Newcore Gold Ltd. ("Newcore" or the "Company")
(TSX-V: NCAU, OTCQX: NCAUF) is pleased to announce positive results
from five additional column tests completed as part of the ongoing
metallurgical program at the Company’s 100%-owned Enchi Gold
Project ("Enchi" or the "Project") in Ghana. An average gold
recovery of 91.7% was achieved from column testwork completed on
three composite samples from the Sewum Gold Deposit ("Sewum") and
two composite sample from the Boin Gold Deposit ("Boin").
Highlights from Column Test
Results
- Five
Column Tests Completed, Average Gold Recovery of 91.7%
Achieved.
- A total of five
column tests (three from Sewum and two from Boin) returned an
average gold recovery of 91.7%, with a recovery range of 88.4% to
95.6%.
- Testwork
Further Advances the Understanding of Processing Options for
Enchi.
- Testing
completed on representative samples of oxide mineralization from
trenches.
- Crush size in
testing in-line with modelled crush size for heap leach
processing.
- Larger sized
samples used in the columns with each sample weighing 30 kg.
- Low
Reagent Consumption.
- All samples
showed modest cyanide consumption with an average of 1.2 kilograms
per tonne ("kg/t"), with a 1.3 kg/t lime (hydrated) addition to
maintain a pH above 10.5.
-
Additional Metallurgical Testwork Underway.
- Optimization work continues on
results from additional column tests to be completed on oxide
mineralization from the Sewum, Boin, and Nyam gold deposits.
- A pilot heap bench-scale test is
underway, to be completed in Q4 2023.
- Additional testing of sulphide
mineralization from Sewum is in progress.
Greg Smith, VP Exploration of Newcore stated,
"This additional set of column tests completed on representative
oxide material from the Enchi Gold Project returned results that
are consistent with prior results, returning high recoveries for
all five composite samples. Metallurgical testwork completed on
oxide mineralization confirms the generally modest lime and cement
consumptions. This work continues to highlight the amenability of
Enchi to heap leach gold recovery and the favorable results will be
incorporated into our PEA update scheduled for H1 2024. This
testwork was completed on samples from the two largest deposits
currently identified on the Project, Sewum and Boin, which together
compromise approximately 73% of the Mineral Resource Estimate. We
continue to de-risk and advance the development of the Project with
further metallurgical testwork underway on both oxide and sulphide
mineralization at Enchi."
Metallurgical Testing
Summary
A total of five composite samples, three from
Sewum and two from Boin, were submitted for column testwork to the
Intertek Lab located in Tarkwa, Ghana, approximately four hours by
paved road from the Enchi Gold Project. Material for the
metallurgical samples consisted of trench material collected for
metallurgical sampling. The samples were selected to represent the
two largest deposits on the Project, Sewum and Boin, and consisted
of blended oxide material with individual samples and composites
covering a range of gold grades.
Composites BnMetTr1 and BnMetTr2 were prepared
using 20 samples each from trench KBTR_MET_001 at Boin with a total
weight of 60 kg per composite sample. Composite SwMetTr1, SwMetTr2,
and SwMetTr3 were prepared using 20 samples each from trench
SWTR_MET_001 at Sewum with a total weight of 60 kg per composite
sample.
Recovery for the five samples averaged 91.7%,
with a range of 88.4% to 95.6%.
Table 1 - Column Tests Grade and Average
Recovery
Sample |
Deposit |
Grade Au g/t |
Recovery Rate |
BnMetTr1 |
Boin |
1.79 |
90.85% |
BnMetTr2 |
Boin |
1.04 |
88.42% |
SwMetTr1 |
Sewum |
1.56 |
88.62% |
SwMetTr2 |
Sewum |
0.75 |
94.67% |
SwMetTr3 |
Sewum |
0.57 |
95.58% |
|
|
Average |
91.70% |
Composite samples were homogenized by mixing all
material from the individual samples and crushed to 70% passing
12.5 mm. Each composite sample was then split to provide
sub-samples weighing 4 kg each. Two samples were removed and again
split into a further four fractions of 2 kg for use in screening
and grading analysis, head sample analysis, and ten-day coarse
bottle roll leach tests.
Screening and Grading Analysis of Head
Samples
A size analysis was done on each of the five
composite samples. The samples were tested at eight screen sizes
and included analyses for percent mass.
Table 2 - Size Analysis by Composite
Sample
Sieve |
BnMetTr1 |
BnMetTr2 |
SwMetTr1 |
SwMetTr2 |
SwMetTr3 |
%mass |
Aug/t |
%mass |
Aug/t |
%mass |
Aug/t |
%mass |
Aug/t |
%mass |
Aug/t |
+10.0mm |
4.1 |
4.26 |
6.3 |
5.95 |
3.0 |
0.10 |
5.9 |
0.10 |
3.3 |
0.28 |
+6.3mm |
11.6 |
6.55 |
17.5 |
3.19 |
9.4 |
0.93 |
14.1 |
0.29 |
18.8 |
0.40 |
+2.5mm |
19.4 |
3.27 |
22.1 |
1.33 |
21.0 |
1.44 |
28.9 |
0.57 |
35.3 |
1.42 |
+1.0mm |
11.3 |
2.09 |
12.7 |
0.85 |
13.0 |
1.36 |
20.0 |
0.60 |
18.5 |
0.33 |
+300µm |
14.3 |
1.39 |
11.5 |
0.97 |
10.4 |
2.62 |
14.7 |
0.49 |
13.9 |
0.41 |
+212µm |
3.2 |
1.51 |
2.3 |
0.91 |
2.2 |
1.63 |
2.5 |
0.54 |
2.4 |
0.49 |
+150µm |
3.0 |
1.56 |
2.2 |
0.83 |
2.1 |
2.99 |
2.1 |
0.59 |
2.0 |
0.49 |
-150µm |
33.0 |
1.10 |
25.2 |
0.52 |
38.9 |
1.17 |
11.8 |
0.67 |
5.9 |
0.61 |
The samples were assayed for gold which showed
that gold was present in all size fractions analysed. The
distribution shows relatively consistent gold grades for all size
fractions within a range of 0.28 grams per tonne gold ("g/t Au") to
6.55 g/t Au, with two outliers grading 0.10 g/t Au. Results include
10% to 43% passing 300 microns indicating that agglomeration is
warranted.
Head Sample Analysis
Using the results of the sizing and grading
analysis, a head grade was calculated for each of the composite
samples. The results were then compared to the head grade assays
which were completed on the 50-gram subsamples. The results
compared well for the five composites.
Table 3 - Grade Analysis by Composite
Sample
Gold Grade g/t |
BnMetTr1 |
BnMetTr2 |
SwMetTr1 |
SwMetTr2 |
SwMetTr3 |
Average |
Assayed Grade |
2.12 |
1.04 |
1.56 |
0.70 |
0.59 |
1.20 |
Calculated Grade |
2.47 |
1.62 |
1.40 |
0.51 |
0.76 |
1.35 |
Average |
2.29 |
1.33 |
1.48 |
0.60 |
0.68 |
1.28 |
Ten Day Coarse Bottle Roll
Leach
Simulated heap leach testing was conducted on
the composite samples using two-kilogram sub-samples which
underwent leaching for ten days. Batch dissolution tests (ten days,
intermittent rolling-bottle) was completed under excess leach
conditions (grind size – as received, 50% solids, leach time: ten
days, pH 10.5, NaCN (sodium cyanide) addition 1 gram/litre). The
final residue was dried, weighed, and assayed for gold. After each
24 hours of leaching, solution assays were taken and analyzed, and
reagent consumption (cyanide and lime) was calculated.
For composite BnMetTr1, 66.4% of the gold was
recovered on the first day, with recoveries increasing consistently
to 83.6% on the tenth day. For composite BnMetTr2, 66.0% of the
gold was recovered on the first day, with recoveries increasing
consistently to 81.6% on the tenth day. For composite SwMetTr1,
74.6% of the gold was recovered on the first day, with recoveries
increasing consistently to 87.6% on the tenth day. For composite
SwMetTr2, 77.8% of the gold was recovered on the first day,
completed testing at 89.5% on the tenth day. For composite
SwMetTr3, 66.4% of the gold was recovered on the first day, with a
final recovery of 90.3% on the tenth day. In all cases leaching
continued after the first ten days with ultimate recoveries
expected to continue to increase with additional leaching time.
A graph showing the gold recovery by sample can
be viewed at the following
link:https://newcoregold.com/site/assets/files/5829/2023_10-ncau-nr-met-graph-columnvsbottle.pdf
Metallurgical Testing – Column
Tests
Five 30 kg closed-cycle column leach tests were
conducted on the samples as received. The test charge was loaded
into 150 mm in diameter by 1.5-metre-tall PVC columns. 30 kg of the
individual samples were agglomerated in a rolling drum using
Portland cement at a 10 kg/t addition rate and then allowed to air
dry for three days. After the samples had been air dried, they were
loaded into the columns with the columns tilted at an angle to
avoid stacking before being set upright. The column was then
allowed to sit for a day before the initial level was taken to
determine the slump.
The leaching parameters used in these column
leach tests included the addition of approximately 1.4 kg/t of lime
which was blended into each feed solution, and a cyanide
concentration of 1,000 ppm. The initial feed solution was prepared
by adding lime to tap water to obtain a solution pH above 10.5,
followed by the addition of one gram of sodium cyanide per litre of
solution with a solution application rate of 10L/h/m2 for all
samples. The column testwork was conducted under a closed cycle for
60-90 days. All solution samples were assayed for gold and pH and
free sodium cyanide was analyzed and recorded. Leach residue was
thoroughly washed, dried, screened and analyzed for gold by fire
assay.
A graph showing the leach curve can be viewed at
the following
link:https://newcoregold.com/site/assets/files/5829/2023_10-ncau-nr-met-graph-leach-chart.pdf
The column tests are aimed at simulating the
response to leaching of the sample with the emphasis on
establishing the gold dissolution characteristics (rate and
extent), reagent consumption, and the degree of slumping within the
ore bed. All samples showed amenability to heap leaching, with
recoveries averaging 91.7% after 60 to 90 days.
The samples showed low cyanide consumption
averaging 1.1 kg/t with a 1.3 kg/t lime (hydrated) addition to
maintain a pH above 10.5. The slumps were moderately above
acceptable industry standards with an overall average of 15.4%. The
sample response to a percolation rate of 10L/m2/hr resulted in some
flooding. The ideal percolation rate will be studied and
optimized.
Table 4 - Summary of Column Leach
Tests
Composite |
Leach Time |
Slump % |
Reagent Consumption kg/t |
NaCN |
Lime |
Cement |
BnMetTr1 |
90 days |
14.8% |
0.77 |
1.56 |
10 |
BnMetTr2 |
90 days |
17.9% |
1.39 |
1.88 |
10 |
SwMetTr1 |
90 days |
10.2% |
1.09 |
1.08 |
10 |
SwMetTr2 |
60 days |
20.1% |
0.82 |
0.86 |
10 |
SwMetTr3 |
60 days |
14.1% |
1.51 |
1.16 |
10 |
|
Average |
15.4% |
1.12 |
1.31 |
10 |
The column leach test program has shown that the
gold in the ore samples tested is readily leachable and amenable to
heap leaching. The recoveries achieved are considered high and are
interpreted to indicate strong amenability to heap leaching. The
particle size distribution and size by size analysis performed on
both the head and residue after leach showed that the maximum gold
recovery occurred in the finer fractions as compared to the coarser
size fractions.
Screening and Grading Analysis of Tails
Samples
A size analysis was done on all the tails from
the composite sample column tests. The samples were tested at eight
screen sizes including analyses for percent mass and assayed for
gold. The distribution shows consistently low grades of gold for
all size fractions, in line with the high gold recoveries in the
column tests, within a range of 0.00 g/t Au to 0.37 g/t Au with
only five samples reporting greater 0.2 g/t Au. Four of the five
samples with elevated results are related to the higher-grade
sample which assayed 1.79 g/t Au.
Multi-Element Analyses
The five composites were tested for 33 elements
using multi-acid digestion and analysed by Inductively Coupled
Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry ("ICP"). The five samples show
very similar profiles for all elements analysed. All samples
contain no silver with every result below the detection limit of
0.5 g/t silver. All samples reported low values for lead, zinc, and
copper averaging 11, 21, and 10 ppm respectively and mildly
elevated arsenic averaging 313 ppm with no relationship to the gold
grade. Relative to previously analyzed sulphide material, the
concentrations are much lower for the more mobile elements
including calcium, magnesium, sodium, and sulphur, and consistently
moderately lower for cobalt, manganese, nickel, and strontium.
Bond Work Index
The five composite samples were selected for
bond index determination. Samples were sent from Intertek to
Jet-Com Engineering in Tarkwa, Ghana and included a range of
recoveries and gold grades. The five as-received samples were
crushed to 100% passing 3.35mm and from this a 700 cm3 volume was
measured and weighed to be used as feed for the bond mill. The
grindability, defined as the ease at which a mineral particle is
reduced to a predetermined size, of the samples ranged from 1.29
g/rev to 1.73 g/rev averaging 1.51 g/rev which shows that the ore
requires relatively little energy to crush. The bond work indices
range between 8.89 KWh/t and 10.60 KWh/t, averaging 9.58 KWh/t
indicative of material defined as soft to low-medium hardness.
Boin and Sewum Oxide Sample
Details
Two trenches were dug for metallurgical test
work on the Enchi gold project. The locations of the trenches were
selected in order to allow for wide gold mineralized intercepts in
each of the two largest deposits, Sewum and Boin, currently
identified on the Enchi Gold Project. Material exposed in the
trenches is consider representative of the oxide portion for both
deposits. A total of 61 m and 107 m was completed on KBTR_MET_001
from Boin and SWTR_MET_001 from Sewum respectively. Trench
KBTR_MET_001 at Boin was dug-out manually while as SWTR_MET_001 was
dug-out mechanically. Samples were assigned a new unique number and
submitted to the Intertek Lab located in Tarkwa, Ghana.
Select assay results from the 5 holes of the
drill program reported in this release are below:
Table 5 - Enchi Gold Project Trenching
Results Highlights
Hole ID |
Zone/Deposit |
From (m) |
To (m) |
Length (m) |
Au (g/t) |
KBTR_MET_001 |
Boin |
1.0 |
45.0 |
44.0 |
1.43 |
and |
|
5.0 |
34.0 |
29.0 |
1.97 |
SWTR_MET_001 |
Sewum |
15.0 |
107.0 |
92.0 |
1.18 |
including |
|
27.0 |
40.0 |
13.0 |
2.70 |
including |
|
58.0 |
81.0 |
23.0 |
1.78 |
Notes:
1. Intervals reported are trench lengths with true width
estimated to be 75 - 85%; and
2. Length-weighted averages from uncut assays.
Enchi Gold Project Mineral Resource
Estimate
The Enchi Gold Project hosts an Indicated
Mineral Resource of 41.7 million tonnes grading 0.55 g/t Au
containing 743,500 ounces gold and an Inferred Mineral Resource of
46.6 million tonnes grading 0.65 g/t Au containing 972,000 ounces
(see Newcore news release dated March 7, 2023). Mineral resource
estimation practices are in accordance with CIM Estimation of
Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Best Practice Guidelines
(November 29, 2019) and follow CIM Definition Standards for Mineral
Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 10, 2014), that are
incorporated by reference into National Instrument 43-101 ("NI
43-101"). The Mineral Resource Estimate is from the technical
report titled "Mineral Resource Estimate for the Enchi Gold
Project" with an effective date of January 25, 2023, which was
prepared for Newcore by Todd McCracken, P. Geo, of BBA E&C Inc.
and Simon Meadows Smith, P. Geo, of SEMS Exploration Services Ltd.
in accordance with NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral
Projects, and is available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com. Todd McCracken and Simon Meadows Smith are
independent qualified persons ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101.
Newcore Gold Best Practice
Newcore is committed to best practice standards
for all exploration, sampling and drilling activities. Drilling was
completed by an independent drilling firm using industry standard
RC and Diamond Drill equipment. Analytical quality assurance and
quality control procedures include the systematic insertion of
blanks, standards and duplicates into the sample strings. Samples
are placed in sealed bags and shipped directly to Intertek Labs
located in Tarkwa, Ghana for 50 gram gold fire assay.
Qualified Person
Mr. Gregory Smith, P. Geo, Vice President of
Exploration at Newcore, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI
43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical data and
information contained in this news release. Mr. Smith has verified
the technical and scientific data disclosed herein and has
conducted appropriate verification on the underlying data including
confirmation of the drillhole data files against the original
drillhole logs and assay certificates.
About Newcore Gold Ltd.
Newcore Gold is advancing its Enchi Gold Project
located in Ghana, Africa’s largest gold producer (1). The Project
currently hosts an Indicated Mineral Resource of 743,500 ounces of
gold at 0.55 g/t and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 972,000 ounces
of gold at 0.65 g/t (2). Newcore Gold offers investors a unique
combination of top-tier leadership, who are aligned with
shareholders through their 20% equity ownership, and prime district
scale exploration opportunities. Enchi’s 216 km2 land package
covers 40 kilometres of Ghana’s prolific Bibiani Shear Zone, a gold
belt which hosts several 5 million-ounce gold deposits, including
the Chirano mine 50 kilometers to the north. Newcore’s vision is to
build a responsive, creative and powerful gold enterprise that
maximizes returns for shareholders.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors of
Newcore Gold Ltd.
Luke AlexanderPresident, CEO & Director
For further information, please
contact:
Mal Karwowska | Vice President, Corporate
Development and Investor Relations+1 604 484
4399info@newcoregold.com www.newcoregold.com
(1) Source: Production volumes for 2022 as
sourced from the World Gold Council(2) Notes for Mineral Resource
Estimate:
1. Canadian Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum
("CIM") definition standards were followed for the resource
estimate.
2. The 2023 resource models used ordinary kriging (OK)
grade estimation within a three-dimensional block model with
mineralized zones defined by wireframed solids and constrained by
pits shell for Sewum, Boin and Nyam. Kwakyekrom and Tokosea used
Inverse Distance squared (ID2).
3. Open pit cut-off grades varied from 0.14 g/t to 0.25
g/t Au based on mining and processing costs as well as the
recoveries in different weathered material.
4. Heap leach cut-off grade varied from 0.14 g/t to 0.19
g/t in the pit shell and 1.50 g/t for underground based on mining
costs, metallurgical recovery, milling costs and G&A costs.
5. CIL cut off grade varied from 0.25 g/t to 0.27 g/t in a
pit shell and 1.50 g/t for underground based on mining costs,
metallurgical recovery, milling costs and G&A costs.
6. A US$1,650/ounce gold price was used to determine the
cut-off grade.
7. Metallurgical recoveries have been applied to five
individual deposits and in each case three material types (oxide,
transition, and fresh rock).
8. A density of 2.19 g/cm3 for oxide, 2.45
g/cm3 for transition, and 2.72 g/cm3 for fresh rock was
applied.
9. Optimization pit slope angles varied based on the rock
types.
10. Reasonable mining shapes constrain the mineral resource in
close proximity to the pit shell.
11. Mineral Resources that are not mineral reserves do not have
economic viability. Numbers may not add due to rounding.
12.The Mineral Resource Estimate is from the technical report
titled "Mineral Resource Estimate for the Enchi Gold Project" with
an effective date of January 25, 2023, which was prepared for
Newcore by Todd McCracken, P. Geo, of BBA E&C Inc. and Simon
Meadows Smith, P. Geo, of SEMS Exploration Services Ltd. in
accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of
Disclosure for Mineral Projects and is available under Newcore’s
SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Todd McCracken and Simon Meadows
Smith are independent qualified persons ("QP") as defined by
National Instrument 43-101.
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 Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes statements that
contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the
applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking
statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical
fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations,
estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any
statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions,
expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions,
future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases
such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled",
"estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes"
or variations (including negative variations) of such words and
phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may",
"could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved)
are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking
statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements
relate, among other things, to: statements about the estimation of
mineral resources; timing and completion of an updated PEA; results
of metallurgical testwork, results of drilling, magnitude or
quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of mineral
properties or programs; and future exploration prospects.
These forward-looking statements, and any
assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and
reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our
business. The assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements
are based on information currently available to Newcore. Although
the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are
based upon what management of Newcore believes, or believed at the
time, to be reasonable assumptions, Newcore cannot assure its
shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such
forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that
cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.
Forward-looking information also 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: risks related to the speculative
nature of the Company’s business; the Company’s formative stage of
development; the Company’s financial position; possible variations
in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of
current exploration activities; fluctuations in general
macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets;
fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold and other
commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian
dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national
and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations
and political or economic developments; risks and hazards
associated with the business of mineral exploration, development
and mining (including environmental hazards, unusual or unexpected
geological formations); the presence of laws and regulations that
may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations;
relationships with and claims by local communities; the speculative
nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks
of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from
government authorities); and title to properties.
Forward-looking statements contained herein are
made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims
any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as
a result of new information, future events or results, except as
may be required by applicable securities laws. 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. Accordingly,
readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking
information.
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