K92 Mining Exploration Update - Blue Lake Porphyry Prospect
Suite 488 – 1090 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6E 3V7
Telephone: +1 (604) 687-7130
Facsimile: +1 (604) 608-9110
NEWS RELEASE
K92 MINING EXPLORATION UPDATE - BLUE LAKE PORPHYRY PROSPECT
• All planned holes in Phase 1 diamond drill program completed, for a total of 3,451.2
metres, with multiple holes ending in porphyry mineralization.
• Three porphyry consultant reports completed on Blue Lake in 3Q19 . Reports were
completed by Applied Petrologic Services and Research (Wanaka, New Zealand);
Plus Minerals Consultants (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia), and; porphyry consultant Greg
Corbett (Sydney, Australia). The work included a detailed assessment of drill core
and surface exposures, including comprehensive petrological studies, spectrometer
alteration mapping and geochemical/structural modelling.
• Expansive gold-copper mineralized shell identified, beneath prominent advanced
argillic lithocap.
• Multiple vectors indicative of a higher-grade porphyry deposit at depth. Documented
potassic alteration, which commonly is associated with the highest -gold-copper
grades in mineralized porphyry systems , in the lower portion of KTDD0001 and
KTDD0006. The po tassic alteration is only represented by patchy biotite in
KTDD0001 and KTDD0006 , which implies that a greater proportion of potassic
mineral assemblages, and potentially associated gold -copper mineralization, might
occur at depth.
• New drill program, including deeper, targeted drilling to commence early in 2020.
Vancouver, B ritish Columbia . December 19, 2019 - K92 Mining Inc. (“K92” or the
“Company”) (TSXV: KNT; OTCQB: KNTNF) is pleased to provide an update on exploration
at the Blue Lake Porphyry Prospect (Kotampa Project) located approximately 4 kms southwest of
the Company’s Kora deposit at the Kainantu gold mine in Papua New Guinea (see Figure 1).
K92 has now completed all ten planned drilled holes along a prescribed section at Blue Lake, with
the objective to identify vectors towards porphyry mineralization.
The drilling confirms the presence of a large gold-copper mineralized porphyry system, where an
advanced argillic lithocap overlies extensive prograde porphyry style alteration and mineralization.
The fence, mostly drilled at 200m spacing, returned significant gold/copper intercepts in several
holes and the width of the mineralized halo (c. 0.2% Cu) is interpreted to be approximately 800m
in diameter.
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A detailed assessment of the drill core and surface exposures was undertaken by consultants, both
on site and externally, including comprehensive petrological studies, spectrometer alteration
mapping and geochemical/structural modelling. All appraisals collectively support the Company’s
recognition of a major intrusive complex at the Blue Lake Prospect, constituting the root of a flow-
banded, fractured dacite dome cut by hydrothermal breccias and late mineral porphyritic dacite
dykes trending north-east. Intense, layered advanced argillic alteration extends down (c. 300m) to
approximately 1300 m elevation. Beneath the lithocap, prograde alteration (predominately
propylitic and phyllic assemblages of magnetite -chlorite-epidote-sericite), is distinctly zoned.
Porphyry stockwork quartz veins are common, increasing in intensity with depth in each of the
drill holes.
An abundance of porphyry features, including gold-copper mineralization, suggests that a quality
target may occur at an accessible depth. Consequently, a further drill campaign scheduled to
commence in 2020 Q1 will aim to delineate the lateral extent of the gold-copper mineralized shell
at shallow to moderate levels, before embarking on a series of deeper holes targeting the inferred
higher grade porphyry core.
Chris Muller, K92 Vice President Exploration, state d, “The Blue Lake porphyry system is
demonstrated to be substantially large and fertile, with an impressive proliferation of overprinting
hydrothermal alteration and characteristic porphyry stockwork quartz /sulphide veins, as well as
disseminated mineralization. Multiple vectors identified suggest the presence of a higher grade
core at depth, which will be targeted in a follow-up program entailing additional fences of holes,
together with deeper, targeted drilling.”
Blue Lake (Kotampa Project) Background
Surficial Au-Ag-Cu mineralization, associated with enargite-bearing breccia and vuggy silica, was
identified by K92 geologists in the Blue Lake area (EL470) during September 2017. Detailed
mapping and sampling ensued, with the identification of a large (1.2 x 0.8 km) coincident Au-Cu
soil geochemical anomaly. D rilling commenc ed in January 2019 and th e first drill hole,
KTDD0001, returned an open-ended intercept of 174.6m @ 0.28 g/t Au, 0.22 % Cu, from 259.3m
and was terminated in mineralization at 433.9m (see March 27, 2019 Press Release - K92 Mining
Exploration Update – Blue Lake Porphyry Prospect).
An initial six hole program (including one hole off section), with hole depths of 400 – 600m depth,
was planned to be drilled in a fence across the prospect, through the centre of the primary
geochemical anomaly, on 200m centre s. Three additional short holes targeted shall ow gold
mineralization in the lithocap. The objective of the program was to characteriz e the hypogene
mineral assemblages, multi -element grade shells and structures , in order to build a geological
model that would assist in locating the conceptual core of the porphyry.
Commensurate with the completion of the drill hole fence, in October 2019, petrological analysis
of 37 drill core samples was undertaken by Applied Petrologic Services and Research (Wanaka,
New Zealand). Plus Minerals Consultants (Ulaan baatar, Mongolia) analysed all ten drill holes
(3,147 metre point measurements), 531 rock chips, and 83 coarse reject trench samples from Blue
Lake Prospect, by Short Wave Infra -red (SWIR) alteration mapping, using a TerraSpec Hi-Res
Spectrometer. The main aim was to interpret the geology and alteration zonation of advanced
argillic rocks with associated Au -enargite mineralization and provide vectors to target deeper
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porphyry Cu-Au mineralization. All Blue Lake Prospect drill core and multiple outcrops were also
investigated by porphyry consultant Greg Corbett (Sydney, Australia).
Findings of these separate investigations are outlined in this news release and data has been used
to plan the next program of drilling at Blue Lake Porphyry Prospect.
Results of Drilling Program
A total of ten diamond drill holes were completed at Blue Lake , three (KTDD0002, KTDD0003,
KTDD0004) of which were short (c. 50m length) holes and another (KTDD0005) which failed
well before target depth, being re -drilled as KTD D0006. Results from h oles KTDD0001 to
KTDD0007, were previously reported (see March 27, 2019 Press Release - K92 Mining
Exploration Update – Blue Lake Porphyry Prospect, and; June 18, 2019 Press Release - K92
Mining Exploration Update – Blue Lake Porphyry Prospect). Table 1 details the hole parameters.
Several significant gold and gold -copper intercepts were yielded, as outlined in Table 2 and
depicted in Fig. 3.
Table 1. Blue Lake Hole Parameters
Hole_ID
Easting
(AGD66)
Northing
(AGD66) mRL
Bearing
(AMG)
Bearing
(Magnetic) Inclination
Depth
(m)
KTDD0001 371391 9316122 1639 120 115 -60 433.9
KTDD0002 371391 9316122 1639 120 115 -75 51
KTDD0003 371391 9316122 1639 120 115 -90 51
KTDD0004 371391 9316122 1639 120 115 -50 50.8
KTDD0005 371254 9316057 1746 120 115 -55 106.0
KTDD0006 371254 9316057 1746 120 115 -60 604.6
KTDD0007 371235 9316275 1563 128 123 -60 493.3
KTDD0008 371568 9316011 1692 128 123 -60 514.4
KTDD0009 371072 9316391 1476 128 123 -60 546.10
KTDD0010 370931 9316509 1487 133 128 -60 600.10
Table 2. Blue Lake – Significant Intercepts
Hole_ID From
(m)
To
(m)
Interval
(m) Gold g/t Silver
g/t
Copper
%
Gold
Equivalent g/t Comments
KTDD0001 5.0 20.0 15.0 0.63 4 0.02 0.7126
KTDD0001 259.3 433.9 174.6 0.28 2 0.22 0.6426 Ended in Mineralization
KTDD0002 7.0 22.0 15.0 1.17 3 0.03 1.2549 ~50m hole testing lithocap
KTDD0003 8.0 20.0 12.0 0.44 1 0.06 0.5448 ~50m hole testing lithocap
KTDD0004 6.9 31.1 24.2 0.48 3 0.03 0.5649 ~50m hole testing lithocap
KTDD0006 385.0 604.6 219.6 0.16 1 0.11 0.3413 Ended in Mineralization
including 456.9 519.9 63.0 0.27 1 0.16 0.5278
including 596.0 604.6 8.6 0.38 1 0.22 0.7296
KTDD0007 190.0 493.3 303.3 0.22 2 0.14 0.4602 Ended in Mineralization
including 328.0 493.3 165.3 0.22 2 0.21 0.5673
KTDD0009 428.0 471.8 43.8 0.04 2 0.40 0.6689 Ended in Mineralization
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Prospect Geology
Host rocks in the Blue Lake Prospect area are dominated by mid Miocene (18 -7 my) Akuna
granodiorite. A voluminous f low-banded porphyritic dacite cropping out extensively at surface
and intersected in the upper parts of KTDD00 01, KTDD0006 and KTDD0008 (Figs 2, 4) is
interpreted as a possible dacitic dome (Pdac ). Several generations of later north-east trending
porphyritic dacite dykes are present within this dome complex.
Milled breccias, typical of phreatomagmatic or diatreme breccia pipes , are associated with the
dacite intrusions at Blue Lake Prospect (Fig. 4). Such breccias would have provided permeability
for enhanced fluid flow as an aid to development of the extensive advanced argillic lithocap. There
is likely a component of structural control to the acid altered lithocap, with a number of major
structures mapped at surface and recognized in drill core within the dacite dome.
Pebble dykes, typical porphyry related features, are present at intervals in Blue Lake drill core and
are commonly used as vectors towards increasing gold -copper mineralization. Shingle breccias,
characterised by stacked tabular clasts with variably massive sulphide matrix, were intersected
over broad intervals in holes KT DD0009 (Fig. 6e) and KTDD0010. These are interpreted to
represent a lens shaped body, formed by collapse following the escape of volatiles from underlying
magmatic source rocks. They are thus also considered important mineralized porphyry features.
Metasomatism/Hydrothermal Alteration
Hydrothermal alteration at the Blue Lake Prospect is genetically related to the (7-9 my) Elandora
porphyry dacite intrusions and associated milled matrix (phreatomagmatic) breccias, which in drill
core are overprinted by enargite-pyrite vein-breccias in steep dipping structures (Corbett, 2019).
The lithocap of advanced argillic alteration is described in detail by Kavalieris and Bat -Erdene
(2019) as a horizontal hilltop remnant of silica -alunite grading down to pyrophyllite-dickite and
kaolinite mineral assemblages (Fig. 5). The Blue Lake lithocap, based on currently known samples
is moderately to deeply eroded, and characterized by pyrophyllite -diaspore overprinting
paragonite-muscovite (sericite), and cu t by vuggy silica and alunite-pyrite-enargite feeder zones
as narrow veins and hydrothermal breccias. Therefore, this type of alteration is typical of high
sulphidation epithermal gold deposits.
Alunite is primarily K-rich but includes some Na-alunite (Kavalieris and Bat-Erdene, 2019). The
coarse crystalline alunite in vugs and veins associated with pyrite -enargite is undoubtedly
magmatic hydrothermal (hypogene). Na -alunite may reflect higher temperature magmatic -
hydrothermal fluids ( Kavalieris and Bat -Erdene, 2019 ) and indicate proximity to the porphyry
source.
Other characteristic minerals identified in the Blue Lake lithocap include topaz, dumortierite,
lazulite, dickite, nacrite and kaolinite, with the latter three minerals representing a low temperature
overprint. Deep anhydrite (gypsum line) encountered commonly in Blue Lake drill holes is also
likely to be due to late descending acid sulfate fluids (Kavalieris and Bat-Erdene, 2019).
Silica-sericite-pyrite (phyllic) alteration (Fig. 6c) is prevalent as pervasive alteration and as
selvages to veins.
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Prograde mineral assemblages, pervasive beneath and surrounding the lithocap, are dominated by
propylitic chlorite -magnetite-epidote and rare actinolite, with variable additional pyrite -
chalcopyrite. Abundant magnetite is considered an important directly porphyry -related feature,
where it is invariably associated with anomalous gold -copper, and occurs as disseminated
replacement of primary mafic minerals, magnetite-pyrite-chalcopyrite fracture fill and larger lode-
like veins as well as magnetite matrix breccias.
Potassic alteration is represented , with certainty, only by patchy biotite in the lower reaches of
KTDD0001 and KTDD0006, both of which ended in mineralization.
Mineralization
Enargite-pyrite veins and breccia fill, typical of high sulphidation epithermal Au -Ag
mineralization, is recogni zed at the surface as narrow veins and within narrow structurally
controlled zones of high sulphidation epithermal Au mineralization within the advanced argillic
lithocap. The pyrite-enargite feeder zones are linked to underlying porphyry Cu-Au mineralization
and are an important exploration guide (Kavalieris and Bat-Erdene, 2019).
Quartz-sulphide veins, typical of porphyry and wall rock settings, include well-developed B veins,
characterised by sulphide filled centres and sericite selvages, as well as wal l rock hosted D veins
(pyrite center, minor quartz, sericite selvage) and rare A veins (Corbett, 2019). Quartz-magnetite
veins and lodes (Fig. 6a, b, d), with variable quantities of pyrite, chalcopyrite and hematite occur
with high frequency in drill holes KTDD0001, KTDD0006 and KTDD0007. Chalcopyrite, bornite
and molybdenite occur both in veins and as disseminations. Within shingle breccias, a paragenetic
succession of sulphides (pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, chalcocite, covellite and enargite) commonly
fill voids between the tabular clasts (Fig. 6f).
Where observed (KTDD0006, 548.0m), native gold is enclosed by chalcopyrite intergrown with
bornite, K -feldspar and minor amounts of granoblastic quartz of magmatic -
hydrothermal/porphyry-style (Coote, 2019).
Vectors to Porphyry Core
Many features throughout the Blue Lake drill intercepts are typical of those expected in a porphyry
environment marginal to a speculated buried intrusion source (Corbett, 2019). Certain physical
and chemical attributes of these features may provide information on the cooling directions and
thus the inverse direction of the source fluid.
Zoned mineral assemblages within the lithocap, dominated by pyrophyllite -diaspore, underlying
mainly silica-alunite alteration, indicate that the deeper roots of the original lithocap are already
exposed. For exploration of the causative mineralized porphyry, this is considered positively since
the top of the system should be closer to surface and therefore readily accessible by drilling.
Quartz-sulphide vein style and density show vectors towards the centre of the drilled section (i.e.,
proximal to, or beneath KTDD0001, KTDD0006 and KTDD0007), with B veins (occasionally
also A veins) predominating in those drill holes, whereas D veins (generally considered more distal
to a source) are widespread. Notably, the stockwork vein density increases towards the lower
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reaches of KTDD0001, KTDD0006 and KTDD0007. It is anticipated that the quartz veins, which
contain much of the already recognized gold -copper mineralization at Blue Lake, would
potentially increase in intensity with depth beneath the limit of the drilling to date.
Porphyry systems typical exhibit a n inward zonation from FeMg -chlorite to Mg -chlorite.
Therefore chlorite provides a vector towards the core of the porphyry system at Blue Lake. Chlorite
compositions vary from Mg -chlorite to Fe-chlorite, with most s amples classified as intermediate
(FeMg) (Kavalieris and Bat-Erdene (2019). In drill core, Mg-chlorite mainly occurs in the bottom
of KTDD0001 and KTDD0006, thus presenting a further vector towards the porphyry core.
Potassic alteration , commonly associat ed with the highest gold -copper grades in mineralized
porphyry systems, is represented only by patchy biotite in the lower reaches of KTDD0001 and
KTDD0006. This implies that a greater proportion of potassic mineral assemblages, and
potentially associated gold-copper mineralization, might occur at depth beneath these drill holes.
Future Program
Extensive evidence of porphyry style alteration and gold -copper mineralization revealed by the
recently completed drill program at Blue Lake warrants immediate follow-up, to better define the
shape and extent of the mineralized shell already identified, and to targe t the inferred porphyry
core.
The initial fence of drill holes at Blue Lake has shown extensive mineralization in the centre of
the section (KTDD0001, KTDD0006, KTDD0007), which could be tested at depth with the
compelling information at hand. However, the deeper program would likely be more successful
with additional data from similar sections designed at 200m either side of the existing section.
Such a scope of work is planned for execution early in 2020, including deeper drilling.
References
Kavalieris, I., Bat-Erdene, K. 2019. SWIR Spectrometer Alteration of the Blue Lake Project. Plus
Minerals internal unpublished report. 26 pps.
Corbett, G. 2019. Comments on the exploration potential of the Blue Lake Prospect, Bilimoia,
Papua New Guinea. Internal unpublished report. 29 pps.
Coote, A. 2019. Petrologic Studies of Drill Core from KTDD001, KTDD006, KTDD007 &
KTDD008, Blue Lake Project, Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea. Internal unpublished
report. 60 pps.
K92 Vice President Exploration, Mr. Chris Muller, PGeo, a Qualified Person u nder the meaning
of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and
is responsible for the technical content of this news release. Data verification by Mr. Muller
includes significant time onsite reviewing drill core, soil and outcrop sampling, artisanal workings,
as well as discussing work programs and results with geology personnel and external consultants.
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About K92 Mining
K92 Mining is currently engaged in the production of gold, copper and silver from the Kora/Kora
North deposit from the Kainantu Gold Mine in Papua New Guinea, as well as exploration and
development of mineral deposits in the immediate vicinity of the mine. The Company declared
commercial production from Kainantu in February 2018 and announced planned expansion of the
mine in March 2019. An updated Preliminary Economic Assessment on the property was
published in January 2019.
ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY,
John Lewins
Chief Executive Officer and Director
For further information, please contact the Company at +1-604-687-7130.
www.k92mining.com
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(AS THAT TERM IS DEF INED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCH ANGE)
ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news
release includes certain “forward -looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities
legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and
assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks,
uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ
materially from those expressed or implied by such forward -looking statements. All statements
that address future plans, activities, events, or developments that the Company believes, expects,
or anticipates will or may occur are forward-looking information, including statements regarding
the realization of the preliminary economic analysis for the Kainantu Project, expectations of
future cash flows, the proposed plant expansion, potential expansion of resources and the
generation of further drilling results which may o r may not occur. Forward -looking statements
and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among
other things, the market price of the Company’s securities, metal prices, exchange rates, 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, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated , accidents, labour
disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry,
changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, and regulations and
other matters.. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual
results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward -looking statements. The
Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward -looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required
by law.
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Figure 1. Blue Lake Porphyry Prospect Location.