Aton Confirms the Discovery of a New Zone of GOLD Mineralization at Gaharish North
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ATON CONFIRMS THE DISCOVERY OF A NEW ZONE OF GOLD MINERALIZATION AT GAHARISH NORTH
Vancouver, April 23, 2018: Aton Resources Inc. (AAN: TSX-V) (“Aton” or the “Company") is pleased to provide
investors with an update on exploration activities at the Abu Gaharish and Gaharish North prospects at the
Company’s 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession (“Abu Marawat” or the “C oncession”), located in the
Eastern Desert of Egypt.
Highlights:
• Results from the last round of channel profile sampling and individual channel and grab sampling at
the Gaharish North area has expanded the m ineralized zone along the entire eastern margin of the
Gaharish granite, with gold mineralization now identified over a strike length in excess of 5.0 km;
• Au-W-Bi-Cu mineralization is confirmed at the Gaharish North area, with selective grab samples
returning assays including 17.80 g/t Au, 15.85 g/t Au, 14.80 g/t Au, and 14.70 g/t Au;
• Surface channel sample profiles returned assay intersections of including 5.2m @ 1.13 g/t Au from
Gaharish North, and 4.6m @ 1.25 g/t Au from Abu Gaharish;
• Selective grab and channel sampling has extended the gold mineralization to ‘islands’ of granite west
of the Abu Gaharish Main Zone , and has returned a ssays including 7.88 g/t Au;
• Results from the interpreted Abu Gaharish ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey are encouraging,
with significant responses under wadi sediments to the west of the Main Zone, indicating the possible
extension of the structural system that hosts the Abu Gaharish mineralization further to the west
under cover.
“After Rodruin, Abu Gaharish is our second priority target and these results show why” said Mark Campbell,
President and CEO. “With gold mineralization occurring over a 5 km gold strike length, and with the potential
for the mineralized structures to extend under cover, Abu Gaharish is a very significant gold exploration
target. We will certainly be looking to do some drilling this year at Abu Gaharish, once we have started drilling
at Rodruin. We are very excited by the potential of the Gaharish area and intend to do more work on it”.
Sampling at Gaharish North and Abu Gaharish
Additional surface sampling has been completed at the Abu Gaharish prospect (see Figure 1), and the newly
discovered Gaharish North zone to follow up on initial grab and channel samples assaying up to 22.6 g/t Au
and 26.6 g/t Au (see news releases dated June 7, 2017 and December 19, 2017). A total of 89 surface samples
was collected from the general Abu Gaharish area, including 27 individual channel samples taken over an
average sample length of about 1m, and 62 selective grab samples. 61 samples were collected at Gaharish
North, 14 in the main Abu Gaharish area, a further 8 on the eastern flank of the Gaharish pluton between
these 2 areas, and 6 in the Umm Aabass area, SW of the G aharish pluton, about 4 km SW of Abu Gaharish.
Details of all individual and grab samples are provided in Appendix A. Additionally, 13 generally short profiles
(GHC-056 to GHC -068) were channel sampled for a total of 97. 5m, 3 at Gaharish North and 10 at Ab u
Gaharish, with the channel profiles averaging 7.5m in length. A total of 49 channel samples were collected
over nominal, but not exclusively 2m intervals, and were manually collected using hammer and chisel, under
the supervision of senior Aton geologists . Details of the channel sample profiles are provided in Appendix B.
All samples were crushed to -4mm at the Company’s onsite sample preparation facility at Hamama, with c.
500g splits shipped to ALS Minerals at Rosia Montana, Romania for analysis. Samples were analyzed for gold
by fire assay using analytical code AA -Au23 (repeated by AA -Au25 for samples which returned gold grades
greater than 10 g/t). 125 of all the samples taken to date were also analyzed for a 3 4 multi-element suite by
ICP atomic emission spectrometry, using analytical code ME -ICP61.
Figure 1: Abu Marawat regional geology, showing the location of the Abu Gaharish prospect
5 (6%) of the total of 89 selective grab and individual channel samples returned gold assays of over 10 g/t Au,
23 (26%) returned gold assays of over 1 g/t Au, and 30 (34%) returned gold assays of over 0.5 g/t Au (see
Figure 2a, Table 1 for a summary of the results, and Appendix A for full details of all the samples). Samples
from the newly discovered Gaharish North zone returned gold assays of 17.80 g/t Au, 15.85 g/t Au, 14. 80
g/t Au, and 14.70 g/t Au . A single sample (AHA -17533) from a quartz vein in the central area returned an
assay of 16.85 g/t Au , and a single sam ple from a 2.2m long individual channel sample (AHA -17786) across
granite containing narrow sheeted or stockwork veinlets in an ‘island’ of granite to the west of the Abu
Gaharish Main Zone returned an assay of 7.88 g/t Au.
Fig. 2a: Gaharish area surface sample and channel
profile sampling plan, current sampling programme
Fig. 2b: Gaharish area surface sample and channel
profile sampling plan, all samples 2017-2018
Zone > 10 g/t > 5 g/t > 1 g/t > 0.5 g/t Total No. % No. % No. % No. %
Abu Gaharish 0 0% 1 7% 4 29% 5 36% 14
Gaharish North 4 7% 6 10% 18 30% 24 39% 61
Central area 1 13% 1 13% 1 13% 1 13% 8
Um Aabass 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 6
Total 5 6% 8 9% 23 26% 30 34% 89
Table 1: Summary of the surface grab and individual channel sample results
Surface channel sample profiles returned assay intersections of including 5.2m @ 1.13 g/t Au from Gaharish
North (profile GHC -068), and 4.6m @ 1. 25 g/t Au from Abu Gaharish (profile GHC -064). Mineralized
intersections from the surface channel profile sampling are presented in Table 2, and full details of the
channel sample profiles are provided in Appendix B.
Channel
Profile ID Area From
(m)
To
(m)
Width
(m)
Au
(g/t)
GHC-058 Abu Gaharish 0.0 1.6 1.6 3.34
GHC-059 Abu Gaharish 0.0 2.1 2.1 2.46
GHC-063 Abu Gaharish 2.2 4.0 1.8 2.54
GHC-064 Abu Gaharish 0.0 4.6 4.6 1.25
GHC-067 Gaharish North 0.0 1.9 1.9 1.49
GHC-068 Gaharish North 2.0 7.0 5.2 1.13
Table 2: Selected surface channel sampling mineralized intersections from the Abu Gaharish area
To date, 125 samples from the Abu Gaharish area have also been submitted for multi -element geochemical
analyses, in addition to gold fire assay (see Appendix C for details of selected elements , including Ag, Cu, Pb,
Zn and W ). Significant anomalism of several elements was identified from the multi- element analyses,
including silver (6 samples assayed > 100 g/t Ag, with a high of 354 g/t Ag); lead (3 samples assayed over 1%
Pb, with a high of 2.73% Pb or 27, 300ppm); copper (2 samples assayed over 0.5% Cu, with a high of 0.87%
Cu or 8 ,690 ppm); and tungsten (5 samples assayed over 0.1% W, with a high of 0.16% W or 1, 550 ppm).
Other anomalous elements include arsenic (highest assay of 291 ppm); bismuth (highest assay of 652 ppm
Bi); cadmium (highest assay of 243 ppm Cd); molybdenum (highest assay of 281 ppm Mo); antimony (3
samples assayed over 0.1% ppm Sb, with a high of 2.92 % or 2,920 ppm Sb); and zinc (highest assay of 1 ,340
ppm Zn). The distribution of Ag, Bi, Cu, Pb, W and Z n assay grades are shown in Figures D1-D6 (Appendix D).
Gold is weakly correlated with Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn; silver is strongly correlated with As, moderately with Cu,
and weakly with Pb, Bi and W; copper and lead are strongly correlated; arsenic is strongly correlated with Cd
and Sb; tungsten is weakly correlated with Ag, As, Cu, Sb and Sn; bismuth is weakly correlated with Ag, As ,
Cd and Sb; and zinc is weakly correlated with Au, Cu and Pb. Silver, cadmium and antimony are all very
strongly corr elated together. The geochemical association of Au with Ag, Pb, Cu, W, Sb, As, Bi and Mo, and
the relatively low enrichment of Zn is consistent with a potential reduced intrusion- related gold style of
mineralization, related to the Gaharish granite.
Abu Gaharish GPR survey
A total of 6 deep penetrating GPR profile lines were completed at the Abu Gaharish prospect by Terravision
Exploration during November 2017, with a combination of 3m and 6m antenna lengths (see Figure 3 below),
using their proprietary GPRplus equipment. The final report was received in March 2018. 4 long E-W profiles
(GH-1 to GH -4) were completed over and along strike from the Main Zone m ineralization, to attempt to
identify the m ineralized structures and the granite contact between the Gaharish granite and the country
metavolcanic and sediment ary sequence, and also to test for possible repetition of the generally west-
dipping m ineralized structures under wadi sediment cover to the west of the Main Zone. Additionally 2
shorter, more detailed profiles (GH-5 and GH-6) were run across the Main Zone m ineralization using shorter
3m antennae to provide orientation over the m ineralized structures and ancient workings seen at surface in
the Main Zone. Profile GH-5 was coincident with the we stern end of profile GH-2.
Figure 3: Location of GPR lines (GH-1 to GH-6) at the Abu Gaharish prospect
Results from the Abu Gaharish prospect are very encouraging, with significant responses under wadi
sediments, as well as within ‘islands’ of granite to the west of the Main Zone. The velocity responses pick out
structures across the wadi area, which may indicate the presence of mineralized quartz veins and structures
similar to those found in the Main Zone, which has previously returned channel sample inters ections of
31.2m @ 1.04 g/t Au from surface (see news release dated December 19, 2017). A wide zone of increased
velocity, approximately 130m wide, was recorded within profiles GH1 and GH3 (see Figures 4 and 5), and was
possibly also picked up at the western end of GH4. This is interpreted as indicating the potential presence of
a blind zone of en echelon veins, or possibly a shear structure associated with narrow sheeted veining,
covered by wadi sediments. This large structural zone lies within and appears to skirt the rim of the late post-
orogenic Gaharish granite and is probably at least 1.2km in length (see Figure 3). The GPR response of this
interpreted zone is generally typified by a major increase in veloc ity, which is analogous to the responses
identified from the 6m profiles over the Main Zone veins . In addition to this zone, multiple structures have
been identified across the wadi, suggesting that a complex series of veins or structures occurs within a z one
approximately 800m wide and at least 1km long. The results of the GPR survey give support to the
hypothesis that the Abu Gaharish area may host a significant body of structurally -controlled gold
mineralization of RIRG affinity .
Figure 4: Radargram of GPR profile GH-1, showing possible granite-hosted mineralization
Figure 5: Radargram of GPR profile GH-3, showing possible granite-hosted mineralization (adjusted for topography)
Discussion
The confirmation of a new zone of gold mineralization at Gaharish North, with mineralized quartz veins
occurring both within the post-orogenic Gaharish granite, as well as in the surrounding country rocks , as at
Abu Gaharish, is considered very significant (see Figure 2a) . This confirms that gold mineralization occurs
over a >5km strike length along the eastern margin of, and within, the late post-orogenic poly-phase Gaharish
pluton. The new sampling of granite ‘islands’ surrounded by wadi sediments to the west of the Abu Gaharish
Main Zone has further extended the zone of known mineralization at Abu Gaharish (see Figure 2a). The GPR
programme has strongly suggested the potential existence of a structural zone largely buried under wadi
sediments that has given analogous responses to those observed over the Main Zone at Abu Gaharish, which
returned a surface channel intersection of 31.2m @ 1.04 g/t Au. The latest sampling at Abu Gaharish has
confirmed the existence of additional and previously unidentified gol d mineralization in the Gaharish granite
in the broad structural target zone identified by the GPR survey.
The gold mineralization in the Abu Gaharish-Gaharish North area occurs both within and close to the margins
of the late Gaharish granite. The Gaharish granite is part of the suite of evolved post-orogenic alkalic granites
that is regionally associated with Sn , Mo and W -Au mineralization within the Egyptian Eastern Desert. The
geochemical association of the Gaharish area mineralization with accessory Pb, Cu, W, Sb, As, Bi, Mo, and
comparatively low enrichment of Zn is consistent with a potential reduced intrusion- related gold (RIRG)
system.
The confirmation of Au ( -Cu-Bi-W) mineralization along the entire eastern margin of the Gaharish granite
implies the potential existence of a large and significant gold mineralizing system . The latest phase of
sampling confirms that gold mineralization exists to the west of the known mineralization at Abu Gaharish,
and the results from the deep penetrating GPR survey indicate good potential that the structural system that
hosts the Abu Gaharish mineralization extends further to the west and is largely covered by wadi sediments .
The results of the latest sampling and the GPR program continue to indicate potential for the existence of a
substantial structurally controlled zone of gold mineralization of RIRG affinity at Abu Gaharish . Aton
believes that the identification of Au-Cu-Bi-W mineralization at Gaharish North , together with the extension
of the structurally controlled mineralized system at Abu Gaharish, indicate the potential development of a
large system of RIRG gold mineralization along the entire eastern margin of the Gahari sh granite ,
potentially greater than 5km long in strike length.
Activity update:
• Laboratory testwork has been completed at the Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
Research Institute ( Housing and Building National Research Cent re) in Cairo on the geotechnical
samples collected from the trial pits in the Wadi Um Salamat area for the Hamama West heap leach
facility design work, and the final report received.
• A short programme of excavator trenching has been completed at Hamama East to test for possible
surface zones of Au and Zn oxide mineralisation. Samples have been dispatched to ALS Minerals in
Romania, and results are expected soon.
• Access road construction is continuing at Rodruin, and it is estimated that the road will reach the
main western workings before the Hamama Camp shuts down for the Ramadan break .
• A preliminary programme of surface sampling has been undertaken over the Zeno prospect area .
Numerous significant ancient workings have been identified at the Zeno area, and visible gol d has
been identified from several samples. Samples have been dispatched to ALS Minerals in Romania,
and results are expected soon.
About Aton Resources Inc.
Aton Resources Inc. (AAN: TSX -V) is focused on its 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession (“Abu Marawat”),
located in Egypt’s Arabian-Nubian Shield, approximately 200 km north of Centamin’s Sukari gold mine. Aton
has identified a 40 km long gold mineralized trend at Abu Marawat, anchored by the Hamama deposit in the
west and the Abu Marawat deposit in the east, containing numerous gold exploration targets, including three
historic British mines. Aton has identified several distinct geological trends within Abu Marawat, which
display potential for the development of RIRG and orogenic gold mineralizatio n, VMS precious and base
metal mineralization, and epithermal -IOCG precious and base metal mineralization. Abu Marawat is over
738km2 in size and is located in an area of excellent infrastructure, a four -lane highway, a 220kV power line,
and a water pipeline are in close proximity.
Qualified Person
The technical information contained in this News Release was prepared by Roderick Cavaney BSc, MSc (hons),
MSc (Mining & Exploration Geology), FAusIMM, GSA, SME, Vice President, Exploration, of Aton Resources
Inc. Mr. Cavaney is a qualified person (QP) under National Instrument 43 -101 Standards of Disclosure for
Mineral Projects.
For further information regarding Aton Resources Inc., please visit us at www.atonresources.com or contact:
Mark Campbell
President and Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +1-936-689-2589
Email: [email protected]
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements contained in this release are forward -looking statements. Since forward -looking
statements address future events and conditions; by their very nature they involve inherent risks and
uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materia lly from those currently anticipated in such
statements.
Neither 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 relea se.
Appendix A – Abu Gaharish area - grab samples and individual channel samples , gold assays
Sample ID Sample
Type X Y Au
(g/t) Sample Description
AHA-17551 Grab 565080 2919464 0.07 0.5m quartz vein, with FeOx, some limonite, albite
alteration
AHA-17552 Grab 565106 2919470 <0.01 40cm quartz vein, with FeOx, minor sulphides
AHA-17553 Grab 565128 2919440 16.85 0.5m quartz vein, ancient workings
AHA-17554 Grab 565156 2919544 0.04 30-50cm quartz vein, with FeOx and minor sulphides
AHA-17555 Grab 565086 2919560 0.14 15-20cm quartz vein, with FeOx, minor sulphides
AHA-17556 Grab 565404 2919218 0.01 15-30cm quartz vein˚, with FeOx and minor sulphides
AHA-17557 Grab 565309 2919058 0.02 1m gossan zone, deep red brown color, with limonite
alteration
AHA-17739 Channel 564402 2917538 0.44 Chip sample across 10cm quartz vein
AHA-17741 Channel 564399 2917529 0.09 2.3m chip sample across sheared altered granite with 10cm
quartz vein
AHA-17742 Channel 564388 2917515 0.05 Chip sample across sheared altered granite with 2 quartz
veinlets
AHA-17745 Channel 564291 2917414 <0.01 90cm chip sample from altered granite with 15cm quartz
vein
AHA-17754 Channel 564275 2917304 1.26 1.6m chip sample across altered granite with narrow quartz
veins, ancient workings
AHA-17755 Channel 564352 2917154 2.14 90cm chip sample from altered granite with 10cm quartz
vein
AHA-17756 Channel 564377 2917165 0.11 10cm chip sample quartz vein with some sulphides, FeOx
AHA-17766 Grab 564497 2917251 0.81 Quartz vein dump material
AHA-17767 Channel 564484 2917262 0.43 60cm chip sample across granite with some 1-2cm veinlets
AHA-17776 Grab 564481 2917320 0.38 Chip composite sample from sheared granite with narrow
quartz vein
AHA-17777 Channel 564463 2917342 0.21 1.3m chip sample from sheared granite with two 2cm
quartz veinlets
AHA-17785 Channel 564339 2917722 1.29 10cm chip sample from quartz vein with some sulphides
AHA-17786 Channel 564293 2917709 7.88 2.2m chip sample from altered granite with 4cm quartz
veinlet
AHA-17787 Channel 564229 2917657 0.16 1.7m chip sample from altered granite with 4cm quartz
veinlet, minor sulphides
AHA-18310 Grab 565050 2921167 1.42 Altered andesite with narrow parallel quartz veins, FeOx,
limonite
AHA-18311 Grab 565052 2921167 0.30 Shallow 30cm quartz vein with Cu staining
AHA-18320 Grab 564965 2921203 0.01 40cm quartz vein
AHA-18323 Channel 565219 2921213 0.04 Vertical channel sample, 1.2m high
AHA-18325 Grab 565231 2921066 0.05 2m shear zone with quartz-carbonate lenses, limonite
AHA-18326 Grab 565341 2920997 0.26 2 parallel shallow dipping 30cm veins, with FeOx and
hematite
AHA-18328 Grab 565521 2921051 0.06 Hematitic gossan, leached zone in fine grained andesite
AHA-18329 Grab 565536 2921056 0.16 50cm shear zone with hematitized/limonitized material and
oxidized quartz sheets
AHA-18330 Grab 565548 2921107 0.01 Hematite/limonite in brown-red leached zone
AHA-18331 Grab 565576 2921106 0.09 Red-white kaolinized/hematized leached zone, some
limonite
AHA-18332 Grab 565590 2921031 0.02 Dark gossan with much limonite
AHA-18333 Grab 565592 2921002 0.01 Gossan material sheared and leached zone
AHA-18334 Grab 565632 2921020 0.12 Red gossanous material with hematite and limonite