(TheNewswire)
Vancouver, British Columbia - TheNewswire - December 12 ,2023 - ArizonaGold & Silver Inc. (TSXV: AZS ) ( OTC:AZASF ) announces ithas commenced initial column leach test work on the PhiladelphiaGold-Silver Property, located in Mohave County, Arizona.
Mr. Greg Hahn, VP Exploration commented,“ Previous metallurgicaltest work completed by the Company in 2020 on the north end of theproperty demonstrated the amenability of both low and high gold gradesto cyanide leaching, achieving 89-99% gold extraction under agitationleach conditions at -104 micron grind. Silver recovery was notaddressed in those tests. Column leach tests are required to assessthe potential for low-cost heap leaching of the stockwork mineralizedzone and to address the extraction of silver.
We have commenced column leach testwork on two bulk samples taken from underground workings and from asurface mining bench. Heap leaching is the most cost-effectivemethod for recovering precious metals from bulk tonnages of stockworkmaterial. Column leach tests are the standard method for determiningthe amenability of oxide gold and silver bearing material to heapleach methods. This program will establish on a preliminary basis theoptimum crush and recovery characteristics for potential heapleaching.”
The Company has submitted 429 kilograms of bulk material from twosample sites for testing at McClelland Laboratories Inc. in Sparks,Nevada. These sample represent the two dominant metallurgical typespresent on the property: stockwork quartz in dominantly TR2 rhyoliteand stockwork quartz in dominantly granite. The test work will consistof three columns from each bulk sample at crush sizes of -1/4 inch(6.3mm), -3/8 inch (9.5mm) and -1/2 inch (12.5mm) particle size.Bottle roll leach tests will also be done on -10 mesh material. Tailsanalyses will be included to assess ultimate gold and silverextractions and reagent consumption. Load permeability tests aftercompletion of the leach cycle will assess potential heap heights undereach crush size scenario.
Previous column leach tests completed in the 1980’s by MountainsStates R&D Labs in Tucson, Arizona demonstrated good goldextractions after only a 19-day leach cycle for the above crush sizes.The test work returned gold recoveries of 58.5-91% after only 19 daysof leaching, after which the tests were terminated. Silver extractionswere not reported. The current program will determine the leachextractions over a period of 90-120 days for each column, in lockedcycle to simulate actual heap leach conditions. Extrapolating theleach curves from the Mountain States R&D test work to 90 dayssuggests we should expect ultimate extractions of 70% to 90% for ourtest work.
Additional column test work and agitation leach test work is plannedfor 2024 on dedicated drill core samples and coarse rejects of reversecirculation (“RC”) cuttings from both the high-grade veins and thestockwork mineralized zones throughout the deposit. This willcharacterize the leach characteristics and kinetics along the entirestrike length of the deposit.
QualifiedPerson
Gregory Hahn, VP-Exploration and a CertifiedProfessional Geologist (#7122) is a Qualified Person under NationalInstrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed andapproved the technical information contained in this newsrelease.
About Arizona Gold & SilverInc.
Arizona Gold is a young exploration company focused onexploring gold-silver properties in western Arizona and Nevada. Theflagship asset is the Philadelphia gold-silver property where theCompany is drilling off an epithermal gold-silver system.
On behalf of the Board of Directors:
ARIZONA GOLD & SILVER INC.
Mike Stark, President and CEO,Director
Phone: (604) 833-4278
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange norits Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in thepolicies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for theadequacy or accuracy of this release.
CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKINGSTATEMENTS
This news release includes certain forward-lookingstatements or information. All statements other than statements ofhistorical fact included in this release are forward-lookingstatements that involve various risks and uncertainties.Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements inrelation to the timing, cost and other aspects of the 2023-2024exploration program; the potential for development of the mineralresources; the potential mineralization and geological merits of theexploration properties; and other future plans, objectives orexpectations of the Company. There can be no assurance that suchstatements will prove to be accurate and actual results and futureevents could differ materially from those anticipated in suchstatements. Important factors that could cause actual results todiffer materially from the Company's plans or expectations include therisk that actual results of current and planned explorationactivities, including the results of the Company's 2023-2024 drillingprogram(s) on its properties, will not be consistent with theCompany's expectations; the geology, grade and continuity of anymineral deposits and the risk of unexpected variations in mineralresources, grade and/or recovery rates; fluctuating metals prices;possibility of accidents, equipment breakdowns and delays duringexploration; exploration cost overruns or unanticipated costs andexpenses; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drillingresults and geological tests; availability of capital and financingrequired to continue the Company's future exploration programs andpreparation of geological reports and studies; delays in thepreparation of geological reports and studies; the metallurgicalcharacteristics of mineralization contained within the explorationproperties are yet to be fully determined; general economic, market orbusiness conditions; competition and loss of key employees; regulatorychanges and restrictions including in relation to required permits forexploration activities (including drilling permits) and environmentalliability; timeliness of government or regulatory approvals; and otherrisks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by theCompany with securities regulators. In connection with theforward-looking information contained in this news release, theCompany has made numerous assumptions, including that the Company's2023-2024 programs would proceed as planned and within budget. TheCompany expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update orrevise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of newinformation, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise requiredby applicable securities legislation .
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