Lundin GOLD Reports Promising Results from the First Round of Near- MINE Exploration Drilling at Fruta Del Norte
NEWS RELEASE
Vancouver, January 26, 2023
Lundin Gold Inc. 885 West Georgia Street, Suite 2000 Phone: +1 604 689 7842 lundingold.com
Vancouver, BC, V6C 3E8 Fax: +1 604 689 4250 Email: [email protected]
LUNDIN GOLD REPORTS PROMISING RESULTS FROM THE FIRST ROUND OF NEAR-
MINE EXPLORATION DRILLING AT FRUTA DEL NORTE
Lundin Gold Inc. (TSX: LUG ) (Nasdaq Stockholm: LUG ) (OTCQX: LUGDF) ("Lundin Gold" or the
"Company") is pleased to announce initial drill results from the 2022 near-mine exploration program at
its 100% owned Fruta del Norte (“FDN”) gold mine in southeast Ecuador. Results from the drill program
identified new mineralized zones to the south and at depth of FDN’s currently defined Mineral Resources.
Highlights and detailed results are shown below (not true width).
Highlights from holes drilled to the south of FDN:
• Drillhole FDN2022-009 intersected 5.11 g/t Au over 30.3m from a depth of 267.7m, including;
o 9.79 g/t Au over 14.0m from 284.0m
• Drillhole FDN2022-006 intersected 3.99 g/t Au over 4.8m from 181.7m, and 4.40 g/t Au over 8.1m
from 213.9m
Highlights from holes drilled under the southern portion of the FDN mineral resource envelope:
• Drillhole UGE-DD-22-008 intersected 4.11 g/t Au over 23.0m from 197.7m, including;
o 6.03 g/t Au over 10.0m from 202.7m
• Drillhole UGE-DD-22-005 intersected 3.53 g/t Au over 44.9m from 134.8m, including;
o 5.25 g/t Au over 12.9m from 134.8m, and;
o 4.32 g/t Au over 15.0m from 164.7m
Ron Hochstein, President and CEO, commented, “These early drill results highlight the significant potential
of the largely unexplored area surrounding the FDN mineral resource envelope. Results demonstrate the
significant potential of the epithermal system beyond the known limits of the FDN deposit and support our
belief that the near-mine program will enable expansion of current Mineral Resources. To advance this
objective, we are increasing our near-mine exploration efforts with a minimum of 15,500 metres of drilling
in 2023 compared to 8,600 metres drilled in 2022”.
NEAR-MINE EXPLORATION PROGRAM
The near-mine exploration program was initiated in the third quarter of 2022, and focuses on expanding
the FDN mineral resource envelope and testing several unexplored opportunities near the mine site. To
date approximately 8,600 metres have been drilled across 16 holes, from surface and underground.
New Mineralized Zone Intercepted to the South of FDN’s Mineral Resource Envelope
To the south of the current FDN mineral resource envelope, a surface drilling program continues to
explore sectors along the two main controlling structures of the FDN deposit, the East and West faults .
Along the southern extension of the East fault a new mineralized zone has been intercepted. Initial
promising results suggest continuity of the epithermal system in this southern direction.
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This surface drilling program completed nine drill holes in 2022 (see Figure 1) , most of them located
between 200 and 900 metres south of the FDN mineral resource envelope boundary. Assay results
received to date are set out in Table 1. Results for several drill holes are pending.
Most of the drill holes intercepted wide hydrothermal alteration zones of similar characteristics to those
found at the FDN deposit. This zone remains open at depth, along strike to the north and to the south,
where a gold and epithermal pathfinder elements soil anomaly remains untested (see Figure 1). The 2023
program has already started, with one rig drilling on this new zone and a second rig to be added shortly.
Figure 1: Completed holes from the 2022 near-mine program and location of the new mineralized zone
intercepted to the south of FDN
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Drilling also Indicates that the Deposit is Open at Depth
In addition to the surface drilling, the near-mine program’s underground drilling focuses on the continuity
of the FDN deposit and west structure at depth. A total of seven drill holes were completed under the
southern portion of the FDN mineral resource envelope. Initial results indicate new zones where the
deposit remains open at depth (see Figure 2). Assay results received to date are set out in Table 1. Results
for several drill holes are pending.
Most of the results obtained from underground drilling exhibit the same mineral hydrothermal alteration
to that related to mineralization in the southern extension of FDN’s Mineral Resource and confirm the
continuity of the deposit at depth, below the current resource. Underground drilling is being expanded in
2023 to continue to explore at depth. The initial focus will be the north-central sector below the highest-
grade portion of the mineral deposit, where the mine is currently operating (see Figure 2).
Figure 2: FDN longitudinal section showing drilling results at depth, under the southern extension
2023 Near-Mine Exploration Program
The 2023 near-mine program will include underground and surface drilling at or near FDN. Indications
from drilling in 2022 suggest potential for the extension of FDN Mineral Resources at depth as well as to
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the East, West and South of the current mineral resource envelope. The 2023 near -mine program is
targeting at least 15,500 metres of drilling at an estimated cost of $9.4 million.
REGIONAL EXPLORATION PROGRAM
Investigation of the Suarez Basin Continues
In 2022, Lundin Gold completed approximately 17,600 metres of drilling across several targets in the
southern basin as part of its regional exploration program. The program has successfully advanced in the
identification of important indicators that point toward the presence of buried epithermal deposits in the
southern basin. Through a detailed geological interpretation of exploration data and additional surface
works, several targets of interest have been identified, tested , and resulted in locating new potentially
mineralized structures. They include:
• Along the south western basin border, the Quebrada La Negra and Puente Princesa targets were
investigated with a total 6,987 metres drilled across nine holes. At Quebrada La Negra, the drilling
program identified a new structure associated to the west border, represented by wide
hydrothermal alteration zones with breccias and/or veins and disseminated sulfides. The program
also drilled an arsenic soil anomaly, where drilling intercepted a major structure with quartz veins,
hydrothermal carbonate-silica breccias and sulfides hosted in the Santiago formation, which is also
the FDN hosting sequence. This hydrothermal alteration zone possibly represents the north ern
continuity of the Puente Princesa structure, defined in the second quarter. All results are pending.
• Four drill holes were completed at Barbasco Norte for a total of 2,123 metres to test a continuous
geochemical gold soil anomaly at the edge of the Suarez Basin. The drilling program intercepted
low grade values of gold and epithermal pathfinder element arsenic in narrow hyd rothermal
alteration zones of similar composition to that found in epithermal systems like Fruta del Norte.
The obtained geological data suggest an increase of the hydrothermal alteration toward the east,
close to the basin border and where additional drilling is being planned in 2023.
• At Barbasco, the program explored for several indicators of epithermal systems in distinct sectors
of the target. Nine drill holes for a total of 6,351 metr es were completed. The drilling only
intercepted few and limited zone s of hydrothermal alteration zones at depth , and the current
interpretation suggests additional drilling is required to explore untested sectors located farther
east.
2023 Regional Program
Drilling under the regional program will focus on several exploration targets located in the 16 km long
Suarez Basin, with the objective of identifying another FDN. The 2023 regional program is estimated to
cost $11.7 million for planned drilling of 12,500 metres. This program is anticipated to begin within the
next few weeks.
Qualified Persons
The technical information contained in this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Andre
Oliveira, P. Geo, Vice President, Exploration of the Company, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with
the requirements of NI 43-101.
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Samples consist of half HQ and NQ-size diamond core that are split by diamond saw on site, prepared at
the ALS laboratory in Quito, and analysed by 50g fire assay and multi -element (ICP-AES/ICP-MS) at the
ALS Laboratory in Lima, Peru. The quality assurance -quality control (QA -QC) program of Lundin Gold
includes the insertion of certified standards of known gold content, blank and duplicate samples. The
remaining half core is retained for verification and reference purposes. For f urther information on the
assay, QAQC and data verification procedures, please see Lundin Gold’s Annual Information Form dated
March 21, 2022, filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
About Lundin Gold
Lundin Gold, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, owns the Fruta del Norte gold mine in southeast
Ecuador. Fruta del Norte is among the highest-grade operating gold mines in the world.
The Company's board and management team have extensive expertise in min e operations and are
dedicated to operating Fruta del Norte responsibly. The Company operates with transparency and in
accordance with international best practices. Lundin Gold is committed to delivering value to its
shareholders, while simultaneously prov iding economic and social benefits to impacted communities,
fostering a healthy and safe workplace and minimizing the environmental impact. The Company believes
that the value created through the development of Fruta del Norte will benefit its shareholders , the
Government and the citizens of Ecuador.
Additional Information
The information in this release is subject to the disclosure requirements of Lundin Gold under the EU
Market Abuse Regulation. This information was publicly communicated on January 26, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Pacific Time through the contact persons set out below.
For more information, please contact
Ron F. Hochstein Finlay Heppenstall
President and CEO Director, Investor Relations
Tel (Ecuador): +593 2-299-6400 Tel: +1 604 806 3089
Tel (Canada): +1-604-806-3589 [email protected]
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements
Certain of the information and statements in this press release are considered "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking
statements" as those terms are defined under Canadian securities laws (collectively referred to as "forward-looking statements").
Any statements that express or involve discussions with respe ct to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections,
objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "believes",
"anticipates", "expects", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "pending", "intends", "plans", "forecasts", "targets", or "hopes",
or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "will" ,
"should" "might", "will be taken", or "occur" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward -
looking statements. By their nature, forward -looking statements and information involve assumptions, inherent risks and
uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict, and are usually beyond the control of management, that could cause actual
results to be materially different from those expressed by these forward -looking statements and information. Lundin
Gold believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given
that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. This information
speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company will not necessarily update this information, unless required to
do so by securities laws.
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This press release contains forward-looking information in a number of places, such as in statements relating to the Company’s
exploration activities and results, . There can b e no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as Lundin
Gold's actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward -looking information as a
result of the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" s ection in Lundin Gold's Annual Information Form dated March 21, 2022 ,
which is available at www.lundingold.com or on SEDAR.
Lundin Gold's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from any forward-looking statement or that could have a material impact on the Company or the trading price of its
shares include: risks associated with the Company's community relationships; risks related to political and economic instability in
Ecuador; risks related to estimates of production, cash flows and costs; the impacts of a pandemic virus outbreak; risks inherent
to mining operations; failure of the Company to maintain its obligations under its debt facilities; shortages of critical supplies;
control of the Company's largest shareholders; risks related to Lundin Gold’s compliance with environmental laws and liability for
environmental contamination; the lack of availability of infrastructure; the Company's reliance on one mine; exploration and
development risks; risks related to the Company’s ability to obtain, maintain or renew regulatory approvals, permits and licenses;
uncertainty with the tax regime in Ecuador; risks related to the Company’s workforce and its labour relations; volatility in the
price of gold; the reliance of the Company on its information systems and the risk of cyber-attacks on those systems; deficient or
vulnerable title to concessions, easements and surface rights; inherent safety hazards and risk to the health and safety of the
Company’s employees and contractors; the imprecision of Mineral Reserve and Resource estimates; key talent recruitment and
retention of key personnel; volatility in the market price of the Company’s shares; measures to protect endangered species and
critical habitats; social media and reputation; the cost of non-compliance and compliance costs; risks related to illegal mining; the
adequacy of the Company’s insurance; risks relating to the declaration of dividends; uncertainty as to reclamation and
decommissioning; the ability of Lundin Gold to ensure compliance with anti -bribery and anti -corruption laws; the uncertainty
regarding risks posed by climate change; limits of disclosure and internal controls; security risks to the Company, its assets and
its personnel; the potential for litigation; and risks due to conflicts of interest.
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APPENDIX 1
Table 1: Drillhole assay results from the near-mine surface drilling program reported for intervals above
3.5 g/t and minimum lengths of 4 metres. Drill hole intercepts are reported in drill core lengths
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) AU (g/t) Ag (g/t) Zone
BLPW-2022-002 No Significant results Surface
BLP-2022-003 No Significant results Surface
FDNS-2022-006 181.70 223.00 41.30 1.53 6.03
Surface Including 181.70 186.50 4.80 3.99 7.51
Including 213.90 222.00 8.10 4.39 7.67
FDNS-2022-009 267.70 298.00 30.30 5.11 10.80
Surface
Including 284.00 298.00 14.00 9.79 16.83
FDNS-2022-012A Pending results Surface
BLPW-2022-014 Pending results Surface
FDNS-2022-015 Pending results Surface
BLP-2022-016 Pending results Surface
BLPW-2022-017 Pending results Surface
UGE-SW-22-001 123.90 151.60 27.70 3.97 7.13
Underground Including 123.90 127.90 4.00 6.67 9.33
Including 141.90 151.60 9.70 7.66 13.75
UGE-DD-22-004 3.70 28.50 24.80 4.65 5.06
Underground
Including 3.70 8.00 4.30 13.50 12.09
Including 24.00 28.50 4.50 11.34 9.79
UGE-DD-22-004 53.20 59.20 6.00 3.79 9.75
UGE-DD-22-004 139.70 143.70 4.00 4.82 8.35
UGE-DD-22-004 149.70 157.70 8.00 4.41 6.21
UGE-DD-22-004 173.70 180.70 7.00 5.43 5.73
UGE-DD-22-005 5.35 17.05 11.70 3.86 4.40
Underground
UGE-DD-22-005 38.75 44.45 5.70 4.40 4.84
UGE-DD-22-005 134.80 179.70 44.90 3.53 9.74
Including 134.80 147.70 12.90 5.25 13.91
Including 164.70 179.70 15.00 4.32 8.93
UGE-DD-22-008 42.00 60.00 18.00 7.18 13.91
Underground
Including 50.80 60.00 9.20 12.97 24.51
UGE-DD-22-008 82.30 87.30 5.00 4.41 8.24
UGE-DD-22-008 119.70 135.70 16.00 4.11 3.06
UGE-DD-22-008 197.70 220.70 23.00 4.11 1.27
Including 202.70 212.70 10.00 6.03 0.94
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Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) AU (g/t) Ag (g/t) Zone
UGE-DD-22-010 51 72 21.00 4.19 7.00
Underground
Including 65 72 7.00 7.00 8.39
UGE-DD-22-010 116.2 123 6.80 4.05 23.46
UGE-DD-22-010 133.00 139.00 6.00 4.08 45.25
UGE-DD-22-010 180.15 190.00 9.85 4.42 103.48
UGE-DD-22-010 220.00 227.00 7.00 3.91 93.96
UGE-DD-22-010 269.85 273.85 4.00 4.36 75.15
UGE-DD-22-011 Pending results Underground
UGE-DD-22-013 Pending results Underground
Table 2: Collar locations of reported drill holes
Hole ID Prospect Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip EOH (m) Zone
BLPW-2022-002 FDN - South 778265 9581568 1494 250 -70 542.4 Surface
BLP-2022-003 FDN - South 778265 9581568 1494 70 -60 650.6 Surface
FDNS-2022-006 FDN - South 778445 9581819 1519 275 -50 790 Surface
FDNS-2022-009 FDN - South 778445 9581819 1519 290 -65 558.5 Surface
FDNS-2022-012A FDN - South 778445 9581819 1498 290 -74 415.5 Surface
BLPW-2022-014 FDN - South 778454 9581060 1464 270 -55 494 Surface
FDNS-2022-015 FDN - South 778174 9581879 1628 80 -60 695 Surface
BLP-2022-016 FDN - South 778454 9581060 1464 90 -55 497 Surface
BLPW-2022-017 FDN - South 778417 9581324 1429 270 -70 500 Surface
UGE-SW-22-001 FDN - Depth 778175 9582522 1178 232 -50 801 Underground
UGE-DD-22-004 FDN - Depth 778174 9582524 1178 280 -60 353.9 Underground
UGE-DD-22-005 FDN - Depth 778173 9582525 1181 315 -60 400 Underground
UGE-DD-22-008 FDN - Depth 778179 9582607 1176 260 -50 300 Underground
UGE-DD-22-010 FDN - Depth 778177 9582888 1081 300 -45 348 Underground
UGE-DD-22-011 FDN - Depth 778177 9582888 1081 315 -65 526.2 Underground
UGE-DD-22-013 FDN - Depth 778177 9582888 1081 275 -40 301.6 Underground