Aton Makes a New VMS Discovery at the Abu Marawat Concession
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ATON MAKES A NEW VMS DISCOVERY AT THE ABU MARAWAT CONCESSION
Vancouver, June 27, 2017: Aton Resources Inc. (AAN: TSX-V) (“Aton” or the “Company") is pleased to
announce that it has made a new VMS discovery, named the Waayrah prospect (“Waayrah” or the
“Prospect”), at the Company’s 100% owned Abu Marawat concession (“Abu Marawat” or the
“Concession”), located in the Eastern Desert of Egypt.
Highlights:
• Aton has discovered VMS (volcanogenic massive sulphide) style mineralization at Waayrah
(see Figure 1);
• Field inspection and sampling of the Prospect has defined the presence of three structurally
complex zones of VMS style mineralization, weathered to massive gossans at surface, with at
least two of these zones hosting high-grade Au-Zn-Ag-Cu mineralization (see Figure 2);
• Initial grab and channel sampling at Waayrah has returned assays up to 16.4 g/t Au, 24.6%
Zn, 62.7 g/t Ag and 1.93% Cu;
• Waayrah demonstrates that Abu Marawat may have the potential to host additional VMS
deposits, like other VMS camps in the Arabian Nubian Shield. Further, Aton’s geologists have
recognized potential VMS style mineralization in the Miranda South area, which opens up the
possibility that a belt favorable to the development of VMS mineralizat ion may extend
between Miranda South and Waayrah (see Figure 1).
“We are very pleased to announce this exciting new discovery of VMS style mineralization at
Waayrah,” said Mark Campbell, President and CEO of Aton. “Prior to Waayrah, the only other VMS
style mineralization we had encountered at the Concession was at Hamama, which today hosts the
Hamama West Deposit. Waayrah is significant because it demonstrates that the Abu Marawat
Concession may have the potential to host additional VMS deposits, like oth er VMS camps in the
Arabian Nubian Shield.”
Figure 1: Abu Marawat regional geology, showing the location of Waayrah
Waayrah Prospect
Waayrah is located approximately 36km east of Hamama (see Figure 1). The Prospect is located in the
area of a small, relatively modern quarry where iron oxide material was extracted for the local
Egyptian pigment industry. During preliminary field inspection of the modern quarry workings, a series
of previously undocumented ancient workings were identifi ed on the ridgeline approximately 200m
west of, and above the quarry.
Preliminary inspection and mapping of Waayrah has led to the identification of at least three
significant gossan zones that appear to represent oxidiz ed VMS horizons (see Figure 2) . The
westernmost horizon is located in the ancient workings , while a thicker eastern gossan unit was
identified in the modern quarry. The well-developed quarry gossan horizon has been traced for about
450m along strike and is up to 16m thick. The mineralized gossan horizons are hosted by a NNW -
striking package of andesitic to dacitic tuffs, containing minor andesite flows and dipping to the east
between 30 to 90 degrees, and are cut by steeply dipping andesite dykes . At its northern extent the
western horizon contains a black manganese oxide -b
arite lithology that appears be a distal exhalite
facies, while its southern extension is faulted and obscured at surface by talus . In the central and
western gossan horizons, abundant supergene zinc and copper minerals were identified, including
hemimorphite and smithsonite (see Figure 3). The area is structurally complex with extensive folding
and faulting, and the central and eastern gossan horizons are heavily sheared. The local topography is
quite rugged, and t o the south the gossans are obscured under talus . However, satellite imagery
suggests that the stratigraphic package appears to persist for at least 1-km. Accurate mapping and
delineation of the gossan horizons is problematical, as much of the area is loca ted on steep slopes,
with surface outcrop obscured under talus. L arge amounts of gossanous talus on the slopes to the
west of the quarry have been identified, however.
Figure 2: Waayrah prospect, showing the mineralized horizons and sample locations
An initial total of 38 samples were collected, predominantly channel samples, and some grab samples
(see Figure 2). Samples were submitted to ALS Rosia Montana in Romania, and were analyzed for gold
using fire assay with an atomic absorption finish, and for a 33 element suite of base and trace metals
using a 4-acid digest with ICP mass spectrometry.
The results from the initial sampling program are very encouraging, especially the samples from the
westernmost gossan horizon, located on the ancient workings , which returned the following assay
results: 16.4 g/t Au, 13.4 g/t Au, and 4.03 g/t Au; 24.6% Zn, 20.1% Zn, and 6.26% Zn; 62.7 g/t Ag, and
1.93% Cu. Samples from the central gossan horizon returned assays of 6.15 g/t Au, 20 .1% Zn, and
1.22% Cu. Channel samples from the eastern gossan horizon, along the northern and southern ends
of the quarry, were less strongly mineralized, but still returned significantly anomalous grades of up
to 0.32 g/t Au and 0.76% Zn. Assay results are provided in Appendix A.
The multi -element assay data shows that the high -grade samples typically also carry significantly
elevated values of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, and possibly Tl. This suite of strongly elevated base,
precious and trace element values, including Zn, Cu, Au, Ag, Ba, As, Cd, Mo and Sb, would be typically
expected from felsic-bimodal (or Kuroko) style VMS mineralization, and implies a significant input of
acid magmatic fluids into the hydrothermal system.
Figure 3: Reniform white hemimorphite (supergene Zn silicate), and traces of supergene copper
minerals in a fragment of Zn-rich gossanous talus from Waayrah
The preliminary field mapping, sampling and assay data confirm the discov ery of VMS style
mineralization at Waayrah. Furthermore , Aton’s geologists have recognized potential VMS style
mineralization in the south-eastern part of the Miranda South area (see Figure 1). The identification
of VMS style mineralization at both Waayrah and Miranda South may indicate the potential existence
of a NW-striking stratigraphic package that is favorable to the development of VMS mineralization ,
extending between Miranda South and Waayrah. Further exploration work at the Prospect is a top
priority for the Company.
Activity update:
• Additional results from the preliminary field inspections and sampling conducted at the Sir
Bakis and West Garida prospects;
• Crone Geophysics has completed a ground and downhole electromagnetic survey of the 6-km
long prospective horizon (or the hanging wall contact) at Hamama. Interpretation of the
survey data has commenced, and is expected to be completed shortly;
• Metallurgical samples from Hamama West have been delivered to ALS Metallurgy in
Kamloops, and the scheduled test work has commenced.
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 trend at Abu Marawat, anchored by the
Hamama deposit in the west and the Abu Marawat deposit in the east. In addition to the Hamama
and Abu Marawat deposits, the trend contains numerous gold exploration targets, including t hree
historic British mines. Abu Marawat is over 738km 2 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, SEG, 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]
Blaine Monaghan
Vice President, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 (604) 331-5092
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 – Waayrah samples, assay data
SAMPLE ID SAMPLE TYPE X Y Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%)
AHA14015 Chip composite 569735 2920058 0.05 1.5 0.17 0.00 0.12
AHA14016 Chip composite 569923 2920084 0.08 0.8 0.06 0.01 0.27
AHA14017 Chip composite 569741 2920039 4.03 55.3 1.86 0.31 24.60
AHA14701 Chip channel 569919 2920079 0.04 0.7 0.03 0.00 0.12
AHA14702 Chip channel 569919 2920080 0.06 0.5 0.06 0.00 0.29
AHA14703 Chip channel 569920 2920081 0.32 1.4 0.06 0.01 0.31
AHA14704 Chip channel 569920 2920082 0.27 1.1 0.03 0.01 0.14
AHA14705 Chip channel 569921 2920082 0.06 0.7 0.02 0.00 0.09
AHA14706 Chip channel 569922 2920083 0.08 1.2 0.05 0.00 0.30
AHA14707 Chip channel 569923 2920083 0.42 2.4 0.04 0.00 0.35
AHA14708 Chip channel 569923 2920084 0.04 0.9 0.06 0.00 0.38
AHA14709 Chip channel 569924 2920084 0.03 1.0 0.05 0.00 0.31
AHA14710 Chip channel 569929 2920086 0.05 1.6 0.07 0.00 0.45
AHA14711 Chip channel 569930 2920087 0.02 2.3 0.05 0.00 0.21
AHA14712 Chip channel 569931 2920087 0.04 0.5 0.04 0.00 0.16
AHA14713 Chip channel 569932 2920087 0.03 1.0 0.07 0.00 0.76
AHA14714 Grab 569718 2920095 16.40 15.7 0.68 0.34 6.26
AHA14715 Grab 569736 2920185 1.42 2.8 0.18 0.01 0.82
AHA14716 Grab 569790 2920004 13.35 62.7 1.93 0.77 17.15
AHA14720 Chip channel 569969 2920015 0.05 1.2 0.05 0.00 0.22
AHA14721 Chip channel 569968 2920015 0.05 0.3 0.03 0.00 0.10
AHA14722 Chip channel 569968 2920015 0.01 0.5 0.02 0.00 0.06
AHA14723 Chip channel 569967 2920014 0.02 0.7 0.06 0.00 0.09
AHA14724 Chip channel 569966 2920014 0.01 1.2 0.11 0.00 0.19
AHA14725 Chip channel 569965 2920013 0.01 0.6 0.08 0.00 0.09
AHA14726 Chip channel 569964 2920013 0.01 0.5 0.03 0.00 0.04
AHA14727 Chip channel 569963 2920013 0.01 0.5 0.04 0.00 0.03
AHA14728 Chip channel 569962 2920012 0.03 0.5 0.03 0.00 0.05
AHA14729 Chip channel 569961 2920012 0.11 1.0 0.07 0.01 0.07
AHA14730 Chip channel 569960 2920011 0.06 0.9 0.03 0.00 0.03
AHA14731 Chip channel 569959 2920011 0.12 1.2 0.04 0.00 0.04
AHA14732 Grab 569952 2920078 0.03 0.3 0.08 0.00 0.24
AHA14733 Grab 570390 2920243 0.01 0.7 0.04 0.00 0.13
AHA14734 Grab 570267 2920393 0.03 0.6 0.03 0.00 0.16
AHA14735 Grab 569797 2920081 6.15 7.0 1.22 0.08 20.10