REG - Cornish Metals Inc. - SUCCESSFUL EXPLORATION DRILLING AT WIDE FORMATION

Cornish MetalsAnnouncement

05/02/2024 07:00

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RNS Number : 9413B  Cornish Metals Inc.  05 February 2024

 

CORNISH METALS REPORTS SUCCESSFUL EXPLORATION DRILLING AT WIDE FORMATION
TARGET, SOUTH CROFTY TIN PROJECT

Wide Formation Mineralisation Confirmed Over a 1.6km Strike Length

New Great Flat Lode Splay Discovered

Multiple New Mineralised Structures Intersected Between the Great Flat Lode
and Wide Formation

 

Vancouver, February 4, 2024

Cornish Metals Inc. (AIM/TSX-V: CUSN) ("Cornish Metals" or the "Company"), a
mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing the South
Crofty tin project ("South Crofty" or the "Project") located in Cornwall,
United Kingdom, to a construction decision, is pleased to report results from
the first six drill holes of the ongoing 9,000 metre Carn Brea drill
programme.

All six drillholes intersected the Wide Formation lode structure, which is
characterised by strong tourmaline alteration and variable tin mineralisation,
similar to all historically mined tin-bearing structures in the South Crofty
area.

Drilling has also identified a new mineralised structure lying directly
beneath the Great Flat Lode (named the "Great Flat Lode Splay"), as well as
several high-grade, steeply dipping tin zones between the Great Flat Lode and
the Wide Formation (see cross sections at the end of this release).

Highlights

 

·   All six drill holes intersected the Wide Formation at the expected
target depths, proving the exploration model for a parallel tin mineralised
structure beneath the Great Flat Lode;

·    Wide Formation structure has been confirmed over a strike length of
at least 1.6km, a downdip extent of at least 525m, thicknesses ranging from
1.8m - 4.8m, and remains open;

·    Notable tin intercepts from the Wide Formation (Figure 2
(https://cornishmetals.com/site/assets/files/5655/20240104-_figure_2__section_a-a.jpg)
and Figure 3
(https://cornishmetals.com/site/assets/files/5655/20240104-_figure_3__section_b-b.jpg)
), including:

o  1.21m grading 0.87% Sn in CB23_004

o  1.90m grading 0.83% Sn in CB23_006

·    Notable tin intercepts from the newly identified Great Flat Lode
Splay (Figure 2
(https://cornishmetals.com/site/assets/files/5655/20240104-_figure_2__section_a-a.jpg)
), including:

o  3.38m grading 1.01% Sn in CB23_002

o  1.00m grading 1.56% Sn in CB23_004

·    Notable tin intercepts from multiple steeply-dipping, high-grade tin
zones mainly intersected between the Great Flat Lode and the Wide Formation,
including:

o  0.30m grading 7.48% Sn and 3.09m grading 1.21% Sn in CB23_001

o  1.21m grading 1.83% Sn in CB23_004

o  3.06m grading 0.93% Sn in CB23_005

o  1.17m grading 0.62% Sn in CB23_006

·    A further eight drill holes are planned, testing a 2.5km strike
length of the Wide Formation;

·    Table 1 below presents all significant intercepts.

 

Richard Williams, CEO and Director of Cornish Metals, stated: "These results
confirm Cornish Metals' model that the Wide Formation represents a new,
large-scale, tin-bearing exploration target lying beneath the historically
mined Great Flat Lode. The discovery of additional mineralised structures
above and below the Wide Formation is a bonus.

The intensity of alteration and the strength and thickness of the Wide
Formation structure is similar to others in the region, and the next step for
us is to define the location, orientation and extent of the high grade pay
shoots, which are typical of this style of mineralisation.

The discovery of the Great Flat Lode Splay and the other new zones of
high-grade tin mineralisation demonstrates the exploration upside of this
area, which we view as having tremendous potential to add to our current
Mineral Resource base at South Crofty."

The Wide Formation

The Wide Formation represents a new high-grade tin target in the Carn Brea
South exploration area, located along the southern boundary of the South
Crofty underground mine permission area. A 14-hole / 9,000 metre drilling
programme commenced in Q3 2023, with the first six holes confirming the Wide
Formation lies parallel to, north of, and beneath the Great Flat Lode.

The drill programme is designed to test the geometry and the continuity of tin
mineralisation within the Wide Formation over an area measuring 2,500m along
strike (northeast to southwest) and 525m downdip to the southeast. Drilling to
date has intersected the Great Flat Lode and Wide Formation tin mineralisation
structures where expected, confirming continuity of the Wide Formation over a
1.6km strike length and 525m downdip.

Two drill rigs are currently on-site, drilling holes CB23_008 and CB23_009 of
the programme with future holes planned to continue testing the Wide Formation
along strike, and to improve on-target definition.

The Great Flat Lode Splay

Drilling has also intersected a previously unrecognised splay structure
immediately beneath the Great Flat Lode. The Great Flat Lode Splay is
mineralised, varies up to 9m in thickness, and represents an important new
exploration target less than 280m below surface (see drill intercepts in table
below and cross sections at the end of this release).

New Steeply Dipping Tin Zones

The ongoing drill programme also intersected multiple steeply dipping
high-grade tin zones, mainly located between the Great Flat Lode and the Wide
Formation (see table below and cross here
(https://cornishmetals.com/news/2024/cornish-metals-reports-successful-exploration-drilling-at-wide-formation-target-south-crofty-tin-project/)
). More work is required to determine the orientation and true thickness of
these zones.  Identifying areas where these structures intersect both the
Great Flat Lode and the Wide Formation is of particular interest as these
intersection points represent areas of greater fracturing and potential for
high grade tin mineralisation.

 Hole ID      From (m)  To (m)  Length (m)  Sn %  Comment
 CB23_001     31.60     36.21   4.61        0.08  Great Flat Lode
 Including    33.90     34.78   0.88        0.30

 CB23_001     441.74    442.04  0.30        7.48  New Zone

 CB23_001     537.32    541.33  4.01        0.06  Wide Formation
  Including   540.38    540.91  0.53        0.31

 CB23_001     607.99    611.08  3.09        1.21  New Zone
 Including    607.99    608.90  0.91        2.57
 And          609.86    611.08  1.22        0.61

 CB23_002     204.23    208.20  3.97        0.32  Great Flat Lode
 Including    204.23    206.34  2.11        0.60
 And          204.23    205.28  1.05        0.90

 CB23_002     227.13    234.02  6.89        0.62  Great Flat Lode Splay
 Including    227.13    230.51  3.38        1.01
 And          229.30    230.51  1.21        2.52

 CB23_002     612.37    616.32  3.95        0.08  Wide Formation
 Including    614.81    615.30  0.49        0.58

 CB23_003     255.65    256.40  0.75        0.43  Great Flat Lode

 CB23_003     266.98    277.16  10.18       0.05  Great Flat Lode Splay
 Including    272.35    273.10  0.75        0.45

 CB23_003     473.37    477.81  4.44        0.26  New Zone
 Including    473.37    474.37  1.00        0.60

 CB23_003     643.72    646.53  2.81        0.06  Wide Formation

 CB23_004     198.17    198.87  0.70        0.01  Great Flat Lode

 CB23_004     252.89    259.62  6.73        0.26  Great Flat Lode Splay
 Including    258.62    259.62  1.00        1.56

 CB23_004     373.81    375.17  1.36        1.13  New Zone

 CB23_004     528.47    529.68  1.21        1.83  New Zone

 CB23_004     538.77    540.64  1.87        0.69  New Zone
 Including    539.88    540.64  0.76        0.96

 CB23_004     700.84    705.24  4.40        0.25  Wide Formation
 Including    703.47    704.68  1.21        0.87

 CB23_005     78.66     82.72   4.06        0.08  Great Flat Lode

 CB23_005     350.60    359.43  8.83        0.42  New Zone
 Including    351.19    354.25  3.06        0.93

 CB23_005     703.70    710.27  6.57        0.05  Wide Formation

 CB23_006     64.11     65.99   1.88        0.91  Great Flat Lode

 CB23_006     152.29    153.46  1.17        0.62  New Zone

 CB23_006     511.98    512.59  0.61        1.60  New Zone

 CB23_006     549.62    551.52  1.90        0.83  Wide Formation
 Including    549.62    550.63  1.01        1.30

Table 1 - Selected drilling results from holes 1-6 at the Wide Formation
target.

Note 1 - True thickness of down-hole intersections reported are expected to be
approximately 70-100% of the down-hole lengths.

 

 Hole ID   Hole Length
 CB23_001  617.7m
 CB23_002  698.9m
 CB23_003  731.3m
 CB23_004  773.6m
 CB23_005  759.3m
 CB23_006  614.3m

Table 2 - Drill hole lengths from surface to end of hole.

GEOLOGY AND MINERALISATION

The geology in the Carn Brea South exploration area is identical to that at
South Crofty, comprising metasediments (locally termed "killas") which overlie
an intrusive granite body. The mineralisation of the Wide Formation consists
predominantly of blue tourmaline with disseminated cassiterite, hosted within
a siliceous tourmaline altered granite. The cassiterite is mostly hosted
within tourmaline-quartz veins which overprint the interpreted earlier blue
tourmaline lode structure. No mining has ever been carried out on the Wide
Formation.

The Great Flat Lode Splay, discovered up dip of Wheal Bassett mine (Figure 1
(https://cornishmetals.com/site/assets/files/5655/20240104-_fig__1_drill_holes_carn_brea.jpg)
), occurs as a blue tourmaline-rich lode with quartz (occasionally brecciated)
hosting disseminated cassiterite mineralisation. The mineralised structure,
which appears to separate away from the metasediment/granite boundary of its
shallower counterpart, is hosted within strongly altered granite. This
structure forms an unmined splay off the Great Flat Lode, is several meters
thick and has an approximate area of 700m by 450m.

The Wide Formation, Great Flat Lode Splay, and new zones of steeply dipping
high-grade tin mineralisation warrant further exploration.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Drilling at Carn Brea South was performed by Priority Drilling Company Ltd
using an Atlas Copco CS14 Diamond Drill Rig. Hole construction consisted of HQ
(96.1-millimeter ("mm") diameter) to recover 72.8mm diameter drill core from
within the shallower Great Flat mineralised zone, before reducing to NQ (76-mm
diameter) to recover a 48mm diameter drill core when drilling at depth through
the Wide Formation target. On completion, holes were multi-shot surveyed using
a Reflex EZ-Trac. Core recovery was greater than 95%. The core was logged,
split via core saw, and sampled by Cornish Metals personnel. The samples,
comprising half core, were sent for assay at ALS Minerals, Loughrea, Ireland.
Sample preparation involved crushing to 70% less than 2mm, riffle split and
pulverised to 85% less than 75 microns. The analytical method used for tin,
copper, tungsten, zinc, and arsenic was X-ray florescence ("XRF") following a
lithium borate fusion. A multi-element 4 Acid Digestion ICP-AES analysis was
also carried out to further characterise the mineralisation and alteration
assemblages. Overlimit assays on silver were carried out using a 3-acid digest
and a HCl leach ICP AES analysis. Comprehensive Quality Assurance / Quality
Control programme using standards, duplicates and blanks was included within
the sampling programme.

The technical information in this news release has been compiled by Mr. Owen
Mihalop who has reviewed and takes responsibility for the data and geological
interpretation. Mr. Owen Mihalop (MCSM, BSc (Hons), MSc, FGS, MIMMM, CEng) is
Chief Operating Officer for Cornish Metals Inc. and has sufficient experience
relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under
consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a
Competent Person as defined under the JORC Code (2012) and as a Qualified
Person under NI 43-101 and AIM. Mr. Mihalop consents to the inclusion in this
announcement of the matters based on his information in the form and context
in which it appears.

ABOUT CORNISH METALS

Cornish Metals is a dual-listed company (AIM and TSX-V: CUSN) focused on
advancing the South Crofty high-grade, underground tin Project through to a
construction decision, as well as exploring its additional mineral rights, all
located in Cornwall, United Kingdom.

·    South Crofty is a historical, high-grade, underground tin mine that
started production in 1592 and continued operating until 1998 following over
400 years of continuous production;

·    The Project possesses Planning Permission for underground mining
(valid to 2071), to construct new processing facilities and all necessary site
infrastructure, and an Environmental Permit to dewater the mine;

·    South Crofty has the 4(th) highest grade tin Mineral Resource
globally and benefits from existing mine infrastructure including multiple
shafts that can be used for future operations;

·    Tin is a Critical Mineral as defined by the UK, USA, and Canadian
governments, with approximately two-thirds of the tin mined today coming from
China, Myanmar and Indonesia;

·    There is no primary tin production in Europe or North America;

·    Tin connects almost all electronic and electrical infrastructure,
making it critical to the energy transition - responsible sourcing of critical
minerals and security of supply are key factors in the energy transition and
technology growth;

·    South Crofty benefits from strong local community and regional and
national government support.

·    Cornish Metals has a growing team of skilled people, local to
Cornwall, and the Project could generate 250 - 300 direct jobs.

An updated Mineral Resource was completed in September 2023 with a 39%
increase in tonnes and 32% increase in contained tin in the Indicated category
for the Lower Mine (see news release dated September 13, 2023
(https://cornishmetals.com/site/assets/files/5612/2023-09-13_mre_final.pdf) )
as summarised below:

 South Crofty Summary (JORC 2012) Mineral Resource Estimate
 Area        Classification  Mass   Grade       Contained Tin /

                             (kt)               Tin Equivalent

                                                (kt)
 Lower Mine  Indicated       2,896  1.50% Sn    43.6
             Inferred        2,626  1.42% Sn    37.4
 Upper Mine  Indicated       260    0.99% SnEq  2.6
             Inferred        465    0.91% SnEq  4.2

 

The Mineral Resource Estimate for South Crofty is available in a report titled
"South Crofty Tin Project - Mineral Resource Update NI 43-101 Technical Report
(https://cornishmetals.com/site/assets/files/5449/south_crofty_tin_project_mineral_resource_update_ni_43-101_technical_report_sedarb.pdf)
", dated October 27, 2023, co-authored by Mr. N. Szebor (MCSM, MSc, BSc,
CGeol, EurGeol, FGS) and Mr. R. Chesher (FAusIMM(CP), RPEQ, MTMS) of AMC
Consultants, and can be accessed through the above link and on the Company's
SEDAR+ page.

 

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

"Richard D. Williams"

Richard D. Williams, P.Geo

 

For additional information please contact:

 

 Cornish Metals                                                         Fawzi Hanano       investors@cornishmetals.com (mailto:investors@cornishmetals.com)

                                                                        Irene Dorsman      info@cornishmetals.com (mailto:info@cornishmetals.com)
                                                                                           Tel: +1 (604) 200 6664

 SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP                                         Richard Morrison   Tel: +44 203 470 0470

 (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)                                     Charlie Bouverat

                                                                        Grant Barker

 Hannam & Partners                                                      Matthew Hasson     cornish@hannam.partners (mailto:cornish@hannam.partners)

 (Joint Broker)                                                         Andrew Chubb       Tel: +44 207 907 8500

                                                                        Jay Ashfield

 BlytheRay                                                              Tim Blythe         tim.blythe@blytheray.com (mailto:tim.blythe@blytheray.com)

 (Financial PR)                                                         Megan Ray          megan.ray@blytheray.com (mailto:megan.ray@blytheray.com)

                                                                                           Tel: +44 207 138 3204

 

Neither the 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.

Caution regarding forward looking statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and
"forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements").
Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, outlook,
guidance, estimates and forecasts and other statements regarding future plans,
the realisation, cost, timing and extent of mineral resource or mineral
reserve estimates, estimation of commodity prices, currency exchange rate
fluctuations, estimated future exploration expenditures, costs and timing of
the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting
time lines, requirements for additional capital, future or estimated mine life
and other activities or achievements of Cornish Metals, including but not
limited to: mineralisation at South Crofty, mine dewatering expectations,
Cornish Metals' exploration drilling programme, timing and results of Cornish
Metals' feasibility study, strategic vision of Cornish Metals and expectations
regarding the South Crofty mine, timing and results of projects mentioned.
Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of
words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast",
"expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend"
and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could",
"would" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and
includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of
historical fact included in this news release, are forward-looking statements
that involve various risks and uncertainties and there can be no assurance
that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future
events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may
cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to:
risks related to receipt of regulatory approvals, risks related to general
economic and market conditions; risks related to the availability of
financing; the timing and content of upcoming work programmes; actual results
of proposed exploration activities; possible variations in Mineral Resources
or grade; outcome of the current Feasibility Study; projected dates to
commence mining operations; failure of plant, equipment or processes to
operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and
limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry;
changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, tax
rules and regulations.

Cornish Metals' forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and
estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding
future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date such
statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important
factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from
those described in forward- looking statements, there may be other factors
that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those
anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will
prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Cornish Metals does not assume
any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or
management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as
required by applicable law.

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to
constitute inside information pursuant to Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014
as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union
(Withdrawal) Act 2018 as amended.

 

Appendix

"alteration halo" means a border of minerals produced by hydrothermal
alteration in the rock surrounding a vein

"cassiterite" means a tin oxide mineral which is the principal source for tin
metal

"grade(s)" means the quantity of ore or metal in a specified quantity of rock

"Indicated Mineral Resource" is that part of a Mineral Resource for which
quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are
estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of mining,
processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal,
environmental, social and governmental factors to support mine planning and
evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is
derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and
testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity
between points of observation. An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level
of confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource and may only
be converted to a probable mineral reserve.

"Inferred Mineral Resource" is that part of a Mineral Resource for which
quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological
evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not
verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An Inferred Mineral
Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated
Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. It is
reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be
upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. An
Inferred Mineral Resource is based on limited information and sampling
gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops,
trenches, pits, workings and drill holes.

 "JORC Code" means the 2012 edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of
Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves prepared by the Joint
Ore Reserves Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy,
Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia. The
JORC Code is an acceptable foreign code for purposes of NI 43-101.

"Lodes" means a vein of metal ore in the earth

"MRE" means Mineral Resource Estimate

"kt" means thousand tonnes

"Mt" means million tonnes

"NI 43-101" means National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for
Mineral Projects issued by the Canadian Securities Administrators, which
provides standards of disclosure of scientific and technical information
regarding mineral projects

"Sn" means Tin

"t" means tonnes

"tourmaline" means the crystalline silicate mineral group that occurs
as prismatic crystals in granitic and other rocks

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