Highland Provides Update on Exploration Program in Michigan
High grade copper mineralization in new zones
LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Nov 14, 2013) - Highland Copper Company Inc. (TSX VENTURE:HI) ("Highland" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results of step-out diamond drilling on targets adjacent to the 543S and G-2 deposits in the Keweenaw Peninsula region of northern Michigan, U.S.A. and an update on its resource evaluation of the 543S deposit.
543S DEPOSIT AREA
Several targets were recently drilled around the 543S deposit, identifying two new mineralized zones: the 24 West zone and Section 3200 East zone.
The 24 West zone is located 700 meters southwest of the 543S deposit (see map on Figure 1 and cross sections on Figure 2 and 3). Assay results are listed on Table 1. The 24 West zone was discovered by offsetting a single historic drill intersection made in the 1970s. Intersections at a 0.20% Cu cutoff grade include:
CEN477: 9.8 meters of 2.63% Cu and 7.8 g/t Ag |
CEN478: 6.9 meters of 4.43% Cu and 4.7 g/t Ag |
CEN620: 8.0 meters of 3.92% Cu and 13.4 g/t Ag |
The geology of 24 West is similar to that reported for the 543S deposit in previous news releases, the most recent dated April 4, 2013. Higher grade chalcocite mineralization is controlled by flow top breccias and amygdaloidal zones in basalt lava flows.
The Section 3200 East zone is located 500 meters east of the 543S deposit (see map on Figure 1 and a cross section on Figure 4). Assay results are listed on Table 1. Step-out drilling in this area cut numerous shorter zones of copper mineralization with the longest in hole CEN610 as follows:
CEN610: 23.5 meters of 1.52% Cu and 3.9 g/t Ag |
The Section 3200 mineralization was discovered by drilling combinations of historic soil sample anomalies, results of various geophysical surveys, and mineralized outcrops located by Highland geologists. Work during the past summer has identified additional high priority exploration targets in the 543S area that will be drilled when field conditions permit in 2014.
G-2 DEPOSIT
The G-2 deposit is located about 18 km east of the 543S deposit. The Company has completed 39 holes totaling 3,801 meters within the G-2 grid. Drill hole locations are shown on Figure 5, a cross section of the new drilling on Figure 6, and results for composite assay intersections are listed on Table 2. Three additional holes were completed this summer with best results as follows:
MH137: 15 meters of 2.46% Cu and 3.2 g/t Ag |
MH141: 14 meters of 4.89% Cu and 4.7 g/t Ag |
The G-2 deposit consists of at least five, near-vertical lens-like zones of chalcocite hosted by the Portage Lake lava series. Mineralization occurs in brecciated tops of scoriaceous, amygdaloidal basalt lava flows and is accompanied by small amounts of native copper, native silver, and traces of other sulfide minerals. Additional details about G-2 are in the Company's news release dated June 4, 2013.
Tables and figures are available at the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Table__figures_1114.pdf
RESOURCE EVALUATION
A resource estimate by independent consultants in compliance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") has been initiated on the 543S deposit where the Company has drilled 171 diamond drill holes totaling 26,972 meters since July 16, 2012. Both open pit and underground alternatives and combinations of them are being evaluated. Databases for both the G-2 deposit and the new 24 West zone will be added to the 543S resource study with completion of the expanded study now anticipated in Q1 of 2014.
DRILLING, SAMPLING, ASSAYING AND QA/QC
Most of the 543S and G-2 diamond drill holes were drilled on an azimuth of 174 degrees (S6°E), inclined at 45-60 degrees from the horizontal. All holes reported on Tables 1 and 2 are inclined to the south along section lines shown on Figures 1 and 5. The assay cutoff for reporting results is on the tables. Down-hole surveys were made for all drill holes.
All technical information for the exploration program is collected under a formal quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program that has been reviewed by two independent qualified persons as defined in NI 43-101. Samples are taken under the direction of qualified geologists and stored in sealed bags. Sampling of visually-identified high grade copper intersections is on approximate 0.5 meter intervals, supported by hand-held X-ray fluorescence scanner readings. Sample lengths are adjusted for the geology. Samples are then placed in sealed containers and delivered to Accurassay Labs and ActLabs, both certified analytical facilities in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada for analysis. Copper and silver contents are determined at both labs by AA using a four acid digestion procedure.
The technical information contained in this news release has been approved by Ross R. Grunwald, PhD., Vice president - Exploration for the Company. Dr. Grunwald is a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101.
ABOUT HIGHLAND
Highland Copper Company Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on exploring and developing copper projects on the Keweenaw Peninsula within the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, U.S.A. through its 100%-held subsidiary, Keweenaw Copper Co.
Highland is entitled to acquire a 65% interest in the Keweenaw Copper Project under the Mining Venture Agreement with BRP LLC by completing a feasibility study by October 26, 2015. The 543S and G-2 deposits contain a historical resource as described in a Technical Report by Behre Dolbear & Company, Ltd. dated September 29, 2011.
The Company is well capitalized with approximately $4.3 million in cash at September 30, 2013. The common shares of Highland trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol 'HI'. Additional information about the Company and the projects is available on the Company's website at www.highlandcopper.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward looking information under the provisions of Canadian securities laws. Such statements include without limitation: the Company's plans and objectives to complete a mineral resource estimate and resource modeling; the geological interpretation of the results and the continuity of the copper system, and other statements and information regarding anticipated results regarding the Company's operations and exploration. Such statements reflect the Company's views as at the date of this press release and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Actual results may be materially different from those currently anticipated. Many factors, known and unknown could cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to: the volatility of copper price; the uncertainty of exploration results, capital expenditure requirements and other costs; the uncertainties related to the Company's ability to acquire a 65% interest in the Keweenaw project; currency fluctuations; the availability of financing for additional capital requirements, cost of exploration and development programs; mining risks; risks associated with governmental and environmental regulation and obtaining all the necessary permits for the development of the project; and risks associated with global economic growth. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements and information, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
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.
Contact
James Crombie
Interim President and CEO
1.450.677.2455
Ross R. Grunwald
Vice president - Exploration
1.906.337.5988
info@highlandcopper.com
www.highlandcopper.com