Aton Extends the GOLD Mineralized Zone at the Abu Gaharish Prospect, and Announces the Discovery of New Au -W-Cu Mineralization at North Gaharish
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ATON EXTENDS THE GOLD MINERALIZED ZONE AT THE ABU GAHARISH PROSPECT, AND ANNOUNCES THE
DISCOVERY OF NEW AU -W-CU MINERALIZATION AT NORTH GAHARISH
Vancouver, December 19, 2017: 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 North Gaharish prospects
at the Company’s 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession (“Abu Marawat” or the “Concession”), located in
the Eastern Desert of Egypt.
Highlights:
• Follow-up channel profile sampling and individual channel and grab sampling has expanded the
mineralized zone at the Abu Gaharish prospect, with gold mineralization now identified over a strike
length in excess of 2.4km ;
• Surface channel sample profiles returned assay intersections of up to 31.2m @ 1.04 g/t Au, and 3.6m
@ 11.05 g/t Au at Abu Gaharish. Individual channel samples returned assays of 5.50 g/t Au over a 2m
interval, and a grab sample returned an assay of 11.4 g/t Au;
• The recently completed GPR survey at Abu Gaharish has indicated the possible presence of
mineralized structures to the west of the Main Zone, co ncealed under wadi sediments;
• Surface reconnaissance has identified new zones of Au-W-Bi-Cu mineralization at the North Gaharish
area, with visible gold identified from quartz veins, effectively extending the m ineralization along the
entire eastern contact of the Gaharish granite, over a total strik e length in excess of 5km .
“If Rodruin is the new primary exploration target at the Abu Marawat Concession area, then most certainly
Abu Gaharish will be a close second” said Mark Campbell, President and CEO . “The assay results that have
come back coupled with its overall size, which appears to continue to increase with the more work we do,
potentially make Abu Gaharish a significant large bulk minable gold deposit and a project that we intend to
vigorously pursue”.
Abu Gaharish Prospect
Further surface sampling has been completed at the Abu Gaharish prospect (see Figure 1) to follow up on
grab and channel samples assaying up to 22.6 g/t Au and 26.6 g/t Au (see news release dated June 7, 2017).
55 profiles (GHC -001 to GHC -055) were channel sampled for a total of 505m, with the channel profiles
averaging 9.2m in length. A total of 248 channel samples were collected from surface outcrop over nominal,
but not exclusively 2m intervals, and were manually collected using hammer and chisel, under the supervisio n
of senior Aton geologists (see Figure 2 for sample locations at Abu Gaharish). Details of all mineralized
intervals intersected in the channel profiles are provided in Appendix A. Furthermore a total of 36 point
surface samples were also collected from Abu Gaharish, including 32 individual channel samples taken over
an average sample length of 1.5m, and 4 selective grab samples. Details of all individual and grab samples
are provided in Appendix A.
Selected mineralized intersections from the surface channel profile sampling are presented in Table 1, and
include intervals of 31.2m @ 1.04 g/t Au (GHC-001) and 8.1m @ 1.25 g/t Au (GHC-040) from the Main Zone;
1.7m @ 17.8 g/t Au (GHC-026) from the NE Extension Zone; 3.6m @ 11.05 g/t Au (GHC-007) from the area
south of the Main Zone, and 1.10m @ 45.85 g/t Au (GHC-054) from a new high grade mineralized zone
identified approximately 1.5km to the north of the Main Zone.
Figure 1: Abu Marawat regional geology, showing the location of the Rodruin and Abu Gaharish prospects
Channel
Profile ID
Intersection Zone From (m) To (m) Width (m) Au (g/t)
GHC-001 0.00 31.20 31.20 1.04 Main Zone (MZ)
GHC-007 0.00 3.60 3.60 11.05 Southern extension of MZ (500m south)
GHC-009 2.30 4.50 2.20 7.73 Southern zone (800m south of the MZ)
GHC-022 0.00 6.00 6.00 1.18 NE Extension Zone
GHC-026 0.00 1.70 1.70 17.80 NE Extension Zone
GHC-036 0.00 6.50 6.50 1.44 Main Zone
GHC-037 0.00 2.10 2.10 8.31 Main Zone
GHC-038 17.00 24.20 7.20 1.19 Main Zone
GHC-039 10.60 14.90 4.30 2.28 Main Zone
GHC-040 6.40 14.50 8.10 1.25 Main Zone
GHC-052 0.00 2.10 2.10 5.44 Southern zone (900m south of the MZ)
GHC-054 2.00 3.10 1.10 45.85 Northern zone (1500m north of the MZ)
Table 1: Selected surface channel sampling mineralized intersections from Abu Gaharish
Figure 2: 2017 surface sample and channel profile sampling plan of the Abu Gaharish prospect
Individual channel samples also returned assays of up to 5.5 g/t Au over a 2m sampling interval (sample
16822) from a zone of narrow sheeted veins within the Gaharish granite, in a separate mineralized zone
approximately 600m north to north-west of the Mai n Zone. A single grab sample (sample 16986) returned
an assay of 11.4 g/t Au from a narrow quartz vein approximately 900m to the south of the Main Zone.
This sampling programme has confirmed the results from the previous sampling programme (see news
release dated June 7, 2017), and has confirmed the widespread occurrence of gold mineralization at Abu
Gaharish, as well as extending it further north of the Main Zone along the contact of the Gaharish granite,
with mineralization now having been intersected ove r a 2.4km strike length. Wide zones of mineralization
were intersected at surface in the Main Zone, over the main area of ancient workings. The mineralization at
Abu Gaharish is strongly structurally controlled and is located close to the contact of the Ga harish granite
with the surrounding country rocks. Mineralization also occurs in the NE Extension Zone in meta volcanics,
where it is strongly associated with W, with extensive wolframite and scheelite identified in samples . High
grade gold m ineralization also occurs to the south of the Main Zone in altered serpentinites, and further to
the north and west of the Main Zone within and on the contact of the Gaharish granite. The gold
mineralization at Abu Gaharish is associated with accessory W, Pb and Cu minerals, and has broad similarities
to the mineralization at Bohlog (see news release dated December 4, 2017), and appears to have reduced
intrusion-related (RIRG) affinities.
Abu Gaharish GPR survey
A total of 6 deep penetrating GPR profile lines were completed at the Abu Gaharish prospect by Terravision
Exploration (“TRV”) during November 2017, with a combination of 3m and 6m antenna lengths (see Figure
3), using their proprietary GPR plus equipment. 4 long E -W profiles (GH-1 to GH-4) were completed over the
Main Zone mineralization, to try and 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 mineralized 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
mineralization 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 eastern end of profile GH -3.
Figure 3: Location of GPR lines (GH-1 to GH-6) at the Abu Gaharish prospect, and locations of new sampling
A preliminary interpretation report has been received from TRV . Results from the Abu Gaharish prospect
were generally encouraging, with significant responses being indicated to the west of the known mineralized
structures in the long profiles GH -1, GH-3, and GH -4. The responses from the western ends of these lines
were quite “noisy”, and suggest the presence of a series of structures within the granites, causing radar
velocity changes at depth (see Figure 4). These velocity changes may be caused by m ineralized quartz veins,
but may also be a response to faults or dykes . Nonetheless the preliminary interpretation is encouraging,
with the GPR profiles suggesting a complex series of structure s to the west of the Main Zone, concealed
under wadi sediments.
Figure 4: GPR profile GH-1, showing granite-metavolcanics contact, and possible granite-hosted mineralization
Subsequent field investigation of ‘islands’ of outcropping granite within the wadi sediments has revealed the
presence of additional m ineralized structures and veins, which have also been sampled (see Figure 3). Assay
results of these samples are expected in January 2018.
The current phase of sampling has confirmed Aton’s belief that the mineralized en echelon vein system at
the Abu Gaharish Main Zone has potential for reasonable width and possible depth continuity, and that other
parallel and “ladder” type structures are likely to exist near and to the west of the Main Zone. Furthermore
preliminary results from the deep penetrating GPR survey indicate potential structures concealed under wadi
sediments west of the Ma in Zone, suggesting the potential for the structurally controlled mineralization to
extend to the west under cover . Mineralized quartz veins have also been identified in ‘islands’ of granite to
the west of the Main Zone, again suggesting the potential for an areally extensive mineralized system . The
current sampling and geophysical programme s continue to indicate the potential for the existence of a
substantial structurally controlled zone of gold mineralization of RIRG affinity at Abu Gaharish.
North Gaharish Prospect
Recent field investigation of the North Gaharish area (see Figure 5) has indicated the widespread outcrop of
auriferous W-Bi-Cu bearing quartz veins in an area of extensively phyllic to argillic altered rocks that appear
to comprise a thick pile of felsic volcanics, close to the contact of the Gaharish granite . Large amounts of
wolframite were identified in some of the veins . Mineralized veins were also identified within the Gaharish
granite itself. In places this granite appears to being she lving to the east with a relative ly shallow eastwards
dip under the metavolcanic country rocks . There are also ultramafic rocks outcropping in the North Gaharish
area. A number of ancient wadi workings were identified in the area, and also some mining on a uriferous
quartz veins. Visible gold has been identified in several hand specimens. A number of samples have been
collected from the North Gaharish area; with assay results expected in late January 2018 (see Figure 5).
The identification of Au-W- Bi-Cu mineralization in the North Gaharish area is significant in that it effectively
extends the known mineralization along the entire eastern contact of the Gaharish granite contact over a full
strike length in excess of 5km. The possibility that the granite shelves gently under the metavolcanic package
may also be significant in that the mineralization is related to the granite contact, and could thus extend
further to the east of the mapped contact at surface, as well as into the granite itself . The mineralization has
a Au-W-Bi-Cu metal assemblage similar to that identified at Abu Gaharish some 4km to the south, and again
suggests possible RIRG affinities. The discovery of gold -tungsten mineralization at Nor th Gaharish is
considered very important, and coupled with the extension of the structurally-controlled mineralized system
at Abu Gaharish, it indicates the potential development of a large system of RIRG gold mineralization along
the entire eastern margin of the Gaharish granite , greater than 5km long in stri ke length.
Figure 5: North Gaharish sample locations, assays pending (white diamonds)
All samples reported were analyzed for gold at ALS Minerals at Rosia Montana, Romania by fire assay, using
analytical code AA-Au23 (repeated by code AA-Au25 for samples which initially returned gold grades greater
than 10 g/t Au). It is noted that individual grab samples are selective, and may not be representative of the
true grade of mineralization at the prospects.
Activity update:
• Metallurgical testwork on the four 120kg bulk composite samples of oxide and transitional
mineralized material from the Hamama West deposit continues at Wardell Armstrong International’s
mineral processing laboratory in the UK . Column leach tests were started on November 27, 2017.
Preliminary indica tions after the first 1 4 days are that the leach kinetics are very fast , with the
preliminary results indicating 70% recovery of Au from both agglomerated and non- agglomerated
oxide samples (-12.5mm crush size) and from the -8 mm fraction transitional sample, after 14 days of
leaching. Note that these are preliminary and indicative results only, and will not be finalised until the
completion of the column test .
• Cube Consulting have completed the revised block model of the Hamam a West deposit, which will
be incorporated into the revised mineral resource estimate.
• The preliminary report has been received from Terravision Exploration covering the results of the
recent deep ground penetrating radar geophysical survey undertaken over the Waayrah, Miranda
VMS, Abu Gaharish, Sir Bakis, Semna, Bohlog and East Eradiya prospec ts. An initial review of this
report is being undertaken, and it is now anticipated that the final report will be issued early in 2018.
About Aton Resources Inc.
Aton Resources Inc. (AAN: TSX -V) is focused on its 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession (“Abu Ma rawat”),
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 mineralization, 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 materially 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 release.
Appendix A – Abu Gaharish channel profile intersections
Channel
Profile
ID
Length
(m)
Start Location End Location Intersection
X Y X Y From
(m)
To
(m)
Width
(m)
Grade
(g/t)
GHC-001 33.5 564586 2917363 564558 2917356 0.00 31.20 31.20 1.04
GHC-002 10.2 564627 2917514 564635 2917514 0.00 3.90 3.90 1.11
GHC-004 4.0 564582 2917139 564580 2917139 0.00 2.00 2.00 1.71
GHC-006 1.9 564589 2917436 564588 2917436 0.00 0.60 0.60 3.03
GHC-007 11.6 564523 2916901 564514 2916902 0.00 3.60 3.60 11.05
GHC-008 5.0 564771 2916848 564768 2916849 2.00 3.00 1.00 3.46
GHC-009 9.0 564664 2916626 564670 2916626 2.30 4.50 2.20 7.73
GHC-022 15.9 565157 2918257 565158 2918271 0.00 6.00 6.00 1.18
GHC-023 8.4 565146 2918248 565144 2918254 0.00 2.30 2.30 3.73
GHC-024 4.0 564626 2918010 564628 2918010 2.00 4.00 2.00 1.56
GHC-025 3.9 564627 2918049 564628 2918048 2.00 3.90 1.90 2.31
GHC-026 9.9 565212 2918301 565215 2918294 0.00 1.70 1.70 17.80
GHC-030 6.3 564659 2917567 564656 2917569 0.00 2.00 2.00 1.63
GHC-031 3.6 564591 2917439 564593 2917439 0.00 1.60 1.60 1.34
GHC-033 8.8 564611 2917400 564603 2917402 6.00 8.20 2.20 2.09
GHC-036 6.5 564603 2917522 564607 2917523 0.00 6.50 6.50 1.44
GHC-037 4.7 564596 2917526 564594 2917525 0.00 2.10 2.10 8.31
GHC-038 26.4 564727 2917678 564707 2917671 17.00 24.20 7.20 1.19
GHC-039 14.9 564748 2917710 564736 2917710 10.60 14.90 4.30 2.28
GHC-040 14.5 564711 2917647 564701 2917647 6.40 14.50 8.10 1.25
GHC-042 22.1 564576 2917146 564556 2917144 17.60 22.10 4.50 1.70
GHC-045 28.3 564563 2917322 564588 2917328 2.20 4.40 2.20 1.51
26.20 28.30 2.10 1.36
GHC-047 9.1 564553 2917337 564558 2917341 0.00 9.10 9.10 0.95
GHC-048 13.3 564542 2917391 564552 2917395 4.10 6.20 2.10 1.35
GHC-052 4.7 564648 2916518 564646 2916517 0.00 2.10 2.10 5.44
GHC-054 3.1 564964 2918878 564963 2918876 2.00 3.10 1.10 45.85
GHC-055 6.7 564764 2917736 564758 2917738 6.40 6.70 0.30 1.26
Notes:
1) Channel profiles sampled over nominal, but not exclusively, 2m intervals
2) Intersections calculated using a 0.5 g/t Au cutoff grade
3) Intersections both less than 2m in width and grading less than 1 g/t are not included in this table
4) Start location refers to the start coordinate of the first channel sample; end locations refers to the start coordinate
of the end sample, and not its end coordinate
5) All coordinates are UTM (WGS84) Zone 36R