Golden Arrow Resources Corporation (TSX-V: GRG, FRA: GAC (WKN: A0B6XQ), "Golden Arrow" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed on SEDAR an independent NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Chinchillas silver-lead-zinc project in Jujuy Province, Argentina ("Chinchillas" or the "Project"). The report supports the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") announced December 5th, 2013, which demonstrated the Project's positive economics based on its near-surface mineralization, good silver grades, access to infrastructure and amenability to conventional mining and processing.
"We appreciate the excellent efforts of our consultants in helping us to advance Chinchillas by providing a first view of the project's potential economics," stated Brian McEwen, VP Exploration and Development. "Our team believes strongly in a future of mining for Chinchillas and we are now engaged in a new exploration program to increase resources throughout the property and move the project another step towards feasibility."
Golden Arrow has a Phase III, 6,000 metre diamond drilling program scheduled to commence at Chinchillas on February 15th, 2014 (see original news release dated January 17th, 2014.)
PEA Highlights
The NI 43-101 Technical Report titled "Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Chinchillas Silver-Lead-Zinc Project Jujuy Province, Argentina" is filed on SEDAR dated January 20th, 2014. Highlights of the economic assessment include:
- Open-pit mining scenario with a processing design of 6,000 tonnes per day at a 2.2:1 strip ratio, and 12 year mine life
- After-tax net present value ("NPV") of $98.5 million at 8% discount rate
- Internal rate of return ("IRR") of 17.5%
- Payback period of 3.8 years
- Pre-production capital costs of $202 million, including a 25% contingency
- Cash operating costs of $10.96 per ounce of silver, without lead and zinc credits
- Average annual silver production of 5.4 million ounces
All values are quoted in US dollars, using base case metal prices of $22 per ounce of silver, $1.00 per pound of lead, $1.00 per pound of zinc. The project demonstrates positive economics at a range of silver price scenarios:
| Silver Price Per Ounce | Pre-tax NPV8% (millions) |
Pre-tax IRR | After-tax NPV8% (millions) |
After-tax IRR | After-tax Payback Period (years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19 | $ 89.0 | 15.7% | $ 39.4 | 12.0% | 5.1 |
| $22 | $177.5 | 22.4% | $ 98.5 | 17.5% | 3.8 |
| $25 | $266.0 | 28.4% | $157.4 | 22.5% | 3.1 |
The PEA is considered preliminary in nature. All mineralized material classified as indicated and inferred mineral resources are considered in the pit optimization and mine plan. Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. In addition, inferred resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be characterized as mineral reserves, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading these resources.
Qualified Persons
The NI 43-101 Technical Report for the PEA is filed on SEDAR dated January 20th 2014. Qualified Persons on the report include:
- Ken Kuchling, P.Eng. (mining)
- John Fox, P.Eng. of Laurion Consulting Inc. (metallurgy)
- Ken Embree, P.Eng. of Knight Piésold Ltd. (tailings, infrastructure, environmental)
- Bruce Davis, Ph.D. F. AusIMM of BD Consulting Inc. (resource estimate)
- Kyle Howie, MAIG (resource estimate)
All Qualified Persons have reviewed and approved the content of this news release.
About Golden Arrow:
Golden Arrow is a Vancouver-based explorer focused on identifying, acquiring and advancing precious and base metal projects in Argentina with the goal of achieving a world class discovery. The core focus is on advancing the flagship Chinchillas Silver Project located in Jujuy, Argentina. Golden Arrow has a strong treasury which will allow the company to advance its Chinchillas Silver Project. Golden Arrow will continue to execute its strategy to leverage the Company's exploration exposure by attracting partners to fund work on its other high quality mineral projects. Golden Arrow is a member of Grosso Group, a management company specialized in resource exploration, and working in Argentina where it is highly regarded and trusted since 1993.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
"Joseph Grosso"
_______________________________
Mr. Joseph Grosso
Executive Chairman, President, CEO and Director
For further information please contact:
Corporate Communications
Tel: 1-604-687-1828
Toll-Free: 1-800-901-0058
Email: info@goldenarrowresources.com
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.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements concern the Company's anticipated results and developments in the Company's operations in future periods, planned exploration and development of the Chinchillas project, plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on expectations of future performance as outlined in the PEA, including silver, lead and zinc production and planned work programs at Chinchillas. Statements concerning reserves and mineral resource estimates may also constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the Chinchillas property is developed and, in the case of mineral reserves, such statements reflect the conclusion based on certain assumptions that the mineral deposit can be economically exploited.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to precious and base metal price fluctuations; risks related to fluctuations in the currency markets (particularly the Argentinean peso, Canadian dollar and United States dollar); risks related to the inherently dangerous activity of mining, including conditions or events beyond our control, and operating or technical difficulties in mineral exploration, development and mining activities; uncertainty in the Company's ability to raise financing and fund the development of the Chinchillas project pursuant to the PEA; uncertainty as to actual capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns, and uncertainty that development activities will result in a profitable mining operation at Chinchillas; risks related to mineral resource figures being estimates based on interpretations and assumptions which may result in less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated and to diminishing quantities or grades of mineral resources as properties are mined; risks related to governmental regulations and obtaining necessary licenses and permits; risks related to the business being subject to environmental laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict our operations; risks related to the Chinchillas property being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers, or claims and other defects in title; risks relating to inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance; risks related to potential litigation; risks related to the global economy; risks related to the Chinchillas property being located in Argentina, including political, economic, social and regulatory instability. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The Company's forward-looking statements are based on beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
The information provided in this news release addresses the Chinchillas PEA and is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all matters and developments concerning the Company. It should be read in conjunction with all other disclosure documents of the Company. The information contained herein is not a substitute for detailed investigation or analysis. No securities commission or regulatory authority has reviewed the accuracy or adequacy of the information presented. 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.