Mr. Paul Harbidge reports
GOLDCORP PROVIDES FIRST QUARTER 2017 EXPLORATION UPDATE
Goldcorp Inc. is providing an update on its 2017 exploration program. Representative drill results are provided in this news release.
Highlights:
- Drilling at Cerro Negro returned positive results: Further encouraging results have been returned from Silica Cap and the Bajo Negro hangingwall, supporting continued drilling on these two targets. Results include 20.80 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) over 5.01 metres (Bajo Negro hangingwall, BDD-17006) and 4.75 g/t Au over 5.16 metres (Silica Cap, SCDD-17003).
- Drilling at the Coffee project commenced: The field season commenced in March, and a total of 7,317 metres of reverse circulation drilling was completed at Supremo T8-T9 and Arabica during the month.
- Generative study work at Penasquito yielded 13 new targets for follow-up testing: The initial study work covered a 50-kilometre-by-30-kilometre block centred over the Penasquito and Concepcion del Oro districts. The targets will be assessed for geological and economic potential.
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Continued exploration progress in the Timmins camp: Additional targets have been identified and as part of the prefeasibility study at the Century project. Drilling has commenced with the aim of converting mineral resources to mineral reserves through tighter drill spacing.
"During the quarter, we continued to focus our efforts on reserve replacement and populating the resource triangle with new targets," said Paul Harbidge, senior vice-president, exploration. "I am encouraged with the positive results that we are seeing from our portfolio of projects as well as the generative studies which are laying the foundation for future exploration success. We are well positioned to meet our targeted 20-per-cent increase in reserves over the next five years."
Canada
Coffee project
The 2017 field season commenced in March with two reverse circulation (RC) drill rigs infill drilling on the advanced targets of Supremo T8-9 and Arabica, which are located 0.2 kilometre and 1.5 kilometres east of the planned Supremo open pit. By the end of the first quarter, a total of 7,317 metres of RC drilling had been completed.
Supremo T8-T9
At Supremo T8-T9, the gold assay results from 17 holes were received by the end of the first quarter of 2017; intercepts include 1.88 g/t Au over 10.66 metres from 51.82 metres (CFR1276) and 1.38 g/t Au over 15.24 metres from 59.44 metres (CFR1278). Field X-ray fluorescence analysis and logging of drill chips have mapped out up to five north to northeasterly trending deformation and alteration zones spaced 30 metres to 100 metres apart, with strike lengths of 200 metres to 1,000 metres within an overall gold geochemical footprint of 1,500 metres by 400 metres. The host lithology comprises gently south-dipping quartz-feldspar augen gneiss with localized lenses of biotite schist. The deformation zones comprise steeply dipping breccia/fracture zones which have a pinch and swell morphology, and commonly splay and bifurcate.
The attached table presents the drill assay results received during the first quarter of 2017 from Supremo T8-T9. Full drill co-ordinates are available on-line.
Hole ID Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Intercept (m) Au (g/t)
CFR1262 201 38.10 41.15 3.05 1.30
CFR1263 201 25.91 28.96 3.05 1.70
and 47.24 48.77 1.53 3.70
CFR1264 201 30.48 35.05 4.57 3.05
and 80.77 82.30 1.53 1.12
and 111.25 112.78 1.53 1.12
CFR1265 201 59.44 60.96 1.52 1.97
and 172.21 182.88 10.67 1.06
CFR1266 201 76.20 79.25 3.05 0.90
and 121.92 126.49 4.57 1.34
and 170.69 172.21 1.52 1.06
CFR1267 201 85.34 86.87 1.53 1.40
and 100.58 103.63 3.05 0.75
and 117.35 118.87 1.52 1.01
CFR1268 201 149.35 153.92 4.57 1.54
CFR1269 201 70.10 73.15 3.05 1.11
CFR1270 201 129.54 131.06 1.52 1.44
CFR1271 201 108.20 112.78 4.58 2.03
CFR1272 201 118.87 120.40 1.53 1.08
CFR1273 201 85.34 86.87 1.53 2.39
and 96.01 100.58 4.57 1.40
and 105.16 108.20 3.04 1.75
and 150.88 153.92 3.04 0.82
CFR1274 201 144.78 152.40 7.62 1.46
CFR1275 201 7.62 9.14 1.52 1.64
and 24.38 25.91 1.53 1.88
and 33.53 35.05 1.52 1.25
and 135.64 144.78 9.14 1.77
and 172.21 175.26 3.05 1.59
CFR1276 201 39.62 41.15 1.53 2.99
and 51.82 62.48 10.66 1.88
and 79.25 82.30 3.05 2.23
and 143.26 146.30 3.04 2.02
CFR1277158 no significant result
CFR1278201 59.44 74.68 15.24 1.38
Arabica
At Arabica, all gold assay results are pending. Drilling tested a gold-in-soil geochemical footprint of 1,200 metres by 750 metres and up to three individual structures trending north to northeasterly.
Drilling is currently under way on a 25-metre-by-25-metre infill program of the existing Latte indicated resource with the aim of converting the majority of the inferred resources contained within the planned Latte pit to a measured category.
Planning of additional exploration programs is continuing across a range of targets within the Coffee property. Diamond core drilling, geochemical and geophysical surveys, and scout drilling programs are also expected to resume in the second quarter.
Red Lake camp
Exploration activity in Red Lake concentrated on three main project areas: Campbell-Red Lake, HG Young and Cochenour.
Campbell-Red Lake exploration targeted five main areas of the deposit in the first quarter of 2017: R zone/Lower 56, Upper Red Lake (URL), Party Wall, Campbell and Lower Red Lake. A combined 31,311 metres of underground drilling was completed for potential resource conversion as well as resource addition.
Representative results above the cut-off grade from Campbell-Red Lake mine exploration, received during the first quarter of 2017, are shown in the attached table. Full drill results and drill co-ordinates are available on-line.
Hole ID Zone Including From (m) To (m) Intercept (m) True width (m) Au (g/t)
41L900 56 zone 146.85 147.04 0.19 0.18 193.84
41L904 56 zone 243.54 244.45 0.91 0.81 35.64
41L905 56 zone 245.67 246.28 0.61 0.55 168.82
41L908 56 zone 256.34 256.95 0.61 0.56 54.60
41L929 56 zone 120.00 123.44 3.44 3.33 8.76
41L929 56 zone including 122.90 123.44 0.54 0.53 51.97
D211951 56 zone 117.32 119.27 1.95 1.60 26.65
41L906 56 zone 256.95 257.25 0.30 0.26 130.29
D211928 A/SC zone 86.93 87.63 0.70 0.64 103.67
46L317 DS 219.15 219.52 0.37 0.33 76.51
46L317 DS 298.28 299.92 1.64 1.49 28.14
46L317 DS 219.15 219.52 0.37 0.33 76.51
46L317 DS 298.28 299.92 1.64 1.49 28.14
46L318 DS 286.69 295.35 8.66 7.50 3.04
D13902 MC zone 177.40 179.80 2.40 2.03 9.94
D211946 NL zone 0.00 0.34 0.34 0.30 298.36
D211948 NL zone 21.34 22.71 1.37 1.26 13.75
D211948 NL zone including 21.67 21.98 0.31 0.28 57.55
41L925 R zone 80.01 80.50 0.49 0.42 36.12
41L894 R zone 95.10 98.27 3.17 2.50 102.01
41L894 R zone including 95.10 95.55 0.45 0.14 161.49
41L894 R zone including 96.04 96.19 0.15 0.12 1,866.50
41L931 R zone 157.58 157.89 0.31 0.26 67.46
17L1547 RL-J zone 51.54 53.49 1.95 1.65 17.66
17L1547 RL-J zone including 52.09 52.36 0.27 0.23 101.63
17L1550 RL-J zone 34.59 35.17 0.58 0.53 42.39
17L1555 RL-J zone 78.94 79.80 0.86 0.70 33.78
17L1559 RL-J zone 28.22 33.53 5.31 4.59 4.47
D13898 RL-F zone 94.20 97.80 3.60 3.26 10.17
D13898 RL-F zone including 96.40 96.60 0.20 0.16 60.34
D13898 RL-F zone including 96.90 97.50 0.60 0.54 30.00
D13898 RL-F zone including 100.30 100.70 0.40 0.30 6.17
D13898 RL-F zone 157.30 158.20 0.90 0.79 95.31
41L932 R zone 153.62 154.53 0.91 0.83 45.60
In the second quarter, work will be focused on the development of geological models with the aim to support the midyear reserve and resource estimations.
HG Young
Work in the first quarter concentrated on building a solid understanding of the geological and structural controls on mineralization. New oriented core drilling is being used to supplement the core relogging program. Over 12,100 metres have been relogged to date with approximately 1,500 metres remaining and to be completed by mid-April, 2017. Underground oriented core drilling began in February from 14L to examine the structural controls of the higher-grade mineralization between 13L to 15L. By the end of the first quarter of 2017, five holes had been drilled totalling 1,633 metres.
Although no surface drilling was completed during the first quarter of 2017, results were returned from surface drilling completed at the end of 2016. These holes focused on the upper extents of HG Young from 3-6L and intersected the distinctive high-grade quartz-scheelite HG Young-style veins that are characteristic of this deposit.
Representative results from HG Young are shown in the attached table. Full drill results and drill co-ordinates are available on-line.
Hole ID Zone From (m) To (m) Intercept (m) True width (m) Au (g/t)
D142048 16L 208.50 209.80 1.30 1.03 18.96
D142048 16L 251.50 253.50 2.10 1.80 30.88
D142052 14L 120.10 121.60 1.50 1.52 13.26
D142052 15L 209.10 210.90 1.80 1.45 17.67
D142052 15L 255.60 257.30 1.80 1.45 89.90
D142054 15L 262.90 265.20 2.30 1.89 26.64
D142055 17L 208.00 209.10 1.10 0.96 32.94
D142055 17L 221.10 229.20 8.10 7.05 18.92
D142057 14L 86.60 87.80 1.20 0.89 11.74
D142057 14L 123.40 127.50 4.10 3.67 3.18
D142057 14L 217.00 218.30 1.30 1.22 13.24
The updated geological model reveals that mineralization at HG Young is controlled by a major shear which strikes 135 degrees to 145 degrees within which the mineralized veins are orientated with a strike direction of 165 degrees. There is a well-defined plunge at the intersection of the veining and the shear, within a range 20 degrees to 26 degrees (dip) toward 306 degrees to 322 degrees.
Late brittle low-angle faults trending north-northeast (dipping east) have been recognized, and preliminary findings suggest that they potentially play a major role in offsetting both stratigraphy and ore-bearing structures. The amount of lateral and vertical displacement of these structures is currently unknown, although detailed structural analysis is continuing.
In the second quarter, underground drilling will continue from 14L to test the up-plunge and downplunge extension of the mineralization, as well as surface drilling to infill resource blocks at shallower levels (above 7L). This work, together with the relogging, will lead to a revised geological model to support an updated block model as part of the midyear reserve and resource estimations.
Cochenour
During the first quarter, work continued on developing the geologic understanding of the Upper Main zone (UMZ1) in the starter mine area. An oriented core drilling and relogging program (116 holes) was completed and covered levels 3710 to 4270. This work will culminate in a new geological model and updated block model to support the starter mine concept.
During the first quarter, all assay results from the oriented drilling program completed in December, 2016, were returned. Representative drill intercepts are shown in the attached table. Full drill results and drill co-ordinates are available on-line.
Hole ID Level Zone From (m) To (m) True width (m) Au (g/t)
C39609 3850L UMZ 181.40 187.70 4.53 8.65
C39676 3780L footwall 239.90 244.80 4.11 11.23
C39679 4200L UMZ 109.30 123.70 13.72 10.24
C39678 3850L UMZ 134.70 152.70 14.94 5.39
C39680 3780L UMZ 169.20 172.80 3.05 33.04
C39681 4200L UMZ 114.00 126.80 11.61 8.41
C39677 4200L UMZ 122.90 134.60 11.49 5.93
C39682 4200L UMZ 123.00 131.40 6.83 6.47
Musselwhite
During the first quarter, exploration at Musselwhite was focused on potential resource conversion and zone expansion in the PQ Deeps and West Limb areas of the mine, as well as testing several underground exploration targets.
PQ Deeps drilling further stepped out downplunge on the next 25-metre section (14075N). Positive results for the lower section of PQ Deeps C block were returned from holes drilled late in the fourth quarter of 2016 as well as new holes from the first quarter of 2017, and confirmed mineralization is open downplunge, most notably for the lower section.
Twenty-one infill and stepout holes were drilled underground on the West Limb (WEL) to refine the geological model and extend conversion strike length to 800 metres. Refinement of the model led to splitting the Saddle zone into two zones, creating a new lower mineralized area named the Hackamore (Hack) zone. Results from the West Limb drilling returned favourable results in the northern extensions of the Saddle and Revolver (17-WEL-004, 7.3 metres at 5.01 g/t, Revolver; 17-WEL-005, 10.6 metres at 6.23 g/t, Saddle), and confirmed the grade continuity within the Spur zones. Where possible, drill holes were extended farther into the footwall to test the Bandit zone, which continues to return mineralized intersections over much of the known strike length of the West Limb. The first development crosscut from 720 WEL access drift through the West Limb mineralization has intersected the Spur, Spur West and Hackamore zones at section 12800N. Zone geometry and grades are as expected in all areas. The second crosscut from 720 has started, and is planned to intersect the Saddle, Hackamore and Revolver at section 13100N by the end of the second quarter of 2017 (a 300-metre downplunge advancement).
The winter surface drill program that began in late 2016, testing the up-plunge continuity of West Limb structures, was cut short due to unexpected early thaw conditions. The program completed four drill holes on one section (11350), approximately 200 metres to the south of known mineralization. Results were favourable, indicating changes in both structure and mineralization style moving up-plunge. Refinement of the geological model and structural interpretation for this area will take place over the summer months, with follow-up targets planned aiming at an open-pit mining scenario to be planned and tested at freeze up in late 2017 or early 2018.
Redwing underground exploration drilling started in the first quarter. The Redwing target is a previously known area of mineralization hosted within a 100-metre-scale Z-fold in the Southern Iron formation (SIF). Exploration drilling to determine the extent of the SIF structure and metallurgical testing of the mineralized zones will continue as the year progresses.
Lynx North underground exploration drilling also began during the first quarter of 2017, following up on the 2015-2016 drill results that indicated a mineralized horizon 300 metres north of the known end of the main Lynx zone. One section was completed during the first quarter of 2017, with assays confirming the presence of mineralization in this position. The current known strike length is 400 metres with an average dip extent of 100 metres.
Mine-scale exploration in the second quarter of 2017 will see the Lynx North rig deployed to drill one more section in the PQ Deeps C block with the aim of further extending the current reserve on the orebody. West Limb resource conversion and Redwing drilling will continue with the current drill programs. A surface helicopter-supported drill program on the north shore of Opapamiskin Lake will mobilize at the end of the second quarter of 2017. This is a deep drilling and wedging program designed to test the northern extent of Musselwhite mineralization in the eastern PQ limb with a one-kilometre stepout from the last known mineralized drill intersection.
Porcupine camp
The Porcupine district exploration group is exploring in several project areas, including the Century project, Hoyle Pond and known advanced prospects within the Timmins camp, as well as the Borden project in Chapleau. In addition, a district-scale prospectivity analysis commenced during the first quarter.
The Century project advanced to the prefeasibility stage during the first quarter of 2017. As part of this study, a drilling program began in late March with two major objectives:
- A geotechnical program to provide critical information for the mine design;
- An infill program with an aim to convert mineral resources to mineral reserves in 2017-2018.
The geotechnical program consists of nine holes for a total of 4,900 metres. By the end of the first quarter of 2017, two geotechnical holes were completed, for a total 877 metres. Results from assays are pending. The infill program is planned to begin in the second quarter of 2017. The program consists of 21,000 metres to be drilled from existing underground workings targeting six different areas.
In parallel, 36,000 metres of infill drilling will be carried out from surface. The surface infill program is planned to begin subsequent to the geotechnical program. Both the underground and surface programs will be drilled in phased sequence to allow tighter spaced drilling based on first pass results.
Drilling at Hoyle Pond continued, with the completion of 8,441 metres during the first quarter of 2017, to evaluate the downplunge extension of the S, XMS and UM3 vein systems, as well as the East Mafics zone, with the aim of replacing reserves. Gold assay results confirmed the continuity of mineralization and the veins remain open downplunge.
Representative results from Porcupine East Mafics, UM3, XMS and S veins are shown in the attached table. Full drill results and drill co-ordinates are available on-line.
Hole ID Mine level Target From (m) To (m) Width (m) True width (m) Au (g/t)
22751 1680 East Mafics 430.50 430.90 0.40 0.30 18.20
22751 1680 East Mafics 473.50 473.80 0.30 0.10 18.90
22748 1200 UM3 228.30 228.60 0.30 0.30 6.50
22753 1200 UM3 214.40 215.00 0.60 0.50 423.00
22657 1330 XMS 336.40 336.70 0.30 0.30 24.70
22680 1680 S1 197.60 199.00 1.40 1.00 4.40
22682 1680 S1NW 259.30 261.00 1.70 0.70 31.50
22683 1680 S1 303.80 309.10 5.30 2.70 23.70
22686 1680 S1 305.70 307.10 1.40 1.30 51.60
At Owl Creek, a full geological review was completed following receipt of all assay results from the 2016 drill program. It was concluded that there was limited potential and the target has been removed from the resource triangle.
At Coniaurum, gold assay results have been received for the 2,376 metres drilled in 2016, although no significant assays were received; quartz-tourmaline veining was intersected, which was visually encouraging and pyrite enriched, although carbonate alteration was composed of calcite rather than ankerite, which is typically coincident with gold mineralization in the Timmins district. No porphyry was identified in these holes, the presence of porphyry being considered integral to major deposits in the Timmins camp, such as MacIntyre. Further work is required on the Hollinger-Macintyre strain corridor to identify any untested gaps.
The Ethier target is the next in line for testing, and has a similar geological and structural setting to Hoyle Pond, which is located four kilometres to the east. Most notable similarities are the interpreted subparallel structural trends related to flexures of the Porcupine sediment contact which also transect the same series of the Hersey Lake volcanic package. Ethier is a high-grade quartz vein underground target; in addition, there are secondary targets in the sediments to the south, possibly refractory in nature. Work is under way to define the minimum exploration work required to advance this early-stage conceptual target, including a review of geophysical data which were used in the creation of the current lithological interpretation.
Good progress was made with a regional geographical information systems compilation across the Timmins camp in the first quarter, with the integration of 64 datasets. This work has already resulted in some interesting preliminary results:
- All major gold mines in the camp have a strong association with porphyry intrusions;
- Close spatial association between Fe carbonate alteration and upper greenschist metamorphic anomalies;
- 060-degree-to-075-degree favourable orientation for structures;
- Porphyry intrusions may act as structural buttresses allowing focused fluid flow into a low-pressure regime within a sinistral releasing bend.
Borden
In the first quarter, the exploration focus was primarily to initiate the planned review of the Borden geological model. The review is centred on an extensive core relogging program that will also benefit significantly from a number of planned oriented wedge core holes being drilled through the deposit.
A distinctive mottle-textured amphibolite has been identified at the base of the high-grade zone (the footwall amphibolite), and can be traced through the deposit and therefore acts as a very good marker horizon. Core relogging and continuing orientated drilling are highlighting two dominant mineralization trends in the deposit; one trend appears to follow the F1 fold axis lineations and the other is closer to boudin long-axis lineations.
Drilling at Borden West is targeting the footwall amphibolite contact and associated gold zone along strike from the Borden deposit. Mineralization is expected to be associated with a garnet biotite felsic gneiss unit, with various amounts of quartz veining/flooding and sulphides. One result was received for hole BL16-1006 but only intersected anomalous gold values. A second hole, BL16-01011, remains to be completed.
Final results were returned during the first quarter for the north shore drilling completed in late 2016 to test potential extensions to high-grade mineralization. While the stratigraphic rock package was intersected, only low-grade mineralization over a narrow width was obtained. Two additional wedge holes were completed during the first quarter; gold assay results are pending, but core observations revealed weak mineralization. Once results have been received, a full analysis will determine whether further drilling is warranted.
Representative results from Borden are shown in the attached table. Full drill results and drill co-ordinates are available on-line.
Hole ID Area From (m) To (m) Width (m) True width (m) Au (g/t)
BL16-01006 Borden West 107.00 108.00 1.00 1.00 0.41
198.00 200.00 2.00 2.00 0.15
BL16-01001 HGZ Deep 1,019.10 1,024.20 5.15 5.05 2.26
1,034.40 1,038.30 3.94 3.80 2.67
BL16-01003 HGZ Deep 1,142.70 1,144.80 2.10 2.10 1.24
1,148.70 1,150.40 1.70 1.70 1.16
1,165.00 1,165.70 0.70 0.70 1.67
In terms of regional exploration, the results and analysis of a glacial till program completed in 2016 are still pending. Full results and the planned summer exploration program will be presented with the second quarter update.
Eleonore
During the first quarter, exploration at Eleonore was carried out on underground mine exploration targets as well as a new surface drill program testing two early-stage targets. The surface exploration drilling program started in January, 2017, and is the first drilling program outside of the Roberto zone since 2005. Two target areas were drilled:
- The Old Camp prospect on the west side of the property;
- The Synee target located near the eastern boundary of the property. Due to an early spring thaw, drilling was stopped prior to completing all planned holes at Synee.
The first quarter mine exploration drill program comprised:
- Completion of infill drilling in the upper mine North block of the 494 area;
- Completion of infill drilling of the south-south ore shoot (upper mine) from level 200;
- Completion of extended holes to follow up new mineralized zones behind the 494 area;
- Continuing lower mine infill program on the central main ore shoot and north 494 area.
Representative results from Eleonore are shown in the attached table. Full drill results and drill co-ordinates are available on-line.
Hole ID Zone From (m) To (m) Width (m) True thickness (m) Vertical depth (m) Au (g/t)
EST-16-01321 Uncorrelated 732.20 735.30 3.10 2.68 1,134.05 4.44
EST-16-01321 Uncorrelated 931.00 934.00 3.00 2.60 1,249.23 12.22
EST-16-01334 Uncorrelated 848.50 852.00 3.50 3.17 1,169.38 20.51
EST-16-01357 Uncorrelated 956.00 961.00 5.00 3.20 1,192.90 3.18
EST-16-01357 Uncorrelated 1,079.00 1,084.00 5.00 2.90 1,241.93 17.20
EST-16-01360 7000 307.05 310.05 3.00 2.90 268.32 2.68
EST-16-01360 6000 313.05 321.40 8.35 8.20 270.07 3.89
EST-16-01360 5050 351.85 356.00 4.15 2.70 277.40 1.09
EST-16-01361 6000 224.40 228.50 4.10 2.70 502.03 21.60
EST-16-01361 5050 300.50 307.10 6.60 2.80 502.03 1.38
EST-16-01361 5010 342.50 345.50 3.00 2.70 514.43 7.94
EST-16-01362 6010 194.50 200.00 5.50 2.80 472.13 1.39
EST-16-01362 6000 249.80 252.75 2.95 2.60 471.37 1.11
EST-16-01362 5010 336.50 341.00 4.50 3.80 469.23 2.50
EST-16-01363 7000 346.00 350.00 4.00 3.06 286.59 1.30
EST-16-01363 6000 387.60 391.60 4.00 3.63 295.90 9.37
EST-16-01363 5050 403.00 411.35 8.35 6.40 299.77 8.35
EST-16-01364 6000 293.00 297.00 4.00 2.83 515.58 4.45
EST-16-01364 5010 345.00 348.00 3.00 2.60 521.82 1.96
EST-16-01365 Uncorrelated 131.20 138.00 6.80 2.87 220.90 5.60
EST-16-01365 7000 318.00 323.00 5.00 4.33 252.96 6.57
EST-16-01365 6000 329.20 333.00 3.80 3.29 254.67 5.39
EST-16-01365 5050 374.00 376.00 2.00 2.60 262.55 2.27
EST-16-01367 6500 224.20 235.95 11.75 7.55 503.19 3.67
Eleonore
property exploration
The first surface drilling program since the acquisition of Eleonore was completed at two targets, Old Camp and Synee.
The Old Camp target is underlain by a diorite intrusion (Lac Ell diorite), located along a major northeast-trending deformation zone that extends six kilometres from the Roberto deposit. The diorite is transgressed by several mineralized and veined shear zones observed in surface outcrop. The quartz-tourmaline shear-hosted veins are locally mineralized with pyrite-pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite plus/minus arsenopyrite and have not previously been tested at depth. A total of 1,063 grab and channel samples have been collected at Old Camp between 2002 and 2016. Anomalous gold values ranging from 0.1 g/t to 1.0 g/t Au are present in 168 samples, and 53 samples have returned one g/t to six g/t Au, with three samples between 10 g/t and 20 g/t Au. Anomalous copper between 0.5 per cent and 3 per cent is present in some samples.
The main targets of the drill program were to test:
- Two 230-degree-trending deformation zones and the intersection with crosscutting structures;
- A series of IP anomalies that appear spatially along 050-degree/230-degree-oriented shears;
- The potential of the wacke-diorite contact.
A total of seven drill holes were completed for a combined 3,308 metres, with lengths varying from 300 metres to 500 metres. The Ell Lake shear was intersected in all drill holes and continuity of the structure over one kilometre has been demonstrated. The structure has an average width of five metres and appears offset by a northwest fault. The shear zone is silicified and contains various amounts of quartz-tourmaline veining, and is mineralized with locally developed semi-massive veins or patches of sulphide. A series of subordinate shears with quartz-tourmaline veins and strong tourmaline and locally chlorite alteration were intersected in the drill holes. Both gold assay and multielement ICP data are pending and will be reported in the second quarter update.
The Synee target area is expressed by a highly magnetic anomaly extending over four kilometres in length in a general east-west direction. Outcrops located near its centre indicate the anomaly is caused by fine-grained magnetite-rich sediments. In 2015, a localized train of 20 mineralized boulders were found less than one kilometre, down the ice-flow direction, from the westernmost extremity of the iron formation. The boulders are a mix of magnetite-rich sediments and paragneiss, with grab samples from the magnetite-rich boulders ranging in grade from one g/t Au to 16 g/t Au and from the paragneiss ranging from one g/t Au to three g/t Au. The localized nature of the boulder train indicates a proximal source likely located in the area of the magnetic anomaly. It is a blind target with no surface outcrop and an overburden thickness ranging from 14 to 22 metres. Six holes were completed with 1,620 metres of drilling.
Gold assay results are pending and will be reported with the second quarter update.
Latam
Cerro Negro
During the first quarter, drilling at the Mariana Norte Este-B, Este-A, San Marcos, Emilia and Bajo Negro HW vein systems focused on resource conversion and expansion. Exploration drilling was completed at the El Retiro vein target while drilling at the Silica Cap target continued. A final condemnation hole related to the construction of a wind farm was also completed. A total of 63 holes were drilled for 20,731 metres.
Mariana Norte Este B
Drilling at Mariana Norte Este B was designed to support resource conversion by completing five-spot infill holes on 50-metre-by-50-metre grids as well as to expand resources eastward. During the first quarter, 21 holes were drilled totalling 7,933 metres. Gold assay results received encourage further exploration at the upper part of the vein. A number of promising banded quartz vein and quartz breccia intercepts have assays pending.
San Marcos
Drilling at San Marcos was designed to support potential resource conversion by completing five-spot infill holes on 50-metre-by-50-metre grids as well as to potentially expand mineral resources eastward. Although some intercept widths have been narrower than anticipated, the plunge of high-grade mineralization has been extended to the east. Infill and stepout drilling at San Marcos is continuing.
Bajo Negro hangingwall
The Bajo Negro hangingwall is a secondary vein branch on the north hangingwall side of the Bajo Negro vein system, dipping to the southwest, antithetic to the main vein. The Bajo Negro hangingwall structure was initially outlined in 2015, with drill holes that intercepted high gold grades but pierced the structure at oblique angles.
Sixteen holes totalling 3,454 metres were completed in the first quarter. A high-grade ore shoot plunging to the southeast has thus far been delineated along 200 metres, although some intercept widths have been narrower than anticipated.
Mariana Norte Este A
Mariana Norte Este A is a secondary vein branch on the hangingwall of the Mariana Norte Este vein system, dipping to the south, antithetic to the main vein. Two stepout holes totalling 624 metres were completed in the first quarter. Assay results are pending.
Emilia
Drilling completed in 2016 at the Emilia vein system highlighted additional potential approximately 120 metres to the southeast of current resources. Drilling to evaluate this extension is currently under way.
Representative results from Cerro Negro are shown in the attached table. Full drill results and drill co-ordinates are available on-line.
Hole ID Deposit From (m) To (m) Intercept (m) True width (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t)
BDD-17001 BNHW 252.85 258.30 5.45 4.71 4.80 17.10
BDD-17003 BNHW aborted
BDD-17004 BNHW 215.50 217.90 2.40 2.20 26.10 128.50
BDD-17005 BNHW 162.15 163.95 1.80 1.71 2.00 24.80
BDD-17006 BNHW 161.80 167.00 5.20 5.01 20.80 30.10
BDD-17007 BNHW 205.55 206.80 1.25 1.19 6.10 54.00
BDD-17008 BNHW 105.80 108.90 3.10 2.95 4.50 14.90
BDD-17009 BNHW 102.85 112.00 9.15 7.97 3.10 11.00
BDD-17010 BNHW 242.00 248.50 6.50 5.94 7.10 35.00
MDD-17001 MNEB no significant value
MDD-17002 MNEB aborted
MDD-17003 MNEB 371.00 387.90 16.90 12.73 5.29 12.20
MDD-17004 MNEB 430.10 433.85 3.75 2.79 22.41 88.50
MDD-17005 MNEB 520.10 527.40 7.30 4.43 7.25 15.23
MDD-17006 MNEB 395.50 400.35 4.85 3.65 3.87 5.89
MDD-17007 MNEB 310.95 311.45 0.50 - 16.10 20.00
MDD-17008 MNEB 494.70 503.45 8.75 5.99 2.59 6.22
MDD-17009 MNEB no significant value
MDD-17010 MNEB 350.00 366.00 16.00 10.99 2.48 10.26
SDD-17001 SM 457.20 459.85 2.65 1.61 4.07 35.28
SDD-17002 SM 417.45 427.60 10.15 6.82 3.17 8.34
SDD-17003 SM 288.15 291.85 3.70 2.39 1.19 19.20
SDD-17004 SM 508.25 509.80 1.55 0.93 14.10 20.00
SDD-17005 SM 373.00 377.35 4.35 2.70 13.93 124.33
SDD-17006 SM 378.00 383.10 5.10 3.23 6.84 76.57
Regional exploration
Silica Cap
Silica Cap is a northwest-trending zone of silica and argillic alteration 10.5 kilometres southeast of the Mariana Central area and 3.6 kilometres south of the processing plant. The zone is approximately 1.2 kilometres long, and 50 metres to 150 metres wide, and is characterized by structurally controlled, strata-bound, silica-flooded ignimbrite.
During the fourth quarter of 2016, a maiden drill program was completed with three holes. Intercept points from these holes indicated that the structure, defined by intercepts of colloform and vuggy silica, mineralized hydrothermal breccias, and elevated gold values, was intercepted obliquely.
A stepout program commenced in the first quarter in order to continue the evaluation of the system vertically and along strike. Four holes totalling 2,178 metres have thus far been completed.
Some delays were encountered at Silica Cap due to bad weather and poor drilling conditions in the upper, highly altered and fractured part of the system. Additionally, the reorganization of drilling resources to ensure adequate coverage for mineral reserve and mineral resource updates resulted in some delays at Silica Cap. Drilling is continuing at this high-priority target with plans under way to add a second rig in May.
El Retiro
El Retiro is a strongly oxidized, southwest-northeast-striking quartz vein-breccia system. Its orientation is not typical of Cerro Negro. The system is partly exposed at surface and hosted in felsic, moderately to strongly, illite-sericite-altered ignimbrites. Previous rock chip sampling defined a number of discrete anomalies at surface, including two g/t Au and 123 g/t Ag. Anomalous As (arsenic) and Sb (antimony) values in this sampling suggested the shallow level of an epithermal system exposed at surface.
A first-pass drilling program was completed in the first quarter of 2017, with six holes totalling 1,537 metres. Drilling was unsuccessful in intersecting the quartz breccia identified at surface along most of the targeted trend. However, in the northeast area, drill hole ERDD-17002 intercepted a strongly oxidized silica breccia with anomalous gold values of up to 260 parts per million over six metres. Multielement analyses are pending and results will be evaluated to determine if further work is warranted.
A summary of results from drilling at Silica Cap and El Retiro received during the first quarter of is presented in the attached table.
Hole ID Target From (m) To (m) Intercept (m) True width (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t)
SCDD-16001 SC 437.75 456.85 19.10 4.57 5.61 7.84
SCDD-16002 SC no significant value
SCDD-16003 SC 274.25 278.30 4.05 1.10 10.60 6.96
SCDD-17001 SC 424.95 432.60 7.65 6.29 2.17 5.35
SCDD-17002 SC 400.25 401.80 1.55 1.35 3.03 7.98
SCDD-17003 SC 594.40 600.00 5.60 5.16 4.75 6.31
SCDD-17004 SC 379.50 385.00 5.50 4.91 2.48 6.73
ERDD-17001 ER 89.00 90.00 1.00 0.87 1.22 2.00
ERDD-17002 ER 49.00 55.65 6.65 6.03 0.26 1.90
ERDD-17003 ER 78.00 79.00 1.00 0.82 0.16 0.50
ERDD-17004 ER no significant value
ERDD-17005 ER no significant value
ERDD-17006 ER no significant value
Goldcorp has engaged a contractor to complete a helicopter-borne electromagnetic geophysical survey of the Cerro Negro property and expects it to be completed in the third quarter of 2017, when wind conditions are optimal.
A geochemical orientation survey over known mineralization was conducted during the fourth quarter of 2016 to determine if mobile metal ion (MMI) technology can be utilized to explore beneath cover. Sampling was completed along two lines across covered portions of the Mariana Norte Este B and San Marcos veins. Preliminary interpretation of multielement geochemical results indicates some rare-earth and exotic metal concentrations may provide a distinct signature above buried mineralization.
Data evaluation continues, and a regional geochemical sampling strategy is currently being developed to evaluate the Silica Cap-Sinter-Tapera trend and to evaluate additional targets generated by the upcoming electromagnetic geophysical survey prior to reconnaissance drilling.
Penasquito
Drilling to support the 2017 mineral resource update was completed in the fourth quarter of 2016. During the first quarter, mine exploration resources focused on a geotechnical drilling program and activities to support the 2017 midyear mineral reserve and mineral resource update.
Central block generative study
A target generation study extending across the Penasquito district commenced in the fourth quarter of 2016, beginning with a 50-kilometre-by-30-kilometre block centred over the Penasquito and Concepcion del Oro district. The initial phase of data compilation and acquisition, field studies, and geochemical orientation surveys was followed by a target generation study in March.
A total of 13 targets were identified, including two properties (Noche Buena and Santa Rosa) which have been drilled previously by Goldcorp. All targets will be assessed for geological and economic potential over the coming months, moved up the resource triangle with further exploration, or moved out if they do not meet the relevant criteria for advancement.
Concurrent to the target generation work, a regional geochemical sampling program commenced in the first quarter. Rock chip and sediment samples have been collected on a widely spaced grid to begin evaluation of areas overlain by Tertiary and/or Quaternary cover. A geochemical review was undertaken in March to audit sample collection procedures and select the most appropriate analytical method before samples were dispatched to the laboratory.
Further geochemical orientation surveys are also planned to assess the effectiveness of sampling vegetation over covered areas. The objective is to aid in exploration efforts over the significant tracts of buried, but highly prospective, geology.
About Goldcorp
Inc.
Goldcorp is a senior gold producer focused on responsible mining practices with safe, low-cost production from a high-quality portfolio of mines.
Scientific and technical information in this press release relating to exploration results was reviewed and approved by Sally Goodman, PhD, PGeo, director, generative geology, Goldcorp, and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Information on data verification performed on the mineral properties mentioned in this news release that are considered to be material mineral properties to the company is contained in Goldcorp's most recently filed annual information form and the current technical report for each of those properties, all available on SEDAR.
Quality assurance/quality control
(QA/QC)
Quality assurance and quality control procedures include the systematic insertion of blanks, standards and duplicates into the core and reverse circulation sample strings. The results of the control samples are evaluated on a regular basis with batches reanalyzed and/or resubmitted as needed. All results stated in this announcement have passed Goldcorp's QA/QC protocols.
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