Vancouver, Canada – March 27, 2019 - Aztec Minerals Corp. (AZT: TSX-V, OTCQB: AZZTF) confirms the identification of five prospective, buried CRD target areas on the Tombstone Property, Cochise County, Arizona, USA by 3-D modelling of Aztec’s recent airborne magnetic survey data.
3-dimensional modelling of the airborne magnetic data was undertaken by geophysical consultants CompGeoInc of Vancouver, BC who produced a UBC modeled inversion as well as multiple depth and horizontal slices (Link #1, Link #2). This modelling work is very useful in identifying subsurface massive sulphide CRD (Carbonate Replacement Deposits) targets or other styles of sulfide mineralization.
Aztec previously identified three target areas based on its recent geological mapping and sampling and analysis of historic exploration and mining data. The new 3-dimensional magnetic modelling confirmed and better defined the potential of the three target areas and identified two more, as follows:
- The north-northeast trending Contention Pit area veins and dikes are marked by a linear magnetic high/low contact and appear to extend below the historic mines, which typically bottomed at the water table around 200 metres depth, down into the underlying Paleozoic limestone formations which are similar rocks that host the Taylor zinc-silver-lead CRD deposit of Arizona Mining Inc., subsequently purchased by South32 (located only 65 kilometres west of Tombstone).
- A possible south extension of the Contention Pit area, offset 100 meters to the west by a southeast trending cross fault or anticlinal structure
- A parallel zone to the Contention Pit approximately 350 meters to the southeast that is mostly covered by thin alluvium thus not explored in historic times, also marked by a linear north-northeast magnetic high/low contact
- Two northwest-southeast trending anticlinal structures, marked by a series of weak magnetic highs, host silver-lead-zinc replacements in the Bisbee Group and appear to extend into the underlying Paleozoic limestone formations
- A circular magnetic high with a central low occurs at the northern end of the Contention Pit, possibly separate from the dikes and veins, and could represent a pipe-like feature related to limestone dissolution and collapse, ideal for the development of CRD’s
Now that the main prospective structures have been defined, a natural source, AMT (audio-frequency magneto-tellurics) geophysical survey is being planned over the property to map resistivity and conductivity contrasts in the subsurface sedimentary rocks. Any high conductivity/low resistivity anomalies could represent buried carbonate replacement deposits (CRD’s) and massive sulphide deposits.
Pursuant to the option agreement with Baroyeca Gold and Silver Inc., Aztec has exceeded the first year expenditure requirements and anticipates entering into the second year of the option agreement by the March 23, 2019 anniversary date.
QP Disclosure - The geophysical data was used in raw form by consulting company CompGeoInc who applied filtering to smooth the cultural interference and then produced a 3-dimensional model using University of British Columbia (UBC) open source software. Joey Wilkins, P.G., is the QP and CEO/President of Aztec Minerals Corp and has approved the use of this data for news release and interpretation.
About Aztec Minerals – Aztec is a mineral exploration company focused on the discovery of large deposits in the Americas. Our core asset is the prospective Cervantes porphyry gold-copper property in Sonora, Mexico, where the company can acquire 100%. Further information on the option to purchase can be found on our website. Our district-scale historic Tombstone properties hold both bulk tonnage epithermal gold-silver as well as CRD silver-lead-zinc deposits in Cochise County, Arizona. Aztec’s shares trade on the TSX-V stock exchange (symbol AZT) and on the OTCQB (symbol AZZTF).
Contact Information - For more information, please contact:
Neil MacRae, Vice President, Investor Relations
Tel: (604) 685-9770
Fax: (604) 685-9744
Email: neil@aztecminerals.com
Website: www.aztecminerals.com
Neither the 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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward?looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding Aztec’s anticipated performance in 2018 and the future, including the exercise of the options on the Cervantes and Tombstone properties, the planned exploration activities, receipt of assay results from drilling, the completion of further drilling and exploration work, and the timing and results of various activities. The Company does not intend to, and does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.
Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Aztec and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and the United States; financial risks due to precious and base metals prices, operating or technical difficulties in mineral exploration, development and mining activities; risks and hazards of mineral exploration, development and mining; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and challenges to the Company’s title to properties.
Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the continued operation of the Company’s exploration operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.