Alamos Gold Provides Mulatos Exploration Update
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 02/03/11 -- (All amounts are in United States dollars unless stated otherwise)
Alamos Gold Inc. (TSX: AGI) ('Alamos' or the 'Company') provides an exploration update for its Mulatos Project in northwestern Mexico.
Mulatos Exploration Update
In 2010, the Company drilled over 48,000 metres ('m') in 242 holes at its Mulatos Project in Mexico. The 2010 exploration program focused on in-fill and step-out drilling at San Carlos, step-out drilling at the Puerto del Aire ('PdA') Extension, and the initiation of a drilling program at El Carricito. Exploration target areas are presented in figures 1 and 2 at the end of this press release.
In March 2011, the Company plans to provide an updated global mineral reserve and resource statement.
San Carlos
In 2010, the Company drilled 14,000 m in 65 holes at San Carlos with the objective of upgrading the existing inferred mineral resources to the measured and indicated categories, as well as further delineating zones of high-grade gold mineralization. The results from the 2010 drill program at San Carlos are being incorporated into the 2010 global mineral reserve and resource statement. As part of the 2010 global mineral reserve and resource statement, the Company anticipates reporting heap-leachable mineral reserves at San Carlos for the first time.
Initial observations indicate that the gold mineralization is associated with high-specific gravity minerals, suggesting that the ore may be amenable to gravity separation and has the potential to be a future source of mill feed for the Mulatos High-Grade Mill. Metallurgical testing to determine this is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2011.
Drilling has resumed at San Carlos and the Company plans to complete at least 5,000 m of drilling in the first half of 2011 and will focus on drill-testing for extensions of the mineralized zones. Detailed modelling of the deposit indicates that the high-grade gold mineralization is controlled by several en echelon structural zones that are open towards the northeast, suggesting significant potential for discovering additional high-grade zones.
PdA Extension
In 2010, more than 22,100 m in 89 holes were drilled as part of the PdA Extension exploration program, including 3,000 m drilled on the eastern side of the Mulatos River during the fourth quarter.
Drilling activities have extended the shallower part of mineralization to the northeast on both the western and eastern sides of the Mulatos River. A recent geochemical survey suggests that this trend may continue for at least another 400 m on the eastern side of the Mulatos River. The Company is currently drill-testing for mineralized extensions to the PdA Extension in this area.
The Company also continues to identify mafic dykes along the PdA Trend in the banks of the Mulatos River and in road cuts. Mafic dykes at San Carlos are interpreted to be spatially related to high-grade gold mineralization. The abundance of mafic dykes along the PdA Extension on the western and eastern sides of the Mulatos River is encouraging. The Company considers these areas to be very prospective high-priority exploration targets.
The Company has also identified an abundance of mafic dykes one kilometre ('km') south of the PdA Extension along the Mulatos River at the Naranjo target area. The Naranjo mafic dyke swarms are coincident with silicic alteration, a favourable type of alteration for gold mineralization, and have never been drill-tested. Drilling at Naranjo is planned to commence by the end of the second quarter of 2011.
Recent assay results and drill hole information are presented in tables 1 and 2, respectively, at the end of this press release. Drill hole locations at the PdA Extension and near-mine dyke swarms are presented in figure 2 and 3, respectively, at the end of this press release.
El Carricito
El Carricito, which is located 20 km southwest of the Mulatos Mine and is identified in Figure 1, is a grassroots exploration target that is host to a very large and prospective area of favourable silicic and advanced argillic alteration. The zone of alteration, which has never been drill-tested until recently, is approximately 5.5 km long, up to 2.7 km wide, and is up to 300 m thick in outcrop.
Due to difficult terrain for road and drill pad construction, the Company completed less than 5,000 m of reverse-circulation ('RC') drilling in the fourth quarter of 2010 of a planned 10,000-m RC drill program. With access to the silica massif established, the Company has added a second RC rig to the project with plans to add additional rigs as access to other target areas is established.
The total number of broad target areas with strong multi-element geochemical responses has increased to 15 at El Carricito. The target areas are typically associated with favourable characteristics for gold mineralization similar to those identified at other mineral resource areas throughout the Mulatos District. The Company has drill-tested four of these target areas. Geological mapping and soil geochemistry is ongoing to further identify prospective drill targets and to locate the sources of the gold-in-soil anomalies. All holes drilled at El Carricito have intersected wide zones of favourable alteration that is silicified, often vuggy, and extensively oxidized in hydrothermal breccia and porphyritic dacite.
To date, the Company has drilled over 8,000 m in 34 widely-spaced holes at El Carricito out of a 21,000-m reconnaissance-level drill program that is planned to be completed by the end of the first half of 2011. Initial drill results and drill-hole collar data are presented in tables 4 and 5 at the end of this press release, respectively. Drill result intervals in Table 4 are reported at a minimum cut-off of 0.1 grams of gold per tonne ('g/t Au') over 3-m intervals due to the early stage of the El Carricito exploration program. The Company believes that this cut-off grade is suitable for reporting El Carricito drill results due to the early stage of the project. Drill hole locations are presented in Figure 4 at the end of this press release.
Considering the size of the El Carricito target and the relatively small area that has been drill-tested to date, the Company is encouraged by the initial drill results that have demonstrated the presence of broad zones of favourable alteration coincident with gold mineralization, often in economic concentrations. The Company is also encouraged by the presence of wide-spread geological features that are typically favourable for gold mineralization in the Mulatos District. The Company continues to consider El Carricito Project to be very prospective for significant gold discoveries.
QA/QC Programs
Mulatos exploration programs are conducted under the supervision of Ken Balleweg, B.Sc. Geological Engineering, M.Sc. Geology, Registered Professional Geologist, Alamos' Mexico Exploration Manager. Mr. Balleweg is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. Strict sampling and QA/QC protocol are followed, including the insertion of standards, blanks, and duplicates on a regular basis. Sample intervals are usually 0.5 to 1.5 m. Mulatos samples are sent to ALS Chemex Inc. in Hermosillo, Mexico for sample preparation and then to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for analysis. Analytical method is fire assay with atomic adsorption finish and gravimetric finish for individual samples with a gold concentration greater than 5.0 g/t Au. Composites presented in the assay results tables include intervals at greater than 0.5 g/t over a 3-m minimum width, no assays are cut unless indicated, with the exception of El Carricito composites. El Carricito composites presented in the assay results tables include intervals at greater than 0.1 g/t over a 3-m minimum width, no assays are cut unless indicated.
About Alamos
Alamos is an established Canadian-based gold producer that owns and operates the Mulatos Mine in Mexico, and has exploration and development activities in Mexico and Turkey. The Company employs nearly 500 people in Mexico and Turkey and is committed to the highest standards of environmental management, social responsibility, and health and safety for its employees and neighbouring communities. Alamos has over $185 million cash on hand, is debt-free, and unhedged to the price of gold. As of January 31, 2011, Alamos' has 116,440,006 common shares outstanding (123,304,706 fully diluted), which are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'AGI'.
Cautionary Note
No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This News Release includes certain 'forward-looking statements'. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including without limitation statements regarding forecast gold production, gold grades, recoveries, waste-to-ore ratios, total cash costs, potential mineralization and reserves, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of Alamos, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to mining and processing of mined ore, achieving projected recovery rates, anticipated production rates and mine life, operating efficiencies, costs and expenditures, changes in mineral resources and conversion of mineral resources to proven and probable reserves, and other information that is based on forecasts of future operational or financial results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.
Exploration results that include geophysics, sampling, and drill results on wide spacings may not be indicative of the occurrence of a mineral deposit. Such results do not provide assurance that further work will establish sufficient grade, continuity, metallurgical characteristics and economic potential to be classed as a category of mineral resource. A mineral resource which is classified as 'inferred' or 'indicated' has a great amount of uncertainty as to its existence and economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that any or part of an 'indicated mineral resource' or 'inferred mineral resource' will ever be upgraded to a higher category of resource. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into proven and probable reserves.
Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as 'expects' or 'does not expect', 'is expected', 'anticipates' or 'does not anticipate', 'plans', 'estimates' or 'intends', or stating that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be 'forward-looking statements.' Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.
The Company has made projections of its annual production and operating costs based on annual budget which incorporates assumptions based on mining in sequence its mineral reserves at projected rates of tonnes and grade, assessing probable costs for mining and processing activities, projecting reasonable foreign exchange rates and achieving indicated rates of gold recovery derived from laboratory testing and historical experience. These assumptions are considered reasonable in the circumstances, but may be subject to change as additional information becomes available.
There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Alamos' expectations include, among others, risks related to international operations, the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined as well as future prices of gold and silver, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled 'Risk Factors' in Alamos' Annual Information Form. Although Alamos has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
To view Figure 1: Mulatos District Exploration Targets, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/alamos_figure1.pdf.
To view Figure 2: Project Location - Mulatos Pit Area, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/alamos_figure2.pdf.
To view Figure 3: Puerto del Aire Extension Project Area - Drill Hole Locations, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/alamos_figure3.pdf.
To view Figure 4: Near-Mine Mafic Dyke Swarm Locations, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/alamos_figure4.pdf.
To view Figure 5: El Carricito - Drill Hole Locations with Limit of Silica & Advanced Argillic Alteration, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/alamos_figure5.pdf.
Table 1: Puerto del Aire Extension - Select Composite Intervals(1)
Include intervals at greater than 0.5 g/t Au over a 3 metres minimum width,
no assay cut
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drill Hole Drilling Total Depth From(3) To(3) Interval(3) Assay(3)
Number Method(2) (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t Au)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PA237 RC/Core 476.75 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PA238 RC/Core 492.30 460.43 465.90 5.47 1.06
473.50 478.37 4.87 0.76
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PA239 RC/Core 425.70 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PA243 RC 285.06 182.93 199.70 16.77 1.97
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PA245 RC 275.91 143.29 152.44 9.15 1.82
179.88 182.93 3.05 1.83
257.62 263.72 6.10 0.85
266.77 271.94 4.57 1.25
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PA246 RC 300.3 286.59 289.63 3.04 0.67
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PA248 RC 217.99 103.66 114.33 10.67 0.81
123.48 131.10 7.62 1.12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PE001 RC 224.09 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PE002 RC 312.50 272.87 278.96 6.09 0.92
286.59 291.16 4.57 0.72
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PE003 RC 224.09 150.91 163.11 12.20 0.64
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PE004 RC 318.60 271.34 275.91 4.57 0.65
295.73 300.30 4.57 0.78
304.88 309.45 4.57 2.13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PE005 RC 126.52 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PE006 RC 315.55 253.05 259.15 6.10 0.52
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PE007 RC 245.43 208.84 211.89 3.05 1.21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PE008 RC 324.70 274.39 278.96 4.57 0.66
292.68 297.26 4.58 1.50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PE009 RC 306.40 160.06 163.11 3.05 1.01
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PE010 RC 309.45 65.55 70.12 4.57 0.61
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10PE011 RC 260.67 217.99 221.04 3.05 0.62
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Due to the exploratory nature of this program and the variable
orientations of the high-grade mineralized zones, the intersections
presented herein may not necessarily represent the true width of
mineralization
(2) RC = Reverse Circulation Hole
(3) Number in bold represent intervals greater than 50 metres(i)grams/tonne
(50gmt)
Table 2: Puerto del Aire Extension - Drill Hole Data
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Drill Hole Total Depth (m) Azimuth (degree) Dip (degree)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PA237 476.75 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PA238 492.30 330 degrees -80 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PA239 425.70 0 degrees -80 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PA243 285.06 0 degrees -70 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PA245 275.91 150 degrees -85 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PA246 300.3 0 degrees -50 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PA248 217.99 330 degrees -70 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PE001 224.09 150 degrees -50 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PE002 312.50 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PE003 224.09 150 degrees -70 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PE004 318.60 150 degrees -60 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PE005 126.52 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PE006 315.55 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PE007 245.43 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PE008 324.70 150 degrees -60 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PE009 306.40 0 degrees -60 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PE010 309.45 0 degrees -60 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10PE011 260.67 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Table 3: Carricito - Select Composite Intervals(1)
Include intervals at greater than 0.5 g/t Au over a 3 metres minimum width,
no assay cut
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drill Hole Drilling Total Depth From(3) To(3) Interval(3) Assay(3)
Number Method(2) (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t Au)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR001 RC 178.35 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR002 RC 236.72 48.78 51.83 3.05 2.21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR003 RC 138.72 19.82 25.91 6.09 1.67
57.93 60.98 3.05 0.72
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR004 RC 169.21 18.29 22.87 4.58 1.17
42.68 57.93 15.25 1.24
Inc. 42.68 45.73 3.05 1.35
Inc. 48.78 57.93 9.15 1.11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR005 RC 224.09 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR006 RC 190.55 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR007 RC 196.65 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR008 RC 182.93 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR009 RC 182.93 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR010 RC 184.45 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR011 RC 152.44 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR012 RC 182.93 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR013 RC 190.55 146.34 150.91 4.57 1.18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR014 RC 132.62 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR015 RC 274.39 208.84 211.89 3.05 0.92
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR016 RC 213.41 150.91 158.54 7.63 0.51
169.21 182.93 13.72 0.95
Inc. 169.21 173.78 4.57 1.16
Inc. 178.35 182.93 4.58 1.53
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR017 RC 274.39 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR018 RC 230.18 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR019 RC 285.06 199.70 207.32 7.62 2.29
225.61 231.61 6.10 1.01
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR020 RC 213.41 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR021 RC 280.49 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR022 RC 291.16 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR023 RC 182.93 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR024 RC 243.90 118.90 123.48 4.58 1.67
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Due to the exploratory nature of this program and the variable
orientations of the high-grade mineralized zones, the intersections
presented herein may not necessarily represent the true width of
mineralization
(2) RC = Reverse Circulation Hole
(3) Number in bold represent intervals greater than 50 metres(i)grams/tonne
(50gmt)
Table 4: Carricito - Select Composite Intervals(1)
Includes intervals at greater than 0.1 g/t Au over a 3 metres minimum width,
no assay cut
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drill Hole Drilling Total Depth From(3) To(3) Interval(3) Assay(3)
Number Method(2) (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t Au)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR001 RC 178.35 65.55 83.84 18.29 0.26
109.76 125.00 15.24 0.32
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR002 RC 236.72 48.78 56.40 7.62 0.98
62.50 108.33 45.75 0.32
185.98 201.22 15.24 0.18
210.37 227.13 16.76 0.17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR003 RC 138.72 13.72 30.49 16.72 0.79
56.40 64.02 7.62 0.39
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR004 RC 169.21 4.57 25.91 21.34 0.41
38.11 62.50 24.39 0.77
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR005 RC 224.09 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR006 RC 190.55 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR007 RC 196.65 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR008 RC 182.93 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR009 RC 182.93 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR010 RC 184.45 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR011 RC 152.44 0.00 16.77 16.77 0.25
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR012 RC 182.93
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR013 RC 190.55 134.15 164.83 30.48 0.39
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR014 RC 132.62 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR015 RC 274.39 207.32 239.33 32.01 0.22
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
67.07 76.22 9.15 0.21
10CR016 RC 213.41 96.04 100.61 4.57 0.33
132.62 184.45 51.83 0.41
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
92.99 114.33 21.34 0.14
10CR017 RC 274.39 123.48 140.24 16.76 0.19
150.91 163.11 12.20 0.20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
117.38 146.34 28.96 0.11
10CR018 RC 230.18 152.44 163.11 10.67 0.16
179.80 195.12 15.32 0.16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
77.74 85.37 7.63 0.17
10CR019 RC 285.06 172.26 217.99 45.73 0.62
224.09 237.80 13.71 0.56
245.43 254.57 9.14 0.17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR020 RC 213.41 143.29 153.96 10.67 0.29
196.65 199.70 3.05 0.27
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR021 RC 280.49 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR022 RC 291.16 77.74 83.34 6.1 0.14
129.57 150.91 21.34 0.21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10CR023 RC 182.93 No Significant Intervals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
65.55 70.12 4.57 0.21
10CR024 RC 243.90 88.41 97.56 9.15 0.10
118.9 149.39 30.49 0.40
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Due to the exploratory nature of this program and the variable
orientations of the high-grade mineralized zones, the intersections
presented herein may not necessarily represent the true width of
mineralization
(2) RC = Reverse Circulation Hole
(3) Number in bold represent intervals greater than 50 metres(i)grams/tonne
(50gmt)
Table 5: Carricito - Drill Hole Data
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Drill Hole Total Depth (m) Azimuth (degree) Dip (degree)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR001 178.35 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR002 236.72 90 degrees -50 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR003 138.72 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR004 169.21 90 degrees -50 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR005 224.09 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR006 190.55 90 degrees -50 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR007 196.65 45 degrees -50 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR008 182.93 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR009 182.93 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR010 184.45 90 degrees -50 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR011 152.44 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR012 182.93 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR013 190.55 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR014 132.62 150 degrees -60 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR015 274.39 90 degrees -60 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR016 213.41 270 degrees -60 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR017 274.39 270 degrees -60 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR018 230.18 270 degrees -70 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR019 285.06 270 degrees -70 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR020 213.41 0 degrees -90 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR021 280.49 270 degrees -60 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR022 291.16 270 degrees -60 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR023 182.93 200 degrees -60 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
10CR024 243.90 230 degrees -60 degrees
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Alamos Gold Inc.
John A. McCluskey
President and Chief Executive Officer
(416) 368-9932
Alamos Gold Inc.
Jeremy Link
Director, Investor Relations
(416) 368-9932 x 201