Durango Identifies TWO More Target Areas at Babine WEST Copper GOLD Project from Artificial Intelligence-Powered Exploration Study and Returns as High as 5.72 Gpt GOLD, 1.68% Copper, 691 Gpt Silver, 33.2% Lead, 15.7% Zinc and 1100 Gpt Cadmium from
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DURANGO IDENTIFIES TWO MORE TARGET AREAS AT BABINE WEST COPPER GOLD PROJECT FROM
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-POWERED EXPLORATION STUDY AND RETURNS AS HIGH AS 5.72 GPT
GOLD, 1.68% COPPER, 691 GPT SILVER, 33.2% LEAD, 15.7% ZINC AND 1100 GPT CADMIUM FROM
SAMPLING OVER NEARBY AREAS OF THE PROPERTY
Vancouver, BC / TheNewswire / February 18th , 2025 – Durango Resources Inc. (TSX.V: DGO) (Frankfurt: 86A1) (OTCQB:
ATOXF) (“Durango” or the “ Company”) is pleased to share promising new results from exploration work on the
Company’s 100% owned Babine West copper gold exploration project located in the Babine Porphyry Belt north of
Smithers, British Columbia.
For reference, the Babine West property covers three mineral claims and is directly adjacent to American Eagle’s NAK
property (TSXV -AE) and also borders Amarc Resources Duke property (TSXV -AHR) (Figure 1). American Eagle has
encountered significant drill intervals of high-grade copper and gold mineralization at NAK. Of particular note is hole 23-
17, located on the western portion of NAK, not far from the eastern edge of Durango’s Babine West Property, that
intercepted 302m at 1.09% CuEq.
Figure 1. Location of Durango’s Babine West Property with respect to American Eagle Gold and Amarc Resources Ltd.
PO BOX 31880
Steveston Village, BC, V7E 0B5, Canada
tel: 604.428.2900
www.durangoresourcesinc.com
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The AI-Powered Exploration Study Results
Given the general prospectivity of the area, the Company has been leveraging novel artificial intelligence- powered
exploration technology developed by ExploreTech to help re -process historical geological and geophysical data and
identify the highest prospective areas for mineralization on the property.
In completing this study, ExploreTech has identified a total of 4 locations of possible alteration hypothesized to be
linked to a porphyry system (circled areas on Figure 2). ExploreTech believes that the magnetic anomalies observed at
Babine West could be caused by northwest trending structures that host early stage porphyry alteration. Given the
mineralization that has been found throughout the Babine camp, ExploreTech and the Company’s technical team feel
this alteration could indicate the presence of a larger porphyry system at depth.
Figure 2. Four locations of possible deep alternation, based on ExploreTech’s processing of historical geophysics data. (Gold is from
study area 1, white is from study area 2)
Babine West Sampling Program
Deepening the potential for discovery at Babine West, the Company has also received results from a field mapping and
sampling program that was completed in the fall of 2024. A total of 43 samples were collected from outcrop and
subcrop (under a thin layer of soil) (11 samples), and float/scree (32 samples) in this program. Highlights of this
sampling include returns as high as 5.72 grams per ton (“gpt”) gold, 1.68% copper, 691 gpt silver, 33.2% lead, 15.7%
zinc, and 1100 gpt cadmium . The sampling focused around an area demonstrating a curious topographical feature
named Scorched Hill, which coincidentally is also within close proximity to several of the target areas identified through
the Company’s AI study. The property is covered by glacial till and vegetation with the central part of the area having
the most outcrop and subcrop locations. Figure 3 shows the rock sample locations from 2024 field work.
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Figure 3. Babine West AI areas of possible alteration and field rock sample locations.
Samples underwent fire assay and ICP -OES and/or ICP -MS multi -element analysis. Table 1 below summarizes sample
locations, lithology and assays. The sampling program was concentrated mainly in the central portion of the claim
where most of the Scorched Hill outcrop is located (see Figure 3). Marked as yellow stars on Figure 3, notable high grade
sample results from Babine West in more detail include:
• 24END024 – Andesite (subcrop) – 0.025 gpt Au, 1.68% Cu
• 24END026 – Rusty quartz (scree) – 0.647 gpt Au, 691 gpt Ag, 1100 gpt Cd, 0.0992% Cu, 33.2% Pb, 15.7% Zn.
• 24END032 – Andesite (float) – 0.044 gpt Au, 1.41% Cu
• 24END042 – Andesite (float) – 4.88 gpt Au
• 24END048 – Rusty quartz (float) – 5.72% gpt Au
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Au Ag Cd Cu Ni Pb Zn
ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm
24END001 670804 6126887 Outcrop Andesite <0.002 <0.1 9 13 75 5 3320
24END002 670827 6127150 Outcrop Andesite 0.016 <0.1 <5 94 39 3 96
24END004 670347 6126990 Outcrop Andesite <0.002 <0.1 <5 101 14 6 120
24END011 669566 6126851 Outcrop Andesite <0.002 <0.1 <5 112 132 4 117
24END012 669421 6126921 Outcrop Andesite <0.002 <0.1 <5 116 121 4 159
24END003 670397 6127111 Subcrop Andesite <0.002 <0.1 <5 98 14 3 158
24END015 668114 6127547 Subcrop Andesite 0.006 <0.1 <5 35 18 6 79
24END024 669222 6127829 Subcrop Andesite 0.025 0.50 <5 16800 21 4 90
24END030 669167 6128279 Subcrop Andesite 0.004 <0.1 <5 21 <10 6 50
24END035 669598 6128296 Subcrop Porphyry 0.004 0.40 <5 63 <10 6 89
24END044 670559 6127298 Subcrop Andesite 0.601 8.40 <5 40 <10 340 350
24END022 669590 6127794 Scree Andesite 0.006 <0.1 <5 41 <10 3 70
24END023 669313 6127745 Scree Oxidized quartz vein 0.002 <0.1 <5 13 <10 3 13
24END026 668803 6127938 Scree Rusty quartz 0.647 691 1100 992 <10 332000 157000
24END005 673996 6127785 Float Vuggy quartz <0.002 <0.1 <5 56 18 5 92
24END006 674094 6127669 Float Andesite <0.002 <0.1 <5 98 <10 5 121
24END007 669770 6126924 Float Andesite <0.002 <0.1 <5 <10 120 6 421
24END009 669693 6126959 Float Andesite 0.010 <0.1 <5 36 <10 2 62
24END013 669133 6127177 Float Andesite <0.002 <0.1 <5 43 127 8 196
24END014 668779 6127300 Float Andesite <0.002 <0.1 <5 48 97 3 126
24END016 669911 6127398 Float Granodiorite 0.004 <0.1 <5 30 <10 5 89
24END017 670186 6127468 Float Andesite 0.006 <0.1 <5 53 <10 4 80
24END018 669962 6127489 Float Feldspar porphyry 0.003 <0.1 <5 44 <10 4 49
24END020 669905 6127550 Float Andesite 0.780 0.50 <5 16 <10 55 55
24END021 669817 6127552 Float Andesite 0.006 <0.1 <5 48 <10 5 88
24END025 668973 6127923 Float Andesite 0.005 <0.1 <5 32 <10 5 93
24END027 668815 6128064 Float Diorite 0.006 1.60 <5 71 <10 189 195
24END028 668711 6128202 Float Andesite 0.006 0.40 <5 27 32 21 94
24END029 668940 6128211 Float Diorite 0.003 0.50 <5 87 12 180 140
24END032 669225 6128336 Float Andesite 0.044 0.40 <5 14100 183 4 75
24END033 669395 6128326 Float Calcite Vein 0.005 0.10 <5 <10 47 4 <10
24END034 669465 6128351 Float Andesite 0.004 <0.1 <5 18 <10 14 19
24END036 669732 6128361 Float Andesite 0.004 <0.1 <5 58 12 6 108
24END037 669899 6128563 Float Quartz 0.005 0.90 <5 48 <10 6 46
24END038 670065 6128499 Float Andesite 0.007 <0.1 <5 21 13 6 76
24END039 670532 6127563 Float Andesite 0.009 <0.1 <5 102 18 6 89
24END041 670775 6127627 Float Andesite 0.475 3.6 <5 40 <10 91 166
24END042 670809 6127596 Float Andesite 4.88 6.0 <5 16 <10 57 40
24END043 670589 6127370 Float Andesite 0.005 0.3 <5 31 <10 6 96
24END045 670710 6127336 Float Andesite 0.82 1.2 <5 14 <10 63 95
24END046 670799 6127301 Float Shale with pyrite 0.009 <0.1 <5 34 <10 3 33
24END047 670954 6127106 Float Andesite 1.94 1.4 <5 13 <10 103 67
24END048 671173 6126945 Float Rusty quartz 5.72 1.7 <5 21 <10 136 62
Sample Number: Easting: Northing: Sample Type: Rock Description:
Table 1. Babine West field rock samples assay summary
* Rock type was identified as andesite in the field. Petrography work is needed to differentiate between andesite, rhyolite,
rhyodacite and dacite because these are identified by determining the percentage of quartz and plagioclase feldspar minerals.
Full assay results can be reviewed on our website at: Durango Resources Inc. - Babine Copper Projects
Geological and Technical Interpretations and Future Plans
The Company believes these promising returns from both studies reinforce the potential for Babine West to host a
mineralized porphyry system within the Company’s claims. The historical geophysics data (magnetics) has been used to
identify the most likely areas of early stage alteration throughout the property. Meanwhile, several of the float samples
taken were porphyritic from a porphyry stock on the property, which is significant given these are associated with
copper mineralization throughout the Babine Porphyry trend including the NAK and Duke discoveries, and the historic
Bell and Granisle mines. The Company now has several options at its disposal to advance the project. These include:
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• Drill clearly defined target areas.
• Complete detailed surface geological mapping, trenching, and/or sampling.
• Refine or rule out certain target areas with an IP survey.
Management will consider its options internally, as well as in discussions with stakeholders to determine how best to
proceed with the project.
Marcy Kiesman, CEO of Durango Resources, commented, “these promising results from both studies reinforce our belief
in the potential for Babine West to host a mineralized copper -gold porphyry system. Given the growing global demand
for copper, we believe the time is now for the Company to advance this project and unlock its full potential for our
shareholders.”
About the Babine West Copper Gold Project
Durango’s Babine West property covers three mineral claims and is bordering the west side of American Eagle’s NAK
property (TSXV-AE) and also borders Amarc Resources’ Duke Property (TSXV-AHR).
American Eagle has encountered significant drill intervals of high -grade gold and copper mineralization at NAK.
Notably, drill hole 23 -17 returned 302m @ 1.09% CuEq on the western portion of the property not far from the
eastern border of Durango’s Babine West Property.
Amarc’s Duke Property covers 722 km 2 in the “DUKE District”, which hosts the DUKE Deposit, which is open to
expansion, and includes a series of deposit-scale exploration targets.
The geology of the Babine West claims consists of a granodiorite stock containing phases of quartz monzonite and
hornblende biotite feldspar porphyry of the Eocene Babine Intrusion. These cut grey, locally graphitic siltstones of
the Middle to Upper Jurassic Ashman Formation. Stratified intermediate composition tuffs and/or greywacke and
mudstone with minor silicification and some graded sandstones occur locally. The units are locally and strongly
fractured and cemented with quartz and/or pyrite. Minfile showing 093M196 noted that historically, pyrite had been
identified in six outcrops and chalcopyrite in one.
For more information on the Company’s entire Babine portfolio, please visit:
https://durangoresourcesinc.com/projects/babine-copper-projects/
About the Artificial Intelligence - Powered Exploration Study
The ExploreTech AI Exploration Software and process was developed by Stanford University PhD graduates Alex
Miltenberger and Tyler Hall. The ExploreTech founders completed their PhDs in Geophysics and Geology, respectively,
and have also previously worked with majors such as Freeport McMoRan, Glencore, and Rio Tinto.
Their proprietary AI technology and process leverages government geophysical data, historical property information,
and thousands of potential geological scenarios to pinpoint the highest -probability deposit locations and drill targets for
a project, if deemed warranted. The technology is particularly effective in porphyry exploration, making it an ideal fit for
the Babine West project, but is also effective for other deposit scenarios as well. By providing precise, drill -ready
targeting data, including depth, width, orientation, and optimal drill locations, this AI -powered approach significantly
reduces the time, cost, and complexity associated with early -stage evaluation, targeting, and exploration. Their
innovative platform has already demonstrated proof of concept, achieving significant results for other projects globally.
The technology’s success in delivering accurate, high-value exploration targets in the Company’s portfolio provides great
promise in its potential to unlock further value for Durango’s shareholders across the Company’s portfolio and the
Company intends to continue its work with Explore-Tech across all of its projects.
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About Copper
Copper is a critical metal essential to modern infrastructure and technology, playing a vital role in electrical grids,
renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and telecommunications. Recognizing its importance, both Canada and the
United States have designated copper as a critical mineral, underscoring its significance to economic and national
security.
The global copper market is poised for significant growth, driven by the accelerating transition to green energy and the
electrification of transportation. Industry experts project a 3% increase in global mine output in 2025, supported by
strategic capacity expansions in key mining regions such as Chile and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However,
supply constraints persist due to limited new mining projects and regulatory challenges, underscoring the need for
enhanced recycling efforts. Notably, copper production from scrap is expected to grow at a compound annual growth
rate (CAGR) of 4.2% over the next decade, outpacing the 2.1% CAGR of primary production.
Geopolitical factors further influence the copper market. China’s substantial investments in the Democratic Republic of
Congo have solidified its position as a major copper supplier, with 36.7% of China’s copper imports sourced from the
DRC in 2024. Additionally, trade policies, such as potential U.S. import tariffs on copper, could impact global pricing and
supply chains, leading to market volatility.
Given copper’s indispensable role in the energy transition and technological advancement, securing a stable and
sustainable supply is paramount. This involves not only expanding mining activities but also investing in recycling and
exploring alternative sources to meet the escalating demand.
Sources:
• Canada’s Critical Minerals
• Global Copper Market Outlook 2025
• A Guide to Copper Scrap Prices and Global Market Trends in 2025
• Congo Emerges as China’s Strategic Copper Supplier
• Tariff Threat Opens Up Transatlantic Rift in Copper Pricing
About Gold
Gold has long been esteemed as a store of value and a hedge against economic uncertainty. In 2024, gold prices
experienced a remarkable surge, climbing 28% through November and reaching record highs. This upward trajectory is
attributed to robust central bank purchases, heightened investor demand amid geopolitical tensions, and concerns over
inflation. Analysts project that gold will continue its ascent, with forecasts suggesting prices could approach or exceed
$3,000 per ounce in 2025. Factors contributing to this bullish outlook include anticipated lower interest rates, ongoing
geopolitical uncertainties, and sustained central bank acquisitions.
In parallel, discussions about the transparency of the United States’ gold reserves have gained momentum. Recently,
Senator Rand Paul and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk have advocated for an audit of the gold held at Fort Knox,
emphasizing the importance of verifying the nation’s substantial reserves, estimated at approximately $425 billion. This
renewed interest in auditing Fort Knox underscores the enduring significance of gold in national economic security and
monetary policy.
While not currently designated as a “critical metal”, as global economic dynamics evolve, gold remains a pivotal asset
for investors and nations alike, offering stability and confidence amid financial fluctuations.
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Sources:
• Gold Outlook 2025: Navigating Rates, Risk, and Growth
• Elon Musk Encouraged to Crack Open Fort Knox and Audit the $425 Billion Gold Reserves Inside - and Rand Paul
Wants to Help
About Zinc
Zinc is a critical mineral essential for galvanizing steel, producing alloys, batteries, and supporting renewable energy
technologies. Recognizing its importance, both Canada and the United States have classified zinc as a critical mineral
due to its role in infrastructure, manufacturing, and national security. The global zinc market has faced supply
challenges, with the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) reporting a 164,000 -ton supply deficit in 2024 due
to declining mine output and production constraints. However, forecasts for 2025 indicate a potential shift to surplus as
mining operations ramp up and new projects come online. The zinc market is projected to grow from $28.82 billion in
2024 to $31.15 billion in 2025, reflecting an 8.1% CAGR, driven by increasing demand in construction, automotive, and
clean energy sectors.
Geopolitical factors significantly impact zinc supply chains. China, Australia, and Peru dominate global zinc production,
while disruptions such as sanctions on Russia’s Ozernoye mine and trade tariffs have contributed to market volatility.
Meanwhile, investment in zinc recycling is expected to grow as industries seek to reduce dependence on primary
production. As infrastructure expansion, electric vehicle production, and green energy adoption accelerate, securing
stable and diversified zinc supplies remains a top priority for governments and industries worldwide.
Sources:
• U.S. Geological Survey Critical Minerals List
• Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy
• Zinc Supply Deficit and Market Forecast
• Zinc Market Growth and Future Outlook
• Impact of Sanctions on Zinc Supply
About Critical Metals
Critical metals are essential components in modern technologies, including renewable energy systems, defense
applications, and advanced electronics. Both the United States and Canada have identified specific lists of critical
minerals vital to their economic and national security. The U.S. Geological Survey’s 2022 list includes 50 critical minerals,
while Canada in 2024 has designated 34 minerals as critical.
Recent geopolitical developments have heightened concerns over the supply chain security of these critical metals.
China, which holds a dominant position in the production and processing of several critical minerals, has implemented
export bans affecting the West. These actions underscore the strategic importance of diversifying supply chains and
developing domestic sources for critical metals to mitigate geo -political risks and ensure the stability of essential
industries.
Assay QA/QC
Rock samples were collected from the field and placed in geological plastic bags. Samples were shipped to AGAT
Laboratories in Calgary. Samples were analysed for gold via fire assay and AAS finish and elemental analysis using
sodium peroxide fusion with ICP -OES/MS finish. Fire assay was completed at AGAT Laboratories in Thunder Bay Ontario
and multi-element analysis was completed at AGAT Laboratories in Calgary. AGAT Laboratories is accredited for ISO/IEC
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17025:2017 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories for for gold fire assay with
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy finish and mineral assaying with sodium peroxide fusion and ICP -OES/MS for all
elements assayed except silver.
QA/QC measures included collection and analysis of duplicate field samples and round robin testing at a secondary
laboratory for silver for select samples. All QAQC samples were reviewed by project geologist Melanie Mackay PGeo.
Melanie Mackay, PGeo, EGBC (Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia) 35256, APEGA (Association of
Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta 305012), is a director and qualified person for Durango and
approves the technical content of this news release. None of the historical information in the release has yet been
verified by the Company and should not be relied upon.
About Durango
Durango is a natural resources company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in Canada.
The Company’s holdings currently include a 100% interest in a strategically located group of properties in the Babine
Copper-Gold Porphyry District, British Columbia, claims near the Troilus Gold Camp, claims in the Nemaska Camp
known for lithium and high grade polymetallic nickel copper PGM, as well as claims in the Windfall Lake Gold Camp
of Québec.
For further information on Durango, please visit www.durangoresourcesinc.com and www.sedar.com.
Marcy Kiesman, CEO
Telephone: 604.428.2900 or 604.339.2243
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.durangoresourcesinc.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking information or statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws,
which may include, without limitation, statements that address the upcoming work programs, and other statements
relating to the business, financial and technical prospects of the Company. All statements in this news release, other than
statements of historical facts that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward -
looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward -looking statements are
based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may
differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.
Such forward -looking information reflects the Company’s views with respect to future events and is subject to risks,
uncertainties and assumptions, including those filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward -looking statements include, but are not limited
to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The Company
does not undertake to update forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law.
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.