Freegold Significantly Upgrades and Expands Resources at Golden Summit
- 2024's drill program was highly successful at converting Inferred resources, upgrading and expanding Indicated resources – meeting the key objectives and providing a foundation for Pre-Feasibility activities.
- Indicated Primary Mineral Resource: 17.2 Moz at 1.24 g/t Au, a 42% increase in ounces and 15% grade increase from our Sept/24 resource estimate.
- Inferred Primary Mineral Resource: 11.9 Moz at 1.04 g/t Au, a 11 % increase in ounces, at the same grade
- Cut-off grades are unchanged at 0.50 g/t Au.
- The 2025 Program will consist of infill and expansion drilling. Infilling is expected to continue the trend of enhancing grade and ounces, while converting Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources.
- Ongoing Metallurgical Work has demonstrated >90% recoveries with sulphide-oxidizing methods such as BIOX®, POX, and the Albion Process™. Additional test work is ongoing for these and conventional processing methods.
2025 PROGRAM
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Comparison of
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Primary Open Pit Resource |
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Primary Open Pit Resource |
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Primary Open Pit Resource |
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|
Moz |
gpT |
Cut |
|
|
Moz |
gpT |
Cut |
|
|
Moz |
gpT |
Cut |
Indicated |
17.2 |
1.24 |
0.5 |
|
Indicated |
12.1 |
1.08 |
0.5 |
|
Indicated |
12.0 |
0.92 |
0.45 |
Change from |
42 % |
15 % |
|
|
Change from |
0 % |
18 % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred |
11.9 |
1.04 |
0.5 |
|
Inferred |
10.3 |
1.04 |
0.5 |
|
Inferred |
7.7 |
0.85 |
0.45 |
Change from |
16 % |
0 % |
|
|
Change from |
33 % |
22 % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cut off gpt 0.50 (GP$2,490) |
|
Cut off gpt 0.50 (GP$1,973) |
|
Cut off gpt 0.45 (GP$1792) |
Cut-off Grade gpT |
Classification |
Au gpt |
Tonnes |
Ounces |
OXIDE |
|
|
|
|
0.15 |
Indicated |
0.45 |
63,706,000 |
920,000 |
0.15 |
Inferred |
0.47 |
18,837,000 |
287,000 |
PRIMARY |
|
|
|
|
0.50 |
Indicated |
1.24 |
431,949,000 |
17,236,000 |
0.50 |
Inferred |
1.04 |
357,614,000 |
11,964,000 |
UNDER PIT |
|
|
|
|
0.75 |
Indicated |
1.12 |
2,205,000 |
79,000 |
0.75 |
Inferred |
1.35 |
18,014,000 |
782,000 |
Mineral Resources for the primary resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.50 g/t gold and constrained within an open pit shell using a gold price of |
The
Since 2020, Golden Summit has become one of
The drilling programs have discovered significantly higher-grade material and have converted previously classified waste areas into mineralized zones deemed potentially economically viable. The expansion of mineralisation to the west has also provided new data on the higher-grade portions of Golden Summit. Consequently, there has been an increase in both the total indicated gold ounces and their grades within an open-pit context.
While the increase in resource size has been our most notable success, the improvement in grade has been particularly rewarding for
We anticipate that further infill drilling will help convert inferred resources into the indicated category and may continue the trend of increasing grade as we reduce drill spacing. This will contribute to greater confidence in the higher-grade zones identified in our model. The most recent resource estimate indicates growth in both overall resources and grades, while also maintaining
In 2025,
Supplementary metallurgical test holes will be drilled to obtain additional material for comprehensive testing. This will help optimize recovery rates and identify the most suitable processing methods. In addition, geotechnical drilling is being conducted to assess groundwater conditions. Ongoing archaeological, paleontological, and cultural resources studies are also part of the process.
Trade-off studies will be conducted to enhance the project's economics, weighing improved recovery rates against capital and operating expenses as development proceeds. These studies will also assess various cut-off grades and strip ratios. The table below presents specific cut-off grades applicable within and beneath the current pit.
OXIDE
Cut-Off Grade gpt |
Classification |
Au gpt |
Tonnes |
Ounces |
1.00 |
Indicated |
1.98 |
4,154,000 |
264,000 |
0.75 |
Indicated |
1.45 |
7,954,000 |
370,000 |
0.50 |
Indicated |
1.08 |
14,153,000 |
490,000 |
0.40 |
Indicated |
0.89 |
20,007,000 |
574,000 |
0.30 |
Indicated |
0.70 |
30,918,000 |
695,000 |
0.15 |
Indicated |
0.45 |
63,706,000 |
920,000 |
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|
|
|
|
1.00 |
Inferred |
1.47 |
1,598,000 |
76,000 |
0.75 |
Inferred |
1.08 |
4,628,000 |
160,000 |
0.50 |
Inferred |
1.02 |
5,225,000 |
172,000 |
0.40 |
Inferred |
0.90 |
6,613,000 |
191,000 |
0.30 |
Inferred |
0.74 |
9,242,000 |
221,000 |
0.15 |
Inferred |
0.47 |
18,837,000 |
287,000 |
PRIMARY
Cut-Off gpt |
Classification |
Au gpT |
Tonnes |
Ounces |
1.00 |
Indicated |
2.51 |
131,992,000 |
10,666,000 |
0.75 |
Indicated |
1.85 |
220,694,000 |
13,115,000 |
0.50 |
Indicated |
1.24 |
431,949,000 |
17,236,000 |
0.40 |
Indicated |
1.04 |
579,279,000 |
19,358,000 |
0.30 |
Indicated |
0.87 |
774,281,000 |
21,541,000 |
0.15 |
Indicated |
0.68 |
1,094,031,000 |
23,862,000 |
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|
|
|
|
1.00 |
Inferred |
2.08 |
96,158,000 |
6,427,000 |
0.75 |
Inferred |
1.60 |
157,927,000 |
8,125,000 |
0.50 |
Inferred |
1.04 |
357,614,000 |
11,964,000 |
0.40 |
Inferred |
0.87 |
499,019,000 |
14,006,000 |
0.30 |
Inferred |
0.74 |
676,275,000 |
15,987,000 |
0.15 |
Inferred |
0.56 |
1,018,956,000 |
18,473,000 |
UNDER PIT
Cut-Off gpt |
Classification |
Au gpT |
Tonnes |
Ounces |
1.00 |
Indicated |
1.38 |
1,106,000 |
49,000 |
0.75 |
Indicated |
1.12 |
2,205,000 |
79,000 |
0.50 |
Indicated |
0.76 |
6,741,000 |
165,000 |
0.40 |
Indicated |
0.63 |
11,872,000 |
239,000 |
0.30 |
Indicated |
0.50 |
21,854,000 |
351,000 |
0.15 |
Indicated |
0.35 |
46,969,000 |
525,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
1.00 |
Inferred |
1.92 |
8,537,000 |
526,000 |
0.75 |
Inferred |
1.35 |
18,014,000 |
782,000 |
0.50 |
Inferred |
0.81 |
62,654,000 |
1,635,000 |
0.40 |
Inferred |
0.66 |
107,236,000 |
2,277,000 |
0.30 |
Inferred |
0.53 |
182,142,000 |
3,117,000 |
0.15 |
Inferred |
0.34 |
444,266,000 |
4,898,000 |
Mineral Resources for the primary resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.50 g/t gold and constrained within an open pit shell using a gold price of $ |
The Golden Summit assay dataset for the current MRE includes collar locations for 444 drill holes and 89,485 assays within the grade shell boundaries used to constrain the MRE. The MRE is constrained within three lithological domains that have been used for resource estimation: High-Grade Schist, Low-Grade Schist and Intrusive. These three domains are further constrained by a 0.14 g/t Au gradeshell.
Compositing of samples is performed to mitigate the impact of sample length on the contribution of sample grade (sample support). Assays were composited to a length of three (3) meters, as over 90% of the samples within the three domains have a length equal to or less than three meters. Composites honour domain boundaries, and if the last sample within a domain was less than 1.0 meters in length, it was discarded.
Capping analysis was conducted for composites in three domains using cumulative frequency curves. A break in the cumulative frequency curve for the High-Grade Schist domain at 110 g/t suggested that this would be an appropriate capping level. However, it was determined that applying this cap resulted in a lower average gold grade for the block model compared to the corresponding composite population. Consequently, the capping level was increased to 170 g/t. At this new level, only two composites were affected, resulting in a 1.5% reduction in the cumulative value of the composite population.
In the Low-Grade Schist domain, the capping level was set at 70 g/t Au, where the cumulative frequency curve shows a sharp break. This affected ten composites, resulting in an approximate 1.5% decrease in the cumulative value of the composite population.
For the Intrusive domain, the cumulative frequency curve exhibits a break between 7 and 8 g/t, and the capping level was set at 8 g/t. Six composites were impacted by this cap, resulting in a reduction of about 1.5% in the aggregate value of the population.
In 2024,
Variographic ranges were analyzed using Sage 2001 software, which generates least-squares best-fit curves for the variogram values. The Schist parameters were utilized for the High-Grade domain, as it is primarily located within the Schist domain.
Grades were interpolated into the block model in a single pass using SGS Genesis software and the ordinary kriging method. For a grade to be interpolated into a block, a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of six (6) composites had to be present within the volume of the search ellipse. Additionally, a maximum of two composites was permitted from a single drill hole, ensuring that the grade interpolated into each block was informed by composites from at least two different drill holes. The dimensions of the search ellipses were determined by combining variographic ranges with the minimum requirements needed to include at least two drill holes.
Mineral Resources were classified as Indicated or Inferred as defined by CIM (2005, 2014).
Because the Golden Summit mineralization occurs in part at or near surface, the global estimated resource was constrained with a conceptual pit shell. The gold price was obtained from three-year trailing averages. Mining and processing costs were obtained from internal Freegold studies, and the process recovery is based on 2024 metallurgical tests.
The block model has been validated through visual comparison of blocks and associated assay grades, as well as numeric comparison of assay, composite, and block model grades using swath plots.
The past five years have been transformational for the Company, and 2025 is set to be an exciting year for
Qualified Person and Technical Information
A sample quality control/quality assurance program has been in place throughout the program. Drill cores were cut in half using a diamond saw, with one-half placed in sealed bags for preparation and subsequent geochemical analysis by
The MRE, with an effective date of
The full technical report, which is being prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 by
Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information, including, without limitation, statements as to planned expenditures and exploration programs, potential mineralization and resources, exploration results, the completion of an updated NI 43-101 technical report, and any other future plans. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programs on schedule, and the success of exploration programs. See
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