FIREWEED METALS CORP. (“
Fireweed” or the
“
Company”) (
TSXV:
FWZ;
OTCQX:
FWEDF) is pleased to report the initial results of
the 2024 drill campaign, announce the appointment of Graham
Richardson as the Company’s CFO, and provide an update on the
exploration program at its Macpass Project, Yukon, Canada.
Highlights
-
Hole NB24-001 intersected 92.15 m of 8.61% zinc, 2.60% lead, and
42.7 g/t silver (37 m true width), including 11.21 m of 21.40%
zinc, 6.66% lead, and 107.6 g/t silver (4.5 m true width).
-
Vein and replacement mineralization intersected in NB24-008 is a
160 m step out to the west from previous drilling, while the
stratiform massive sulphide intercepted in NB24-001 is a 65 m
intercept west of previous drilling.
-
Expansion of the drill program to over 16,000 m across Boundary
Zone, Tom, Jason, and exploration targets.
-
Ground and airborne based geochemical and geophysical surveys have
been completed across the Macpass district.
CEO Statement
Peter Hemstead, Interim President and CEO,
stated, “We are excited to report the first results of the season
with an excellent intercept on the far-western side of Boundary
Zone. The style of mineralization associated with this high-grade
result indicates there is potential for a feeder system within this
part of the deposit, and an extension of the known mineralization
to the west, 45 m beyond the existing MRE pit shell. We are pleased
to expand the drill program to over 16,000 m and are looking
forward to the additional results from Boundary Zone, Tom, and
Jason, as well as the outcomes from the large regional exploration
program that we embarked upon this year along the Macpass
prospective corridor.”
SummaryThe drill holes in this
release comprise intervals of vein and replacement style
mineralization as well as massive (>50% sulphides) to stratiform
(layer-parallel) sulphides on the extreme western side of Boundary
Zone. Massive sulphide mineralization at Boundary is split into
three primary domains based on location and geochemistry: BZFL
(Boundary Zone Fuller Lake), BZUZ (Boundary Zone Upper Zone) and
BZPZ (Boundary Zone Prime Zone). This wide intersection of massive
sulphides in NB24-001, which expands the known mineralization to
the west, represents the broadest high-grade intercept of
mineralization seen to date in BZUZ, and the high silver and lead
grades are indicative of feeder style mineralization seen in the
thickest and highest-grade portions of the Prime Zone.
ResultsDrill holes in this
release are located on the western side of Boundary Zone and were
targeting stratiform to massive sulphides with a focus on extending
mineralized domains to the west and down dip of the recently
published Mineral Resource Estimate (see Map 2 and Figure 1). Both
holes NB24-001 and NB24-008 intersected vein and replacement style
mineralization in the upper portions of the hole, with NB24-001
intersecting a broad zone of feeder-style massive to stratiform
sulphides rich in sphalerite and galena.
Table 1: Assay highlights for holes
included within this release for the 2024 drilling program,
Boundary Zone
Drillhole |
Interval |
From (m) |
To (m) |
Interval Width (m) |
Est. True Width (m) † |
Zinc (%) |
Lead (%) |
Silver (g/t) |
Bulk Density
(t/m3) |
NB24-001 |
Primary |
186.52 |
207.98 |
21.46 |
N/A |
2.25 |
0.01 |
4.7 |
2.73 |
NB24-001 |
Primary |
428.05 |
520.20 |
92.15 |
37 |
8.61 |
2.60 |
42.7 |
3.02 |
NB24-001 |
Including |
430.49 |
441.70 |
11.21 |
4.5 |
21.40 |
6.66 |
107.6 |
3.90 |
NB24-008 |
Primary |
179.13 |
189.50 |
10.37 |
N/A |
2.86 |
0.01 |
3.3 |
2.72 |
NB24-008 |
Primary |
454.00 |
488.00 |
34.00 |
N/A |
1.56 |
0.59 |
8.3 |
2.63 |
NB24-008 |
Primary |
764.73 |
767.78 |
3.05 |
1.5 |
2.23 |
6.16 |
80.3 |
3.66 |
N/A: Not Applicable due to the variable shapes
of breccia and vein mineralization.† See “Data Verification” for a
description of true width calculations
Fireweed successfully intersected stratiform and
massive sulphides in both NB24-001 and NB24-008 (Photos 1 and 2).
Summaries of the intercepts from these two holes are as
follows:
-
Hole NB24-001 intersected 92.15 m (estimated true
width of 37 m) of laminated and massive sulphides grading 8.61%
zinc, 2.60% lead, and 42.7 g/t silver, including 11.21 m (estimated
true width 4.5 m) of 21.40% zinc, 6.66% lead, and 107.6 g/t silver,
and a near surface interval of breccia and vein mineralization
21.46 m in width grading 2.25% zinc, and 4.7 g/t silver.
-
Hole NB24-008 intersected 3.05 m of stratiform to
semi-massive sulphide grading 2.23% zinc, 6.16% lead, and 80.3 g/t
silver, as well as a near surface interval of breccia and vein
mineralization 10.37 m in width grading 2.86% zinc, and 3.3 g/t
silver as well as a second interval of replacement style
mineralization 34.00 m in width grading 1.56% zinc, 0.59% lead, and
8.3 g/t silver.
See Tables 1 to 4, Cross Section T–T’ and Map 2
below for further details.
NB24-001 and NB24-008 are step-out holes that
tested the vein and breccia mineralization, laminated stratiform
mineralization, and massive sulphide zones on the far western
portion of Boundary Zone stepping vein and replacement
mineralization 160 m west of previous intercepts and intersecting
massive sulphides 65 m west of previous intercepts. The geometry
and stratigraphic sequence intersected in these holes continue to
support the idea that the laminated and massive sulphide
mineralization are part of the same discrete geological layers at
Boundary Zone, forming tabular stratiform zones. Drilling prior to
2024 identified a massive sulphide domain referred to as BZPZ
(Boundary Zone Prime Zone) extending from surface to at least 450 m
down-dip, over 550 m in strike with a variable true thickness
thinning around the edges and reaching thicknesses of up to 50 m at
its widest point. The zone remains open for extension along strike
and at depth. Step-out drilling along strike from previous
intersections in a second zone, stratigraphically above BZPZ
designated as BZUZ, intersected abundant sphalerite and galena,
supporting the presence of the conceptual feeder zone.
Extensive vein and breccia mineralization at
Boundary Zone occurs both stratigraphically above and below the
main stratiform laminated massive sulphide zones. This
mineralization forms within a halo approximately 100 m to 150 m
wide on both sides of the stratiform laminated zones and is
interpreted as a stockwork of randomly oriented veins and breccia
zones that are contained within broadly stratiform bodies. Many
wide intervals of vein and breccia style sphalerite mineralization
were encountered in 2023 step-out holes and were subsequently
captured within the 2024 resource2.
2024 Drill ProgramThe 2024
drill program achieved over 16,000 m of drilling focused on
Boundary Zone, Tom, Jason, and regional exploration targets (Map
1). Similar to 2023, the 2024 program has utilized directional
drilling to save an estimated 1,727 m of drilling compared to
traditional drilling of multiple new holes from surface, for an
approximate equivalent metreage of 17,740 in 2024 to date.
As part of this season’s program, 49 step-out
and exploration drill holes have been completed and results for 2
have been released. Twenty-six holes were drilled at Boundary Zone,
6 at Tom South, 2 at Jason, and 15 at exploration targets around
the property.
The assay results for additional completed drill
holes will be released as they are received, analyzed and confirmed
by the Company.
Regional ExplorationIn addition
to the significant drill program at Macpass in 2024, a
comprehensive regional exploration program was conducted to provide
extensive coverage of geochemical (soil sampling and rock sampling)
and geophysical data (ground-based gravity survey, airborne
Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM) survey along the
prospective corridor and supplementary LiDAR and Orthophoto surveys
to provide complete coverage of the entire 977 km2 Macpass
district.
Appointment of New CFOFireweed
is pleased to announce the appointment of Graham Richardson, who
will be replacing Cindy Chiang, effective September 30, 2024, as
Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Richardson is a Canadian CPA, with
over 15 years of experience in the mining sector. Since October
2021 he has been and continues to be CFO of Faraday Copper Corp.,
and previously held progressively senior finance roles with Fortuna
Mining Corp, Newmont Corporation and Goldcorp Inc. Mr. Richardson
started his career with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited in their
mining practice in Vancouver, and subsequently Melbourne.
Throughout his career he has gained diverse experience working with
corporate offices and operations across Canada, Australia, USA,
Mexico, and West Africa. Mr. Richardson has a Bachelor of Commerce
in Accounting from the University of British Columbia, Sauder
School of Business.
Paul Harbidge, Board Chair, stated, “On behalf
of the Board, I would like to welcome Graham to the team and thank
Cindy for her diligent work with Fireweed. We wish her all the best
for her future endeavours.”
Qualified Person StatementTechnical information
in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Fireweed
Metals Senior Geologist, Ian Carr, P.Geo. (BC), a ‘Qualified
Person’ as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr.
Carr is not independent of the Company in accordance with NI
43-101.
About Fireweed Metals Corp. (TSXV: FWZ;
OTCQX: FWEDF; FSE:M0G): Fireweed Metals Corp. is an
exploration company unlocking significant value in a new critical
metals district located in Yukon, Canada. Fireweed is 100% owner of
the Macpass District, a large and highly prospective 977 km2 land
package. The Macpass District includes the Macpass zinc-lead-silver
project and the Mactung tungsten project, both characterized by
meaningful size, grade and opportunity. At Macpass, Fireweed owns
one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources worldwide1,3, in a
region with enormous exploration upside potential. The Mactung
project is a strategic critical metals asset that hosts the world’s
largest high-grade tungsten resource4 – a potential long-term
supply of tungsten for North America. A Lundin Group company,
Fireweed is strongly positioned to create meaningful value.
In Canada, Fireweed (TSXV: FWZ) trades on the
TSX Venture Exchange. In the USA, Fireweed (OTCQX: FWEDF) trades on
the OTCQX Best Market for early stage and developing U.S. and
international companies and is DTC eligible for enhanced electronic
clearing and settlement. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and
market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com. In
Europe, Fireweed (FSE: M0G) trades on the Frankfurt Stock
Exchange.
Additional information about Fireweed and its
projects can be found on the Company’s website
at FireweedMetals.com and at www.sedarplus.com
ON BEHALF OF FIREWEED METALS
CORP.
“Peter Hemstead”Interim CEO
& 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.
Data Verification and QA/QCThe
diamond drill core logging and sampling program was carried out
under a rigorous quality assurance / quality control program using
industry best practices. Drill intersections in this release are
NQ2 and HQ size core (50.5 mm/ 1.99-inch diameter, 63.5 mm/
2.5-inch) with recoveries typically above 85% unless otherwise
noted in the results tables. After drilling, core was cleaned,
logged for geology, structure, and geotechnical characteristics,
then marked for sampling and photographed on site. Certain cores
were selected for core scanning. The cores for analyses were marked
for sampling based on geological intervals with individual samples
2 m or less in length, with 1 m samples within mineralized zones.
Drill core was cut lengthwise in half with a core saw; half-core
was sent for assays reported in this news release, and the other
half is stored on site for reference. Bulk density was determined
on site for the entire length of each assay sample by measurement
of mass in air and mass in water. Sample duplicate bulk density
determinations and in-house bulk density standard determinations
were each made at a rate of 5%. Since 2017, four in-house bulk
density standards (mineralized drill core from the Tom deposit that
span a range of densities) have been used and show an acceptable
long-term precision. Certified standard masses are used to
calibrate the scale balance used for bulk density
determinations.
A total of 5% assay standards or blanks and 5%
core duplicates are included in the sample stream as a quality
control measure and are reviewed after analyses are received.
Standards and blanks in 2024 drill results to date have been
approved as acceptable. Duplicate data add to the long-term
estimates of precision for assay data on the project and precision
for drill results reported is deemed to be within acceptable
levels. Samples were sent to the Bureau Veritas (BV) preparation
laboratory in Whitehorse, Yukon, where the samples were crushed and
a 500 g split was sent to the BV laboratory in Vancouver, B.C to be
pulverized to 85% passing 200 mesh size pulps. Clean crush material
was passed through the crusher and clean silica was pulverized
between each sample. The pulps were analyzed by 1:1:1 Aqua Regia
digestion followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
(ICP-ES/ICP-MS) multi-element analyses (BV Code AQ270). All samples
were also analyzed for multiple elements by lithium borate fusion
and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) finish (BV Code LF725).
Over-limit lead (>25.0%) and zinc (>24.0%) were analyzed by
lithium borate fusion with XRF finish (BV Code LF726). For BV
samples, silver is reported in this news release by method AQ270,
and zinc and lead are reported by LF725 or LF726. Bureau Veritas
(Vancouver) is an independent, international ISO/IEC 17025:2017
accredited laboratory.
Assay values may appear rounded to one decimal
place but are given in full in Table 1, Table 2, and Cross Sections
where zinc and lead grades are reported to two decimal places.
Results in this news release are selected from
composites with selection parameters based on a 1.41% zinc
equivalent cut off (ZnEq*) with elemental abundances within the
composite presented length and bulk-density weighted averages as
would be used in a Mineral Resource estimate. Length and
bulk-density weighted averages have been reported as these most
accurately represent the average metal-content of the
intersections. ZnEq is not reported and is used solely as a
composite selection criterion.
True widths for primary intervals are estimated
by measuring perpendicular to strike within the short axis of a
stratiform wireframe that has been constructed in 3D around the
mineralized intercepts at Boundary Zone based on assay results,
geological logging, stratigraphic correlation, and bedding
measurements from oriented core. The massive sulphide
mineralization and laminated mineralization at Boundary Zone are
mostly stratiform (oriented parallel to bedding), therefore the
true width, or thickness, of the zone is estimated perpendicular to
both the strike and dip direction of bedding. Vein and breccia
mineralization at Boundary Zone are interpreted to be stockworks
with variable shapes and true widths cannot be accurately
estimated, therefore only intersected widths are reported, and true
widths are marked as N/A in the assay tables. True widths are
rounded to the nearest metre for widths over 10 m and to the
nearest 0.1 m for widths less than 10 m, as this better reflects
the precision of the estimates. True widths should be regarded as
approximate as these are derived from an estimation that uses a
preliminary interpretation of the geological model. True widths for
nested intervals (marked as “Including” in results tables) are
estimated using a ratio of included to primary intersected widths
to attribute appropriate portions of the true width of the primary
interval to the nested intervals.
Cautionary StatementsForward
Looking StatementsThis news release contains “forward-looking”
statements and information (“forward-looking statements”). All
statements, other than statements of historical facts, included
herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to
interpretation of drill results, targets for exploration, potential
extensions of mineralized zones, future work plans, the use of
funds, and the potential of the Company’s projects, are forward
looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but
not always, identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”,
“believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “potential”, “possible”, and
similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or
results “will”, “may”, “could”, or “should” occur or be achieved.
Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of Company
management, as well as assumptions made by and information
currently available to Company management and reflect the beliefs,
opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made.
Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties
and accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such
statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future
events could differ materially from those anticipated in such
statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from the Company's expectations include but are
not limited to, exploration and development risks, unanticipated
reclamation expenses, expenditure and financing requirements,
general economic conditions, changes in financial markets, the
ability to properly and efficiently staff the Company’s operations,
the sufficiency of working capital and funding for continued
operations, title matters, First Nations relations, operating
hazards, political and economic factors, competitive factors, metal
prices, relationships with vendors and strategic partners,
governmental regulations and oversight, permitting, seasonality and
weather, technological change, industry practices, uncertainties
involved in the interpretation of drilling results and laboratory
tests, and one-time events. The Company assumes no obligation to
update forward‐looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections
or other factors, except as required by law.
This news release also contains references to
estimates of mineral resources. The estimation of mineral resources
is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about
many relevant factors. Mineral resources that are not mineral
reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy
of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of
available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in
engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be
unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of
drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately
prove to be inaccurate. Mineral resource estimates may require
re-estimation based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in the
price of zinc and other metals; (ii) results of drilling; (iii)
results of metallurgical testing, process and other studies; (iv)
changes to proposed mine plans; (v) the evaluation of mine plans
subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (vi) the possible
failure to receive required permits, approvals and licenses.
Footnotes and References*Zinc
equivalency is based on a price of USD$1.40/lb Zn, USD$1.10/lb Pb,
and USD$25/oz Ag, CAD:USD exchange rate of 1.32, and a number of
operating cost and metallurgical assumptions specific to each
deposit or domain (see Fireweed news release “Fireweed Increases
Mineral Resources at the Macpass Project Including an Inaugural
Resource for Boundary Zone” dated September 4, 2024, Tables 2 and
3).
1References to relative size, grade, and metal
content of the Macpass resources and Mactung resources in
comparison to other tungsten, zinc, gallium, and germanium deposits
elsewhere in the world, respectively, are based on review of the
Standard & Poor’s Global Market Intelligence Capital IQ
database.
2: For Tom, Jason, End Zone, and Boundary Zone
Mineral Resources, the technical report will be filed on
https://www.sedarplus.ca/ within 45 days of September 4, 2024, the
effective date of the Mineral Resources.
3: For Mactung Mineral Resources, see Fireweed
news release dated June 13, 2023 “Fireweed Metals Announces Mineral
Resources for the Mactung Project: the Largest High-Grade Tungsten
Deposit in the World” and the technical report entitled “NI 43-101
Technical Report, Mactung Project, Yukon Territory, Canada,” with
effective date July 28, 2023 filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/.
Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. is independent of Fireweed Metals Corp., and
a ‘Qualified Person’ as defined under Canadian National Instrument
43-101. Garth Kirkham, of Kirkham Geosystems Limited., is
responsible for the Mactung Mineral Resource Estimate.
Contact: Alex Campbell, Fireweed VP Corporate
DevelopmentPhone: +1 (604) 689-7842 Email:
info@fireweedmetals.com
Map 1: Macpass Project and
Mactung Project locations
Map 2: Mineralized intervals in
2024 drilling and pre-2024 drilling, projection of 2024 resource
extents to surface, 2024 resource pit shell extent, and cross
section line T–T’.
Figure 1: Cross section T to T' NB24-001 and
NB24-008
Photo 1: Galena and sphalerite
rich massive sulphides in NB24-001 435.3 to 440.7 m
Photo 2: Galena rich massive
sulphides in NB24-008 764.0 to 769.1 m
Table 2: NB24-001 and NB24-008 drill
results
Drillhole |
Interval |
From (m) |
To (m) |
Interval Width (m) |
Est. True Width (m) ‡ |
Zinc (%) |
Lead (%) |
Silver (g/t) |
Bulk Density
(t/m3) |
NB24-001 |
Entire Hole† |
0.00 |
685.00 |
685.00 |
N/A |
1.39 |
0.43 |
7.7 |
2.80 |
NB24-001 |
Primary |
186.52 |
207.98 |
21.46 |
N/A |
2.25 |
0.01 |
4.7 |
2.73 |
NB24-001 |
Primary |
428.05 |
520.20 |
92.15 |
37 |
8.61 |
2.60 |
42.7 |
3.02 |
NB24-001 |
Including |
430.49 |
441.70 |
11.21 |
4.5 |
21.40 |
6.66 |
107.6 |
3.90 |
NB24-008 |
Entire Hole† |
0.00 |
826.00 |
826.00 |
N/A |
0.33 |
0.09 |
2.0 |
2.72 |
NB24-008 |
Primary |
157.18 |
160.00 |
2.82 |
N/A |
4.19 |
0.02 |
5.7 |
2.83 |
NB24-008 |
Primary |
179.13 |
189.50 |
10.37 |
N/A |
2.86 |
0.01 |
3.3 |
2.72 |
NB24-008 |
Primary |
454.00 |
488.00 |
34.00 |
N/A |
1.56 |
0.59 |
8.3 |
2.63 |
NB24-008 |
Primary |
764.73 |
767.78 |
3.05 |
1.5 |
2.23 |
6.16 |
80.3 |
3.66 |
† Entire hole intervals contain large continuous
sections of low grade or non-mineralized material (below 2%
zinc)—intersections of continuous higher-grade material (>1.41%
zinc) are listed as Primary and Included intervals and represent
mineralized material.‡ See “Data Verification” for a description of
true width calculations
Table 3: 2024 Drilling
Summary
Hole ID |
Length (m) |
Target |
Significant Intersection |
Type |
NB24-001 |
460 |
Boundary |
Wide Zone Encountered |
Step Out |
NB28-008 |
351 |
Boundary |
Narrow Zone Encountered |
Step Out |
Table 4: Drill Hole Collar
Information
Drillhole |
Zone |
Length (m) |
Easting |
Northing |
Elevation (m.s.l) |
Azimuth (°) |
Dip (°) |
NB24-001 |
Boundary |
685 |
422105.7 |
7010813 |
1274.161 |
197.76 |
-68.95 |
NB24-008 |
Boundary |
826 |
422106.2 |
7010814 |
1274.226 |
196.43 |
-81.81 |
Coordinates listed in NAD83 UTM Zone 9N.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available
at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/63a894d0-1c7d-4f53-bfa9-74f35230d5e0
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/71b158ab-69ff-48cc-a63b-ae7094875deb
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9907330f-2d10-4efd-8f0d-26a3805ea3ec
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/207d8265-b3b2-424b-9d52-1bf4d5deb0df
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b79227b-e152-4ab8-8f3d-475884b824d7
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