TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 1, 2012) - Lexam VG Gold Inc. (TSX:LEX)(OTCQX:LEXVF)(FRANKFURT:VN3A) is pleased to announce positive exploration results from drilling at the Fuller property including 2.53 grams per tonne (gpt) gold over 122.7 metres (m) including 18.28 gpt gold over 7.9 m. Drilling has continued to encounter near surface mineralization in the quartz-feldspar porphyry (QFP) and the surrounding volcanics. Three additional holes were completed following-up on the results of November 29, 2011 where drilling intersected 2.73 gpt Au over 50.2 metres. Results have confirmed the potential of the Fuller property to host near surface mineralization potentially amenable to open pit mining.
Drill Assay Highlights (see Table 1 for complete assay results)
| Hole # | Assay From (m) |
Assay Intercept Width (m) |
Gold Grade (gpt) |
| VGF-11-122 | 96.3 | 122.7 | 2.53 |
| incl | 80.8 | 3.37 | |
| incl | 7.9 | 18.28 | |
| VGF-11-123 | 0 | 23.5 | 1.26 |
| 106.1 | 18.3 | 1.03 | |
| VGF-11-124 | 34.4 | 68.1 | 0.87 |
| 140.4 | 16.6 | 5.76 | |
| incl | 1.4 | 16.40 | |
| Intervals reported here are core lengths. True widths are not known at this time. All depth reported as down hole. Results for all the holes drilled are shown at the end of this press release in Table 1. Legend: m = metres; gpt = grams per tonne; Au = gold; incl = including | |||
The current drill program has been successful in intersecting significant widths of gold mineralization near surface, with results including 2.53 gpt Au over 122.7 metres, 1.26 gpt Au over 23.5 metres, 0.87 gpt Au over 68.1 metres and 5.76 gpt Au over 16.6 metres. The majority of the intersections start in the quartz-feldspar porphyry (QFP) and extend into the adjacent volcanic rocks. Holes 122 and 123 were drilled proximal to the south and north contacts and intersected QFP and the adjacent volcanics. Hole 124 was located in the central section and intersected QFP to a depth of 341 metres below surface before entering the volcanics (Figure 1 and Figure 2).
The Fuller resource zones are hosted in volcanics that surround a porphyry body measuring approximately 650 metres (east-west) by 150 metres (north-south) and wraps around the western and northern nose of the porphyry body (see Figure 1). The Fuller zones are folded and plunge or dip at 45 degrees to the east. The known depth of the porphyry varies from surface at the west to greater than 800 metres to the east (Figures 1 and 2). The near surface western portion of the QFP is therefore the more favourable exploration target as the porphyry is bounded by the higher grade Fuller zones to the east, north, south and at depth (Figure 2).
An Overlooked Asset - Quartz-Feldspar Porphyry (QFP)
Historic drilling (1986-1998) targeting the Fuller zones intersected the QFP but was only selectively assayed. The limited drilling with complete assaying through the porphyry included: 3.82 gpt Au over 40.3 metres (hole 5-70_VED), 2.73 gpt Au over 54.9 metres (hole 5-06_VED) and 0.95 gpt Au over 113.8 metres (hole S87-103_VED). These historic results are of similar magnitude to the current drilling.
The favourable results obtained to date and the re-evaluation of the historic results indicate that a re-assessment and resource estimation of the Fuller deposit is warranted, utilizing a lower cut-off grade and an open pit mining scenario model of the mineralization. This phase of exploration is starting shortly with completion expected in the second half of 2012.
The Fuller property currently hosts a National Instrument 43-101 compliant resource estimate dated May 3, 2006 with the existing resource contained in gold mineralized mafic rocks situated adjacent to and north of the current drilling (see Figure 1).
Fuller Property 43-101 Mineral Resource:
| Ore (tonnes) | Grade (gpt) | Contained Gold (oz.) |
|
| Indicated | 1,338,325 | 5.49 | 236,245 |
| Inferred | 1,644,631 | 5.66 | 249,960 |
| Mineral Resource Estimate of the Fuller Gold Property - Wardrop, 2006 gpt - grams per tonne, oz. - ounces |
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The Fuller resource was calculated to a depth of approximately 500 metres below surface and includes a number of mineralized zones. This mineralization surrounds the Fuller Porphyry body to the north and west (see Figure 1).
Gold mineralization at the Fuller porphyry zone is hosted within strongly altered and well mineralized quartz-feldspar porphyry. Alteration consists of pervasive ankerite and sericite with quartz veining. Pyrite mineralization is disseminated throughout, with local concentrations to 10%.
Exploration Drill Program
One diamond drill is operating on the Lexam VG Gold Timmins Projects, presently on the Buffalo Ankerite property testing the North Zone mineralization. The drill is scheduled to move to the Fuller property soon to resume drilling the quartz-feldspar porphyry to expand the near surface mineralization.
Fuller Property
The 100% Lexam VG owned Fuller property lies immediately north of the 100% owned Buffalo Ankerite property and west of the Paymaster property, which is under option from Goldcorp.
About Lexam VG Gold
Lexam VG Gold explores for gold in the Timmins area of northern Ontario, Canada. Lexam VG Gold was formed on January 1, 2011 by the merger of Lexam Explorations Inc. and VG Gold Corp., resulting in a well-funded exploration company that is 27% owned by Chairman Rob McEwen. The company is carrying out an ongoing exploration program, designed to build the resource base and to test the potential on its four key property assets: Buffalo Ankerite (100% interest), Fuller (100% interest), Davidson Tisdale (68.5% interest) and Paymaster (60% interest). Lexam VG Gold had $8.5 million in cash as of December 31, 2011, with no bank debt. The company has 225,595,265 issued and outstanding shares.
LEXAM VG GOLD.....WE ARE GOLD!
Technical Information
The information presented in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Kenneth Guy, P. Geo, a consultant to Lexam VG Gold and the Qualified Person responsible for the exploration program at the Fuller property, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" ("NI 43-101").
All drilling was completed using NQ size core. Gold analysis of the samples collected by Lexam VG Gold was assayed by ALS Chemex. Analysis consisted of a fire assay of a 30-gram sample with an atomic absorption finish. Samples assaying over 10.0 gpt Au are re-assayed with gravimetric finish. Samples noted to contain visible gold are analyzed via total metallic assay method. A rigorous Quality Control and Assurance Program is in place, using control samples such as blanks and duplicate checks. In addition, duplicate analyses of 10% of the samples are corroborated by check assays performed at a third party laboratory.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors
All resource estimates reported by Lexam VG Gold are calculated in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Classification system. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information express, as at the date of this press release, Lexam VG's plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs as to future events and results. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, factors associated with fluctuations in the market price of precious or base metals, mining industry risks, risks associated with foreign operations, risks related to: litigation, property title, the Paymaster Option, the state of the capital markets, whether shareholder and regulatory approvals for the proposed transaction are forthcoming, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves and other risks. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Lexam VG undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. See Lexam VG's Annual Information Form for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement.
To learn more about Lexam VG Gold (TSX:LEX), visit our website: www.lexamvggold.com.
To view, Table 1. Fuller Drill Holes Summary Data, please click on the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/0301lex1.pdf
To view Figure1 and Figure 2 please click on the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/0301lex.pdf
The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contact Information:
Mihaela Iancu
Investor Relations
647 258 0395 x 320
www.lexamvggold.com