ca. Siluro-Devonian Valentine Lake and
Appleton gold districts further southeast and east. If a magmatic
nickel deposit or camp is present in Western Newfoundland, the
craton-margin located Taylor Brook Project is a most likely spot,
and all exploration data derived by Churchill continue to reinforce
this model.”
An important conclusion to the work has been the
recognition of clear geochemical and geophysical relationships
between the TBGC and the magmatic mineralization at the historic
Layden Showing, with the ~10km long Layden Intrusive Trend thought
to be the conduit between the two. Whilst this relationship needs
further definition through sampling, the Siluro-Devonian age of all
the gabbroic intrusives, and recognition that the Layden rocks are
not Grenvillian, is hugely important to understanding the
emplacement history of these intrusions. If a magmatic nickel
deposit or camp is present in Western Newfoundland, the Taylor
Brook Project is a most likely spot, and all exploration data
derived by Churchill continue to reinforce this model.
The Report recommends a 2023 exploration program
that prioritizes work along the Layden Intrusive Trend into the
large adjacent Taylor Brook Gabbro Complex, as well as deeper
geophysical and drilling work at the Layden Gabbronorite where
shallow high-grade intersections of up to 4.44m of 2.79% Ni, 0.54%
Cu, 0.05% Co were drilled in 2022.
Taylor Brook Technical Report – Key
PointsThe Report was authored by Dr. Derek Wilton, P.Geo.,
of Terra Rosetta Inc., St. John’s, NL, Mr. Jeremy S. Brett, M.Sc.,
P.Geo., of Jeremy S. Brett International Consulting Ltd., Toronto,
ON, and assisted by Mr. Paul Sobie, P.Geo., Chief Executive Officer
& Director of Churchill. A copy of the Report will be posted
and available for download on the Company’s issuer profile on
SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company’s website at
www.churchillresources.com.
Key conclusions from the Report include:
- Churchill’s drilling and mapping
indicate that the Layden Gabbronorite extends over an area of at
least 200m x 400m x 300m deep, with deformation primarily exhibited
as tight isoclinal folding inclined ~60 degrees to the east, i.e.,
towards the Taylor Brook Gabbro Complex.
- The Layden intrusive breccias have
a weak to moderate EM conductor expression (but are strongly
magnetic), whereas the more massive sulphides are observed as
strong, but thus far small, conductor plates in the Layden
Intrusive area. The Layden Gabbronorite is moderately magnetic
compared to the breccia pulses. Overall, geophysical expressions
and geological modelling suggest that the intrusive, at this
location, has a more “pipe-like” structure than classic chonolith
intrusive form.
- The intimate
association of sulphide with the Layden pulses suggest that the
sulphide separated from a parental mafic to ultramafic magma in
manner typical of orthomagmatic nickel sulphide deposits (e.g.,
Voisey’s Bay, Eagle, etc.).
- The current exploration rationale
for this property is based on the model that the Layden pulses are
conduits of sulphide-bearing magmas. As such the conduits
themselves, or underlying magmatic intrusions along the Layden
Intrusive Trend from which the conduits originated, should be the
primary exploration targets.
- The sulphides seem to be Ni, Cu and
Co-enriched and the presence of pentlandite as the dominant
nickel-bearing sulphide suggests that economically exploitable
concentrations of at least Ni may be associated with the Layden
pulse magmatism (i.e., Ni is not solely a trace element in
pyrrhotite).
- The similar relative ages of the
Layden and Taylor Brook gabbroic intrusions does suggest a
relationship between the two, with the highly magnetic western
portion of the South Lobe of the TBGC, particularly intriguing
especially given the coincident gravity anomaly.
- The form of the original Layden
intrusive pulses has been obscured by deformation but in its
current form the pulses appear to define a pipe-like structure
plunging at ~60 degrees to the east until being offset by the
Layden Fault. As pipe-like bodies, the Layden pulses may be feeders
from a deeper intrusion. If the bodies were originally pipes, then
more significant concentrations of sulphide may be present at depth
as part of a deeper magmatic system.
- Churchill’s comprehensive airborne
geophysical work has outlined readily apparent large-scale features
in the magnetic data that appear to control emplacement of the
intrusive pulses, including the ~north-south trending Upper Humber
Valley Fault, several dilational zones within sigmoidal structures
adjacent to the Taylor Brook Gabbro Complex, and two prominent
southeasterly trending NW-SE shear zones that cross the property
are in the magnetic data.
- Interpretation of the resistivity
surveys emphasizes ductile zones along the Upper Humber Valley
Fault that host the Layden Intrusive Trend, as well as the set of
southeasterly trending fault/shear zones that cross the property.
The southernmost shear zone of the NW-SE set appears to be the
control structure for the course change of the Upper Humber River
to southeast, before it follows the more N-S Upper Humber River
Fault trend. Sinistral displacement along this shear zone may
explain the location of the Humber Gabbronorite ~1.2km to the west
of the Layden Gabbronorite and magmatic trend.
- The site of the Layden Gabbronorite
Intrusive appears to be at the intersection of this middle
southeasterly trending shear zone with the Upper Humber River Fault
Zone. The upper (or more northerly) NW-SE trending shear zone
appears to abut the northern lobe of the Taylor Brook Gabbro, but
survey limits do not allow observation into the interior of the
gabbro plug. The margin of the north lobe does appear to be
disrupted where the shear zone intersects it, as evidenced from the
magnetic data.
- The magnetic inversions emphasize
the linear nature of the Layden Intrusive Trend with depth,
suggesting that the known mineralization at Layden is localized
along the western side of the trend (i.e., away from the Taylor
Brook Gabbro Complex). The emplacement of Layden Gabbronorite at
the intersection of the two major structures is also emphasized by
the inversions (i.e., the NW-SE fault zone and the Upper Humber
Fault).
- In the -400m to -600m depth slices
from the inversions, the Layden Intrusive Trend appears to have
evolved into several magnetic nodes which may represent deeper
pools of magmatic material. These include one large node just to
south of the Layden Gabbronorite, and another just to the north.
The gap between the two nodes may have localized the somewhat
offset position of the Layden gabbronorite and breccia pulses, to
just west of the Layden Intrusive Trend.
- The Layden Intrusive Trend models
as a single highly magnetic body at depths below -400m, but with
some complexity at -300m where individual nodes or bumps,
particularly on the western side of the trend, may represent other
mineralized intrusive areas. As well, the deeper depth slices
suggest that areas where the trend is thickest are prospective
targets for pools of sulphides.
Set out below is the proposed recommend work
program for the remainder of 2023:
Exploration of the Layden Magmatic Trend
and Taylor Brook Gabbro Complex
Soil sampling and prospecting is to continue
along the entire Layden Intrusive Trend including the western
margins of the Taylor Brook Gabbro Complex. As greater access is
created through brush clearing along old forestry roads, more of
the intrusive rocks as extant can be mapped and sampled for
lithogeochemistry and petrography. To locate small sulfide
occurrences <2m beneath cover, a Beep Mat survey is planned to
be added to the prospecting.
The VTEM survey data along the southern portion
of the trend and into the South Lobe of the TBGC will be revisited,
with the view of refining interpretations and defining targets for
follow-up. Structural interpretation of the regional and detailed
aeromagnetics, VTEM Resistivity and the Digital Elevation Model
data will be expanded. The high-resolution detailed Heli-GT
magnetic gradiometer survey will be expanded to completely cover
the southern extent of the project.
Heli-GT surveying of the southernmost area of
the project is planned, including more high-resolution data over
the South Lobe of the TBGC. All of the derived data will be added
into expanded structural interpretation.
Deeper Drilling of the Layden Intrusive
Area
Deeper drilling of the Layden Gabbronorite is
planned, following deep penetrating Controlled Source
Audio-Magnetotelluric (“CSAMT”) survey, concentrating on the
southern portion of the intrusion where a “keel” has been
interpreted. BHEM surveys will be conducted on all holes to detect
any potential massive sulfides off-hole.
Taylor Brook Project The Taylor
Brook Project consists of 705 map staked claims totalling 17,625
hectares (176.25km2) held under nine mineral licences of which
seven are held by Churchill. Churchill also includes the two small
licenses 026955M and 027616M within their overall Taylor Brook
Project, having secured option agreements from the owners on August
31st, 2021.
The technical and scientific information in this
news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Derek H.C
Wilton, P.Geo., FGC, who is a “qualified person” as defined under
NI 43-101 and independent of the Company.
About Churchill Resources
Inc.Churchill Resources Inc. is a Canadian exploration
company focused on high grade, magmatic nickel sulphides in Canada,
principally at its prospective Taylor Brook and Florence Lake
properties in Newfoundland & Labrador. The Churchill management
team, board and its advisors have decades of combined management
experience in mineral exploration and in the establishment of
successful publicly listed mining companies, both in Canada and
around the world. Churchill’s Taylor Brook and Florence Lake
projects have the potential to benefit from the province’s large
and diversified minerals industry, which includes world class
nickel mines and processing facilities, and a well-developed
mineral exploration sector with locally based drilling and
geological expertise. The province was recently ranked 4th in the
world for investment attractiveness by the Fraser Institute in its
2022 annual survey of mining and exploration companies.
Further Information
For further information regarding Churchill, please contact:
Churchill Resources Inc.Paul Sobie, Chief Executive OfficerTel.
+1 416.365.0930 (o)+1 647.988.0930
(m)Email psobie@churchillresources.com
Alec Rowlands, Corporate ConsultantTel. +1 416.721.4732
(m)Email arowlands@churchillresources.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward
Looking Information
This news release contains "forward-looking
information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively,
"forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable
Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than
statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and
are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date
of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with
respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections,
objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but
not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect",
"is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans",
“proposed”, "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates",
"believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or
stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could",
"would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are
not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking
statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate
to, among other things, the Company’s objectives, goals and
exploration activities conducted and proposed to be conducted at
the Company’s properties; future growth potential of the Company,
including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of the
Company’s properties will be successful; exploration results; and
future exploration plans. These forward-looking statements are
based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the
Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future
results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may
cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the
Company to materially differ from any future results, performance
or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Such factors, among other things, include: the expected
benefits to the Company relating to the exploration conducted and
proposed to be conducted at the Company’s properties; failure to
identify any additional mineral resources or significant
mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test
results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of
financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration
programs on the Company’s properties; business integration risks;
fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in
securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of
gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities;
fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to
United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local
government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and
political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated
with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining
(including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or
unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability
to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the
presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on
mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships
with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations;
availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and
labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and
development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses,
permits and approvals from government authorities); the
unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately
developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results
of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as
plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being
preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the
likelihood of a mineral deposit; title to properties; ongoing
uncertainties relating to the COVID-19 pandemic; and those factors
described in the most recently filed management’s discussion and
analysis of the Company. Although the forward-looking statements
contained in this news release are based upon what management of
the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable
assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual
results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as
there may be other factors that cause results not to be as
anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information.
There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the
material factors or assumptions used to develop such
forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company
does not undertake to release publicly any revisions for updating
any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by
applicable securities law.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV)
accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news
release.
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