“The extension of hole TOM-25-011EXT, which intersected… 2.05% ZnEq (0.48 g/t AuEq) over 204.25m (including 31.31% ZnEq over 2.40m)The continuity and extension of the Berrigan deep mineralization system was confirmed after its discovery by hole TOM-25-015 in December last year, which returned 5.08% ZnEq (1.19 g/t AuEq) over 98.50m (including 23.20% ZnEq over 4.90m). The mineral envelope intercept extending over 224 meters underscores the scale of this hydrothermal system. Beyond the high-grade zones already identified at the top, this extensive mineralized interval at depth demonstrates continued mineralization and increases our confidence in the system’s potential for further expansion. These results support continued exploration, drilling and geological modeling activities throughout the project.
The company was also encouraged by the consistent mineralization observed in the drill cores recovered from the remaining four extension holes, TOM-25-009EXT, TOM-25-010EXT, TOM-25-012EXT, and TOM-25-013EXT. Samples have been prepared and submitted for laboratory analysis, and full test results are expected to be obtained in the coming weeks.
Geological context and scale potential of the area
Hole results TOM-25-011EXT validate the company’s geological interpretation of the Berrigan deep zone, confirming the presence of a deep-seated polymetallic hydrothermal system (zinc, gold, silver, copper) beneath the historic Berrigan mine.
Lithological and structural controls: The 204.25 m long mineral mantle is intersected by a series of mafic to mafic rocks composed mainly of alternating serpentinized peridotite, komatite, pyroxenite and gabbros. Technical data indicate that the mineralization process is under strong control by regional structures. They are concentrated along shear zones and are placed within contact barriers between different lithological units, which act as physical barriers that help the accumulation of mineralization fluids.
Mineralization methods and geochemical signature: Mineralization at Berrigan Deep is characterized by replacement of host rocks and occurs in the form of stock veins, vein networks, wavy truncated veins, and coarse sub-massive to massive sulphide blocks. The sulfide assemblage is dominated by abundant sphalerite (zinc) and peridotite.
Detailed analysis of drilling data reveals a distinctive mineralogical signature. Although copper (in the form of chalcopyrite) represents a relatively small component of the overall mineral envelope, it shows a spatial association with higher gold grades. For example, the interval that returned 5.89 g/t Au (31.31% ZnEq) is directly related to the copper peak of 1.28% Cu. This geochemical correlation indicates the presence of specific hydrothermal channels or a distinct higher-temperature mineralization event, opening new exploration opportunities within the same system.
Modification and the following geophysical steps: The system reflects prolonged and recurrent hydrothermal fluid circulation, characterized by diffuse alteration of the host rock that has transformed the original pyroxenite and peridotite into massive assemblages of chlorite, talc and carbonates (dolomite/calcite).
The sulfide geometry and diffusive alteration produce a distinctive electrical signature. Currently ongoing downhole (BHEM) and surface (UTEM) geophysical surveys will enable more accurate mapping of these structural connectors. These 3D vector data sets will be crucial in directing future drilling towards the core of the Berrigan deep zone and possibly towards additional gold and copper enrichment zones.
Table 1: Results from HOLE TOM-25-011EXT
Notes:
- The reported widths represent basic lengths. The true width is estimated to be about 80-85% of the core length, depending on the deflection angles.
- ZnEq and AuEq are calculated using the company’s standard parameters.
- AuEq was calculated as US$4,150/oz Au, US$51.34/oz Ag, US$5,023/lb Cu, and US$1,392/lb Zn. AuEq = Au g/t + (Ag g/t x 0.01237) + (Cu ppm x 0.000083) + (Zn ppm x 0.000023), Applying mineral recovery factors of 95% for zinc, 85% for gold and silver, and 90% for copper, based on a metallurgical report on zinc at the Berrigan mine prepared by Process Research Associates Ltd. In February 2002 and on recoveries from nearby deposits of gold, silver and copper.
- ZnEq was calculated as US$4,047/oz Au, US$50.22/oz Ag, US$4,796/lb Cu, and US$1,390/lb Zn. ZnEq = Zn ppm + (Ag g/t x 527) + (Au g/t x 42466) + (Cu ppm x 3.45) / 10,000, applying mineral recovery factors of 95% for zinc, 85% for gold and silver, and 90% for copper, based on a zinc mine report prepared by Process Research Associates Ltd. In February 2002 and on recoveries from nearby deposits of gold, silver and copper.
Table 2: Drill hole collar
About the Berigan mine project
The Berrigan mine property consists of 16 claims totaling 483 hectares and is located 4 km northwest of Chibogamau town. TomaGold has an option to acquire 100% of the property from Chibougamau Independent Mines Inc.
The property has undergone more than one historical appreciation. The most recent of these studies was prepared by Met-Chem Canada Inc in April 2001 in a report entitled: “Pre-feasibility study: Etude Conceptuelle, Projects Berrigan and Tortigny” by Chuinard et al. In the report, resource estimation was completed using polygonal estimation techniques 1.39 metric tons, 3.17% zinc and 1.77 g/t Au In the main Berrigan mine area. No resource ratings were provided for the resource (GM61359).
The mineral resource estimate shown above is historical in nature and has not been prepared in accordance with the standards of National Instrument 43-101. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to rely on this estimate, as the Company does not treat the estimate as a current mineral resource. The qualified person did not do enough to update the resource. It will require a qualified person to collect and verify substantive data, and possibly additional drilling and re-sampling, before the historical estimate can be classified as an existing mineral resource. There can be no assurance that any portion of historic mineral resources will ultimately be confirmed or proven economically viable. For more information about the Berrigan Mine Project, please see the dated press release September 13, 2023.
Technical disclosure
The drilling program was managed by Explo-Logik in Val-d’Or, Quebec. The drill core was divided into two halves, and the other half was sent to AGAT laboratories in Val-d’Or for analysis. Gold was analyzed by fire test (50 g) with an atomic absorption finish, while base metals were analyzed by four acid digestion with an ICP-OES finish. Samples containing gold grades greater than 10 g/t are reprocessed using 106 µm cut-off mineral screening. The treated material is sectioned and analyzed by fire screening with ICP-OES termination to extinction. A separate split is prepared to independently analyze mineral intervals with a target grade greater than 1.00% Cu-Zn using Na₂O₂ fusion with ICP-OES or ICP-MS finishing. Duplicates of sample preparation, approved reference standards, and blanks are included in the sample flow.
The technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jean Lafleur, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for the Company, and Susie Tremblay, P.Geo., Vice President of Operations for Explo-Logik Inc. and a TomaGold advisor, each serving as a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.
About Thomas Gold
TomaGold Corp (TSXV: LOT, OTCPK: TOGOF) is a Canadian junior mining company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of high-potential precious metals and base metals projects, with a primary focus on gold and copper in Quebec and Ontario. The company’s core assets are located in the Chibogamau mining camp in northern Quebec, where it owns the Opalski gold, copper and silver project and has options to acquire 12 additional properties, including the Berrigan Mine, Brosnan, Radar and Dufault projects. TomaGold also has a 24.5% joint venture interest in the Baird gold property near Red Lake Mining Camp in Ontario. In addition, the company has lithium and rare earth element (REE) projects in the James Bay region, which are strategically located near significant recent discoveries.
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Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking information
This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements.” All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “anticipates”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “projects”, “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will”, “may”, “might”, “could” or “should” occur. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include potential results of exploration and drilling activities, market prices, the continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management’s beliefs, estimates, opinions or other factors change.
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