Lode Gold Identifies New High Priority RIRGS Target ''Steelhead'' at WIN, Tombstone Belt - Yukon
Lode Gold Identifies New High Priority RIRGS
Target ''Steelhead'' at WIN, Tombstone Belt -
Yukon
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2024) -
Lode Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: LOD)
(OTCQB: SBMIF) ("Lode Gold " or the "Company")
is pleased to announce that it has received and
interpreted the data from the previously announced QMAG
T
survey conducted in summer, 2024. This
news release focuses on presenting initial findings, including reporting the identification of a new high-
priority target named
"Steelhead"
extending the emerging Reduced Intrusion Related Gold System
(RIRGS) targets already identified on its WIN property. A future news release will expand on these new
findings northwards to include Lode's flagship Golden Culvert property as our geological team evaluates
a potential genetic relationship, highlighted by the new QMAG
T
data between the RIRGS mineralization
at WIN and the orogenic styles of mineralization present at Golden Culvert.
Highlights include:
Recent
QMAG
T
system geophysical results integrated with geology and historic geochemical
information has identified a new priority prospect,
"Steelhead"
,
a previously unrecognized 4km
2
area of hornfels on the eastern part of the property.
''Steelhead's"
prospectivity is enhanced by the presence of anomalous gold and bismuth results
in stream sediment samples collected from the catchment draining the new identified 4km
2
area of
hornfels.
The QMAG
T
system has successfully enhanced the detailed geology of the property and
importantly mapped the targeted Tombstone-Tungsten Cretaceous aged monzonite intrusions as
magnetic lows and related hornfels known to be prospective for RIRGS as magnetic highs or areas
with "noisy magnetic gradients".
The above adds to the initial 2023 discovery of a RIRGS style sheeted vein system with gold
values up to 8.3 g/t coincident with elevated bismuth and tellurium (
see news release dated
December 13, 2023)
hosted in hornfels on the western side of the property and named the "Border
Gold Zone".
The Border Gold Zone appears to be controlled by the Border Monzonite and manifests as a "roof
zone" above this intrusive and the host Cordierite-Biotite bearing hornfels. The magnetic data
clearly defines a 3.5km strike extension to this known mineralized hornfels zone for targeted follow
up.
Furthermore, the magnetic data defines deep structures both parallel and coincident with the
known mineralization and are thought to be important controlling structures for gold emplacement.
Buddy Doyle, VP Exploration commented that,
"
Lode Gold has leveraged the quality QMAG
T
data to
integrate the pre-existing geochemical and geological-structural data on hand to design a
targeted ground follow-up program to rapidly generate drill targets on the emerging high-
potential RIRGS Targets at WIN, adding materially to its established flagship Orogenic Golden
Culvert targets within the large, strategic property package controlled by Lode in the Yukon."
Regional Setting, The RIRGS Model and How Well the WIN Project Fits
The WIN property occurs in the southern portion of the prolific Tombstone gold belt, see Figure 1. The
Tombstone Gold Belt is the type locality for RIRGS, with Figure 2 depicting the accepted model for this
type of gold mineralization.
Figure 1:
The Tombstone Gold Belt, yellow shaded zone, gold stars show RIRGS deposits and
prospects, orange stars tungsten deposits, The black star depicts the location of our WIN project. All
are related to mid-cretaceous Intrusive suites and their associated contact hornfels aureoles. Figure
modified from the Yukon geological survey broacher 2006-6.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4064/226527_f5046f6914111af4_004full.jpg
Figure 2:
The RIRGS geological model, General plan model of RIRGS (left), note the wide range of
mineralization styles and geochemical variations that vary predictably outward from a central pluton.
Scale is dependent on the size of the exposed pluton, which is likely to range from 100 m to 5 km in
diameter. Hypothetical cross-section (right) of a small (100 m-5 km across) pluton. Of note are the
asymmetric hornfels aureole and the early-chilled and more brittle marginal carapace. Preferred sites
of intrusion-hosted Au mineralization are above the cupola, where exsolved fluids will accumulate,
and mineralized fractures developed in the pluton's apex and shoulders. Modified from
Hart, C.J.R.,
2007.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4064/226527_figure2.jpg
The RIRGS geological model in summary makes the following empirical observations:
Mineralization is associated with a reduced intrusion with the mineralization extending beyond the
limits of the intrusion, and locally beyond the thermal aureole (caused by the intrusion), yielding a
broad mineralizing system (Fig. 2). The size of the system is generally dictated by the limits of the
thermal aureole, commonly several kilometres across, but can be dependent on the depth of
erosion with the broadest and best-developed mineralization at the top of or above the pluton.
The
WIN project contains the known mapped intrusives, the northern part of the Hyland intrusive and
the eastern part of the Border Intrusive (see Figure 4) both have extensive hornfels aureoles
developed. The known sheeted quartz vein mineralization is hosted in hornfels.
A common characteristic is that the RIRGS exhibits multiple styles of mineralization. Particularly in
the thermal aureole. Chemically reactive and/or physically brittle sedimentary strata result in a
diversity of mineralization styles, whereas the causative pluton is typically dominated by solely
sheeted vein sets containing gold.
The WIN project Hyland Intrusive has been subject to
exploration for Tungsten and Molybdenum in the past with part of the Tuna Tungsten Mineral
occurrence within and next to the property's southern border. The sheeted quartz veins with gold
have been found in the roof hornfels.
RIRGS often exhibit a predictable zonation of differing deposit styles outward from the central,
mineralizing pluton (Fig. 2). Skarns and replacements are generally pluton proximal, with an
increase in structural control on more distal mineralization. There is also crustal scale vertical
zonation, with epizonal occurrences forming at shallower levels. Predictable metal signatures
develop broad-scale zoning surrounding and above a central causative pluton.
The stream, soil
and rock samples taken by Lode Gold show metal zonation.
Gold, as well as Tungsten (W), may form ore, but Au does not directly correlate with W. Bismuth
(Bi) and Tellurium (Te) are enriched in intrusion-hosted Au ores and correlate with Au. Arsenic
enrichments characterize hornfels-hosted mineralization and form regional-scale geochemical
anomalies.
On the WIN project, the sheeted veins have gold correlating strongly with Bi and Te.
The WIN and Golden Culvert projects occur in a regional zone of anomalous Arsenic in stream
sediments (see Figure 5).
Each plutonic suite has a characteristic metallogenic association. Plutons of the Tombstone
plutonic suite have alkalic compositions (syenites) and associated gold, bismuth and copper.
Plutons of the Mayo suite have metalluminous compositions (hornblende monzonites) and the
strongest gold association. Plutons of the Tungsten suite are slightly peraluminous (biotite granite)
and are associated with tungsten ± copper, zinc and molybdenum mineralization
.
Mineralized
plutons typically have associated pegmatites, aplites, miarolitic cavities and tourmaline veins,
which are all indicative of volatile saturation and development of hydrothermal phases.
The WIN
project covers part of the Hyland and Border intrusive, both are mapped as Hornblende
monzonites, the type of intrusion that has the strongest gold association. Tourmaline veins and
breccias have been noted in the Tuna mineral occurrences, within and south of the property.
Traditional exploration methods such as mapping, prospecting, and aeromagnetic, regional stream
sediment and soil geochemical surveys are all effective. Since mineralization is typically focused in
regions at the top of plutons, target areas should include locations where plutons are not exposed. These
may be detected by aeromagnetic surveys that may respond to either pyrrhotite-rich hornfels, or low
levels of magnetite in the case of the Tombstone suite alkalic intrusions. Summarized and modified from
Hart, C.J.R., 2007
.
District Geology
Figure 3:
District Geology: Lode Gold's Golden Culvert and WIN projects depicted on the regional
geology provided by the Yukon Geological Survey. Note the WIN Project is dominated by the
Proterozoic Vampire formation intruded by Cretaceous monzonites. Mineral occurrences from the
Yukon database are also shown. The WIN property contains the Hyland and Border Intrusive bodies,
these bodies are depicted in the following figures for visual reference. They are the likely source of the
mineralization.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4064/226527_figure3_enhanced.jpg
Figure 4:
Regional Arsenic in stream sediment anomaly encompasses Lode Gold’s Golden Culvert
and WIN properties. A characteristic signature of RIRGS. After Hart, C.J.R. and Lewis, L.L., 2006
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4064/226527_figure4.jpg
Figure 1 shows the regional geological setting with a belt of intrusions (the Selwyn Magmatic province)
intruding the Proterozoic-aged Selwyn sedimentary basin. Figure 3 illustrates the district geology with
both the Golden Culvert property and the WIN property being hosted in the Vampire Formation, the WIN
property covers portions of the Hyland and Border monzonite intrusives. Figure 4 demonstrates the
projects that occur in a regional arsenic anomaly a common feature of sub-districts with RIRGS within the
Tombstone gold belt. Known mineral occurrences are also shown in Figure 4, with the most advanced
being the 3 Aces orogenic gold deposit, 15km to the SSW of the WIN project being explored by
Seabridge Gold. Aben Minerals have also identified RIRGS style mineralization 18km to the SSW. The
nearest historic mineral occurrence to the WIN project is the Tuna prospect, which consists of several
zones of veins and breccias with Quartz, Bi, Tungsten, Molybdenum with tourmaline on the south
boundary.
Rock Samples Confirmed RIRGS
On December 13, 2023
, Lode Gold announced that it had confirmed a RIRGS style mineralization on its
WIN property. Rocks samples returned gold values up to 8.53 g/t. with associated bismuth and tellurium
at the border gold zone, shown in Figure 5. The mineralization is hosted in sheeted quartz veins, up to 10
veins per metre. The mineralization is hosted in hornfels. Figure 6 shows a photograph of the sheeted
quartz veins and a view of the general topography at the border zone sampling area.
Figure 5:
Rock sampling sites on the WIN Property. Each dot is a separate sample site, dots are
coloured and sized based on gold results, Legends are given in the inset. Colour intervals based on
natural breaks. Base image is the 2m Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Blue zone are permanent ice
sheets. Monzonite intrusions shown as transparent red stipple. The local geology map shown in figure
7 cover the area surrounded by yellow line.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4064/226527_f5046f6914111af4_009full.jpg
Figure
6:
Photograph of the sheeted vein system left, photograph of the topography in the border
area, sheeted veins near photo origin looking SW towards the Hyland Intrusion. Photo on the right
from Moynihan, D.P., 2013
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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Geology of the Border Gold-Bearing Sheeted Vein Area
Figure 7:
Map of parts of the Hyland and Boundary plutons and their contact aureoles, showing
mineral assemblages and isograds. Structural measurements are compiled on the equal area, lower
hemisphere stereonet (inset). Grid lines spaced at 1 km intervals; UTM coordinates are NAD 83.
Lode Gold rock sample results shown. Map is shown in Figure 5 and coincides with the inset box on
that figure.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4064/226527_f5046f6914111af4_011full.jpg
The Yukon Geological Survey conducted mapping on the eastern side of the WIN project, see covering
the Border Gold Zone, Moynihan, D.P., 2013
.
Their mapping has been reproduced in Figure 7 with our
rock sample gold results overlain. The Hyland and Boundary plutons are hosted by the Latest
Proterozoic-Early Cambrian Vampire Formation. The Vampire Formation is dominated by uniform, steel
grey to dark grey phyllite that weathers to a rusty brown. The Vampire formation has been altered to
hornfels along the contacts with the Hyland and Border monzonite intrusions.
The dominant foliation in the area (S
n
) strikes NW/SE, parallel to the orogenic trend, it generally dips NE
at 40-70° in the southwest part of the area and dips steeply towards the SW or NE in the northeast part
of the area. The sheeted veins located by our field crew appear to be controlled by this S
n
structural
direction with a similar strike and dip.
S
n
is locally overprinted by kink bands that have steeply dipping axial planes.
These kink bands post-
date development of the contact aureoles and are best developed in low-grade phyllites, which retain a
well-defined cleavage.
The Hyland pluton-Vampire Fm contact is offset by a number of steeply-dipping,
SW-trending normal faults with downthrow to the NW. These faults are sub-parallel to axial planes of the
kink bands, and have the same orientation as 1) a number of fine-grained, biotite and amphibole-
bearing mafic dikes, and 2) an array of quartz- tourmaline veins that transect the Boundary aureole.
Tourmaline is a common accessory mineral to RIRGS sheeted quartz veins and to our knowledge, the
NE/SW trending quartz vein array is yet to be sampled.
The Hyland pluton, which was emplaced at 97.1±2.0 Ma (U-Pb monazite age), is elongated in a NW
direction and underlies an area of approximately 9×2.5 km. The roof of the pluton is preserved around
the topographically highest point near the centre of the intrusion. The southwest boundary of the pluton
dips steeply, whereas its northeast and southeast boundaries have gentle to moderately steep outward
dips. It is along this moderately dipping NE part of the pluton that our border gold zone is located.
The
pluton is a multi-phase, biotite quartz monzonite with a megacrystic internal phase and an equigranular
outer phase. The contact aureole includes a phyllite outer part and a yellow-weathering, hornfelsic inner
part. With increasing proximity to the Hyland pluton, the proportion of chlorite decreases to zero and
cordierite, andalusite, and biotite crystals become larger and more abundant. This zonation is
approximately 500m wide and parallels the outcropping boundary of the Hyland intrusion. The presence
of andalusite suggest a deep emplacement level (circa 9-11 km) for the Hyland intrusion based on
geobarometer calculations. Moynihan, D.P., 2013.
An extensive region of Crd+Bt hornfels is also developed in the area to the west of the Boundary pluton.
It is notable that here Cordierite (Crd) is dominant and Andalusite is absent. This indicates a shallower
emplacement level for the Border pluton which in turn suggests a younger age. The pattern of Crd+Bt
hornfels suggests that the Boundary pluton extends underneath this region to the NW paralleling the
border. It is here that our Border Zone gold bearing sheeted quartz veins occur. The suggestion is that
the Boundary pluton was intruded at a slightly higher level than the Hyland pluton.
The absence of
andalusite from metapelite in the aureole of the Boundary pluton suggests it was intruded at <~9 km.
It is likely that the Border zone sheeted veins are genetically linked to the Border Pluton in the Cordierite-
Biotite-Chlorite-Muscovite-Quartz hornfels that trend paralleling the border, with the higher-grade
samples occurring on the edge of the higher temperature Cordierite-Biotite-Muscovite-Quartz hornfels
where the Chlorite drops out.
Stream Sediment Sampling
Figure 8:
Stream Sediment sampling sites on the WIN Property. Each dot is a separate sample site,
dots are coloured and sized based on gold results, left image 8 (a), and by bismuth right image 8 (b).
Legends given in insets. Colour intervals based on natural breaks. Base image is the 2m Digital
Elevation Model (DEM). Blue zone are permanent ice sheets. Monzonite intrusions shown as
transparent red stipple.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4064/226527_figure8.jpg
A series of closed space stream sediment samples were taken on the WIN project with the results