Tempus Resources 2022 Year-End Exploration Review
HIGHLIGHTS
Tempus President and CEO, Jason Bahnsen, commented, "2022 was our most successful year to date at the Elizabeth Gold Project. We successfully delineated two new high-grade vein structures, the No. 9 Vein and the Blue Vein. The No. 9 Vein is proving very promising with wide zones of high-grade gold intersected in the first 10 drill-holes (including 28.1g/t gold over 28.5 metres). We now have six vein sets under development that will contribute to our updated JORC/NI43-101 resource estimate for both Blackdome and Elizabeth Gold Projects in H1 2023."
Elizabeth Gold Project
-
The focus of drilling for the year was the newly discovered Blue Vein and No. 9 Vein with additional infill drilling of the SW Vein and extensions of the West and Main Vein plus the new Ella Zone. A total of 40 holes (9,798 metres) were completed.
-
Results for the program have been very successful with two new high-grade vein sets established (No. 9 Vein and Blue Vein), plus extensions to the West and Main Veins. Five holes from the 2022 drill program assayed "bonanza" grades greater than one-ounce gold per tonne. Assays have been received for 33 holes with assays for seven holes pending.
-
Tempus has commenced work on the updated JORC/NI43-101 Resource Estimate. The 2009 Historical Resource estimated a 206koz inferred resource for the Elizabeth Project. The updated resource estimate targeted for completion in the first half of 2023 will include an additional 129 drill holes that have been completed since 2009.
-
Tempus now has six vein targets at varying stages of exploration drilling (see Figures 1 and 2).
No. 9 Vein
- Initial drilling has identified wide zones of high-grade gold mineralisation.
- A zone of previously unknown gold mineralisation has now been identified over a strike distance of approximately 150 metres, with the potential to coincide with Blue Vein.
- 10 holes completed in 2022, assays pending on three drill-holes.
- No. 9 Vein drilling highlights include:
- EZ-22-20 intersected multiple "bonanza" grade zones with 28.1g/t gold over 28.50 metres, including 167.1g/t gold over 1.35 metres
- EZ-22-19 hit "bonanza" grades, with multiple intersections quartz veining, including 84.0g/t gold over 2.11 metres, including sub-sections grading 184.9g/t gold over 0.70 metres and 132.8g/t gold over 1.38 metres
- EZ-22-22 intersected multiple high-grade gold zones in sheeted quartz including 49.4g/t gold over 1.15 metres
- EZ-22-25 intersected 11.5g/t gold over 2.57 metres including 23.5g/t gold over 0.92 metres
Blue Vein
- Focus of drilling during the 2022 drill program.
- High-grade zone established for approximately 150 metres and remaining open at depth and along strike in both directions.
- 25 holes completed in 2022 exploration program, assays pending on three drill-holes.
- Blue Vein drilling highlights include:
- EZ-22-09 intersected multiple "bonanza" grade zones with 310.7g/t gold over 1.05 metres including 1,572.0g/t gold over 0.20 metres
- EZ-22-03 intersected 523.0g/t gold over 0.42 metres and 32.7g/t gold over 0.45 metres and 17.4g/t gold over 0.73 metres
- EZ-22-18 intersected 47.6g/t gold over 1.00 metres including 79.1g/t gold over 0.60 metres
- EZ-22-17 intersected multiple gold zones including 32.2g/t gold over 0.37 metres including 55.5g/t gold over 0.22 metres
- EZ-22-11 intersected 19.9g/t gold over 1.19 metres including 85.2g/t gold over 0.30 metres
SW Vein
- Focus of drilling during the 2020/2021 drill program, two in-fill holes included in the 2022 drill program (EZ-22-29, EZ-22-30).
- Tempus has completed 35 drill-holes targeting the SW Vein since acquiring the Elizabeth Project in 2020, including two holes completed in the 2022 exploration program
- High-grade zone established for approximately 400 metres and is open at depth and along strike in both directions.
- SW Vein drilling highlights include:
- EZ-21-02 intersected 8.4g/t gold over 5.42 metres
- EZ-21-04 intersected 31.2g/t gold over 4.00 metres including 52.1g/t gold over 1.50m and 72.0g/t gold over 0.50 metres
- EZ-20-06 intersected 61.3g/t gold over 5.00 metres including 186.0g/t gold over 1.5 metres
- EZ-20-10 intersected 28.1g/t gold over 3.20 metres including 178.0g/t gold over 0.50 metres
- EZ-10-67 intersected 54.9g/t gold over 5.00 metres including 444.0g/t gold over 0.50 metres
- EZ-10-69 intersected 71.3g/t gold over 5.49 metres including 230.0g/t gold over 1.00 metres
- EZ-07-43 intersected 33.8g/t gold over 12.43 metres including 331.0g/t gold over 0.95 metres
- EZ-07-44 intersected 10.5g/t gold over 5.49 metres including 24.7g/t gold over 1.27 metres
- EZ-04-10 intersected 40.5g/t gold over 4.45 metres including 258.0g/t gold over 0.65 metres
West/Main Veins
- Four drill holes targeting the Main and West Veins were completed during 2022 drill program (EZ-22-24, EZ-22-31 EZ-22-32 and EZ-22-33). Assay results for one hole remain pending.
- Results show the potential for the West and Main Veins to continue at least 220 metres beyond any historic drilling, increasing the overall strike length of the veins to approximately 300 metres.
- Additional drilling is planned on the West and Main Veins in 2023.
Ella Zone
- Tempus completed three drill-holes (EZ-22-38, EZ-22-39, EZ-22-40) that were included in the 2022 drilling program with results confirming the presence of gold mineralisation in quartz veins with widths of approximately 1.2 metres in all three holes.
- Further drilling will define whether the Ella Zone hosts new vein sets.
Zamora Projects (Ecuador)
Valle Del Tigre Project
- Exploration work completed at the VdT Project during the year was focused on baseline environmental water sampling and reporting.
- Tempus is currently working on a reinterpretation of the geophysics to correlate the results of the geochemical sampling survey completed in Q1 2022 and is planning to complete additional exploration work on the VdT Project in 2023 targeting the generation of drill targets.
Rio Zarza Project
- Work completed at Rio Zarza during the year included environmental water sampling and reporting required to maintain the current drill permits in good standing.
Perth, January 30, 2023 - Tempus Resources Ltd. (ASX: TMR) (TSXV: TMRR) (OTC: TMRFF) ("Tempus" or the "Company") reports its year end review of exploration activities at flagship Blackdome-Elizabeth gold projects in southern British Columbia and the on its Zamora exploration projects in south eastern Ecuador. All geological results included in this report have been previously released by the Company.
ELIZABETH-BLACKDOME GOLD PROJECT (BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - 100% Tempus)
The Elizabeth-Blackdome Gold Project comprises 315km2 (200km2 for Blackdome and 115km2 for Elizabeth) of mining and exploration licences in southern British Columbia, Canada.
The Blackdome Gold Mine includes a relatively unexplored epithermal gold mineralization system that historically produced approximately 230,000 ounces of gold at an average mill head grade of 21.9g/t gold (1985-1991). The Blackdome Gold Mine includes a fully permitted process plant and associated tailings storage facility.
The Elizabeth Gold Project (approximately 30km south of the Blackdome Mine and associated mill) is a relatively underexplored high-grade mesothermal gold project with mineralisation presenting itself in vein sets that range in true width from 0.5 m to 6.5 metres. The high-grade quartz veins encountered in the drilling at Elizabeth show close geological similarities to the Bralorne-Pioneer mesothermal vein system (approximately 30km south), which was mined to a depth of approximately 2,000 metres and produced more than 4 million ounces of gold over more than 70 years (from approximately 1920 to 1991). The Elizabeth and Blackdome project areas are connected by licences covering a potential haul road between the two projects.
ELIZABETH GOLD PROJECT
The focus of drilling for 2022 was the newly discovered Blue Vein and No. 9 Vein with additional infill drilling of the SW Vein plus the West and Main Veins and the Ella Zone. A total of 40 holes (9,760 metres) were completed during the 2022 drill program (see Figure 1, Figure 2 and Table 1).
Results for the 2022 exploration program have been very successful with two new veins established (No. 9 Vein and Blue Vein) plus extensions to the West and Main Veins. Five holes from the 2022 drill program assayed "Bonanza" grades greater than one ounce gold per tonne. Assays have been received for 33 holes with assays for seven holes pending at the date of this announcement.
The 40-hole drill program completed in 2022 builds off the initial 39 holes completed by Tempus since acquiring the project in 2020. During the quarter work commenced on the updated JORC/NI43-101 Resource Estimate that is targeted for completion in H1 2023. The 2009 Historical Resource estimate for Elizabeth gold Project was approximately 206koz inferred resource. The updated resource estimate for Elizabeth will include the assay results from an additional 129 drill holes that have been completed since 2009.
Figure 1 - Elizabeth 2022 Exploration Drilling Program
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7585/152858_e20b72ce64b499d6_001full.jpg
Figure 2 - Elizabeth Veins Cross Section View
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7585/152858_e20b72ce64b499d6_002full.jpg
Table 1 - Elizabeth 2022 Drill-hole Distribution and Target Veins
Target Vein | Drill Holes Completed 2022 | Comment |
Blue Vein | 21 | Drilling has confirmed a high-grade zone with a strike length of a minimum of 150 metres within an overall 400-metre structure. Assays are pending for three holes. A total of 25 holes have now been completed on the Blue Vein. |
No 9 Vein | 10 | Drilling has indicated wide zones of high-grade gold mineralisation. Assays of up to 28.1g/t gold over 28.5 metres. Assays are pending for 3 holes. |
SW Vein | 2 | During the quarter, 2 holes targeting the SW Vein were completed. The SW Vein hosts approximately 70% of the Elizabeth historic resource estimate of 206koz in 2009). Since Tempus began drilling at Elizabeth in 2020, 35 holes targeting the SW Vein have been completed. |
Main / West Veins | 4 | Drilling established the extension of the Main and West Vein by approximately 220 metres south of the limit of historical drilling. Intersection grades up to 10g/t gold were observed. Assays are pending for one hole. |
Ella Zone | 3 | Drilling has confirmed the potential for a new vein set. |
Total Holes Completed 2022 | 40 | 9,798 metres |
Tempus now has six vein targets at varying stages of exploration drilling.
Blue Vein
The Blue Vein was discovered by Tempus in 2021 (EZ-21-12 33.7g/t Au over 1.00 metre) and was a key focus of the 2022 drill program. Tempus has now completed 25 drill holes on the Blue Vein and has defined the vein structure for over 300 metres. The high-grade zone has now been established over a strike distance of approximately 150 metres and remains open at depth and along strike in both directions.
Assays have now been received for 18 Blue Vein holes from the 2022 drill program with results for three holes pending.
Table 2 - Significant Intersections from 2022 Blue Vein Drilling
Hole ID | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | True Thickness (m) | Gold Grade (g/t) |
EZ-22-02 | 147.65 | 147.83 | 0.18 | 0.15 | 6.9 |
and | 185.25 | 185.85 | 0.60 | 0.51 | 1.9 |
EZ-22-03 | 96.91 | 97.33 | 0.42 | 0.36 | 523.0 |
and | 124.02 | 124.47 | 0.45 | 0.38 | 32.7 |
including | 124.02 | 124.13 | 0.11 | 0.09 | 133.0 |
and | 164.41 | 166.14 | 1.73 | 1.47 | 7.4 |
including | 165.41 | 166.14 | 0.73 | 0.62 | 17.4 |
EZ-22-05 | 44.50 | 45.20 | 0.70 | 0.60 | 11.2 |
and | 56.80 | 57.00 | 0.20 | 0.17 | 1.4 |
and | 84.65 | 85.55 | 0.90 | 0.77 | 1.3 |
and | 98.00 | 99.00 | 1.00 | 0.85 | 2.6 |
EZ-22-07 | 164.6 | 164.92 | 0.32 | 0.27 | 1.5 |
and | 165.66 | 165.79 | 0.13 | 0.11 | 7.3 |
and | 170.17 | 170.4 | 0.23 | 0.20 | 48.6 |
EZ-22-09 | 105.12 | 106.17 | 1.05 | 0.89 | 310.7 |
including | 105.12 | 105.32 | 0.20 | 0.17 | 1,572.0 |
including | 105.32 | 106.17 | 0.85 | 0.72 | 14.0 |
and | 161.13 | 162.00 | 0.87 | 0.74 | 2.7 |
EZ-22-11 | 102.85 | 103.15 | 1.19 | 1.01 | 19.9 |
including | 103.15 | 103.45 | 0.30 | 0.26 | 85.2 |
EZ-22-13 | 108.52 | 108.77 | 0.25 | 0.21 | 1.6 |
and | 111.00 | 111.27 | 0.27 | 0.23 | 1.0 |
and | 112.34 | 112.45 | 0.11 | 0.09 | 15.3 |
and | 196.42 | 196.60 | 0.18 | 0.15 | 1.5 |
and | 215.83 | 216.00 | 0.17 | 0.14 | 2.0 |
EZ-22-17 | 96.20 | 97.27 | 1.07 | 0.91 | 0.4 |
and | 149.88 | 150.25 | 0.37 | 0.32 | 32.2 |
including | 149.88 | 150.10 | 0.22 | 0.19 | 55.5 |
and | 156.90 | 157.55 | 0.65 | 0.55 | 1.8 |
and | 160.80 | 161.42 | 0.62 | 0.53 | 0.5 |
and | 174.00 | 174.25 | 0.25 | 0.21 | 4.4 |
EZ-22-18 | 142.95 | 143.95 | 1.00 | 0.85 | 47.6 |
including | 143.35 | 143.95 | 0.60 | 0.51 | 79.1 |
Note: True thickness is estimated using a multiplier of 0.85
Figure 3 - Elizabeth Blue Vein Section View
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7585/152858_e20b72ce64b499d6_003full.jpg
No. 9 Vein
The No. 9 vein is a vein for which its northeastern extent was mapped and initially explored via an underground adit in the early 1940's and was subject to a limited amount of historic drilling in the 1980s.
During the 2022 drill program, Tempus completed 10 drill-holes targeting a potential strike extension from the historical works to the southwest. Several of the No. 9 Vein drill-holes intersected wide zones of quartz veining including 3 drill-holes reporting the presence of visible gold. Bonanza and high-grade gold mineralisation has now been demonstrated over a strike length of approximately 150 metres.
All No.9 Vein drill holes were drilled at an approximate dip angle of 65 degrees oriented broadly perpendicular to the know vein structure (see Figures 1 and 4). True widths cannot yet be calculated due to the massive nature of the mineralised intersections. Additional drilling will be required to determine true widths.
The drilling results confirm wide zones of previously unknown gold mineralisation to the south-west and east of the historic exploration adit. Structurally it is possible that the No. 9 and Blue Veins join together with the potential for additional gold mineralisation to cumulate in the area of the intersection and further extensions along strike to the south-west.
Assays have now been received for seven No. 9 Vein holes from the 2022 drill program with results for three holes pending including EZ-22-28 located 100 metres along strike from EZ-22-19 and EZ-22-20. EZ-22-28 intersected quartz veining over approximately 2.0 metres from 117.50 metres containing multiple occurrences of visible gold (see Tempus announcement of 26 September 2022).
Table 3 - Significant Intersections from 2022 No.9 Vein Drilling
Hole ID | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | True Thickness (m) | Gold Grade (g/t) | |||||
EZ-22-19 | 135.67 | 137.78 | 2.11 | n/a | 87.0 | |||||
including | 136.11 | 137.49 | 1.38 | n/a | 132.8 | |||||
including | 136.79 | 137.49 | 0.70 | n/a | 184.9 | |||||
EZ-22-20 | 84.40 | 112.90 | 28.50 | n/a | 28.1 | |||||
including | 94.65 | 96.00 | 1.35 | n/a | 167.1 | |||||
including | 97.72 | 98.08 | 1.08 | n/a | 175.2 | |||||
including | 104.35 | 108.00 | 3.65 | n/a | 35.2 | |||||
and | 209.55 | 216.30 | 6.75 | n/a | 4.2 | |||||
including | 209.55 | 210.86 | 1.31 | n/a | 35.6 | |||||
EZ-22-21 | 159.75 | 161.36 | 1.61 | n/a | 2.5 | |||||
including | 160.45 | 161.90 | 0.45 | n/a | 7.8 | |||||
EZ22-22 | 80.85 | 82.00 | 1.15 | n/a | 49.4 | |||||
and | 141.00 | 142.42 | 1.42 | n/a | 9.5 | |||||
EZ-22-25 | 139.10 | 141.67 | 2.57 | n/a | 11.5 | |||||
Including | 139.10 | 140.02 | 0.92 | n/a | 23.5 |
Note: Not possible to calculate true thickness for the No.9 Vein due to limited drilling
Figure 4 - Elizabeth No. 9 Vein Section View
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7585/152858_e20b72ce64b499d6_004full.jpg
SW Vein
The SW Vein was the primary focus of Tempus drilling programs in 2020 and 2021 with a total of 33 drill-holes completed during that period. The SW Vein hosts approximately 70% of the Elizabeth Project 2009 historical resource (206,139 oz gold at an average grade of 12.26g/t Inferred) and has been defined over an area approximately 150-200m below surface and 400m along strike.
Two in-fill drill holes were included in the 2022 drill program and are reported this quarter (EZ-22-29 and EX-22-30). These holes targeted the downward and north-northeast lateral extension of one of the two known mineralisation-shoots within the SW vein.
SW Vein intersections range from approximately 1.0m to over 12.0 metres in width.
Table 4 - Significant Intersections from SW Vein Drilling
Hole ID | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | True Thickness (m) | Gold Grade (g/t) |
EZ-22-29 | 212.75 | 214.70 | 1.95 | 1.66 | 2.2 |
and | 213.65 | 214.70 | 1.05 | 1.06 | 3.6 |
EZ22-30 | 227.21 | 230.25 | 3.04 | 2.43 | 2.2 |
including | 229.15 | 230.25 | 1.10 | 0.88 | 7.4 |
Previously Announced/Historical Selected SW Vein Significant Intersections | |||||
EZ-21-01 | 94.00 | 96.60 | 2.60 | 2.21 | 5.1 |
and | 83.50 | 84.00 | 0.50 | 0.43 | 20.5 |
EZ-21-02 | 102.40 | 109.00 | 6.60 | 5.61 | 8.4 |
including | 105.40 | 106.50 | 1.10 | 0.93 | 46.3 |
EZ-21-03 | 88.60 | 95.00 | 6.40 | 5.44 | 7.2 |
including | 89.30 | 91.90 | 2.60 | 2.21 | 11.8 |
and | 90.00 | 91.30 | 1.30 | 1.11 | 19.8 |
and | 34.70 | 35.20 | 0.50 | 0.43 | 3.2 |
EZ-21-04 | 122.00 | 126.00 | 4.00 | 3.40 | 34.4 |
including | 123.00 | 124.50 | 1.50 | 1.28 | 68.3 |
including | 124.00 | 124.50 | 0.50 | 0.43 | 87.3 |
EZ-20-06 | 116.5 | 121.5 | 5.00 | 3.83 | 61.3 |
including | 118.0 | 119.5 | 1.50 | 1.15 | 186.0 |
EZ-20-10 | 107.0 | 109.0 | 2.00 | 1.53 | 1.2 |
and | 184.0 | 187.2 | 3.20 | 2.45 | 28.1 |
including | 184.5 | 185.0 | 0.50 | 0.38 | 178.0 |
and | 198.2 | 198.7 | 0.55 | 0.45 | 1.2 |
Selected Historical SW Vein Intersections | |||||
EZ-04-10 | 88.75 | 93.20 | 4.45 | n/a | 40.5 |
including | 89.80 | 90.45 | 0.65 | n/a | 258.0 |
EZ-04-11A | 110.24 | 111.24 | 1.00 | n/a | 18.3 |
EZ-05-19 | 17.65 | 17.95 | 0.30 | n/a | 68.0 |
and | 49.21 | 50.90 | 1.69 | n/a | 3.7 |
EZ-05-29 | 136.00 | 138.90 | 2.90 | n/a | 26.8 |
including | 136.92 | 137.80 | 0.88 | n/a | 87.3 |
EZ-07-42 | 74.53 | 82.35 | 7.82 | n/a | 7.0 |
including | 78.90 | 80.90 | 2.00 | n/a | 17.5 |
EZ-07-43 | 83.10 | 95.53 | 12.43 | n/a | 33.8 |
including | 85.05 | 86.00 | 0.95 | n/a | 331.0 |
including | 88.10 | 88.85 | 0.75 | n/a | 39.6 |
including | 92.28 | 93.20 | 0.92 | n/a | 10.4 |
including | 93.20 | 94.13 | 0.93 | n/a | 6.2 |
including | 94.13 | 95.53 | 1.40 | n/a | 29.7 |
EZ-07-44 | 117.86 | 122.39 | 4.53 | n/a | 10.5 |
including | 120.26 | 121.53 | 1.27 | n/a | 24.7 |
EZ-10-65 | 105.77 | 112.46 | 6.69 | n/a | 6.5 |
including | 105.77 | 106.25 | 0.48 | n/a | 70.6 |
EZ-10-66 | 122.28 | 125.00 | 2.72 | n/a | 10.8 |
including | 122.78 | 123.32 | 0.54 | n/a | 44.2 |
EZ-10-67 | 117.00 | 122.00 | 5.00 | n/a | 54.9 |
including | 118.50 | 119.00 | 0.50 | n/a | 64.9 |
including | 119.00 | 119.50 | 0.50 | n/a | 444.0 |
including | 119.50 | 120.00 | 0.50 | n/a | 34.6 |
EZ-10-69 | 95.07 | 100.56 | 5.49 | n/a | 71.3 |
including | 95.07 | 96.10 | 1.03 | n/a | 50.7 |
including | 96.10 | 97.10 | 1.00 | n/a | 230.0 |
including | 97.10 | 97.64 | 0.54 | n/a | 120.0 |
including | 97.64 | 98.05 | 0.41 | n/a | 7.9 |
including | 98.05 | 99.09 | 1.04 | n/a | 18.1 |
including | 99.09 | 100.13 | 1.04 | n/a | 21.6 |
EZ-11-05 | 122.00 | 125.03 | 3.03 | n/a | 19.1 |
including | 122.54 | 123.03 | 0.49 | n/a | 11.0 |
including | 123.03 | 123.51 | 0.48 | n/a | 11.3 |
including | 123.51 | 124.00 | 0.49 | n/a | 95.3 |
Note: True thickness is estimated using a multiplier of 0.85
Figure 5 - South West Vein Section View
To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7585/152858_e20b72ce64b499d6_005full.jpg
West and Main Veins
The West and Main Veins were discovered through limited historic drilling and surface trenching.
During the 2022 drilling season, drill-holes EZ-22-24, EZ-22-31 EZ-22-32 and EZ-22-33 were advanced to test the continuity of both West Vein and Main Vein to the south-southwest. That portion of both veins is practically unexplored. Drill results show that the West and Main are not only continuing 220 metres laterally to the south-southwest but also suggest that an ore-shoot can occur to the south-southwest. Hole EZ-22-33, the furthest hole to the southwest, intersected 4.3g/t over 1.18 metres, which included 9.9g/t over 0.51 metres along Main Vein. These results increase the total strike length of the gold mineralisation of the West/Main Veins to approximately 400 metres.
Assays are pending for one hole from the 2022 drill program.
Additional drilling will be planned for the West and Main Veins in 2023.
Figure 6 - West/Main Vein Section View
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7585/152858_e20b72ce64b499d6_006full.jpg
Ella Zone
The Ella Zone was identified by trenching completed in 2003. In 2021, Tempus completed one exploration drill hole at the Ella Zone prospect (EZ-21-21), approximately 400 metres to the southeastern extent of previously known gold mineralisation at Elizabeth. EZ-21-21 targeted quartz veining identified from 2003 trenching in the area. It returned encouraging results with up to 1.0g/t gold over 2.0m from 184.0m within a 4.0m veining zone.
In 2022, Tempus completed three drill-holes (EZ-22-38, EZ-22-39, EZ-22-40) with results confirming the presence of gold mineralisation in quartz vein with widths of approximately 1.2 metres in all three holes. EZ-22-39 returned 1.68g/t gold over 1.20 metres from 109.19 metres, including 2.93g/t gold over 0.56 metres from 109.19 metres.
Further drilling planned in 2023 will define whether the Ella Zone hosts new vein sets.
BLACKDOME GOLD MINE
The Blackdome Gold Mine operated from 1986 to 1991 producing approximately 230,000 ounces of gold at a reported average mill head grade of 21.9 g/t gold. Mill feed was sourced from underground mining at the Blackdome Mine. In 2020, Tempus completed approximately 5,000 metres of diamond drilling at Blackdome.
Tempus is currently focused on development of an economic gold resource at the Elizabeth Gold Project located approximately 30 km south of the Blackdome Mine process plant and tailings storage facility. No exploration work on Blackdome Mine mineralisation was completed during the quarter ending 30 December 2022.
Concurrent to the exploration drilling at the Elizabeth Project, Tempus has begun work on selected components of a future PEA (Preliminary Economic Assessment) / Pre Feasibility Study focused on the integration of the potential mineral resource at Elizabeth with the existing, fully permitted Blackdome mill infrastructure. In July 2021, JDS Energy & Mining Inc. prepared an independent review of historical metallurgical testing of Elizabeth material utilising the Blackdome process (ie, crushing, grinding, gravity separation and flotation), which demonstrated high recoveries (92.5-95.1%) into saleable high-grade gold concentrate and dore. JDS Mining commented, "It is JDS' opinion that the Blackdome Mill will be suitable for processing the ore from the Elizabeth deposit, with a few modifications."
Following the positive results of the JDS Mining metallurgical review, Tempus appointed the Optimize Group Australia Pty Ltd (the "Optimize Group") to independently complete "desktop" engineering and cost studies for the potential restart of the Blackdome Mill based on processing mineralised material sourced from the Elizabeth Gold Project.
The Blackdome Mill studies were completed during the quarter ending 30 September 2022 and included a review of the capital and operating costs associated with a potential restart of the Blackdome process plant. The results of the Blackdome Mill studies were based on the rehabilitation and restart of the existing Blackdome Mill in its current configuration with gravity and flotation circuits at a throughput rate of 200tpd (~73,000tpy) to produce gold dore and a high-grade gold concentrate. Additional expansion and processing options were also reviewed. The results of the Blackdome Mill studies will be disclosed in the future following the completion of an updated JORC/NI43-101 resource estimate for the Elizabeth Gold Project planned to be completed in H1 2023.
First Nations Relations and Agreements
At its Blackdome and Elizabeth projects in British Columbia, Tempus Resources has prioritized the establishment and maintenance of transparent and open communications to promote mutually beneficial partnerships with First Nations groups.
The Blackdome and Elizabeth projects are located in an area of British Columbia where three First Nations (St'at'imc, Tsilhqot'in and Secwe̓pemc), as well a multitude of their associated communities, have competing claim interests.
Tempus has entered into three key exploration agreements with First Nations groups.
On 23 March 2022, Tempus announced the execution of an Exploration Agreement with the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation (SXFN) for future exploration work at the Blackdome Gold Mine. The Exploration Agreement executed by Tempus and SXFN will ensure that all exploration activities at Blackdome are conducted for the mutual benefit of the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nations and Tempus shareholders while recognizing the importance of the environment and cultural heritage within the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem Traditional Territory.
The Exploration Agreement includes business, employment, and training opportunities for Stswecem'c Xgat'tem members through the exploration phase of the project. The recognition of the traditional territories and rights of First Nations is paramount to the success of Tempus Resources' mineral exploration projects. Management is pleased to have executed this important agreement that provides certainty for the Company and the co-management of environmental and cultural heritage resources and commercial as well as financial benefits for the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem people.
In 2020, Tempus executed an exploration agreement with the Xwisten First Nation ("Xwisten") in relation to the ongoing exploration program at the Elizabeth Gold Project. Xwisten is part of the greater St'at'imc Nation. The agreement provides for the co-management of environmental and cultural heritage resource monitoring and reporting, communications as well as commercial and financial benefits.
The exploration agreement is structured to remain in force throughout the exploration phase of the project and pending results will be superseded by an Impact Management and Benefits Agreement that would be negotiated during the feasibility phase of the project.
During 2021 & 2022, Tempus is proud to report that over 50% of its workforce at Elizabeth was comprised of members of the Xwisten band.
ZAMORA PROJECTS - (ZAMORA PROVINCE, ECUADOR - 100 % TEMPUS)
The Zamora Projects are located in the Cordillera del Condor mineral belt of southeast Ecuador which host numerous major gold and copper porphyry deposits. The Zamora Projects include the Valle del Tigre Project and the Rio Zarza Project.
VALLE DEL TIGRE PROJECT
The Valle del Tigre Project (VdT Project) is approximately 20,000 hectares in area and is currently the focus of Tempus' exploration activities in Ecuador. The project is centrally located in a newly emerging copper porphyry belt that includes El Hito and Santa Barbara deposits to the south and Mirador, Panantz and Warintza deposits to the northeast.
In 2019/20, Tempus completed a 600 line-km ZTEM airborne geophysics survey which delineated two east-west trending magnetic highs which are transected by a strong northeast trending ZTEM anomaly that extends for over 3 km in length (At Panantza, Mirador and Warintza deposits, the copper mineralization is occur in east trending zones with a similar orientation to the two magnetic anomalies that occur at VdT).
In Q1 2022, Tempus completed a geochemical sampling survey study that confirmed geophysical targets and suggests a larger mineralised system with north-south and northeast-southwest trends. The results of the study highlight two anomalous areas defined by soil/stream and rock samples which display strong coincidence for Cu-Au mineralisation. Chalcopyrite, bornite, sericite and potassic alteration was noted in several locations during the survey program (see Figure 7).
Exploration work completed at the VdT Project during the quarter ending 30 September 2022 was focused on baseline environmental water sampling and reporting. Tempus is currently working on a reinterpretation of the geophysics to correlate the results of the geochemical sampling survey completed in Q1 2022 and is planning to complete additional exploration work on the VdT Project in 2023 targeting the generation of drill targets.
Figure 7 - Valle del Tigre Soil Sampling and Geophysics Phase 1 Results
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7585/152858_e20b72ce64b499d6_007full.jpg
RIO ZARZA PROJECT
The Rio Zarza Project is approximately 10,000 hectares in area and is located adjacent to Lundin Gold's Fruta del Norte operating underground gold mine. Rio Zarza's geochemistry, alteration and geology are noted to be strikingly similar to Fruta del Norte. Limited previous drilling at Rio Zarza was undertaken prior to a new geological interpretation and was ineffectual in reaching target depth. Under the current geological interpretation, it is thought that the Misahualli volcanics have been dropped by step-faults to the west of Fruta del Norte and so the potential gold target located at Rio Zarza is at depths below 700 metres. The Rio Zarza Project has drilling permits in place (see Figure 8).
Work completed at Rio Zarza during the year included environmental water sampling and reporting required to maintain the current drill permits in good standing.
Figure 8 - Rio Zarza Geophysics and Permitted Drill Plan
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7585/152858_e20b72ce64b499d6_008full.jpg
This announcement has been authorised by the Board of Directors of Tempus Resources Ltd..
Competent Persons Statement
Information in this report relating to Exploration Results is based on information reviewed by Mr. Sonny Bernales, who is a Member of the Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC), which is a recognised Professional Organisation (RPO), and an employee of Tempus Resources. Mr. Bernales has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, and as a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI43-101. Mr. Bernales consents to the inclusion of the data in the form and context in which it appears.
For further information:
Melanie Ross - Director/Company Secretary Phone: +61 8 6188 8181
About Tempus Resources Ltd
Tempus Resources Ltd. ("Tempus") is a growth orientated gold exploration company listed on ASX ("TMR") and TSX.V ("TMRR") and OTCQB ("TMRFF") stock exchanges. Tempus is actively exploring projects located in Canada and Ecuador. The flagship project for Tempus is the Blackdome-Elizabeth Project, a high grade gold past producing project located in Southern British Columbia. Tempus is currently midway through a drill program at Blackdome-Elizabeth that will form the basis of an updated NI43-101/JORC resource estimate. The second key group of projects for Tempus are the Rio Zarza and Valle del Tigre projects located in south east Ecuador. The Rio Zarza project is located adjacent to Lundin Gold's Fruta del Norte project. The Valle del Tigre project is currently subject to a sampling program to develop anomalies identified through geophysical work.
Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Tempus's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein may include, but are not limited to, the ability of Tempus to successfully achieve business objectives, and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Tempus to control or predict, that may cause Tempus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk and Uncertainties" in the Company's Management's Discussion & Analysis for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 dated November 14, filed on SEDAR. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Tempus believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements.
The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Tempus does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to Tempus or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.
Neither the ASX Exchange, the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/152858