Drilling Results Confirm Copper Grades at Florence Copper Project

VANCOUVER, Aug. 16, 2011 /CNW/ - Curis Resources Ltd. (TSX: CUV) ("Curis") announces results from three holes completed at the Florence Copper project in central Arizona. These holes were drilled to confirm characteristics within mineralized blocks in the Florence deposit model as part of the current feasibility study.

"The results of this drill program show an improved grade and further confirm the geological structure in a portion of the Florence Copper deposit," said Michael McPhie President and CEO of Curis. "We are particularly encouraged by the copper grades which are better than what previous drilling had recorded for the same test block," said McPhie.

"The drilling program has contributed to the feasibility work by increasing our confidence in and knowledge of the Florence deposit. The Feasibility Study and permitting for the project continue to advance along the original timeline with an expected completion of both in Q4 of this year."

Overview of the drilling program:

Curis completed a six-hole core drilling program at the Florence Copper project site in early August of this year. The program consisted of three holes in the area of the optional Phase 1 development program, two holes on Arizona State Land under mineral lease to Curis, and one hole in the area of the former BHP Copper in-situ recovery well field that was operated in 1997.

Assay results have been received for the first three holes completed in the optional Phase 1 development area, which is the initial area planned for in-situ copper recovery ("ISCR") development at the project. Summary results for Total Copper (CuT) in the zone of oxide mineralization are tabulated below.

Drill holeFrom(feet)To(feet)Interval(feet)CuT(%)
CMH11-01*   395.0    741.0      346.0      0.37 
CMH11-02*   404.0    733.3      329.3      0.58 
CMH11-03A*  425.0    753.0      328.0      0.48 

*Core recovery for the reported oxide intervals ranges from 89 to 93% averaging 91% overall.

These holes are located in the south central part of production block 72 in the deposit model used for the Preliminary Economic Assessment of the project completed in September 2010 (see Curis November 25, 2010 news release). The average copper grade of the oxide zone in these three holes is 0.47% CuT; this compares favourably with calculated model grades of 0.43% CuT for production block 72.

The copper oxide zone, as intersected in this drill program, is 328 to 346 feet in thickness and is characterized by copper oxide minerals including chrysocolla in veins, chrysocolla and tenorite as fracture coatings, and in copper clays replacing plagioclase grains in the quartz monzonite host rock. Mineralization was introduced by Laramide granodiorite intrusive bodies similar to those seen elsewhere in southern Arizona copper deposits. The highly fractured nature and primary chrysocolla mineralization in the Florence deposit is ideally suited to the in-situ copper recovery method that is planned for the Florence Copper project.

To view Photo, please click: http://files.newswire.ca/980/Photo_1.pdf
Photo 1: HQ size core obtained by the recent drill program from the Florence Copper Project site.

The drilling program was completed in support of a feasibility study that is being completed prior to the planned initiation of the Phase 1 of development program in early 2012. The core holes drilled in the two alternate sites were to examine the potential ore blocks for geological continuity, grade, fracture density, rock quality characteristics and other key geological parameters. Results are being used for geological characterization, predictive modeling and to provide details for Phase 1 construction bid preparations. A single hole was drilled in the 1997 BHP in-situ well field. This hole was to analyze geochemical reactions and flow patterns that would have occurred during the 1997 BHP production test. Assays for three other holes are pending.

SRK Consulting (SRK) of Tucson, Arizona assisted Curis with the geological and geotechnical logging and sample collection of the drill core. The drill program was supervised by Robert Cluff, P.Geo, Hunter Dickinson Inc., who is a Qualified Person and has reviewed this disclosure.

Sample preparation and analysis for the Florence project is done at ISO/IEC 17025 accredited Skyline Assayers & Laboratories in Tucson, AZ. Samples are dried, crushed to 75% -10 mesh, split and pulverized to 95% -100 mesh. All samples are assayed for total copper (CuT) by Aqua Regia digestion with an Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) finish. All samples are also assayed for 49 elements including copper, by Aqua Regia digestion Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) finish. As part of a comprehensive QA/QC program, one standard is inserted into the sample stream in each group of 20 samples, as well as one or more field blanks in each analytical batch. One sample in each group of 20 is a duplicate. Duplicates will be sent to Acme Analytical Laboratories in Vancouver for analysis.

About Curis

Curis Resources Ltd. is a mineral development company associated with Hunter Dickinson Inc., a diversified global mining company with a 25-year history of mineral development success. Curis is focused on the acquisition, development and operation of high-quality next-generation copper properties in progressive jurisdictions around the world. It is currently focused on advancing its 100% owned Florence Copper project in Arizona USA to production.

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Michael McPhie
President & CEO

No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of the information contained in this news release.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the company expects are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include fluctuation in market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary environmental, land use and other permits, approvals, licenses and title on a timely basis and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedar.com.