Bluestone Announces Additional Infill Drill Assays including 15 g/t Au & 55 g/t Ag over 7.2 meters, 210 g/t Au & 167 g/t Ag over 1.0 meter
September 21, 2020 – VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Bluestone Resources Inc. (TSXV:BSR | OTCQB:BBSRF) ("Bluestone" or the "Company" - https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/bluestone-resources-inc/ ) is pleased to report additional high grade drill assays received from its infill drilling activities currently underway at the Cerro Blanco gold project. After a brief hiatus where the drilling activities were suspended to comply with COVID-19 related restrictions in Guatemala, a total of five drill rigs are now operational, located in the underground workings and on surface.
Results from six underground and four surface holes are reported in this press release. Highlights include the following intercepts representing true widths of the veins:
- 15 g/t Au and 55 g/t Ag over 7.2 meters (UGCB20-174)
- 210 g/t Au (6.8 oz/t) and 167 g/t Ag over 1.0 meter (CBUG20-177)
- 24 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag over 2.3 meters (CBUG20-177)
- 5 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag over 12.3 meters (CBUG20-423)
- 20 g/t Au and 16 g/t Ag over 2.1 meters (CB20-425)
- 12 g/t Au and 26 g/t Ag over 6.0 meters (CB20-425)
Jack Lundin, CEO, commented, “Exciting intercepts continue to be delivered through our ongoing drilling campaign which is focused on infill drilling and resource expansion at Cerro Blanco. Our strong understanding of the geology and consistency of the drilling results continue to demonstrate further upside in the deposit. In addition to the drilling, great progress continues to be made on advancing Cerro Blanco towards project readiness activities which are set to commence before the end of this year.”
Following the Guatemalan Government’s recommendations and guidelines for COVID-19, the Company continues to follow measures to protect and prioritize the well-being of employees, contractors, their families, and the communities in which it operates. Despite a temporary hiatus due to the pandemic, the Company was able to add two additional drill rigs in June and July.
The focus of the current drill program is infill drilling in the South Zone and the improved definition of key veins in parallel to testing vein extensions outside of the current resource envelope. The work is expected to build on the infill drill program completed in the North Zone of the deposit in 2019 which resulted in an updated resource estimate of 1.41 million ounces of gold averaging 10.3 g/t in Measured and Indicated Resources (see Press Release dated November 6, 2019).
Table 1. Drill Intercepts (this Press Release)
HOLE ID
FROM (m)
TO (m)
CORE INTERVAL (m)
TRUE WIDTH (m)
Au g/t
Ag g/t
Vein ID / Comments
UGCB20-170
NSR
UGCB20-171
47.3
48.3
1.0
1.0
3.5
1.4
N
UGCB20-172
8.3
9.3
1.0
1.0
5.7
17.9
-
UGCB20-173
NSR
UGCB20-174
3.1
4.7
1.7
1.7
3.1
26.5
S
19.7
21.3
1.6
1.5
4.9
21.0
VS_30
120.83
128.2
7.4
7.2
14.9
54.9
VS_01, VS_21
UGCB20-177
20.1
21.3
1.3
1.3
10.8
53.0
VS_30
118.3
120.4
2.1
2.0
12.0
241.4
VS_18 ext
148.62
150.73
2.1
2.0
25.1
27.4
VS_21 (split)
155
156
1.0
1.0
210.3
167.0
VS_21 (split)
159
160.11
1.1
1.1
8.3
10.8
S
162.7
163.7
1.0
1.0
7.5
8.3
S
171.67
174.03
2.4
2.3
24.3
22.4
VS_01
177.29
179.36
2.1
2.1
11.6
12.2
S
CB20-421
NSR
CB20-422
NSR
CB20-423
93.37
94.4
1.0
1.0
7.2
25.3
S
100.5
105.77
5.3
5.1
5.1
30.2
VS_22
156.83
159
2.2
2.2
7.3
15.5
VS_14
168.55
180.95
12.4
12.3
4.9
11.4
VS_07, 08, 10
186.84
188.27
1.4
1.4
12.6
170.0
VS_06
192
193.12
1.1
1.1
5.3
4.8
VS_06
CB20-425
124.97
129.32
4.3
4.1
11.9
20.6
VS_22
140.86
141.86
1.0
1.0
18.5
20.7
S
163.37
164.9
1.5
1.5
3.7
4.9
VS_14 Ext
170.4
172.52
2.1
2.1
20.0
15.7
VS_10 Ext
183.59
184.71
1.1
1.1
6.7
5.9
VS_07 Ext
188.88
189.88
1.0
1.0
5.7
6.4
N
198.07
204.09
6.0
5.8
12.0
25.8
VS_06
208.95
209.95
1.0
1.0
7.5
9.7
VS_06
NSR – No significant results; Ext - vein extension; S - splay; N - New or un-modelled vein. Hole coordinates and azimuth/dip information are included in Figure 1 on the link below. Intervals in bold are cited in the text of this press release.
Drill hole plans and sections can be accessed by clicking HERE. Core photos can be accessed by clicking HERE.
Drilling Summary
Drill holes CB20-423 and CB20-425 were drilled from surface to both infill and test extensions to several veins in the north-eastern part of the South Zone resource including VS_10. Hole CB20-425 was successful in drilling extensions to veins VS_07, VS_10 and VS_14, including 2.1 meters grading 20 g/t Au (VS_10). This hole was an additional step out hole to CB20-420 (see press release dated June 9, 2020) and now extends Vein VS_10 to approximately 50 meters outside of the current resource envelope (Figure 5). In both holes, target vein VS_22 was intersected as predicted.
Holes UGCB20-174 and UGCB20-177 were infill holes drilled to test the central portion of the ore body including infill drilling of vein VS_101. All targets were successfully intercepted including a high-grade interval of 210 g/t Au and 167 g/t Ag (VS-21) over 1.0 meter and 2.3 meters grading 24.3 g/t Au (VS_101, Figure 2, 3).
Holes UGCB20-170 to 173, CB20-421 and 422, all tested the upper extensions of VS_101 close to the contact with the overlying Salinas unit or within the Salinas unit itself (Figure 2). All holes intercepted only minor veins and stockworks assaying generally low values (0.5-1.2 g./t Au) concurrent with the geological model where the majority of veins dissipate or terminate in proximity to the Mita/Salinas contact.
Precious metal mineralization at Cerro Blanco is associated with classic low sulphidation epithermal quartz-adularia veins and vein swarms hosted in altered sequence of volcanoclastic and sedimentary rocks. Higher grades (>20 g/t Au and >60 g/t Ag) are associated with visible gold and silver sulphides in ginguro-style colloform-banded veins.
Quality Analysis and Quality Control
Assay results listed within this release were performed by Inspectorate Laboratories (“Inspectorate”), a division of Bureau Veritas, which are ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. Logging and sampling are undertaken on site at Cerro Blanco by Company personnel under a QA/QC protocol developed by Bluestone. Samples are transported in security-sealed bags to Inspectorate Labs in Managua, Nicaragua for sample preparation. Sample pulps are then shipped to Inspectorate Laboratories in Reno, NV, USA, and assayed using industry-standard assay techniques for gold and silver. Gold and silver were analyzed by a 30-gram charge with atomic absorption and/or gravimetric finish for values exceeding 5 g/t Au and 100 g/t Ag. Analytical accuracy and precision are monitored by the analysis of reagent blanks, reference material, and replicate samples. Quality control is further assured by Bluestone’s QA/QC program, which involves the insertion of blind certified reference materials (standards) and field duplicates into the sample stream to independently assess analytical precision and accuracy of each batch of samples as they are received from the laboratory. A selection of samples is submitted to ALS Chemex Laboratories in Vancouver for check analysis and additional quality control.
Qualified Person
David Cass, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration, is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and verified that the scientific and technical information set out above in this news release is accurate and therefore approves this written disclosure of the technical information.
About Bluestone Resources
Bluestone Resources is a mineral exploration and development company that is focused on advancing its 100%-owned Cerro Blanco Gold and Mita Geothermal projects located in Guatemala. A Feasibility Study on Cerro Blanco returned robust economics with a quick pay back. The average annual production is projected to be 146,000 ounces per year over the first three years of production with all-in sustaining costs of $579/oz (as defined per World Gold Council guidelines, less corporate general and administration costs). The Company trades under the symbol “BSR” on the TSX Venture Exchange and “BBSRF” on the OTCQB.
On Behalf of Bluestone Resources Inc.
"Jack Lundin"
Jack Lundin | Chief Executive Officer & Director
For further information, please contact:
Bluestone Resources Inc.
Stephen Williams | VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations
Phone: +1 604 646 4534
In Europe:
Swiss Resource Capital AG
Jochen Staiger
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.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events, or developments that Bluestone Resources Inc. (“Bluestone” or the “Company”) believes, expects, or anticipates will or may occur in the future including, without limitation: to the market for Bluestone’s common shares, preferred shares, debt securities, subscription receipts, units, warrants, and share purchase contracts; the conversion of the inferred mineral resources; increasing the amount of measured mineral and indicated mineral resources; the proposed timeline and benefits of further drilling; the proposed timeline and benefits of the Feasibility Study; statements about the Company’s plans for its mineral properties; Bluestone’s business strategy, plans and outlook; the future financial or operating performance of Bluestone; capital expenditures, corporate general and administration expenses and exploration and development expenses; expected working capital requirements; the future financial estimates of the Cerro Blanco Project economics, including estimates of capital costs of constructing mine facilities and bringing a mine into production and of sustaining capital costs, estimates of operating costs and total costs, net present value and economic returns; proposed production timelines and rates; funding availability; resource estimates; and future exploration and operating plans are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to Bluestone and often use words such as “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “intends”, “may” or variations thereof or the negative of any of these terms.
All forward-looking statements are made based on Bluestone’s current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by Bluestone and information currently available to Bluestone. Generally, these assumptions include, among others: the presence of and continuity of metals at the Cerro Blanco Project at estimated grades; the availability of personnel, machinery, and equipment at estimated prices and within estimated delivery times; currency exchange rates; metals sales prices and exchange rates assumed; appropriate discount rates applied to the cash flows in economic analyses; tax rates and royalty rates applicable to the proposed mining operations; the availability of acceptable financing; the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19); anticipated mining losses and dilution; success in realizing proposed operations; and anticipated timelines for community consultations and the impact of those consultations on the regulatory approval process.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of Bluestone to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Bluestone. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: risks and uncertainties related to expected production rates; timing and amount of production and total costs of production; risks and uncertainties related to the ability to obtain, amend, or maintain necessary licenses, permits, or surface rights; risks associated with technical difficulties in connection with mining development activities; risks and uncertainties related to the accuracy of mineral resource estimates and estimates of future production, future cash flow, total costs of production, and diminishing quantities or grades of mineral resources; risks associated with geopolitical uncertainty and political and economic instability in Guatemala; risks related to global epidemics or pandemics and other health crises, including the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19); risks and uncertainties related to interruptions in production; the possibility that future exploration, development, or mining results will not be consistent with Bluestone’s expectations; uncertain political and economic environments and relationships with local communities and governmental authorities; risks relating to variations in the mineral content within the mineral identified as mineral resources from that predicted; variations in rates of recovery and extraction; developments in world metals markets; and risks related to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. For a further discussion of risks relevant to Bluestone, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2019, available on the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Bluestone disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise. Although Bluestone believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to their inherent uncertainty. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures
The Company has included certain non-International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) measures in this news release. The Company believes that these measures, in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, provide investors an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company and to compare it to information reported by other companies. The non-IFRS measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
All-in sustaining costs
The Company believes that all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”) more fully defines the total costs associated with producing gold.
The Company calculates AISC as the sum of refining costs, third party royalties, site operating costs, sustaining capital costs, and closure capital costs all divided by the gold ounces sold to arrive at a per ounce amount. Other companies may calculate this measure differently as a result of differences in underlying principles and policies applied. Differences may also arise due to a different definition of sustaining versus non-sustaining capital.
AISC reconciliation
AISC and costs are calculated based on the definitions published by the World Gold Council (“WGC”) (a market development organization for the gold industry comprised of and funded by 18 gold mining companies from around the world). The WGC is not a regulatory organization.