Bluestone Corporate Update
September 5, 2018 - VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Bluestone Resources Inc. (TSXV:BSR | OTCQB:BBSRF) ("Bluestone" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following corporate update on the recent progress of the Company.
John Robins, Executive Chairman commented, "In just over 15 months since acquiring the Cerro Blanco Gold and Mita Geothermal projects, Bluestone has advanced from what was effectively a shell company to one that is rapidly advancing these high-quality projects. Bluestone has successfully assembled an executive team with extensive development and Latin American experience; the skills necessary to advance these projects to maximize value for our many stakeholder groups including local communities in Guatemala, government partners, and our supportive shareholders."
A Feasibility Study led by JDS Energy & Mining Inc. was initiated on the Cerro Blanco Gold project in late 2017 and is well advanced. Shortly after commencing the Feasibility Study, Bluestone management assembled a Technical Advisory Committee ("TAC") to act as a peer review over key technical aspects of the study as it progresses. Bluestone was very fortunate to establish a group of internationally recognized technical experts who have been engaged with management and the JDS area leads over the past nine months on the Feasibility Study. Chaired by Alf Hills, the additional TAC members are Scott Donald (Hydrology), Allan Moss (Mining), Roger Nendick (Processing and Infrastructure), Robert Sim (Resource Estimation), and Dr. Ward Wilson (Waste Management).
Darren Klinck, President & CEO commented, "It is very rare that a Company the size of Bluestone looks to establish a peer review (TAC) over a technical study such as this, and even rarer to have access to an esteemed group with such a diverse and international base of experience. This approach is consistent with our objective to leverage past experiences with new technology and innovation to ensure long-term success and viability for the Company and its stakeholders."
A comprehensive review of the geology and structural controls of the deposit was completed as a basis for an updated resource estimate. This program entailed the re-logging of drill core and detailed surface and underground structural mapping led by UK-based consultants, Specialised Geological Mapping Ltd. This work resulted in a better understanding of the deposit and has been a key foundation in the development of the vein models and guiding infill drilling and exploration for new high-grade veins. Preliminary geology domain and vein wireframes are complete and have validated the work of the structural study. Final models will be adjusted with surface and underground drilling and sample results as part of the updated resource estimate expected imminently.
An infill drill program was completed by Bluestone that focused on under-drilled areas and new targets adjacent to the resource envelope. The program was successful in refining the resource model that is nearing completion. A total of approximately 11,000 meters was drilled from both surface and from the 3.2 km of underground workings at Cerro Blanco, representing the first drilling on the project since 2012.
Significant broad intervals of gold and silver mineralization were intercepted as outlined in press releases dated April 17, 2018, May 15, 2018 and May 30, 2018, highlights include (true widths):
- 34.5 meters at 5.8 g/t Au and 18.6 g/t Ag
- 27.7 meters at 5.5 g/t Au and 17.2 g/t Ag
- 5.3 meters at 16.0 g/t Au and 29.1 g/t Ag
- 10.0 meters at 15.0 g/t Au and 32.5 g/t Ag
- 14.1 meters at 16.2 g/t Au and 20.6 g/t Ag
- 7.0 meters at 17.2 g/t Au and 94.9 g/t Ag
- 8.3 meters at 32.7 g/t Au and 79.6 g/t Ag
- 15.0 meters at 16.7 g/t Au and 105.4 g/t Ag
- 9.3 meters at 14.3 g/t Au and 68.5 g/t Ag
Darren Klinck, President and CEO commented, "The infill drilling program achieved its objective and enhanced our confidence in the continuity of the high-grade veins and geologic model. Results validated our understanding and interpretation of the new geological interpretation of the deposit and will be fundamental to the updated resource estimate expected shortly. In addition, the resource estimation work continues to highlight low-grade envelopes surrounding the high-grade veins and disseminated mineralization in cover rocks which adds to the total inventory of ounces at the Cerro Blanco Gold project. The low-grade disseminated resource first outlined in the PEA last year will also be updated and, while not the focus of the Feasibility Study, is expected to demonstrate resources at lower cut-off grades identified to date at the Cerro Blanco Gold project."
Generative exploration work continues and a detailed exploration, mapping, and targeting exercise was carried out to identify high priority exploration drill targets outside the current high-grade deposit footprint. An initial drill program on some of these targets recently commenced.
Mobile underground mining equipment was acquired from the Marlin mine and has been utilized for underground mining and development activities associated with the underground exploration program. Additionally, 12 MW of CAT generators and associated transformers and switch gear were purchased and delivered to site for future use.
Flow testing of select geothermal wells was completed at the Mita Geothermal project. Equipment was installed onsite and four geothermal wells were tested for power generation capabilities. Multiple wells were flow tested for extended durations. The data collected fed into a new reservoir calculation that is expected to demonstrate an economic geothermal resource, as well as an estimated power generation capacity for a potential first phase project. Further drilling and follow up on the deeper reservoir, projected beneath the Mita geothermal concession, could have the potential to increase the projected power generation capabilities in the future.
Further studies are ongoing in this area in conjunction with synergies from the Cerro Blanco Gold project. Bluestone envisions a staged approach, with Phase 1 being a smaller operation that could supplement power requirements to the mine or be sold into the privatized national grid. A larger development could then be examined in the future as a Phase 2.
Several initiatives establishing business processes in human resources, risk management, and health and safety commenced as part of preparations for advancement beyond completion of the Feasibility Study. In addition to working with expert consultants and non-government organizations to enhance and broaden our stakeholder management and engagement priorities, Bluestone is pleased to have commenced work with local and international industry-leading partners to help bolster the Company's capacity. The Company undertook an exercise to engage the workforce in Guatemala and in Canada to establish a vision, mission, and corporate values. This initiative was very well received and has formed an important part of the fabric of our values-based organization.
As part of the Company's capital markets initiatives, the Company's common shares were listed on the OTCQB Venture under the symbol "BBSRF" and are DTC eligible. This is consistent with the goal of increasing the liquidity and convenience of trading within the U.S. market place. Additionally, Bluestone now has six brokerage firms providing research coverage on the Company demonstrating the quality of the assets and confidence in the strategy at Bluestone.
About Bluestone Resources
Bluestone Resources is a mineral exploration and development company that is focused on advancing its 100%-owned Cerro Blanco Gold and Mita Geothermal projects located in Guatemala. The Cerro Blanco Gold project economics, as disclosed in the Company's Cerro Blanco Preliminary Economic Assessment which is available at www.sedar.com, and updated mineral resource estimate for Cerro Blanco, indicate a robust project with an expected nine-year mine life producing 952,000 ounces of gold and 3,141,000 ounces of silver. Initial capital expenditures estimated in the PEA to fund construction and commissioning is estimated at US$170.8 million with all-in sustaining cash costs (as defined per World Gold Council guidelines, less corporate general and administration costs) estimated to be US$490 per ounce of gold produced. The Company trades under the symbol "BSR" on the TSX Venture Exchange and "BBSRF" on the OTCQB.
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On Behalf of Bluestone Resources Inc.
"Darren Klinck"
Darren Klinck | President, Chief Executive Officer & Director
For further information, please contact:
Bluestone Resources Inc.
Stephen Williams | VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations
Phone: +1 604 646 4534
info@bluestoneresources.ca
www.bluestoneresources.ca
