Azimut and KGHM Announce a High-Grade Nickel Discovery on the Kukamas Property, James Bay Region, Quebec 2.98% Ni, 0.32% Cu and 2.25 g/t PGE over 8.0 m and 1.10% Ni, 0.15% Cu and 1.02 g/t PGE over 9.0 m in channels
For immediate release
September 23, 2024
TSXV: AZM
OTCQX: AZMTF
Press Release
Azimut and KGHM Announce a High-Grade Nickel Discovery
on the Kukamas Property, James Bay Region, Quebec
2.98% Ni, 0.32% Cu and 2.25 g/t PGE over 8.0 m and
1.10% Ni, 0.15% Cu and 1.02 g/t PGE over 9.0 m in channels
Longueuil, Quebec – Azimut Exploration Inc. (“Azimut” or the “Company”) ( TSXV: AZM) (OTCQX: AZMTF) is
pleased to announce the discovery of a high-grade nickel zone (“Perseus”) on the Kukamas Property (the
“Property”) in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay (“James Bay”) region of Quebec. Th e prospecting discovery, which
includes significant copper and platinum group element (“PGE”) grades, is still at an early stage but provides an
exciting outlook for the project. Additional work is ongoing to further delineate the zone, including a magnetic and
electromagnetic (“EM”) ground survey. Budgeting and planning are underway to initiate a maiden drilling program.
The Perseus Zone is associated with an ultramafic volcanic unit and its features indicate a highly fertile system,
underscoring the Property’s excellent prospectivity.
• Best grades reach up to 9.35% Ni, 3.04% Cu, 3.78 g/t Pt and 8.99 g/t Pd from different sawed samples.
• Perseus is spatially linked to a north -trending string of strong EM conductor s, 2 kilometres long, which
correlates well with a strong nickel-copper-cobalt footprint in lake sediments.
• Another nickel showing discovered in 2023 on the Property is also associated with a 1 -kilometre-long
strong EM conductor (see press release of April 2, 2024).
• Other significant ultramafic bodies remain underexplored on the 41-kilometre-long Property.
Since signing a joint venture option agreement with KGHM International Ltd (“KGHM”), Azimut has carried out
significant exploration activities on Kukamas and is the operator of the partner-funded program (see press release
of December 8, 2022). The summer work program to date comprised a prospecting phase (303 grab samples and
40 channel samples) and an infill lake sediment sampling survey (215 samples). Most results are still pending and
will be disclosed once they become available.
HIGHLIGHTS (Figures 1 to 5, Photos 1 and 2)
• High-grade mineralization defines a curvilinear steeply dipping, north- to southwest-trending outcropping
zone, measuring approximately 56 metres long by up to 9 metres wide. Perseus appears open along strike and
to the east. Thick overburden surrounding the mineralized zone limited the extent of the sampling coverage.
• The r ock samples collected from the discovery outcrop comprise twenty -four (24) 1 -metre-long channel
samples from two (2) channels, each 12 metres long, and twenty (20) grab samples cut with a saw. The location
of all samples is shown in Figure 5. Channels were cut perpendicularly to the orientation of the mineralized
zone. Note that grab samples are selective by nature and unlikely to represent average grades.
Channel #1: Oriented N90o; total horizontal length of 12.0 metres, including two (2) offset samples taken 4.9 m
south of the main channel due to a local outcrop discontinuity along the main channel.
2.98% Ni, 0.32% Cu, 2.25 g/t PGE over 8.0 m (sample G435436 to sample G435431) including
3.74% Ni, 0.41% Cu and 2.82 g/t PGE over 6.0m (see details below).
Channel #2: Oriented N150o; total horizontal length of 12.0 m.
1.10% Ni, 0.15% Cu, 1.02 g/t PGE over 9.0 m (sample G435426 to sample G435417), including
1.42% Ni, 0.19% Cu, and 1.36 g/t PGE over 6.0 m (see details below).
Channel #1
Sample
ID
Weight
(kg)
Length
(m)
Ni
(%)
Cu
(%)
Co
(%)
Au
(g/t)
Pt
(g/t)
Pd
(g/t)
G435436 7.37 1.0 4.77 0.43 0.071 0.09 1.10 2.63
G435435 6.64 1.0 5.56 0.57 0.076 0.13 0.86 2.45
G435434 8.46 1.0 4.02 0.48 0.055 0.13 0.98 2.02
G435433 7.87 1.0 4.70 0.46 0.063 0.15 0.72 2.10
G435454 7.07 1.0 1.33 0.16 0.022 0.06 0.50 1.15
G435455 5.32 1.0 2.04 0.33 0.030 0.14 0.77 1.66
G435432 7.29 1.0 0.84 0.04 0.017 0.03 0.19 0.43
G435431 7.88 1.0 0.59 0.04 0.014 0.02 0.12 0.35
G435430 7.09 1.0 0.24 0.01 0.010 0.00 0.02 0.03
G435429 6.20 1.0 0.29 0.01 0.011 0.00 0.03 0.07
G435428 4.78 1.0 0.24 0.00 0.011 0.00 0.01 0.02
G435427 6.03 1.0 0.40 0.01 0.013 0.00 0.10 0.28
Channel #2
Sample
ID
Weight
(kg)
Length
(m)
Ni
(%)
Cu
(%)
Co
(%)
Au
(g/t)
Pt
(g/t)
Pd
(g/t)
G435426 7.81 1.0 0.12 0.04 0.006 0.01 0.01 0.03
G435425 6.94 1.0 0.45 0.10 0.009 0.09 0.20 0.53
G435424 7.72 1.0 0.74 0.15 0.014 0.04 0.35 0.96
G435423 8.40 1.0 1.72 0.19 0.030 0.07 0.56 1.25
G435422 7.53 1.0 1.81 0.13 0.031 0.06 0.52 1.28
G435421 7.26 1.0 1.52 0.16 0.028 0.07 0.41 0.99
G435420 5.59 1.0 1.52 0.27 0.030 0.08 0.24 0.69
G435419 6.35 1.0 1.25 0.22 0.025 0.06 0.26 0.67
G435418 7.54 1.0 0.44 0.05 0.013 0.02 0.05 0.11
G435417 7.92 1.0 0.46 0.05 0.014 0.01 0.04 0.09
G435416 5.90 1.0 0.26 0.01 0.010 0.00 0.02 0.04
G435415 7.28 1.0 0.25 0.01 0.010 0.00 0.01 0.02
Grab samples cut by saw
Sample
ID
Weight
(kg)
Ni
(%)
Cu
(%)
Co
(%)
Au
(g/t)
Pt
(g/t)
Pd
(g/t)
G435306 2.04 4.72 3.04 0.068 0.01 0.38 3.12
G435307 2.09 5.93 0.39 0.073 0.38 3.41 6.61
G435308 1.23 5.04 2.00 0.076 0.55 0.37 3.61
G435309 2.65 9.35 1.10 0.147 0.00 0.29 2.11
G435311 4.00 7.08 0.81 0.119 0.00 2.37 8.99
G435312 2.31 5.76 0.52 0.083 0.01 1.32 2.69
G435313 2.73 5.91 0.39 0.113 0.03 0.81 2.23
G435318 2.45 8.04 1.02 0.177 0.38 0.28 3.25
Sample
ID
Weight
(kg)
Ni
(%)
Cu
(%)
Co
(%)
Au
(g/t)
Pt
(g/t)
Pd
(g/t)
G435400 1.96 1.69 0.26 0.027 0.06 0.56 1.29
G435401 2.89 4.41 0.27 0.119 0.09 0.49 2.75
G435402 2.82 3.48 0.33 0.071 0.06 0.58 0.94
G435403 1.84 6.85 0.99 0.117 0.12 1.89 4.70
G435404 1.91 4.88 0.46 0.091 0.20 0.65 2.68
G435405 2.30 3.78 1.44 0.063 0.03 0.65 2.15
G435406 1.87 5.53 1.90 0.091 0.20 3.78 4.17
G435407 1.35 4.28 2.91 0.075 0.29 0.86 3.78
G435408 2.61 4.12 0.45 0.054 0.17 0.75 1.84
G435409 2.25 3.58 0.72 0.061 0.07 1.15 3.67
G435410 2.52 6.86 2.35 0.089 0.60 2.25 3.39
G435457 2.41 3.69 0.21 0.071 0.04 0.55 1.88
Four (4) samples were analyzed for other PGE metals (rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium):
Sample
ID
Rh
(ppb)
Ir
(ppb)
Os
(ppb)
Ru
(ppb)
G435306
373
165
145
1,065
G435309 185 21 10 61
G435311 69 11 3 12
G435312 210 71 58 361
Six (6) samples outside the mineralized zone yielded nickel grades of 0.24%, 0.26%, 0.24%, 0.21%, 0.20% and
0.20% (samples G435371, -372, -373, -374, -441 and -442 respectively).
• Mineralization consists of semi -massive to disseminated sulphides, mostly pentlandite, pyrrhotite and
chalcopyrite, hosted in ultramafic rocks, likely komatiitic volcanics and peridotite. The sulphide -rich
mineralization occurs as a matrix in brecciated rocks and occasionally as veinlets. The breccia seems bounded
to the west by net -textured disseminated mineralization, suggesting a west -facing sequence, which matches
the stratigraphic findings from mapping work. The breccia may correspond to an autoclastic basal breccia. The
volcanic nature of the host rocks is indicated by the fine-grained to aphanitic textures, possible pillow lavas, and
an interflow contact positioned several metres west of the mineralized zone. The curvilinear shape of the
Perseus Zone may correspond to an embayment at the base of the ultramafic flow, a shape often observed in
komatiitic nickel deposits.
• The geological and mineralization features, along with geochemical data, suggest similarities with Archean
Kambalda-type komatiitic nickel deposits (examplified by the Kambalda district, Western Australia). At Perseus,
the geochemical criteria notably include:
- High MgO contents (from 24.5% to 37.8%) in the rocks proximal to mineralization.
Based on 38 samples with nickel grades ranging from 0.3% Ni to 9.35% Ni:
- High Ni/Cu ratios (from 1.4 to 68.7; 10.3 on average); and
- High Pd/Pt ratios (from 1.10 to 11.82; 3.36 on average).
• Exploration impact of the Perseus discovery at the property scale
- The Perseus Zone correlates well with a strong, north-trending string of EM conductors, 2 kilometres long,
highlighting the project’s significant exploration upside. This entire area is marked by a strong lake
sediment footprint characterized by nickel (up to 188 ppm), copper (up to 114 ppm) and cobalt (up to
28.2 ppm). Ultramafic units have been mapped in thi s part of the Property but are still poorly defined and
underexplored. About 130 metres south of the zone, a grab sample in an ultramafic unit on stri ke with
Perseus returned 0.44% Ni.
- A nickel showing (up to 1.36% Ni, 0.12% Cu and 0.89 g/t PGE in grabs), discovered 3.8 kilometres south
of Perseus in 2023, correlates with a strong, east-west striking, 1 kilometre-long EM conductor.
- Other ultramafic bodies still need to be assessed on the East and West blocks. On the East block, at least
five distinct ultramafic units have been mapped with a cumulative length of 7 kilometres within an area
measuring 3.5 kilometres by 4.0 kilometres.
• Steps leading to the discovery
- 2019: Azimut acquired Kukamas following the Company’s predictive mineral potential modeling for copper
at the James Bay-scale (over 176,300 km²) . The Property displayed one of the strongest footprints for
copper in the region.
- 2022: Azimut’s potential modelling for nickel, also at the scale of the James Bay region, identified multiple
nickel targets on the Property. The Company signed an option agreement with KGHM.
- 2023: A heliborne high -resolution magnetic and VTEM TMPlus survey was flown over the entire project
(3,199 line-km). Specific nickel targets were delineated by combining EM, magnetic, and lake sediment
geochemical footprints. A follow -up prospecting phase resulted in the discovery of a nickel -copper-PGE
showing in the southern part of the East block.
- 2024: A new prospecting phase led to the discovery of the Perseus Zone.
Geophysics Contract, Analytical Protocols
Géophysique TMC of Val-d’Or (Québec) was contracted to perform a ground DeepEM survey using the Fluxgate
method to cover the Perseus Zone and its potential extensions. This approach can detect EM conductors to a
depth of 300 to 400 metres. A ground magnetic survey will cover the same area.
Rock samples were sent to ALS Laboratories in Val-d’Or. Samples were analyzed for a 48-element suite by 4-acid
digestion and ICP-MS finish, and fire assay and ICP-AES finish for gold, platinum and palladium. Overlimit nickel
and copper assays (10,000 ppm) were reanalyzed using 4-acid digestion and ICP-AES finish. Four (4) selected
samples were analyzed for the full suite of platinum group elements (Pt, Pd, Ir, Os, Rh, Ru) using fire assay with
an ICP-MS finish.
About the Kukamas Property
The Property covers a 41-kilometre cumulative strike length and comprises 537 mining claims in two claim blocks
covering 272.5 km 2. The project benefits from major infrastructure, including high -voltage power lines, and its
location 4 kilometres north of the all-weather Trans-Taiga Road and the La Grande-3 airstrip (near the La Grande-
3 hydroelectric generating station). The closest town is Radisson, 80 kilometres to the west-northwest.
James Bay-Scale Predictive Modelling for Nickel
The Perseus discovery at Kukamas and the W1 discovery on the Wapatik Property (see press release of April
24, 2023) help validate Azimut’s regional-scale predictive modelling for nickel. Both discoveries correspond to
areas of interest identified by the modelling work. This approach was also used to identify numerous new targets
elsewhere in the region, which were collectively grouped under the Company's wholly -owned James Bay Nickel
Project (3,608 claims, 109 claim blocks, about 200 distinct targets).
Qualified Person
Dr. Jean-Marc Lulin (P.Geo.) prepared this press release as Azimut’s qualified person within the meaning of
National Instrument 43-101. Rock Lefrançois (P.Geo.), Vice President of Exploration, also reviewed the content
of this press release.
About KGHM International
KGHM International is a subsidiary of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A, a Polish corporation that has been a major copper
and silver producer for more than 60 years, with mining projects in Europe, North America and South America.
Under the option agreement, KGHM can acquire an initial 50% interest in the Property from Azimut by funding
work expenditures for a total of $5.0 million over four years. KGHM has a second option to earn an additional 20%
interest according to certain terms and conditions which include deliv ering a preliminary economic analysis and
incurring work expenditures of at least $4.2 million over three years (see press release of December 8, 2022).
About Azimut
Azimut is a leading mineral exploration company with a solid reputation for target generation and partnership
development. The Company holds the largest mineral exploration portfolio in Quebec. Its wholly owned flagship
project, the Elmer Gold Project, is at the resource stage (311,200 oz Indicated; 513,900 oz Inferred*) and has
a strong exploration upside. Azimut is also advancing a significant lithium discovery on the Galinée Property
(a joint venture with SOQUEM). The Company controls strategic land posi tions in the province for copper -gold,
nickel and lithium.
Azimut uses a pioneering approach to big data analytics (the proprietary AZtechMine™ expert system) enhanced
by extensive exploration know-how. The Company’s competitive edge is based on systematic regional-scale data
analysis. Azimut maintains rigorous financial discipline and a strong balance sheet, with 85.6 million shares issued
and outstanding.
Contact and Information
Jean-Marc Lulin, President and CEO
Tel.: (450) 646-3015 – Fax: (450) 646-3045
Jonathan Rosset, Vice President Corporate Development
Tel: (604) 202-7531
[email protected] www.azimut-exploration.com
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements. This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the
Company’s current expectations regarding future events related to the drilling results from the Kukamas Property. To the exte nt
that any statements in this press release contain information that is not historical, the statements are essentially forward -looking
and are often identified by words such as “consider”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “estimate”, “intend”, “project”, “plan”, “pot ential”,
“suggest” and “believe”. The forward -looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Many factors could cause such
differences, particularly volatility and sensitivity to market metal prices, the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates
and interest rates, imprecision in reserve estimates, recoveries of gold and other metals, environmental risks including increased
regulatory burdens, unexpected geological conditions, adverse mining conditions, community and non-governmental organization
actions, changes in government regulations and policies, including laws and policies, global outbreaks of infectious diseases,
including COVID -19, and failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities, as well as other
development and operating risks. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements
are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this document. The
Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward -looking statement, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, other than as required to do so by applicable securities laws. The reader is directe d to
carefully review the detailed risk discussion in our most recent Annual Report filed on SEDAR+ for a fuller understanding of the
risks and uncertainties that affect the Company’s business. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider
(as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsi bility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
* Technical Report and Initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the Patwon Deposit, Elmer Property, Quebec, Canada ”, prepared by: Martin Perron,
P.Eng., Chafana Hamed Sako, P.Geo., Vincent Nadeau-Benoit, P.Geo. and Simon Boudreau, P.Eng. of InnovExplo Inc.and dated January 4, 2024.