ANTARES DRILLS SIGNIFICANT COPPER-GOLD INTERCEPTS IN FIRST HOLES AT NORTH ZONE,
RIO GRANDE PROJECT, Argentina
. RGA-07-043: 151.00 m with 0.40% Cu, 0.46 g/t Au
. RGA-07-048: 152.00 m with 0.44% Cu and 0.41 g/t Au
FOLLOW-UP DRILLING AT DISCOVERY ZONE YIELDS HIGHER GRADE CU-AU INTERCEPTS
. RGA-07-040: 102.80 m with 0.58% Cu and 0.75 g/t Au
October 25, 2007, Waterdown, ON - Antares Minerals Inc. ("Antares", ANM.TSX-V) is pleased to announce the results from an additional eight holes (4,094 m) of the ongoing 15,000 m drilling program at the Rio Grande copper-gold project in northwestern Argentina. Highlights of the holes include the discovery of significant copper-gold mineralization in the previously un-drilled North zone and the intersection of a higher grade zone in RGA-040 at the northern end of the Discovery zone. Some of the more significant intercepts are as follows:
. RGA-07-040 (Discovery Zone): 102.80 m with 0.58% Cu, 0.75 g/t Au, and 13.1 g/t Ag
o Includes 25.20 m with 1.37% Cu, 1.89 g/t Au, and 18.0 g/t Ag
. RGA-07-043 (North Zone): 151.00 m with 0.40% Cu, 0.46 g/t Au, and 12.4 g/t Ag
. RGA-07-048 (North Zone): 152.00 m with 0.44% Cu and 0.41 g/t Au (Ag pending)
o Includes 60.00 m with 0.54% Cu and 0.53 g/t Au (Ag pending)
o Within long intercept of lower grade - 428 m with 0.30% Cu and 0.29 g/t Au
Thirty holes (14,040 m) have been completed to date and three drill rigs are currently operating. The first eight drill holes (3,574 m) of the program were previously announced on September 14, 2007. Assay results are pending for the remainder of the completed holes and will be reported in subsequent press releases.
John Black, President and CEO of Antares Minerals Inc. commented as follows:
"We continue to be pleased with the results from the current 15,000 m drilling program at Rio Grande. We are particularly encouraged by the discovery of extensive copper-gold mineralization in the first few holes into the North zone. This opens up an entirely new area that warrants considerable follow-up drilling over the next few months. The higher grade mineralization encountered in RGA-07-040 is also promising as it demonstrates that the Rio Grande system is capable of producing zones with higher copper-gold grades. The current drilling p
rogram will be extended through to near year end and we are currently working with our partners, Mansfield Minerals, to plan an extensive follow-up program to commence with the new year."
Five of the eight holes were completed in the Sofia and Discovery zones and were primarily drilled to test for extensions of mineralization to depth and to increase the drill-hole density at the northern end of the Discovery zone. Three of the holes were drilled into the previously un-drilled North zone. All holes through RGA-07-043 are reported. RGA-07-048 was split and analyzed prior to holes RGA-07-044 through RGA-07-047 due to the extensive length of mineralization encountered in the hole and the appearance of different styles of mineralization in the primary sulphide zone (see discussion below). Seven of the eight holes reported here intersected copper-gold mineralization (please see table 1 below and refer to the Antares website at www.antaresminerals.com for drill-hole location maps and sections).
Table 1. Antares Rio Grande Drilling 2007 - Significant Intervals |
|
|
Drill Holes reported on 25 October, 2007 |
|
Drill Hole |
Zone |
Total depth (m) |
Significant Interval (m) |
Includes (m) |
Length (m) |
Cu % |
Au g/t |
Ag g/t |
|
RGA-07-36 |
Discovery |
566.00 |
316-505 |
|
189.00 |
0.28 |
0.23 |
1.9 |
|
|
deep |
|
|
316-364 |
48.00 |
0.50 |
0.37 |
3.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
374-392 |
18.00 |
0.44 |
0.22 |
1.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
419-428 |
9.00 |
0.37 |
0.46 |
2.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
497-505 |
8.00 |
0.25 |
0.31 |
1.7 |
|
RGA-07-38 |
Sofia |
544.80 |
319-326 |
|
7.00 |
0.76 |
0.99 |
9.3 |
|
|
deep |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RGA-07-39 |
Discovery |
373.20 |
16-239 |
|
223.00 |
0.31 |
0.31 |
1.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
16-113 |
97.00 |
0.30 |
0.42 |
1.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
47-72.5 |
25.50 |
0.38 |
0.51 |
3.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
127-161 |
34.00 |
0.37 |
0.20 |
2.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
167-187 |
20.00 |
0.66 |
0.27 |
2.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
199-239 |
40.00 |
0.28 |
0.31 |
1.9 |
|
RGA-07-40 |
Discovery |
688.90 |
263-365.80 |
|
102.80 |
0.58 |
0.75 |
13.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
267-285 |
18.00 |
0.62 |
0.72 |
28.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
323-348.20 |
25.20 |
1.37 |
1.89 |
18.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
357-365.8 |
8.80 |
0.47 |
0.62 |
7.6 |
|
|
|
|
448-458 |
|
10.00 |
0.42 |
0.50 |
6.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RGA-07-41 |
Discovery |
354.75 |
134.65-264.50 |
|
129.85 |
0.29 |
0.38 |
4.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
134.65-183 |
48.35 |
0.38 |
0.56 |
5.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
147-173 |
26.00 |
0.47 |
0.73 |
6.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
193-264.50 |
71.50 |
0.25 |
0.29 |
3.5 |
|
RGA-07-42 |
North |
338.85 |
no significant intervals to report |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RGA-07-43 |
North |
400.80 |
3-154 |
|
151.00 |
0.4 |
0.46 |
12.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
5-48 |
43.00 |
0.44 |
0.47 |
12.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
60-76.4 |
16.40 |
0.73 |
0.84 |
32.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
108-122.15 |
14.15 |
0.71 |
0.83 |
14.0 |
|
RGA-07-48 |
North |
826.20 |
131-559 |
|
428.00 |
0.30 |
0.29 |
pending |
|
|
|
|
|
131-161.80 |
30.80 |
0.37 |
0.35 |
pending |
|
|
|
|
|
270-422 |
152.00 |
0.44 |
0.41 |
pending |
|
|
|
|
|
304-364 |
60.00 |
0.54 |
0.53 |
pending |
|
|
|
|
|
444-487 |
43.00 |
0.37 |
0.40 |
pending |
|
|
|
|
|
629-649 |
20.00 |
0.48 |
0.50 |
pending |
|
Discussion of Results
The objectives of the current 15,000 m program are (1) to follow-up on encouraging results from previous drilling campaigns in the Sofia and Discovery Zones, (2) to drill test the remaining two-thirds of the system that has not been adequately explored to date, and (3) to provide an initial drill test of the satellite Northeast Target which bears geological and geochemical similarities to the nearby Lindero gold deposit owned 100% by Mansfield..
Copper-gold mineralization at Rio Grande is hosted by a complex sequence of intermediate sub-volcanic intrusive rocks with variable degrees of potassic, calcic, and propylitic alteration and local late to post-mineral intermediate dikes. The mineralization originally consisted primarily as chalcopyrite and magnetite as disseminations and fracture fillings. The chalcopyrite has subsequently been partially to completely oxidized to green and black copper oxides to depths of 300-400 m or more. Oxidation is typically in situ with little to no remobilization of copper.
Five of the eight holes reported in this release were completed in the Sofia and Discovery zones and were primarily drilled to test for extensions of mineralization to depth and to increase the drill hole density at the northern end of the Discovery zone. Three of the holes were drilled into the previously un-drilled North zone. Significant mineralized intervals from the drill holes are listed in table 1 above. All of the holes were drilled at angles of 50-75 degrees from horizontal to better traverse potentially sub-vertical zones of mineralization. Reported mineralized intervals represent down-hole lengths and not true thicknesses as there is currently insufficient geological data to calculate true thicknesses (please see table 1 below and refer to the Antares website at www.antaresminerals.com for drill-hole location maps and sections).
Drill holes RGA-07-036 (-70 degrees) and RGA-039 (-60 degrees) were drilled to complete a drill fence within the central portion of the Discovery zone. The holes each intersected lengthy intervals of low to moderate grade copper-gold mineralization.
Drill hole RGA-07-038 (-70 degrees) was completed as a test for mineralization at depth beneath the Sofia zone. The hole encountered a narrow zone of higher grade copper-gold mineralization suggesting that the system may become thinner and higher grade with depth in this area (7 m with 0.76% Cu and 0.99 g/t Au).
Drill holes RGA-07-40 (-75 degrees) and RGA-07-41(-60 degrees) were drilled to complete drill sections at the northern end of the Discovery zone in the vicinity of several previous drill holes and trenches with better grades. RGA-07-040 intersected 102.80 m with 0.58% Cu, 0.75 g/y Au, and 13.1 g/t Ag which includes a zone of 25.20 m grading 1.37% Cu, 1.89 g/t Au, and 18.0 g/t Ag. This high grade zone is likely a feeder to the more extensive areas of lower grade. RGA-07-041 encountered a 26.00 m interval with 0.47% Cu and 0.73 g/t Au within an envelope of lower grade material. Previous trench and drill core results from the vicinity of RGA-07-040 include the following intercepts: RGA-05-12: 86 m with 0.45% Cu and 0.66 g/t Au, Trench-1: 97 m with 0.57% Cu and 0.97 g/t Au, and Trench-2: 30 m with 0.74% Cu and 1.19 g/t Au. This zone is emerging as a center of higher grades and warrants extensive follow-up drilling.
Drill holes RGA-07-042 (-50 degrees), RGA-07-043 (-50 degrees) and RGA-07-048 (-60 degrees) were all drilled to the south to test the copper and gold soil anomaly that defines the North zone of Rio Grande. Two of the tree holes encountered significant intervals of copper-gold-silver mineralization (RGA-07-043: 151 m with 0.40% Cu, 0.46 g/t Au, and 12.4 g/t Ag from surface and RGA-07-048: 152 m with 0.44% Cu and 0.41 g/t Au which includes a zone of 60 m with 0.54% Cu and 0.53 g/t Au). The mineralization in RGA-07-048 is within a very extensive zone of lower average grade (428 m with 0.30% Cu and 0.29 g/t Au). The geometry of this mineralization is not well constrained and additional drilling will be required to determine true thicknesses. The lower portion of this mineralization is characterized by primary sulphide mineralization consisting of chalcopyrite and pyrite associated with extensive and locally pervasive replacement of the intermediate in
trusive host rock by diopside and coarse secondary biotite. Grades locally exceed 1% Cu and 1 g/t Au. This is the best expression of this style of mineralization encountered to date at Rio Grande and hole RGA-07-048 was split and analyzed prior to other pending holes to more rapidly provide information to guide additional drilling in the area.
About the Rio Grande Project, Salta Province, Argentina
The Rio Grande project is very favorably located along the prominent northwest-trending Archibarca Lineament which also controls the location of the world-class giant Escondida porphyry copper deposit 150 km to the northwest in Chile. The Rio Grande project shares many geologic similarities with the Bajo de Alumbrera porphyry copper-gold deposit which is located along a similar northwest-trending regional structural lineament approximately 300 km to the south.
Copper-gold mineralization at Rio Grande occurs within a distinct two-km diameter ring fracture zone defined by IP chargeability as well as copper and gold soil geochemical anomalies. Exploration to date has focused on the better exposed Discovery and Sofia zones along the south-eastern portion of the system. Drilling and trenching in these areas has defined a copper-gold mineralized zone 1500 m long, 80-200 m wide, with a minimum depth of 200 m. Mineralization remains open in both directions along strike and to depth. An extensive trenching program completed by Antares earlier this year was successful in identifying additional drill targets on the property.
Antares is earning a 50% interest in the Rio Grande project pursuant to an agreement with Mansfield Minerals Inc. ("Mansfield", MDR.TSX-V). Antares has recently completed the required expenditures and payments and plans to vest in its 50% interest in the property shortly. Antares and Mansfield will formalize a definitive joint venture agreement in the near future to fund ongoing development at Rio Grande on a 50/50 basis with Antares as the operator.
About Antares
Antares is focused on the acquisition and exploration of precious and base-metal exploration properties in Latin America that can be quickly and cost-effectively advanced to the discovery and production stage. In addition to the Rio Grande copper-gold project in Argentina, Antares is aggressively advancing the Haquira SX-EW copper project in south-central Peru, immediately adjacent to the Las Bambas copper project of Xstrata Copper. Antares recently announced an updated resource estimate for the near-surface, SX-EW amenable portion of the Haquira project (October 09, 2007) and is process of completing the corresponding 43-101 technical report which will also include a preliminary economic analysis. Based on 215 drill holes completed through the end of 2006, Haquira hosts an indicated resource of 133.7 million tonnes at 0.53% total Cu with an additional inferred resource of 43.6 million tonnes at 0.44% total Cu (0.3% total Cu cut-off, leachable secondary coppe
r sulphide and oxide mineralization only). The current resource estimate does not incorporate any of the 2007 drilling that has been focussed on delineation of the newly discovered primary copper-molybdenum-gold zone beneath the Haquira East copper oxide zone. Antares has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Haquira project from Minera Phelps Dodge del Peru S.A.C.
For further information: please visit our website at www.antaresminerals.com or contact:
Antares Minerals Inc.
John Black, President and CEO,
(720) 514-9036 office,
(303) 618-7797 cellular,
john.black@antaresminerals.com;
or
Mark Wayne, CFO,
(403) 705-4968.
Broadgate Consultants, LLC
Alan Oshiki: aoshiki@broadgate.com
Tel: (212) 232-2354.
Renmark Financial Communications Inc.
John Boidman: jboidman@renmarkfinancial.com
Jason Roy: jroy@renmarkfinancial.com
Media - Eva Jura: ejura@renmarkfinancial.com
(514) 939-3989,
Fax: (514) 939-3717,
www.renmarkfinancial.com.
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
All of Antares' exploration programs and pertinent disclosure of a technical or scientific nature are prepared by, or prepared under the direct supervision of John Black, Antares' President, who serves as the qualified person (QP) under the definitions of National Instrument 43-101. Antares' security, chain of custody and quality control is described on their website and can be reviewed at:
www.antaresminerals.com/bestpractices_samplingmethodologies.asp.
Mineral resources do not have demonstrated economic viability and future in-fill drilling and scoping, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies will determine what percentage of the inferred resource can be placed into the mineable category. Antares is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other issue which may materially affect this estimate of mineral resources.
CERTAIN DISCLOSURE IN THIS RELEASE, INCLUDING MANAGEMENT'S ASSESSMENT OF ANTARES' PLANS AND PROJECTS, CONSTITUTES FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT ARE SUBJECT TO NUMEROUS RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER FACTORS RELATING TO ANTARES' OPERATION AS A MINERAL EXPLORATION COMPANY THAT MAY CAUSE FUTURE RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. READERS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.