VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 18, 2017) - Blue Sky Uranium Corp. (TSX
VENTURE:BSK)(FRANKFURT:MAL2)(OTCQB:BKUCF)("Blue Sky" or the "Company") is pleased to report Phase I Extension reverse
circulation (RC) drilling results for the Ivana target and the Phase I results from the remainder of the Amarillo Grande
uranium-vanadium project, in Rio Negro Province, Argentina (see Map 1: https://www.blueskyuranium.com/assets/news/2017-09-18-nrm1-bsk-g97x6f.pdf
).
At the Ivana target, RC drilling on the eastern flank of the previously-reported Phase I drilling area (June 19, 2017 News
Release) has defined a strongly mineralized corridor that extends more than 2 kilometres in a
northeast direction, is between 200 and >400 metres wide, up to 20 metres thick, and is open to expansion to the southeast and
to the north (see Map 2: https://www.blueskyuranium.com/assets/news/2017-09-18-nrm2-bsk-g97x6f.pdf
). This largely continuously mineralized zone includes a higher-grade core zone over one kilometre in length, which includes
drill intercepts of up to 3,136 ppm U3O8 over one metre (AGI-0100). Strong uranium grades are also present
within the interpreted southeastern extension (942ppm U3O8 over one metre in AGI-0124); and, the northern
extension (817ppm U3O8 over one metre - AGI-0138).
Highlights include:
-
1,861 ppm U 3 O 8 over 3
m
- within 405 ppm U 3 O 8
over 20 m in AGI-0100
-
1,410 ppm U 3 O 8 over 1
m
- within 571 ppm U 3 O 8
over 6 m in AGI-0120
-
942 ppm U 3 O 8 over 1
m
- within 575 ppm U 3 O 8
over 3 m in AGI-0124
-
877 ppm U 3 O 8 over 1
m
- within 423 ppm U 3 O 8
over 7 m in AGI-0119
-
835 ppm U 3 O 8 over 1
m
- within 447 ppm U 3 O 8
over 6 m in AGI-0137
-
814 ppm U 3 O 8 over 1
m
- within 570 ppm U 3 O 8
over 5 m in AGI-0099
-
647 ppm U 3 O 8 over 1
m
- within 420 ppm U 3 O 8
over 5 m in AGI-0131
"These results represent a significant new uranium-vanadium discovery," stated Nikolaos Cacos, Blue Sky President &
CEO. "We have always held the belief that Blue Sky's Amarillo Grande project, covering 269,000-hectares, has district-wide
potential for uranium-vanadium discovery - and these results confirm that. We thank our technical team, led by Guillermo Pensado,
and our shareholders for their patience and perseverance."
Most of the uranium-vanadium found to date at Ivana and elsewhere on the Amarillo Grande property has consisted of carnotite
mineralization in a surficial deposit type setting. Examples of surficial uranium deposits include Langer Heinrich in
Namibia, which has Proven and Probable ore reserves and stockpiles with an average grade of 471 ppm U3O8
(1) and in in the 9 months ending in March 2017 had C1 unit cash costs of US$17.51/lb U308.
(2) In some of the recent strongly mineralized holes at Ivana, potentially primary mineralization was observed and the
deposit style appears to include more characteristics of sandstone-type deposits. Sandstone deposits represent approximately
18% of world uranium resources, with grades of typically 0.05 to 0.35% U. These deposits are a leading source of uranium
production in Kazakhstan, the USA and Niger (3).
The Company has commenced additional geophysical surveys and RC drilling to expand the strongly mineralized corridors
identified to date at Ivana. Metallurgical testwork is also progressing.
(1)
http://www.paladinenergy.com.au/sites/default/files/presentation_file/17.05.16-march-quarter-investor-conference-call-and-update.pdf
(2) http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170516/pdf/43j9k625v9h138.pdf
(3) http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/uranium-resources/geology-of-uranium-deposits.aspx
Drill Program Technical Summary:
The 269,000-hectare (~665,000 acre) Amarillo Grande project spans a 140-kilometre long trend along which a number of areas of
uranium-vanadium mineralization have been identified. From northwest to southeast there are three primary outcropping target
areas named Santa Barbara, Anit and Ivana. This Phase 1 and Phase 1 extension RC drilling program included a total of 3,730
metres of RC drilling in 256 holes. A complete list of weighted average intervals >30ppm U308 in
all holes, as well as hole location data can be viewed here: https://www.blueskyuranium.com/assets/news/2017-09-18-nrt-bsk-g97x6f.pdf
. The majority of holes are vertical and, as such, reported mineralized intercepts are believed to approximate true
thickness.
Ivana Target
The first 98 holes from Ivana were previously reported in the Company's news release dated June 19th,
2017. Based on the first set of results, a follow-up program was designed, including additional electrical tomography (ET)
geophysical surveying and 60 RC drill holes totaling 858 metres, to further define an area with elevated uranium-vanadium on the
eastern flank of the previously-drilled area. Overall, approximately two-thirds (104) of the 158 holes at Ivana returned
intervals of at least one metre of more than 30 ppm U3O8 and grades ranged as high as 3,136 ppm over 1
metre. The mineralized area now covers approximately 3,400 metres x 1,300 metres with depths to 23 metres, including
higher-grade zones. Map 3 shows drill holes with collars coloured by intercept grade and grade x thickness
(U3O8 x m) contours: https://www.blueskyuranium.com/assets/news/2017-09-18-nrm3-bsk-g97x6f.pdf.
Along Line 9 between holes AGI-053 and AGI-102 the continuous mineralized corridor extends over approximately 2 kilometres with
mineralized thicknesses ranging between 3 and 20 metres. Along the line of holes which parallels Line 9, 200 metres to the
northwest, the strongly mineralized corridor has been defined between holes AGI-058 and AGI-133. These holes extend over
approximately 1.5 kilometres, with mineralized intervals ranging in thickness from 3 to 12 metres. The mineralized corridor
remains largely open to extension to the southeast and potentially connects with the >1000 grade x thickness area defined by
holes AGI-124 & 137 on the eastern flank of the currently drilled area (southeastern extension on Map 1), also is open to
expansion. The mineralized corridor is potentially also open to expansion to the north, from holes AGI-156 to
AGI-138. The mineralization along this trend of holes is more variable and includes intervals of 7 metres of 255 ppm
U3O8 and 171 V2O5 (AGI-138) including a single interval of one metre of 816
U3O8 and 205 V2O5. Drill hole highlights from the follow-up Phase I drilling at Ivana
are provided below in Table 1.
Table 1. Ivana Target Phase I Follow-up Drill Hole Highlights |
All holes at Azimuth 0, Dip -90 |
Hole # |
From (m) |
To (m) |
Interval (m) |
U 3 O 8
(ppm) |
V 2 O 5
(ppm) |
AGI-0099 |
3 |
20 |
17 |
238 |
101 |
including |
12 |
17 |
5 |
570 |
61 |
including |
15 |
16 |
1 |
814 |
68 |
AGI-0100 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
405 |
117 |
including |
4 |
15 |
11 |
691 |
130 |
including |
9 |
12 |
3 |
1,861 |
38 |
including |
10 |
11 |
1 |
3,136 |
29 |
AGI-0101 |
9 |
16 |
7 |
158 |
122 |
including |
12 |
13 |
1 |
429 |
79 |
AGI-0119 |
11 |
18 |
7 |
423 |
91 |
including |
11 |
12 |
1 |
877 |
114 |
AGI-0120 |
1 |
19 |
18 |
254 |
75 |
including |
12 |
18 |
6 |
571 |
53 |
including |
12 |
13 |
1 |
1,410 |
34 |
AGI-0124 |
5 |
18 |
13 |
224 |
112 |
including |
8 |
11 |
3 |
575 |
67 |
including |
9 |
10 |
1 |
942 |
48 |
AGI-0131 |
10 |
22 |
12 |
212 |
95 |
including |
12 |
17 |
5 |
420 |
65 |
including |
13 |
14 |
1 |
647 |
39 |
AGI-0137 |
10 |
23 |
13 |
285 |
118 |
including |
11 |
17 |
6 |
447 |
58 |
including |
14 |
15 |
1 |
835 |
45 |
AGI-0138 |
12 |
19 |
7 |
255 |
171 |
including |
17 |
18 |
1 |
816 |
205 |
AGI-0147 |
12 |
19 |
7 |
176 |
42 |
including |
13 |
14 |
1 |
407 |
34 |
AGI-0154 |
13 |
18 |
5 |
257 |
56 |
including |
13 |
16 |
3 |
359 |
41 |
The follow-up program provided new information that has resulted in the geological team updating the deposit model reflecting
characteristics of sandstone-type and surficial-type uranium-vanadium mineralization. Higher-grade mineralization is
believed to be related to fluvial medium-to-coarse sandstones and conglomerates within an ancient deltaic braided stream
environment that lies unconformably over granitic basement. Uranium-vanadium mineralization at Ivana occurs primarily in the
form of carnotite, a uranium vanadate, however in some of the higher-grade areas potentially primary mineralization was
observed. Additional geophysical surveys and RC drilling to define the expansion potential of mineralized corridors is
ongoing at Ivana and metallurgical testwork is also progressing on material from Ivana.
Anit Target
Drilling at Anit included 83 holes for a total of 1170 metres, with the deepest holes drilled to 20 metres. A map of the drill
holes can be found at: https://www.blueskyuranium.com/assets/news/2017-09-18-nrm4-bsk-g97x6f.pdf
. The program was designed to audit previous exploration results as well as test adjacent areas for extensions to
mineralization. The program successfully confirmed the spatial correlation of the previously recognized mineralized
zones. Out of 83 holes drilled, 53 returned intervals with at least one metre of more than 30 ppm
U3O8. This area is particularly well-mineralized in vanadium with 55 of the holes returning intervals
of at least one metre of 500 ppm V2O5, with values reaching as high as 3,411 ppm (0.34% in
AGA-049). Drill hole highlights are provided below in Table 2:
Table 2. Anit Target Phase I Drill Hole Highlights |
All holes at Azimuth 0, Dip -90 |
Hole # |
From (m) |
To (m) |
Interval (m) |
U 3 O 8
(ppm) |
V 2 O 5
(ppm) |
AGA-0044 |
1 |
6 |
5 |
137 |
400 |
including |
1 |
2 |
1 |
484 |
539 |
AGA-0051 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
113 |
1,177 |
including |
2 |
3 |
1 |
315 |
2,085 |
AGA-0059 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
463 |
1,494 |
including |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1,114 |
2,510 |
AGA-0077 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
250 |
985 |
including |
2 |
3 |
1 |
511 |
1,808 |
AGA-0078 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
336 |
1,478 |
including |
0 |
2 |
2 |
535 |
1,486 |
AGA-0081 |
0 |
7 |
7 |
238 |
418 |
including |
2 |
3 |
1 |
704 |
894 |
AGA-0082 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
277 |
514 |
including |
0 |
1 |
1 |
468 |
652 |
AGA-0083 |
0 |
7 |
7 |
382 |
384 |
including |
3 |
4 |
1 |
1,007 |
678 |
Integrating the results of the 2017 RC drilling with the previous pit sampling, trench sampling and aircore drilling data is
ongoing and is aimed at refining future infill and step-out drilling plans.
Santa Barbara Target
This was the first drill program at this target area and was considered a scouting program. Fifteen holes were drilled
ranging from 4 to 25 metres length, for a total of 312 metres. Values of uranium and vanadium were low in all holes; this target
area represents the lowest priority for follow-up work. A map of the drill holes can be found at: https://www.blueskyuranium.com/assets/news/2017-09-18-nrm5-bsk-g97x6f.pdf
.
Methodology and QA/QC
Preparation of all samples reported herein was completed Bureau Veritas Minerals of Mendoza, Argentina. Samples were
prepared by drying, crushing to 80% passing 10 mesh and then pulverizing a 250 g split to 95% passing 150 mesh. Pulps were
analyzed by Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd. for 45 elements by means of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
following a four-acid digestion (MA-200). Approximately every 10th sample a blank, duplicate, or standard sample
was inserted into the sample sequence for quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) purposes. No significant QA/QC issues
were identified during review of the data.
The drilling program been carried out using an FlexiROC D65 drill rig from Atlas Copco, an ore-control track-mounted rig
adapted to reverse circulation with triple cyclone to reduce the dust loss during sampling and automatic sampling. Every hole was
surveyed by a senior geophysicist from Geopehuen SRL Service Company using a natural gamma probe from Geovista Ltd. The probe was
previously calibrated at the Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica facility (Atomic Energy National Commission, CNEA).
About the Amarillo Grande Project
This new uranium district was first identified, staked and underwent preliminary exploration by Blue Sky from 2007 to 2012 as
part of the Grosso Group's strategy of adding alternative energy focus to its successful portfolio of metals exploration
companies. The proximity of several major targets suggests that if resources are delineated a central processing facility would
be envisioned. The area is flat-lying, semi-arid and accessible year-round, with nearby rail, power and port access.
Mineralization identified to date at Amarillo Grande has characteristics of sandstone-type and surficial-type uranium-vanadium
deposits. In surficial-type uranium deposits, carnotite mineralization coats loosely consolidated pebbles of sandstone and
conglomerates. Carnotite is amenable to leaching, and preliminary metallurgical work at the project indicates that the
mineralized material can be upgraded using a very simple wet screening method. The near-surface mineralization, ability to
locally upgrade, amenability to leaching and central processing possibility suggest a potentially low-cost development scenario
for a future deposit.
For additional details on the project and properties, please see the Company's website: www.blueskyuranium.com
Qualified Person
The results of the Company's drilling program have been reviewed, verified (including sampling, analytical and test data) and
compiled by the Company's geological staff under the supervision of David Terry, Ph.D., P.Geo. Dr. Terry is a Director of
the Company and a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. The contents of this news release have been
reviewed and approved by Dr. Terry.
About Blue Sky Uranium Corp.
Blue Sky Uranium Corp. is a leader in uranium discovery in Argentina. The Company's objective is to deliver exceptional
returns to shareholders by rapidly advancing a portfolio of surficial uranium deposits into low-cost producers. Blue Sky holds
has the exclusive right to over 434,000 hectares (equiv. to 1,072,437 acres) of property in two provinces in Argentina. The
Company's flagship Amarillo Grande Project was an in-house discovery of a new district that has the potential to be both a
leading domestic supplier of uranium to the growing Argentine market and a new international market supplier. The Company is a
member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Nikolaos Cacos, President, CEO and Director
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture
Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and
content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes,
etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties.
Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the
Company's public disclosure documents for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The
Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. We advise U.S. investors that
the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are
cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties.