TSX:TLO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Dec. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Talon Metals Corp. ("Talon" or the "Company") (TSX:TLO) is pleased to provide an exploration update on the Tamarack North Nickel-Copper-PGE project ("Tamarack North Project") located in Minnesota, USA.
HIGHLIGHTS
"The results from the recent drill program at Tamarack are outstanding", said Warren Newfield, Executive Chairman of Talon. "Tamarack has proven itself to be one of the highest grade nickel-copper sulphide deposits currently being explored globally, and has the potential to significantly increase in size. The recent drill program has clearly demonstrated this potential."
"It's a privilege to work with Kennecott's world-class exploration team on the Tamarack Project, which continues to deliver exceptional results" said Henri van Rooyen, CEO of Talon.
TAMARACK: A LARGE INTRUSIVE COMPLEX – APPROXIMATELY 18 KM OF STRIKE LENGTH
The Tamarack Igneous Complex ("TIC") is an ultramafic to mafic intrusive, hosting nickel-copper sulphide mineralization with associated cobalt, platinum and palladium ("PGE") as well as gold. The TIC has a strike length of approximately 18 km, which is comparable in footprint size to some of the world's largest and most prolific nickel-copper-PGE producing intrusive complexes.
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS
Effective August 29, 2014, an independent mineral resource estimate was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 on a small portion of the Tamarack North Project, with resource highlights as follows:
_____________________________________
1 NiEq percentages quoted in this news release are calculated using the following formula: NiEq% = Ni%+ Cu% x 2.91/9.20 + Co% x 14/9.20 + Pt [g/t]/31.103 x 1,400/9.2/22.04 + Pd [g/t]/31.103 x 600/9.2/22.04 + Au [g/t]/31.103 x 1,300/9.2/22.04
Talon published a technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 to support the disclosure of this resource estimate on the Tamarack North Project. The technical report is entitled "First Independent Technical Report on the Tamarack North Project, Tamarack, Minnesota" dated October 6, 2014 (the "Tamarack North Technical Report") and was prepared by independent "Qualified Persons" Brian Thomas (P. Geo) of Golder, Paul Palmer (P. Eng) of Golder and Manochehr Oliazadeh Khorakchy (P. Eng) of Hatch Ltd. Please refer to the Tamarack North Technical Report for further information. Copies are available on the Company's website (www.talonmetals.com) or on SEDAR at (www.sedar.com).
For an overview of the Tamarack Project please refer to Annex "B" of this news release.
PREVIOUSLY STATED GOALS OF THE 2014 EXPLORATION PROGRAM
As previously reported by Talon, the 2014 exploration program has been focused on better defining the path of the coarse grained feldspathic peridotite (CGO) intrusion, which hosts the SMSU, as it moves towards the east. The program has also been focused on testing the limits of the 138 Zone to the east, west, and south.
STATUS OF THE 2014 EXPLORATION PROGRAM
The 2014 drilling program commenced at the Tamarack North Project on August 6, 2014. Since then, two rigs have been drilling simultaneously, completing 6,969 meters.
Due to the early winter weather, and the consequent freezing of the ground, all mats (which are used during summer drilling to protect the natural vegetation), are currently being removed from site. One rig is presently being winterized in anticipation of the planned 2015 winter program, expected to commence in January 2015, while the other rig will complete the 2014 drilling program in the 480 Mineral Zone ("480 Zone"), where drilling continues to be possible due to the accessibility of higher ground, which does not require the use of mats.
A list of assay results for drill holes completed during the 2014 drilling program, for which assays or partial assays have been received and which have already passed Kennecott Exploration Company's ("Kennecott") QA/QC procedures, is attached as Annex "A".
As of the date of this news release, the status of each of the holes collared during the 2014 drilling program is shown below:
Hole ID |
Easting |
Northing |
Elevation |
Azimuth |
Dip |
Length |
Assays Received |
14TK0203 |
490909.9 |
5168937.7 |
388.5 |
325.6 |
-80.2 |
651.7 |
Partial |
14TK0204 |
490909.1 |
5169083.4 |
388.4 |
141.3 |
-83.1 |
557.2 |
Complete |
14TK0205 |
490759.8 |
5169048.7 |
388.3 |
91.8 |
-81.7 |
443.5 |
Pending |
14TK0206 |
491094.7 |
5168293.1 |
388.4 |
356.5 |
-86.3 |
786.0 |
Partial |
14TK0207 |
490693.2 |
5168350.5 |
388.2 |
115.6 |
-85.5 |
599.5 |
Pending |
14TK0208 |
490829.1 |
5169012.5 |
388.4 |
3.0 |
-89.7 |
811.7 |
Pending |
14TK0209 |
491094.8 |
5168292.2 |
388.4 |
185.3 |
-86.6 |
582.9 |
Pending |
14TK0210 |
491257.0 |
5168687.6 |
388.6 |
270.9 |
-85.3 |
489.0 |
Pending |
14TK0211 |
490856.6 |
5168536.0 |
388.0 |
264.9 |
-85.3 |
648.0 |
Partial |
14TK0212 |
490946.3 |
5168191.2 |
388.0 |
164.5 |
-65.8 |
781.8 |
Pending |
14TK0213 |
490856.6 |
5168536.0 |
388.0 |
216.0 |
-84.9 |
618.0 |
Pending |
Table 1: List of 2014 Drill Hole Collar Coordinates, General Dip and Azimuth, as well as status of Kennecott QA/QC.
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE 2014 DRILLING PROGRAM RESULTS TO DATE
(1) The Massive Sulphide Unit Mineral Zone ("MSU")
MSU type mineralization is defined as containing 80-90% sulphide. The MSU refers to an ore-body hosted by intensely metamorphosed and partially melted meta-sediments occurring as fragments or wedges of country rock between the base of the fine grained peridotite (FGO) and the top of the coarse grained feldspathic peridotite (CGO) with typical dimensions of 20 to 30 meters across by 10 meters high. Drilling suggests that these massive sulphides form southward plunging, pipe-like zones. The MSU has been drill intersected intermittently over 600 meters from the SMSU to the 138 Zone and appears to be spatially related to the SMSU (occurring approximately 50 meters above the SMSU).
The objective of drill hole 14TK0211 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4) was to step-out from the SMSU in order to follow its continuation towards the south-east. Hole 14TK0211 was drilled approximately 53 meters to the east of hole 08TK0083, which is the nearest, wide massive sulphide intercept from 498.66 meters to 507.81 meters (9.15 meters width) at 7.79% Ni, 3.22% Cu, 1.38 g/t Pt and 0.79 g/t Pd (2.16 g/t PGE), which equates to a 9.49% NiEq grade basis.
Drill hole 14TK0211 has two intercepts of massive nickel-copper-PGE sulphide mineralization of 3.97 meters from 425.03 meters to 429 meters at 5.74% Ni, 2.07% Cu, 0.68 g/t Pt and 0.40 g/t Pd (1.08 g/t PGE) which equates to a 6.80% NiEq grade basis and 15.94 meters of massive nickel-copper-PGE sulphide mineralization from 441 meters to 456.94 meters at 7.14% Ni, 2.43% Cu, 0.81 g/t Pt and 0.68 g/t Pd (1.49 g/t PGE) which equates to a 8.49% NiEq grade basis. As is the case with hole 08TK0083, the MSU intercept is located within meta-sediments at the top of the coarse grained feldspathic peridotite (CGO).
The intercept of MSU over a 15.94 meter interval is significant, as:
(2) The Area North-East of the SMSU
The Tamarack North Project has been interpreted to consist of at least two separate phases of intrusions based on contact relationships, textural, and geochemical differences. These include a fine grained peridotite (FGO) that forms the wider, upper part of the intrusion in the mid and southern part of the tail and a coarse grained, intrusive phase of feldspathic peridotite (CGO) interpreted to have intruded dyke-like along structures at the base of the FGO in the form of a keel that subcrops as a result of pre-Cretaceous erosion in the north of the Tamarack Zone. The SMSU is located within the CGO dyke proximal to the base of the FGO keel. Important to note is that some liquid sulphide penetrated out into the cooling intrusion as massive sulphide veins and are thus interpreted to be important vectors to MSU or SMSU type mineral zones.
Massive sulphide veins are present in proximity to the SMSU, MSU and the 138 Zone.
Associated with the contact between these two intrusions is also a hybrid phase (termed the Mixed Zone) that is interpreted either as a zone of mixing of the two intrusions or possibly a separate intrusion altogether.
A key objective of the 2014 drilling program has been met, as the program was focused on better defining the path of the coarse grained feldspathic peridotite (CGO) intrusion as it moves towards the east, away from the currently outlined SMSU. More specifically:
These results are significant, as:
(3) The 138 Zone
The 2014 drilling program also aimed to test the limits of the open 138 Zone to the east, west, and south. Drill hole 14TK206 was therefore drilled approximately 35 meters to the east of hole 13TK0189 (see Figure 8 and Figure 9), which was the last hole to the east that intercepted the 138 Zone prior to the 2014 drilling program.
Drill hole 14TK0206 intercepted 15 meters of disseminated and net textured sulphides from 417 meters to 432 meters with grades as follows: 0.60% Ni, 0.45% Cu, 0.12 g/t Pt and 0.07 g/t Pd (0.18 g/t PGE), which equates to a 0.83% NiEq grade basis and also intercepted 24.5 meters of disseminated and net textured sulphides from 487.5 meters to 512 meters with grades as follows: 0.66% Ni, 0.52% Cu, 0.31 g/t Pt, 0.18 g/t, Pd (0.49 g/t PGE) which equates to a 0.98% NiEq grade basis.
These results are significant, as:
PLANNED 2015 WINTER PROGRAM
It is expected that the 2015 winter program will commence in early January 2015. Massive sulphide mineralization intercepted in drill hole 14TK0211 will be followed up using downhole electromagnetic surveys ("DHEM"). The 2015 winter program will also explore areas along the TIC that are significant step-outs from the current SMSU, MSU and 138 Zone. Data from this program will be used to design follow-up programs with the aim of locating and drilling SMSU, MSU and 138 Zone type mineralization along the TIC strike. Several areas are geologically highly prospective, based on limited, historical drill results. Of these, three additional targets in the Tamarack North Project will be tested during the 2015 winter program:
(1) 3.3 km of Strike Starting in the 480 Zone and Moving South
FGO and CGO have already been intercepted approximately 3.3 km north of the SMSU in hole 08TK044 within an area that indicates strong but reversed magnetization. Reversed magnetization is typical of some of the mafic intrusives associated with the mid-continent rift. This area appears to be extensive as the Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) shows around 2.5 km of potential strike length. Further work is planned in order to determine the existence of the CGO dyke in this area and its relationship to the FGO intrusion and to follow-up of off-hole DHEM anomalies that could provide vectors towards high grade mineralization.
(2) 1.1 km of Strike from the 138 Zone to the Laucamp Zone
CGO has previously been intercepted in the Laucamp Zone, which is approximately 1.4 km from the most southern tip of the SMSU. One of the objectives of the 2015 winter program is to locate the CGO dyke at the base of the FGO keel and to follow-up on off-hole DHEM anomalies that could provide vectors towards high grade mineralization.
(3) The Laucamp Zone
Drilling in the Laucamp Zone, located approximately 1.4 km south of the most southern tip of the SMSU, has previously intercepted massive sulphide veins, which will be followed up as part of the 2015 winter program in order to determine if a proximate mineral zone that hosts SMSU, MSU or 138 Zone type mineralization exists.
Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Qualified Persons
Please see the Tamarack North Technical Report for information on the QA/QC, analytical and testing procedures employed by Kennecott at the Tamarack Project.
Widths are drill intersections and not true widths. True widths cannot be consistently calculated for comparison purposes between holes because of the irregular shapes of the mineralized zones. Therefore some drill holes drilled down-plunge may have mineralized intersections greater than the average width and thickness of the mineralized zone. Some drill holes have intersected the margins of the mineralized zones and have intersections less than the average thickness of the mineralized zone.
Drill intersections have been independently selected by Talon. Drill composites have been independently calculated by Talon.
James McDonald, Vice President, Resource Geology of Talon and Mike Shaw, Vice President, Exploration of Talon are both Qualified Persons within the meaning of NI 43-101. Messrs. McDonald and Shaw are satisfied that the analytical and testing procedures used are standard industry operating procedures and methodologies, and they have reviewed, approved and verified the technical information disclosed in this news release (other than the mineral resource estimates), including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the technical information.
The Qualified Person who is responsible for the mineral resource estimates in the Tamarack North Technical Report is Brian Thomas, senior resource geologist at Golder and independent of Talon. Mr. Thomas is responsible for the mineral resource estimates in this news release and has reviewed, approved and verified the data disclosed in this news release relating to the Tamarack Project mineral resource estimates (including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the mineral resource estimates).
About Talon
Talon is a TSX-listed company focused on the exploration and development of the Tamarack Nickel-Copper-PGE Project in Minnesota, USA (which comprises the Tamarack North Project and the Tamarack South Project) and the Trairão Iron Project in Parà State, Brazil. The Company has a well-qualified exploration and mine management team with extensive experience in project management.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to the Tamarack Project with respect to estimates of mineral resource quantities (including, any future expansion of the mineral resource estimate), mineral resource qualities, the form and extent of mineralization, targets, goals, objectives and plans, including plans for follow-up exploration work and the timing thereof (i.e. the 2015 winter drilling program). Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results 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 the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: failure to establish estimated mineral resources, the grade, quality and recovery of mineral resources varying from estimates, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, inaccurate geological and metallurgical assumptions (including with respect to the size, grade and recoverability of mineral reserves and resources, uncertainties relating to the financing needed to further explore and develop the properties or to put a mine into production and other factors (including exploration, development and operating risks)).
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company 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 the Company 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 the inherent uncertainty therein.
The mineral resource figures disclosed in this news release are estimates and no assurances can be given that the indicated levels of nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum, palladium and gold will be produced. Such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Valid estimates made at a given time may significantly change when new information becomes available. While the Company believes that the resource estimates disclosed in this news release are accurate, by their nature resource estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon statistical inferences which may ultimately prove unreliable. If such estimates are inaccurate or are reduced in the future, this could have a material adverse impact on the Company.
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred mineral resources are estimated on limited information not sufficient to verify geological and grade continuity or to allow technical and economic parameters to be applied. Inferred mineral resources are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them to enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that mineral resources can be upgraded to mineral reserves through continued exploration.
ANNEX "A"
ASSAY RESULTS FROM THE 2014 DRILL PROGRAM
Zone |
Hole No. |
Easting |
Northing |
Elev. |
Azm |
Dip |
From |
To |
Sample Length |
Total Hole Length |
NiEq% |
Cu% |
Ni% |
Co% |
Pt% |
Pd% |
Au% |
MSU |
14TK0211 |
490857 |
5168536 |
388 |
264.9 |
-85.3 |
425.03 |
429.00 |
3.97 |
648.00 |
6.80 |
2.07 |
5.74 |
0.13 |
0.68 |
0.40 |
0.10 |
MSU |
14TK0211 |
490857 |
5168536 |
388 |
264.9 |
-85.3 |
441.00 |
456.94 |
15.94 |
648.00 |
8.49 |
2.43 |
7.14 |
0.17 |
0.81 |
0.68 |
0.39 |
incl |
14TK0211 |
490857 |
5168536 |
388 |
264.9 |
-85.3 |
454.00 |
454.64 |
0.64 |
648.00 |
10.56 |
2.61 |
8.83 |
0.21 |
2.02 |
1.12 |
0.14 |
SMSU |
14TK0203 |
490910 |
5168938 |
388 |
325.6 |
-80.2 |
263.07 |
287.00 |
23.93 |
651.67 |
1.07 |
0.69 |
0.39 |
0.02 |
0.67 |
0.34 |
0.20 |
SMSU |
14TK0204 |
490909 |
5169083 |
388 |
141.3 |
-83.1 |
288.00 |
335.00 |
47.00 |
557.17 |
0.88 |
0.44 |
0.63 |
0.02 |
0.21 |
0.13 |
0.13 |
138 |
14TK0206 |
491095 |
5168293 |
388 |
356.5 |
-86.3 |
417.00 |
432.00 |
15.00 |
786.00 |
0.83 |
0.45 |
0.60 |
0.02 |
0.12 |
0.07 |
0.10 |
138 |
14TK0206 |
491095 |
5168293 |
388 |
356.5 |
-86.3 |
487.50 |
512.00 |
24.50 |
786.00 |
0.98 |
0.52 |
0.66 |
0.02 |
0.31 |
0.18 |
0.16 |
138 |
14TK0206 |
491095 |
5168293 |
388 |
356.5 |
-86.3 |
519.00 |
520.00 |
1.00 |
786.00 |
2.65 |
1.61 |
1.90 |
0.04 |
0.46 |
0.16 |
0.34 |
All samples were analysed by ALS Chemex. Nickel, copper, and cobalt grades were first analysed by a 4 acid digestion and ICP AES (ME-4ACD81). Grades reporting approximately 1%, using ME-4ACD81, triggered an AAS finish. If the results were greater than 1% then a Sodium Peroxide Fusion with ICP-AES finish was used (ICP81). Platinum, palladium and gold are initially analysed by fire assay with a mass spectral finish (PGM-MS24). Over limits triggered an ICP-AES finish (PGM-ICP27).
Drill intersections have been independently selected by Talon. Drill composites have been independently calculated by Talon using a 0.72% NiEq cut-off, which is consistent with the approximate 0.72% NiEq cut-off that was used to constrain the 3D mineral envelopes in areas of continuous mineralization as per the Tamarack North Technical Report.
NiEq percentages are calculated using the following formula: NiEq% = Ni%+ Cu% x 2.91/9.20 + Co% x 14/9.20 + Pt [g/t]/31.103 x 1,400/9.2/22.04 + Pd [g/t]/31.103 x 600/9.2/22.04 + Au [g/t]/31.103 x 1,300/9.2/22.04.
Sample lengths and grades have been rounded to two decimals.
ANNEX "B"
ABOUT THE TAMARACK NICKEL-COPPER-PGE PROJECT
Project |
Area |
Mineral Zone |
Host Lithology |
Project Specific Lithology |
Mineralization Type |
Tamarack North Project |
Tamarack Zone |
SMSU |
Feldspathic Peridotite |
CGO |
Net Textured and Disseminated Sulphides |
MSU |
Meta-Sediments |
Sediments |
Massive Sulphides |
||
138 |
Peridotite and Feldspathic Peridotite |
Mixed Zone |
Disseminated and Net Textured Sulphides |
||
Other |
480 |
Peridotite |
FGO |
Disseminated Sulphides |
|
Laucamp |
Peridotite |
FGO |
Massive Sulphide Veins |
To view the News Release with Figures: http://files.newswire.ca/882/Final_Talon_Metals.pdf
Image with caption: "Figure 1: Airborne magnetic survey, first derivative image (centre) showing the 18 km long strike of the TIC with the long narrow intrusion that hosts the currently defined mineralization (right) termed the "Tail" of the Tamarack North Project and the large layered intrusion to the south termed the "Neck" and "Body" (in an analogy to a tadpole). Kennecott Airborne Magnetic Survey (2001 to 2009), modified by Talon, 2014. (CNW Group/Talon Metals Corp.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141201_C4952_PHOTO_EN_8758.jpg
Image with caption: "Figure 2: Location of 2014 drill holes and status of assay results. (CNW Group/Talon Metals Corp.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141201_C4952_PHOTO_EN_8759.jpg
Image with caption: "Figure 3: Cross section through the MSU showing massive nickel-copper-PGE sulphide mineralization intercepted in hole 14TK0211 in relation to massive nickel-copper-PGE sulphide mineralization previously intercepted in hole 08TK0083 as part of the MSU. Only MSU intersections are displayed. (CNW Group/Talon Metals Corp.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141201_C4952_PHOTO_EN_8760.jpg
Image with caption: "Figure 4: Plan view showing cross section A - A' (in Figure 3). (CNW Group/Talon Metals Corp.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141201_C4952_PHOTO_EN_8761.jpg
Image with caption: "Figure 5: Core photo of massive nickel-copper-PGE sulphide mineralization intercept in hole 14TK0211. (CNW Group/Talon Metals Corp.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141201_C4952_PHOTO_EN_8762.jpg
Image with caption: "Figure 6: Cross section showing 14TK0203 and 14TK204 in relation to previously drilled 08TK0064 and 10TK0127. (CNW Group/Talon Metals Corp.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141201_C4952_PHOTO_EN_8763.jpg
Image with caption: "Figure 7: Plan view showing cross section C-C' (in Figure 6). (CNW Group/Talon Metals Corp.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141201_C4952_PHOTO_EN_8764.jpg
Image with caption: "Figure 8: Cross section showing drill hole 14TK0206 in relation to previously drilled hole 13TK0189. Only intersections of greater than 0.72% NiEq and greater than 10 meters are displayed. (CNW Group/Talon Metals Corp.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141201_C4952_PHOTO_EN_8765.jpg
Image with caption: "Figure 9: Plan view showing section B-B' in the 138 Zone (in Figure 8). (CNW Group/Talon Metals Corp.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141201_C4952_PHOTO_EN_8766.jpg
PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2014/12/01/20141201_C4952_PDF_EN_8770.pdf
SOURCE: Talon Metals Corp.
For additional information on Talon, please visit the Company's website at www.talonmetals.com or contact: Sean Werger, President, Talon Metals Corp., Tel: (416) 361-9636 x247, Email: [email protected]
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