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2023

Sun Summit to Commence Drilling on Two New High Priority Targets at Buck Project; Additional Target Advancement Ongoing

By 2023

Vancouver, B.C. February 8, 2023: Sun Summit Minerals Corp. (TSX-V: SMN; OTCQB: SMREF) is pleased to report that recent systematic property-wide field exploration has resulted in the delineation of several high-priority drill targets at the Buck Project, central British Columbia. These targets are located outside of the Buck Main mineralized system, which has been the focus of recent drill programs.

Highlights

  • Significant discovery potential across the project: Results from the multidisciplinary 2022 field program have outlined several high-priority drill targets in previously untested areas. Planning to drill the first two targets is underway.
  • IRK Target – Extensive geochemical and geophysical footprint: Anomalous silver, zinc, lead and copper in soil samples together with rock samples with up to 1.7% Zn, 95 g/t Ag and 2.4% Cu are spatially coincident with NW-trending high-resistivity and high-chargeability lineaments and are interpreted to represent structurally-controlled epithermal-related vein targets.
  • Eagle Eye Target – Potential for porphyry-style mineralization: A strong 500 metre by 500 metre high-chargeability anomaly associated with a broad zone of intense phyllic alteration is interpreted to represent distal alteration related to a concealed porphyry target.
  • Additional drill target generation across the project: Additional drill targets are currently being prioritized at Silverthorne (CC Zone, Buck West), Morice Mountain, Echo and Dungate South zones.  
  • Drill testing of the IRK and Eagle Eye targets to commence this quarter.
  • 2023 will be a pivotal year for Sun Summit: The Company is planning a significant field program across the Buck Project aimed at discovery.

Sharyn Alexander, Sun Summit’s President stated: “The potential of these highly prospective new targets substantially enhances the Buck Project with multiple new drill-worthy targets for potential discovery outside of the existing Buck Main zone. Recent integration of geochemical and lithological/alteration data allowed us to rapidly define target models with large scale potential at both IRK and Eagle Eye, while several similar targets are being advanced for possible future drilling. The Company’s systematic exploration in 2022 assisted in the development of an extensive geological, geochemical, and geophysical dataset that has been instrumental in identifying and developing these prospective areas for project expansion. We have prioritized IRK and Eagle Eye to the drill-ready stage and have defined several high-priority targets within each for drill testing in an upcoming program. 

“We are fully permitted for drilling on these targets and look forward to another active exploration year, as we seek to expand the opportunities within the broader Buck Project area.”

Exploration Targets

IRK Target

The center of the IRK target, located 11 km south of Buck Main, consists of an extensive silver-zinc-lead-copper coincidental soil and rock geochemical anomaly associated with numerous N-S trending high-resistivity and high-chargeability lineaments generated by recent induced polarization (IP) surveys by the Company (Figure 1). Assay highlights of rock samples taken from outcrops located along these lineaments include:

  • F192780 – 95 ppm Ag, 0.15% Cu, and 0.72% Zn in hydrothermal breccia with oxidized sulfides.
  • F192757 – 25 ppm Ag, 2.4% Cu, 724 ppm Pb, and 1.1% Zn in silica-sericite altered volcanic rock.
  • F192759 – 1.5 ppm Ag, 640 ppm Cu, and 0.1% Zn in carbonate-altered volcanic rock with hematite-pyrite veinlets.

Figure 1. IRK Target

Although mostly concealed by young till and soils, the IRK target is interpreted to be underlain by volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks of the Late Cretaceous Kasalka Group. These prospective rocks host epithermal-related mineralization at Buck Main and also epithermal-related mineralization at the Blackwater and Capoose gold-silver development projects (Artemis Gold Inc.) and high-grade silver-base metal veins at Silver Queen (Equity Metals). 

A series of drill holes are planned to systematically test the strongest coincident anomalies across the broad IRK target. 

The IRK IP grid consisted of seven 200 metre spaced, northeast oriented lines, and three 400 metre spaced lines, for a total of 23.7 km of surveyed lines. Readings were collected on 50 metre spaced dipoles near the centre of the target and on 100 metre space dipoles on the margins. 

Eagle Eye Target

The Eagle Eye target, three km southwest of Buck Main, is characterized by a strong chargeability-high anomaly (see November 24, 2022 news release) associated with outcropping quartz-sericite-pyrite (phyllic) altered volcanic and intrusive rocks (Figure 2). The center of the chargeability-high anomaly is also coincident with a broad magnetic-high anomaly interpreted to reflect a deep and concealed magnetic source. 

Taken together, the Eagle Eye target is interpreted to represent the surficial expression of a concealed porphyry system. Drilling will focus on testing the anomalies at depth. 

Figure 2. Eagle Eye Target

Exploration Drilling

The high-priority and drill ready IRK and Eagle Eye targets will be fully investigated and tested in the first quarter of 2023. Additional drill targets (e.g., Silverthorne, Morice Mountain, Echo and Dungate South) are being further explored to establish geologic model and scale and finalize drill hole vectoring. Details on these other targets and exploration plans for 2023 will be released in the coming weeks.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Rock samples were shipped by a bonded courier in sealed and secure bags to the ALS Global preparation facilities in Langley, B.C. Samples were prepared using standard preparation procedures. Following sample preparation, the pulps were sent to the ALS Global analytical laboratory in North Vancouver, B.C. for analysis. ALS Global is registered to ISO / IEC 17025:2017 accreditations for laboratory procedures.

Rock samples were analyzed for 33 elements by ICP-MS on a 0.25 gram sample using a four acid digestion (method ME-ICP61). Gold was analyzed by fire assay on a 30 gram sample with an AAS finish (method Au-AA23). Samples with >10 parts per million (ppm) gold were re-analyzed by fire assay using a gravimetric finish on a 30 gram sample. Samples with >100 ppm silver were re-analyzed using a four acid digestion and ICP-AES finish. Samples with >10,000 ppm zinc were re-analysed using a four acid digestion and ICP-AES finish.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

This news release has been approved by Sun Summit’s Vice President Exploration, Ken MacDonald, P. Geo., a “Qualified Person” as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has also verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical and test data, underlying the technical information in this news release.

Community Engagement 

Sun Summit is engaging with First Nations on whose territory the Buck Project is located and is discussing their interests and identifying contract and work opportunities, as well as opportunities to support community initiatives. The Company looks forward to continuing to work with local and regional First Nations as the project continues.

About the Buck Project

The Buck Project is situated in a historic mining district near Houston, B.C., with excellent nearby infrastructure that allows for year-round, road-accessible exploration. 

The project is host to the Buck Main intermediate-sulfidation epithermal-related gold-silver-zinc system. Most of the mineralization drilled to date at Buck Main consists of long, continuous zones of disseminated and breccia-hosted, bulk tonnage-style gold-silver-zinc. Vein-hosted, high-grade mineralization has also been intersected near the centre of Buck Main. 

Exploration at the Buck Project is focused on investigating the lateral and vertical extent of gold-silver-zinc mineralization at the Buck Main system, and to define additional drill targets across the entire land package through systematic exploration programs. 

About Sun Summit

Sun Summit Minerals (TSX-V: SMN; OTCQB: SMREF) is a mineral exploration company focused on expanding its gold, silver, and zinc discovery at its flagship Buck Project located in north-central British Columbia.

Sun Summit is committed to environmental and social responsibility, with a focus on accountable development and building respectful and beneficial relationships with Indigenous and local communities. 

Further details are available at www.sunsummitminerals.com.

Link to Figures

Figure 1:

https://sunsummitminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Fig-1-IRK_Targeting_Feb_NR.jpg 

 

Figure 2:

https://sunsummitminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Fig-2-EagleEye_Targeting_Feb_NR.jpg 

For further information, contact:

Sharyn Alexander

President

info@sunsummitminerals.com 

 

Roger Blair

Acuity Advisory Corp., Corporate Communications

rblair@acuityadvisorycorp.com 

 

Tel. 778-588-9606

 

Forward Looking Information

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences, without limiting the generality of the following, include: risks inherent in exploration activities; volatility and sensitivity to market prices; volatility and sensitivity to capital market fluctuations; the impact of exploration competition; the ability to raise funds through private or public equity financings; environmental and safety risks including increased regulatory burdens; unexpected geological or hydrological conditions; variations in anticipated metal recoveries; changes in government regulations and policies, including trade laws and policies; failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; weather and other natural phenomena; and other exploration, development, operating, financial market and regulatory risks. Except as required by applicable securities laws and regulation, Sun Summit disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

 

VIEW PDF

Sun Summit step-out drilling expands near-surface gold-silver-zinc mineralization at Buck Project, B.C.; intersects 54.6 metres of 0.83 g/t Au, 9.2 g/t Ag and 0.21% Zn, including 3.0 metres of 6.06 g/t Au, 62.5 g/t Ag and 0.52% Zn

By 2023

Vancouver, B.C. January 25, 2023: Sun Summit Minerals Corp. (TSX-V: SMN; OTCQB: SMREF) is pleased to report final drill results from its fall 2022 exploration drill program at the Buck Project, central B.C. The program consisted of 10 diamond drill holes totalling approximately 3,000 metres. 

The focus of the drill program was to test the expansion potential of the Buck Main gold-silver-zinc epithermal-related system along strike and at depth, with step-out distances between 50 to 100 metres. Results from this phase of drilling successfully demonstrates strong expansion potential for both disseminated and high-grade gold-silver-zinc mineralization beyond the existing extent of the known Buck Main zone to the west, northwest and south of previous drill programs. The newly expanded zone of mineralization remains open in multiple directions and is expected to see further step-out drill testing in the next phase of drilling.

Highlight intervals include:

  • Hole BK22-080, drilled into an untested area, significantly opens the expansion potential of near-surface gold-silver-zinc mineralization to the northwest: 
    • 81.2 metres of 0.58 g/t Au, 11.8 g/t Ag and 0.08% Zn,
      including 10.1 metres of 1.4 g/t Au, 26.6 g/t Ag and 0.20% Zn
    • 5.6 metres of 1.18 g/t Au, 43.9 g/t Ag and 0.34% Zn,
      including 1.1 metres of 5.5 g/t Au, 208 g/t Ag and 1.5% Zn
      • This high-grade interval is located ~250m to the northwest of drill hole BK22-083 (see January 19, 2023 news release) which intersected 7.0 metres of 6.4 g/t Au, 27.6 g/t Ag, and 1.1% Zn, including 1.1 metres of 38.0 g/t Au, 137.0 g/t Ag, and 5.9% Zn.
  • Hole BK22-077 extends broad zones of strong gold-silver-zinc mineralization intersected in previous holes to the south:
    • 54.6 metres of 0.83 g/t Au, 9.2 g/t Ag and 0.21% Zn,
      including 3.0 metres of 6.06 g/t Au, 62.5 g/t Ag and 0.52% Zn
  • Hole BK22-079 represents the largest step-out to the west and extends the footprint of mineralization at Buck Main to over one kilometre along strike:
    • 4.7 metres of 0.91 g/t Au, 17.3 g/t Ag and 0.66% Zn,
      including 1.1 metres of 3.4 g/t Au, 68.6 g/t Ag and 2.05% Zn
    • 1 metre of 5.1 g/t Au, 2.7 g/t Ag and 0.56% Zn at bottom of hole

Notes:

  1.   Intervals are downhole core lengths. True widths are unknown.
  2.   Calculations are uncut and length-weighted using a 0.10 g/t gold cut-off.
  3.   Actual values may slightly differ from Table 1 due to rounding.

“We are very encouraged by results from all holes drilled during our last drill program, particularly holes BK22-080 and BK22-079.” stated Sun Summit’s President, Sharyn Alexander. “These holes tested new areas, previously undrilled, and expanded the known footprint of gold-silver-zinc mineralization. 

Our primary goal for the fall 2022 drill program at Buck Main was to investigate the scale potential along strike, primarily to the west, south and northwest of previous drilling. We hit mineralization in all but one step-out hole and consider the program to be an outstanding success. We now have multiple compelling target areas for ongoing exploration and drilling and anticipate an aggressive exploration campaign for 2023. Our next phase of exploration at the Buck Project will include additional step-out drilling at Buck Main, which remains open for possible expansion potential in multiple directions, and activating plans for other high-priority drill targets elsewhere on the property that could lead to additional discoveries.” 

Table 1. Assay Results

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Zn (%) AuEq (g/t)
BK22-076 23.0 27.5 4.5 0.14 2.6 0.32 0.29
and 39.5 47.0 7.5 0.17 1.1 0.29 0.29
and 108.3 113.2 4.9 0.25 2.7 0.82 0.63
and 119.2 132.5 13.3 0.15 1.7 0.43 0.35
and 190.5 207.5 17.0 0.31 3.9 0.59 0.58
and 222.5 229.4 6.9 0.28 21.5 0.49 0.65
and 236.9 280.7 43.8 0.20 9.0 0.30 0.39
and 319.5 331.5 12.0 0.21 8.1 0.24 0.36
and 365.9 370.4 4.5 0.31 4.3 1.79 1.16
and 382.3 388.2 5.9 0.34 1.2 1.34 0.94
and 409.0 436.5 27.5 0.14 1.7 0.41 0.33
and 474.5 479.0 4.5 0.18 1.6 0.07 0.20
BK22-077 109.8 119.0 9.2 0.13 1.0 0.27 0.25
and 164.8 219.4 54.6 0.83 9.2 0.21 0.88
inc 170.2 173.2 3.0 6.06 62.5 0.52 5.90
inc 186.7 203.5 16.8 1.06 5.2 0.30 1.09
and 238.5 272.5 34.0 0.42 9.3 0.24 0.55
inc 250.0 262.3 12.3 0.70 20.7 0.23 0.87
and 302.3 325.0 22.7 0.13 1.9 0.48 0.36
and 349.5 354.0 4.5 0.35 0.8 0.16 0.38
and 422.5 463.5 41.0 0.21 3.7 0.06 0.24
and 471.9 481.9 10.0 0.17 1.2 0.22 0.26
BK22-079 65.9 73.0 7.1 0.29 2.8 0.21 0.37
and 118.5 145.8 27.3 0.19 5.1 0.61 0.49
and 211.5 215.8 4.3 0.33 10.7 1.13 0.91
and 223.6 228.3 4.7 0.91 17.3 0.66 1.23
inc 227.2 228.3 1.1 3.39 68.6 2.05 4.43
and 296.0 299.0 3.0 0.31 2.2 1.52 1.01
and 365.0 366.0 1.0 5.07 2.7 0.56 4.60
BK22-080 6.3 122.0 115.7 0.47 9.3 0.06 0.50
inc 6.3 87.5 81.2 0.58 11.8 0.08 0.62
inc 13.3 23.4 10.1 1.38 26.6 0.19 1.48
inc 13.3 14.8 1.5 5.85 50.3 0.02 5.39
inc 72.5 87.5 15.0 1.01 20.5 0.06 1.05
and 166.7 172.3 5.6 1.18 43.9 0.35 1.53
inc 166.7 167.8 1.1 5.50 208.0 1.53 7.11
inc 195.5 207.0 11.5 0.12 2.5 0.12 0.18
and 228.3 236.5 8.2 0.27 2.7 0.25 0.37
and 268.0 271.3 3.3 0.20 8.8 0.07 0.27
BK22-078 No Reportable Intersections

Notes: 

  1. Intervals are downhole core lengths. True widths are unknown.
  2. Calculations are uncut and length-weighted using a 0.10 g/t gold cut-off.
  3. Actual values may slightly differ from Table 1 due to rounding.
  4. Gold Equivalent (AuEq) calculations use metal prices of $1795/oz Au, $22.55/oz Ag and $1.325/lbs Zn using the equation: AuEq(g/t) = ((Au(g/t) x $Au/oz x 0.032151) + (Ag(g/t) x $Ag/oz x 0.032151) + (Zn% x $Zn/lbs x 22.0462)) / ($Au/oz x 0.032151). The Company has used conceptual metallurgical recoveries of Au 85%, Ag 65%, and Zn 95% based on assumptions that it believes to be reasonable in the circumstances. There is no guarantee, however, that the actual metal recoveries determined from metallurgical testing will be the same as the conceptual recoveries used to determine the AuEq.

Drill Program

The primary objective of the fall 2022 drill program at Buck Main was to investigate the lateral and vertical extents of near-surface gold-silver-zinc mineralization covering the mineralized footprint outlined so far over an east-west strike length of one kilometre and an approximate width of 600 metres. A total of 10 diamond drill holes were completed over 3,000 metres, two of which were terminated early due to poor ground conditions (see January 19, 2023 news release). Most holes were drilled on similar sections as previous drill programs to better facilitate modelling and structural interpretation. All five holes in this release were drilled on the western side of the Buck Main system with step-out distances between 50 to 100 metres from previous drilling (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Map showing drill collar locations with selected highlights

Hole BK22-080, collared on the same section as BK22-070 and drilled to the northeast (Figure 2), was designed to test a previously undrilled broad zone of strong gold-in-soil anomalism. The hole collared in strong disseminated mineralization highlighted by an interval of 81.2 metres of 0.58 g/t Au, 11.8 g/t Ag and 0.08% Zn including 10.1 metres of 1.4 g/t Au, 26.6 g/t Ag and 0.20% Zn from surface. The hole successfully defined a new zone of near-surface disseminated gold-silver-zinc mineralization that remains open in most directions. Additional drilling is clearly warranted to the northwest of Buck Main (Figure 1).  

Holes BK22-076, -077 and -078 were collared on the same section as holes BK22-072 and BK22-083 (Figure 3; see May 3, 2022 and January 19, 2023 news releases) and were drilled to the southwest. The holes were designed to test for the southern extent of gold-silver-zinc mineralization previously intersected in BK22-070 and -072 and to investigate lithological controls on mineralization. Drill hole BK22-083 (see January 19, 2023 news release) clearly demonstrated the high grade potential of the section, which intersected 7.0 metres of 6.4 g/t Au, 27.6 g/t Ag, and 1.1% Zn, including 1.1 metres of 38.0 g/t Au, 137.0 g/t Ag, and 5.9% Zn. Numerous broad zones of disseminated and veinlet-hosted sulfide mineralization were intersected in holes BK22-076 and -077, yielding intervals such as 54.6 metres of 0.83 g/t Au, 9.2 g/t Ag and 0.21% Zn including 3.0 metres of 6.06 g/t Au, 62.5 g/t Ag and 0.52% Zn in BK22-077 (Table 1). Hole BK22-078 collared in altered but unmineralized volcanic and sedimentary rocks, likely part of the hanging wall to the Buck Main system.

Hole BK22-079 represents the largest step-out drilled along strike west of the Buck Main system. The hole intersected multiple zones of gold-silver-zinc mineralization highlighted by 4.7 metres of 0.91 g/t Au, 17.3 g/t Ag and 0.66% Zn including 1.1 metres of 3.4 g/t Au, 68.6 g/t Ag and 2.05% Zn at 223.6 metres, and 1 metre of 5.1 g/t Au, 2.7 g/t Ag and 0.56% Zn at the bottom of hole. The hole extends the strike-length of the Buck Main system to over one kilometre east-west and defines a new target to test in upcoming drill programs.  

Figure 2. Cross section 4450 showing selected highlights

Figure 3. Cross section 4350 showing selected highlights

Table 2. Drill Collar Locations

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Depth (m)
BK22-076 654125 6019748 885 200 -57.0 632
BK22-077 654125 6019747 885 199 -44.9 494
BK22-078 654081 6019631 879 200 -45.2 224
BK22-079 654026 6019783 861 200 -44.9 366
BK22-080 654225 6019798 883 19 -59.9 336

Coordinates are in UTM NAD83 Zone 9N

Upcoming Sun Summit Events

  • January 23-26, Vancouver AME Roundup
    • BC, Yukon and Alaska Session, Technical Talk January 26 at 9:45 am
  • January 29 to 30, Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC)
    • Booth # 309
    • Corporate Presentation January 30: Workshop 2 at 1:30 pm
  • February 11 to 12, Whistler Capital Event (CEM)

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

All sample assay results have been monitored through the Company’s quality assurance / quality control (QA / QC) program. Drill core was sawn in half at Sun Summit’s core logging and processing facility in Houston, B.C. Half of the core was sampled and shipped by a bonded courier in sealed and secure bags to the ALS Global preparation facilities in Langley, B.C. Samples were prepared using standard preparation procedures. Following sample preparation, the pulps were sent to the ALS Global analytical laboratory in North Vancouver, B.C. for analysis. ALS Global is registered to ISO / IEC 17025:2017 accreditations for laboratory procedures.

Core samples were analyzed for 33 elements by ICP-MS on a 0.25 gram sample using a four acid digestion (method ME-MS61L). Gold was analyzed by fire assay on a 30 gram sample with an AAS finish (method Au-AA23). Samples with >10 parts per million (ppm) gold were re-analyzed by fire assay using a gravimetric finish on a 30 gram sample. Samples with >100 ppm silver were re-analyzed using a four acid digestion and ICP-AES finish. Samples with >10,000 ppm zinc were re-analysed using a four acid digestion and ICP-AES finish. 

In addition to ALS Global laboratory QA / QC protocols, Sun Summit implements a rigorous internal QA / QC program that includes the insertion of duplicates, standards and blanks into the sample stream. 

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

This news release has been approved by Sun Summit’s Vice President Exploration, Ken MacDonald, P. Geo., a “Qualified Person” as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has also verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical and test data, underlying the technical information in this news release.

Community Engagement 

Sun Summit is engaging with First Nations on whose territory the Buck Project is located and is discussing their interests and identifying contract and work opportunities, as well as opportunities to support community initiatives. The Company looks forward to continuing to work with local and regional First Nations as the project continues.

About Sun Summit

Sun Summit Minerals is an exploration company focused on expanding its gold, silver, and zinc discovery at its flagship 100% controlled Buck Project located in north-central British Columbia near the town of Houston.

The Company is exploring multiple high priority targets through systematic exploration campaigns. The project benefits from excellent developed infrastructure and year-round drilling access. The Buck Project has high-grade and bulk-tonnage gold, silver, and zinc potential and is located in an established mining region that includes many former operating mines and current exploration projects.

Sun Summit is committed to environmental and social responsibility, with a focus on accountable development and building respectful and beneficial relationships with Indigenous and local communities. 

Further details are available at www.sunsummitminerals.com.

Link to Figures

Figure 1:

https://sunsummitminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Fig1_Buck_Drilling_Overview_Jan25-NR.jpg 

Figure 2:

https://sunsummitminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Fig2_Buck_Sxn_4450_Jan25-NR-final.jpg 

Figure 3:

https://sunsummitminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Fig3_Buck_Sxn_4350_Jan25-NR-final.jpg 

For further information, contact:

Sharyn Alexander

President

info@sunsummitminerals.com 

 

Roger Blair

Acuity Advisory Corp., Corporate Communications

rblair@acuityadvisorycorp.com 

 

Tel. 778-588-9606

 

Forward Looking Information

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences, without limiting the generality of the following, include: risks inherent in exploration activities; volatility and sensitivity to market prices; volatility and sensitivity to capital market fluctuations; the impact of exploration competition; the ability to raise funds through private or public equity financings; environmental and safety risks including increased regulatory burdens; unexpected geological or hydrological conditions; variations in anticipated metal recoveries; changes in government regulations and policies, including trade laws and policies; failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; weather and other natural phenomena; and other exploration, development, operating, financial market and regulatory risks. Except as required by applicable securities laws and regulation, Sun Summit disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

 

VIEW PDF

Sun Summit extends high-grade mineralization at Buck Project, B.C. Intersects 6.4 g/t Au and 27.6 g/t Ag over 7.0 metres, including 38.0 g/t Au and 137.0 g/t Ag over 1.1 metres in western step out hole

By 2023

Vancouver, B.C. January 19th, 2023: Sun Summit Minerals Corp. (TSX-V: SMN; OTCQB: SMREF) is pleased to report drill results from the first five holes of its fall 2022 exploration drill program on its Buck Project, central B.C. The program consisted of 10 diamond drill holes totalling approximately 3,000 metres. 

The focus of the drill program was to test the extent of the Buck Main gold-silver-zinc epithermal-related system along strike and at depth. Analytical results from the first five expansion holes indicate the presence and continuity of gold-silver-zinc epithermal-related mineralization beyond the previously tested Buck Main mineralized system. Three of the westernmost holes intersected broad zones of strong gold-silver-zinc mineralization with numerous higher-grade intervals. 

Highlights from the first 5 holes include:

  • Hole BK22-083: 
    • 72.0 metres of 0.5 g/t Au and 10.0 g/t Ag,
    • including 4.2 metres of 3.1 g/t Au and 53.8 g/t Ag;
    • 7.0 metres of 6.4 g/t Au and 27.6 g/t Ag,
    • including 1.1 metres of 38.0 g/t Au and 137.0 g/t Ag.
  • Hole BK22-082: 
    • 37.3 metres of 0.7 g/t Au and 10.9 g/t Ag, including 1.5 metres of 11.8 g/t Au and 39.2 g/t Ag, before the hole was lost in bad ground.
  • Hole BK22-081: 
    • 27.0 metres of 0.4 g/t Au and 14.9 g/t Ag before the hole was lost in bad ground.
  • Results demonstrate strong expansion potential for both disseminated and high-grade gold-silver-zinc mineralization to the west and to the south of previous drill programs.

Notes:

  1.   Intervals are downhole core lengths. True widths are unknown.
  2.   Calculations are uncut and length-weighted using a 0.10 g/t gold cut-off.
  3.   Actual values may slightly differ from Table 1 due to rounding.

Sharyn Alexander, Sun Summit’s President, stated: “Our goal for the fall 2022 drill program at Buck Main was to investigate lithologic and structural controls on gold-silver-zinc mineralization as well as scale potential along strike, primarily to the west and south of where our previous drilling defined new zones of mineralization. Initial results from these five holes appear to support our objective and demonstrate the potential for expansion. With every new step out hole we gain valuable insight into the Buck Main system which helps us better plan for the next phase of drilling. Analytical results from the remaining five holes conducted in this drill program are expected shortly and will be reported as they become available.” 

Table 1. Assay Results

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Zn (ppm)
BK22-081* 5.4 32.4 27.0 0.39 14.9 2824
BK22-082* 4.0 41.3 37.3 0.73 10.9 2293
inc 27.9 29.4 1.5 11.75 39.2 4140
BK22-083 64.4 73.2 8.8 0.16 2.3 1792
and 162.0 282.5 120.5 0.41 7.6 5162
inc 210.5 282.5 72.0 0.53 10.0 5582
inc 268.0 272.2 4.2 3.13 53.8 12298
and 311.0 320.0 9.0 0.32 2.2 3211
and 342.3 351.3 9.0 0.82 18.3 3254
and 390.5 406.5 16.0 2.87 12.6 4935
inc 390.5 397.5 7.0 6.44 27.6 10832
inc 391.9 393.0 1.1 38.00 137.0 59400
BK22-084 69.1 84.1 15.0 0.32 3.2 775
and 123.0 138.5 15.5 0.45 15.0 3402
and 155.0 171.5 16.5 0.15 4.1 925
and 182.0 205.0 23.0 0.29 7.9 1670
and 220.0 270.0 50.0 0.18 8.1 1668
BK22-085 92.0 120.5 28.5 0.24 8.6 594
and 128.0 137.0 9.0 0.12 4.3 457
and 185.0 192.0 7.0 0.14 5.4 1215
and 202.5 217.5 15.0 0.71 5.4 1303
and 225.0 244.5 19.5 0.14 5.7 760
and 253.5 276.0 22.5 0.25 12.3 859

* Hole terminated early due to bad ground conditions 

Notes:

  1.   Intervals are downhole core lengths. True widths are unknown.
  2.   Calculations are uncut and length-weighted using a 0.10 g/t gold cut-off.
  3.   Actual values may slightly differ from Table 1 due to rounding.

Drill Program

The primary objective of the fall 2022 drill program at Buck Main was to investigate the lateral and vertical extents of near-surface gold-silver-zinc mineralization covering a known east-west strike length of one kilometre. A total of 10 diamond drill holes were completed over 3,000 metres, two of which were terminated early due to bad ground conditions. Most holes were drilled on similar sections as previous drill programs to better facilitate modeling and structural interpretation.

Three of the five holes in this release were drilled to the west of previous step-out holes (e.g., holes BK21-059, -065 and BK22-070, -072, Figure 1) to test for depth as well as southern and western mineralization extents. The two remaining holes, designed to test for mineralization potential below basalt cover rocks, were drilled on the eastern side of Buck Main.

Figure 1. Map showing drill collar locations with selected highlights

Hole BK22-083 was collared to the southwest of BK22-072 (see May 3, 2022 news release). The hole was designed to test for the western extent of strong gold-silver-zinc mineralization intersected in BK22-070 (see May 3, 2022 news release) as well as test for vertical continuity of mineralization. Numerous broad zones of disseminated and veinlet-hosted sulfide mineralization were intersected and yielded intervals such as 6.4 g/t Au and 27.6 g/t Ag over 7.0 metres, including 38.0 g/t Au and 137.0 g/t Ag over 1.1 metres. This hole successfully extended mineralization 40 metres to the west from hole BK22-072. 

Holes BK22-081 and -082 were drilled to the southwest and were designed to test for the southwestern extent of mineralization previously intersected in holes BK21-059 and -065 (see February 22, 2022 news release). Both holes collared in strong disseminated mineralization highlighted by 0.7 g/t Au and 10.9 g/t Ag over 37.3 metres, including 11.8 g/t Au and 39.2 g/t Ag over 1.5 metres in BK22-082. Both holes were terminated early due to bad ground conditions. Together with the top of BK21-059, both holes successfully defined a zone of near-surface mineralization with open depth potential to the south. 

Two holes were also drilled east of the known limits of the Buck Main zone. Holes BK22-084 and BK22-085 were collared east of BK22-075 (see June 1, 2022 news release). Both holes bottomed in mineralized rocks and returned numerous intervals of broad gold-silver-zinc mineralization (e.g., 0.5 g/t Au and 15.0 g/t Ag over 15.5 metres in BK22-084, and 0.7 g/t Au and 5.4 g/t Ag over 15.0 metres of in BK22-085) and suggest the main epithermal-related system extends below basalt cover eastward. Additional drilling is warranted to fully investigate the eastern and northeastern lateral extent of the Buck Main system.

Figure 2. Cross section showing selected highlights

Table 2. Drill Collar Locations

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Depth (m)
BK22-081 654192 6019711 884 200 -49.8 53
BK22-082 654192 6019713 884 200 -50.2 52
BK22-083 654082 6019633 879 357 -85.8 408
BK22-084 654926 6019633 907 312 -44.9 270
BK22-085 654928 6019631 907 342 -44.6 276

Coordinates are in UTM NAD83 Zone 9N

Upcoming Events

  • January 23 to 26, AME Roundup, Vancouver
    • January 23 to 24: Exhibition Hall Booth # 89
    • January 23 to 24: Core Shack Booth # 922
    • January 26: BC, Yukon and Alaska Session, Technical Talk at 9:45 am
  • January 29 to 30, Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC), Vancouver
    • Booth # 309
    • Corporate Presentation January 30: Workshop 2 at 2 pm

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

All sample assay results have been monitored through the Company’s quality assurance / quality control (QA / QC) program. Drill core was sawn in half at Sun Summit’s core logging and processing facility in Houston, B.C. Half of the core was sampled and shipped in sealed and secure bags to the ALS Global preparation facilities in Langley, B.C., by bonded courier. Samples were prepared using standard preparation procedures. Following sample preparation, the pulps were sent to the ALS Global analytical laboratory in North Vancouver, B.C. for analysis. ALS Global is registered to ISO / IEC 17025:2017 accreditations for laboratory procedures.

Core samples were analyzed for 48 elements by ICP-MS on a 0.25 gram sample using a four acid digestion (method ME-MS61L). Gold was analyzed by fire assay on a 30 gram sample with an AAS finish (method Au-AA23). Samples with >10 parts per million (ppm) gold were re-analyzed by fire assay using a gravimetric finish on a 30 gram sample. Samples with >100 ppm silver were re-analyzed using a four acid digestion and ICP-AES finish. Samples with >10,000 ppm zinc were re-analysed using a four acid digestion and ICP-AES finish. 

In addition to ALS Global laboratory QA / QC protocols, Sun Summit implements a rigorous internal QA / QC program that includes the insertion of duplicates, standards and blanks into the sample stream. 

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

This news release has been approved by Sun Summit’s Vice President Exploration, Ken MacDonald, P. Geo., a “Qualified Person” as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has also verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical and test data, underlying the technical information in this news release.

Community Engagement 

Sun Summit is engaging with First Nations on whose territory the Buck Project is located and is discussing their interests and identifying contract and work opportunities, as well as opportunities to support community initiatives. The Company looks forward to continuing to work with local and regional First Nations as the project continues.

About Sun Summit

Sun Summit Minerals is an exploration company focused on expanding its gold, silver, and zinc discovery at its flagship 100% controlled Buck Project located in north-central British Columbia near the town of Houston.

The Company is exploring multiple high priority targets through systematic exploration campaigns. The project benefits from excellent developed infrastructure and year-round drilling access. The Buck Project has high-grade and bulk-tonnage gold, silver, and zinc potential and is located in an established mining region that includes many former operating mines and current exploration projects.

Sun Summit is committed to environmental and social responsibility, with a focus on accountable development and building respectful and beneficial relationships with Indigenous and local communities. 

Further details are available at www.sunsummitminerals.com.

Link to Figures

Figure 1:

https://sunsummitminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Buck_Drilling_Overview_Jan19-NR-final-No-AuEq.jpg

Figure 2:

https://sunsummitminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Buck_Sxn_4400_Jan19-NR-final_No-Au-Eq.jpg

 

For further information, contact:

Sharyn Alexander

President

info@sunsummitminerals.com 

Roger Blair

Acuity Advisory Corp., Corporate Communications

rblair@acuityadvisorycorp.com 

 

Tel. 778-588-9606

 

Forward Looking Information

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences, without limiting the generality of the following, include: risks inherent in exploration activities; volatility and sensitivity to market prices; volatility and sensitivity to capital market fluctuations; the impact of exploration competition; the ability to raise funds through private or public equity financings; environmental and safety risks including increased regulatory burdens; unexpected geological or hydrological conditions; variations in anticipated metal recoveries; changes in government regulations and policies, including trade laws and policies; failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; weather and other natural phenomena; and other exploration, development, operating, financial market and regulatory risks. Except as required by applicable securities laws and regulation, Sun Summit disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

 

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