Aya Gold & Silver Announces At-Depth High-Grade Results Including New Mineralized Zone Within Rhyolite at Zgounder
PRESS RELEASE
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Aya Gold & Silver Announces At-Depth High-Grade Results Including New
Mineralized Zone Within Rhyolite at Zgounder
Montreal, Quebec, March 5, 2024 - Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX: AYA; OTCQX: AYASF) (“Aya” or the
“Corporation”) is pleased to announce high-grade silver drill results from its at-depth drill exploration
program at the Zgounder Silver Mine in the Kingdom of Morocco.
Key Highlights (all intersections are in core lengths)
o From surface, diamond drill hole (“DDH”) ZG-23-60 intercepted 347 grams per tonne (“g/t”) silver
(“Ag”) over 12.5 meters (“m”) including 1.0m at 2,504 g/t Ag; and ZG-24-70 intercepted
718 g/t Ag over 4.5m
o In the Central Zone from the 1,950m level:
o hole ZG-SF-23-084 intercepted 1,089 g/t Ag over 13.5m, including 1,700 g/t Ag over 7.5m
and 4,469 g/t Ag over 4.5m inside the rhyolite near the granite contact
o hole ZG-SF-23-092 intercepted 322 g/t Ag over 17.6m, including 1,877 g/t Ag over 1.5m
inside the rhyolite near the granite contact
o In the Central Zone from the 1,975m level:
o hole TD28-24-1975-013 intercepted 1,081 g/t Ag over 6.0m
o In the Eastern Zone from the 2,050m level:
o hole DZG-SF-24-004 intercepted 1,489 g/t Ag over 5.0m, including 3,363 g/t Ag over 2.0m
o hole DZG-SF-24-007 intercepted 2,511 g/t Ag over 4.0m, including 18,760 g/t Ag over
0.5m
o In the Eastern Zone from the 2,125m level:
o hole YAKD-24-2125-004 intercepted 677 g/t Ag over 10.8m, including 1,586 g/t Ag over
3.6m
“Today’s drilling results including holes ZG-SF-23-084 and ZG-SF-23-092 continue to confirm high-grade
silver mineralization near the granite contact,” said Benoit La Salle, President & CEO. “Notably, the latter
results are hosted within the rhyolite, which was previously believed to be barren, opening a new area for
exploration. Four underground rigs are now mobilized with the objective of expanding mineral resources
at depth and delivering value for all stakeholders.”
2024 Exploration Results
Results received since end January 2024 (Table 1 and Appendix 1) confirm the high grade of Zgounder
mineralization at depth near the granite contact (Figure 1). Holes ZG-SF-23-084 and ZG-SF-23-092 both
returned native silver mineralization within the rhyolitic unit (Figure 2), highlighting a very rare case of
mineralization in this unit. Previous known mineralized intervals in rhyolite were small and always
associated with breccias. The geological implication of “typical” Zgounder fractures filled with native
silver mineralization in relatively fresh rhyolite remains unknown but offers new potential to increase the
global mineralized envelope. Typically, before 2023, rhyolitic units were not sampled. All historical
rhyolite intervals are currently being sampled, with priority to historical holes in the vicinity of the recent
drill results.
Included in this release are results for 113 holes, which include 52 underground DDH, 19 surface DDH, 40
T28 and 2 YAK holes (T28 and YAK: percussion drilling using an air-compressed hammer). For a full
summary of today’s results, refer to Appendix 1.
Table 1 – Significant Intercepts from Drilling at Zgounder (core lengths)
HOLE ID From To Ag (g/t) Length
(m)* Ag x width
Surface DDH
ZG-23-60 54.5 67.0 347 12.5 4,339
Including 62.0 63.0 2,504 1.0 2,504
ZG-23-62 4.5 11.0 417 6.5 2,711
ZG-24-70 58.5 63.0 718 4.5 3,231
Underground DDH
ZG-SF-23-084 133.5 147.0 1,089 13.5 14,706
Including 136.5 144.0 1,700 7.5 12,753
ZG-SF-23-084 163.5 168.0 4,469 4.5 20,109
ZG-SF-24-088 28.5 36.0 434 7.5 3,254
ZG-SF-24-092 76.5 94.1 322 17.6 5,670
Including 87.6 89.1 1,877 1.5 2,816
ZG-SF-24-093 62.0 65.0 1,202 3.0 3,606
DZG-SF-23-313 61.5 75.5 251 14.0 3,512
DZG-SF-23-315 48.5 51.5 1,435 3.0 4,305
DZG-SF-23-315 57.5 71.0 351 13.5 4,744
DZG-SF-23-319 60.5 75.5 293 15.0 4,395
DZG-SF-24-004 88.5 93.5 1,489 5.0 7,446
Including 88.5 90.5 3,363 2.0 6,726
DZG-SF-24-007 88.5 92.5 2,511 4.0 10,043
Including 89.0 89.5 18,760 0.5 9,380
DZG-SF-24-010 13.5 21.0 689 7.5 5,166
Underground T28
TD28-24-1975-013 0.0 6.0 1,081 6.0 6,486
Including 0.0 2.4 2,510 2.4 6,023
TD28-24-1975-015 19.2 26.4 354 7.2 2,551
TD28-24-1975-018 13.2 20.4 428 7.2 3,084
TD28-24-2030-011 16.8 18.0 2,727 1.2 3,272
Underground YAK
YAKD-24-2125-004 0.0 10.8 677 10.8 7,309
Including 3.6 7.2 1,586 3.6 5,708
1 Holes were drilled at various angles; true widths are not known at this time.
2 All assay results are above the cut-off grade of 75 g/t Ag.
Figure 1: Location of Drill Results at Zgounder
Figure 2: Native Silver Mineralization in Rhyolite
Quality Assurance
For core drilling, all individual samples represent approximately one meter in length of core, which is
halved. Half of the core is kept on site for reference, and its counterpart is sent for preparation and
assaying to African Laboratory for Mining and Environment (“Afrilab”) in Marrakech, Morocco. All
samples are analyzed for silver, copper, iron, lead, and zinc using Aqua regia and finished by atomic
absorption spectroscopy (“AAS”). Samples grading above 200 g/t Ag are reanalyzed using fire assaying.
For definition drilling using T28 drilling equipment, all individual samples represent 1.2m in length.
Samples are assayed at either the Zgounder Mine laboratory or at Afrilab. At Afrilab, all samples are
analyzed for silver, copper, iron, lead, and zinc using Aqua regia and finished by AAS. Samples grading
above 200 g/t Ag are reanalyzed using fire assaying. At ZMSM, all samples are analyzed for silver only
using Aqua regia and finished by AAS. Rigorous quality controls (QaQc) are applied at both locations.
David Lalonde, B.Sc. P. Geo, Head of Exploration, is Aya Gold & Silver’s Qualified Person and has reviewed
this press release for accuracy and compliance with National Instrument 43-101.
About Aya Gold & Silver Inc.
Aya Gold & Silver Inc. is a rapidly growing, Canada-based silver producer with operations in the Kingdom
of Morocco.
The only TSX-listed pure silver mining company, Aya operates the high-grade Zgounder Silver Mine and
is exploring its properties along the prospective South-Atlas Fault, several of which have hosted past-
producing mines and historical resources. Aya’s Moroccan mining assets are complemented by its Tijirit
Gold Project in Mauritania, which is being advanced to feasibility.
Aya’s management team has been focused on maximising shareholder value by anchoring sustainability
at the heart of its operations, governance, and financial growth plans.
For additional information, please visit Aya’s website at www.ayagoldsilver.com.
Or contact
Benoit La Salle, FCPA, MBA
President & CEO
Alex Ball
VP, Corporate Development & IR
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the
meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”), which reflects management’s
expectations regarding Aya’s future growth and business prospects (including the timing and
development of new deposits and the success of exploration activities) and other opportunities.
Wherever possible, words such as “validate”, “confirm”, “significant”, “continue”, “objective”, “expand”, ,
and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”,
“might”, “will”, or are “likely” to be taken, occur or be achieved, have been used to identify such forward-
looking information. Specific forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited
to, statements and information with respect to the exploration and development potential of Zgounder in
particular the nature of the deposit as it hits the granite and the continuation of down-plunge extensions,
the conversion of Inferred Mineral Resources into Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources and future
opportunities for enhancing development at Zgounder including the possible expansion of the mineral
resource at depth. Although the forward-looking information contained in this press release reflect
management’s current beliefs based upon information currently available to management and based
upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Aya cannot be certain that actual results
will be consistent with such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements are based
upon assumptions, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current
conditions, and its expectations of future developments that management believe to be reasonable and
relevant but that may prove to be incorrect. These assumptions include, among other things, the ability
to obtain any requisite governmental approvals, obtaining regulatory permits for on site work, importing
goods and machinery and employment permits, the accuracy of Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource
Estimates (including, but not limited to, ore tonnage and ore grade estimates), the price of silver, the price
of gold, exchange rates, fuel and energy costs, future economic conditions, anticipated future estimates
of free cash flow, and courses of action. Aya cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such
forward-looking statements.
The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: the
inherent risks involved in exploration and development of mineral properties, including government
approvals and permitting, changes in economic conditions, changes in the worldwide price of silver gold
and other key inputs, changes in mine plans (including, but not limited to, throughput and recoveries being
affected by metallurgical characteristics) and other factors, such as project execution delays, many of
which are beyond the control of Aya, as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully
described in Aya’s 2022 Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2023, and in other filings of Aya with
securities and regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Aya does not
undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these
plans, estimates, projections, beliefs, and opinions change. Nothing in this document should be
construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or sell Aya securities. All references to Aya
include its subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise.
Appendix 1 - Mineral Intercepts from Drilling at Zgounder (core lengths)
HOLE ID From To Ag (g/t) Length
(m)* Ag x width
Surface DDH
ZG-23-57 0.0 4.5 298 4.5 1,340
ZG-23-57 8.5 9.5 204 1.0 204
ZG-23-57 15.5 17.0 107 1.5 161
ZG-23-60 54.5 67.0 347 12.5 4,339
Including 62.0 63.0 2,504 1.0 2,504
ZG-23-62 4.5 11.0 417 6.5 2,711
ZG-23-62 14.0 15.5 100 1.5 150
ZG-23-62 26.0 27.0 82 1.0 82
ZG-23-64 43.5 48.0 280 4.5 1,260
ZG-23-64 71.0 72.5 390 1.5 585
ZG-23-65 0.0 3.0 187 3.0 560
ZG-23-66 0.0 9.0 248 9.0 2,228
ZG-23-66 78.5 80.0 103 1.5 155
ZG-23-67 54.0 55.5 131 1.5 197
ZG-23-68 57.5 59.0 109 1.5 164
ZG-23-68 62.0 64.5 134 2.5 335
ZG-24-70 13.5 15.0 100 1.5 150
ZG-24-70 25.5 27.0 79 1.5 118
ZG-24-70 43.5 45.0 486 1.5 729
ZG-24-70 58.5 63.0 718 4.5 3,231
ZG-24-70 73.5 78.0 290 4.5 1,305
Underground DDH
ZG-SF-23-070 62.5 63.5 139 1.0 139
ZG-SF-23-074 82.0 86.5 381 4.5 1,713
ZG-SF-23-081 22.5 25.5 244 3.0 732
ZG-SF-23-082 115.5 117.0 175 1.5 262
ZG-SF-23-083 25.0 26.5 717 1.5 1,076
ZG-SF-23-083 30.5 32.0 104 1.5 156
ZG-SF-23-083 33.5 35.0 434 1.5 651
ZG-SF-23-083 47.0 48.5 170 1.5 255
ZG-SF-23-084 133.5 147.0 1,089 13.5 14,706
Including 136.5 144.0 1,700 7.5 12,753
ZG-SF-23-084 163.5 168.0 4,469 4.5 20,109
ZG-SF-23-085 22.5 23.0 117 0.5 59
ZG-SF-23-085 30.0 32.0 131 2.0 261
ZG-SF-23-086 16.0 17.0 632 1.0 632
ZG-SF-24-088 7.5 9.0 123 1.5 185
ZG-SF-24-088 15.0 18.0 98 3.0 294
ZG-SF-24-088 28.5 36.0 434 7.5 3,254
ZG-SF-24-088 48.5 50.0 80 1.5 120
ZG-SF-24-088 117.5 120.5 250 3.0 750
ZG-SF-24-090 249.0 251.0 95 2.0 190
ZG-SF-24-090 283.4 291.5 287 8.1 2,321
ZG-SF-24-092 76.5 94.1 322 17.6 5,670
Including 87.6 89.1 1,877 1.5 2,816
ZG-SF-24-093 3.0 6.0 124 3.0 372
ZG-SF-24-093 19.5 21.0 218 1.5 327
ZG-SF-24-093 42.0 43.5 270 1.5 405
ZG-SF-24-093 55.0 57.5 374 2.5 934
ZG-SF-24-093 62.0 65.0 1,202 3.0 3,606
ZG-SF-24-093 98.5 99.5 616 1.0 616
ZG-SF-24-093 109.5 111.0 408 1.5 612
ZG-SF-24-094 100.5 102.0 209 1.5 314
ZG-SF-24-094 109.5 111.0 158 1.5 237
ZG-SF-24-094 136.0 136.5 113 0.5 57
DZG-SF-23-309 48.0 51.0 211 3.0 632
DZG-SF-23-309 60.0 61.5 1,034 1.5 1,551
DZG-SF-23-309 70.0 77.0 244 7.0 1,709
DZG-SF-23-309 84.5 86.0 324 1.5 486
DZG-SF-23-310 36.0 38.0 398 2.0 796
DZG-SF-23-313 61.5 75.5 251 14.0 3,512
Including 61.5 63.0 1,537 1.5 2,306
DZG-SF-23-315 48.5 51.5 1,435 3.0 4,305
DZG-SF-23-315 57.5 71.0 351 13.5 4,744
Including 66.5 68.5 1,037 2.0 2,073
DZG-SF-23-315 96.0 102.3 122 6.3 768
DZG-SF-23-317 34.5 36.0 472 1.5 708
DZG-SF-23-317 39.5 40.0 151 0.5 76
DZG-SF-23-317 44.0 47.0 165 3.0 495
DZG-SF-23-317 57.0 57.5 88 0.5 44