Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project, Canada
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Drilling at ‘Golden Eye’ has returned shallow high-grade gold up to 9.1g/t Au in first assays with an intersection of:
- 3.3m @ 6.6g/t Au from just 131.7m including 2.3m @ 9.1g/t Au (LDR-25-05)
- Golden Eye was last drilled in the early 1990s when gold was less than US$350/oz. The entire drilling target sits outside the current resource
- Significant intersections from historic drilling 1 include:
- 5.9m @ 34.1g/t AuEq (32.2g/t Au, 1.2% Cu & 27.3g/t Ag) (RD-11)
- 4.5m @ 21.6g/t AuEq (14.9g/t Au, 4.7% Cu & 54g/t Ag) (RD-28)
- 8.4m @ 12.7g/t AuEq (11.0g/t Au, 1.3% Cu & 15.8g/t Ag) (RD-20)
- 7.5m @ 22.1g/t AuEq (16.0g/t Au & 4.7% Cu) (S1-87-1)
- 10.4m @ 12.2 g/t AuEq (7.3g/t Au, 3.5% Cu & 31.8g/t Ag) (S3-86-4)
- Subsequent holes drilled by Cygnus extended the known mineralisation down dip, where it remains open, with coarse visible gold* intersected in LDR-25-08 (awaiting assays – see photo below)
* Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Visual estimates also potentially provide no information regarding impurities or deleterious physical properties relevant to valuations. The Company expects to receive the laboratory analytical results of the recent core sample (including LDR-25-08) between late April and early May.
- Gold was a significant part of the historic production within the Chibougamau District, with over 3.5Moz of gold produced alongside 945,000t of copper 3
- The recent drilling campaign at Golden Eye of six holes for 1,954m aimed to confirm historic drilling results and extend mineralisation at depth. Assay are pending for the remaining five holes
- The Company intends to utilise the recently compiled historic drill data totalling 77 holes for 21,371m to complete an initial Mineral Resource for Golden Eye
- Cygnus is continuing the process of digitising >100,000 documents including drill logs, some of which have not been looked at in over 30 years and never before in modern 3D software
- This highly cost-effective approach is assisting the team to conduct the first consolidated view of the geology and generate new drill targets as Cygnus looks to create shareholder value through resource growth, resource conversion and discovery with two rigs on site
| Cygnus Executive Chairman David Southam said : ‘Gold is a major part of the production history in the Chibougamau district. It is more than just a by-product, with production of 3.5Moz at an average grade of 2.1g/t Au. We already have 248,000oz of gold in Inferred Resources and 66,000oz in Measured and Indicated Resources, 2 and there is significant opportunity to add to these at Golden Eye with early high-grade results and visible gold down dip.
‘Golden Eye is fairly unique at Chibougamau in having a significantly higher proportion of gold than copper and was identified by the team early as an excellent gold-dominant drill target. We have a good head start by having the historic drill logs and will utilise this recently compiled data to assist in an initial Mineral Resource for Golden Eye”. |
Cygnus Metals Limited (ASX: CY5; TSXV: CYG; OTCQB: CYGGF) (‘Cygnus’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce high-grade gold assays and visible gold from its first drilling at the new target Golden Eye within the Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project in Quebec.
Assays of up to 9.1g/t Au alongside visible gold intersected down dip in recent drilling highlight the potential for additional resources and scope for further growth. Golden Eye was identified as a priority high-grade gold target which has not been drilled since the early 1990s when gold was less than US$350/oz. The entire target area sits outside of current resources with significant historic intersections of up to 5.9m @ 34.1g/t AuEq . 1
The identification of the Golden Eye target is a result of the ongoing compilation work which is helping to unlock this historic district as the Company continues to build upon the existing high-grade copper-gold resources with low-risk brownfield exploration. The Company currently has two rigs on site focussing on both resource growth and resource conversion drilling.
About Recent Drilling at Golden Eye
Golden Eye was identified as a priority drilling target at the Chibougamau Project with shallow high-grade gold mineralisation highlighted during the ongoing review of historic hardcopy drill logs, with the most recent drilling conducted in the early 1990s when gold price was less than US$350/oz. Historic drilling in the area returned some outstanding gold and copper grades 1 of:
- 5.9m @ 34.1g/t AuEq (32.2g/t Au, 1.2% Cu & 27.3g/t Ag) (RD-11);
- 4.5m @ 21.6g/t AuEq (14.9g/t Au, 4.7% Cu & 54g/t Ag) (RD-28);
- 8.4m @ 12.7g/t AuEq (11.0g/t Au, 1.3% Cu & 15.8g/t Ag) (RD-20);
- 7.5m @ 22.1g/t AuEq (16.0g/t Au & 4.7% Cu) (S1-87-1); and
- 10.4m @ 12.2 g/t AuEq (7.3g/t Au, 3.5% Cu & 31.8g/t Ag) (S3-86-4).
In 1992, a double access ramp was developed to access the mineralisation and to provide a better platform for drilling; however, low metal prices and a change of ownership shifted the focus to already established operating mines within the camp.
Cygnus recently completed a targeted 6-hole program for 1,954m, which aimed to confirm historic drilling results and extend mineralisation at depth. First assays from this drilling have confirmed the high-grade tenor of the shallow mineralisation with an intersection of:
- 3.3m @ 6.6g/t Au from 131.7m including 2.3m @ 9.1g/t Au (LDR-25-05)
Recent drilling has also extended mineralisation down dip to a depth of 400m below the surface, which remains open. Visual mineralisation intersected in drill hole LDR-25-08 highlighted coarse visible gold associated with chalcopyrite mineralisation over 0.9m from 463.8m downhole (refer Appendix B). Assays are pending for the five remaining holes of the program and are expected to be received in the current quarter. Once received, these results are expected to be incorporated into an updated geological model along with drilling completed by Doré Copper Mining Corp. in 2022/2023 which tested the conceptual structural model of the wider area.
The Chibougamau district has a strong history of gold production as well as copper, having produced 3.5Moz Au at an average grade of 2.1g/t Au. 3 Gold grades vary between different deposits although Golden Eye and Cedar Bay are the two areas with a significantly higher gold grade than other deposits within the camp.
Cygnus intends to utilise the recently completed drilling data (once all received) alongside the newly compiled historic drill data totalling 77 holes for 21,371m (both surface and underground drilling) to complete an initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the Golden Eye target. Golden Eye is an excellent example of the value generated through ongoing compilation work which is helping to unlock this historic district while the Company continues to build upon the existing high-grade copper-gold resources with low-risk brownfield exploration.
Ongoing Work
Cygnus is continuing to compile the data across the camp and deliver additional drill targets as the Company looks to execute its strategy of value creation through resource growth and conversion drilling. This low-cost, low-risk approach includes both surface and downhole electromagnetics (‘EM’) to generate brownfield targets around known high quality mineralisation.
Figure 1: Long Section of Golden Eye over 600m of strike with significant high grade gold up to 34.1gt AuEq over 5.9m. Mineralisation is still open at depth, with visible gold intersected in LDR-25-08. Refer to Appendix A of this release for newly released drill intercept and ASX releases dated 15 October 2024 and 25 March 2025 for previously announced drilling results.
Figure 2: Long Section through the Chibougamau North Camp illustrating Golden Eye with standout intersections of up to 5.9m @ 34.1g/t AuEq. Refer to ASX releases dated 15 October 2024 and 25 March 2025 for previously announced drilling results.
This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Cygnus.
David Southam
Executive Chair
T: +61 8 6118 1627
E: info@cygnusmetals.com |
Ernest Mast
President & Managing Director
T: +1 647 921 0501
E: info@cygnusmetals.com |
Media:
Paul Armstrong
Read Corporate
T: +61 8 9388 1474 |
About Cygnus Metals
Cygnus Metals Limited (ASX: CY5, TSXV: CYG, OTCQB: CYGGF) is a diversified critical minerals exploration and development company with projects in Quebec, Canada and Western Australia. The Company is dedicated to advancing its Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project in Quebec with an aggressive exploration program to drive resource growth and develop a hub-and-spoke operation model with its centralised processing facility. In addition, Cygnus has quality lithium assets with significant exploration upside in the world-class James Bay district in Quebec, and REE and base metal projects in Western Australia. The Cygnus team has a proven track record of turning exploration success into production enterprises and creating shareholder value.
Cautionary Note – Visual Estimates
In relation to the disclosure of visible mineralisation, the Company cautions that visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analysis. Laboratory assay results are required to determine the widths and grade of the visible mineralisation reported in preliminary geological logging. The Company will update the market when laboratory analytical results become available. The reported intersections are down hole lengths and are not necessarily true width. Descriptions of the mineral amounts seen and logged in the core are qualitative only. Quantitative assays will be completed by Bureau Veritas, with the results for those intersections discussed in this release expected between late April and early May.
Forward Looking Statements
This release may contain certain forward-looking statements and projections regarding estimates, resources and reserves; planned production and operating costs profiles; planned capital requirements; and planned strategies and corporate objectives. Such forward looking statements/projections are estimates for discussion purposes only and should not be relied upon. They are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Cygnus’ control. Cygnus makes no representations and provides no warranties concerning the accuracy of the projections and disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements/projections based on new information, future events or otherwise except to the extent required by applicable laws. While the information contained in this release has been prepared in good faith, neither Cygnus or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees or advisors give any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information, opinions and conclusions contained in this release. Accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted by law, none of Cygnus, its directors, employees or agents, advisers, nor any other person accepts any liability whether direct or indirect, express or limited, contractual, tortuous, statutory or otherwise, in respect of the accuracy or completeness of the information or for any of the opinions contained in this release or for any errors, omissions or misstatements or for any loss, howsoever arising, from the use of this release.
End Notes
- Refer to Cygnus’ ASX announcements dated 15 October 2024 and 25 March 2025.
- The Mineral Resource estimate at the Chibougamau Project is a foreign estimate prepared in accordance with CIM Standards. A competent person has not done sufficient work to classify the foreign estimate as a mineral resource in accordance with the JORC Code, and it is uncertain whether further evaluation and exploration will result in an estimate reportable under the JORC Code. Refer to Appendix C for a breakdown of the Mineral Resource Estimate.
- Historic production statistics for the Chibougamau area are recorded in Leclerc. F, Harris. L. B, Bedard. J. H, Van Breeman. O and Goulet. N. 2012, Structural and Stratigraphic Controls on Magmatic, Volcanogenic, and Shear Zone-Hosted Mineralization in the Chapais-Chibougamau Mining Camp, Northeastern Abitibi, Canada. Society of Economic Geologists, Inc. Economic Geology, v. 107, pp. 963–989.
Qualified Persons and Compliance Statements
The scientific and technical information in this announcement has been reviewed and approved by Mr Louis Beaupre, the Quebec Exploration Manager of Cygnus, a ‘qualified person’ as defined in National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The Exploration Results disclosed in this announcement are also based on and fairly represent information and supporting documentation compiled by Mr Beaupre. Mr Beaupre holds options in Cygnus. Mr Beaupre is a member of the Ordre des ingenieurs du Quebec (P. Eng.), a Registered Overseas Professional Organisation as defined in the ASX Listing Rules, and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration and to the activity which has been undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’. Mr Beaupre consents to the inclusion in this release of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which they appear.
The Company first announced the foreign estimate of mineralisation for the Chibougamau Project on 15 October 2024. The Company confirms that the supporting information included in the original announcement continues to apply and has not materially changed, notwithstanding the clarification announcement released by Cygnus on 28 January 2025 (‘Clarification’). Cygnus confirms that (notwithstanding the Clarification) it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the original announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. Cygnus confirms that it is not in possession of any new information or data that materially impacts on the reliability of the estimates or Cygnus’ ability to verify the foreign estimates as mineral resources in accordance with the JORC Code. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons’ findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement.
The information in this announcement that relates to previously reported Exploration Results at the Company’s projects has been previously released by Cygnus in ASX Announcements as noted in the text and End Notes. Cygnus is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information in these announcements. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons’ findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcements.
Individual grades for the metals included in the metal equivalents calculation for the foreign estimate are in Appendix C of this release. Metal equivalents for the foreign estimate of mineralisation have been calculated at a copper price of US$8,750/t, gold price of US$2,350/oz, with copper equivalents calculated based on the formula CuEq (%) = Cu(%) + (Au (g/t) x 0.77258). Individual grades for the metals included in the metal equivalents calculation for the exploration results are in Appendix A of this release. Metal equivalents for exploration results have been calculated at a copper price of US$8,750/t, gold price of US$2,350/oz and silver price of US$25/oz. Copper equivalents are calculated based on the formula CuEq(%) = Cu(%) + (Au(g/t) x 0.77258)+(Ag(g/t) x 0.00822). Gold equivalents are calculated based on the formula AuEq(g/t) = Au(g/t) +(Cu(%) x 1.29436)+(Ag(g/t) x 0.01064). Metallurgical recovery factors have been applied to the metal equivalents calculations, with copper metallurgical recovery assumed at 95% and precious metal (gold and silver) metallurgical recovery assumed at 85% based upon historical production at the Chibougamau Processing Facility, and the metallurgical results contained in Cygnus’ announcement dated 28 January 2025. It is the Company’s view that all elements in the metal equivalents calculations in respect of the foreign estimate and exploration results have a reasonable potential to be recovered and sold.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
APPENDIX A – Significant Intersections from Recent Drilling at Golden Eye
Coordinates given in UTM NAD83 (Zone 18). Intercept lengths may not add up due to rounding to the appropriate reporting precision. Significant intersections reported above 2g/t AuEq over widths of greater than 1m. True width estimated to be 80% of downhole thickness.
| Hole ID |
X |
Y |
Z |
Azi |
Dip |
Depth (m) |
From (m) |
To (m) |
Interval (m) |
Au (g/t) |
Cu (%) |
AuEq (g/t) |
| LDR-25-05 |
549448 |
5525296 |
375 |
227 |
-45 |
214.2 |
131.7 |
135.0 |
3.3 |
6.6 |
0.0 |
6.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Including |
131.7 |
134 |
2.3 |
9.1 |
0.0 |
9.1 |
| LDR-25-06 |
549560 |
5525483 |
375 |
215 |
-51 |
474.0 |
Pending Assays |
| LDR-25-07 |
549453 |
5525313 |
375 |
215 |
-55 |
261.0 |
| LDR-25-08 |
549524 |
5525441 |
375 |
246 |
-57 |
516.0 |
| LDR-25-09 |
549445 |
5525319 |
375 |
238 |
-54 |
252.0 |
| LDR-25-10 |
549489 |
5525229 |
375 |
220 |
-60 |
237.0 |
APPENDIX B – Summary Logging Details for Mineralised Intersections Observed in LDR-25-08
| Hole ID |
From |
To |
Interval |
Mineral 1 |
% |
Mineral 2 |
% |
Mineral 3 |
% |
Visible Gold |
Total Sulphide (%) |
| LDR-25-08 |
89.0 |
90.0 |
1.0 |
Pyrite |
2.0 |
|
|
|
|
– |
|
2.0 |
| LDR-25-08 |
166.4 |
211.1 |
44.7 |
Pyrite |
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
– |
|
0.5 |
| LDR-25-08 |
211.1 |
216.0 |
4.9 |
Pyrite |
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
– |
|
0.1 |
| LDR-25-08 |
216.0 |
216.6 |
0.6 |
Pyrite |
1.0 |
|
|
|
|
– |
|
1.0 |
| LDR-25-08 |
216.6 |
354.8 |
138.2 |
Pyrite |
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
– |
|
0.1 |
| LDR-25-08 |
360.4 |
361.3 |
0.9 |
Chalcopyrite |
0.5 |
Pyrite |
1.0 |
|
|
– |
|
1.5 |
| LDR-25-08 |
363.9 |
392.1 |
28.2 |
Chalcopyrite |
0.3 |
Pyrite |
0.5 |
|
|
– |
|
0.8 |
| LDR-25-08 |
392.1 |
397.3 |
5.3 |
Pyrite |
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
– |
|
0.3 |
| LDR-25-08 |
397.3 |
405.6 |
8.3 |
Chalcopyrite |
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
– |
|
0.1 |
| LDR-25-08 |
405.6 |
406.1 |
0.5 |
Chalcopyrite |
0.3 |
Pyrite |
30.0 |
|
|
– |
|
30.3 |
| LDR-25-08 |
406.1 |
407.9 |
1.8 |
Chalcopyrite |
0.5 |
Pyrite |
1.5 |
|
|
– |
|
2.0 |
| LDR-25-08 |
407.9 |
408.3 |
0.4 |
Pyrite |
7.0 |
Chalcopyrite |
0.1 |
|
|
– |
|
7.1 |
| LDR-25-08 |
408.3 |
409.0 |
0.7 |
Pyrite |
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
– |
|
0.1 |
| LDR-25-08 |
409.0 |
409.4 |
0.4 |
Pyrite |
25.0 |
Chalcopyrite |
25.0 |
|
|
– |
|
50.0 |
| LDR-25-08 |
409.4 |
411.7 |
2.3 |
Chalcopyrite |
3.0 |
Pyrite |
7.0 |
|
|
– |
|
10.0 |
| LDR-25-08 |
411.7 |
411.9 |
0.2 |
Sphalerite |
2.0 |
Chalcopyrite |
0.5 |
Pyrite |
15.0 |
– |
|
17.5 |
| LDR-25-08 |
411.9 |
415.1 |
3.2 |
Chalcopyrite |
1.0 |
Pyrite |
3.0 |
|
|
– |
|
4.0 |
| LDR-25-08 |
415.1 |
420.8 |
5.8 |
Chalcopyrite |
0.3 |
Pyrite |
1.0 |
|
|
– |
|
1.3 |
| LDR-25-08 |
420.8 |
423.3 |
2.4 |
Chalcopyrite |
1.5 |
Pyrite |
2.5 |
|
|
– |
|
4.0 |
| LDR-25-08 |
423.3 |
428.3 |
5.1 |
Chalcopyrite |
0.1 |
Pyrite |
0.1 |
|
|
– |
|
0.2 |
| LDR-25-08 |
428.3 |
455.0 |
26.7 |
Pyrite |
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
– |
|
0.5 |
| LDR-25-08 |
457.6 |
458.1 |
0.4 |
Sphalerite |
0.1 |
Chalcopyrite |
1.0 |
Pyrite |
0.5 |
– |
|
1.6 |
| LDR-25-08 |
461.2 |
461.8 |
0.6 |
Chalcopyrite |
2.0 |
|
|
|
|
– |
|
2.0 |
| LDR-25-08 |
463.8 |
464.6 |
0.9 |
Chalcopyrite |
5.0 |
Pyrite |
2.0 |
|
|
0.1 |
% |
7.1 |
| LDR-25-08 |
464.6 |
478.6 |
14.0 |
Chalcopyrite |
1.0 |
Pyrite |
0.5 |
|
|
– |
|
1.5 |
| LDR-25-08 |
478.6 |
479.7 |
1.1 |
Chalcopyrite |
3.0 |
Pyrite |
8.0 |
|
|
– |
|
11.0 |
| LDR-25-08 |
480.6 |
516.0 |
35.4 |
Chalcopyrite |
0.2 |
Pyrite |
0.1 |
|
|
– |
|
0.3 |
APPENDIX C – Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project – Foreign Mineral Resource Estimate Disclosures as at 30 March 2022
| Deposit |
Category |
Tonnes (k) |
Cu Grade (%) |
Au Grade (g/t) |
Cu Metal (kt) |
Au Metal (koz) |
CuEq Grade (%) |
| Corner Bay (2022) |
Indicated |
2,700 |
2.7 |
0.3 |
71 |
22 |
2.9 |
| Inferred |
5,900 |
3.4 |
0.3 |
201 |
51 |
3.6 |
| Devlin (2022) |
Measured |
120 |
2.7 |
0.3 |
3 |
1 |
2.9 |
| Indicated |
660 |
2.1 |
0.2 |
14 |
4 |
2.3 |
| Measured & Indicated |
780 |
2.2 |
0.2 |
17 |
5 |
2.4 |
| Inferred |
480 |
1.8 |
0.2 |
9 |
3 |
2.0 |
| Joe Mann (2022) |
Inferred |
610 |
0.2 |
6.8 |
1 |
133 |
5.5 |
| Cedar Bay (2018) |
Indicated |
130 |
1.6 |
9.4 |
2 |
39 |
8.9 |
| Inferred |
230 |
2.1 |
8.3 |
5 |
61 |
8.5 |
| Total |
Measured & Indicated |
3,600 |
2.5 |
0.6 |
90 |
66 |
3.0 |
| Inferred |
7,200 |
3.0 |
1.1 |
216 |
248 |
3.8 |
APPENDIX D – 2012 JORC Table 1
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
| Criteria |
JORC Code explanation |
Commentary |
| Sampling techniques |
Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. |
- All Cygnus drilling reported is NQ size (47.8 mm diameter).
|
| Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. |
- NQ core was marked for splitting during logging and is sawn using a diamond core saw with a mounted jig to assure the core is cut lengthwise into equal halves.
- Half of the cut core is placed in clean individual plastic bags with the appropriate sample tag.
- The remaining half of the core is retained and incorporated into Cygnus’s secure, core library located on the property.
|
| Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report.
In cases where ‘industry standard’ work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg ‘reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay’). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. |
- Industry standard sampling practices were used with sample lengths ranging from 0.3 m to 1.0 m and respected geological contacts. Sample tags were placed at the beginning of each sample interval and the tag numbers were recorded in an MS Excel database.
- Sampling practice is considered to be appropriate to the geology and style of mineralisation.
|
| Drilling techniques |
Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). |
- Diamond core was drilled using surface diamond rigs with industry recognised contractors Miikan Drilling. Miikan is a joint venture between Chibougamau Diamond Drilling Ltd., the First Nations community of Ouje-Bougoumou and the First Nations community of Mistissini both located in the Eeyou Istchee territory.
- Drilling was conducted using NQ core size.
- Directional surveys have been taken at 50m intervals.
|
| Drill sample recovery |
Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.
Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples.
Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. |
- Diamond core recovery was measured for each run and calculated as a percentage of the drilled interval.
- Overall, the core recoveries are excellent in the Chibougamau area. As a result, no bias exists.
|
| Logging |
Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. |
- All core was geologically and geotechnically logged. Lithology, veining, alteration and mineralisation are recorded in multiple tables of the drillhole database.
|
| Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. |
- Geological logging of core is qualitative and descriptive in nature.
|
| The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. |
- 100% of the core has been logged.
|
| Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation |
If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.
If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry.
For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.
Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.
Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.
Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. |
- The NQ diameter the core was sawn in half following a sample cutting line determined by geologists during logging and submitted for analysis on nominal 1m intervals or defined by geological boundaries determined by the logging geologist.
- Each core sample is assigned a tag with a unique identifying number. Sample lengths are typically one metre but can be depending on zone mineralogy and boundaries.
- This sampling technique is industry standard and deemed appropriate.
- Samples sizes are considered appropriate to grain size of the materials being sampled.
|
| Quality of assay data and laboratory tests |
The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. |
- Sample (NQ size half core) preparation and fire assay analysis were done at Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd (‘BV’) in Timmins, Ontario, and ICP-ES multi-elements analysis was done at BV in Vancouver, B.C.
- Samples were weighed, dried, crushed to 70% passing 2 mm, split to 250 g, and pulverized to 85% passing 75 µm.
- Samples are fire assayed for gold (Au) (30 g) and multi-acid digestion ICP-ES finish, for 23 elements (including key elements Ag, Cu, Mo).
- Samples assaying >10.0 g/t Au are re-analysed with a gravimetric finish using a 30 g charge. Samples assaying >10% Cu are re-analysed with a sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-ES analysis using a 0.25 g charge.
|
| For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. |
|
| Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. |
- At Bureau Veritas, laboratory QC procedures involve the use of internal certified reference material as assay standards, along with blanks, duplicates and replicates.
|
| Verification of sampling and assaying |
The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. |
|
| The use of twinned holes. |
|
| Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. |
- All logging data was completed, core marked up, logging and sampling data was entered directly into the database.
- The logged data is stored on the site server directly.
|
| Discuss any adjustment to assay data. |
- There was no adjustment to the assay data.
|
| Location of data points |
Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. |
- The location of the drillholes and the aiming points for the orientation of the drillholes were indicated on the ground using identified stakes. The stakes marking the location of the drillholes were set up and located with a Garmin GPS model ‘GPSmap 62s’ (4m accuracy).
- Surveys are collected using a Reflex EZ-Shot® single-shot electronic instrument with readings collected at intervals of approximately every 30 m downhole plus a reading at the bottom of the hole.
|
| Specification of the grid system used. |
- The grid system used is UTM NAD83 (Zone 18).
|
| Quality and adequacy of topographic control. |
- A Digital Terrane Model (DTM) has been used to accurately plot the vertical position of the holes, which is considered to provide an adequate level of topographic control.
|
| Data spacing and distribution |
Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. |
- The drill spacing for recent drilling is considered appropriate for this type of exploration.
- Due to the historic nature and mix of underground and surface drilling the drill hole spacing for historic drill results is highly variable.
|
| Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. |
- No resource estimation is made.
|
| Whether sample compositing has been applied. |
- No sample compositing has been applied.
|
| Orientation of data in relation to geological structure |
Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. |
- Recent drilling is orientated approximately at right angles to the currently interpreted strike of the known interpreted mineralisation.
- Due to the historic nature of the drilling the drill hole orientation for historic drill results is highly variable.
|
| If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. |
- No bias is considered to have been introduced by the existing sampling orientation.
|
| Sample security |
The measures taken to ensure sample security. |
- Core was placed in wooden core boxes close to the drill rig by the drilling contractor. The core was collected daily by the drilling contractor and delivered to the secure core logging facility. Access to the core logging facility is limited to Cygnus employees or designates.
|
| Audits or reviews |
The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. |
- No audits or reviews of sampling techniques or data have been undertaken, therefore information on audits or reviews is not yet available.
|
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)
| Criteria |
JORC Code Explanation |
Commentary |
| Mineral tenement and land tenure status |
Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. |
- The data reported within this announcement is from the Chibougamau Project. The Chibougamau project consists of 3 properties which include:
- Copper Rand, 14,383 ha (15 mining concession and 311 exploration claims)
- Corner Bay – Devlin (1 mining license, 141 exploration claims owned 100% by CBAY and 17 claims owned 56.4% by CBAY/43.6% Pan American Silver)
- Joe Mann (2 mining concessions, 82 claims owned 100% by CBAY, and 68 claims and 1 mining concession owned 65% by CBAY/35% by SOQUEM)
- CBAY Minerals Inc. (‘CBAY’), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cygnus, is the owner of all claims and leases, except where otherwise noted above.
- The properties collectively making up the Project are in good standing based on the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (Ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources Naturelles) GESTIM claim management system of the Government of Québec.
|
| The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. |
- All tenure is in good standing.
|
| Exploration done by other parties |
Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. |
- Corner Bay was first identified as a prospect in 1956
- 1956 – 1972 eight drilling programs totalling 1,463 m and various geophysical and electromagnetic (EM) surveys
- 1973 – 1981 Riocanex and Flanagan McAdam: ground geophysical surveys and 43 diamond drill holes
- 1982 – 1984 Riocanex and Corner Bay Exploration: 38 drill holes and metallurgical test work
- 1988 – 1991 Corner Bay Exploration: diamond drilling, geophysical surveys and geological characterisation with initial MRE
- 1992 – 1994 SOQUEM optioned and acquired a 30% interest, and completed diamond drilling
- 1994 Explorations Cache Inc and Resources MSV Inc: diamond drilling
- 2004 – 2006 GéoNova and MSV: 98 diamond drill holes and first Technical Report on the Corner Bay project reporting a MRE
- 2007 – 2009 Campbell: diamond drilling and bulk sample
- 2012 – 2019 CBAY / AmAuCu: diamond drilling and MRE
- Devlin identified in 1972 by airborne survey flown by the MERN
- 1979 – 1981 diamond drilling, geophysical surveys
- 1981 development commenced
- Joe Mann identified in 1950 with the commencement of mining activities occurring in 1956
- The Joe Mann mine operated underground during three different periods from 1956 to 2007
- In July 2012, Resources Jessie acquired the Joe Mann mine property, but conducted only surface exploration work
- Cedar Bay was discovered prior to 1927 by Chibougamau McKenzie Mines Ltd
- From initial discovery to 2013 various surface and underground drilling campaigns and geophysical surveys undertaken by various companies
- Colline was first discovered with mapping and sampling and then drilled in the 1950s with follow up drilling in 1955.
- In the 1950s a shaft was sunk but the deposit was never mined.
- The deposit was later tested with three drill holes and six regional drill holes throughout two drilling campaigns in 1984 and 1986/87.
- Exploration at Colline has been halted historically with the discovery of and focus on other deposits in the region.
- Golden Eye (previously known as Dore Ramp) was drilled in a few different phases from 1984 to 1992.
- A total of 47 drill holes from surface are reported during that period
- A double ramp of approximately 1 kilometre was excavated in 1991-92 to a vertical depth of 160 meters
- Underground drilling campaign of 46 holes totaling 10,200 meters tested the deposit mainly to a depth of 240 meters (only five holes tested the deposit between 300 and 600 meters)
|
| Geology |
Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. |
- Corner Bay and Devlin are located at the northeastern extremity of the Abitibi subprovince in the Superior province of the Canadian Shield and are examples of Chibougamau-type copper-gold deposits. The Abitibi subprovince is considered as one of the largest and best-preserved greenstone belts in the world and hosts numerous gold and base metal deposits.
- The Corner Bay deposit is located on the southern flank of the Doré Lake Complex (DLC). It is hosted by a N 15° trending shear zone more or less continuous with a strong 75° to 85° dip towards the west. The host anorthosite rock is sheared and sericitized over widths of 2 m to 25 m. The deposit is cut by a diabase dyke and is limited to the north by a fault structure and to the south by the LaChib deformation zone.
- The Corner Bay deposit consists of three main mineralized lodes (subparallel Main Lode 1 and Main Lode 2 above the dyke, and Main Lode below the dyke that make up the bulk of the deposit. The Corner Bay deposit has been traced over a strike length to over 1,100 m to a depth of 1,350 m and remains open at depth.
- The mineralization is characterized by veins and/or lenses of massive to semi-massive sulphides associated with a brecciated to locally massive quartz-calcite material. The sulphide assemblage is composed of chalcopyrite, pyrite, and pyrrhotite with lesser amounts of molybdenite and sphalerite. Late remobilized quartz-chalcopyrite-pyrite veins occur in a wide halo around the main mineralization zones.
- Devlin is a flat-lying, copper-rich lodes-hosted deposit in a polygenic igneous breccia that is less than 100 m from the surface. The tabular bodies have been modelled as four nearly horizontal lodes: a more continuous lower zone and three smaller lodes comprising the upper zone. Mineralization is reflected as a fracture zone often composed of two or more sulphide-quartz lodes and stringers. Thickness of the mineralized zones range from 0.5 m to 4.4 m. It has been diluted during modelling to reflect a minimum mining height of 1.8 m.
- The Joe Mann deposit is characterized by east-west striking shear hosted lodes that extend beyond 1,000 m vertically with mineralization identified over a 3 km strike length. These shear zones form part of the Opawica-Guercheville deformation zone, a major deformation corridor cutting the mafic volcanic rocks of the Obatogamau Formation in the north part of the Caopatina Segment. The gabbro sill hosts the Main Zone and the West Zone at the mine, while the South Zone is found in the rhyolite. These three subvertical E-W (N275°/85°) ductile-brittle shear zones are sub-parallel to stratigraphy and to one another, with up to 140 m to 170 m of separation between them. These shear zones are hosted within a stratigraphic package composed of iron-magnesium (Fe-Mg) carbonate and sericite altered gabbro sills, sheared basalts, and intermediate to felsic tuffs intruded by various felsic intrusions. The Joe Mann gold mineralization is hosted by decimetre scale quartz-carbonate lodes (Dion and Guha 1988). The lodes are mineralized with pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite disposed in lens and lodelets parallel to schistosity, and occasionally visible gold. There are some other minor, mineralized structures, e.g., North and South-South Zones, with limited vertical and horizontal extensions.
|
| Drill hole Information |
A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes:
- easting and northing of the drill hole collar
- elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar
- dip and azimuth of the hole
- down hole length and interception depth
- hole length.
If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. |
- All requisite drillhole information is tabulated elsewhere in this release. Refer Appendices A and B of the body text.
|
| Data aggregation methods |
In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. |
- For recent results, drill hole intersections are reported above a lower cut-off grade of 2g/t AuEq over widths of greater than 1m.
|
| Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. |
- A maximum of 1m internal waste was allowed.
|
| The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. |
- Individual grades for the metals included in the metal equivalents calculation for the exploration results are in Appendices A, B and C of this release. Metal equivalents for exploration results have been calculated at a copper price of US$8,750/t, gold price of US$2,350/oz and silver price of US$25/oz. Copper equivalents are calculated based on the formula CuEq(%) = Cu(%) + (Au(g/t) x 0.77258)+(Ag(g/t) x 0.00822). Gold equivalents are calculated based on the formula AuEq(g/t) = Au(g/t) +(Cu(%) x 1.29436)+(Ag(g/t) x 0.01064). Metallurgical recovery factors have been applied to the metal equivalents calculations, with copper metallurgical recovery assumed at 95% and precious metal (gold and silver) metallurgical recovery assumed at 85% based upon historical production at the Chibougamau Processing Facility, and the metallurgical results contained in Cygnus’ announcement dated 28 January 2025. It is the Company’s view that all elements in the metal equivalent calculations have a reasonable potential to be recovered and sold.
|
| Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths |
These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.
If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.
If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg ‘down hole length, true width not known’). |
- All intersections reported in the body of this release are down hole.
- For recent drill holes, holes are drilled as close to orthogonal to the plane of the mineralized lodes as possible.
- True width is estimated to be about 80% of the downhole drill intersection
|
| Diagrams |
Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported. These should include,but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. |
- Refer Figure 1 (Long Section of Golden Eye) and 2 (Long Section through the Chibougamau North Camp illustrating Golden Eye) in the body of the announcement.
- Plan view of recent drilling relative to historic drilling and the 1992 ramp access (see Figure 3 below).
|
| Balanced reporting |
Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. |
- Recent infill drilling at Golden Eye totals 6 holes for 1,954m, with assay results for 1 drill hole received to date. All results greater than 2g/t AuEq over greater than 1m width have been reported.
|
| Other substantive exploration data |
Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. |
- There is no other substantive exploration data.
|
| Further work |
The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).
Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. |
- The Company plans to conduct drill testing of additional mineralisation as well as step out drilling of existing lodes to further enhance the resources quoted in this release. More information is presented in the body of this report.
- Diagrams in the main body of this release show areas of possible resource extension on existing lodes. The Company continues to identify and assess multiple other target areas within the property boundary for additional resources.
|
Figure 3: Plan view of recent drilling relative to historic drilling and the 1992 ramp access
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/87c492be-c3e9-410f-a7ad-5bac9c0c1fcf
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d269165b-73e5-4a95-9afb-bf50df6bfe79
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2293516d-6ebe-453a-8282-5afd08e5ee45
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a202ff85-9abb-417b-aa4e-43dd75ce42f3
