TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2017 — Alacer Gold Corp. (“Alacer” or the “Corporation”) (TSX:ASR) (ASX:AQG) is pleased to announce a maiden Mineral Reserve and a 70% increase in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource1 for the Çakmaktepe near-mine deposits located in the Çöpler District. Alacer also announces initial exploration drilling results of the Çakmaktepe Far North exploration prospect. Çakmaktepe is adjacent to the Çöpler Mine which has approximately four million tonnes of spare capacity in the heap leach facility which will be used to treat oxide ore from Çakmaktepe.Rod Antal, Alacer’s President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “This is exciting growth. Our target has always been to bring Çakmaktepe online in 2018 and with mining planned to commence in Çakmaktepe next year, we will meet this objective. With this development, we now have an additional oxide ore source that will utilize the existing Çöpler oxide infrastructure. Turning this exploration potential into profitable production in a relatively short time frame is a significant achievement by the team.Additionally, we recently completed five initial drill holes at Çakmaktepe Far North and are already seeing excellent potential with the assays revealing mineralization and good grade continuity. With many areas remaining open across Çakmaktepe, our targeted exploration program will continue into 2018 with a view to build on our results to date.”Summary The Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource estimate for Çakmaktepe in the Çöpler District has increased by ~70% (to 239,000 ounces) since December 2016. The Inferred Mineral Resource estimate increased by ~110% (to 50,000 ounces) since December 2016.Defined a Maiden Mineral Reserve of 176,000 ounces for the Çakmaktepe Resource.Pending approval of the revised Environmental Impact Assessment and Operating Permits, Alacer plans to commence mining the portion of the deposits not covered by Pasture Permits; estimated to be Q4 2018.This initial Çakmaktepe material will be trucked to the existing Çöpler processing facility and is estimated to contribute approximately 50,000 ounces of recoverable gold production, predominantly in 2019.Pasture permit applications have been submitted for the other areas of Çakmaktepe defined as Pasture land.The mine access road connecting Çöpler to the Çakmaktepe deposits is under construction and connects to the new tailings storage facility haul road.Exploration continues at Çakmaktepe and the updated Mineral Resource does not include drilling after June 21, 2017. Many areas of the Çakmaktepe deposit remain open.Initial drilling of Çakmaktepe Far North is encouraging and exploration of the area has been accelerated.The in-pit exploration program at Çöpler continues and is focused on finding additional oxide ore. _________________________
1 Detailed information regarding the Çöpler District maiden Mineral Resource can be found in the press release entitled “Alacer Gold Announces Additional Exploration Results for Çakmaktepe and an Initial Mineral Resource in the Çöpler District,” dated December 19, 2016, available on www.sedar.com and on www.asx.com.au. An image of the Çakmaktepe Prospect Location Plan accompanying this release is available http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/b48d4cbf-8528-494b-b39b-47b168db5c72 2017 Çakmaktepe Mineral Resource Estimate Update and Initial Reserve EstimateNote: Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources are shown on a 100% basis, of which Alacer owns varying amount from 50% to 80%. Alacer’s attributable Measured and Indicated portion is 120,000 contained ounces and 29,000 Inferred contained ounces. The Ҫakmaktepe and Bayramdere deposits are part of the Çöpler Project and will contribute to the overall Çöpler Mineral Resource estimate. The key assumptions, parameters, and methods used to estimate the Mineral Resources are provided in the appendices to this announcement. We are not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in this announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. Rounding differences will occur.Note: Mineral Reserves are shown on a 100% basis, of which Alacer owns 50%. The Mineral Reserves methodology and cut-off grades are summarized in the appendices to this announcement. Ҫakmaktepe is part of the Çöpler Project and will contribute to the overall Çöpler Mineral Reserve estimate. The key assumptions, parameters, and methods used to estimate the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves are provided in the appendices to this announcement. We are not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in this announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in this announcement to apply and have not materially changed. Rounding differences will occur.Çakmaktepe Far North Drilling HighlightsÇakmaktepe Far North Project is located immediately north (about 1.5 km) of Çakmaktepe North. Five holes have been drilled with each showing good mineralization and grade continuity. Exploration of the mineralized trend has just commenced, and it is hoped that the mineralization extends further along the trend. The exploration area is predominantly in the Anagold 80:20 lease area. All the drilling to date is in the 80:20 lease area.The deposits are hosted in a sequence of stacked, shallow-dipping fault-bounded slices of ultramafic rocks and sedimentary rocks (dominated by dolomites), apparently intruded by porphyritic granodioritic rocks. Gold mineralization is hosted at shallow depths (commonly <20 m below surface) in silicified carbonaceous rocks and gossanous ironstones and dolomites. Gold mineralization is largely present as oxide material but there are zones of less- or little-oxidized sulfides. Listwanites appears to be mineralized at the fault contact and unmineralized at the surface.A geological map accompanying this release is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/f2d091cd-11eb-4272-b5b7-a20d9e8b3646An image of the SW-NE Interpretive Cross-section in Çakmaktepe Far North Project accompanying this release is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/2bb0cf19-16cc-4699-8b93-482b918fef60The section has been tested with 5 drill holes within an area of approximately 170 m x 130 m as shown in the geological map. In contrast to Çöpler and Ҫakmaktepe mineralization, Far North’s copper content is very low. Silver is very rare and is not shown on the drill hole table.Drill hole table shows the notable gold sections with a cut-off grade of 0.3 g/t Au.
HQ size scissors holes were drilled to test the mineralized zone for continuity and lateral changes. EW cross sections clearly indicate that the mineralized zone is a sub-horizontal zone extending from the fault bounded creek at the east to a fault zone on the west. Section A-A’ is located 60m to the north of B-B’ section. In both sections, mineralization to the west is terminated by a granodiorite intrusion. Jasperoid and breccia control on gold mineralization is clear in both cross sections. Exploration focus is on quartz vein density further north where the intensity of alteration increases. Quartz vein density reaches up to 5% in tested listwanites.Cross section graphs accompanying this release are available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/2516372f-9243-48b6-a585-9713fd432443Çöpler DistrictAlacer’s exploration licenses surrounding the Çöpler Gold Mine span across a 17 km by 25 km area. The exploration licenses are managed under two separate joint ventures (“JV”). Alacer owns 80% of the licenses adjacent to Çöpler Mine under the Anagold Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (“Anagold”) JV and 50% of the remaining licenses in the Çöpler District under the Kartaltepe JV, both in partnership with Lidya Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (“Lidya Mining”).Çöpler District images accompanying this release are available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/6773b538-16c0-49a5-a758-d6cfc141c3f9Çöpler District Location PlanThe Mineral Resource estimate for the Çakmaktepe Project has pit shells optimized within 4 zones of mineralization that comprise the Çakmaktepe deposit (Çakmaktepe North, Central, East and Southeast) as well as the Bayramdere deposit. The open pit shells are located within 5 km to 7 km of the existing Çöpler Mine infrastructure. The mineralization is contained within a network of fault and shear structures and is hosted within multiple lithologies. The mineralization style is similar to the Çöpler deposit and will be processed through the existing infrastructure at the Çöpler Mine.The Mineral Resource estimate was based on 3D geological models developed to define the lithological contacts and sub-vertical shear zone style mineralization. Mineralized zones were then used to generate a block model estimate of the deposit mineralization. The model includes drill data and surface mapping through June 21, 2017.Technical information related to the Mineral Resource and Reserve estimate, including the drilling techniques, can be found in the Appendices of this press release. To view the complete drill assay results referenced in this press release, please visit the follow link: http://www.alacergold.com/docs/default-source/news-wire-documents/supporting-information-for-alacer-gold-exploration-announcement.pdf?status=Temp&sfvrsn=0.9862888356081239or visit the Corporation’s website at www.alacergold.com.Metal price assumptions used in the Mineral Resource estimate are $1,400 per ounce of gold and $19 per ounce for silver. Metal price assumptions used in the Mineral Reserve estimate are $1,250 per ounce of gold and $17 per ounce for silver. Both the Mineral Resource and Reserve estimates assume a $1.40/tonne mined mining cost and processing costs ranging from $7.56/ore tonne to $9.28/ore tonne. Mineral Resource cutoff grades range from 0.35 to 0.50 g/t. Mineral Reserve cutoff grades range from 0.40 to 0.55 g/t.The Çakmaktepe Project is made up of a number mineralized zones collectively referred to as the Çakmaktepe deposit. Bayramdere, by virtue of isolation, is referred to as a separate mineral deposit. Çakmaktepe and Bayramdere are adjacent to and on the western side of a major northwest striking regional fault structure. The regional structure appears to control the distribution of most mineralization to the east of the Çöpler Mine.Metallurgically, the Ҫakmaktepe and Bayramdere ores are of similar nature to ores processed at the Çöpler Heap Leach operation. A number of bottle roll and column tests were conducted in 2016 and 2017 at the SGS laboratory in Perth, Australia. The Ҫakmaktepe and Bayramdere deposits have oxide leach gold recoveries ranging from 59% to 80% dependent on lithology type and deposit location.The Çakmaktepe North and Central deposit is located on the 50% Alacer-owned (Kartaltepe) tenement. The northern mineralization is structurally confined to a major sub-vertical shear zone. Oxide mineralization is predominantly characterized by silica-iron-carbonate rich ‘jasperoid‘, less siliceous iron rich gossan, and epithermal veined and brecciated limestone. Mineralization is not solely contained within the shear zone, also occurring along flat thrust structures and lithological contacts cut by the shear zone. Contacts between ophiolite and limestone, limestone and hornfels, as well as all lithologies in contact with intrusive granodiorite sills and dykes are generally mineralized.The North deposit is confined to two major NW-SE trending fault zones. The western fault, Çakmaktepe Fault, delineates the western extent of Çakmaktepe North and separates it from the Çakmaktepe ophiolitic units. The fault has a dominant dextral component.The shear fault controls the north deposit at the west and separates the mineralization from ophiolite.The thrust fault delineates the eastern extent of Çakmaktepe Central and East deposit and separates them from the Çakmaktepe ophiolitic units.The listwanite horizon is the most favorable host rock for Au. Listwanite formed by the pre-mineral CO2 metasomatism of ultramafic rocks forms a critical and reactive host rock in the Çakmaktepe prospect.Granodiorite intrusions show evidence of hydrothermal activity which either takes the form of massive Fe-dominated replacement (magnetite-specular hematite or pyrite) or sheeted crystalline quartz veins bearing jasperoids closer to granodiorite contacts. An image of Çakmaktepe North and Central Mineral Resource Shells accompanying this release is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/efc8a885-0a49-4fa9-be91-c6ed30aeddcaA majority of the mineralization within the Ҫakmaktepe North pit boundary is steeply dipping and extends to a depth of nearly 180 meters. The high gold grades along this trend and the local topography result in a high strip-ratio for an open pit design. Conversely, the mineralization within the Ҫakmaktepe Central pit boundary is found at much shallower depths and is oriented nearly horizontal. This orientation results in a lower strip-ratio pit with favorable conditions for rapid ore extraction and minimal pre-strip. The mine plan considers mining in the lower strip-ratio pit first.The Çakmaktepe East deposit is on the 50% Alacer-owned (Kartaltepe) tenement area and is a gold-copper deposit with mineralization occurring near surface in stacked iron rich gossans and associated oxidized host rocks. Most of mineralization occurs along the contacts of diorite and shear zone between ophiolites and calc-hornfels with the highest grades in proximity to diorite contacts. The Çakmaktepe East zone is now considered to be fully defined to a depth of 100m below surface.A total of 15,606 m of drilling from Çakmaktepe East was used in the creation of the 2017 Çakmaktepe East resource model, inclusive of metallurgical and geotechnical holes. The drilling meterage is representative of all drilling completed to June 21, 2017.An image of the Çakmaktepe East Resource Pit Outline accompanying this release is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/fca657f2-13b4-49ba-928e-96d00527465cThe Çakmaktepe Southeast deposit is on an 80% Alacer-owned (Anagold) tenement and is characterized by gold-copper-silver mineralization, mainly hosted within iron rich gossans and altered wall rocks developed along shallow dipping contacts between diorite, ophiolite and limestone lithologies. Mineralization is from surface to a depth of 50m. The zone was fully defined by resource drilling in 2015 upon which 2017 Mineral Resource estimates are based.A total of 13,914 m of RC (93%) and diamond drilling (7%) was incorporated into the 2017 Mineral Resource estimate from the Çakmaktepe Southeast zone. The drilling meterage is representative of all drilling completed to June 21, 2017, and is inclusive of metallurgical and geotechnical holes.An image of the Çakmaktepe Southeast Resource accompanying this release is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/b9b89c98-f8d9-4132-89b6-be4e94ee37ceThe Bayramdere deposit is on the 50% Alacer-owned (Kartaltepe) tenement area and is an oxide gold and copper deposit. Mineralization is localized within three stacked shallow dipping lodes. The mineralization has formed at the contacts of limestone and ophiolite lithologies with mineralization replacing limestone along the contacts. The limestone / ophiolite contacts are low-angle thrusts, with limestone typically being trapped as wedges of material within a dominantly ophiolite stratigraphy. Mineralization occurs within iron rich gossan horizons. Although a small deposit, Bayramdere is higher-grade and can support a high strip-ratio to access mineralization. A total of 10,709 m of drilling for Bayramdere was included into the Mineral Resource estimate, inclusive of metallurgical and geotechnical holes.An image of the Bayramdere Resource Pit Outline accompanying this release is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/678628bd-781c-45a8-bd86-ec4979600214Additional Drilling InformationA total of 119,447 m of drilling was completed to define the Mineral Resource estimate. In addition,MRMR geotechnical logging was integrated in 2017,Step-out drilling in 2017 defined new extension ore zones outside the known zones, andNew metallurgy holes were drilled to provide additional samples for the Ҫakmaktepe Central district.Further discovery potential at Çakmaktepe has been improved through the southernmost holes at Çakmaktepe Central. Given the position of the mineralization between Çakmaktepe North, East and Central mineralized zones, a broad-scale intrusive complex may be responsible for the mineralized dykes, sills and fluids associated with mineralizing and/or the high-grading of these deposits. The size and full extent of the epithermal system is not known as the surface expression is masked by meters of ophiolite scree. There is potential through:Definition of a mineralized feeder structureFurther oxide mineralization associated with crossing structures, andTesting of the deeper sulfide mineralization.Next StepsAn updated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for production has been submitted to the Ministry of Environment. All permit requirements other than the EIA and Operating Permits have been obtained for the areas not requiring a Pasture Permit. A Pasture land mining permit has been filed and approval is pending. Construction of the haul road from the Çakmaktepe pits to the Çöpler Mine infrastructure continues with most of the road completed. The haul road is expected to cost approximately $2 million.Exploration activity on the Çakmaktepe Far North mineralization will be accelerated in 2018; including both drilling and metallurgical studies.About AlacerAlacer is a leading intermediate gold mining company, with an 80% interest in the world-class Çöpler Gold Mine in Turkey operated by Anagold Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (“Anagold”), and the remaining 20% owned by Lidya Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (“Lidya Mining”). The Corporation’s primary focus is to leverage its cornerstone Çöpler Mine and strong balance sheet to maximize portfolio value and free cash flow, minimize project risk, and therefore, create maximum value for shareholders. The Çöpler Mine is in east-central Turkey in the Erzincan Province, approximately 1,100 kilometers southeast from Istanbul and 550 kilometers east from Ankara, Turkey’s capital city.Alacer is actively pursuing initiatives to enhance value beyond the current mine plan:Çöpler Oxide Production Optimization – Expansion of the existing heap leach pad capacity to 58 million tonnes continues. The Corporation continues to evaluate opportunities to extend oxide production beyond the current reserves, including a new heap leach pad site to the west of the Çöpler Mine.
Çöpler Sulfide Expansion Project (the “Sulfide Project”) – The Sulfide Project construction is more than 60% complete, under budget, and on schedule for first gold production in the third quarter 2018. The Sulfide Project is expected to deliver long-term growth with robust financial returns and adds 20 years of production at Çöpler. The Sulfide Project will bring Çöpler’s remaining life-of-mine (“LoM”) gold production to 4 million ounces at All-in Sustaining Costs averaging $645 per ounce2, 3.
The Corporation continues to pursue opportunities to further expand its current operating base to become a sustainable multi-mine producer with a focus on Turkey. The systematic and focused exploration efforts in the Çöpler District, as well as in other regions of Turkey, are progressing. An updated Mineral Resource and maiden Mineral Reserve estimate was released for Çakmaktepe and Bayramdere4, and the Çöpler District remains the focus with the potential to add oxide production in 2018 utilizing the existing Çöpler infrastructure. In the region, work has commenced on a Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”) for the Gediktepe Project5 and is expected to be complete in June 2018._________________________
2 All-in Sustaining Costs per ounce is a non-IFRS performance measure with no standardized definition under IFRS. For further information and a detailed reconciliation to IFRS, please see the “Non-IFRS Measures” section of the latest MD&A.3 Detailed information regarding the Sulfide Project, including the material assumptions on which the forward-looking financial information is based, can be found in the technical report dated June 9, 2016 entitled “Çöpler Mine Technical Report” (the “Çöpler Technical Report”), available on www.sedar.com and on www.asx.com.au.4 Detailed information regarding the Çöpler District Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve can be found in the press release entitled “Alacer Gold Announces Additional Exploration Results for Çakmaktepe and an Initial Mineral Resource in the Çöpler District,” dated December 19, 2016, available on www.sedar.com and on www.asx.com.au.5 Additional information on the Gediktepe Project can be found in the press release entitled “Alacer Gold Announces a New Reserve for its Gediktepe Project Providing Future Growth,” dated September 13, 2016, available on www.sedar.com and on www.asx.com.au.
Alacer is a Canadian corporation incorporated in the Yukon Territory with its primary listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Corporation also has a secondary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange where CHESS Depositary Interests (“CDIs”) trade.Cautionary StatementCertain statements contained in this document constitute “forward-looking information”, “future oriented financial information” or “financial outlooks” (collectively, “forward looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information often relates to statements concerning Alacer’s outlook and anticipated events or results, and in some cases, can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “projects,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.Forward-looking information includes statements concerning, among other things, production, cost, and capital expenditure guidance; the results of any gold reconciliations; matters relating to proposed exploration; communications with local stakeholders; maintaining community and government relations; negotiations of joint ventures; negotiation and completion of transactions; commodity prices; mineral resources, mineral reserves, realization of mineral reserves, and the existence or realization of mineral resource estimates; the timing and amount of future production; the timing of studies, announcements, and analysis; the timing of construction and development of proposed mines and process facilities; capital and operating expenditures; economic conditions; availability of sufficient financing; exploration plans; receipt of regulatory approvals; and any and all other timing, exploration, development, operational, financial, budgetary, economic, legal, social, regulatory, and political matters that may influence or be influenced by future events or conditions.Such forward-looking information and statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including, but not limited in any manner to, those disclosed in any of Alacer’s other public filings, and include the inherent speculative nature of exploration results; the ability to explore; communications with local stakeholders; maintaining community and governmental relations; status of negotiations of joint ventures; weather conditions at Alacer’s operations; commodity prices; the ultimate determination of and realization of mineral reserves; existence or realization of mineral resources; the development approach; availability and receipt of required approvals, titles, licenses and permits; sufficient working capital to develop and operate the mines and implement development plans; access to adequate services and supplies; foreign currency exchange rates; interest rates; access to capital markets and associated cost of funds; availability of a qualified work force; ability to negotiate, finalize, and execute relevant agreements; lack of social opposition to the mines or facilities; lack of legal challenges with respect to the property of Alacer; the timing and amount of future production; the ability to meet production, cost, and capital expenditure targets; timing and ability to produce studies and analyses; capital and operating expenditures; economic conditions; availability of sufficient financing; the ultimate ability to mine, process, and sell mineral products on economically favorable terms; and any and all other timing, exploration, development, operational, financial, budgetary, economic, legal, social, geopolitical, regulatory and political factors that may influence future events or conditions. While we consider these factors and assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to us, they may prove to be incorrect.You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information and statements. Forward-looking information and statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and our projections about future events. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties disclosed in Alacer’s Annual Information Form and other public filings, as well as other unforeseen events or circumstances.Additional Information and Risk FactorsOther than as required by law, Alacer does not intend, and undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect, among other things, new information or future events. For additional information, you should refer to Alacer’s public filings, including the Corporation’s AIF, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the ASX at www.asx.com.au.For further information on Alacer Gold Corp., please contact:Lisa Maestas – Director, Investor Relations at +1-303-292-1299 Appendix 1Qualified Person StatementMineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates referenced in this announcement are estimated in accordance with CIM guidelines as incorporated into NI 43-101, and the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. While terms associated with various categories of “Mineral Resource” or “Mineral Reserve” are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, they may not have equivalent meanings in other jurisdictions outside Canada and no comparison should be made or inferred. Actual recoveries of mineral products may differ from those estimated in the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves due to inherent uncertainties in acceptable estimating techniques. In particular, Inferred Mineral Resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, economic and legal feasibility. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the Mineral Resources will ever be converted into Mineral Reserves.The Mineral Resource disclosed in this announcement was estimated and approved by Mr. Loren Ligocki, SME Registered Member, and Resource Geology Manager at Alacer Gold Corp. Mr. Ligocki has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which is being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the “Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” and is a Qualified Person pursuant to NI 43-101.The Mineral Reserves disclosure in this announcement was estimated and approved by Mr. Stephen K. Statham, SME Registered Member, Alacer’s Mining Services Manager, who is a full-time employee of Alacer. The information in this announcement which relates to Mineral Reserves is based on, and fairly represents, the information and supporting documentation prepared by Mr. Statham. Mr. Statham has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which is being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the “Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” and is a Qualified Person pursuant to NI 43-101.Messrs. Ligocki and Statham consent to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on this information in the form and context in which it appears.Summary for the purposes of ASX Listing Rules 5.8 and 5.9Please refer to the JORC Code Table 1 contained in Appendix 2 of this announcement for information relating to the estimates of Minerals Resources for the Çakmaktepe Project. A copy of which can be found on www.sedar.com, the Australian Securities Exchange and on our website www.alacergold.com.Geology and Geological InterpretationThe Çöpler, Çakmaktepe and Bayramdere deposits are within the Tethyan Mineralized Belt, a major global mineralized terrain for gold, copper and base metals stretching from Indo-China into Europe through Eurasia.The Çakmaktepe and Bayramdere deposits are structurally controlled gold + minor copper + minor silver deposits displaying both epithermal and replacement mineralization styles. The deposits at this stage of exploration are dominantly represented by near surface oxide mineralization to a depth of up to 180m below surface. Mineralization is primarily associated with jasperoid (silica-carbonate-iron rich altered protolith) and iron rich gossan. Secondary pyrite is a commonly visible component within jasperoids.At depth, mineralization transitions below the base of complete oxidation to disseminated pyrite, vein sulfides and massive sulfide horizons generally occurring within shear zones, along shallow thrusts, diorite sill and dyke margins. The extent of sulfide mineralization has not been tested.As with the Çöpler deposit, Çakmaktepe and Bayramdere are considered to be the result of a mineralized intrusion generating the right conditions for mineralization to be localized into a favorable geological setting of ophiolite, limestone, and hornfels lithologies. A complex system of faults and thrusts have allowed mineralized fluids, diorite dykes and sills associated with the epithermal system to permeate into the stratigraphy.Within the Çakmaktepe Mineral Resource and Reserve, steep dipping shear hosted mineralization is characterized by Çakmaktepe North, whereas flatter early stage thrust related mineralization is characterized by the Çakmaktepe East, Southeast and Central deposits. The Bayramdere deposit is also associated with flat thrust structures. Key to each structurally associated style of mineralization is the juxtaposition of ophiolites against limestone + hornfels to create the right geochemical conditions for gold and other metals deposition. Ophiolite as a lithology is not associated with mineralization at Çöpler, this association at present is unique to Çakmaktepe and Bayramdere.Drilling TechniquesExploration drilling and sampling at Çakmaktepe utilized surface HQ and HQ3 triple-tube diamond core drilling and 5 ¼ inch diameter RC drilling with face sampling hammer. Reverse circulation cuttings were sampled on 1.0m intervals and core was sampled systematically in 1.0m lengths as sawn half core in competent ground or hand split if in clay or broken fault zones. For full diamond cored holes, PQ precollars were used to ensure successful penetration of broken near surface ground conditions, maximize core recovery and to maintain a straight hole profile. PQ precollars when used ranged in down-hole depth from 50m to 90m. RC precollar drilling up to depths of 220m was also utilized with diamond core tails completing holes from the base of precollars.The majority of drilling was completed at an angle of 60 degrees and depending on deposit, facing east or west. On difficult mountain slopes, diamond and RC drilling was also completed as a series of fan holes at differing angles from the same drill site where drill platform availability was limited.The percentage breakdown of RC versus diamond drilling method varied by deposit:Çakmaktepe North and Central - 42% RC sample, 40% diamond core, 18% RC/Core combinationÇakmaktepe East - 23% RC sample, 75% diamond core, 2% RC/Core combinationÇakmaktepe Southeast - 93% RC sample, 7% diamond coreBayramdere - 28% RC sample, 59% diamond core, 14% RC/Core combinationSampling and Sub-samplingDiamond drill core is sampled as half core at 1m intervals. Where possible, all diamond core is oriented using the 2IC Ezy-Mark or Reflex ACT II systems and collected in HQ triple tube splits pumped out with water. Drill holes are downhole surveyed using a MEMs Gyro, Reflex Multishot, Devico or North Seeking Gyro to ensure accurate location of all samples spatially from drill collar to end of hole. All drill collars are surveyed-in by DGPS.RC chip samples are collected in calico bags (3-5kg) for analysis at 1m intervals using a side mounted rotary cone splitter and representative sub-samples are placed into chip box trays at 1m intervals for logging. All samples are weighed using digital scales with weights recorded and used to determine sample representivity. The scale is tared before each measurement. All weights are recorded onto paper and transferred to the geological database.RC reject samples are collected in PVC bags and stored in a bag farm for at least 6 months in case of relogging, duplicate sampling and follow-up QAQC. Retained diamond core is stored in marked core trays in a dedicated core yard with core under cover for an indefinite time period. Diamond core is quarter cored as required for further sampling and QAQC.Diamond Core and RC samples are submitted to certified independent analytical laboratories for analyses.From 2012 to April 2015, samples from Çakmaktepe East and Southeast were submitted to ALS Laboratory in Izmir, Turkey. April 2015 to December 2016, the SGS Ankara laboratory was used as the primary laboratory for Çakmaktepe projects. The 2017 samples were submitted to ALS Laboratory in Izmir, Turkey.RC samples each weighing 3-5kg and diamond half-core samples weighing 4-5kg each are transported to the SGS Ankara laboratory for sample preparation and analysis. Samples are sorted, weighed on receipt, dried, reweighed and moisture content determined. Crushing and grind size checks are completed at all stages of sample reduction (crushed to better than 70% passing <2mm and pulverized better than 85% passing <75 µm. Samples are passed through a riffle split to create 1kg sub-samples. The 1kg sub-samples are further split to 250g and fire assayed using a 30g charge. Samples having gold values >10g/t are reassayed with a gravimetric finish. A 36-element whole rock analysis using a four-acid digest and ICP-ME (OES) finish is completed for all Çakmaktepe samples. Over-limit precious and base metals are reanalyzed by AAS. All samples are analyzed for Total Carbon and Sulphur. Where applicable, sulfide sulphur analysis by aqua regia and NaCO3 analysis is completed where samples return total sulphur values >2%.From 2015 to 2016, the Ankara ACME (Bureau Veritas) laboratory has been used as Umpire Laboratory. ACME provides similar analyses to SGS for fire assay, gravimetric gold, ICP-AES for 35 elements, Total Carbon and Sulfur analysis as a quality control on the main laboratory.Data VerificationExternal reviews of data and processes relating to these prospects were completed during previous model updates by independent Resource Consultant Paul Gribble (Geologica UK), Cube Consulting (Perth), and Data Revolution (Perth). Mineral Consultancy (Ankara) reviewed the data for the 2017 resource estimate. None of the verification performed in support of the resource identified material issues with the supporting data. The data in the database are sufficiently validated to support Mineral Resource estimation.Mineral ResourcesEstimation MethodologyFor all areas reported within the 2017 Mineral Resource (Çakmaktepe North, Çakmaktepe Central, Çakmaktepe East, Çakmaktepe Southeast and Bayramdere), the geological interpretation and modelling was followed by creation of mineralized domains based on the continuity of the geology and mineralization identified specific to each deposit and mineralized zone within the deposit. Separate domains were created for gold, silver, copper, and sulfur. In the creation of mineralized domains, a minimum mining width of 2.5m was used based on anticipated open pit mining methods.Estimation was limited to the interpreted domains, with each domain informed only by samples contained within that domain. Outside the mineralized domains a ‘mineralized waste’ estimate was completed.The Çakmaktepe North, Central, East and Southeast zones were estimated using Inverse Distance Cubed (ID3). ID3 is a linear estimation technique applied to gold, copper, silver and sulfur mineralization. Ordinary kriging was used to estimate gold, silver and copper mineralization at Bayramdere. A 3D model has not been constructed to date for the Far North project.Model VerificationAll estimates were validated against alternate interpolation methods. Estimated grades were compared to a nearest neighbor model to check for global bias. Swath plots were used to check for a local bias. The estimated gold grades in the model were compared to the composite grades by visual inspection in plan views and cross sections. Composite samples were queried by domain to confirm proper sample flagging.Mineral Resources ClassificationMineral Resources were classified based on a drill spacing study and observed continuity of geology and mineralization. Indicated Mineral Resources should be known within +/- 15 percent with 90 percent confidence on an annual basis and Measured Mineral Resources should be known within +/- 15 percent with 90 percent confidence on a quarterly basis. No blocks were classified in the Measured category.Depending on deposit, drill hole spacing for support of classification of Inferred Mineral Resources varied between 25m by 50m to 20m by 20m spacing. For Indicated Mineral Resource classification, the drill hole spacing reduced to 15m by 15m spacing up to 20m by 20m spacing depending on the deposit. Appropriate drill hole pattern spacing selection was based on the understanding of the nature of the mineralization being structurally controlled, mineral continuity and assessment of data quality.Reasonable Prospects of Eventual Economic ExtractionTo meet the reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction criteria, Mineral Resources are tabulated within a Lerchs-Grosmann (LG) optimization shell generated using a gold price of $1,400/oz., a silver price of $19, and metallurgical gold recoveries that vary from 59% to 80% for oxide material. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Ore Reserves.Cut-off GradeMineral Resources were tabulated using multiple cut-off grades due to variable recoveries and based on gold price only. Cut-off grades are calculated based on the equation: Xc = Po / (r * (V-R)); where Xc = Cutoff Grade (g/t), Po = Processing Cost of Ore (USD/tonne of ore), r = Recovery, V = Gold Sell Price (USD/gram), R = Refining Costs (USD/gram). Cutoff grades vary from 0.35 – 0.50 g/t.Ore ReservesMaterial Assumptions for Ore ReservesThe Ore Reserves were estimated to a feasibility study level with all material assumptions being documented in the JORC Code Table 1 contained in Appendix 2 of this announcement. All operating and capital costs as well as revenue streams were included in the financial model. The study finds that the recovery of metals is technically and financially feasible, generating positive returns on infrastructure investments.Ore Reserves ClassificationOre Reserves are estimated on the basis of detailed design and scheduling of the Ҫakmaktepe open pits. The pit boundaries are guided by optimized LG pit shells. The oxide pit shell is evaluated with a gold price of $1,250/oz, silver price of $17/oz, mining cost of $1.40/tonne mined, and processing costs ranging from $7.56/tonne to $9.28/tonne.All the Ore Reserves are derived from Indicated Mineral Resources. All Inferred Mineral Resources are considered as waste.Mining MethodConventional open pit mining is the chosen method of extraction for Ore Reserves at Çakmaktepe. Pit development will begin along the hillside. Ore is primarily found near surface and will be identified using ore control procedures already in place at the Çöpler mine.Ore ProcessingOxide ore will be processed via heap leaching at the Çöpler Heap Leach Facility in the same manner as Çöpler oxide ore is currently processed. Ore will be transported via truck from stockpiles at the Ҫakmaktepe deposit and delivered to the oxide ore crusher at Çöpler. The Çakmaktepe ores are of similar nature to ores processed at the Çöpler Heap Leach Operation and are to be processed at that facility. 27 Intermittent Bottle Roll Tests (IBRT’s) and 7 column tests were completed with gold and silver extractions projected based on discounted column test results and considering consistency of results in the rock type IBRT’s. Normally a 3% discount was applied to final column results. Oxide ore recoverable ounces are estimated with recoveries ranging from 59% to 80%.Cut-off GradeFor Ore Reserves, estimation cut-off grades for oxide ore are calculated based on positive cash flow generation. A calculated gold internal cut-off grade within the design pit was applied to the oxide Ore Reserves using the equation: Xc = Po / (r * (V-R)) where Xc = Cut-off Grade (g/t), Po = Processing Cost of Ore (USD/tonne of ore), r = Recovery, V = Gold Sell Price (USD/gram), R = Refining Costs (USD/gram). This results in a variable oxide cut-off grade of 0.40 to 0.55 g/t.Estimation MethodologyThe estimation methodology is described in the “Mineral Resources” section above.Ore Reserves are not diluted, nor is any mining dilution expected beyond that already implied by the Mineral Resources model block size (5m x 5m x 2.5m) and estimation method. Full mining recovery is assumed.Material Modifying FactorsGold and silver will be produced in the form of doré and sent to refiners for separation. The market for gold and silver is robust. A high-grade copper precipitate will be produced from oxide ore for sale.Infrastructure and labor forces currently serving the Çöpler mine is sufficient for processing oxide ore from Çakmaktepe. A dedicated private access road connecting the two mines will be constructed. Power and water supply improvements have been budgeted and designed to meet the needs of the proposed mine.The Company operates under mining licenses issued by the Turkish Government. The EIA application of the Çakmaktepe project was submitted in June 2016 and was approved in January 2017. A revised EIA application, including Çakmaktepe Central pit, was submitted in July 2017. Çakmaktepe project forestry permits were approved. Pasture permits are awaiting approval. Connection road land use permits have been approved.Appendix 2 - JORC Code Table 1The following tables are provided to ensure compliance with the JORC Code (2012) edition requirements for the reporting of exploration results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves in respect of the maiden Ore Reserve and the Mineral Resource Upgrade for Çakmaktepe.Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)Section 2 Reporting of Exploration ResultsSection 3 Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources(Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in section 2, also apply to this section.)
Section 4 Estimation and Reporting of Ore Reserves
APPENDIX 2Drill Hole Results Received After June 21, 2017Graphs with Drill Hole Results accompanying this release are available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/ccd6dd44-81c4-4ff2-a73e-b1fc353451d7http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/5504b75b-4f0e-4f60-9b7a-84612dbdb522http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/62c7c0a3-2080-4be6-ac18-9c6f548c6fcb APPENDIX 3DiagramsDiagrams accompanying this release are available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/9183036f-cd76-4cae-8a14-303b13248c20
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