VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwired – Sept. 7, 2016) – WestKam Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE:WKG) (the “Company” or “WestKam“) has provided a progress report on bulk sampling at the Company’s 100%-owned Bonaparte Gold Project near Kamloops, British Columbia. As of September 1, 2016, the underground decline had reached 156 meters and was cross-cutting the Eagle/Chickadee vein system. The vein is currently exposed on the working face. As of the date of this release, there are 200 meters of decline development remaining to reach the bulk sample zone currently scheduled to be intersected by late October 2016.
“We continue to make steady progress at Bonaparte,” said WestKam President and CEO Matt Wayrynen. “We’ve had our share of challenges along the way, which we expected. I’m very pleased with how the crews have responded to each challenge and maintained the program’s momentum.”
Site Commissioning and Underground Rehabilitation
From July 12th to the 27th, the company completed a significant site commissioning and underground ramp rehabilitation program. During this period, 120 metres of the existing decline was scaled, inspected for rock and ground support conditions and rehabilitated to a safe working standard. As required, four new safety bays were emplaced and additional ground support was installed as per the company’s Ground Support Plan. The pre-existing camp facility was upgraded and brought back into service. The main and ancillary generators were installed which support the camp and underground equipment including a two boom jumbo, compressed air lines, ventilation and pumps.
Sampling for Metal Leaching and Acid Rock Drainage
Initial sampling of the host granodiorite for metal leaching and acid rock drainage characteristics has also been completed. These initial results indicate that the host/waste rock characteristics are non-acid generating. Ongoing acid base accounting (ABA) and metal leaching (ML) characteristics of the deposit will continue as the decline advances.
Sampling of the Eagle/Chickadee Vein System
Historically, the Eagle/Chickadee vein system was exposed through surface trenching over a combined strike length of 75 meters with an average width of 1.42 meters. Mineralization consisting of pyrite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite was locally noted with total sulphides up to 10% being reported within the vein. Historical assays reported grab sample results from trace to 13.8gm Au (0.404 ounces per ton). Mapping indicates the vein has a true thickness of 30cm to 40cm striking near north at 350 degree azimuth, dipping 35 degrees to the east. Alteration along the vein footwall over 20cm to 60cm consists of strong chlorite + pyrite mineralization while the hanging wall alteration exposes weak chlorite + pyrite alteration over 1cm to 3cm. Visible sulphides within the vein consist of 5-20% blebby to stringer pyrite, 1-2% chalcopyrite and 1% pyrrhotite. Near vertical north -south trending shear structures are noted on the working face exhibiting sub meter vein displacements. The Eagle/Chickadee vein is being sampled by both channel and panel sample methods to determine the optimum sampling system. Samples are currently in for assay and will be reported once all assays have been received.
Bulk Sample Target
The current bulk sample target is the down dip extension of gold mineralization exposed in historical surface trenches and is the site of two historical surface bulk sample programs. In 1994 a total of 3700 metric tons of quartz vein material was shipped to the Cominco Smelter in Trail yielding 98kg (3,160 oz Au) of gold at a grade of 26.5 gm/tonne gold. A second bulk sample program was completed in 2010 where 364.6 dry short tons of mineralized quartz vein were shipped to the Kinross mill in Washington State. The 364.6 dry short ton shipment averaged 0.475 ounce per ton gold yielding 161.95 troy ounces of gold at a recovery rate of 93.51%.
Technical information in this news release has been reviewed by R. Kemp P.Geo., a Qualified Person as that term is defined in NI 43-101.
About WestKam Gold Corp.
WestKam is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on developing the Bonaparte Gold Project near Kamloops, British Columbia. Additional information can be found on the Company’s website at www.westkamgold.com.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Matt Wayrynen, President
Neither the 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.
Forward-looking information
All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding the Offering and the use of proceeds of the Offering. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: TSXV acceptance of the Offering; future costs and expenses being based on historical costs and expenses, adjusted for inflation; and market demand for, and market acceptance of, the Offering. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company’s control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.
