Azimut and SOQUEM Uncover a Spodumene-Bearing Pegmatite Boulder Field at Galinée, James Bay Region, Quebec
LONGUEUIL, Quebec, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Azimut Exploration Inc. (“Azimut” or the “Company”) (TSXV: AZM) (OTCQX: AZMTF) is pleased to report that a spodumene-bearing pegmatite boulder field containing at least 12 mineralized boulders has been identified on the Galinée Property (the “Property”) in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec.
These encouraging preliminary field results obtained by Azimut and its partner SOQUEM Inc. (“SOQUEM”) confirm the strong prospectivity of the Property and support the upcoming maiden drilling program targeting the area immediately south of the Adina lithium discovery (Winsome Resources). The minimum 1,600-metre core drilling program will be initiated shortly.
In addition to Galinée, substantial concurrent exploration programs are already underway or will soon commence following a lengthy period of access restrictions related to widespread forest fires. This includes work on projects for gold and copper-gold (Elmer and Kukamas) and lithium (Pikwa, Pontois, Dalmas, Corvet, Kaanaayaa, Wapatik and JBL) (see press releases of August 21 and August 28, 2023).
HIGHLIGHTS (see Figures 1 to 6 and Photos 1 to 4)
- The boulder field in the northern part of the Property is characterized by the following features:
- At least 12 spodumene-bearing pegmatite boulders in a 650- by 350-metre area, not fully delineated at this stage. The area has extensive glacial sediment cover and only one outcrop (amphibolite). The dominant glacial direction is NE to SW.
- Most boulders are angular to sub-angular, generally indicative of short transport distances from the bedrock source (a few metres to several hundred metres). It is possible that some of the spodumene-bearing boulders originated from the non-outcropping target area where the bedrock will be drill-tested by the upcoming drilling program.
- Boulder sizes range from 0.5 x 0.5 metre to 1.5 x 1.5 metre, with spodumene constituting 5% to 20% of the pegmatite.
- Spodumene crystals range from a few centimetres to 20-25 centimetres long, with whitish and grey to pink colours. A portable LIBS analyzer (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) was used to confirm the presence of lithium.
- Other associated minerals are quartz, potassium feldspar, white mica, apatite and tourmaline.
- These preliminary findings underscore the strong discovery potential for spodumene-bearing pegmatites on Galinée in the immediate vicinity of mineralized bodies on the adjacent Adina project belonging to Winsome Resources. Drilling on Adina has traced two east-west subparallel spodumene-bearing pegmatite zones, including the Main Zone over a strike length of 1,000 metres. Public data suggests both zones have shallow dips toward Galinée.
- At Galinée, the aim of the drilling program is two-fold: 1) intersect the down-dip extensions of Winsome’s zones, and 2) investigate the strong potential for additional subparallel spodumene-bearing pegmatites starting at shallow depth on Galinée, immediately south of but geometrically above Adina’s Main Zone (see press release of June 13, 2023).
- On a larger scale, the Galinée Property displays well-defined targets, including a 20-kilometre-long lithium-cesium-gallium-tin anomaly in lake sediments in the northwestern part of the Property. Outcrops in this area are rare, but its strong geochemical footprint underscores significant exploration potential roughly coincident with a NE-SW-trending sheared greenstone belt (see Figures 2 to 4).
- To date, 107 grab rock samples have been collected from target areas on the Property and assay results are pending.
The Galinée Property
The Galinée Property (649 claims, 335 km2) is a 50/50 joint venture between Azimut and SOQUEM, operated by Azimut. The 36-kilometre-long project is located about 50 kilometres north-northwest of the Renard diamond mine (Stornoway) and 60 kilometres south of the Trans-Taiga Road, a regional highway.
Qualified Person
Dr. Jean-Marc Lulin (P.Geo.) prepared this press release as Azimut’s qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. Rock Lefrançois (P.Geo.), Vice President of Exploration, and François Bissonnette (P.Geo.), Operations Manager, also reviewed the contents of this press release.
About SOQUEM
SOQUEM, a subsidiary of Investissement Québec, is dedicated to promoting the exploration, discovery and development of mining properties in Quebec. SOQUEM also contributes to maintaining strong local economies. A proud partner and ambassador for the development of Quebec’s mineral wealth, SOQUEM relies on innovation, research, and strategic minerals to be well-positioned for the future.
About Azimut
Azimut is a leading mineral exploration company with a solid reputation for target generation and partnership development. The Company holds the largest mineral exploration portfolio in Quebec. Its wholly owned flagship, the Elmer Gold Project, is advancing to the initial resource stage in the James Bay region. Azimut also controls a strategic land position for copper-gold, nickel and lithium.
Azimut uses a pioneering approach to big data analytics (the proprietary AZtechMine™ expert system) enhanced by extensive exploration know-how. The Company’s competitive edge is based on systematic regional-scale data analysis and concurrently active projects. The Company maintains rigorous financial discipline and a strong balance sheet, with 79.9 million shares issued and outstanding.
Contact and Information
Jean-Marc Lulin, President and CEO
Tel.: (450) 646-3015
Jonathan Rosset, Vice President Corporate Development
Tel: (604) 202-7531
info@azimut-exploration.com www.azimut-exploration.com
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding future events related to the drilling results from the Galinée Property. To the extent that any statements in this press release contain information that is not historical, the statements are essentially forward-looking and are often identified by words such as “consider”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “estimate”, “intend”, “project”, “plan”, “potential”, “suggest” and “believe”. The forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Many factors could cause such differences, particularly volatility and sensitivity to market metal prices, the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, imprecision in reserve estimates, recoveries of gold and other metals, environmental risks including increased regulatory burdens, unexpected geological conditions, adverse mining conditions, community and non-governmental organization actions, changes in government regulations and policies, including laws and policies, global outbreaks of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities, as well as other development and operating risks. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this document. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required to do so by applicable securities laws. The reader is directed to carefully review the detailed risk discussion in our most recent Annual Report filed on SEDAR for a fuller understanding of the risks and uncertainties that affect the Company’s business.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
