3.95 Moz Measured & Indicated
& 0.40 Moz Inferred Gold Mineral Resources
VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025
/CNW/ - Orla Mining Ltd. (TSX: OLA) (NYSE: ORLA) ("Orla" or
the "Company") is pleased to provide the first underground Mineral
Resource estimate for the Company's Camino Rojo deposit located in
Zacatecas, Mexico, representing a
down plunge extension from the oxide open pit.
This news release presents the initial underground Mineral
Resource estimate for the Camino Rojo deposit, incorporating
mineralization hosted in the Camino Rojo Sulphides and extending
into the underlying Zone 22 (Figures 1, 2a). Zone 22 represents the
vertical and down plunge continuation of the Camino Rojo sulphide
mineralization.
Summary Highlights:
- Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource: 50.1 Mt at 2.45
g/t Au, 10.6 g/t Ag, and 0.25% Zn, averaging 2.58 g/t AuEq,
totaling 3.95 Moz Au, 17.05
Moz Ag, 278 Mlbs Zn, and 4.16 Moz
AuEq.
- Inferred Mineral Resource: 5.6 Mt at 2.21 g/t Au, 10.9
g/t Ag, and 0.21% Zn, averaging 2.33 g/t AuEq, totaling 0.40
Moz Au, 1.95 Moz Ag, 26 Mlbs Zn, and 0.42 Moz AuEq.
- Zone 22 accounts for only 7% (0.29 Moz AuEq) of the
current underground Indicated Mineral Resource and 19% (0.08 Moz
AuEq) of the current underground Inferred Mineral Resource. This
represents only a portion of the defined mineralization in Zone 22,
with drilling ongoing. The 2025 drilling results from Zone 22 will
be incorporated in future resource updates.
- Recovery model supported by ongoing metallurgical work:
The mineral resource is divided into three spatially distinct
zones, each with specific processing options for the Caracol-hosted
mineralization: heap leaching (3%); cyanidation (CIL) (25%); and
flotation followed by pressure oxidation ("POX") as a pre-treatment
prior to cyanidation (CIL with POX) (72%). These zones inform the
resource recovery assumptions. Initial metallurgical testing
indicates that material from Zone 22 is amenable to both cyanide
leaching and flotation.
- Development strategy to advance the initial underground
Mineral Resource towards possible future construction decision.
This includes additional exploration, development planning for an
exploration drift to allow for tighter spaced underground drilling,
flowsheet design, further metallurgical testing, engineering
studies, and permitting activities.
"This initial underground resource marks an important
milestone at Camino Rojo. When we acquired the project, the scale
of the mineralized system was clear, but the path forward was
uncertain. This resource crystallizes our belief in the potential
for a future underground operation. Our team has taken a systematic
approach, and we will now look to increase confidence and establish
a clear path to construction."
– Jason Simpson, President and
CEO
"Over the past few years, our efforts have focused on
drilling the sulphide zone, improving the geological model, and
extending mineralization down-plunge in the newly discovered Zone
22. We have now delivered a significant initial underground
resource, a key milestone that will inform an upcoming Preliminary
Economic Assessment and establish the foundation for potential
long-term production at Camino Rojo. The deposit remains open down
plunge and at depth, and we remain committed to continued
exploration and unlocking the full potential of Camino
Rojo."
– Sylvain Guerard, Senior Vice
President, Exploration
Initial Underground Camino Rojo Mineral Resource
Estimate:
The underground resource, including the Camino Rojo Sulphides
and Zone 22, extends from the base of the oxide pit to
approximately 1,200 metres below surface (or up to 1,300 metres
down plunge from the pit base), covering up to one kilometre along
strike and 200 to 400 metres in width (Figures 2a, 2b, 3).
The Mineral Resource estimate, prepared by SLR Consulting
(Canada) Ltd, includes a resource
panel constrained Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource totalling
50.1 Mt at 2.45 g/t Au, 10.6 g/t Ag and 0.25% Zn, equating to 2.58
g/t AuEq. Contained metal amounts to 3.95 Moz gold, 17.05 Moz
silver and 278 Mlbs zinc, totalling 4.20 Moz AuEq.
The Inferred Mineral Resource totals 5.6 Mt at 2.21 g/t Au, 10.9
g/t Ag and 0.21% Zn, equating to 2.33 g/t AuEq. Contained metal
amounts to 0.40 Moz gold, 1.95 Moz silver and 26 Mlbs zinc,
resulting in a total of 0.42 Moz AuEq. See Table 1 and Figures 4 to
6 for details.
The Mineral Resources reported for Zone 22 are constrained
within underground resource panels below the Caracol Formation,
which represent the vertical and down plunge continuation of the
Camino Rojo sulphide mineralization. Zone 22 has been drilled to
nearly one kilometre below the Caracol Formation and remains open
at depth and down-plunge.
Table 1: Camino Rojo Underground Mineral Resource
Estimate:
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|
|
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|
|
|
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Descriptions
|
|
Measured
|
Indicated
|
Measured &
Indicated
|
Inferred
|
|
|
kt
|
g/t
|
koz
|
kt
|
g/t
|
koz
|
kt
|
g/t
|
koz
|
kt
|
g/t
|
koz
|
GOLD
(Au)
|
Heap leach
|
7
|
1.95
|
0
|
1,704
|
2.90
|
159
|
1,711
|
2.90
|
159
|
214
|
2.29
|
16
|
|
CIL
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12,475
|
2.07
|
832
|
12,475
|
2.07
|
832
|
2,549
|
1.81
|
148
|
|
FLOT/POX/CIL
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
35,900
|
2.56
|
2,958
|
35,900
|
2.56
|
2,958
|
2,813
|
2.57
|
232
|
|
Total -
Gold
|
7
|
1.95
|
0
|
50,079
|
2.45
|
3,949
|
50,086
|
2.45
|
3,950
|
5,576
|
2.21
|
396
|
|
|
kt
|
g/t
|
koz
|
kt
|
g/t
|
koz
|
kt
|
g/t
|
koz
|
kt
|
g/t
|
koz
|
SILVER
(Ag)
|
Heap leach
|
7
|
31.5
|
7
|
1,704
|
13.2
|
722
|
1,711
|
13.3
|
729
|
214
|
15.1
|
104
|
|
CIL
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12,475
|
8.7
|
3,480
|
12,475
|
8.7
|
3,480
|
2,549
|
10.2
|
835
|
|
FLOT/POX/CIL
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
35,900
|
11.1
|
12,847
|
35,900
|
11.1
|
12,847
|
2,813
|
11.2
|
1,010
|
|
Total -
Silver
|
7
|
31.5
|
7
|
50,079
|
10.6
|
17,048
|
50,086
|
10.6
|
17,055
|
5,576
|
10.9
|
1,949
|
|
|
kt
|
%
|
Mlb
|
kt
|
%
|
Mlb
|
kt
|
%
|
Mlb
|
kt
|
%
|
Mlb
|
ZINC
(Zn)
|
Heap leach
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
CIL
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
FLOT/POX/CIL
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
35,900
|
0.35
|
278
|
35,900
|
0.35
|
278
|
2,813
|
0.42
|
26
|
|
Total -
Zinc
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
35,900
|
0.35
|
278
|
35,900
|
0.35
|
278
|
2,813
|
0.42
|
26
|
|
|
kt
|
g/t
|
koz
|
kt
|
g/t
|
koz
|
kt
|
g/t
|
koz
|
kt
|
g/t
|
koz
|
AUEQ
(Au)
|
Heap leach
|
7
|
2.11
|
1
|
1,704
|
3.03
|
166
|
1,711
|
3.03
|
166
|
214
|
2.44
|
17
|
|
CIL
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12,475
|
2.11
|
848
|
12,475
|
2.11
|
848
|
2,549
|
1.85
|
152
|
|
FLOT/POX/CIL
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
35,900
|
2.72
|
3,142
|
35,900
|
2.72
|
3,142
|
2,813
|
2.75
|
249
|
|
Total -
AUEQ
|
7
|
2.11
|
1
|
50,079
|
2.58
|
4,156
|
50,086
|
2.58
|
4,156
|
5,576
|
2.33
|
418
|
|
|
kt
|
g/t
|
koz/Mlb
|
kt
|
g/t or %
|
koz/Mlb
|
kt
|
g/t or %
|
koz/Mlb
|
kt
|
g/t or %
|
koz/Mlb
|
TOTALS
|
Au
|
7
|
1.95
|
0
|
50,079
|
2.45
|
3,949
|
50,086
|
2.45
|
3,950
|
5,576
|
2.21
|
396
|
|
Ag
|
31.5
|
7
|
10.6
|
17,048
|
10.6
|
17,055
|
10.9
|
1,949
|
|
Zn
|
-
|
-
|
0.25
|
278
|
0.25
|
278
|
0.21
|
26
|
|
AuEq
|
2.11
|
1
|
2.58
|
4,156
|
2.58
|
4,156
|
2.33
|
418
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Mineral Resources
Notes:
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1.
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CIM (2014) definitions
were followed for Mineral Resources. The mineral resource estimate
for Camino Rojo has an effective date of March 31, 2025.
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2.
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The Qualified Person
responsible for the mineral resource estimate is Marie-Christine
Gosselin, P.Geo., Senior Resource Geologist of SLR
Consulting (Canada) Ltd.
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3.
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Mineral resources are
estimated using a long-term price of US$2,300 /oz gold, US$1.25 /lb
zinc and US$29 /oz silver and the following smelter terms: for
oxide 99.9% payable Au and 98% payable Ag, and for sulphide 95%
payable Au, 90% payable Ag and 95% payable Zn. Offsite costs
(refining, transport and insurance) of US$145 /wmt transportation
and US$230 /dmt treatment; a 2.5% NSR royalty.
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4.
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Metallurgical
recoveries vary according to geometallurgical domains from heap
leach, CIL, and flotation CIL with POX and are either constant or
formula based. Heap leach recoveries range from 40% to 70% for gold
and from 11% to 34% for silver. For CIL and CIL with POX, gold and
silver recoveries are calculated using grade dependent formulae.
The underground CIL mean recovery is 92% for gold and 36% for
silver. The underground CIL with POX mean recovery is 85% for gold
and 41% for silver. Zinc recovery by flotation is 80%.
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5.
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Mineral Resources are
estimated in underground resource panels using NSR cut-off grades
of 59.02 US$/t for leach material, 68.73 US$/t for CIL material,
and 76.23 US$/t for CIL w/POX material. Underground resource panels
have a minimum width of 2m.
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6.
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The NSR for heap leach
material is calculated with the following formula: NSR ($/t) =
US$71.98 x Au recovery x Au grade + US$0.84 x Ag recovery x Ag
grade (g/t). The NSR for CIL material is calculated with the
following formula: NSR ($/t) = US$68.34 x Au recovery x Au grade
(g/t) + US$0.73 x Ag recovery x Ag grade (g/t). The NSR for CIL
w/POX material is calculated with the following formula: NSR ($/t)
= US$68.34 x Au recovery x Au grade (g/t) + US$0.73 x Ag recovery x
Ag grade (g/T) + US$0.00146 x Zn recovery x Zn grade
(ppm).
|
7.
|
The gold equivalent
(AuEq) for heap leach material is calculated with the following
formula: Au grade (g/t) + (US$0.84 x Ag recovery x Ag grade (g/t))
/(US$71.98 x Au recovery). The AuEq for CIL material is calculated
with the following formula: Au grade (g/t) + (US$0.73 x Ag recovery
x Ag grade (g/t)) / (US$68.34 x Au recovery). The AuEq for CIL
w/POX material is calculated with the following formula: Au grade
(g/t) + (US$0.73 x Ag recovery x Ag grade (g/t)) / (US$68.34 x Au
recovery) + (US$0.00146 x Zn recovery x Zn grade (ppm)) / (US$68.34
x Au recovery).
|
8.
|
Numbers may not add due
to rounding.
|
The Mineral Resource estimate includes Inferred Mineral
Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have
economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to
be categorized as mineral reserves. Mineral Resources that are not
Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
The following factors, among others, could affect the mineral
resource estimate: commodity price and exchange rate assumptions,
pit slope angles, assumptions used in generating the resource pit
shell and underground resource panels, including metal recoveries,
and mining and process cost assumptions.
Evolution of Camino Rojo Deposit:
Orla's north-to-south drilling programs from Q4-2020 to Q4-2024,
together with historical drilling data, have been instrumental in
enhancing the geological model. This work has significantly refined
the understanding of the distribution and geometry of
sulphide-bearing veins hosted within the Caracol Formation, which
includes both the oxide and much of the sulphide mineralization
(except for Zone 22).
Zone 22 had previously been partially intersected by historical
drilling but lacked a supporting geological model to define its
geometry or potential extension into the deeper carbonate-rich
formations below the Caracol Formation. Orla's updated model
enabled strategic drilling along a section drilled in 2023,
targeting the down-plunge extension of the deposit. This drilling
confirmed the model and supported follow-up drilling in 2024 to
define and expand Zone 22.
Initially, the development path for the sulphide component of
the Camino Rojo deposit was conceived as a large open pit
operation. However, initial estimates by previous operators, and
later by Orla, indicated that such a scenario would require
significant waste stripping, extension of the projected open pit
onto a third-party property that Orla does not own, and
construction of a large processing facility. The underground
development scenario offers a more focused, high-value approach.
This strategy involves selectively targeting higher-grade and more
metallurgically favourable portions of the deposit (those amenable
to direct cyanide leaching) as an initial phase of mining.
Subsequent phases would address mineralization requiring
pre-treatment, such as pressure oxidation, prior to cyanidation.
Additionally, the underground development could operate in parallel
with the ongoing oxide open pit. The upcoming PEA is expected to
evaluate the underground mineral resource as an expansion of the
current operation which would allow Orla to retain full project
value.
Development Pathway / Next Steps:
Current and Planned Future Exploration
In 2025, Orla is advancing a 15,000-metre drilling program aimed
at upgrading and expanding the upper part of the Zone 22 resource,
with 11,000 metres drilled to date. Visual drill intercepts
continue to support the geological model and continuity of
mineralization. This program is expected to be completed in the
third quarter and is anticipated to extend and infill the
down-plunge extension.
The next phase of exploration to support the possible
development of the underground deposit (including Zone 22) includes
the planning of an underground exploration drift (decline). An
exploration drift would provide access for tighter-spaced
underground drilling aimed at further resource definition and, in
parallel with technical studies, support advancement toward Mineral
Reserve estimation. Permitting and early development planning is
ongoing, and construction of an exploration drift could commence as
early as 2026.
In November 2024, Orla submitted
permit applications to Mexico's
environmental and natural resources agency, SEMARNAT (Mexico's Secretaría del Medio Ambiente y
Recursos Naturales). These included amendments to the existing
oxide open pit permit. Orla also requested permits for an
underground portal and exploration drift to support a potential
transition to underground mining at Camino Rojo. The underground
portal would be established within the current final open pit.
Preliminary Economic Study
Engineering and metallurgical studies are currently underway and
will intensify and expand, with the objective of delivering a
Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) in 2026. This PEA is expected
to provide a conceptual operational plan and demonstrate the
potential value for the development of the underground operations
at Camino Rojo.
Development Planning
While establishing the plan for an exploration decline, Orla
will continue metallurgical testing and other technical work with
the goal of quickly progressing into feasibility level studies and
final permitting for the complete underground operations and the
required surface facilities. The aim of the conceptual development
plan allows for a seamless transition from open pit mining to
underground operations at Camino Rojo.
Camino Rojo Deposit:
The Camino Rojo deposit comprises three continuous zones with
distinct characteristics:
- The Camino Rojo Oxide Deposit ("Camino Rojo Oxides"),
- The Camino Rojo Sulphide Deposit ("Camino Rojo Sulphides",
or "Sulphides"); and
- Zone 22 (Figure 2a), an extension of the Sulphides.
Longitudinal Sections of the Camino Rojo deposit show the three
mineralized zones and new resource block model (Figure 2a), as well
as the distribution of gold grades (Figure 2b).
The Camino Rojo Oxide zone extends from surface to a vertical
depth of approximately 250 metres, covering 900 metres along strike
and up to 400 metres in width.
The Camino Rojo Sulphide zone lies between 250 and 700 metres
below surface (or up to one kilometre down plunge), extending
approximately one kilometre along strike and up to 400 metres in
width.
Zone 22 mineralization has been defined over 500 metres along
strike, extending from 700 to 1,300 metres vertical depth below
surface (or over 1.2 kilometres down plunge), within a width of 200
to 400 metres, predominantly concentrated along and extending from
the dike structure. Figure 3 is a representative cross-section of
Zone 22, showing gold mineralization within the different host rock
formations.
Camino Rojo Oxide and Sulphides Geological Controls
The Camino Rojo Oxide and Sulphides zones are predominantly
hosted within flat-lying to gently dipping graded sandstone to
mudstone beds of the Caracol Formation (Fm), as well as within a
steeply northwest-dipping diorite dike. The dioritic dike shows
true thicknesses ranging from tens of centimetres to tens of
metres, reaching up to 24 metres, with an average of
approximately seven metres. Both the Caracol Formation and diorite
dike have undergone potassic alteration, predominantly
characterized by pervasive adularia alteration.
Gold mineralization in the Camino Rojo Sulphides zone is
controlled by mutually crosscutting, centimetre-scale
Au-Ag-Zn±Pb-bearing veins that dip moderately to steeply northwest
and shallowly southwest. These vein sets define gold-bearing
mineralized domains that are up to tens of metres thick. In the
northeastern portion of the deposit, gold-bearing veins crosscut
the dioritic dike. Down plunge, to the southwest and toward the
base of the Caracol Formation, these veins continue to crosscut the
dike and locally exploit the intrusive contact.
Oxidation is pervasive within the upper 150-200 metres of the
deposit, transitioning to sulphide mineralization between 200 and
250 metres below surface. However, oxidation extends as deep as 650
metres along structures.
Zone 22: Initial drilling to resource in two years; open
for upgrade and expansion
Ongoing exploration at Camino Rojo continues to expand the
deposit's footprint and refine geological understanding, defining
additional mineralization beyond the currently outlined mineral
resource.
Drilling by Orla, guided by the updated geological model, has
confirmed that mineralization extends into lower stratigraphic
units, showing styles distinct from those hosted in the overlying
Caracol Formation.
Zone 22, which represents the vertical and down-plunge
continuation of the Camino Rojo Sulphides, has been drilled to
nearly one kilometre below the Caracol Formation, extending into
the limestone-rich Indidura, Cuesta del Cura, La Peña, and Cupido
formations. The zone remains open at depth and down-plunge. To
date, mineralization has been identified across all rock formations
exposed or drilled at Camino Rojo.
The Indidura Formation marks the transition to semi-massive to
massive sulphide (Au-Ag-Zn) replacement along bedding (manto) and
dioritic dike margins. Individual manto intersections are typically
decimetre-scale and are traceable for up to 300 metres along strike
and up to 150 metres into the hanging wall and footwall of the
dike. Calc-silicate skarn alteration and associated Au-Ag-Cu
mineralization are constrained to a halo along the hanging wall and
footwall of the dike, extending tens of metres from the dike.
Metallurgical Test work and Recovery Model:
Metallurgical testing of the Camino Rojo deposit has been
conducted through multiple programs by previous operators. Since
2021, Orla has focused on defining optimal recovery processes and
maximizing metal recoveries from higher-grade zones suitable for
underground mining. This has included bottle roll, flotation, and
oxidation test work on both master composite and variability
samples from the Camino Rojo Sulphides. All Orla metallurgical
studies for the Camino Rojo Sulphides have been completed by Blue
Coast Research of Parksville,
Canada under the guidance of Andrew
Kelly, P.Eng.
Based on the metallurgical testing results to date, three
conceptual mineral resource process streams have been identified
that inform the recovery model assumptions of the Camino Rojo
underground mineral resource (Measured, Indicated, Inferred):
- Heap leach (existing infrastructure), 3% of the tonnage of the
underground Mineral Resource, with gold recovery ranging from 40%
to 70%
- Carbon-in-leach (CIL), 27% of
the tonnage of the underground Mineral Resource, with a mean gold
recovery of 92%, and a mean silver recovery of 36%
- CIL with Pressure Oxidation (POX): 70% of the tonnage of the
underground Mineral Resource, with a mean gold recovery of 85%, and
a mean silver recovery of 41%. A separate zinc concentrate can be
produced prior to POX with zinc recovery of 80% expected from the
highest-grade zones.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrates the resource block model based on
these three process streams in cross-sectional and longitudinal
views, respectively.
While some material in the Caracol-hosted mineralization may
require POX as a pre-treatment, initial metallurgical results from
variability testing in Zone 22 are encouraging, with cyanidation
tests returning high gold recoveries, and flotation results
demonstrating high zinc recovery at reasonable concentrate grades.
Previous news releases outlining Orla's metallurgical test programs
and results for Caracol and Zone 22 mineralization are available on
the company's website, or under Orla's profile on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca or and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Metallurgical test work is continuing in 2025 to support the
planned 2026 PEA, which would include a flow sheet for optimal
treatment of the Camino Rojo mineralization.
Mineral Resource Details
The Camino Rojo underground Mineral Resource was estimated in
accordance with the 2014 CIM Definition Standards on Mineral
Resources and Reserves, and the 2019 CIM Best Practice Guidelines
for the Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.
Geological modeling was completed by Orla in collaboration with
SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd,
integrating data from over 400,000 metres of core and 28,000 metres
of reverse circulation (RC) drilling. This includes approximately
85,000 metres of drilling performed by Orla between 2020 and
2024.
The estimate was generated using inverse distance cubed (ID³)
and inverse distance squared (ID2) interpolation,
incorporating capping and outlier restriction of composites to
limit the influence of high-grade outliers for gold (Au), silver
(Ag), and zinc (Zn). Interpolations were constrained by
mineralization domains corresponding to the different styles
observed in both the oxide zone (including Kp alteration,
high-grade veins, and low-grade shell) and the sulphide zone
(including high-grade veins, mantos, skarn, and low-grade
shell).
Figure 6 presents the Camino Rojo mineral resource block model,
classified as Measured, Indicated and Inferred categories.
An updated technical report on Camino Rojo (the "Technical
Report"), which will contain the Mineral Resource estimate
discussed in this release, will be filed within 45 days of the date
hereof in accordance with NI 43-101. The Technical Report is
intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or
relied upon out of context.
Data Verification
Marie-Christine Gosselin, P.Geo.,
Senior Resource Geologist at SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd and the Qualified Person for the
Camino Rojo Mineral Resource estimate, visited the site from
January 22 to 25, 2024. During the
visit, collar locations were verified, along with core storage,
security, and sampling procedures. Core from both mineralized and
unmineralized zones was examined. The database was reviewed and
considered suitable for Mineral Resource estimation. Sampling and
assay data from the drill core are monitored through a quality
assurance–quality control ("QA/QC") program designed to follow
industry best practices.
Qualified Persons Statement
The scientific and technical information in this news release
related to the mineral resource estimate was reviewed and approved
by Marie-Christine Gosselin, P.Geo.,
Senior Resource Geologist with SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd, who is a Qualified Person as
defined under NI 43-101.
The contents of this news release pertaining to the
metallurgical test program were provided, reviewed and approved by
Andrew Kelly, P.Eng., of Blue Coast
Research Ltd., who is a Qualified Person as defined under NI
43-101.
All other scientific and technical information in this news
release was also reviewed and approved by Mr. J. Andrew Cormier, P. Eng., Chief Operating Officer
of the Company, and Mr. Sylvain
Guerard, P. Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration of the
Company, who are Qualified Persons as defined under NI 43-101.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control.
For additional information on the Company's previously reported
drill results, see the Company's news releases dated February 4, 2021 (Orla Mining Provides
Exploration Update), September 12,
2022 (Orla Mining Advances Exploration & Growth
Pipeline), January 31, 2023 (Orla
Mining Continues to Intersect Wide, Higher-Grade Sulphide Zones and
Expose Deeper Potential at Camino Rojo, Mexico), February 7,
2024 (Orla Mining Concludes 2023 Camino Rojo Sulphides
Infill Program with Strong Results), June
26, 2024 (Orla Mining Reports Positive Drilling
Intersections and Metallurgical Results at Camino Rojo Sulphide
Extensions) and December 10, 2024
(Orla Expands High-Grade Mineralization 800 Metres Beyond Current
Resource in Extension Drilling at Camino Rojo, Mexico). Historical drill results at Camino
Rojo were completed by Goldcorp. Inc. ("Goldcorp"), a prior owner
of the project.
The independent Qualified Person for the mineral resource
estimate, Marie-Christine Gosselin,
P.Geo., Senior Resource Geologist with SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd, was of the opinion that the
drilling and sampling procedures for Camino Rojo drill samples by
Orla (and prior to its acquisition by Goldcorp, Canplats Resources
Corporation) were reasonable and adequate for the purposes of the
Mineral Resource estimate, and that the QA/QC program meets
industry standards.
About Orla Mining Ltd.
Orla's corporate strategy is to acquire, develop, and operate
mineral properties where the Company's expertise can substantially
increase stakeholder value. The Company has three material
projects, consisting of two operating mines and one development
project, all 100% owned by the Company: (1) Camino Rojo, in
Zacatecas State, Mexico, an
operating gold and silver open-pit and heap leach mine. The
property covers over 139,000 hectares which contains a large oxide
and sulphide mineral resource, (2) Musselwhite Mine, in
Northwestern Ontario, Canada, an
underground gold mine that has been in operation for over 25 years
and produced over 6 million ounces of gold, with a long history of
resource growth and conversion, and (3) South Railroad, in
Nevada, United States, a feasibility-stage, open pit,
heap leach gold project located on the Carlin trend in Nevada. The technical reports for the
Company's material projects are available on Orla's website at
www.orlamining.com, and on SEDAR+ and EDGAR under the Company's
profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov, respectively.
Forward-looking Statements
This news release contains certain "forward-looking
information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
Canadian securities legislation and within the meaning of Section
27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
Section 21E of the United States Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,
or in releases made by the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission, all as may be amended from time to time, including,
without limitation, statements regarding the mineral resource
estimate; the development plan for the Camino Rojo Underground,
including planned drilling and the goals
and timing thereof, construction of an exploration
drift, publication of a Preliminary Economic Assessment, and
permitting; future resource expansion in Zone 22; continued
metallurgical testwork to support the planned Preliminary Economic
Assessment; and the Company's goals and objectives. Forward-looking
statements are statements that are not historical facts which
address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company
expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the
beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the
date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and
uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such
forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation,
assumptions regarding: the future price of gold and silver;
anticipated costs and the Company's ability to fund its programs;
the Company's ability to carry on exploration, development, and
mining activities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate
the Musselwhite Mine; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore
grades and recoveries; decommissioning and reclamation estimates;
currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; prices for energy
inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services remaining as
estimated; the Company's ability to secure and to meet obligations
under property agreements, including the layback agreement with
Fresnillo plc; that all conditions
of the Company's credit facility will be met; the timing and
results of drilling programs; mineral reserve and mineral resource
estimates and the assumptions on which they are based; the
discovery of mineral resources and mineral reserves on the
Company's mineral properties; that political and legal developments
will be consistent with current expectations; the timely receipt of
required approvals and permits, including those approvals and
permits required for successful project permitting, construction,
and operation of projects; the timing of cash flows; the costs of
operating and exploration expenditures; the Company's ability to
operate in a safe, efficient, and effective manner; the Company's
ability to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable
terms; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the
Company's public statements and stated goals; and that there will
be no material adverse change or disruptions affecting the Company
or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that
such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and
future events could differ materially from those anticipated in
such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant
known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual
results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks
include, but are not limited to: uncertainty and variations in the
estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves; risks related
to the Company's indebtedness and gold prepayment; risks related to
exploration, development, and operation activities; foreign country
and political risks, including risks relating to foreign
operations; tailings risks; reclamation costs; delays in obtaining
or failure to obtain governmental permits, or non-compliance with
permits; environmental and other regulatory requirements; loss of,
delays in, or failure to get access from surface rights owners;
uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; water rights;
risks related to natural disasters, terrorist acts, health crises,
and other disruptions and dislocations; financing risks and access
to additional capital; risks related to guidance estimates and
uncertainties inherent in the preparation of feasibility studies;
uncertainty in estimates of production, capital, and operating
costs and potential production and cost overruns; the fluctuating
price of gold and silver; risks related to the Cerro Quema Project;
unknown labilities in connection with acquisitions; global
financial conditions; uninsured risks; climate change risks;
competition from other companies and individuals; conflicts of
interest; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws;
volatility in the market price of the Company's securities;
assessments by taxation authorities in multiple jurisdictions;
foreign currency fluctuations; the Company's limited operating
history; litigation risks; the Company's ability to identify,
complete, and successfully integrate acquisitions; intervention by
non-governmental organizations; outside contractor risks; risks
related to historical data; the Company not having paid a dividend;
risks related to the Company's foreign subsidiaries; risks related
to the Company's accounting policies and internal controls; the
Company's ability to satisfy the requirements of Sarbanes–Oxley Act
of 2002; enforcement of civil liabilities; the Company's status as
a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) for U.S. federal income
tax purposes; information and cyber security; the Company's
significant shareholders; gold industry concentration; shareholder
activism; other risks associated with executing the Company's
objectives and strategies; as well as those risk factors discussed
in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and
analysis, as well as its annual information form dated March 18, 2025, which are available on
www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov. Except as required by the
securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the
Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these
forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or
opinions, or other factors, should change.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Readers
This news release has been prepared in accordance with
Canadian standards for the reporting of mineral resource and
mineral reserve estimates, which differ from the previous and
current standards of the United
States securities laws. In particular, and without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, the terms "mineral reserve",
"proven mineral reserve", "probable mineral reserve", "inferred
mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources", "measured
mineral resources" and "mineral resources" used or referenced in
this news release are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined
in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining,
Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") – CIM Definition Standards on
Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council,
as amended (the "CIM Definition Standards").
For United States reporting
purposes, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") has adopted amendments to its disclosure rules (the "SEC
Modernization Rules") to modernize the mining property disclosure
requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the
SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The SEC
Modernization Rules more closely align the SEC's disclosure
requirements and policies for mining properties with current
industry and global regulatory practices and standards, including
NI 43-101, and replace the historical property disclosure
requirements for mining registrants that were included in Industry
Guide 7 under the U.S. Securities Act. As a foreign private issuer
that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the
multijurisdictional disclosure system (MJDS), the Company is not
required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the
SEC Modernization Rules and provides disclosure under NI 43-101 and
the CIM Definition Standards. Accordingly, mineral reserve and
mineral resource information contained in this news release may not
be comparable to similar information disclosed by United States companies.
As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules,
the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources",
"indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources." In
addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of "proven mineral
reserves" and "probable mineral reserves" to be "substantially
similar" to the corresponding CIM Definition Standards that are
required under NI 43-101. While the above terms are "substantially
similar" to CIM Definition Standards, there are differences in the
definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM
Definition Standards. There is no assurance any mineral reserves or
mineral resources that the Company may report as "proven mineral
reserves", "probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral
resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral
resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company
prepared the reserve or resource estimates under the standards
adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. Accordingly, information
contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar
information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting
and disclosure requirements under the
United States federal securities laws and the rules and
regulations thereunder.

SOURCE Orla Mining Ltd.