Emperor Metals Drilling Expands Gold Potential at Duquesne West, Reveals Widespread Mineralization in Open Pit Model
Emperor Metals Drilling Expands Gold
Potential at Duquesne West, Reveals
Widespread Mineralization in Open Pit Model
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2025) -
Emperor Metals Inc.
(CSE: AUOZ)
(OTCQB: EMAUF) (FSE: 9NH) ("
Emperor
") is pleased to share additional results from its 2024 drilling
program. The program included 8,166 meters of drilling across 19 new drill holes, and approximately
8,000 meters of historical core assaying. To date, 88% of the new drilling assays have been reported,
but only 52% of the total assays for the 2024 season (combined 2024 drilling and historical core
resampling).
All assays should be finalized by mid-February.
CEO John Florek commented:
"It's clear that we continue to observe widespread gold mineralization both within and outside the
current open-pit concept. This highlights the significant exploration potential to add valuable ounces
to the project, supporting the upcoming 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) expected in Q1 or
early Q2. The 2024 program has demonstrated a clear opportunity to expand the footprint of the
conceptual open-pit model, and once all results are in, this will guide our strategy for the 2025
season."
Highlights:
DQ24-15
intersects 14.2 meters (m) of 1.2 g/t Au and 20.4 m of 0.6 g/t Au which expands
mineralization both within and below the conceptual open pit model.
DQ24-12
intersects 16.3 m of 0.8 g/t Au within an area of infill drilling and extends mineralization
80m eastward along strike and below Emperor's conceptual open pit model.
DQ24-13
intersects 8.1 m of 1.0 g/t Au and 30.5 m of 0.5 g/t expanding mineralization up dip in
two separate zones within the conceptual open pit model.
DQ24-16
intersects 7.1 m of 1.3 g/t which is infill drilling and expands mineralization eastward
along strike and within the conceptual open pit model.
Full results for DQ24-13 through DQ24-16, as well as the remaining results for DQ24-12, have been
released by SGS Laboratories (see Table 1 for intercept highlights). Ongoing exploration efforts
continue to demonstrate significant potential for resource expansion both within and along strike of the
conceptual open pit. This includes the discovery of previously unrecognized low-grade bulk tonnage
zones, as well as high-grade gold lenses containing visible gold (see Figures 1).
These findings are expected to make a significant contribution to the upcoming Q1 mineral resource
estimate. A total of 52% of the assays for the 2024 season has been reported to date.
By focusing on
near-surface drilling for open-pit mining, Emperor aims to economically expand its resource base by
including lower grades in the conceptual open-pit environment compared to higher grades in an
underground mining scenario. Deposits in the region with currently active open pits have been economic
at grades equal 0.30 g/t Au (
see Agnico Eagles press release dated Feb 15, 2024 - Detour Lake
Deposit cut-off grade, pg. 52.
)
Emperor is targeting a multi-million-ounce resource, utilizing a combination of conceptual open-pit and
underground mining scenarios. The Property currently hosts a historical inferred mineral resource
estimate of 727,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 5.42 g/t Au. Emperor is committed to delivering an
updated Mineral Resource Estimate in Q1 of 2025.
Figure 1:
Location of DQ24-12 to 16 DDH.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8461/238781_e383c2687494fb0b_002full.jpg
Drillhole Discussion:
The 2024 drilling continues to validate low-grade bulk-tonnage and high-grade mineralization inside and
external to the conceptual open-pit concept.
DQ24-12
Drillhole DQ24-12 continues to intersect bulk-tonnage gold zones beneath the conceptual open-pit shell,
with a notable 16.3-meter interval grading 0.8 g/t Au. This intercept has the potential to alter the pit
boundaries once fully evaluated in our upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) scheduled for Q1 or
early Q2 of 2025. The mineralization is hosted within a broad zone of altered, interlayered mafic,
ultramafic, and quartz-feldspar porphyries in the deposit's footwall, containing 1-5% pyrite. Shearing
along rock boundaries reveals both brittle and ductile structures that have facilitated the introduction of
gold mineralization.
DQ24-13
Drillhole DQ24-13 intersected a significant zone of near-surface, bulk-tonnage gold mineralization, with
30.5 meters grading 0.5 g/t Au. This zone consists of moderately to strongly sheared and brecciated
mafic flows and tuffs, with areas of intense alteration, including silica, carbonate, sericite, and chlorite.
Emperor is also encouraged by the discovery of a new mineralized zone below the conceptual pit-shell,
grading 8.1 meters at 1.0 g/t Au. This zone features a quartz-feldspar porphyry (QFP)intrusion
surrounded by several mafic flows, which created structural weakness that played a key role in
introducing alteration and gold mineralization within the footwall zone.
DQ24-15
Drillhole DQ24-15 intersected multiple mineralized zones. The first intersection encountered a significant
low-grade bulk tonnage zone within the conceptual open-pit model, grading 20.4 meters at 0.6 g/t Au.
This zone is characterized by interlayered altered quartz-feldspar porphyries and mafic flows, with a well-
foliated, strongly altered shear zone at the lower part of the sequence, containing 3 to 5% fine-grained
pyrite.
The lower intersection, located beneath the conceptual open-pit model in a previously unexplored area,
returned 14.2 meters at 1.2 g/t Au. This zone consists of interlayered mafic, ultramafic, and quartz-
feldspar porphyries within the deposit's footwall, showing significant alteration and pyrite mineralization,
with zones containing 1-3% pyrite.
DQ24-16
Drillhole DDH DQ24-16 intersected a significant interval within the conceptual open pit model, grading
7.1 meters at 1.3 g/t Au. This zone is characterized by strongly altered quartz-feldspar porphyry
sandwiched between two mafic flows, exhibiting sericite-carbonate alteration along with up to 3% pyrite
mineralization throughout the zone.
Strategic Plan
The 2024 drilling campaign at Emperor's Duquesne West Gold Project in Quebec continues to identify
extensive low-grade bulk tonnage zones surrounding the previously known high grade areas. These
latest results further solidify the project's immense potential and underscore the company's commitment
to unlocking substantial value for its shareholders.
The 2024 season leverages advanced exploration techniques to test several scenarios to add ounces
and/or expand the footprint:
1)
Explore Lower Grade Discoveries: Target additional discoveries within the host rock containing
high-grade gold lenses, focusing on the conceptual open-pit model.
2)
Increase the Thickness of the High-Grade Lenses: Incorporate previously unaccounted lower-grade
gold from the margins of high-grade lenses to enhance their overall thickness.
3)
Expand Mineralized Zones: Extend the lateral footprint of mineralized zones along strike and dip.
4)
Discover New Zones: Explore potential new zones not yet included in the conceptual open-pit
model, with a particular focus on eastward expansion.
These latest results continue to build on the strong momentum generated by last year's drilling program
and confirm the presences of extensive low grade bulk tonnage zones surrounding the known high-grade
regions.
Table 1 - Intercept Highlights-
Host Structures are interpreted to be steeply dipping and true widths
are generally estimated to 90%.
Hole No.
From (m)
To (m)
Interval (m)
Au (g/t Au)
DQ24-12
1
407.3
408.3
1
0.26
408.3
409.3
1
0.03
409.3
410.9
1.6
0.02
410.9
413.4
2.5
4.42
413.4
415.9
2.5
0.07
415.9
417.7
1.8
0.13
Note
2
417.7
419.6
1.9
0.005
419.6
421.1
1.5
0.02
421.1
423.6
2.5
0.27
Wt. Avg.
16.3
0.8
DQ24-12
1
497.1
498.4
1.3
2.24
Hole No.
From (m)
To (m)
Interval (m)
Au (g/t Au)
DQ24-13
1
46
47
1
0.35
47
48
1
0.07
48
49
1
0.05
Note
2
49
50.4
1.4
0.005
50.4
51.7
1.3
0.22
51.7
52.7
1
0.23
52.7
53.7
1
0.59
53.7
54.7
1
0.24
54.7
55.7
1
0.05
55.7
56.9
1.2
0.12
56.9
58
1.1
2.47
58
59
1
0.35
59
60
1
2
60
61
1
0.85
61
62
1
0.2
62
63
1
0.92
63
64
1
0.74
64
65
1
0.11
65
66.4
1.4
0.67
66.4
67.8
1.4
0.38
67.8
68.8
1
0.02
68.8
70.2
1.4
0.03
70.2
71.6
1.4
0.17
71.6
72.6
1
0.05
72.6
73.9
1.3
0.99
73.9
75.3
1.4
0.14
75.3
76.5
1.2
0.36
Wt. Avg.
30.5
0.45
Including (170.6-179 m)
10.9
0.86
Including (170.6-179 m)
4.1
1.44
DQ24-13
1
215.7
216.7
1
0.4
216.7
217.7
1
0.56
217.7
218.7
1
1.13
218.7
219.7
1
1.17
219.7
220.7
1
2.09
220.7
221.7
1
0.21
221.7
222.7
1
2.35
222.7
223.7
1
0.19
223.7
224.9
1.2
0.33
Wt. Avg.
9.2
0.92
Including (216.7-222.7 m)
6
1.25
DQ24-13
1
237.5
238.5
1
1
238.5
239.5
1
0.09
239.5
240.5
1
0.02
240.5
241.5
1
0.02
241.5
242.7
1.2
0.2
242.7
244.1
1.4
0.06
Note
2
244.1
245.2
1.1
0.005
245.2
246.3
1.1
0.03
246.3
247.3
1
2.76
247.3
248.3
1
0.21
Wt. Avg.
10.8
0.41
DQ24-13
1
282
283.6
1.6
1.49
283.6
284.6
1
1.03
284.6
285.6
1
0.11
285.6
286.6
1
0.1
286.6
287.6
1
0.08
287.6
288.6
1
0.06
288.6
289.6
1
0.02
289.6
290.6
1
0.15
290.6
291.6
1
0.14
291.6
292.6
1
0.84
292.6
293.6
1
0.39
293.6
295.1
1.5
0.01
295.1
297
1.9
0.83
Wt. Avg.
15
0.46
DQ24-13
1
361.2
362.2
1
0.41
362.2
363.2
1
0.16
Wt. Avg.
2
0.29
DQ24-13
1
388.3
389.3
1
2.16
389.3
390.3
1
0.94
390.3
391.3
1
0.08
391.3
392.4
1.1
0.09
392.4
394.4
2
0.03
394.4
396.4
2
2.56
Wt. Avg.
8.1
1.04
Hole No.
From (m)
To (m)
Interval (m)
Au (g/t Au)
DQ24-14
1
67.4
69.5
2.1
0.2
69.5
70.9
1.4
0.44
Wt. Avg.
3.5
0.3
DQ24-14
1
122.9
123.9
1
0.55
123.9
124.9
1
0.01
124.9
125.9
1
0.78
125.9
126.9
1
0.34
Wt. Avg.
4
0.4
DQ24-14
1
247.6
248.6
1
2.71
248.6
249.6
1
0.03
249.6
250.6
1
0.22
Wt. Avg.
3
1.0
DQ24-14
1
267.8
268.8
1
1.35
DQ24-14
1
292.5
293.5
1
0.52
293.5
294.5
1
0.32
Wt. Avg.
2
0.4
Hole No.
From (m)
To (m)
Interval (m)
Au (g/t Au)
DQ24-15
1
207.5
209.6
2.1
0.2
209.6
212.1
2.5
0.37
Wt. Avg.
4.6
0.3
DQ24-15
1
270.8
271.8
1
0.21
271.8
273.4
1.6
0.33
273.4
274.4
1
1.04
274.4
275.4
1
0.86
275.4
276.4
1
1.66
276.4
277.4
1
0.24
277.4
278.4
1
0.19
278.4
279.4
1
0.57
279.4
280.4
1
0.04
280.4
281.4
1
0.13
281.4
282.4
1
0.79
Wt. Avg.
11.6
0.5
Including (273.4-276.4 m)
3
1.2
DQ24-15
1
306.6
307.6
1
0.24
307.6
309.4
1.8
1.22
Note
2
309.4
311.4
2
0.005
Note
2
311.4
313.3
1.9
0.005
313.3
314.3
1
0.46
314.3
315.3
1
0.06
315.3
316.3
1
0.05
316.3
317.3
1
1.17
317.3
318.8
1.5
0.04
318.8
321.3
2.5
0.01
321.3
322.7
1.4
0.02
322.7
324.2
1.5
0.03
324.2
325.6
1.4
2.38
325.6
327
1.4
3.11
Wt. Avg.
20.4
0.6
Including (316.3-327 m)
10.7
0.8
Including (324.2-327 m)
2.8
2.7
DQ24-15
1
339
340
1
1.3
DQ24-15
1
397.6
398.6
1
0.13
398.6
399.6
1
0.47
Wt. Avg.
2
0.3
DQ24-15
1
438.8
440.1
1.3
0.23
440.1
441.1
1
7.84
441.1
442.1
1
1.25
442.1
443.1
1
1.3
443.1
444.1
1
0.56
444.1
445.1
1
0.52
445.1
447
1.9
1.23
447
448
1
0.08
448
449
1
0.15
449
450
1
0.95
450
451
1
0.83
451
452
1
0.41
452
453
1
0.44
Wt. Avg.
14.2
1.2
including (440.1-447 m)
6.9
2.0
including (440.1-443.1 m)
3
3.5
Hole No.
From (m)
To (m)
Interval (m)
Au (g/t Au)
DQ24-16
1
175.7
176.7
1
1.16
176.7
178.1
1.4
1.67
178.1
179.6
1.5
0.24
179.6
180.6
1
1.42
180.6
181.6
1
0.01
181.6
182.8
1.2
3.36
Wt. Avg.
7.1
1.3
DQ24-16
1
252.8
253.8
1
0.56
253.8
254.8
1
0.15
Wt. Avg.
2
0.4
DQ24-16
1
297.8
298.8
1
0.23
298.8
299.8
1
0.44
Wt. Avg.
2
0.3
DQ24-16
1
316.8
317.8
1
0.16
317.8
318.8
1
0.04
318.8
319.8
1
0.03
319.8
321
1.2
1.4
Wt. Avg.
4.2
0.5
1
Host Structures are interpreted to be steeply dipping and true widths are generally estimated to 90%.
2
Value reported below detection limit of <0.01.
Value was numerically halved to assign a real number.
Quality Assurance and Control
The Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) was conducted by Technominex, a geological
contractor hired by Emperor Metals, which adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines for exploration
related activities conducted at its facility in Rouyn Noranda, Quebec. The QA/QC procedures are
overseen by a Qualified Person on site.
Emperor Metals QA/QC protocols are maintained through the insertion of certified reference material
(standards), blanks and lab duplicates within the sample stream totaling approximately one QA/QC
sample per 7 samples. Drill core is cut in-half with a diamond saw, with one-half placed in sealed bags
with appropriate tags and shipped to the SGS Sudbury laboratory and the other half retained on site in
the original core box. A dispatch list consists of 88 or 176 samples along with their corresponding
QA/QC samples for a single batch. This allows complete batches (88 samples) for fire assay. A file for
sample tracking records tags used and weights of sample bags shipped to the SGS Lakefield.
Shipment is done by Manitoulin Transport and coordination by Technominex staff in Rouyn-Noranda
The third-party laboratory, SGS prep laboratory in Sudbury Ontario, processes the shipment of samples
using standard sample preparation (code PRP91) and produces pulps from the specified samples. The
pulps are then sent off to SGS Burnaby for analysis. Chain of custody is maintained from the drill to the
submittal into the laboratory preparation facility all the way to analysis at the SGS Burnaby B.C.
laboratory.
Analytical testing is performed by SGS laboratories in Burnaby, British Columbia. The entire sample is
crushed to 75% passing 2mm, with a split of 500g pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns. Samples are
then analyzed using Au - ore grade 50g Fire Assay, ICP-AES with reporting limits of 0.01 -100 part per
million (ppm). High grade gold analysis based on the presence of visible gold or a fire assay result
exceeding 100 ppm, are analyzed by Au - metallic screening, 1kg screened to 106μm, 50g fire assay,
gravimetric, AAS or ICP-AES of entire plus fraction and duplicate analysis of minus fraction. Reporting
limit 0.01ppm.
About the Duquesne West Gold Project
The Duquesne West Gold Property is located 32 km northwest of the city of Rouyn-Noranda and 10 km
east of the town of Duparquet, Quebec, Canada. The property lies within the historic Duparquet gold
mining camp in the southern portion of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt in the Superior Province.
Under an Option Agreement, Emperor agreed to acquire a 100% interest in a mineral claim package
comprising 38 claims covering approximately 1,389 ha, located in the Duparquet Township of Quebec
(the "Duquesne West Property") from Duparquet Assets Ltd., a 50% owned subsidiary of Globex Mining
Enterprises Inc. (TSX: GMX). For further information on the Duquesne West Property and Option
Agreement, see Emperor's press release dated October 12, 2022, available on SEDAR+.
The Property
hosts a historical inferred mineral resource estimate of 727,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 5.42 g/t
Au.
1,2
The mineral resource estimate predates modern Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
(CIM) guidelines and a Qualified Person on behalf of Emperor has not reviewed or verified the mineral
resource estimate, therefore it is considered historical in nature and is reported solely to provide an
indication of the magnitude of mineralization that could be present on the property. The gold system
remains open for resource identification and expansion.
A reinterpretation of the existing geological model was created using AI and Machine Learning. This
model shows the opportunity for additional discovery of ounces by revealing gold trends unknown to
previous workers and the potential to expand the resource along significant gold- endowed structural
zones.
Multiple scenarios exist to expand additional resources which include:
1)
Underground High-Grade Gold.
2)
Open Pit Bulk Tonnage Gold.
3)
Underground Bulk Tonnage Gold.
1
Watts, Griffis, and McOuat Consulting Geologists and Engineers, Oct. 20, 2011, Technical Report and
Mineral Resource Estimate Update for the Duquesne-Ottoman Property, Quebec, Canada, for XMet Inc.
2
Power-Fardy and Breede, 2011. The Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) constructed in 2011 is
considered historical in nature as it was constructed prior to the most recent CIM standards (2014) and
guidelines (2019) for mineral resources. In addition, the economic factors used to demonstrate
reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction for the MRE have changed since 2011. A
qualified person has not done sufficient work to consider the MRE as a current MRE. Emperor is not
treating the historical MRE as a current mineral resource. The reader is cautioned not to treat it, or any
part of it, as a current mineral resource.
QP Disclosure
The technical content for the Duquesne West Project in this news release has been reviewed and
approved by John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person pursuant to CIM guidelines.
About Emperor Metals Inc.
Emperor Metals Inc. is a high-grade gold exploration and development junior mining company focused
on Quebec's Southern Abitibi Greenstone Belt, leveraging AI-driven exploration techniques. The
Company is dedicated to unlocking the substantial resource potential of the Duquesne West Gold
Project and the Lac Pelletier Project (currently under purchase agreement) both situated in this Tier 1
mining district.
The Company is led by a dynamic group of resource sector professionals who have a strong record of
success in evaluating and advancing mining projects from exploration through to production, attracting
capital and overcoming adversity to deliver exceptional shareholder value. For more information, please
refer to SEDAR+ (
www.sedarplus.ca
), under the Company's profile.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
s/ "John Florek"
John Florek
, M.Sc., P.Geol
President, CEO and Director
Emperor Metals Inc.
Contact:
John Florek
President/CEO
T: (807) 228-3531
Alex Horsley
Director
T: (778) 323-3058
E:
Website:
www.emperormetals.com
THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to
the company and there is no assurance that the actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information
may be identified by such terms as "anticipates," "believes," "targets," "estimates," "plans," "expects," "may," "will," "could" or "would."
Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the
estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and
amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals,
environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-
looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as
actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking
statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
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