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Altiplano Confirms Santa Beatriz Vein at Depth and Along Strike with Massive Chalcopyrite Intercepts

MWN-AI** Summary

Altiplano Metals Inc. has recently released encouraging preliminary results from its first drilling program at the historic Santa Beatriz copper-gold mine located in Chile. This program, conducted between March 14 and April 20, 2025, involved drilling a total of 655.6 meters across four holes (25SB-001 to 25SB-004), successfully confirming the continuity of the mineralized vein at least 100 meters along strike and 40 meters down dip from the previous production level.

The average width of the vein was recorded at 2.28 meters, with a maximum width of 3 meters identified in hole 25SB-003. Notably, hole 25SB-004 showcased significant intersections of massive chalcopyrite, with up to 60 centimeters of this mineral reported, enhancing the prospects of high copper grades. This verification of vein continuity aligns with past experiences at the Farellon mine, where deeper levels revealed increased widths and higher ore grades.

Visual inspection of the drill cores revealed strong potassic alteration along with traces of molybdenite and chalcopyrite at depths, suggesting potential for porphyry-type Cu-Au mineralization. Furthermore, observations of quartz and epidote could indicate the presence of secondary gold mineralization, consistent with historical high gold concentrates from Santa Beatriz.

Altiplano’s President, Alastair McIntyre, expressed optimism over these findings, highlighting the potential for developing additional extraction levels, although the decision to advance will not be based on a feasibility study. The company has a robust operational background and plans to leverage its existing assets and mining experience to capitalize on the results from Santa Beatriz, which has historical significance in copper and gold production within the region.

MWN-AI** Analysis

Altiplano Metals Inc. (TSXV: APN) has recently made significant advancements with their ongoing drill program at the historic Santa Beatriz copper-gold mine in Chile. This development brings promising news for potential investors considering the copper and gold market, particularly as the company confirms vein continuity at depth with substantial intercepts of massive chalcopyrite.

The preliminary drilling results reveal a continuous vein extending for 100 meters along strike and approximately 40 meters down-dip. Notably, one of the drill holes intersected intervals of up to 60 cm of high-grade massive chalcopyrite, which is a positive indicator of copper mineralization. Given that chalcopyrite is the predominant ore of copper, this could translate into higher economic viability for the project as it progresses.

Moreover, the presence of potassic alteration suggests further potential for porphyry-style mineralization beneath the current exploration levels. This could expand the resource estimate and enhance the company’s valuation. Coupled with the historical context of the Santa Beatriz mine showing increased grades at lower levels, there is a strong argument for investors to closely monitor the results of ongoing work, specifically the forthcoming assay results expected in several weeks.

However, it's crucial to temper enthusiasm with caution. Investors should be aware that the company has not conducted a feasibility study on the mineral reserves, indicating that economic and technical risks persist. The reported intervals are core lengths, and true widths are estimated at about 80-90%. Thus, while the geological indicators are promising, the investment decision must consider the associated risks, including market fluctuations in copper and gold prices and regulatory challenges in mining operations.

In summary, prospective investors might find Altiplano Metals an appealing prospect in a revitalized market, but they should remain grounded in the inherent uncertainties as the company moves forward with its drilling and exploration initiatives.

**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.

Source: Newsfile

Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 29, 2025) - Altiplano Metals Inc. (TSXV: APN) (WKN: A2JNFG) ("Altiplano" or the "Company") is pleased to announce preliminary drill results from the first drill program at the historic Santa Beatriz copper-gold mine, located approximately 45 km south of La Serena, Chile, and 30 km from the El Peñón processing plant.

Highlights:

  • A total of 655.6 meters were drilled in four holes (25SB-001 - 25SB-004).
  • The drilling confirmed the continuity of the vein for at least 100 meters along the strike and approximately 40 m down dip below the lowest previous production level.
  • The average width of the vein was 2.28 m with a maximum width of 3 m.
  • Hole 25SB-002 intersected the vein through a fault zone; however, the lateral continuity of the vein has been confirmed with the adjacent holes 25SB-001 and 25SB-003.
  • Hole 25SB-004 intersected 2.9 m of vein with intervals up to 60 cm of massive chalcopyrite (assay results pending).
  • The confirmation of the vein continuity allows for planning and the potential development of four additional extraction levels for mineralized material.*
  • Preliminary observations of the core confirm the mineralized zones, and the alteration minerals of the vein are identical to those of the previously mined Farellon vein.
  • Strong potassic alteration with associated magnetite veinlets and trace disseminations of molybdenite and chalcopyrite have been discovered at deeper levels suggesting potential for porphyry-type Cu-Au mineralization at depth.
  • Quartz with epidote were observed in several intervals of hole SB25-002 suggests the overprinting of epithermal gold mineralization. This event may explain higher gold in concentrate from the historical sales records from Santa Beatriz.
  • All the core is being processed for logging and sampling.

President and Chief Executive Officer Alastair McIntyre comments:
"The preliminary drill results confirming the vein continuity at lower levels along strike at Santa Beatriz is very encouraging. This information provides valuable support for mine development plans to access additional mineralized material at lower levels. Assay results are expected in several weeks, but the visual presence of massive copper sulphides validates that the structure and mineralogy of the Santa Beatriz vein continues below surface and is identical to the Farellon vein. Our experience with mining Farellon showed that the vein widened at lower levels and improved in grade. In addition, the presence of quartz and epidote indicates the potential for secondary gold mineralization that can be potentially recovered in concentrate at the plant."

*Any decision to develop the Santa Beatriz historical mine is not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with the production decision. Intervals are core length. True width is estimated at 80-90% of the core length.

Figure 1. Plan view showing the completed DDH, underground geology of level 416, and the vein thickness intersected in each hole.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4303/250079_135708633420b832_001full.jpg

Drilling Summary

A total of 655.6 meters of core drilling were completed between March 14 and April 20th in four holes (25SB-001 - 25SB-004; see Figure 1). The four holes intersected the targeted vein at elevations between 365 and 391 metres above sea level, this is down to 51 m below the lowest level 416. The hole 25SB-002 intersected the vein through a fault zone. However, the lateral continuity of the vein has been confirmed with the adjacent holes 25SB-001 and 25SB-003. The average width of the vein is 2.28 m with a maximum of 3 m in hole 25SB-003 and a minimum of 1.25 m in hole 25SB-001.

The vein displays similar characteristics in the four holes consisting of massive magnetite with bands and patches of chalcopyrite and lesser pyrite. The main difference lies in the relative concentration magnetite vs chalcopyrite which reflects Cu/Fe grades (Figure 2). The hole 25SB-004 intersected up to 60 cm of massive chalcopyrite, which is consistent with high Cu grades sampled underground in the level 416 suggesting continuity on the grades along with the vein (Figures 1 and 2). Massive chalcopyrite is mostly present replacing apatite and actinolite phenocrysts. Gangue minerals are dominantly apatite and actinolite altered to chlorite with minor interstitial calcite (Figure 2) with is consistent with the iron oxide copper gold vein systems in the region.

Figure 2. Photos of core from holes 25SB-002 and 25SB-004 showing the relative concentration of magnetite vs chalcopyrite and gangue minerals (apatite and chloritized actinolite) in the vein.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4303/250079_altiplanofig2.jpg

The vein is hosted by a diorite intrusive that varies in texture from coarse grained to micro-diorite. The rock displays propylitic alteration represented by epidote associated with chlorite and pyrite dominantly in veinlets hosted by micro-diorite at shallow levels (<150 m depth). Introduction of quartz with vuggy texture has been observed associated with epidote in several intervals of hole SB25-002 suggesting overprinting of epithermal gold mineralization. This event may explain higher gold in concentrate from historical concentrate records. Also, potassic alteration represented by a mineral association of k-feldspar, shreddy biotite, and magnetite. The magnetite is present in interstitial spaces between feldspars phenocrysts and as veinlets crosscutting the rock associated with traces of molybdenite and chalcopyrite. Potassic alteration with this mineral association has been observed only in coarse grained diorite at deeper levels (> 250 m depth) intersected by hole 25SB-004 which was extended to 303.45 m (Figure 3). This alteration resembles porphyry-type mineralization, however further deeper exploration is required to understand better the geological context and significance of this alteration.

Figure 3. Photos of core showing potassic alteration in hole 25SB-004 at 300 m depth and propylitic alteration in hole 25SB-002 at 88 m depth.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4303/250079_altiplanofig3.jpg

John Williamson, B.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this document.

Altiplano has generated over C$23.3 million from the recovery and sale (after processing costs) of more than 7.4 million pounds of copper with an average grade of 1.8% Cu (Jan 2018 to Dec 2024). Cash has been re-invested into acquisition, exploration, new equipment, underground drilling, expanding underground development and production, and the completion of the El Peñón copper-gold-iron processing facility located 30 km from La Serena, Chile.

About Altiplano
Altiplano Metals is a growing gold, silver, and copper company focused on the Americas. The Company has a diversified portfolio of assets that include exploration properties, a developing copper/gold/iron mine and a state-of-the-art operating copper/gold and iron processing facility. Altiplano is focused on creating long-term stakeholder value through developing safe and sustainable production, reinvesting into exploration and development, and pursuing acquisition opportunities to provide scalable upside opportunities. Management has a substantial record of success in capitalizing on opportunity, overcoming challenges and building shareholder value.

Altiplano is part of the Metals Group of Companies, led by a dynamic group of resource sector professionals with a long record of success in evaluating and advancing mining projects from exploration through to production, attracting capital, and overcoming adversity to deliver exceptional shareholder value.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

/s/ "John Williamson"
Chairman

For further information, please contact:
Alastair McIntyre, CEO
alastairm@apnmetals.com
Tel: (416) 434 3799

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.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify any historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and the issuer is not treating any historical information or estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The Santa Beatriz mine was previously in production mid 2010's with little known production records. This material was processed and sold locally to a private processing facility. Altiplano is relying upon limited past production records, underground sampling and related activities to further explore and potentially develop Santa Beatriz. The decision to develop the project and extract material for potential processing is not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with any future potential production decision. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and title and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250079

FAQ**

How does the recent drilling success at the Santa Beatriz mine by Altiplano Metals Inc. (APN:CC) influence the overall mining investment landscape in Edmonton, Alberta?

The recent drilling success at the Santa Beatriz mine by Altiplano Metals Inc. enhances investor confidence and could attract more capital and interest in mining ventures within Edmonton, Alberta, potentially revitalizing the local mining investment landscape.

What are the potential economic implications for local businesses in Edmonton, Alberta, if Altiplano Metals Inc. (APN:CC) successfully expands production at its Santa Beatriz mine?

If Altiplano Metals Inc. successfully expands production at its Santa Beatriz mine, local businesses in Edmonton could experience increased economic activity through enhanced demand for goods and services, job creation, and potential growth in related industries like transportation and construction.

Considering the historical production records of the Santa Beatriz mine, what risks should investors in Edmonton, Alberta, evaluate before investing in Altiplano Metals Inc. (APN:CC)?

Investors should evaluate risks related to fluctuating commodity prices, operational challenges specific to the Santa Beatriz mine, regulatory changes in the mining sector, geological uncertainties, and Altiplano Metals Inc.'s overall financial health and management capabilities.

In light of the exploration and development initiatives by Altiplano Metals Inc. (APN:CC), how should investors in Edmonton, Alberta, assess the future value of resource companies in the region?

Investors in Edmonton should evaluate resource companies like Altiplano Metals Inc. by analyzing their exploration and development potential, market demand for minerals, regulatory environment, and overall economic conditions in the region to gauge future value.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Altiplano Metals Inc. (TSXVC: APN:CC).

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