Rye Patch Gold Announces Phase-2 Metallurgical Results

VANCOUVER, March 9, 2016 /CNW/ - Rye Patch Gold Corp. (TSX.V: RPM; OTCQX: RPMGF; FWB: 5TN) (the "Company" or "Rye Patch") announces initial results from McClelland Laboratories in Reno, Nevada for the Phase-2, feasibility-level metallurgical test program for Rye Patch's 100% owned Lincoln Hill Project in Pershing County, Nevada.  Final results have been received for the 18 bottle-roll tests. Specific gravity, work index, and abrasion studies were also completed.  Acid Based Accounting (ABA) studies are in progress.   Column tests are in progress with results pending.

HIGHLIGHTS

• A total of 6 composites at three different feed sizes were analyzed, and results indicate that gold and silver recoveries are size dependent;
• The results suggest that Rochester-like gold and silver recoveries are achievable with a crushing circuit.
• Gold recoveries for the larger sized material can be improved through increased leach time; and
• Additional work, Phase-3, will be completed to identify the optimum heap leach feed size.

Bottle-roll leach tests were completed on six composites at three different feed sizes. The bottle-roll testing was designed to evaluate gold and silver recoveries at the different feed sizes, and review similarities in rock properties with the adjacent Rochester mine.  The results indicate that recovery is not rock type dependent but show a marked improvement with smaller feed size. The work also suggests higher recoveries could also be achieved from longer leach cycles for the larger feed sizes.  The composites were compiled from six, PQ-size core holes totaling 920 metres (3,337ft.).  Table 1 lists the drillhole interval used in the composites.

Table 1: Drillhole Intervals for Phase-2 Metallurgical Composites

Figure 1 illustrates the relationship between particle size and gold recovery.  The graph conclusively shows an increase in gold recovery with smaller particle size.  The next round of testing will determine the optimal size for crush material as well as leach cycle time.  However, the gold liberation from smaller feed sizes suggests the Lincoln Hill material behaves similar to the adjacent Rochester mine.

The gold recoveries show a positive trend with smaller feed size.  The bottle roll results varied from 94.1% to 82.4% for 75µm feed size, and from 57.1% to 29.4% passing for the 50mm size. 

Silver recoveries showed the same increase in recovery with smaller feed size and varied from 90.9% to 76.7% for 75µm to 39.2% to 13.5% for the 50mm size fraction.  Recoveries can be improved for the larger sized material by increasing the leach time and cyanide concentration for silver.

Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between particle size and silver recovery.  Additional metallurgical tests are investigating cyanide concentration and optimum feed size for silver recovery; however, the graph shows a significant inflection point where better recoveries can be achieved for feed sizes below 9.5mm.  The data indicate that silver liberation from smaller feed sizes on Lincoln Hill material behaves similar to the adjacent Rochester mine.

Table 2 shows the gold and silver recovery results for the 18 bottle-roll tests, oxidation and alteration characteristics, and gold grade class.  The low-grade classification is between 0.1 gm/T Au and 0.7 gm/T Au.  High-grade classification is greater than 0.7 gm/T Au.

Table 2: 96-Hour Bottle Roll Test Results

Mr. William Howald, AIPG Certified Professional Geologist #11041, Rye Patch Gold's CEO and President, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. He has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

About Rye Patch Gold Corp. 
Rye Patch Gold Corp. is a Tier 1, well-funded junior mining company led by a seasoned management team that has participated in major discoveries totaling over 100-million ounces of gold.  The team is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of quality resource-based gold and silver projects along the emerging Oreana trend and the prolific Cortez trend.  Benefitting from its strong financial position, the Company's strategy is to balance development and exploration risk, creating value by:

• Advancing the Lincoln Hill project toward production;
• Pursuing a world class discovery - Garden Gate and Patty - contiguous to and on strike with Barrick's Goldrush deposit; and
• Seeking new project opportunities and accretive transactions.

The Company's cash and cash flowing royalty allow for progress without dilution to shareholders. For more information about the Company, please visit our website at www.ryepatchgold.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors
'William Howald'
William C. (Bill) Howald, CEO & President

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which address future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results, programs and financial position could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, some of which may be beyond the Company's control.  These factors include: the availability of funds; the financial position of Rye Patch; the timing and content of work programs; the results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; the reliability of calculation of mineral resources (and, in respect of the Coeur Rochester mine 3.4% NSR, the reliability of calculation of Coeur's mineral resources and reserves); the reliability of calculation of precious metal recoveries; the receipt and security of mineral property titles; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; fluctuations in metal prices; currency fluctuations; and general market and industry conditions.

Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made.  The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. 

Neither 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.

SOURCE Rye Patch Gold