Trilogy Metals Announces Additional Copper-Cobalt Metallurgical Results for the Bornite Project
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News Release
Trilogy Metals Announces Additional Copper-Cobalt Metallurgical
Results for the Bornite Project
March 5, 2019 - Vancouver, British Columbia – Trilogy Metals Inc. (TSX/NYSE
American: TMQ) ("Trilogy Metals”, “Trilogy” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the
release of additional copper and cobalt metallurg ical results for the Bornite Project located in
the highly prospective Ambler mining district of northwest Alaska.
Highlights of the 2018/2019 Bornite Metallurgical Program
Nine individual metallurgical samples have been evaluated for the recovery of copper
and cobalt and the production of saleable copper concentrates.
Results are consistent with previous te st results and signif icantly expand the
metallurgical database for the project.
Hardness testing of the nine composites sh ows the materials are of soft to moderate
hardness, with an average Bond Work Index of 8.94 kWhr/tonne.
Copper recoveries ranged from 80.2 to 94. 5 percent and averaged 89.7 percent for
eight of the nine composites.
Copper concentrate grades ranged from 24. 5 to 34.5 percent copper and averaged
27.6%.
Copper concentrate quality is shown to be very good with low levels of penalty
elements.
Cobalt has been shown to be readily recoverable to a pyrite concentrate with grades of
this concentrate in the range of 700 to 4500g/t cobalt. Plans are being made for the
next stage of work to determine the optimal method to recover cobalt from the pyrite
concentrate.
Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, President and CEO of Trilogy Metals commented, “These initial
metallurgical test results continue to demonstrate that conventional processing technology is
expected to produce a clean, very high-quality, copper concentrate over a wide range of typical
open pit and underground copper grades. Further optimization work is planned. I also note
that we are very pleased with the first pass cobalt results which show that the Bornite Project
could recover between 50% and 70% of the co ntained cobalt to a high-quality pyrite
concentrate. The next steps include finding ou t if the cobalt concentrate can be further
processed into a saleable product. Finally, the grinding test work shows that the mineralized
material at Bornite is soft to moderate which translates to potentially lower power requirements
during the crushing and grinding stages of the feedstock. This could have positive implications
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for the operating costs at Bornite.”
Nine metallurgical composite samples were prepared by Trilogy Metals from materials obtained
from drilling at the Bornite Project during 2017 and 2018. Each of these test samples were
approximately 60 to 120 kilograms in mass and represented approximately 30 to 100 meters
of drill core. Test samples characteristics are summarized in Table 1. Composite samples 1
to 6 were obtained from a zone deemed to be within an open-pit resource, while the composite
sample from 7 to 9 were from a higher-grade underground resource.
Table 1. Composite Metallurgical Samples from the Bornite Project
Test Sample Drill Hole Intercept(s) (m) Cu (%) Co (g/t) S (%)
Open Pit Samples
Composite 1 RC12-0211 308-365 1.60 531 5.56
Composite 2 RC11-0186 12-47 1.02 290 10.4
Composite 3 RC13-0229 51-81 1.06 183 8.12
Composite 4 RC13-0218 282-287, 314-337 2.20 741 5.2
Composite 5 RC11-0182 165-247, 267-290 1.87 408 4.06
Composite 6 RC11-0186 145-253 0.82 170 4.35
Underground
Samples
Composite 7 RC13-0224 480-488, 630-722 2.06 306 7.5
Composite 8 RC12-0214 498-525, 543-565 3.12 651 6.76
Composite 9 RC12-0216 671-726 4.49 311 6.8
Test work has been completed under contract at ALS Metallurgy of Kamloops, B.C., during the
time period November 2018 to January 2019. ALS Metallurgy is a ISO 9001 certified laboratory
facility. Test work at ALS Metallurgy confor med to standard testing procedures including
standard grinding characterization test work, flotation process simulation test work, including
locked cycle tests and assaying of all metallurgical products by certified assayers. Consistently
observed results, when comparing mineralogical analysis, direct assaying of feed samples and
detailed metallurgical accounting verify metal distributions reported and the results contained
herein.
Each of the nine composite samples were subjected to Bond Work Index determinations. The
average Bond Work index value is 8.94kWhr/tonne , which indicates the materials are soft to
moderate in terms of grindability. Bond Work Index values were shown to be within a tight
range, with the maximum valu e of 10.3kWhr/tonne and a mini mum value of 7.8kWhr/tonne
observed in the data set. This data is consistent with previously obtained grindability data in
other test work programs for the Bornite Project.
Mineralogical analysis of each of the nine composites was completed, indicating that a majority
of the copper mineralization occurred as chalco pyrite, with minor amounts of bornite and
variable pyrite levels within the test samples. Composite 2 was shown to contain a significant
amount of oxide copper minerals, likely from surf ace weathering, as this composite is a near
surface intercept. Mineralogical analysis also showed liberation at a target primary grind size
of approximately 100 microns which should be suitable to support the copper recovery process.
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Cobalt values in the Bornite Project materials are shown to be intimately associated with
cobaltiferous pyrite.
The flowsheet used for the recovery of copper in this test work program is consistent with
previous test work (For more information on the previous metallurgical work at Bornite please
see the press release dated January 10, 2018 at www.trilogymetals.com) on the project and
the Bornite Project database is consistent in terms of the metallurgical process requirements
under which all samples have been tested. Primary grind requirements are in the range of 90-
120 microns and re-grind requirements for copper upgrading is in the range of 20-30 microns.
In order to produce a cobalt-rich concentrate a pyrite flotation stage was added to recover
pyrite from the copper flotation tailings and the pyrite concentrate was subsequently cleaned
to produce a pyrite cleaner concentrate. Th e flowsheet used in the test work program,
including both the copper and cobalt flotation stages is shown in Figure 1. The Bornite Project
metallurgical flowsheet is shown in Figure 2.
Flotation test results were based on locked cycle testing which simulates the performance of
a copper recovery process and best represents the expected metallurgical performance of the
test materials. Metallurgical performance for each of the nine composites is shown in Table
2 and the location of the drill holes from which the metallurgical samples were derived from
is shown in Table 3.
Table 2. Summary of Metallurgical Test Results
Sample No. Cu Concentrate
Grade (Cu %)
Cu Recoveries
(%)
Co Concentrate
Grade (g/t)
Co Recoveries
(%)
Open Pit Samples
Composite 1 25.8 88.6 3,249 71.1
Composite 2* 16.7* 75.6 995 65.8
Composite 3 25.0 87.8 698 59.8
Composite 4 27.2 88.3 4,470 59.7
Composite 5 29.8 89.3 2,743 49.2
Composite 6 26.4 80.5 990 51.7
Underground Samples
Composite 7 24.0 94.1 1286 49.3
Composite 8 34.2 94.7 1426 34.1
Composite 9 28.5 94.1 4157 59.0
*Note: Composite 2 is shown to be a surface-weathered sample, containing significant copper oxide products
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Table 3. Drill Hole Information for Metallurgical Test Work
Concentrates from the locked cycle testing we re analyzed for minor elements and average
values for key minor elements are summarized in Table 4 below.
Table 4. Summary of Copper Concentrate Quality
Cu (%) As (%) Sb (%) Zn (%) Hg (g/t) Cd (g/t)
Average Bornite Cu
Concentrate 27.6 0.07 0.03 1.4 9.0 54.0
Qualified Persons
The scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance
with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of
Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Ad ministrators ("NI 43-101") and
supervised, reviewed and verified by Je ffrey B. Austin, P. Eng., President, of International
Metallurgical and Environmental Inc., a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument
43-101 and the person who oversees metallurgical developments for Trilogy Metals. Mr. Austin
is independent of Trilogy Metals Inc, and has been involved in the planning, observation and
reporting all test work.
About Trilogy Metals
Trilogy Metals Inc. is a metals exploration and development company focused on exploring and
developing the Ambler mining district located in northwestern Alaska. It is one of the richest
and most-prospective known copper-dominant districts located in one of the safest geopolitical
jurisdictions in the world. It hosts world-class polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide
(“VMS”) deposits that contain copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver, and carbonate replacement
deposits which have been found to host hi gh-grade copper and cobalt mineralization.
Exploration efforts have been focused on two deposits in the Ambler mining district - the Arctic
VMS deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement deposit. Both deposits are located within
the Company's land package that spans a pproximately 143,000 hectares. The Company has
an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., a Regional Alaska Native Corporation that
provides a framework for the exploration and potential development of the Ambler mining
district in cooperation with local communities. Our vision is to develop the Ambler mining
district into a premier North American copper producer.
Drill Hole Length (m) UTM Grid East (m) North (m) Elevation (m) Azimu th Dip
RC11‐0182 454.0 NAD83_04N 589565 7440228 228.3 277 ‐62
RC11‐0186 474.8 NAD83_04N 589113 7439746 260.4 86 ‐60
RC12‐0211 696.5 NAD83_04N 590463 7440392 265.5 325 ‐80
RC12‐0214 742.5 NAD83_04N 590122 7439957 281.5 0 ‐90
RC12‐0216 801.5 NAD83_04N 590585 7440462 291.5 0 ‐90
RC13‐0218 365.8 NAD83_04N 589251 7439968 216.6 78 ‐73
RC13‐0224 880.4 NAD83_04N 589966 7440766 237.2 0 ‐90
RC13‐0229 164.6 NAD83_04N 589086 7439418 279.0 0 ‐90
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Company Contact
Patrick Donnelly
Vice President, Corporate Communications & Development
604-630-3569
604-638-8088 or 1-855-638-8088
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes certain "forward-looking information” and "for ward-looking statements” (collectively
"forward-looking statements”) within th e meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation
including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of
historical fact, included herein, includ ing, without limitation, the prospectivity of the Ambler mining district, the
Company’s plans for additional optimization work, the production results of conventional copper processing technology,
recovery rates, the potential for lower power requirements and the associated impact on operating costs at the Bornite
Project and the Company’s expectations based on the results of metallurgical testing , are forward-looking statements.
The metallurgical results from the drill holes discussed in this press release should not be considered representative
of other drilling results for the 2019 drilling campaign. Forwar d-looking statements are frequently, but not always,
identified by words such as "expects”, "anticipates”, "be lieves”, "intends”, "estimates”, "potential”, "possible”, and
similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will”, "may”, "could”, or "should” occur or be
achieved. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding percei ved merit of properties;
exploration plans and budgets; minera l reserves and resource estimates; work programs; capital expenditures;
timelines; strategic plans; market prices for precious and base metals; or othe r statements that are not statements
of fact. Forward-looking statements in volve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such
statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated
in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's
expectations include the uncertainties involving success of exploration, development and mining activities, permitting
timelines, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks,
unanticipated reclamation expenses; mineral reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they
are based; assumptions and discount rate s being appropriately applied to the pre-feasibility study; our assumptions
with respect to the likelihood and timing of the Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project (“AMDIAP”); capital
estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services the interpretation of drill results, the need
for additional financing to explore and develop properties and availability of financing in the debt and capital markets;
uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling resu lts and geological tests and th e estimation of reserves and
resources; the need for cooperation of government agencies and native groups in the development and operation of
properties as well as the construction of the access road; the need to obtain permits and governmental approvals;
risks of construction and mining projects such as acci dents, equipment breakdowns, bad weather, non-compliance
with environmental and permit requirements, unanticipated variation in geological structures, metal grades or recovery
rates; unexpected cost increases, which could include sign ificant increases in estimated capital and operating costs;
fluctuations in metal prices and currency exchange rates; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2018 filed with Canadian securities regulatory
authorities and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and in other Company reports and
documents filed with applicable securities regulatory au thorities from time to time. The Company's forward-looking
statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes
no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they
change, except as required by law.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors
This press release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada,
which differ from the requiremen t s o f U . S . s e c u r i t i e s l a w s . U n l e s s o t h erwise indicated, all resource and reserve
estimates included in this press release have been prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101
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Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and
Petroleum (CIM)—CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Reso urces and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council,
as amended (“CIM Definition Standards”). NI 43-101 is a ru le developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators
which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning
mineral projects. Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantl y from the requirements of the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and resource and reserve information contained herein may not
be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. In particular, and without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, the term "resource” does not equate to the term "reserves”. Under U.S. standards, mineralization may
not be classified as a "reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically
and legally produced or extracted at the time the rese rve determination is made. Th e SEC's disclosure standards
normally do not permit the inclusion of information conc erning "measured mineral reso urces”, "indicated mineral
resources” or "inferred mineral resources” or other descriptions of the amount of mineralization in mineral deposits
that do not constitute "reserves” by U.S. standards in documents filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to
assume that all or any part of “measured” or “indicated resources” will ever be converted into “reserves”. Investors
should also understand that "inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and
great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasib ility. Under Canadian rules, estimated "inferred mineral
resources” may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies except in rare cases. Disclosure of "contained
ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadi an regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits
issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves” by SEC standards as in-place tonnage and grade
without reference to unit measures. The requirements of NI 43-101 for identification of "reserves” are also not the
same as those of the SEC, and reserves reported by Trilo gy Metals in compliance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as
"reserves” under SEC standards. Arctic does not have kn own reserves, as defined under SEC Industry Guide 7.
Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information made
public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.