Mr. Duncan Middlemiss reports
WESDOME DISCOVERS NEW HIGH GRADE ZONE IN FOOTWALL OF THE KIENA DEEP A ZONE INCLUDING 34.1 G/T GOLD OVER 18.0 METRES CORE LENGTH
Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. has released underground exploration drilling results from a new high-grade gold discovery in the footwall of the Kiena Deep A zone at the company's 100-per-cent-owned Kiena mine complex in Val d'Or, Que.
Since the beginning of the year, underground drilling has refocused on expansion and exploration drilling and has recently expanded and continues to expand the A and VC zones. As part of this drilling, a new high-grade gold zone was discovered in the footwall of the A zone. The following results are part of the 35,000-metre drilled since the closeout date of the last mineral resource estimate update (Sept. 18, 2020) and were therefore not included in the Dec. 15, 2020, release.
New high-grade footwall zone
Up until only recently, definition drilling of the A zone was focused on converting the large inferred resource to indicated as part of the continuing prefeasibility (PFS) study. This recent shift to focus the drilling on exploration resulted in drilling holes through the A zones into the untested footwall rocks. Improved drilling practices and the use of drilling wedges permitted the drills to effectively penetrate this footwall area and resulted in the discovery of at least two new zones of high-grade gold mineralization.
Given the limited drilling, the orientation and geometry of the mineralization are not known with any certainty; however, it is interpreted that this area consists of at least two lenses and is open laterally and at depth. The mineralization occurs within 50 metres of the A2 zone and is located within amphibolitized ultramafic rocks demonstrating good geotechnical properties.
New footwall zone drilling
Highlights of the recent drilling are listed below and summarized in the associated table:
- Hole 6742W2: 11.9 grams per tonne gold over 22.0 m core length (11.9 g/t Au cut);
- Hole 6742W6: 59.7 g/t Au over 5.9 m core length (28.9 g/t Au cut);
- Hole 6742W6: 34.2 g/t Au over 18.0 m core length (16.7 g/t Au cut).
All assays are cut to 90.0 g/t Au. True widths are unknown at this time.
Duncan Middlemiss, president and chief executive officer, commented: "As we changed our focus from definition drilling to expansion and exploration drilling, we were initially rewarded with the recent expansion of the A and VC zones that are sure to add to the current resource base. Moreover, the discovery of additional high-grade gold mineralization within 50 m of the footwall of the A zone could have significant positive impacts on the resources, the ounces per vertical metre and the overall project economics. Based upon the latest resource estimate of the A zone, we are already at 1,000 ounces per vertical metre and the potential of this number growing is significant. It's early days with only a few holes, but this drilling highlights the potential to add ounces not only in this area but illustrates the untested potential of the entire gold system around the Kiena mine. Obviously, this footwall zone will be one of the zones of focus for the continuing drilling.
"We also have a number of other excellent exploration targets to test this year and have in place an aggressive but focused program to test these targets, including the VC and B zones at depth as these would be accessible from the main ramp and would enhance the current ounces per vertical metre already defined in the A zone. Additionally, we are also currently ramping up a large surface exploration program, with the aim of unlocking additional value on the Kiena property further to the west and east of the Kiena mine initially, and later, over the entire property.
"Also, we expect to have our final reconciliation of the bulk sample in the near term and early indications are positive in terms of grades and tonnes. Finally, the PFS is progressing well, and we expect to have it completed in Q2, with a possible restart decision shortly thereafter. The preproduction time frame is less than six months, potentially driving the Kiena mine into commercial production in Q4 of this year."
Kiena Deep A zone drilling
Recent drilling continues to better define and expand the Kiena Deep A zone predominantly along the lateral extensions of the zone. The high grades intersected will be included in future resource updates and are expected to add to the current resource base as the intercepts are located outside the December, 2020, mineral resource estimate (MRE) (see Wesdome press release dated Dec. 15, 2020).
Highlights of the recent A zone drilling are listed below and summarized in the associated table:
- Hole 6739W3: 46.2 g/t Au over 24.2 m core length (36.6 g/t Au cut, 6.7 m true width) A1 zone;
- Hole 6742W6: 135.8 g/t Au over 7.5 m core length (26.5 g/t Au cut, 4.0 m true width) A1 zone;
- Hole 6742W2: 142.4 g/t Au over 22.2 m core length (22.3 g/t Au cut, 6.0 m true width) A2 zone.
All assays are cut to 90.0 g/t Au. True widths are estimated.
Technical disclosure
The technical and geoscientific content of this release has been compiled, reviewed and approved by Bruno Turcotte, PGeo (OGQ No. 453), senior project geologist of the company and a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 -- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
Analytical work was performed by ALS of Val d'Or, Que., a certified commercial laboratory (accredited lab No. 689). Sample preparation was done at ALS in Val d'Or, Que. Assaying was done by fire assay methods with an atomic absorption finish. Any sample assaying greater than three g/t Au was rerun by fire assay method with gravimetric finish, and any sample assaying greater than 10 g/t Au was rerun with the metallic sieve method. In addition to laboratory internal duplicates, standards and blanks, the geology department inserts blind duplicates, standards and blanks into the sample stream at a frequency of one in 20 to monitor quality control.
COVID-19
The health and safety of the company's employees, contractors, vendors and consultants are the company's top priority. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Wesdome has adopted all public health guidelines regarding safety measures and protocols at all of its mine operations and corporate offices. In addition, the company's internal COVID-19 task force continues to monitor developments and implement policies and programs intended to protect those who are engaged in business with the company.
Through care and planning, to date the company has successfully maintained operations; however, there can be no assurance that this will continue despite the company's best efforts. Future conditions may warrant reduced or suspended production activities, which could negatively impact the company's ability to maintain projected timelines and objectives. Consequently, the company's actual future production and production guidance is subject to higher levels of risk than usual. The company is continuing to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available.
About Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.
Wesdome Gold Mines has had over 30 years of continuous gold mining operations in Canada. The company is 100 per cent Canadian focused with a pipeline of projects in various stages of development. The company's strategy is to build Canada's next intermediate gold producer, producing over 200,000 ounces from two mines in Ontario and Quebec. The Eagle River complex in Wawa, Ont., is currently producing gold from two mines, the Eagle River underground mine and the Mishi open pit, from a central mill.
KIENA COMPLEX DRILLING ASSAY AND COMPOSITE RESULTS
Composites
Hole No. From To Core length Estimated true width Grade Cut grade
(m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t Au) (90 g/t Au)
6722 207.0 210.6 3.6 2.4 11.38 11.38
6726* 154.0 169.0 15.0 3.5 11.62 11.62
6729 312.2 319.2 7.0 4.3 388.77 14.48
6742* 394.1 403.9 9.8 3.7 4.11 4.11
6690BW4 250.0 258.0 8.0 2.0 13.07 13.07
6729* 335.8 338.4 2.6 1.8 55.25 18.13
6730 330.6 334.6 4.0 2.5 16.43 16.43
6739W3 283.9 308.1 24.2 6.7 46.23 36.64
6740W1 315.8 321.0 5.2 3.3 11.71 11.71
6741 491.0 496.8 5.8 2.0 68.23 24.90
6742 450.5 455.5 5.0 3.5 6.48 6.48
6742W1 139.8 149.8 10.0 3.9 13.63 11.23
6742W2 199.8 211.0 11.2 3.9 72.56 22.74
6742W6 117.2 124.7 7.5 4.0 135.83 26.47
6729 361.1 364.1 3.0 2.2 14.63 14.63
6730* 399.0 405.0 6.0 3.6 63.26 27.43
6739W3 312.0 321.4 9.4 5.8 14.4 13.13
6742W2 238.9 261.1 22.2 6.0 142.36 22.29
6742W6 138.5 143.5 5.0 3.5 5.00 5.00
6742W2 283.5 291.5 8.0 NA 14.21 14.21
6742W2 299.5 321.5 22.0 NA 11.93 11.93
6742W2 327.7 340.5 12.8 NA 9.97 9.97
6742W2 350.5 354.5 4.0 NA 22.96 22.96
6742W2 379.0 388.5 9.5 NA 10.78 10.78
6742W6 155.3 159.3 4.0 NA 18.89 18.89
6742W6 164.7 170.6 5.9 NA 59.72 28.87
6742W6 198.0 204.0 6.0 NA 9.65 9.65
6742W6 253.6 271.6 18.0 NA 34.20 16.66
6742W6 305.5 309.8 4.3 NA 56.79 39.85
* Metallic sieve analysis is pending.
Assays
Hole No. From To Core length Grade Cut grade
(m) (m) (m) (g/t Au) (90 g/t Au)
6690BW4* 250.0 251.0 1.0 17.65 17.65
6690BW4 251.0 252.0 1.0 1.19 1.19
6690BW4* 252.0 253.0 1.0 62.80 62.80
6690BW4 253.0 254.0 1.0 0.81 0.81
6690BW4 254.0 255.0 1.0 0.80 0.80
6690BW4 255.0 256.0 1.0 1.39 1.39
6690BW4 256.0 257.0 1.0 8.71 8.71
6690BW4* 257.0 258.0 1.0 11.20 11.20
6722 207.0 208.3 1.3 1.98 1.98
6722 208.3 209.6 1.3 3.70 3.70
6722 209.6 210.6 1.0 33.60 33.60
6726 154.0 155.0 1.0 7.16 7.16
6726 155.0 156.0 1.0 10.65 10.65
6726 156.0 157.0 1.0 4.70 4.70
6726 157.0 158.0 1.0 4.41 4.41
6726 158.0 159.0 1.0 9.41 9.41
6726* 159.0 160.0 1.0 9.27 9.27
6726 160.0 161.0 1.0 2.95 2.95
6726 161.0 162.0 1.0 3.81 3.81
6726 162.0 163.0 1.0 4.48 4.48
6726 163.0 164.0 1.0 1.67 1.67
6726 164.0 165.0 1.0 9.33 9.33
6726 165.0 166.0 1.0 2.71 2.71
6726 166.0 167.0 1.0 0.64 0.64
6726 167.0 168.0 1.0 2.66 2.66
6726* 168.0 169.0 1.0 100.50 90.00
6729 312.2 313.2 1.0 6.27 6.27
6729 313.2 314.2 1.0 0.30 0.30
6729 314.2 315.2 1.0 2,710.00 90.00
6729 315.2 316.2 1.0 0.58 0.58
6729 316.2 317.2 1.0 0.48 0.48
6729 317.2 318.2 1.0 1.10 1.10
6729 318.2 319.2 1.0 2.63 2.63
6729 335.8 336.8 1.0 1.25 1.25
6729 336.8 337.3 0.5 283.00 90.00
6729 337.3 338.4 1.1 0.81 0.81
6729 335.8 336.8 1.0 1.74 1.74
6729 336.8 337.3 0.5 0.64 0.64
6729 337.3 338.4 1.1 41.50 41.50
6730* 330.6 331.6 1.0 63.80 63.80
6730 331.6 332.6 1.0 0.08 0.08
6730 332.6 333.6 1.0 0.81 0.81
6730 333.6 334.6 1.0 1.02 1.02
6730 399.0 400.0 1.0 0.95 0.95
6730 400.0 401.2 1.2 0.28 0.28
6730 401.2 402.1 0.9 1.56 1.56
6730* 402.1 403.1 1.0 305.00 90.00
6730* 403.1 404.0 0.9 66.70 66.70
6730* 404.0 405.0 1.0 11.85 11.85
6739W3 283.9 284.6 0.7 39.50 39.50
6739W3 284.6 285.6 1.0 80.70 80.70
6739W3 285.6 286.6 1.0 201.00 90.00
6739W3 286.6 287.6 1.0 171.00 90.00
6739W3 287.6 288.6 1.0 88.40 88.40
6739W3 288.6 289.6 1.0 7.63 7.63
6739W3 289.6 290.6 1.0 130.00 90.00
6739W3 290.6 291.6 1.0 8.96 8.96
6739W3 291.6 292.6 1.0 57.00 57.00
6739W3 292.6 293.6 1.0 23.10 23.10
6739W3 293.6 294.6 1.0 65.40 65.40
6739W3 294.6 295.6 1.0 41.40 41.40
6739W3 295.6 296.3 0.7 32.60 32.60
6739W3 296.3 297.1 0.8 2.08 2.08
6739W3 297.1 297.9 0.8 1.76 1.76
6739W3 297.9 298.6 0.7 4.18 4.18
6739W3 298.6 299.6 1.0 1.21 1.21
6739W3 299.6 300.2 0.6 56.20 56.20
6739W3 300.2 301.4 1.2 53.90 53.90
6739W3 301.4 302.6 1.2 0.18 0.18
6739W3 302.6 303.7 1.0 0.09 0.09
6739W3 303.7 304.3 0.6 0.12 0.12
6739W3 304.3 305.3 1.0 0.03 0.03
6739W3 305.3 306.3 1.0 8.21 8.21
6739W3 306.3 307.1 0.9 32.50 32.50
6739W3 307.1 308.1 1.0 51.80 51.80
6739W3 312.0 313.0 1.0 2.91 2.91
6739W3 313.0 314.0 1.1 1.12 1.12
6739W3 314.0 315.0 1.0 1.26 1.26
6739W3 315.0 316.0 1.0 1.44 1.44
6739W3 316.0 317.0 1.0 1.05 1.05
6739W3 317.0 317.9 0.9 4.63 4.63
6739W3 317.9 318.6 0.7 36.10 36.10
6739W3 318.6 319.3 0.7 107.00 90.00
6739W3 319.3 320.0 0.7 23.50 23.50
6739W3 320.0 320.8 0.8 7.82 7.82
6739W3 320.8 321.4 0.6 1.04 1.04
6740W1 315.8 316.8 1.0 25.90 25.90
6740W1 316.8 317.8 1.0 2.29 2.29
6740W1 317.8 318.8 1.0 0.98 0.98
6740W1 318.8 319.8 1.0 30.90 30.90
6740W1 319.8 321.0 1.2 0.68 0.68
6741 491.0 491.8 0.8 0.99 0.99
6741 491.8 492.5 0.7 6.57 6.57
6741 492.5 493.2 0.7 169.00 90.00
6741 493.2 493.9 0.7 370.00 90.00
6741 493.9 494.8 0.9 9.35 9.35
6741 494.8 495.8 1.0 2.54 2.54
6741 495.8 496.8 1.0 2.09 2.09
6742 394.1 395.1 1.0 1.04 1.04
6742 395.1 396.1 1.0 1.68 1.68
6742 396.1 397.1 1.0 4.81 4.81
6742 397.1 398.1 1.0 0.40 0.40
6742 398.1 399.1 1.0 0.45 0.45
6742 399.1 400.0 0.9 0.64 0.64
6742 400.0 400.7 0.7 0.03 0.02
6742 400.7 401.4 0.7 0.01 0.01
6742 401.4 402.1 0.7 0.07 0.07
6742 402.1 403.1 1.0 22.70 22.70
6742 403.1 403.9 0.8 10.70 10.70
6742 450.5 451.5 1.0 30.80 30.80
6742 451.5 452.5 1.0 0.17 0.17
6742 452.5 453.5 1.0 0.01 0.01
6742 453.5 454.5 1.0 0.02 0.02
6742 454.5 455.5 1.0 1.41 1.41
6742W1 139.8 140.8 1.0 17.80 17.80
6742W1 140.8 141.8 1.0 0.02 0.02
6742W1 141.8 142.8 1.0 4.21 4.21
6742W1 142.8 143.8 1.0 0.01 0.01
6742W1 143.8 144.8 1.0 0.01 0.01
6742W1 144.8 145.8 1.0 0.00 0.00
6742W1 145.8 146.8 1.0 0.01 0.01
6742W1 146.8 147.8 1.0 0.04 0.04
6742W1 147.8 148.8 1.0 0.17 0.17
6742W1 148.8 149.8 1.0 114.00 90.00
6742W2 199.8 200.9 1.1 34.40 34.40
6742W2 200.9 202.1 1.2 0.05 0.05
6742W2 202.1 203.0 0.9 37.90 37.90
6742W2 203.0 204.0 1.0 0.12 0.12
6742W2 204.0 205.0 1.0 0.05 0.05
6742W2 205.0 206.0 1.0 0.01 0.01
6742W2 206.0 207.0 1.0 0.01 0.01
6742W2 207.0 208.0 1.0 0.00 0.00
6742W2 208.0 209.0 1.0 2.46 2.46
6742W2 209.0 210.0 1.0 384.00 90.00
6742W2 210.0 211.0 1.0 354.00 90.00
6742W2 238.9 239.8 0.9 2,100.00 90.00
6742W2 239.8 240.7 0.9 247.00 90.00
6742W2 240.7 241.5 0.8 506.00 90.00
6742W2 241.5 242.3 0.8 220.00 90.00
6742W2 242.3 243.1 0.8 0.37 0.37
6742W2 243.1 243.9 0.8 0.12 0.12
6742W2 243.9 244.7 0.8 1.97 1.96
6742W2 244.7 245.5 0.8 0.22 0.22
6742W2 245.5 246.7 1.2 18.30 18.30
6742W2 246.7 247.5 0.8 0.04 0.04
6742W2 247.5 248.3 0.8 0.70 0.70
6742W2 248.3 249.1 0.8 158.00 90.00
6742W2 249.1 250.1 1.0 0.23 0.22
6742W2 250.1 251.1 1.0 0.69 0.68
6742W2 251.1 252.1 1.0 1.00 1.00
6742W2 252.1 253.1 1.0 0.08 0.08
6742W2 253.1 254.1 1.0 0.02 0.02
6742W2 254.1 255.1 1.0 0.00 0.00
6742W2 255.1 256.1 1.0 0.01 0.01
6742W2 256.1 257.1 1.0 0.01 0.01
6742W2 257.1 258.1 1.0 0.02 0.02
6742W2 258.1 259.1 1.0 0.01 0.01
6742W2 259.1 260.1 1.0 0.14 0.14
6742W2 260.1 261.1 1.0 314.00 90.00
6742W2 283.5 284.5 1.0 5.18 5.18
6742W2 284.5 285.5 1.0 1.61 1.60
6742W2 285.5 286.5 1.0 1.28 1.28
6742W2 286.5 287.5 1.0 1.10 1.10
6742W2 287.5 288.5 1.0 45.60 45.60
6742W2 288.5 289.6 1.1 1.75 1.75
6742W2 289.6 290.5 0.9 23.00 23.00
6742W2 290.5 291.5 1.0 36.30 36.30
6742W2 299.5 300.5 1.0 7.36 7.36
6742W2 300.5 301.5 1.0 54.80 54.80
6742W2 301.5 302.5 1.0 5.58 5.58
6742W2 302.5 303.4 0.9 53.20 53.20
6742W2 303.5 304.5 1.0 2.39 2.39
6742W2 304.5 305.5 1.0 0.80 0.80
6742W2 305.5 306.5 1.0 0.15 0.15
6742W2 306.5 307.5 1.0 0.40 0.40
6742W2 307.5 308.5 1.0 1.47 1.47
6742W2 308.5 309.5 1.0 2.03 2.03
6742W2 309.5 310.5 1.0 29.80 29.80
6742W2 310.5 311.5 1.0 41.00 41.00
6742W2 311.5 312.5 1.0 8.68 8.68
6742W2 312.5 313.5 1.0 0.59 0.59
6742W2 313.5 314.5 1.0 3.88 3.88
6742W2 314.5 315.5 1.0 4.39 4.39
6742W2 315.5 316.5 1.0 2.98 2.98
6742W2 316.5 317.5 1.0 0.10 0.10
6742W2 317.5 318.5 1.0 23.30 23.30
6742W2 318.5 319.5 1.0 16.85 16.85
6742W2 319.5 320.5 1.0 1.61 1.61
6742W2 320.5 321.5 1.0 6.42 6.42
6742W2 327.7 328.5 0.8 7.34 7.34
6742W2 328.5 329.5 1.0 0.61 0.61
6742W2 329.5 330.5 1.0 15.65 15.65
6742W2 330.5 331.5 1.0 4.33 4.33
6742W2 331.5 332.5 1.0 11.40 11.40
6742W2 332.5 333.5 1.0 19.90 19.90
6742W2 333.5 334.5 1.0 23.50 23.50
6742W2 334.5 335.5 1.0 4.91 4.91
6742W2 335.5 336.5 1.0 7.42 7.42
6742W2 336.5 337.5 1.0 6.90 6.90
6742W2 337.5 338.5 1.0 18.55 18.55
6742W2 338.5 339.5 1.0 4.31 4.31
6742W2 339.5 340.5 1.0 4.22 4.22
6742W2 350.5 351.5 1.0 57.60 57.60
6742W2 351.5 352.5 1.0 12.70 12.70
6742W2 352.5 353.5 1.0 18.75 18.75
6742W2 353.5 354.5 1.0 2.79 2.79
6742W2 379.0 380.5 1.5 26.20 26.20
6742W2 380.5 382.0 1.5 0.03 0.03
6742W2 382.0 383.5 1.5 0.03 0.02
6742W2 383.5 384.5 1.0 0.05 0.05
6742W2 384.5 385.5 1.0 1.90 1.90
6742W2 385.5 387.0 1.5 0.03 0.03
6742W2 387.0 388.5 1.5 40.70 40.70
6742W6 117.2 118.7 1.5 7.64 7.64
6742W6 118.7 119.7 1.0 1.88 1.88
6742W6 119.7 120.7 1.0 2.17 2.17
6742W6 120.7 121.7 1.0 0.92 0.92
6742W6 121.7 122.7 1.0 2.09 2.09
6742W6 122.7 123.7 1.0 94.20 90.00
6742W6 123.7 124.7 1.0 906.00 90.00
6742W6 138.5 139.5 1.0 16.75 16.75
6742W6 139.5 140.5 1.0 0.59 0.59
6742W6 140.5 141.5 1.0 5.38 5.38
6742W6 141.5 142.5 1.0 0.97 0.97
6742W6 142.5 143.5 1.0 1.33 1.33
6742W6 155.3 156.5 1.2 3.18 3.18
6742W6 156.5 157.3 0.8 36.80 36.80
6742W6 157.3 158.3 1.0 19.30 19.30
6742W6 158.3 159.3 1.0 23.00 23.00
6742W6 164.7 165.7 1.0 272.00 90.00
6742W6 165.7 166.7 1.0 2.69 2.69
6742W6 166.7 167.7 1.0 4.87 4.87
6742W6 167.7 169.2 1.5 47.30 47.30
6742W6 169.2 170.6 1.4 1.33 1.33
6742W6 198.0 199.0 1.0 6.57 6.57
6742W6 199.0 200.0 1.0 2.31 2.31
6742W6 200.0 201.0 1.0 0.71 0.71
6742W6 201.0 202.0 1.0 3.21 3.21
6742W6 202.0 203.0 1.0 22.40 22.40
6742W6 203.0 204.0 1.0 22.70 22.70
6742W6 253.6 254.6 1.0 13.75 13.75
6742W6* 254.6 255.6 1.0 200.00 90.00
6742W6 255.6 256.6 1.0 1.23 1.23
6742W6 256.6 257.6 1.0 0.51 0.50
6742W6 257.6 258.6 1.0 0.13 0.13
6742W6 258.6 259.5 0.9 0.03 0.03
6742W6 259.5 260.4 0.9 0.14 0.14
6742W6 260.4 261.5 1.1 7.30 7.30
6742W6 261.5 262.6 1.1 0.98 0.98
6742W6 262.6 263.7 1.1 2.55 2.55
6742W6* 263.7 264.5 0.8 62.60 62.60
6742W6* 264.5 265.6 1.1 277.00 90.00
6742W6 265.6 266.6 1.0 2.03 2.03
6742W6 266.6 267.6 1.0 4.16 4.16
6742W6 267.6 268.6 1.0 3.75 3.75
6742W6 268.6 269.6 1.0 1.11 1.11
6742W6* 269.6 270.6 1.0 15.20 15.20
6742W6 270.6 271.6 1.0 6.93 6.93
6742W6 305.5 306.4 0.9 61.60 61.60
6742W6 306.4 307.2 0.8 181.00 90.00
6742W6 307.2 308.1 0.9 0.24 0.24
6742W6 308.1 308.8 0.7 36.10 36.10
6742W6 308.8 309.8 1.0 18.45 18.45
* Metallic sieve analysis is pending.
We seek Safe Harbor.
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