Western GOLD Reports Exploration Progress at Its Stronchullin and Gossan Burn Prospects IN the Knapdale District of Argyll, Scotland
www.westerngoldexploration.com
TSX Venture: WGLD
WESTERN GOLD REPORTS EXPLORATION PROGRESS AT ITS STRONCHULLIN AND
GOSSAN BURN PROSPECTS IN THE KNAPDALE DISTRICT OF ARGYLL, SCOTLAND
North Berwick, Scotland December 2, 2020
WESTERN GOLD EXPLORATION LTD. (TSX Venture - WGLD) (the “Company”) is pleased to provide an
exploration update for drill targeting at its Stronchullin and Gossan Burn prospects, which are sub-properties
located within the 3,253 hectare Knapdale Property, located in the Knapdale District of Argyll, Scotland
(Figure 1), which the Company holds mineral mining rights and surface access rights in.
Highlights:
Deep overburden geochemical sampling has delineated four new anomalous zones of potential orogenic
style quartz-gold-silver vein mineralization at the Stronchullin and Gossan Burn prospects, which will be
drill targets in Q2 2021.
Work at the Gossan Burn prospect has delineated cohesive base of till copper-lead-zinc-(gold) anomaly
related to a Pyritic Schist unit coincident with a well-defined NNE-trending magnetic low, and strong IP
chargeability anomalies possibly indicative of potentially better developed, base metal sulphide
mineralisation at a depth of 100-300m below surface. It is planned to drill the priority anomalies in 2021.
Exploration at the Knapdale Property to date has been focused on a 15km 2 zone of anomalous gold-silver-
copper-lead-zinc-arsenic-antimony-bismuth in drainage and rock chip geochemical samples extending south-
southwest from the historic Stronchullin gold mine to the abandoned Abhainn Strathainn copper mine.
The mineralized trend is considered prospective for the discovery of high grade, orogenic style quartz-gold-
silver veins and Besshi-style polymetallic VMS (Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide) deposits. See the
Company’s “NI 43-101 Technical Report, Geological Introduction to Knapdale Gold-Silver Project, Scotland”
with an effective date of June 12, 2020 (the “43-101 Report”), which can be found on the Company’s website
or under the Company’s SEDAR profile, for further information.
Harry Dobson, Chairman of the Board, commented:
“The Company is encouraged by results from the recently completed deep overburden geochemical
sampling and Induced Polarisation survey and excited about the potential of the continual mineralisation
between our two prospects from Stronchullin to Gossan Burn. The Company plans to aggressively drill test
the recently defined targets during 2021.”
For further information, please contact:
Ross McLellan, CEO
Phone: +44 1620 890159
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.westerngoldexploration.com
All Figures referenced in this news release can be accessed on the Company’s website at the
following: https://www.westerngoldexploration.com/wp-content/uploads/Western-Gold-Release-02-
December-2020-.pdf
- 2 -
Following recommendations set out in NI 43-101 Report, the Company commissioned a deep overburden,
base of till sampling campaign over the mapped strike length of the Stronchullin vein system which was
recently completed by BRG Geotechnical Services (Figure 2). Survey lines were orientated E-W at 100m
separation and 20m sample intervals closing down to 10m in the vicinity of known veins. The survey covered
the structurally favourable, sheared stratigraphic boundary between the Upper Erins Quartzite and the
Stronchullin Phyllite. A total of 332 deep overburden samples were collected and assayed by ALS
Geochemistry in Loughrea for gold, base metals and a comprehensive trace element suite.
The main Stronchullin vein structure is defined by a cohesive arsenic anomaly with strongly mineralized
segments of the veins delineated by 90-1680 ppm arsenic (Figure 3). A coincident, coherent 24-229 ppb gold
anomaly outlines the mineralized portions of the Stronchullin lode structure. Several strong, coincident gold-
arsenic-antimony anomalies were defined by the survey:
1. A strong, extensive gold-arsenic-antimony anomaly extends southwest from Stronchullin Burn for
approximately 500m and a cross strike width of 80m to a north trending fault zone intruded by a Tertiary
dolerite dyke. Geochemical evidence from deep overburden sampling, outcropping veins and the
distribution of high-grade quartz vein float indicate the presence of additional, sub-parallel auriferous vein
structures 10-60m to the east of the main Stronchullin lode. The northern extension of the gold-arsenic-
antimony anomaly terminates against Pleistocene marine and glacial deposits which overly the Dalradian
lithological units and mineralized veins.
2. A pronounced gold-arsenic-antimony anomaly is developed on line L07 and extends southwest to Line
L08. The anomaly area is underlain by thin alluvial cover and is 150m west of the Stronchullin Phyllite
boundary with the Upper Erins Quartzite. The anomaly may delineate the strike extension of auriferous
shear zone hosted quartz-gold veins developed in the footwall of the main Stronchullin lode structure.
3. The southern section of the Stronchullin lode on lines L10 and L11 is defined by a coherent gold-arsenic-
antimony anomaly. Hole SD17-6 intersected the Stronchullin Phyllite – Upper Erins Quartzite boundary
at 105m depth and terminated prematurely at 110m in a strong quartz-arsenopyrite-galena-stibnite
stringer zone with anomalous gold-silver values indicative of proximity to a mineralized quartz vein.
4. A strong cohesive arsenic-antimony-lead anomaly at the southern end of the Stronchullin grid on Lines
L16 to L18. The anomaly is open to the south and approximately 600m NNE along strike from a strong
deep overburden gold anomaly at Gossan Burn. It is planned to extend the deep overburden sampling
grid in order to confirm continuity between the Stronchullin and Gossan Burn mineralised quartz vein
structures.
Following this the Company is planning eight diamond drill holes of 150-200m depth for an aggregate
1,355m to further evaluate the economic potential of the Stronchullin quartz-gold-base metal veins (Figure
2). This drilling should provide greater confidence in the continuity of the veins and structural controls on lode
development. Sub-parallel auriferous quartz veins and shear zones developed in the structural footwall east
of the main Stronchullin vein represent priority targets.
Gossan Burn Prospect
Copper mineralization occurs within a stratiform pyrite horizon developed over a strike length of 10km within
the Upper Erins Quartzite of the Dalraian Argyll Group, and historically has supported small scale mining
operations at Abhainn Strathainn (Figure 1). Exploration at the Gossan Burn prospect has identified a pyritic
sericite schist and intercalated amphibolite unit 100-200m west of, and stratigraphically underlying the pyrite
horizon. Copper-lead-zinc-cobalt-silver-gold bearing Besshi type VMS mineralization at Gossan Burn is
amenable to delineation by deep overburden base of till sampling beneath the extensive peat bogs and
glacial drift as it exhibits distinctive indicator and pathfinder element geochemical associations. See the 43-
101 Report.
BRG Geotechnical Services recently undertook deep overburden geochemical sampling at Gossan Burn,
extending the 2016 grid coverage (Figure 4). Survey lines were orientated NW-SE at 100m separation and
- 3 -
25m sample interval. A total of 88 deep overburden samples were assayed by ALS Geochemistry in
Loughrea for gold, base metals and a comprehensive trace element suite. Two distinct geochemical targets
have emerged at Gossan Burn, a potentially large, polymetallic Besshi type VMS mineralization and a
younger phase of orogenic style quartz-gold-base metal veins comparable to the Stronchullin veins.
1. A number of strong, sub-parallel, cohesive, NNE trending copper-zinc-lead-arsenic anomalies have been
defined over a 1200m strike length (Figures 4 through 6). The anomalies are sourced by quartz-sericite-
pyrite schists and intercalated amphibolite units which are truncated by the Baranlongart Fault to the
south and remain open to the north of Line 14. The copper-lead-zinc-arsenic anomalies appear to
delineate at least two discrete mineralised horizons within the pyritic schists. Discrete gold (5-150ppb Au)
and silver (0.30-2.20ppm Ag) anomalies are coincident with the main base metal anomalies and indicate
potential precious metal enriched zones (Figure 7).
2. An erratic, strong deep overburden gold anomaly is related to orogenic style quartz-gold-base metal
veins exposed in new road sections at Gossan Burn (Figure 7). The 15-584ppb gold anomaly outlines
auriferous portions of the Gossan Burn vein structure and remains open to the north. It is interpreted to
extend north-northeast towards the strong, cohesive arsenic-lead-antimony anomaly at the extreme
southern end of the Stronchullin grid.
BRG Geotechnical Services also recently completed a 14km ground magnetic survey at the Gossan Burn
prospect. The lines were oriented NW-SE orthogonal to the regional structural trend (Figure 8). The raw data
is being quality checked, processed and imaged by Southern Geoscience Consultants in Australia. Initial
review of the data suggests a subtle magnetic low coincident with the base metal anomalous pyritic sericite
schists and intercalated amphibolite units at Gossan Burn probably reflecting the sericite and chlorite
alteration accompanying the sulphide mineralization. The main faults zones are also recognizable in the
imaged TMI data (Figure 8).
BRG Geotechnical Services also undertook a 9km time domain Induced Polarisation and Resistivity survey
at the Gossan Burn prospect. A pole-dipole array was utilized with a 50m dipole reading from n=1 to n=6 on
lines L1, L3, L5, L7, L9, L11 and L14 (Figure 8). A 100m dipole separation was adopted on lines L4 and L10
reading from n=1 to n=6. Induced Polarisation survey data has been quality checked by Southern
Geoscience Consultants and is considered to be of good quality. Final interpretation will comprise identifying
anomalies from 2D and 3D inversion models and pseudo-section plots in conjunction with magnetics,
geology and deep overburden geochemical data and provide a sound technical basis for prioritisation of drill
targets.
A review of the data has defined highly anomalous chargeability anomalies and coincident resistivity lows
within a general subdued anomalous magnetic low. The coincident anomalies are generally spatially related
with the base metal enriched pyritic schists. Chargeability anomalies are generally strengthening from n=4 to
n=6 on the 50m dipole separation indicative of a depth to source of 100-150m depth. On the 100m dipole
separation strong chargeability anomalies with coincident resistivity lows indicate the source is increasingly
polarizable from n=2 to n=6 interpreted as being 100-300m depth. The main anomalous demonstrate
reasonable line to line continuity defining a 1200m strike length of the chargeability anomalies which remain
open at depth and along strike. Two interpreted pseudo-sections are shown in Figures 9 and 10.
Combined 2D IP-resistivity inversions of the pole-dipole data using the RES2DINV + Loke software package
was undertaken by Southern Geoscience Consultants to develop pseudo-section plots of the measured and
modelled (2D inversion) chargeability and resistivity. The models could not be geologically constrained and
the modelling generally generated a chargeability source anomaly that coalesced rather than differentiate
two potential sources in the graphitic Stronchullin Phyllite and the Pyritic Schist and in one instance
transgressed a significant post mineralisation fault zone which is considered geologically unreasonable.
Drill targeting criteria will prioritise cohesive base of till copper-lead-zinc-arsenic-(gold) anomalies related to
the Pyritic Schist coincident with the well-defined NNE-trending magnetic low, and strong IP anomalies at
n=4 to n=6 possibly indicative of potentially better developed, base metal sulphide mineralisation occurring at
- 4 -
a of depth 100-300m below surface. In this regard the Pyritic Schist unit between lines 02 to 07 and lines 09
to 11 are considered to represent the most prospective zones (Figure 11).
Review by Qualified Person, Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Mr. Patrick Waters, Consultant Professional Geologist is the Qualified Person as defined by National
Instruction 43-101, responsible for the accuracy of scientific and technical information in this news release.
All analytical work has been completed at the ALS Geochemistry laboratory facility in Loughrea, Ireland. ALS
Geochemistry is an internationally accredited lab and are ISO compliant (ISO 9001:2008, ISO/IEC
17025:2005). All drill core, rock chip and channel samples are prepared using the PREP 31B method and
analysed for gold using the Au-AA23 procedure (20gm fire assay with AAS finish: Lower Detection Limit -
0.005ppm gold; Upper Detection Limit – 10ppm gold). Any samples that returned over-limit values (>10ppm
gold) were analysed by the Au-AA25 Fire Assay procedure (0.01-100ppm gold). All drill core, rock chip and
channel samples are analysed for silver, base metals and a comprehensive trace element suite using the
ME-MS61L™ method following a four-acid digest.
All deep overburden, base of till samples, stream sediments and panned concentrate samples are analysed
for low level gold (0.001-1ppm gold) using the AuME-TL43 ™ method utilising an aqua regia digest of a 25gm
sample and ICP-MS finish for gold and a 46-element package including base metals and a comprehensive
indicator element suite.
Commercially available OREAS Certified Reference Materials and Blanks are routinely inserted into sample
dispatches every 25 samples. ALS Geochemistry also has its own QA/QC protocol using standards, blanks
and duplicates.
About Western Gold Exploration
The Company is an exploration company that is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol
“WGLD”. The Company is focused on the exploration of mineral properties in Western Scotland and
discovering new opportunities in the Dalradian Belt, targeting historic mines with gold and copper
occurrences in the area to develop an initial resource estimate. Preliminary prospects include the
Stronchullin mine, Gossan Burn and Allt Dearg which are all located in the Knapdale District.
Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the Company’s
profile.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release
includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-
looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to those that address potential
quantity and/or grade of minerals, potential for minerals and/or mineral resources, timing and plans for any
exploratory drilling and statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the
Company with respect to the future business activities and operating performance of the Company that may
be described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical,
including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such
information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as “may”, “expect”,
“estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe” and “continue” or the negative thereof or similar variations.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no
assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and
uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates,
forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. These assumptions, risks and
uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in
particular, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's Management's Discussion
and Analysis for the period ended September 30, 2020 available at www.sedar.com, many of which are
- 5 -
beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are
expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release.
Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made
by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.