Aurizon Mines Ltd. (TSX:ARZ)(NYSE Amex:AZK) is pleased to announce
results from the 2011 exploration program on the Rex South property
in Nunavik, Northern Quebec. The program was successful in
expanding the polymetallic discoveries of the Augossan trend.
The Rex South property provides evidence of an extensive
intrusion-related porphyry/greisen-type polymetallic mineralized
system (Au-Ag-Cu-W-Sn-Bi) as well as Iron Oxide Copper Gold
mineralization. The property is part of a 330 kilometre long
emerging polymetallic region largely controlled by Azimut
Exploration Inc. ("Azimut").
2011 Drill Program
A total of $4.5 million was invested in a four-month program
funded and operated by Aurizon under the terms of an option
agreement with Azimut announced on May 26, 2010, and comprised the
following:
-- 2,530 rock grab samples;
-- 145.35 m of channel sampling: 16 channels and 149 samples;
-- 53 drill holes totalling 4,934 metres and 3,171 drill samples: 4,467
metres of standard rotary percussion drilling ("rotary") and 466 metres
of reverse circulation drilling ("RC");
-- Ground geophysics, including 53.9 line-kilometres of induced
polarization and 149.5 kilometres of a magnetic survey covering the
Augossan and Anorthosite zones; and
-- 257 lake-bottom sediment infill samples to further define targets on the
property.
Augossan Zone (7 kilometre Trend)
The best results obtained on the Augossan trend come from two
holes (RS-22-23 and 28), which are 400 metres spaced. They both
returned mineralized intervals in the range of 1 gram per tonne
gold over 5 to 9 metres. The mineralization style found from
drilling and surface exploration and their location suggests the
presence of a gold enrichment trend offsetting the main Augossan
polymetallic target. New prospecting results have confirmed the
continuity of this new gold bearing structure over a kilometric
strike length.
Following the identification of a large target for
Gold-Copper-Silver-Tungsten-Tin mineralization in 2010 along the
Augossan trend, a rotary and RC (reverse-circulation) drilling
program was completed in 2011. A total of 4,333 metres in 46
shallow holes (141.7 metres maximum) was drilled on 400
metre-spaced sections covering a 5.3 kilometre strike length of
induced polarisation anomalies on the Augossan zone.
All of the holes were positioned to intercept a strong IP
anomaly with a width of 50 to 300 metres and an interpreted
strike-length of 5 kilometres which had been previously identified
by prospecting (see Aurizon press releases dated November 8, 2010
and February 15, 2011).
The Augossan Zone appears as a very large polymetallic envelope
at the contact between a granitic intrusion (the Qalluviartuuq
Intrusive Complex; "QIC") and volcano-sedimentary host rocks. Gold
is associated with other commodities such as copper (Cu), tungsten
(W) and tin (Sn), bismuth (Bi), tantalum (Ta), beryllium (Be),
rubidium (Rb), molybdenum (Mo), rhenium (Re), tellurium (Te) and
lithium (Li). The Augossan Zone remains open in all directions.
Significant drilling will be required to establish continuity in
terms of grades and geometry for the most prospective areas within
this envelope.
The table below includes the best drill intersections:
True widths are estimated to be approximately 75% - 100% of core
length.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From To Length Au Cu W Bi
Hole no Section (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (%) (%) (ppm)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RS-11-17 5400E 27.43 38.10 10.67 0.13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RS-11-20 5000E 19.81 27.43 7.62 0.70
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RS-11-23 4600E 33.53 42.67 9.14 1.10
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RS-11-28 4200E 22.86 28.96 6.10 1.10 0.12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RS-11-29 4200E 42.67 51.81 9.14 0.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RS-11-33 3800E 80.16 84.73 4.57 0.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RS-11-40 3000E 6.10 21.34 15.24 0.21
Including 13.72 21.34 7.62 0.35 0.13 893
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The table below includes the best channel sample
intersections:
Channels are cut at 90 degrees from apparent mineralization
orientation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Length Au Cu W Ta
Channel no Section (m) (g/t) (%) (%) (ppm)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CH-11-04 6800E 1.0 3.11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CH-11-05 6800E 1.0 3.15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CH-11-04, CH-11-05 6800E 10.0 225
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CH-11-16B, CH-11-16C 200E 3.4 5.76 0.14
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Exploration Targets
The exploration program's main highlight is the identification
of new mineralized occurrences extending along the 20 kilometre
long Qualluviartuq corridor (see sketch attached), a major regional
crustal structure oriented NW-SE. A total of 37 new gold-only or
gold-copper occurrences were discovered, ranging from 1.0 to 20.6
grams per tonne gold in 2,530 grab samples. Copper anomalies were
identified in 54 occurrences with grades ranging between 0.5% and
9.2% Cu. Polymetallic occurrences include silver values of up to
121 g/t Ag, and strategic elements such as 1.9% tungsten, and up to
0.34% tin. The average spacing between each sample varies between
50 and 200 metres. Only gold and copper results are presented.
The table below is an overview by sector of the prospecting
results from grab samples:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
occurrences Known Mineralization
Area discovered Grade range extension style
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aura 6 1.1 to 11.8 g/t Au 2 kilometres Quartz-tourmaline
vein system with
pyrite.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Augossan(new 10 1.0 to 5.5 g/t Au 650 metres Garnet-biotite
gold target) 0.10 to 0.74% Cu schist with
disseminated
arsenopyrite and
chalcopyrite.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Le Breuil 7 1.1 to 20.6 g/t Au Unknown Tourmaline-
altered and
pyritized
intrusions and
host rocks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anorthosite 6 1.3 to 3.7 g/t Au 4 kilometres Disseminated
0.54 to 1.75% Cu sulphides in
intrusions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copperton 6 1.0 to 7.9 g/t Au 3 kilometres Sulphides
0.55 to 9.28% Cu stringers in
deformation zone.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jemima 11 1.06 to 2.86% Cu 2 kilometres Silicification
with magnetite-
filled stockwerks
and breccias.
Disseminated
sulphides.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anorthosite - Copperton Trend (11 kilometre known extension)
The Anorthosite Zone is located on the western side of the
Qualluviartuq intrusive complex. A few reconnaissance holes and
prospecting data have outlined, in a preliminary manner, a
4-kilometre-long by 200-metre-wide mineralized envelope with Au,
Ag, Cu, W and Te mineralization including 1.42 grams per tonne gold
over 1.52 metres and 0.17% Cu over 3.05 metres. The best grab
sample assays returned values up to 3.7 gold grams per tonne and
1.75% copper. (See sketch attached).
The Copperton Zone, located about 5 kilometres southeast of the
Anorthosite Zone along the same structure, is hosted by sheared
intrusive rocks with disseminated chalcopyrite, native copper and
pyrite mineralization. Grab sample assays include:
-- 7.87 g/t Au, 82.7 g/t Ag, 9.28% Cu, 38.4 g/t Te
-- 3.0 g/t Au, 12.0 g/t Ag, 2.72% Cu, 3.2 g/t Te
-- 2.32 g/t Au, 5.7 g/t Ag, 1.17% Cu, 1.48 g/t Te
-- 2.47 g/t Au, 5.2 g/t Ag, 0.67% Cu, 2.16 g/t Te
-- 1.0 g/t Au, 0.55% Cu
-- 2.19% Cu, 1.35 g/t Te
Aura-Pegor Trend (2 kilometre known extension)
The Aura-Pegor trend is characterized by disseminated pyrite and
strong alteration, including tourmaline in veinlets or stockworks
accompanied by silica and albite. Grab sample assays include 15
samples with grades ranging from 0.5 g/t Au to 11.75 g/t Au. In
addition, this trend presents anomalous values in copper (up to
0.37% Cu), tungsten (0.06% W), bismuth (up to 0.14% Bi) and
tellurium (up to 34 g/t Te).
Le Breuil Trend (2 kilometre known extension)
On the Le Breuil trend, located approximately 10 kilometres SE
of Augossan, seven mineralized occurrences returned grab samples
above 1 gram per tonne, including the best result of 20.6 grams per
tonne gold. Similar to the Aura-Pegor trend, mineralization is
closely related to a network of quartz veins and veinlets developed
in conjunction with tourmalinization of a felsic intrusive host
rock. Tellurium (up to 78.2 ppm) and bismuth (up to 732 ppm) are
systematically associated with gold bearing samples.
Jemima Trend (2 kilometre known extension)
The Jemima trend forms a 30 to 100 metre wide mineralized
corridor characterized by disseminated to semi-massive chalcopyrite
and bornite associated with hematite-magnetite in veins, veinlets
or as breccia cement, accompanied by strong pervasive potassic
alterations, silica, chlorite and epidote. Mineralization and
associated alterations are related to a brittle structure. Fifteen
grab samples had grades ranging from 0.5% to 2.86% copper, up to
0.17% molybdenum and up to 0.422 g/t rhenium.
Outlook
The success of both the 2010 and 2011 exploration programs on
Rex South confirms the excellent discovery potential of the
property. The exploration programs have indicated that the gold and
polymetallic mineralized system is located around the 15 kilometre
x 5 kilometre ovoid-shaped Qalluviartuuq Intrusive Complex. The
mineralized areas (Augossan, Anorthosite-Copperton, Aura-Pegor and
LeBreuil trends) are part of a considerable hydrothermal system and
additional exploration potential existing along the 30 kilometre
long contact between the intrusion and the volcano-sedimentary host
rocks.
Future exploration will concentrate on mapping and
channel-sampling the best mineralized areas across the corridor in
order to evaluate their size, continuity and grade potential and to
define their geological controls. This program will focus on the
Augossan, Anorthosite, Copperton, Aura, Le Breuil and Jemima areas
and will represent the stepping-stone to prioritize targets for
future drilling programs.
Technical information and Quality Control
The operational protocol for drilling and sampling was as
follows:
-- Bedrock was sampled using a heliportable standard rotary percussion
drilling rig, working in conventional (rotary) and RC modes.
-- For both drilling modes, the hole diameter was 88.9 mm (3.5 in) and rock
chip samples were continuously collected every 1.52 m (5 ft), following
a sampling protocol specifically designed for this drilling campaign,
including a QA/QC program.
-- In order to minimize the risk of contamination, the operators followed
closely-monitored rock-chip sampling instructions, including the
installation of a steel casing in the bedrock to prevent physical
contact between overburden and rock-chips, hole cleaning using
compressed air between each 1.52-m drill-run (5-ft rods), and the
interruption of drilling in the case of hole flooding.
-- Certified reference material, blanks and field duplicates were inserted
in all drill sample shipments to the laboratory as part of a strict
QA/QC program. Samples at the exploration site were weighed and split in
accordance with standard practices for RC and rotary drilling.
-- All rock and drill samples were assayed by ALS Minerals in Val-d'Or,
Quebec, using fire assay for gold and an ICP method for multi-elemental
geochemistry.
This press release was prepared under the supervision of Martin
Demers, P.Geo., General Manager of Exploration, a Qualified Person
as defined by National Instrument 43-101, who has also verified the
data disclosed including sampling, analytical and test data.
Additional information
The Rex South property is located approximately 145 kilometres
southeast of the Hudson Bay shoreline and the community of
Puvirnituq. The property is 58 kilometres long by 20 kilometres
wide in a NW-SE direction. It comprises 2,162 claims covering a
surface area of 943 kilometres squared. Aurizon can acquire an
initial 50% interest in the project by incurring $5.0 million in
exploration work over a five (5)-year period, including a minimum
of 5,000 metres drilling, along with further cash payments
totalling $300,000 within the next three years. An additional 15%
interest may also be earned upon delivery of a bankable feasibility
study (see press release dated May 26, 2010).
Please visit the following links for further information on the
Rex South Property:
http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/arz404a.pdf
http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/arz404b.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.
U.S. Registration (File 001-31893)
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.
Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to,
statements with respect to and the effects thereof, the timing and
amount of estimated exploration expenditures, plans and budgets for
and expected timing and results of future exploration work on the
Rex South property. Forward-looking information contained in this
news release is based on certain assumptions that the Company
believes are reasonable. 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 metals will decline, that the Canadian dollar will
strengthen against the U.S. dollar, 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.
Contacts: Aurizon Mines Ltd. George Paspalas President & CEO
604-687-6600 Aurizon Mines Ltd. Martin Bergeron Vice President
Operations 819-874-4511 Aurizon Mines Ltd. Investor
Relationsjennifer.north@aurizon.com Aurizon Mines Ltd. 604-687-6600
or Toll Free: 1-800-411-GOLD (4653) 604-687-3932
(FAX)info@aurizon.com www.aurizon.com
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