FIREWEED METALS CORP. (“
Fireweed” or the
“
Company”) (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQX: FWEDF) is pleased to
be awarded the 2024 Robert E. Leckie Award for Responsible and
Innovative Exploration and Mining Practices by the Yukon
Government.
Highlights
- Innovative Exploration Techniques: The use of
muon tomography imaging and directional drilling optimizes drill
targeting and minimizes surface disturbance, reducing potential
environmental effects of exploration.
- Renewable Energy Initiatives: Through a
partnership with Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation based in
Ross River, Yukon, and Solvest Inc., Fireweed has introduced solar
power with battery storage at its Sekie Camp, lowering greenhouse
gas emissions and decreasing reliance on carbon-intensive energy
sources.
- Community Collaboration & Engagement:
Fireweed actively engages with local communities and supports
community-focused initiatives, which fosters relationships that
support sustainable development and shared benefits from
exploration activities.
CEO Statement
Peter Hemstead, President and CEO, stated, “I
would like to extend my gratitude to the selection committee and to
commend our entire team -- including our local partners and
industry collaborators -- for their continued dedication and hard
work. Innovation and sustainability are key to the future of
responsible mineral exploration in the Yukon, and we are proud to
be recognized for being at the forefront of these efforts."
The Robert E. Leckie Award is presented in two
categories each year: one special award for “Responsible and
Innovative Exploration and Mining Practices” may be presented to an
exceptional quartz (hard-rock) or placer operation and up to two
awards for “Excellence in Environmental Stewardship” (one for
quartz and one for placer operations). The awards selection
committee comprises representatives from the Council of Yukon First
Nations, the Yukon Chamber of Mines, the Klondike Placer Miner’s
Association, and the Energy, Mines, and Resources branch of the
Government of Yukon. The Robert E. Leckie Award for Responsible and
Innovative Exploration and Mining Practices was presented to
Fireweed on November 18 at the Yukon Geoscience Forum in
Whitehorse, Yukon.
Innovations in Exploration
Fireweed is setting a new standard for
sustainable exploration with its application of muon tomography
imaging, in partnership with Ideon Technologies
(“Ideon”), who developed the subsurface imaging
solution for mining applications. This advanced downhole
geophysical technique utilizes muons – sub-atomic particles
generated by the interaction of cosmic rays with the Earth’s upper
atmosphere – to map and model density contrasts deep
underground.
Together, Ideon and Fireweed successfully
deployed the largest muon tomography imaging program north of 50°N,
at Macpass in September 2024. The objective of the deployment is to
identify new potential mineralized zones and support targeted
drilling in future years. By identifying high-priority drill
targets without extensive exploratory drilling, Fireweed can reduce
surface disruption and overall exploration footprint.
Figure 1: The Fireweed and Ideon team after a
successful deployment of muon tomography in September 2024.Figure 1
is available
at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e87599af-c6f4-4058-982a-75f310c733e9
Complementing this approach, Fireweed has used
directional drilling to further mitigate environmental impact and
increase drilling cost efficiency. Directional drilling allows
multiple drillholes to splay off a primary hole. This greatly
reduces the number of drill pads needed as well as saving fuel,
materials, and person-days. This technique allows Fireweed to
reduce the physical footprint of its drill program and yet test the
desired drill targets.
Figure 2: An example of a directional drill hole
with many directional cuts.Figure 2 is available
at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/57cf3a25-dec4-4e25-a63d-d8ffacbf83c0
Environmental Stewardship and Meaningful
Community Engagement
Aligned with its environmental sustainability
approach, Fireweed has partnered with Dena Nezziddi Development
Corporation and Solvest Inc. to integrate solar power with battery
storage at its Sekie Camp, providing a renewable energy source for
its operations. The use of solar energy significantly decreases
reliance on fossil fuels and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Figure 3: Completed installation of solar panel
array as part of a collaboration with Solvest and Dena Nezziddi
Development Corporation.Figure 3 is available
at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f0ab7a2d-fde4-4a3a-a075-886681a06196
In addition to its environmental initiatives,
Fireweed prioritizes meaningful community engagement and
community-focused opportunities, ensuring that exploration
activities provide benefits locally. Through partnerships with
local communities and vendors, Fireweed fosters practices that
respect the region’s natural environment while supporting local
priorities, such as health, education, culture, and economic
development. Due to their emphasis on strong local partnerships,
Fireweed is pleased to have many returning community members work
on the project, year after year. This commitment to
community-oriented practices highlights Fireweed’s holistic
approach to responsible resource development.
Figure 4: Scanning technicians and core cutters
take a moment to appreciate their handiwork.Figure 4 is available
at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/285237ee-1d47-4f46-89c3-99485396cd5d
The Robert E. Leckie Award recognizes Fireweed’s
efforts toward responsible and innovative exploration in the Yukon.
The Company’s approach not only supports technological innovation
and environmental stewardship but also strengthens local
communities, demonstrating a balanced vision for modern resource
development. Fireweed is grateful for the opportunity to contribute
to the Yukon’s future of sustainable resource development.
Robert E. Leckie
Robert “Bob” E. Leckie (1957-1999) was a
geographer and mining inspector who relocated from Alberta to the
Yukon’s Mayo Mining District, where he served from 1987 until 1999.
His legacy reflects a strong dedication to innovation, fostering
collaboration between government and industry, and advancing
forward-thinking land use practices in mining and reclamation.
Qualified Person Statement
Technical information in this news release has
been reviewed and approved by Fireweed Senior Geologist, Ian Carr,
P.Geo. (BC), a ‘Qualified Person’ as defined under Canadian
National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Carr is not independent of the
Company in accordance with NI 43-101.
About Fireweed Metals Corp.
Fireweed is an exploration company focused on
unlocking value in a new critical metals district located in
Northern Canada. Fireweed is 100% owner of the Macpass District, a
large and highly prospective 977 km2 land package. The Macpass
District includes the Macpass zinc-lead-silver project and the
Mactung tungsten project. A Lundin Group company, Fireweed is
strongly positioned to create meaningful value.
Fireweed trades on the TSX Venture Exchange
under the trading symbol “FWZ”, on the OTCQX Best Market under the
symbol “FWEDF”, and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the
trading symbol “M0G”.
Additional information about Fireweed and its
projects can be found on the Company’s website
at FireweedMetals.com and at www.sedarplus.com
ON BEHALF OF FIREWEED METALS CORP.
“Peter Hemstead”
CEO & Director
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for
the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Statements
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking”
statements and information (“forward-looking statements”). All
statements, other than statements of historical facts, included
herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to
interpretation of drill results, targets for exploration, potential
extensions of mineralized zones, future work plans, the use of
funds, and the potential of the Company’s projects, are forward
looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but
not always, identified by words such as "expects”, "anticipates”,
"believes”, "intends”, "estimates”, "potential”, "possible”, and
similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or
results "will”, "may”, "could”, or "should” occur or be achieved.
Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of Company
management, as well as assumptions made by and information
currently available to Company management and reflect the beliefs,
opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made.
Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties
and accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements. 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 but are
not limited to, exploration and development risks, unanticipated
reclamation expenses, expenditure and financing requirements,
general economic conditions, changes in financial markets, the
ability to properly and efficiently staff the Company’s operations,
the sufficiency of working capital and funding for continued
operations, title matters, First Nations relations, operating
hazards, political and economic factors, competitive factors, metal
prices, relationships with vendors and strategic partners,
governmental regulations and oversight, permitting, seasonality and
weather, technological change, industry practices, uncertainties
involved in the interpretation of drilling results and laboratory
tests, and one-time events. The Company assumes no obligation to
update forward‐looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections
or other factors, except as required by law.
Contact: Alex CampbellPhone: +1 (604) 689-7842
Email: info@fireweedmetals.com