Sarama Resources Increases Exploration Interests IN the Houndé Belt, Burkina Faso
MAY 16, 2017
SARAMA RESOURCES INCREASES EXPLORATION INTERESTS IN
THE HOUNDÉ BELT, BURKINA FASO
VANCOUVER, CANADA. Sarama Resources Ltd. (“Sarama” or the “Company”) (TSX‐V:SWA) is pleased to advise that it
has agreed to acquire a 100% interest in the Botoro exploration property (“Botoro” or the “Property”) in south‐west
Burkina Faso. Botoro complements Sarama’s mineral property interests in the highly prospective southern Houndé
Belt and increases the size of its 100%‐owned4 ThreeBee Project to approximately 660km².
Highlights
Sarama’s President and CEO, Andrew Dinning, commented:
“We are excited about the acquisition and the exploration potential of the Botoro Property and also the strengthening
of our position in the southern Houndé Belt. Importantly, Botoro complements our 100% owned ThreeBee Project
and provides us with additional options outside our current joint ventures in the Houndé Belt.
Teranga’s recently announced discoveries at their Golden Hill Project, situated less than 20km from Sarama’s Bondi
Deposit, further shows the potential on the eastern part of the belt and we look forward to the results from our
generative exploration work on Botoro that has already commenced.”
For further information on the Company’s activities, please contact:
Andrew Dinning or Paul Schmiede
t: +61 (0) 8 9363 7600
Acquisition is consistent with Sarama’s strategy to enhance, diversify and materially increase its position in the
southern part of the prolific Houndé Belt
Botoro Property covers 224km² and is located within trucking distance of Sarama’s 100%‐owned Bamako,
Djarkadougou and Bouni Properties, altogether forming the ThreeBee Project
Underlain by a diverse suite of volcanic and meta‐sedimentary rocks known to host gold deposits of significant
size in the region, with prospectivity further enhanced by district‐scale faults and shear zones traversing the
Property
Botoro shares geological similarities to Sarama’s Djarkadougou Property, which hosts the Bondi Deposit
(historical estimate mineral resources of 0.3Moz Au measured and indicated and 0.1Moz Au inferred3)
Potential to build on existing gold occurrences within the ThreeBee Project which includes the Bondi Deposit
and yet to be followed‐up drill intersections at the Bamako Property which include 15m @ 6.17g/t Au from 9m
and 6m @ 1.78g/t Au from surface
No systematic modern‐day exploration has been conducted on Botoro
Substantial artisanal mining infrastructure previously established in several areas within the Property
ThreeBee Project is independent of, but complementary to other projects in the region including Sarama’s
South Houndé Project which hosts a gold mineral resources of 2.1Moz1 and also Teranga Gold Corporation’s
(“Teranga”) Golden Hill Project where encouraging new gold discoveries have recently been announced6
2
Botoro Property Location & Strategic Fit
The 224km² Botoro Property is located on the eastern margin of the Houndé Belt and is well positioned relative to
Sarama’s existing mineral property interests in the area. Apart from having untested exploration potential itself, the
Property is a key component of the Company’s 100%‐owned ThreeBee Project, which also includes the prospective
Djarkadougou, Bamako and Bouni Properties.
Botoro is located approximately 20km from the centroid of the Bondi Deposit (on the Djarakdougou Property) which
has a historical estimate of mineral resources of 0.3Moz Au measured and indicated and 0.1Moz Au inferred3 and
offers potential for the discovery of truckable feed to support eventual project development.
The ThreeBee Project is also complimented by the early‐stage exploration properties of Bamako and Bouni upon
which reconnaissance drilling programs by Sarama have returned encouraging historical5 drill intersections including:
15m @ 6.17g/t Au from 9m (FRC384, Bamako);
6m @ 1.78g/t Au from surface FRC384, Bamako);
3m @ 3.81g/t Au from 63m (FRC489, Bamako);
4m @ 1.94g/t Au from 48m (FRC385, Bamako);
3m @ 2.43g/t Au from 37m (FRC108, Bouni);
4m @ 1.40 g/t Au from 26m (FRC101, Bouni); and
5m @ 1.14g/t Au from 33m (FRC101, Bouni).
These intersections were returned in 2011/12, but have never been fully followed‐up by Sarama given the Company’s
coincident discovery on the South Houndé Project which subsequently became the primary focus. When considered
in the context of the demonstrated prospectivity of Sarama’s other properties within the ThreeBee Project, these
historical intersections demonstrate good potential for the discovery of exploitable gold mineralisation.
It is notable that the Botoro Property is underlain by the same geological sequence of rocks as Teranga’s emerging
Golden Hill Project to the north. Recent exploration by Teranga6 on the project has returned several higher grade
intersections over mineable widths which reinforce the excellent historical drill results of previous operators6 on the
Golden Hill Project.
Botoro Property Geology and Gold Occurrences
The geology of the Botoro Property is typical of other properties in the Houndé Belt where Sarama has had significant
exploration success and broadly consists of a sequence of alternating volcanic and metasedimentary rocks oriented in
an approximate north‐south orientation (refer Figure 2). In addition to the presence of a regionally extensive granitic
belt along the eastern and northern margins of the Property, several localised felsic intrusions are also present, all of
which result in zones of deformation and contact metamorphism. A property‐scale fold structure is interpreted,
which is bounded on its eastern side by a district‐scale north‐north‐east trending shear zone. The diversity of these
geological units and their litho‐structural contacts present areas of interest for gold exploration.
The Property is also interpreted to feature several regionally extensive first and second‐order faults and shear zones,
further adding to the Property’s exploration potential.
Site visits conducted by Sarama have identified several areas of significant gold exploitation by artisanal miners. In
general, these activities targeted gold‐bearing quartz veins down to depths of approximately 40m (refer Plates 1 and
2). Gold was also noted in the weathered zones of both mafic and felsic rock units.
Sarama plans to focus initial exploration activities on artisanal mining areas and prospective zones located proximal to
major structural features within the Property. Forward work programs include geological mapping, regolith mapping,
soil geochemistry surveys and data collection from artisanal workings.
3
Figure 1 – Location Plan of Botoro Property (ThreeBee Project in Red)
4
Figure 2 ‐ Geology Map of the Botoro Property
5
Plate 1 – Artisanal Gold Mining Infrastructure Established to Depths of 40m
Plate 2 – Extensive Artisanal Gold Mining Workings in Prospective Areas
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ABOUT SARAMA RESOURCES LTD
Sarama Resources Ltd (TSX‐V: SWA) is a West African focused gold explorer with substantial landholdings in Burkina
Faso. Sarama is focused on consolidating under‐explored landholdings in Burkina Faso and other established mining
jurisdictions.
Sarama’s flagship properties are situated within the Company’s South Houndé Project area in south‐west Burkina
Faso. Located within the prolific Houndé Greenstone Belt, Sarama’s exploration programs have built on significant
early success to deliver an inferred mineral resource estimate of 2.1 Moz gold1. Acacia Mining plc is earning up to a
70% interest in the South Houndé Project by satisfying certain conditions, including funding earn‐in expenditures of up
to US$14 million, over a 4‐year earn‐in period and may acquire an additional 5% interest, for an aggregate 75%
interest in the Project, upon declaration of a minimum mineral reserve of 1.6 million ounces of gold.
Sarama holds a 31% participating interest in the Karankasso Project Joint Venture (“JV”) which is situated adjacent to
the Company’s South Houndé Project in Burkina Faso and is a JV between Sarama and Savary Gold Corp. (“Savary”).
Savary is the operator of the JV and in October 2015, declared a maiden inferred mineral resource estimate of
671,000 ounces of contained gold2 at the Karankasso Project JV.
Sarama has also agreed to acquire a 100% interest in the Bondi Deposit from Orezone Gold Corporation (refer news
release May 24, 2016). Bondi has a historical estimate of mineral resources of 0.3Moz Au (measured and indicated)
and 0.1Moz Au (inferred)3.
Together, the South Houndé Project, Bondi Deposit and the Karankasso Project form a cluster of advanced gold
deposits, within trucking distance of one another, which potentially offers a development option for a multi‐source
fed central processing facility in the southern Houndé Belt region of Burkina Faso.
Incorporated in 2010, the Company’s Board and management team have a proven track record in Africa and a strong
history in the discovery and development of large‐scale gold deposits. Sarama is well positioned to build on its
current success with a sound exploration strategy across its property portfolio.
1. South Houndé Project ‐ 43.0 Mt @ 1.5 g/t Au (reported above cut‐off grades ranging 0.3‐2.2 g/t Au, reflecting the mining methods and
processing flowsheets assumed to assess the likelihood of the inferred mineral resources having reasonable prospects for eventual economic
extraction). The effective date of the Company’s inferred mineral resource estimate is February 4, 2016. For further information regarding
the mineral resource estimate please refer to the technical report titled “NI 43‐101 Independent Technical Report South Houndé Project
Update, Bougouriba and Ioba Provinces, Burkina Faso”, dated March 31, 2016. The technical report is available under Sarama Resources
Ltd.’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
2. Karankasso Project ‐ 9.2 Mt @ 2.3 g/t Au (at a 0.5 g/t Au cut‐off). The effective date of the Karankasso Project JV mineral resource estimate
is October 7, 2015. For further information regarding the mineral resource estimate please refer to the technical report titled “Technical
Report and Resource Estimate on the Karankasso Project, Burkina Faso”, dated October 7, 2015. The technical report is available under
Savary Gold Corp’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Sarama has not independently verified Savary’s mineral resource estimate and
takes no responsibility for its accuracy. Savary is the operator of the Karankasso Project JV and Sarama is relying on their Qualified Persons’
assurance of the validity of the mineral resource estimate.
3. Bondi Deposit ‐ 4.1Mt @ 2.1g/t Au for 282,000 oz Au (measured and indicated) and 2.5Mt @ 1.8g/t Au for 149,700 oz Au (inferred),
reported at a 0.5 g/t Au cut‐off.
i. The historical estimate of the Bondi Deposit reflects a mineral resource estimate compiled by Orezone Gold Corporation (“Orezone”)
which has an effective date of February 20, 2009. The historical estimate is contained in a technical report titled “Technical Report on
the Mineral Resource of the Bondigui Gold Project”, dated date of February 20, 2009 (the “Bondi Technical Report”) and is available
under the profile of Orezone on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
ii. Sarama believes that the historical estimate is relevant to investors’ understanding of the property, as it reflects the most recent
technical work undertaken in respect of the Bondi Deposit.
iii. The historical estimate was informed by 886 drillholes, assayed for gold by cyanidation methods, were used to interpret mineralised
envelopes and geological zones over the area of the historical estimate. Gold grade interpolation was undertaken using ID²
methodology based on input parameters derived from geostatistical and geological analyses assessments. Field measurements and
geological logging of drillholes were used to determine weathering boundaries and bulk densities for modelled blocks.
iv. The historical estimate uses the mineral resource reporting categories required under National Instrument 43‐101.
v. No more recent estimates of the mineral resource or other data are available.
vi. Sarama is currently undertaking the necessary verification work in the field and on the desktop that may support the future
reclassification of the historical estimate to a mineral resource.
vii. A qualified person engaged by Sarama has not undertaken sufficient work to verify the historical estimate as a current mineral
resource and Sarama is therefore not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.
7
4. Upon closing of the respective purchase agreements for Botoro and Djarkadougou, Sarama will have 100% interest in the Botoro,
Djarkadougou, Bamako and Bouni Properties which together comprise the ThreeBee Project.
5. For further information regarding the drilling on the Bamako and Bouni Properties, please refer to the technical report titled “NI 43‐101
Independent Technical Report South Houndé Project Update, Bougouriba and Ioba Provinces, Burkina Faso”, dated October 28, 2013. The
technical report is available under Sarama Resources Ltd.’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
6. Results of exploration activities on the Golden Hill Project by Teranga Gold Corporation are sourced from Teranga Gold Corporation’s news
release “Teranga Gold Announces Two New Gold Discoveries at Golden Hill Property in Burkina Faso”, dated April 25, 2017. Results of
exploration activities on the Golden Hill Project by operators prior to Teranga Gold Corporation are sourced from Gryphon Minerals
Limited’s news release “Exploration Pipeline Update”, dated March 5, 2014.
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CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Information in this news release that is not a statement of historical fact constitutes forward‐looking information. Such forward‐looking information
includes statements regarding the Company’s intention to acquire the Botoro Property and its plans to explore and develop the Botoro Property and
the ThreeBee Project, exploration activities at the South Houndé Project, the Earn‐In Agreement with Acacia, including the amounts that may be
spent on exploration and interests in the South Houndé Project that may be earned by Acacia upon making certain expenditures and estimating a
minimum reserve, the potential to expand the present oxide component of the Company’s existing estimated mineral resources, future exploration
plans and the potential development of the Bondi, Karankasso and South Houndé Projects on a combined basis. Actual results, performance or
achievements of the Company may vary from the results suggested by such forward‐looking statements due to known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors. Such factors include, among others, that the business of exploration for gold and other precious minerals involves a
high degree of risk and is highly speculative in nature; Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves, they do not have demonstrated economic
viability, and there is no certainty that they can be upgraded to Mineral Reserves through continued exploration; few properties that are explored
are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; the actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project
parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company’s publicly filed documents. There can be no
assurance that any mineralisation that is discovered will be proven to be economic, or that future required regulatory licensing or approvals will be
obtained. However, the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward‐looking information are reasonable.
Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, Acacia’s continued funding of exploration activities, the Company’s ability to carry on
its exploration activities, the sufficiency of funding, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of gold and other precious metals, that the
Company will not be affected by adverse political events, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the
ability of the Company to obtain further financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers should not place undue reliance on
forward‐looking information.
Sarama does not undertake to update any forward‐looking information, except as required by applicable laws.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
QUALIFIED PERSONS’ STATEMENT
Scientific or technical information in this news release that relates to the Company’s exploration activities in Burkina Faso is based on information
compiled or approved by Guy Scherrer. Guy Scherrer is an employee of Sarama Resources Ltd and is a member in good standing of the Ordre des
Géologues du Québec and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the commodity, style of mineralisation under consideration and activity
which he is undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43‐101. Guy Scherrer consents to the inclusion in this report of
the information, in the form and context in which it appears.
Scientific or technical information in this news release that relates to the Company’s references to the exploration activities of Teranga Gold
Corporation and Gryphon Minerals Limited on the Golden Hill Project in Burkina Faso is based on information compiled or approved by Paul
Schmiede. Paul Schmiede is an employee of Sarama Resources Ltd and is a Fellow in good standing of the Australasian Institute of Mining and
Metallurgy and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the commodity, style of mineralisation under consideration and activity which he is
undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43‐101. Paul Schmiede consents to the inclusion in this report of the
information, in the form and context in which it appears.
Scientific or technical information in this news release that relates to the preparation of the South Houndé Project’s mineral resource estimate is
based on information compiled or approved by Adrian Shepherd. Adrian Shepherd is an employee of Cube Consulting Pty Ltd and is considered to be
independent of Sarama Resources Ltd. Adrian Shepherd is a Chartered Professional Member in good standing of the Australasian Institute of Mining
and Metallurgy and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the commodity, style of mineralisation under consideration and activity which he is
undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43‐101. Adrian Shepherd consents to the inclusion in this news release of the
information, in the form and context in which it appears.
Scientific or technical information in this news release that relates to the preparation of the Karankasso Project’s mineral resource estimate is based
on information compiled or approved by Eugene Puritch and Antoine Yassa. Eugene Puritch and Antoine Yassa are employees of P&E Mining
Consultants Inc. and are considered to be independent of Savary Gold Corp. and Sarama Resources Ltd. Antoine Yassa is a member in good standing
of the Ordre des Géologues du Québec and Eugene Puritch is a member in good standing of Professional Engineers Ontario. Eugene Puritch and
Antoine Yassa have sufficient experience which is relevant to the commodity, style of mineralisation under consideration and activity which they are
undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43‐101. Eugene Puritch and Antoine Yassa consent to the inclusion in this
news release of the information, in the form and context in which it appears. Sarama has not independently verified Savary’s mineral resource
estimate and takes no responsibility for its accuracy.
Scientific or technical information in this news release, in respect of the Bondi Deposit relating to mineral resource and exploration information
drawn from the Technical Report prepared for Orezone on that deposit has been approved by Guy Scherrer. Guy Scherrer is an employee of Sarama
Resources Ltd and is a member in good standing of the Ordre des Géologues du Québec and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the
commodity, style of mineralisation under consideration and activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National
Instrument 43‐101. Guy Scherrer consents to the inclusion in this report of the information, in the form and context in which it appears.