Element 29 Announces Initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the Elida Porphyry Copper Deposit in Peru Inferred Mineral Resource of 321.7 million tonnes grading 0.32% copper, 0.03% molybdenum and 2.6 g/t silver with a low
Element 29 Announces Initial Mineral
Resource Estimate for the Elida Porphyry
Copper Deposit in Peru
Inferred Mineral Resource of 321.7 million tonnes grading
0.32% copper, 0.03% molybdenum and 2.6 g/t silver with a low
0.74:1 strip ratio
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 27, 2022) - Element 29 Resources Inc.
(
TSXV: ECU
) (
OTCQB: EMTRF
) ("
Element 29
" or the "
Company
") announces the completion of an
initial independent Inferred Mineral Resource estimate ("
Mineral Resource
") at its Elida porphyry
copper-molybdenum deposit ("
Elida
") in west-central Peru. This Mineral Resource was completed on
just one of five porphyry centres at Elida and provides a solid foundation for future engineering studies
as well enhancement and expansion through ongoing exploration.
Elida Mineral Resource Highlights
Pit-constrained, Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 321.7 million tonnes grading 0.32% copper
(for a total of 2.24 billion pounds of contained copper) plus 0.029% molybdenum and 2.6 g/t silver,
using a 0.20% copper cut-off grade and low modeled strip ratio of 0.74:1 (waste: mineralized
material).
A near surface, higher-grade subset of the Mineral Resource consisting of 34.1 million inferred
tonnes at 0.55% copper, 0.037% molybdenum, and 4.4 g/t silver (at a cut-off grade of 0.45%
copper) has potential to be mined with minimal stripping in the initial years of mining.
Significant molybdenum and silver grades have the potential to enhance the economics of the
deposit, subject to metallurgical test work.
Steve Stakiw, Element 29's President and CEO comments, "We are very pleased with this significant
initial Mineral Resource Estimate for our Elida porphyry copper deposit. It is an impressive
accomplishment over the past year and a half and is a testament to the dedication of our team. This
major milestone for Element 29 demonstrates Elida is a large copper mineralized system along with
significant molybdenum and silver that has the potential to enhance the economics of the deposit. Our
evaluation of the Elida deposit's potential is still at an early stage and we see strong resource growth
potential given this initial mineral resource estimate covers only a portion of our Zone 1 porphyry, one of
five porphyry centres we have identified on the project for testing."
Click
HERE
to watch a short video presentation by Steve Stakiw, CEO, and Paul Johnston, Vice-
President, Exploration, discussing the highlights of today's press release.
Table 1
. Pit-constrained Inferred Mineral Resources for the Elida deposit as at September 20, 2022.
Cu
Cut-Off
(%)
Tonnes
(millions)
Cu
(%)
Contained Cu
(M lb)
Contained Cu
(tonnes)
Mo
(%)
Contained
Mo
(M lb)
Contained
Mo (tonnes)
Ag
(g/t)
Contained
Ag
(M oz)
0.10
520.8
0.255
2,927.9
1,328,057
0.026
298.5
135,410
2.15
36.0
0.15
439.4
0.278
2,692.9
1,221,456
0.028
271.2
123,024
2.31
32.7
0.20
321.7
0.316
2,241.2
1,016,568
0.029
205.7
93,293
2.61
27.0
0.25
214.9
0.363
1,719.4
779,926
0.031
146.8
66,605
2.97
20.5
0.30
143.0
0.407
1,283.4
582,150
0.033
104.1
47,201
3.31
15.2
0.35
94.7
0.449
937.9
425,415
0.034
71.0
32,214
3.65
11.1
0.40
59.7
0.493
649.1
294,423
0.036
47.4
21,499
3.99
7.7
0.45
34.1
0.547
411.7
186,736
0.037
27.8
12,631
4.40
4.8
0.50
20.1
0.599
265.4
120,396
0.038
16.8
7,638
4.76
3.1
Notes:
1
.
The effective date for the Mineral Resource is September 20, 2022.
2
.
Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability.
3
.
The CIM definitions were followed for the classification of Inferred Mineral Resources. The quantity
and grade of reported Inferred Mineral Resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and
there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Mineral Resources as an indicated
Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an
Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource category.
4
.
Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.2 g/t Cu, using a US$/CAN$ exchange rate
of 0.75 and constrained within an open pit shell optimized with the Lerchs-Grossman algorithm to
constrain the Mineral Resources with the following estimated parameters: copper price of
US$3.46/lb, US$2.00/t mining cost, US$5.00/t processing cost, US$1.40/t G+A, 87% copper
recovery, and 45° pit slope.
5
.
The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by geology, environment,
permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues.
Exploration Potential
The initial mineral resource estimate utilized widely spaced drill holes that tested a portion of the
interpreted Zone 1 mineralization surrounding a low-grade porphyry core. More drilling will be required in
the southwest and northwest sectors to completely evaluate mineral resource potential of Zone 1 (Figure
1). The Company elected to complete a mineral resource estimate at this stage to quantify the size of the
drilled portion of Zone 1 and use the three-dimensional mineralization model for future drill hole planning
to potentially expand the size of Zone 1 and upgrade Mineral Resources from Inferred to Indicated.
Higher Grades Located Close to Surface
Most of the higher-grade subset of the Mineral Resource noted in Table 1 with a 0.45% copper cut-off is
centred on mineralization intersected in the upper parts of holes ELID012, ELID014, ELID019, and
ELID025 (Figure 3). These holes demonstrate that stronger copper mineralization occurs from the
bedrock surface where this tonnage has potential to be mined with minimal stripping in the initial years of
mining.
Mineral Resource Estimation Methodology
The Mineral Resource Estimate was prepared by Mr. Marc Jutras, P.Eng., M.A.Sc., Principal, Mineral
Resources at Ginto Consulting Inc. ("Ginto Consulting"). Mr. Jutras is an Independent Qualified Person
as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101) in
accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Standards on
Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, as adopted and amended by the CIM Council.
Mineral Resources at Elida were estimated by:
Developing a geologic interpretation of copper mineralization in collaboration with the Element 29
geology team based on geologic observations from surface exposure and drill core.
Performing a statistical evaluation of the Elida drill hole database, which contained 25 diamond
drill holes of HQ and NQ diameter.
Three-dimensional modeling two mineralized domains represented by a higher copper grade
domain and a lower copper grade domain.
Integration of an accurate digital terrain model into the mineralization model.
Compositing original samples to 2 metre ("
m
") lengths.
Exploratory data analysis to understand different geometric and statistical properties of copper,
molybdenum, and silver grades.
Applying capping of high-grade outliers based on the statistical properties of the grade
populations.
Variographic analysis to spatially establish the preferred directions of grade continuity.
Grade estimation of copper, molybdenum, and silver with ordinary kriging using a strategy and
parameters tailored to account for the various geometrical, geologic, and geostatistical
characteristics identified in previous steps.
Validation of grade estimates using a set of validation tests.
Applying a pit constraint optimized using the Lerchs-Grossman algorithm.
The copper grade populations within the mineralized domains were found to be well-behaved with low
coefficients of variation (values of less than 0.6). The capping of the high-grade outliers has only had a
minor effect on the average grades and the metal content. For such, the usage of the ordinary kriging
technique with capped composited grades is believed to be an adequate strategy for the grade
interpolation process.
The validation of the copper grade estimates has shown good results from the various tests carried out.
It can be concluded that the copper grade estimates are not biased and have an adequate amount of
smoothing/variability. Therefore, it is believed that the copper grade estimates are an adequate
representation of the Mineral Resource at Elida, based on the current geologic understanding and
available data. There is good potential for additional mineral resources on the property with other
untested targets.
Future Work
The Mineral Resource announced herein was useful for indicating areas for further drilling as shown in
Figure 1. The objectives of future drilling are to resolve internal, near-surface higher grade zones and
expand the size of Zone 1, especially on the northwest and southwest edges and at depth.
Initial drill testing of the other zones will also be planned with the objective of further expanding mineral
resources within the Elida porphyry cluster (Figure 2).
The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is September 20, 2022. A NI 43-101 technical
report prepared by Ginto Consulting will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release and will
be available at that time on the Company's website.
For readers to fully understand the information in this news release they should read the technical report
in its entirety when it is available, including all qualifications, assumptions, exclusions and risks. The
technical report is intended to be read as a whole and sections should not be read or relied upon out of
context.
Analytical Quality Control & Quality Assurance
Elida Resources S.A.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of Element 29 Resources Inc., supervises drilling
and carries out sampling of HQ and NQ core. Logging and sampling are completed at a secured
Company facility situated on the Flor de Cobre project site. Sample intervals are nominally 2 m long. Drill
core is cut in half using a rotary diamond blade saw and samples are sealed on site before
transportation to the ALS Peru S.A.C. sample preparation facility in Arequipa by Company vehicles and
staff. Prepared samples are sent to Lima by ALS Peru S.A.C. for analysis. ALS Peru S.A.C. is an
independent laboratory. Samples are analyzed for 35 elements using an Aqua Regia digestion and ICP-
AES analysis (ME-ICP41). Samples reporting over limits are analyzed by Aqua Regia digestion with
ICP-AES finish (ME-OG46). ALS meets all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC
17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2015 for analytical procedures.
Element 29 employs an independent, internal quality assurance/quality control program that includes
insertion of duplicate, blank, and certified reference samples at the field site. The Company is not aware
of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of
the data reported.
Qualified Persons
The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Paul J.
Johnston (PhD, P.Geo), Vice President of Exploration for Element 29, and is a "Qualified Person" as
defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
The Mineral Resource estimate was prepared by Marc Jutras, P.Eng., M.A.Sc., of Ginto Consulting. Mr.
Jutras is independent of Element 29, as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure
for Mineral Projects.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined
in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this press release.
About Elida
Elida is a porphyry copper-molybdenum exploration project within a property composed of 28 mining
concessions totaling 19,210 hectares that are 100% owned by Elida Resources S.A.C., a Peruvian
subsidiary of Element 29. The property contains a large, 2.5 x 2.4 kilometre ("
km
") phyllic alteration
system enclosing a cluster of porphyry centres that represent five distinct exploration targets. In 2021,
Element 29 completed seven diamond drill holes totalling 4,481 m that intersected multiple, long
intervals of Cu-Mo-Ag mineralization and traced mineralization to a depth greater than 900 m.
Mineralization remains open at depth. The remaining four large targets are untested. Under the current
drill permit, the Company can elect to drill-test all identified targets.
Elida is in west-central Peru, approximately 85 km inland from the Pacific coast at moderate elevations
between 1,500 m and 2,000 m, and close to transportation and power infrastructure, including a 45
mega-watt hydroelectric generation facility situated 15 km from the project.
About Element 29 Resources Inc.
Element 29 Resources Inc. is an emerging copper exploration and development company focused on
advancing its portfolio of Peruvian projects towards development in one of the world's premier mining
jurisdictions. Element 29's growth strategy is led by our strong board and management, who have a
proven track record of discovery and delivering significant value to our shareholders.
The Company's principal objective is to explore and develop its Elida porphyry copper deposit in west-
central Peru and its Flor de Cobre porphyry copper project located in the Southern Peru Copper Belt, 26
km southeast from Freeport-McMoRan's Cerro Verde copper mine. Both projects are well located for
potential mine development and will benefit from nearby infrastructure including roads, powerlines, ports,
water, and a skilled workforce.
More information is available at
www.e29copper.com
.
For more information:
Steve Stakiw, President & CEO
1-888-246-7881
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within
the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "
Forward-looking
Statements
"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute Forward-looking
Statements. Words such as "will", "intends", "proposed" and "expects" or similar expressions are
intended to identify Forward-looking Statements. Forward looking Statements in this press release
include statements related the Company's resource properties, and the Company's plans, focus and
objectives.
Forward-looking Statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors
and assumptions. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual
results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include
uncertainties related to fluctuations in copper and other commodity prices, uncertainties inherent in the
exploration of mineral properties, the impact and progression of the COVID-19 pandemic and other risk
factors set forth in the Company's prospectus under the heading "Risk Factors". The Company
undertakes no obligation to update or revise any Forward-looking Statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time
to time, and it is not possible for Element 29 to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such
factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially
from those contained in any Forward-looking Statement. Any Forward-looking Statements contained in
this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
Figure 1.
Details of Elida Zone 1, showing areas identified for follow-up drilling, which will be designed
to better resolve copper and molybdenite grade distribution near surface and within the constraining pit
shell and more accurately define limits of mineralization particularly on the northwest and southwest
edges of Zone 1.
To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7414/138524_218b62aa9441e8d3_001full.jpg
Figure 2.
The Elida porphyry cluster showing five identified mineralized zones.
Drilling to date has
concentrated on Zone 1 and the other zones have not been drill-tested. The Company plans to test the
remaining zones with future drilling programs.
To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7414/138524_218b62aa9441e8d3_002full.jpg
Figure 3.
Section through 260050 E to illustrate the position of the constraining pit shell in relation to the
original topographic surface and the block model used for the Mineral Resource estimate. The shaded
area is the interpreted position of the low-grade quartz monzonite porphyry stock that occupies the core
of Zone. Please refer to Figure 1 for the section location.
To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7414/138524_218b62aa9441e8d3_003full.jpg
To view the source version of this press release, please visit
https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/138524