Aurizon Mines Ltd. (TSX:ARZ)(NYSE Amex:AZK) is pleased to report on
the final drill results of the first phase program on the Marban
Block property, located in the Malartic gold camp, Abitibi region
of Quebec. A $5 million second phase program has been initiated, as
reported in the news release dated November 1, 2011.
Results from the last 31 drill holes of the first phase program
are included in this release, of which 14 of the holes are on the
Marban deposit and 17 are step out holes that tested the area
between the Marban and Norlartic deposits. Drill results are tabled
on the following pages.
"These remaining results from the first phase of the program on
the Marban Block are encouraging, and overall there is a high
degree of consistency throughout the first phase drilling data,"
said George Paspalas, President and CEO of Aurizon. "Our original
assumptions going into this joint venture are being realized, and
we look forward to a successful second phase of the program."
Drilling highlights include:
-- An additional important near surface mineralised interval of 9.8 grams
of gold per tonne over 5.8 metres (MB-11-224) was obtained in the newly
recognised Marban 'High Grade Western Zone' (see news release dated
September 19, 2011).
-- Drilling within the Marban deposit continues to confirm the continuity
of the mineralised zones near surface as well as their extensions below
the Marban mine. Six (6) of the fourteen (14) holes returned thick lower
grade gold mineralised intervals with metal factors above 20 as well as
higher grade intercepts, including 8.3 grams of gold per tonne over 4.6
metres (MB-11-200) intersected at a vertical depth of 275 metres.
-- An interval of 5.9 grams of gold per tonne over 3.6 metres (MB-08-
056ext) was obtained at a vertical depth of 350 metres in the newly
recognised Marban 'Eastern Down Dip Zone'.
-- Shallow exploration fence drilling between the Norlartic and Marban
deposits intersected mineralised gold intervals up to 600 metres east
and along the strike extent of the Norlartic deposit/Norbenite shear
zone and within a newly recognised altered and mineralised felsic
intrusive. Values of up to 10 grams of gold per tonne were returned over
0.5 metres.
Marban Deposit:
The last series of drill holes on the Marban deposit were
designed with the objective of extending the mineralized areas
previously identified during this first phase program. The drill
grid covered a lateral extension of 1.4 kilometres along 50
metre-wide sections.
The Marban mineralized system has a funnel shape corresponding
to a 400 to 700 metre wide folded structure in the upper part and a
more steeply dipping root at depth, with thicknesses in the range
of 100 to 200 metres. Mineralised zones and structures are
developed in a strongly chloritized and schistosed basalt. Gold
grades typically correlate with an increasing density of quartz
veining associated with disseminated pyrite. The hanging wall and
footwall are composed mainly of ultramafic units.
Drilling from surface down to 250 metres:
-- The gold bearing parallel structures forming the deposit hanging wall
have been intersected by holes MB-11-200, 214, 240, 246 and 247 with
hole MB-11-200 having the best result of 1.8 grams per tonne over 15.4
metres. The mineralized lense identified is included inside a corridor
extending 100 metres along strike and approximately 100 metres from
previous mine workings.
-- Drilling within the central part of the Marban deposit continues to
confirm extensions of the main mineralized areas. The three holes (MB-
11-200, 214 and 222) tested the Marban deposit at a vertical depth of
approximately 250 metres. The holes intersected mineralization at
distances varying from 25 metres to 120 metres from the previous mine
workings.
-- Hole (MB-11-224) filled a gap and confirmed the grade and thickness of
one section in the Western High Grade Zone, returning values of 9.8
grams of gold per tonne over 5.8 metres and 6.6 grams of gold per tonne
over 3.5 metres.
Drilling below 250 metres:
-- The Eastern Down Dip Zone was tested on a wide spacing with the
extension of two holes and two new holes. The results obtained show
consistent gold values with a possible connection 200 metres westward
with the Marban deposit itself (see long section on sketch). The
orientation and plunge of the structure will be analysed with a view to
target possible mineralized extensions.
Step out drilling:
Three 300-metre spaced NE-SW oriented exploration drill hole
fences were completed between the Norlartic and Marban deposits.
The fences consist of 18 shallow drill holes, for a total of 4,664
metres. Results were previously released for hole NL-11-046.
Highlight from the westernmost fence:
-- Hole NL-11-046 cut a mineralised interval that returned values averaging
1.23 grams of gold per tonne over 21.2 metres on strike at a vertical
depth of 70 metres and 30 metres to the east of the Norlartic resources.
Highlights of the central fence:
-- Hole MB-11-208 collared into a wide mineralised zone interpreted to
represent the southeast extension of Norlartic deposit/Norbenite shear
zone. The best result includes a value of 10 grams of gold per tonne
over 0.5 metres.
-- Further south, holes MB-11-206 and 207 intersected a thick felsic
intrusive containing sulphide mineralisation over 23 and 26 metres,
respectively. The best results returned from Hole 207 include gold
values averaging 0.7 grams of gold per tonne over 25.9 metres, including
7.4 grams of gold per tonne over 2.1 metres.
Highlights of the easternmost fence:
-- Holes MB-11-212 and 213 collared into a wide mineralised zone
interpreted to represent the southeast extension of Norbenite shear
zone. The best result returned an interval of 7.5 grams of gold per
tonne over 1.5 metres.
-- Hole MB-11-210 intersected a thick mineralised felsic intrusive possibly
correlating with the one cut in holes MB-11-206 and 207 of the central
fence. The intrusive returned gold values averaging 1.0 grams of gold
per tonne over 13.1 metres.
These results are located at distances that vary from 200 to 800
metres from the Marban resource outline, along parallel, continuous
shear zones, trending north-west and moderately dipping to the
north-east. In contrast to Marban, where mineralization is
primarily parallel to structures developed in volcanic rocks,
several of these new intervals come from intrusions hosting a
stockwork controlled, disseminated mineralization.
"Preliminary results confirm the gold potential of the area
surrounding the Marban deposit. Until now, the possibility to
extend the Marban deposit influence was unknown due to a lack of
sampling on scattered historical drill information. Specific
geological aspects such as the presence of mineralized intrusions
and steep strike variations of structures reinforce our view on
this part of the mineralized system," said Martin Demers, P. Geo.,
General Manager, Exploration.
First phase program:
The first phase program commenced on August 30, 2010, and was
completed on August 9, 2011. The program consisted of 50,253 metres
of diamond drilling (170 holes, 8 extensions) at a total cost of $6
million. Drilling was distributed between the Marban (41,270
metres) and Norlartic (4,319 metres) deposits and exploration drill
hole fences between the two deposits (4,664 metres). Highlights
include the identification of two new gold zones surrounding the
former Marban mine named the 'High Grade Western Zone' and 'Eastern
Down Dip Zone'. Results have been released for all the holes
drilled to date (see news release dated September 19, 2011).
Second phase program:
As reported on November 1, 2011, the $5-million second phase
program will include 34,000 metres of diamond drilling on the
Marban deposit, updated resource estimates and basic technical
studies. Drilling and technical work are expected to commence in
November 2011 and will continue through to the second quarter of
2012.
Aurizon Option:
Aurizon can earn up to a 65% interest the Marban Block property
under the terms of an option agreement dated July 5, 2010 between
NioGold and Aurizon. The initial 50% interest can be earned by
incurring expenditures of C$20 million over three years, completing
an updated NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate, and by
making a resource payment for 50% of the total gold ounces defined
by the mineral resource estimate. NioGold is the project operator
during the initial earn-in period (see news release dated July 6,
2010).
Drill Results - Marban Deposit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Length From To Length Grade
Hole Line (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t Au)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-08-056ext 2+50 E 474 348.0 370.0 22.0 1.5
incl 348.6 360.7 12.1 1.8
incl 367.9 369.0 1.1 6.8
402.2 405.8 3.6 5.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-08-078ext 2+50 E 548 366.7 368.7 2.0 5.1
401.3 402.5 1.2 7.1
422.9 428.9 6.0 1.2
452.3 453.0 0.7 4.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-200 0+25 W 450.2 209.6 225.0 15.4 1.8
incl 213.0 214.0 1.0 6.3
incl 223.0 224.0 1.0 12.6
277.0 281.0 4.0 3.4
332.3 333.3 1.0 7.4
361.4 378.0 16.6 1.8
incl 372.4 375.4 3.0 6.1
395.8 400.4 4.6 8.3
incl 399.3 400.4 1.1 30.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-214 0+50 E 555 294.0 303.4 9.4 1.6
384.5 386.5 2.0 4.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-218 6+00 W 200 No significant value
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-222 0+00 522 319.6 355.6 36.0 1.0
incl 337.2 339.3 2.1 5.0
incl 349.6 350.8 1.2 5.0
362.6 369.8 7.2 0.8
375.8 387.8 12.0 0.6
438.4 442.8 4.4 4.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-224 4+00 W 192 29.6 35.4 5.8 9.8
94.1 97.6 3.5 6.6
incl 94.1 95.0 0.9 21.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-227 4+50 E 345 No significant value
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-237 7+00 E 582 223.8 229.8 6.0 1.2
416.4 422.4 6.0 2.0
504.8 507.0 2.2 2.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-238 7+00 E 359 256.4 260.0 3.6 2.0
incl 257.6 258.8 1.2 4.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-239 8+00 E 627 356.8 362.2 5.4 1.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-241 4+50 E 528 249.9 261.0 11.1 0.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
467.0 468.1 1.1 12.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-246 0+00 519 19.7 31.6 11.9 0.7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-247 1+00 E 150 85.1 101.8 16.7 1.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
incl 87.8 90.2 2.4 7.7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Only mineralized intervals with a weight average above 0.5 grams
per tonne corresponding to a metal factor above 5 are reported.
True thickness is evaluated at 90% of core length.
Step out Drilling Between Marban and Norlartic Deposits
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Length From To Length Grade
Hole (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t Au) Description
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NL-11-050 204.0 167.4 168.6 1.2 1.91 Granodiorite Py
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Int. dike/Granodiorite Py Qz
NL-11-051 201.0 96.2 97.8 1.6 0.99 veins
117.8 128.1 10.3 0.22 Granodiorite Py Qz veins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sheared basalt Py Po Qz
MB-11-201 204.0 108.9 111.0 2.1 0.45 veins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-202 201.0 104.7 107.6 2.9 0.28 Sheared basalt Py Qz veins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-203 204.7 91.6 93.8 2.2 0.13 Granodiorite silicified Py
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-204 555.0 53.5 58.1 4.6 0.37 Granodioritic dike Py
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-205 368.0 29.9 35.0 5.1 0.47 Granodioritic dike Py
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-206 200.0 47.1 70.0 22.9 0.25 Felsic dike Py
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-207 200.0 152.1 178.0 25.9 0.72 Felsic dike Py
incl 174.9 177.0 2.1 7.37 Felsic dike Py Qz veins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-208 200.0 28.6 29.1 0.5 10.05 Dioritic dikes Py Qz veins
30.5 33.9 3.4 1.17 Dioritic dikes Py Qz veins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ultramafic rocks
MB-11-209 203.0 191.6 198.7 7.1 0.30 Py/Granodiorite Py
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-210 206.0 79.5 92.6 13.1 1.02 Granodioritic dike Py
incl 86.6 89.6 3.0 3.15 Granodioritic dike Py
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intermediate dike Py Qz
MB-11-211 275.0 112.3 115.4 3.1 0.66 veins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-212 200.0 195.0 196.2 1.2 0.94 Granodiorite Py
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dioritic dikes Py Po Qz
MB-11-213 263.0 167.5 169.0 1.5 7.54 veins
188.9 191.9 3.0 2.41 Dioritic dikes Py Qz veins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intermediate dike Py Qz
MB-11-243 395.0 315.3 320.0 4.7 0.75 veins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MB-11-244 380.0 157.8 158.3 0.5 4.60 Dioritic Dike Py Qz veins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technical Info, QA/QC and Qualified Persons
Reported intervals are in core lengths but are anticipated to
approximate true width, except where structural complexities occur,
as the holes were drilled nearly perpendicular to the principal
local structural orientation.
Diamond drill holes were drilled with NQ-size core in order to
obtain larger sample volumes of the mineralised zones, except for
holes that traversed underground workings which were completed
using BQ-size core. The core was sealed and delivered by the
drilling contractor to NioGold's facilities located at the
Norlartic mine site. The core was photographed for reference,
logged and mineralised sections were sawed in half. Sample lengths
vary between 0.5 to 1.5 metres. Half core samples were bagged,
sealed and delivered to ALS Chemex in Val-d'Or, Quebec, an
accredited laboratory. The remaining core is stored on site for
reference. Samples were assayed by the fire-assay method using an
atomic absorption finish on a 50-gram pulp split. A quality
assurance and quality control program (QA/QC) was implemented by
NioGold and the laboratory to insure the precision and
reproducibility of the analytical method and results. The QA/QC
program includes the insertion of standards, blanks and field
duplicates in the sample batches sent to the laboratory and a
systematic re-assaying of samples returning values above 2 g/t Au
by the fire-assay method using a gravimetric finish. As well, pulps
grading above 0.5 g/t Au are sent to Bourlamaque Assay Laboratories
Ltd. in Val-d'Or for check assaying.
The drilling program is conducted under the supervision of Yan
Ducharme, M.Sc., P.Geo. (OGQ), Niogold's Exploration Manager and a
Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. This
news release was prepared under the supervision of Martin Demers,
P.Geo., General Manager of Exploration of Aurizon and a Qualified
Person under National Instrument 43-101, based on information made
available by Niogold and verified by personnel of Aurizon.
Additional information
There are two sketches attached to this news release showing the
Marban Block drill hole location and the Marban longitudinal
figures.
To view the sketches associated with this news release, please
visit the following links:
http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/aurizon-1116-map1.pdf
http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/aurizon-1116-map2.pdf
About Aurizon
Aurizon is a gold producer with a growth strategy focused on
developing its existing projects in the Abitibi region of
north-western Quebec, one of the world's most favourable mining
jurisdictions and prolific gold and base metal regions, and by
increasing its asset base through accretive transactions. Aurizon
shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ARZ"
and on the NYSE Amex under the symbol "AZK". Additional information
on Aurizon and its properties is available on Aurizon's website at
www.aurizon.com.
Forward Looking Statements and Information
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and
"forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable
securities regulations in Canada and the United States
(collectively, "forward-looking information"). The forward-looking
information contained in this news release is made as of the date
of this news release. Except as required under applicable
securities legislation, the Company does not intend, and does not
assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking
information.
Specifically, this news release contains forward-looking
information with respect to future exploration work on the Marban
Block property. Forward-looking information contained in this news
release is based on certain assumptions that the Company believes
are reasonable, that the current price of and demand for gold will
be sustained or will improve. However, forward-looking information
involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of
the Company to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by the
forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others,
the risk that actual results of exploration activities will be
different than anticipated, that required supplies, equipment or
personnel will not be available or will not be available on a
timely basis or that the cost of labour, equipment or supplies will
increase more than expected, that the future price of gold will
decline, that the Canadian dollar will strengthen against the U.S.
dollar, that mineral resources are not as estimated, that actual
costs or actual results of reclamation activities are greater than
expected; that changes in project parameters as plans continue to
be refined may result in increased costs, of accidents, labour
disputes and other risks generally associated with exploration,
unanticipated delays in obtaining governmental approvals or
financing or in the completion of exploration activities, as well
as those factors and other risks more fully described in Aurizon's
Annual Information Form filed with the securities commission of all
of the provinces and territories of Canada and in Aurizon's Annual
Report on Form 40-F filed with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission, which are available on Sedar at www.sedar.com
and on Edgar at www.sec.gov/. Although the Company has attempted to
identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events
or results to differ materially from those described in
forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause
actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or
intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking
information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future
events could differ materially from those anticipated in such
statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty
thereof.
U.S. Registration: (File 001-31893)
Contacts: Aurizon Mines Ltd. George Paspalas President & CEO
604-687-6600 Aurizon Mines Ltd. Martin Bergeron VP Operations
819-874-4511 Aurizon Mines Ltd. Jennifer North Investor Relations
604-687-6600 or Toll Free: 1-800-411-GOLD (4653) 604-687-3932
(FAX)jennifer.north@aurizon.com;
info@aurizon.comwww.aurizon.com
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