Fireweed Zinc Announces Successful Ore Sorting Results for Boundary Zone Mineralization
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NEWS RELEASE
July 31, 2019 TSXV: FWZ
Fireweed Zinc Announces Successful Ore Sorting Results
for Boundary Zone Mineralization
Vancouver, British Columbia: FIREWEED ZINC LTD. (“Fireweed” or the “Company”) (TSXV: FWZ)
is pleased to announce positive results from an initial preconcentration test using state-of-the-art X-ray
Fluorescence (“XRF”) ore sorting technology on samples from the Boundary Zone at the Macmillan Pass
Zinc Project, Yukon, Canada. Boundary Zone is a discrete bulk -tonnage, advanced exploration target
located 15 kilometres northwest of the Jason zinc-lead-silver deposit.
The principal results of the XRF test are summarized below:
• Potential to upgrade the feed grade from 2.5% Zn to 5% Zn
• Rejection rate expected between 70-50%, with zinc recoveries ranging from 80% to 85%
• Mass pull* ranged from 30% to 50%. In other words, rejection fraction ranged from 70% to 50%.
• In practical terms, these results show potential to upgrade feed material from the test feed grade
of 2.5% Zn to approximately 5% Zn with recovery of 80-85% of the zinc at low cost
• The analysis in this study is based on the assumption that 25% of the feed had fines ( -12mm)
which cannot be processed in the ore sorter. The fines will bypass the sorter and combine with the
ore sorter product. The final grade of 5% Zn achieved is after combining the ore sorter product
with the fines which are assumed to have a grade of 2.5% Zn
*Mass pull is a measure of the weight percentage of material mass recov ered from the XRF sorting test
into a preconcentrate stream that would feed a downstream processing plant . The smaller the number, the
lower the throughput tonnes required in the downstream processing plant, lowering costs and tailings
production. In other words, the smaller the mass pull number the more low-grade and waste material is
rejected from the sample.
CEO Statement
Brandon Macdonald, CEO, stated “These are excellent ore sorting results that have the potential to
significantly impact the overall economics of the Macmillan Pass project. These results suggest that we
may be able to reject 50% to 7 0% of low-grade and waste rock at low cost near a potential open pit
operation at Boundary with less than 15% loss of zinc mineralization before material is transported to a
central processing plant at Tom . We have now begun the next step and moved the drill to Boundary to
both confirm and step out from historic holes , as well as obtain a two tonne sample to confirm that these
ore sorting results may be obtained on a larger scale and to provide additional material for metallurgical
testing. If the larger test is successful, we can then incorporate the benefits of an XRF ore sorting system
at Boundary into a revised PEA economic study along with upgraded information from recent drilling at
Tom, Jason and End Zones.”
Pre-Concentration Test Work Details
The ore sorting test work was carried out by Sacr é-Davey Engineering , a highly respected Canadian
engineering consultancy with a specialization in ore sorting. These test results are based on bench-scale
test work conducted at the University of British Columbia on 436 rock samples representing the range of
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variability in the litholog ies and grade distribution at Boundary Zone. These preliminary tests indicate
that it may be possible to significantly pre -concentrate the low-grade material and reduce the processing
costs at Boundary Zone with an XRF sorting system. X-Ray Transmission (XRT), electromagnetic (EM)
and dense media separation (DMS) sorting tests were also carried out but results were not as promising as
XRF.
Readers are cautioned that the sorting results reported in this news release were preliminary tests and that
additional successful test work on larger sample sizes will be required before such information may be
used in any economic study. Furthermore, no metallurgical work has yet been performed on samples from
Boundary Zo ne and it is uncertain how the geology there, which is different from the Tom and Jason
deposits, would influence metal recovery and concentrate grade, and therefore metal payability. Further
ore sorting and metallurgical test work is planned.
About XRF Ore Sorting
XRF sorting is a state-of -the-art technology that is currently used at over 50 operations across the world
including Hecla’s San Sebastian Mine in Mexico and AngloAmerican’s Mogalakwena mine in South
Africa1. Typically, it utilizes an XRF sensor to distinguish and measure surface metal abundances on rock
pieces moving on an enclosed conveyor belt unit . The XRF readings for each individual rock are then
analysed by high speed discriminating software to distinguish and flag rocks with metal values above and
below a set threshold. At the end of the conveyor belt, focussed high pressure air jets or mechanical levers
then separate the designated higher grade rock pieces for processing and reject low-grade and waste
pieces. The amenability to ore sorting depends on the material characteristics of a deposit. The Boundary
Zone samples responded positively to XRF testing because zinc values on the surfaces of individual rock
pieces correlate closely with the overall zinc assays of those rocks.
Boundary Zone Background
Boundary Zone is a bulk -tonnage zinc exploration target that occurs at surface in an area potentially
suitable for open-pit mining. Known mineralization is spread over an area almost two kilometres long and
200 to 800 metres wide . Boundary Zone has been tested with 24 historic core holes totaling over 7,250
metres of drilling. Mineralization drilled in a central area is 350 metres long and has a true thickness of up
to 2 40 metres with historic drilling grades averaging 2-2.5% Zn that includes intervals of higher grade
(see Figure 3 & Table 1). The zone has only been tested to a depth of 200 metres down dip and remains
open to depth and along trend for further exploration. The Boundary mineralization consists of sphalerite-
siderite-pyrite and minor galena in veins , stockworks, interstitial disseminations, and as replacement of
matrix and clasts within coarse clastic rocks. The Boundary Zone is located in a distinct sub-basin of Earn
Group rocks, adjacent to a majo r synsedimentary structure and contains large volumes of boulder
diamictites and strongly siderite -altered mafic volcaniclastic rocks, indicating that the basin underwent
rapid tectonic extension —a similar setting to the Tom and Jason areas. The presence of a major
synsedimentary fault system, a distinct sub -basin, volcanic rocks, abundant zinc mineralization, and
strong alteration indicate the area is host to a robust zinc mineralizing system which has been under -
explored to date.
This news release contains historic drill results that were copied from public reports written by major
companies Teck Resources Ltd and Cominco Ltd. Fireweed believes these data to be reliable but no
qualified person has carried out sufficient verification work. Fireweed considers these historical data to be
relevant in guiding planning of work programs and evaluating the potential of the Boundary Zone and is
including these data in this news release for information purposes only.
NI43-101 Qualified Persons Statement
Technical information in this news release regarding XRF has been reviewed and approved by Preetham
Nayak, P.Eng, of Sacré-Davey Engineering, an independent consultant to Fireweed Zinc and a ‘Qualified
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Person’ as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Other technical information in this news
release (not related to XRF work) has been reviewed and approved by Gilles Dessureau , P.Geo, Vice
President, Exploration and a ‘Qualified Person’ as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101.
Amendment to MAC Claims Option Agreement
The Company has signed an amendment to the option agreement on the MAC claims at Macmillan Pass.
The amendment reduces the cash payment and issues shares for the balance of the option payment due
July 24, 2019. The option payment is changed from $95,000 to $50,000 plus 95,000 shares. In all other
respects, the option agreement remains unchanged. This amendment is subject to TSX Venture Exchange
approval.
About Fireweed Zinc Ltd. (TSXV : FWZ): Fireweed Zinc is a public mineral exploration company
focused on zinc and managed by a veteran team of mining industry professionals. The Company is
advancing its district-scale 544 km2 Macmillan Pass Project in Yukon, Canada, which is host to the 100%
owned Tom and Jason zinc -lead-silver deposits with current Mineral Resources and a PEA economic
study (see Fireweed news releases dated January 10, 2018, and May 23, 2018, respectively, and reports
filed on www.sedar.com for details) as well as the Boundary Zone and End Zone which have significant
zinc-lead-silver mineralization drilled but not yet classified as mineral resources. The project also
includes option agreements on large blocks of adjacent claims (MAC, MC, MP, Jerry, BR and NS) which
cover exploration targets in the district where previous and recent work identified zinc, lead and silver
prospects, and geophysical and geochemical anomalies in prospective host geology.
Additional information about Fireweed Zinc and its Macmillan Pass Zinc Project can be found on the
Company’s website at www.FireweedZinc.com and at www.sedar.com.
ON BEHALF OF FIREWEED ZINC LTD.
“Brandon Macdonald”
CEO & Director
Neither the 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.
Cautionary Statements
This news release may contain “forward -looking” statements and information relating to the Company and the
Macmillan Pass Project that are based on the beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions made by and
information currently available to Company management. Such statements reflect the current risks, uncertainties and
assumptions related to certain factors including but not limited to, without limitations, exploration and development
risks, expenditure and financing requirements, general economic conditions, changes in financial markets, the ability
to properly and efficiently staff the Company’s operations, the sufficiency of working capital and funding for
continued operations, title matters, First Nations relations, operating hazards, political and economic factors,
competitive factors, metal prices, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulations and
oversight, permitting, seasonality and weather, technological change, industry practices, and one -time events.
Additional risks are set out in the Company’s prospectus dated May 9, 2017, and filed under the Company’s profile
on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Should any one or more risks or uncertainties materialize or change, or should any
underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and forward -looking statements may vary materially from
those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update forward‐ looking statements or forward‐ looking
information, except as required by law.
Footnotes:
1. References for commercial XRF ore sorting operations: http://radosxrf.com
https://www.hecla-mining.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/HMC-Tech-News_02-28-19.pdf
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http://www.radosxrf.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Run-of-Mine-Ore-Sorting-Proof-of-Concept-Plant-
videos-Removed-1-3.pdf
MAP 1: MACMILLAN PASS MINERALIZATION AND TARGETS
SHOWING LOCATION OF BOUNDARY ZONE
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MAP 2: BOUNDARY ZONE GEOLOGY, MINERALIZATION AND DRILL HOLES
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FIGURE 3: BOUNDARY ZONE CROSS SECTION WITH HISTORIC DRILL HOLES**
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TABLE 1: BOUNDARY ZONE HISTORIC DRILL INTERSECTION HIGHLIGHTS
Hole ID (dip, azimuth)
From (m) To (m) Interval (m) % Zn % Pb
NB-82-01
(-45, 210)
88.9 97.0 8.1 3.7
107.9 118.4 10.5 3.4
121.5 133 11.5 5.1 including 129.2 130.7 1.5 13.9 161.4 170.2 8.8 6.0 206.4 209.1 2.7 8.0 NB-82-02
(-46, 210)
100.4 106.2 5.8 3.0 119.7 122.2 2.5 3.2 201.2 212.8 11.6 4.4 244.9 247.9 3.0 4.7 NB-82-04
(-47, 214)
79.8 80.3 4.5 3.2 131.8 137.8 6.0 4.4 183.1 186.8 3.7 3.8 NB-83-05
(-45, 210)
110.0 122.0 12.0 3.3 143.0 147.5 4.5 5.8 304.0 312.8 8.8 3.6 0.2
NB-83-07
(-45, 210)
268.0 279.4 11.5 3.5 290.0 301.0 11.0 4.1 including 294.5 301.0 6.5 5.9 NB-83-08
(-45, 210)
99.5 355.0 255.5 2.5 0.3
including 110.0 234.5 124.5 3.4 0.2
including 132.5 143.0 10.5 9.9 including 191.5 210.0 18.5 6.9
including 197.0 201.5 4.5 16.4 including 222.0 234.5 12.5 2.8 1.8
including 294.0 323.5 29.5 3.5 0.5
including 317.0 323.5 6.5 8.2 0.7
NB-84-10
(-45, 210)
248.0 533.8 285.0 2.3 0.2
including 248.0 251.7 3.7 4.2 including 264.0 268.0 4.0 5.4 including 272.5 283.0 10.5 7.0 including 275.5 280.0 4.5 11.1 including 313.5 321.3 7.8 6.2 including 316.8 320.3 3.5 10.2 including 366.5 370.6 4.1 20.7 0.4
including 440.0 444.5 4.5 3.3 0.4
including 505.9 533.8 27.9 3.7 0.9
including 505.9 510.7 4.8 7.0 1.2
including 526.8 533.8 7.0 3.8 1.8
NB-89-14
(-50, 210)
84.5 148.2 63.7 2.0 including 95.0 108.0 13 3.8 including 137.7 140.7 3.0 5.7 including 147.8 148.2 0.4 19.6 221.0 222.8 1.8 28.3 227.8 229.6 0.8 12.3 252.3 254.8 2.5 28.3 0.4
267.8 268.3 0.5 6.7 2.9
NB-90-19
(-50, 210)
130.6 139.9 9.3 10.7 0.9
including 131.7 138.4 5.9 15.3 1.2
NB-90-20 101.0 185.5 84.5 2.8 0.2
including 141.5 165.0 23.5 3.3
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Hole ID (dip, azimuth)
From (m) To (m) Interval (m) % Zn % Pb
(-50, 210) including 175.5 185.5 10.0 5.4 1.5
199.0 215.0 16.0 1.5 0.5
including 207.5 215.0 7.0 4.0 3.1
261.0 268.5 7.5 4.7 0.3
NB-91-24A
(-60, 210)
96.0 125.5 29.5 3.2 including 113.5 121.0 7.5 7.1 202.5 218.5 16.0 3.8 including 209.5 217.0 7.5 7.0 NB-91-25
(-55, 210)
50.5 178.0 127.5 1.8 0.1
including 134.0 178.0 44.0 2.3 0.1
NB-91-26
(-55, 150)
96.0 100.5 4.5 1.9 117.0 395.0 278.0 2.0 including 117.0 124.5 7.5 9.2 including 147.5 152.0 4.5 10.6 including 189.5 195.5 6.0 15.4 including 279.0 288.0 9.0 4.2 0.2
373.5 408.5 35.0 1.6 0.2
Note that while some Boundary Zone drillhole locations have been verified through RTK GPS or handheld GPS,
some have been approximated through cross -referencing old maps with current satellite photos. Locations are as
follows:
Hole ID E_NAD83
UTM9_m
N_NAD83
UTM9_m
Elev_m
CGVD28
Total_Depth Azimuth Dip
NB-82-01 423472.4 7010767 1231.8 301.5 211 -45
NB-82-02 423328.5 7010523 1185.7 301.8 211 -46
NB-82-03 423201.6 7010333 1141.5 361.2 211 -46
NB-82-04 423090.1 7010119 1136.116 277.7 211 -47
NB-83-05 422758.6 7010382 1165.344 316.5 211 -45
NB-83-06 423073.7 7010840 1253 342.4 211 -45
NB-83-07 422891.5 7010593 1203.9 445.6 211 -45
NB-83-08 422390.3 7010526 1201.9 364.9 211 -45
NB-83-09 422099.4 7010780 1283 288.7 211 -45
NB-84-10 422502.9 7010693 1245.9 577.6 211 -45
NB-89-13 422450.8 7010318 1138 188.4 211 -50
NB-89-14 422559.7 7010448 1170.503 290.8 211 -50
NB-90-19 422001.5 7010764 1274 194.2 211 -50
NB-90-20 422507 7010474 1186.1 297.8 211 -50
NB-91-21 421945.2 7010824 1293 237.1 211 -55
NB-91-24A 421800.6 7010862 1312 309.4 211 -60
NB-91-25 422260.6 7010551 1210.5 205.7 211 -55
NB-91-26 422260.6 7010551 1210.5 433.4 151 -55