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Rubicon Minerals Reports a Material Increase in Mineral Resources, including a 113% Growth in Measured and Indicated Resources, at the Phoenix Gold Project
TSX: RMX | OTCQX: RBYCF
Rubicon Minerals Corporation (TSX: RMX | OTCQX: RBYCF) ("Rubicon" or the "Company") is pleased to report an updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("2018 Mineral Resource Estimate") for the Phoenix Gold Project (the "Project"). The Company plans to file an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Project within 45 days.
Table 1: 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate at 3.0 grams per tonnes of gold ("g/t Au") Cut-Off Grade(1) - Effective April 30, 2018
Resource Category Quantity Grade Contained (000'tonnes) (g/t Au) Gold Ounces --- ----------- -------- ----------- Measured (M) 188 6.80 41,000 Indicated (I) 1,186 6.30 240,000 ------------ ----- ---- ------- M + I 1,374 6.37 281,000 Inferred 3,884 6.00 749,000 -------- ----- ---- -------
-- Effective date for this Mineral Resource is April 30, 2018
-- Mineral Resource Estimate uses a break-even economic cut-off
grade of 3.0 g/t Au based on assumptions of a gold price of
US$1,300 per ounce, an exchange rate of US$/C$ 0.77, mining
cash costs(2) of C$97/t, processing costs of C$20/t, G&A of
C$5/t, sustaining capital C$10/t, refining, transport and
royalty costs of C$53/oz, and average gold recoverability of
92%
-- Mineral Resource Estimate reported from within an envelope
accounting for mineral continuity
-- Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not
demonstrate economic viability
-- There is no certainty that all or any part of this Mineral
Resource will be converted into Mineral Reserve
-- All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the
estimates and totals may not add correctly
_______________________________
1 There is no certainty that the Inferred Mineral Resources will be converted
to the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource categories, that the Measured
and Indicated Mineral Resources will be converted to the Proven and Probable
Mineral Reserve categories and there is no certainty that the updated
Mineral Resource statement will be realized. Mineral Resources that are not
Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability; the estimate
of Mineral Resources in the updated Mineral Resource statement may be
materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation,
socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues.
(2) Mining cash cost components include in-stope mining costs, underground
utilities, material handling, and development costs.
Table 2: Comparison between 2018(3) and 2016(4) Estimated Quantities at Reported Cut-Off Grades - 3.0 g/t Au (2018 Mineral Resource Estimate), 3.5 g/t Au and 4.0 g/t Au(Historic 2016 Mineral Resource Estimate(4))
Cut-off Grade Quantity (000' tonnes) Grade (g/t Au) Contained Gold Ounces Classification -------------- --- 2018(3) 2016(2) Change 2018(3) 2016(2) Change 2018(3) 2016(2) Change ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ 3.0 g/t Au Measured (M) 188 0 N/A 6.80 0 N/A 41,000 0 N/A Indicated (I) 1,186 719 65% 6.30 5.71 10% 240,000 132,000 82% Total M+I 1,374 719 91% 6.37 5.71 12% 281,000 132,000 113% Inferred 3,884 2,491 56% 6.00 5.18 16% 749,000 415,000 80% 3.5 g/t Au Measured (M) 155 0 N/A 7.54 0 N/A 38,000 0 N/A Indicated (I) 964 601 60% 7.01 6.19 13% 217,000 120,000 81% Total M+I 1,119 601 86% 7.08 6.19 14.4% 255,000 120,000 113% Inferred 3,146 1,959 61% 6.64 5.71 16.3% 672,000 360,000 87% 4.0 g/t Au Measured (M) 129 0 N/A 8.29 0 N/A 35,000 0 N/A Indicated (I) 779 492 58% 7.78 6.73 16% 195,000 106,000 84% Total M+I 909 492 85% 7.86 6.73 17% 230,000 106,000 117% Inferred 2,556 1,519 68% 7.31 6.28 16% 601,000 307,000 96%
Base case scenario for the
2018 Mineral Resource
Estimate is at the 3.0 g/t
Au cut-off. Other scenarios
are shown for comparison
purposes.
_______________________________
(3) There is no certainty that the Inferred Mineral Resources will be converted
to the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource categories, that the Measured
and Indicated Mineral Resources will be converted to the Proven and Probable
Mineral Reserve categories and there is no certainty that the updated
Mineral Resource statement will be realized. Mineral Resources that are not
Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability; the estimate
of Mineral Resources in the updated Mineral Resource statement may be
materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation,
socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues.
4 The 2016 Estimates are not current and should not be relied upon.
Key Points:
Based on a 3.0 g/t Au cut-off grade:
-- Measured and Indicated Resources increased 113% to 281,000
ounces of gold compared to 2016 Indicated Resources (Measured
Resources were not estimated in 2016) of 132,000 ounces of
gold; Measured and Indicated grades increased 12% to 6.37 g/t
Au compared to 2016 Indicated gold grades of 5.71 g/t Au;
-- Inferred Resources increased 80% to 749,000 ounces of gold
compared to 2016 Inferred Resources of 415,000 ounces of gold;
Inferred grades increased 16% to 6.00 g/t Au compared to 2016
Inferred grades of 5.18 g/t Au; and
-- The increase in Mineral Resources is mainly attributed to, and
supported by, a re-interpretation of geological and structural
controls on mineralization along with recognizing the potential
for larger scale mining, rather than focusing entirely on a
narrow-vein mining plan, which resulted in broader mineral
domains.
General observations and commentary
-- Reported Measured Resources for the first time in the history
of the Project;
-- New interpretation of the geological and structural controls on
gold mineralization;
-- Considerations for potential bulk mining methods;
-- 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate includes exploration data up to
November 30, 2017 (which includes 23,500 metres ("m") of
oriented drilling);
-- Early observations from the 2018 infill drilling and
underground development samples from test mining appear to show
grades consistent with the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate, but
it is still too early to complete mining reconciliations and
draw conclusions;
-- Potential to further upgrade the classifications and expand the
2018 Mineral Resources with data from 5,000 m of drilling
completed in the fourth quarter of 2017 and activities from the
2018 Exploration Program, including test mining and an
additional 24,000 m of drilling; and
-- Conference call with Rubicon's senior management will be held
today at 10:00am ET. Canada/ U.S. toll-free dial-in number +1
(888) 231-8191, International dial-in number +1 (647) 427-7450,
webcast link:
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/1665362/858E306DCFE37785798419DFE29660AE.
Rubicon President and Chief Executive Officer George Ogilvie, P.Eng., stated, "On the back of a successful 2017 Exploration Program, we are pleased to deliver the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate, which demonstrates a significant increase in ounces, grades, and tonnes at the Phoenix Gold Project. This is an important step forward towards potentially advancing the Project to a viable commercial operation. We are uniquely positioned compared to other junior gold explorers because we have substantial mine infrastructure in place, including a new state-of-the-art 1,250-tonne per day mill, a completed tailings management facility, a 200-person camp, earth and civil works in place, a fully commissioned hoist and headframe, a shaft that is approximately 730-metres deep, mobile equipment and more than nine kilometres of underground development. We also have approximately C$687 million in tax loss pools that could be utilized in a potential viable commercial operation scenario. I am al so pleased to report that the Company deployed shareholder capital efficiently, resulting in a finding cost of approximately C$7 per ounce(5)."
"We delivered the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate ahead of schedule mainly because we saw significant growth in the Mineral Resources after we finalized our internal estimates. Other factors, such as finalizing the structural geology interpretation, the encouraging initial results from the closely spaced 2018 test stope infill drilling and development samples during test mining, and the review by two reputable external consultants in Golder Associates and Tim Maunula and Associates Consulting, give us additional confidence in the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate."
"We are pleased with the progress achieved to-date and we believe there is still further potential to improve upon the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate. Our current exploration and test mining activities provides us with the potential opportunity to significantly enhance both the quantities and the classifications of the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate at a future date."
_______________________________ 5 Calculated as all direct costs associated with the 2017 Exploration Program and attributable overhead.
2018 Geological Model of the F2 Gold Deposit
The 2018 geological model benefits from information that was not previously available in 2016, including approximately 3,500 m of oriented structural drilling, 20,000 m of oriented infill and step-out drilling, the structural re-logging of 10,000 m of historical core, and detailed structural mapping carried out in 2017. The Company believes the new geological information provides a better understanding of the structural and lithological controls on the distribution of the gold mineralization, its grade, and its continuity, of the F2 Gold Deposit. On March 12, 2018, Rubicon, Golder Associates Ltd. ("Golder") and peer reviewer T. Maunula and Associates (together, "Consultants") provided an updated preliminary interpretation of the structural geology of the F2 Gold Deposit ("Structural Interpretation"), which has since been finalized. According to the Structural Interpretation, the primary controls on the gold mineralization are the well-established dextral Riedel vein system of quartz-actinolite veins (the "Riedel vein system") that occur within the biotite and silica altered basaltic mafic volcanic flows ("HiTi Basalt Units") (the main host rock for gold mineralization) and the quartz-feldspar porphyry felsic dykes and sills ("Felsic Intrusive Units") (to a lesser extent). The Riedel vein system demonstrates greater continuity of gold mineralization within the HiTi Basalt Units compared to the 2016 structural interpretation. Rubicon believes the Structural Interpretation has allowed for the evaluation of bulk mining methods for the Project. For further details on the Structural Interpretation, please refer to the Rubicon news release on March 12, 2018.
Using the Structural Interpretation as the basis for an updated geological model, the Company and its Consultants were able to interpolate a greater volume of gold mineralization within the HiTi Basalt Units. This resulted in a significant increase in the mineralized tonnes and ounces throughout the deposit compared to the 2016 Mineral Resource estimate. Rubicon believes additional exploration work (drilling, development, test mining and bulk sampling) is required to further improve and reconcile the geological model for the F2 Gold Deposit.
2018 Mineral Resource Estimate
The 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate(6) (see Table 1 above) benefits from 483,303 m(7) of core drilling in 1,343 drill holes carried out from February 2008 to November 2017, along with the re-logging of approximately 10,000 m of historical core, detailed structural mapping, and existing data from development mapping and underground wall sampling (chip samples). The 2018 Mineral Resource model covers a strike length of approximately 1,200 m and depths up to 1,350 m and remains open along strike and at depth. The 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate excludes the crown pillar, depleted resources, and information below the 1,350 m elevation.
The 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate was evaluated using a geostatistical block modelling approach constrained by mineral and stratigraphic domains interpreted from the drill hole and mapping data. The block model grades were interpolated using inverse distance cubed ("ID3"), which the Company evaluated as the most representative method. Rubicon assessed other grade interpolation methodologies, including ordinary kriging ("OK") and inverse distance squared ("ID2"), and determined that the ID3 estimates controlled grade smoothing the best and achieved an appropriate grade-tonnage profile relative to the characteristics of the deposit. Density data was assigned based on average values for each stratigraphic unit.
The block model was classified in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 2014). Drill spacing for Mineral Resources in the Measured, Indicated, and Inferred categories were approximately up to 20 m, 20-to-40 m, and 40-to-80 m centres, respectively, where geology and grade continuity were reasonably understood. Measured Resources required a minimum of a 20 m by 20 m drill spacing with sub-level development, mapping, chip samples and supported by reconciliation where available. Measured and Indicated Resources are all located near existing underground infrastructure and development.
The Mineral Resources are sensitive to the selection of reporting assumptions. The sensitivity of the Mineral Resource estimates to the selection of cut-off grade is summarized as grade tonnage data in Table 3 below. The classified Mineral Resources reported by underground level are tabulated in Table 6 (at the end of this news release). Please see Diagrams 1, 2, and 3 (at the end of this news release) showing the conceptual plan view and cross sections of Zones 1 and 2 (the two main mineral domains) of the 2018 Mineral Resource blocks in the Measured, Indicated, and Inferred categories, and Exploration Target areas.
At a 3.0 g/t Au cut-off grade for the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate, Rubicon is evaluating a potential bulk mining scenario for the F2 Gold Deposit. The Company is currently testing the sub-level long-hole mining method for its three test stopes and anticipates extracting a bulk sample between 25,000 to 30,000 tonnes, which will be processed at the Company's mill. Rubicon intends to reactivate its mill later this year. Observations and results from its test mining activities will allow the Company to confirm the amenability of possible bulk mining methods.
_______________________________ 6 There is no certainty that the Inferred Mineral Resources will be converted to the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource categories, that the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources will be converted to the Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve categories and there is no certainty that the updated Mineral Resource statement will be realized. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability; the estimate of Mineral Resources in the updated Mineral Resource statement may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. 7 Excludes certain historic holes drilled from surface angled down-plunge into the deposit.
Table 3: 2018 Mineral Resource Sensitivity Analysis at Potential Mining Cut-off Grades(8)
Measured + Indicated Classification Inferred Classification -------------------- ----------------------- Cut-off Grade Quantity Grade Contained Gold Quantity Grade Contained Gold (g/t Au) (000't) (g/t Au) Ounces (000) (000't) (g/t Au) Ounces (000) --- ----------- 2.0 2,167 4.94 344 6,475 4.58 954 2.5 1,729 5.62 313 5,045 5.24 851 *3.0 1,373 6.37 281 3,884 6.00 749 3.5 1,119 7.08 255 3,146 6.64 672 4.0 909 7.86 230 2,556 7.31 601 4.5 745 8.65 207 2,070 8.04 535 5.0 623 9.42 189 1,725 8.70 483 --- --- ---- --- ----- ---- ---
*Base Case Scenario:
Mineral Resource Estimate
uses a break-even
economic cut-off grade
of 3.0 g/t Au
_______________________________ 8 There is no certainty that the Inferred Mineral Resources will be converted to the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource categories, that the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources will be converted to the Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve categories and there is no certainty that the updated Mineral Resource statement will be realized. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability; the estimate of Mineral Resources in the updated Mineral Resource statement may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues.
Comparison Between the 2018 and 2016 Minerals Resource Estimates(9)
The 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate has been developed by building on the Company's historical exploration activity. The 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate included additional data from the 2017 Exploration Program, which was not available during the determination of the 2016 Mineral Resource Estimate(9). At the reporting cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au, the 2018 Measured and Indicated Resources' tonnes, grade, and gold ounces increased by 91%, 12% and 113%, respectively, compared to the 2016 Indicated Mineral Resources (Measured Resources were not estimated). The 2018 Inferred Mineral Resources' tonnes, grade, and gold ounces increased by 56%, 16%, and 80%, respectively, compared to the 2016 Inferred Resources. The expansion of the Mineral Resources is mainly attributed to, and supported by, a re-interpretation of geological and structural controls on mineralization along with recognizing the potential for larger scale mining, rather than focusing entirely on a narrow-vein mining plan , which resulted in broader mineral domains. The comparison between the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate and 2016 Mineral Resource Estimate are summarized in Table 2 (above). The Company believes it has deployed more reasonable controls and estimation parameters to produce a representative geological model and 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate. A summary of the key parameters used for the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate and comparison to the 2016 Mineral Resource Model is included in Table 4 below.
Table 4: Summary of Key Parameters that Contributed to the Changes in Mineral Resources between 2018 and 2016(9)
( Parameter 2018 Mineral 2016 Mineral Material Impact Resource Estimate Resource Estimate9 --- ----------------- ------------------ Informing Data -------------- Data from 1,343 core drill holes 438,303 m (3,500 m of 1,381 core drill holes 450,175 m No Re-interpretation of geological drilling and oriented structural drilling; 20,000 m of oriented oriented core Chip samples were and structural models development infill and step-out drilling) Chip samples excluded samples included with a 10 m distance restriction --- --- Detailed maping >9,000 m of underground development and exposure of >9,000 m of underground development and Re-interpretation of geological gold mineralization in test stoping Updated level exposure of gold mineralization in test and structural models mapping from accessible levels stoping --------------- --------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- Geological Modelling -------------------- Broader mineral domains modelled to allow for Narrow-vein, high-grade implicit model Model representative of interpretation of both mineralization and interpretation with a surrounding low- mineralization and host controlling stratigraphy grade envelope. stratigraphy resulting in larger zones with increased tonnes, Wireframe/ grades, ounces volumetrics ----------- --- Block Size 2.5 m x 5 m x 5 m Block resolution representative of variability and characteristics of mineralization with controlled smoothing of grades 2 m x 2 m x 2 m --- --- High-Grade Treatment Strategy ----------------------------- Capping grade of Capping of 1.0 m composite grades based on mineral Capping of raw sample grades having Capping completed on equal length mineral domains domain and stratigraphy: variable lengths: basis and representative of the grade distribution of the host stratigraphic unit and mineral domain Zone 1: F2 Basalt 70.0 g/t, Talc 35.0 g/t, Felsic High-Grade: 10.0 - 120.0 g/t Au (71 10.0 g/t Au domains) Zone 2: West Limb & Hanging Wall Basalts 70.0 g/t Au, Talc 35.0 g/t, Felsic 35.0 g/t Low-Grade: Zones 3 & 4: same as Zone 1 See Table 5 at the end of the news release. 5.0 - 45.0 g/t Au (19 domains) --- --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Radii of Outlier samples limited to 10 m Outlier samples limited to Controlled influence of outlier influence data 10-20 m --- --- --- Estimation Hard boundary mineralization based on stratigraphic Hard boundary mineralization based on Model representative of methodology and structural interpretations with dynamic search interpretation of narrow-veins with stratigraphic and structural controls using ID3 dynamic search controls using OK controls with controlled grade smoothing ------------ --------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Geological Stratigraphic block model created and used for Implicit model generated but not used to Accurate geological interpretation modelling mineral domain controls constrain mineral domains resulting in an understanding of the nature and controls on mineralization ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- )
Please refer to Table 5 at the end of the news release for further details on the geological modelling and high-grade treatment strategies, including top-cut values and coefficients of variation ("CV") for each sample population.
_______________________________ 9 All references to the 2016 Mineral Resource Estimate are reported in the Technical Report with an effective date of January 11, 2016 available on SEDAR(www.sedar.com) which is no longer considered to be current and not to be relied upon.
Next Steps
The Company believes it can potentially improve upon the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate in the following areas:
-- Targeted infill and step-out drilling in areas containing
Inferred Resources and Exploration Targets(10): Rubicon intends
to potentially convert Inferred Resources to Indicated
Resources by drilling areas in the mid-to-upper levels of the
deposit where existing drill spacing is on 40-m centres or
more. Furthermore, Rubicon has identified Exploration Target
areas(10) (greater than 80-metre centres) potentially between
500,000 and 800,000 tonnes of sparsely drilled mineralized
material with grades potentially between 5.0 to 7.0 g/t Au
where the Company intends to infill drill.
-- Model reconciliation based on 25,000 to 30,000 tonnes of bulk
sample processing: The results from the bulk sampling program
will be used to reconcile and validate any future Mineral
Resource Estimate, and potentially increase confidence in the
modelling process and Mineral Resources. Early observations
from infill drilling and samples from the test stopes show that
grades appear to be consistent with the 2018 Mineral Resource
Estimate, although no conclusions can be made at this time;
-- Evaluating McFinley and Close Proximity Targets: Rubicon is
evaluating Mineral Resource data from the historic McFinley
Deposit, located near existing underground development at the
Project, using current standards and parameters, which could be
potentially included in any future Mineral Resource Estimate.
The Company is also evaluating historical drill data from its
Close Proximity Targets (Peninsula, CARZ, and Island Zones)
located within two kilometres northeast of the Project, which
could possibly be included in any future updated Mineral
Resource Estimate.
-- F2 Gold Deposit remains open at depth and along strike:
Historical drilling intersected high-grade intercepts to a
depth of 1,600 m below surface, well below the bottom of the
2018 Mineral Resource Estimate at 1,350 m elevation. These
intercepts warrant follow up drilling in the future.
_______________________________
10 As per 2.3(2)(a) of NI 43-101, the potential quantity and grade is
conceptual in nature, that there has been insufficient exploration to
define a mineral resource and that it is uncertain if further exploration
will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.
Conference Call Details
The Company's senior management team will host a conference call today, Monday, April 30, 2018 at 10:00 am ET(7:00 am PT) to discuss the news release. Participants in Canada and the United States may join the conference call by dialing toll free +1 (888) 231-8191 or +1 (647) 427-7450 for calls outside Canada and the United States or via webcast:https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/1665362/858E306DCFE37785798419DFE29660AE.
A recorded playback of the conference call can be accessed on the Company's website at www.rubiconminerals.com.
Qualified Persons and Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)
The content of this news release has been read and approved by George Ogilvie, P.Eng., President and CEO for Rubicon, Brian Thomas, P.Geo., and Jerry DeWolfe, P.Geo., M.Sc. for Golder, and Tim Maunula, P.Geo. for T. Maunula & Associates Consulting Inc. All four are Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101.
Underground drilling was conducted by Boart Longyear Drilling of Haileybury, Ontario and was supervised by the Rubicon exploration team. Oriented core drilling was performed using the Boart Longyear TruCoreTM orientation system. All assays reported are uncut unless otherwise stated. All samples reported herein were performed by SGS Mineral Services of Red Lake, Ontario, an independent lab with ISO/IEC 17025-2005 standards. All NQ core assays reported were obtained by fire assay with AA-finish or using gravimetric finish for values over 10.0 g/t Au.
Intercepts cited do not necessarily represent true widths, unless otherwise noted, however drilling is generally intersecting interpreted mineralized zones at a high angle. True width determinations are estimated at 65-80% of the core length intervals for the 305-metre level drilling, and estimated at 75-95% of the core length for the 610- and 685-metre level drilling. Rubicon's quality control checks include insertion of blanks, certified reference standards and blind duplicates to monitor laboratory accuracy and precision.
About Rubicon Minerals CorporationRubicon Minerals Corporation is an advanced gold exploration company that owns the Phoenix Gold Project, located in the prolific Red Lake gold district in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Additionally, Rubicon controls over 280 square kilometres of prime exploration ground in Red Lake and more than 900 square kilometres of mineral property interests in the emerging Long Canyon gold district that straddles the Nevada-Utah border in the United States. Rubicon's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (RMX) and the OTCQX markets (RBYCF). For more information, please visit our website at www.rubiconminerals.com.
RUBICON MINERALS CORPORATIONGeorge Ogilvie, P.Eng.President, CEO, and Director
Table 5: Further Details on Geological Modelling and High-Grade Treatment Strategy
Geological Modelling -------------------- Geological domains were modelled based on broad low-grade mineral envelopes associated with the three main HiTi Basalt lenses defined on the property (from mine grid West-to-East including Hanging Wall Basalt, West Limb Basalt, and F2 Basalt). Golder used block model techniques to estimate gold grade and stratigraphic units into 2 m x 2 m x 2 m blocks using Datamine Studio software. All rock types were grouped into three main stratigraphic units consisting of Talc, HiTi Basalt and Felsic Intrusive as determined by grade distribution analysis of the rock types present. These stratigraphic units were then used as mineral domains to constrain the gold grade estimates, acting as hard boundaries between the units. Stratigraphic units were estimated into the blocks based on Nearest Neighbour interpolation using a representative search ellipse, with additional search orientation controls to account for variable orientations of strike and dip. The estimated stratigraphic units were then used as hard boundary mineral domains (zonal controls) due to the strong association between gold mineralization and the HiTi Basalt Unit. Grade estimation was completed using ID3 interpolation using 1.0 m composite samples, with additional search controls used to account for structural trends of mineralization. A 4-pass search strategy was used where gold estimates required a minimum of 5 and maximum of 8 samples from a minimum of 2 holes for the first 2 passes and a minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 samples for the 3rd and 4th passes. Search distances were factored for each successive search. Average density values were assigned to the model based on stratigraphic unit. ----------------------------------- High-Grade Treatment Strategy ----------------------------- High-grade composite samples (outliers) were controlled during the estimation process using a combination of distance restriction and top-cutting (assays capped to a defined maximum value). Grades were left uncut and unrestricted within the actual 2 m x 2 m x 2 m block. Beyond that, samples were top-cut and limited to a maximum distance of 10 m. Beyond 10 m, the outlier samples were removed from the block estimation. Top-cut values were assessed based on scatter plot, cumulative probability and decile analysis for each stratigraphic unit within mineral domains for Zones 1 to 4 as summarized below. CVs of capped and uncapped grades for Zones 1 to 4 are also summarized below. -----------------------------------
Top-Cut Values for Zones 1, 2, 3, and 4:
Zones Stratigraphic Unit Top-Cut Value (g/
t Au)
----- ------------------ ------------------
1 F2 Basalt HiTi Basalt 70.0
----------- ----------- ----
1 F2 Basalt Talc 35.0
----------- ---- ----
1 F2 Basalt Felsic Intrusive 10.0
----------- ---------------- ----
2 Hanging Wall, West
Limb Basalt HiTi Basalt 70.0
-------------------- ----------- ----
2 Hanging Wall, West
Limb Basalt Talc 35.0
-------------------- ---- ----
2 Hanging Wall, West
Limb Basalt Felsic Intrusive 35.0
-------------------- ---------------- ----
3 Felsic Lens All Same as Zone 1
------------- --- --------------
4 F2 Basalt North All Same as Zone 1
----------------- --- --------------
CV for Zones 1, 2, 3, and 4:
Domains and # of 1.0 m ** UNCAPPED ** ** CAPPED **
stratigraphic units composite
samples
--- -------
Min. Max. Mean Std.Dev. CV Min. Max. Mean Std.Dev. CV
---- ---- ---- -------- --- ---- ---- ---- -------- ---
ZONE 1 Talc 6,332 0.00 324.30 0.60 6.69 11.2 0.00 35.00 0.46 2.34 5.1
------ ---- ----- ---- ------ ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- ---- ---- ---
HiTi 13,322 0.00 1,230.74 2.58 18.37 7.1 0.00 70.00 2.17 5.53 2.5
Basalt
------
Felsic 2,076 0.00 56.52 0.59 2.16 3.6 0.00 10.00 0.53 1.24 2.3
------ ----- ---- ----- ---- ---- --- ---- ----- ---- ---- ---
ZONE 2 Talc 61,551 0.00 912.57 0.23 7.40 32.2 0.00 35.00 0.12 1.16 9.3
------ ---- ------ ---- ------ ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- ---- ---- ---
HiTi 20,486 0.00 1,361.77 2.01 15.47 7.7 0.00 70.00 1.68 4.89 2.9
Basalt
------
Felsic 28,572 0.00 1,555.65 0.86 10.90 12.8 0.00 35.00 0.72 1.96 2.7
------ ------ ---- -------- ---- ----- ---- ---- ----- ---- ---- ---
ZONE 3 Talc 20,619 0.00 108.35 0.05 1.35 25.7 0.00 35.00 0.04 0.81 18.7
------ ---- ------ ---- ------ ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- ---- ---- ----
HiTi 148 0.00 21.50 0.75 2.23 3.0 0.00 21.50 0.75 2.23 3.0
Basalt
------
Felsic 4,253 0.00 32.37 0.50 1.16 2.3 0.00 10.00 0.48 0.78 1.6
------ ----- ---- ----- ---- ---- --- ---- ----- ---- ---- ---
ZONE 4 Talc 4,363 0.00 73.94 0.05 1.16 24.2 0.00 35.00 0.04 0.58 15.1
------ ---- ----- ---- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- ---- ---- ----
HiTi 1,129 0.00 64.87 0.69 3.02 4.4 0.00 64.87 0.69 3.02 4.4
Basalt
------
Felsic 528 0.00 217.83 0.67 9.73 14.5 0.00 10.00 0.26 0.87 3.3
------ --- ---- ------ ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- ---- ---- ---
Table 6: Classified 2018 Mineral Resources by Underground Level(11)
Measured and Indicated
Classification Inferred Classification
---------------------- -----------------------
Level Tonnes Grade Contained Ounces Tonnes Grade Contained Ounces
(g/t Au)
(m below (000s) (000s) (000s) (g/t Au) (000s)
surface)
-------
122 2 5.24 0 49 6.83 11
--- --- ---- --- --- ---- ---
183 73 6.19 15 138 5.48 24
--- --- ---- --- --- ---- ---
244 214 6.11 42 102 6.81 22
--- --- ---- --- --- ---- ---
305 228 6.78 50 106 5.78 20
--- --- ---- --- --- ---- ---
366 260 7.30 61 159 5.97 30
--- --- ---- --- --- ---- ---
427 200 5.79 37 208 5.97 40
--- --- ---- --- --- ---- ---
488 105 5.49 19 339 5.74 63
--- --- ---- --- --- ---- ---
549 76 5.63 14 246 5.29 42
--- --- ---- --- --- ---- ---
610 67 5.74 12 266 5.93 51
--- --- ---- --- --- ---- ---
671 76 6.55 16 256 6.38 52
--- --- ---- --- --- ---- ---
732 67 6.73 15 285 5.39 49
--- --- ---- --- --- ---- ---
793 5 7.50 1 297 5.81 55
--- --- ---- --- --- ---- ---
854 188 6.15 37
--- --- ---- ---
915 209 5.81 39
--- --- ---- ---
976 282 6.99 63
--- --- ---- ---
1,037 176 6.27 35
----- --- ---- ---
1,098 165 6.00 32
----- --- ---- ---
1,159 243 6.29 49
----- --- ---- ---
1,220 156 6.14 31
----- --- ---- ---
1,281 16 4.87 3
----- --- ---- ---
_______________________________
11 There is no certainty that the Inferred Mineral Resources will be converted
to the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource categories, that the
Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources will be converted to the Proven
and Probable Mineral Reserve categories and there is no certainty that the
updated Mineral Resource statement will be realized. Mineral Resources
that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability;
the estimate of Mineral Resources in the updated Mineral Resource
statement may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal,
title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues.
Cautionary Statement regarding Forward-Looking Statements and other Cautionary Notes
This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "intends", "may", "will", "should", "plans", "anticipates", "potential", "expects", "estimates", "forecasts", "budget", "likely", "goal" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results may or may not be achieved or occur in the future. In some cases, forward-looking information may be stated in the present tense, such as in respect of current matters that may be continuing, or that may have a future impact or effect. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements regarding the anticipated timing of the filing of the NI 43-101 Technical Report, observations from the 2018 infill drilling and underground development samples from test mining, impact of the data from the 5,000 m of drilling completed in the fourth quarter of 2017 and activities from the 2018 Exploration Program on the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate, the potential advancement of the Phoenix Gold Project to a viable commercial operation, the potential value of the Company's tax loss pools, the potential to improve the quantities and classification of the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate, the impact of the new 2018 geological model and information on the Company's understanding of the F2 Gold Deposit and evaluati on of mining methods for the Phoenix Gold Project, the additional exploration work required to further improve and reconcile the geological model for the F2 Gold Deposit, the anticipated timing of the reactivation of the Phoenix Gold Project's mill, the further steps necessary to potentially improve upon the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimates, including targeted infill and step-out drilling to potentially convert Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources, using the results from the bulk sampling program for reconciliation and validation purposes, the evaluation of the McFinley Deposit and other close proximity targets for potential inclusion in a future Mineral Resources Estimate, and follow-up drilling of the F2 Gold Deposit at depth and along strike.
Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and represent management's best judgment based on facts and assumptions that management considers reasonable. If such opinions and estimates prove to be incorrect, actual and future results may be materially different than expressed in the forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Rubicon to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery or throughput rates; uncertainty of mineral resources, inability to realize exploration potential, mineral grades and mineral recovery estimates; actual results of current exploration activities; actual results of reclamation activities; uncertainty of future operations, delays in completion of exploration plans for any reason including insufficient capital, delays in permitting, and labour issues; conclusions of future economic or geological evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents a nd other risks of the mining industry; delays and other risks related to operations; timing and receipt of regulatory approvals; the ability of Rubicon and other relevant parties to satisfy regulatory requirements; the ability of Rubicon to comply with its obligations under material agreements including financing agreements; the availability of financing for proposed programs and working capital requirements on reasonable terms; the ability of third-party service providers to deliver services on reasonable terms and in a timely manner; risks associated with the ability to retain key executives and key operating personnel; cost of environmental expenditures and potential environmental liabilities; dissatisfaction or disputes with local communities or First Nations or Aboriginal Communities; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; market conditions and general business, economic, competitive, political and social conditions; our ability to generate sufficie nt cash flow from operations or obtain adequate financing to fund our capital expenditures and working capital needs and meet our other obligations; the volatility of our stock price, and the ability of our common stock to remain listed and traded on the TSX.
Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and Rubicon disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Readers are advised to carefully review and consider the risk factors identified in the Company's annual information form dated March 22, 2018 under the heading "Risk Factors" and in other continuous disclosure documents of the Company filed at www.sedar.com for a discussion of the factors that could cause Rubicon's actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Readers are further cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions and risk factors is not exhaustive and it is recommended that prospective investors consult the more complete disc ussion of Rubicon's business, financial condition and prospects that is included in this news release. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Readers Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources
This news release uses the terms "Measured" and "Indicated" Mineral Resources and "Inferred" Mineral Resources. The Company advises U.S. investors that while these terms are recognized and required by Canadian securities administrators, they are not recognized by the SEC. The estimation of "Measured" and "Indicated" Mineral Resources involves greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of Proven and Probable Reserves. The estimation of "Inferred" resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a "Measured", "Inferred" or "Indicated" mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category.
Under Canadian rules, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" may not form the basis of feasibility studies, pre-feasibility studies or other economic studies, except in prescribed cases, such as in a preliminary economic assessment under certain circumstances. The SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Under U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of a "measured", "indicated" or "inferred" mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Information concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources contained herein may not be comparable to information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.
Allan Candelario, CFA, Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Development, Phone: +1 (416) 766-2804, E-mail: ir@rubiconminerals.com, www.rubiconminerals.com, Rubicon Minerals Corporation, Suite 830-121 King St. W., Toronto ON, CANADA M5H 3T9
SOURCE Rubicon Minerals Corporation
View original content with multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2018/30/c8625.html
SOURCE: Rubicon Minerals Corporation
Allan Candelario, CFA, Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Development, Phone:
+1 (416) 766-2804, E-mail: ir@rubiconminerals.com, www.rubiconminerals.com, Rubicon
Minerals Corporation, Suite 830-121 King St. W., Toronto ON, CANADA M5H 3T9
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