South American Silver Updates Resource at Escalones in Chile
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/02/13 -- South American Silver Corp. (TSX: SAC)(OTCQX: SOHAF) ("The Company") is pleased to announce an updated independent NI 43-101-qualified resource estimate for the Company's 100%-controlled Escalones copper-gold-silver project in central Chile.
Highlights:
-- A significant increase in pounds of copper and molybdenum and ounces of
gold above assumed economic cut-off of 0.25% copper equivalent
(CuEq(i)), compared to the initial resource dated December 19, 2011.
-- Upgrading of approximately a third of the resource to Indicated from
Inferred.
Table Comparing 2011 Resource to 2013 (Note Indicated resource is in addition to the Inferred resource)
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Year 2011 2013
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Resource Classification Inferred Inferred Indicated
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Pounds of Copper 3,835 3,992 1,578
(Million lbs)
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Ounces of Gold 610 609 498
(Thousand ounces)
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Ounces of Silver 16.8 14.4 4.9
(Million ounces)
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Pounds of Molybdenum 56.9 79.5 31.9
(Million lbs)
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For further details see tables 1 and 2 below.
-- The updated resource dated 28 June, 2013 includes:
-- Indicated resource of 1.9 billion pounds CuEq(i) at a CuEq(i) grade
of 0.38% (see table 1 below).
-- Inferred resource of 4.7 billion pounds CuEq(i) at a CuEq(i) grade
of 0.40% (see table 2 below).
-- The deposit includes a higher grade portion particularly within the
skarn using a 0.35% CuEq(i) cut-off (See details in table 3 and 4
below):
-- Indicated resource of 235 million pounds CuEq(i) at a CuEq grade of
0.65%.
-- Inferred resource of 2.0 billion pounds CuEq(i) at a CuEq grade of
0.58%.
Copper Equivalent (Cu Eq(i)) calculations reflect gross metal content using approximate 3 year average metals prices as of June 25th, 2013 of $3.71/lb copper (cu), $1549/oz gold (Au), $30.29/oz silver (Ag), and $14.02/lb molybdenum (Mo) and have not been adjusted for metallurgical recoveries. An economic cut-off grade of 0.25% copper equivalent was assumed for this report. Contained metal values may vary from calculated values due to rounding.
-- The deposit remains open to expansion laterally and down dip.
-- Major geophysical targets are still to be drilled.
-- The 70 square kilometer Escalones project is located in the world-class
central Chilean mining district which includes the nearby El Teniente
deposit, which is the world's largest underground copper mine.
Executive Chairman, Ralph Fitch stated "The skarn is a very important part of the mineralized system and, as interpreted from the geophysical surveys, only a small part of it has been drilled to date. This interpretation is corroborated by our deepest intercept of the skarn in hole ES-35 which intersected 9.25 m of 2.11% copper, 17 g/t silver and 0.07 g/t gold before the hole was abandoned for weather reasons. This intercept was not included in the Indicated resource because it is too far from neighboring holes but it does coincide with the interpreted skarn geophysical response. In fact the intersection is 500 metres south and 400 metres deeper than the main skarn resource, clearly indicating the opportunity to extend the mineralized zone in a substantial way. The potential skarn extends for 4-6 km along strike and to several km in depth. Present drilling covers approximately 1 km by 0.5 km of this. The remainder, which is the majority, will be available to drill once permitting is complete."
Mr. Fitch went on to say "Escalones continues to increase in size and now hosts a substantial gold as well as copper resource. As well, the large reported resource still does not include drilling into the substantial geophysical targets which are interpreted to represent additional skarn and secondary oxide/sulphide mineralization. Also, as stated in an earlier News Release (NR12-21 dated December 10, 2012), initial metallurgical testing suggests that high grade copper sulphide concentrates are achievable which should enhance the value of the property."
Table 1. Escalones Indicated Resource
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CuEq% Tonnes (i) Cu % Cu lbs (i) Au g/t Au Oz Ag g/t
Cutoff 1,000 1,000
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0.15 405,242 0.243 2,170,281 0.052 673,999 0.528
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0.25 232,561 0.308 1,578,329 0.067 498,012 0.661
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0.35 107,885 0.393 935,279 0.082 284,745 0.877
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0.45 43,319 0.507 484,661 0.092 127,714 1.329
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0.55 19,395 0.634 271,048 0.098 60,973 1.948
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0.75 6,141 0.860 116,456 0.107 21,198 2.760
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1.00 1,974 1.120 48,753 0.127 8,091 3.294
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CuEq% Ag oz Mo % Mo lbs CuEq% (1) CuEq lbs (i)
Cutoff 1,000
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0.15 6,879,224 0.006 51,308,289 0.302 2,701,842
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0.25 4,938,667 0.006 31,908,650 0.380 1,947,232
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0.35 3,041,487 0.006 14,730,116 0.477 1,134,703
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0.45 1,850,716 0.006 5,665,736 0.602 574,524
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0.55 1,214,926 0.005 2,341,742 0.737 315,284
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0.75 544,871 0.005 722,393 0.979 132,489
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1.00 209,076 0.004 163,188 1.251 54,456
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Table 2. Escalones Inferred Resource
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CuEq% Tonnes (i) Cu % Cu lbs (i) Au g/t Au Oz Ag g/t
Cutoff 1,000 1,000
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0.15 1,023,299 0.253 5,712,479 0.028 931,176 0.624
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0.25 527,667 0.343 3,992,410 0.036 609,437 0.849
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0.35 233,140 0.463 2,378,257 0.047 349,019 1.205
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0.45 129,938 0.572 1,638,097 0.049 203,645 1.471
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0.55 73,690 0.688 1,117,424 0.051 120,870 1.622
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0.75 24,609 0.950 515,222 0.057 45,400 1.875
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1.00 8,622 1.300 247,098 0.055 15,342 1.792
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CuEq% Ag oz Mo % Mo lbs CuEq% (1) CuEq lbs (i)
Cutoff 1,000
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0.15 20,520,258 0.006 132,275,704 0.300 6,768,823
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0.25 14,397,830 0.007 79,488,676 0.401 4,664,903
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0.35 9,029,026 0.008 40,503,161 0.535 2,750,819
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0.45 6,146,340 0.008 22,270,448 0.648 1,857,501
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0.55 3,841,986 0.007 11,658,186 0.765 1,243,336
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0.75 1,483,881 0.006 3,224,734 1.029 558,488
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1.00 496,792 0.003 661,249 1.368 260,062
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1) Copper Equivalent (Cu Eq %) calculations reflect gross metal content using approximate 3 year average metals prices as of June 25th, 2013 of $3.71/lb copper (cu), $1549/oz gold (Au), $30.29/oz silver (Ag), and $14.02/lb molybdenum (Mo) and have not been adjusted for metallurgical recoveries. An economic cut-off grade of 0.25% copper equivalent was assumed for this report. Contained metal values may vary from calculated values due to rounding.
Table 3. Skarn Indicated Resource
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CuEq% Tonnes (i) Cu % Cu lbs (i) Au g/t Au Oz Ag g/t
Cutoff 1,000 1,000
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0.15 26,373 0.424 246,748 0.065 54,814 1.702
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0.25 21,424 0.484 228,757 0.072 49,653 1.944
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0.35 16,500 0.554 201,600 0.082 43,275 2.229
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0.45 12,441 0.626 171,646 0.090 36,152 2.504
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0.55 9,132 0.699 140,797 0.098 28,877 2.784
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0.75 4,099 0.895 80,885 0.112 14,794 3.310
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1.00 1,592 1.144 40,166 0.130 6,661 3.842
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CuEq% Ag oz Mo % Mo lbs CuEq% (1) CuEq lbs (i)
Cutoff 1,000
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0.15 1,443,345 0.004 2,188,618 0.498 289,699
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0.25 1,339,354 0.004 1,900,252 0.567 267,613
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0.35 1,182,623 0.004 1,537,656 0.646 235,142
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0.45 1,001,661 0.004 1,215,080 0.727 199,516
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0.55 817,506 0.005 929,620 0.810 163,047
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0.75 436,236 0.004 389,837 1.019 92,099
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1.00 196,680 0.003 118,375 1.282 45,002
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Table 4. Skarn Inferred Resource
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CuEq% Tonnes (i) Cu % Cu lbs (i) Au g/t Au Oz Ag g/t
Cutoff 1,000 1,000
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0.15 330,512 0.348 2,533,258 0.031 326,123 1.204
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0.25 242,350 0.416 2,222,150 0.035 274,449 1.360
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0.35 159,589 0.504 1,774,373 0.042 213,251 1.515
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0.45 106,337 0.590 1,384,229 0.045 154,323 1.666
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0.55 64,275 0.701 993,446 0.049 101,228 1.753
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0.75 22,629 0.962 479,705 0.056 40,641 1.923
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1.00 8,337 1.308 240,370 0.053 14,337 1.799
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CuEq% Ag oz Mo % Mo lbs CuEq (1) CuEq lbs (i)
Cutoff 1,000
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0.15 12,796,875 0.007 49,094,872 0.406 2,959,496
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0.25 10,597,093 0.007 39,908,333 0.482 2,574,126
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0.35 7,773,538 0.008 27,573,129 0.577 2,031,117
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0.45 5,695,843 0.008 18,373,009 0.667 1,564,628
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0.55 3,622,065 0.007 10,311,882 0.779 1,104,271
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0.75 1,399,105 0.006 3,034,235 1.041 519,570
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1.00 482,237 0.003 628,878 1.375 252,672
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1) Copper Equivalent (Cu Eq %) calculations reflect gross metal content using approximate 3 year average metals prices as of June 25th, 2013 of $3.71/lb copper (cu), $1549/oz gold (Au), $30.29/oz silver (Ag), and $14.02/lb molybdenum (Mo) and have not been adjusted for metallurgical recoveries. An economic cut-off grade of 0.25% copper equivalent was assumed for this report. Contained metal values may vary from calculated values due to rounding.
The Escalones mineral resource estimate is based on 53 diamond drill holes (24,939 meters) and 15,880 associated assay values collected through 2013. The resource estimate is categorized as indicated and inferred as defined by the Canadian Institute of Mining guidelines for resource reporting. Mineral resources do not demonstrate economic viability, and there is no certainty that these mineral resources will be converted into minable reserves once economic considerations are applied.
Assay values were verified against drill logs and assay certificates. Drill hole collar locations and downhole surveys were checked and verified. The mineral resource was estimated using 3.0-meter composites of the assay values. A geological model was constructed of the Cu-Au-Ag-Mo mineralized zones. This model was used to constrain the composite values chosen for interpolation and the ore blocks reported in the mineral resource. A block model was constructed using 10-meter by 10-meter by 10-meter blocks in the x, y and z directions respectively. Grades for copper, gold, silver and molybdenum were interpolated into the blocks using ordinary kriging. A minimum of 3 and maximum of 20 composites were used to generate the block grades.
The indicated and inferred mineral resource estimates have been prepared in compliance with the standards of NI 43-101 by Jeff Choquette, P.E. of Hardrock Consulting LLC. Jeff Choquette acted as the qualified person, as defined in NI 43-101, and is independent of the Company and has reviewed the technical information in this release. A NI 43-101 report will be finalized and filed on SEDAR within 45 days of the date of this news release.
The Escalones property lies within the well-known central Chilean porphyry copper belt that runs north-south through Chile in the central Andes Mountains. The property is located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Santiago and 35 kilometers due east of El Teniente, the world's largest underground copper mine.
The Escalones project hosts a four-square-kilometer area of hydrothermal alteration with coincident geophysical anomalies and additional skarn type geophysical targets extending a significant distance from this area. Significant grades of copper, gold and silver mineralization hosted in both skarn and porphyry. Mineralization remains open to further expansion laterally and at depth.
About South American Silver Corp.
South American Silver Corp. is a growth focused mineral exploration company creating value through the exploration and development of the large scale Escalones copper-gold project in Chile and the realization of value from the Malku Khota project in Bolivia. The Company's approach to business combines the team's track record of discovery and advancement of large projects, key operational and process expertise, and a focus on community relations and sustainable development. Management has extensive experience in the global exploration and mining industry. The Company's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SAC" and on the US OTCQX market as "SOHAF". Additional information related to South American Silver Corp. is available at www.soamsilver.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Forward-looking Statements
Forward-looking statements look into the future and provide an opinion as to the effect of certain events and trends on the business. Forward-looking statements may include words such as "plans", "intends", "anticipates", "should", "estimates", "expects", "believes", "indicates", "suggests" and similar expressions. This release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Information concerning mineral resource estimates and the interpretation of drill results may also be considered as a forward-looking statement; as such information constitutes a prediction of what mineralization might be found to be present if and when a project is actually developed.
It is important to note that:
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements as the Company's actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements if known or unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors affect the Company's business, or if the Company's estimates or assumptions prove inaccurate. Therefore, the Company cannot provide any assurance that forward-looking statements will materialize. Factors that could cause results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, possible variations in mineral resources, grade, metal prices; availability of sufficient financing to fund planned or further required work in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; and political, regulatory, environmental and other risks of the mining industry.
The material assumptions that were applied in making the forward looking statements in this release or referenced in this release include, but are not limited to: statements regarding estimated mineral resources and the potential for delineation of additional resources through further exploration at the Escalones project; the accuracy of current interpretation of drill and other exploration results; and execution of the Company's existing plans or exploration programs for its properties, either of which may change due to changes in the views of the Company or if new information arises which makes it prudent to change such plans or programs.
Subject to applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason. Unless otherwise indicated, forward-looking statements in this release describe the Company's expectations as of June 28, 2013.
This news release uses the term 'inferred resources' which is recognized and required by Canadian regulations (under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects), however, such term is not a defined term under SEC Industry Guide 7 and is not normally permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the 'inferred resources' will be upgraded or converted into 'indicated resources' or 'reserves' as defined under NI 43-101. In addition, 'inferred resources' have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and economic and legal feasibility. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, or economic studies except for preliminary economic assessment as defined under NI 43-101. Investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.
Contacts:
South American Silver Corp.
Phillip Brodie-Hall
President & CEO
604.681.6926
Toll Free: 1.855.681.6926
South American Silver Corp.
Richard Doran
Investor Relations
303.584.0608
www.soamsilver.com
