IsoEnergy Summer Drilling Intersects Multiple Areas of Radioactivity Highlighting the Prospectivity of the Larocque Trend
– Aggressive Follow-up
Highlights
- Drilling confirmed prospectivity for additional mineralization at the Project regionally through the identification of two new high priority zones (Areas D and E) and immediately adjacent to Hurricane, referred to as Hurricane East (Figure 3).
-
First pass drilling in Areas D and E returned elevated radioactivity associated with significant alteration, enhancing the prospectivity of the Project's eastern extent.
- In Area E, a 1km by 2km ANT anomaly located 8km east of Hurricane, five holes were drilled highlighted by hole LE24-192 which intersected 2.0m at 495 parts per million uranium partial ("ppm U-p") and 3,410 counts per second ("cps"), including 0.5m at 1,110 ppm U-p and 7,483 cps (Figure 4).
- In Area D, a 2.5km by 1km ANT anomaly located 8 km east of Hurricane, five holes were drilled highlighted by hole LE24-174 which intersected 3.5m, from 254m, at 26.2 ppm U-p and 257 cps and 0.2m at 1,303 cps (Figure 5).
- These results are comparable to pre-discovery holes drilled by Cameco just 40 meters from the high-grade Hurricane Deposit, KER-11, which returned 0.5m at 518.0 ppm U-p and KER-12 (Figure 4). We believe this emphasizes the strong proximal potential within the geochemical halos of the known deposits, where sharply defined uranium mineralization boundaries are evident.
-
Drilling in Hurricane East within 600 meters of Hurricane
returned elevated radioactivity, indicating potential for resource expansion
.
- A single hole drilled 290m east of Hurricane, LE24-188, intersected 2.1m at 1,847 cps, indicating a potential for near resource expansion (Figure 6).
- In Area B, a 250m by 180m ANT target anomaly centred 500m east of Hurricane, seven holes were drilled. Hole LE24-165 intersected 6.0 m at 1,359 cps, including a higher-grade interval of 0.5m at 3,067 cps.
- These results suggest that the Hurricane resource may remain open for further expansion.
- Additional results are expected in the coming weeks with 33% of the geochemical results received to date (Table 1). Initial results are highly encouraging, with strong hydrothermal alteration and elevated geochemical signatures – key indicators typically associated with uranium mineralization.
-
Follow up drilling commencing in
January 2025 is currently anticipated with a focus on high-priority areas including D, E and Hurricane East, as well as additional first pass drilling in other untested ANT anomalies (Figure 3).
Dr.
The Larocque Trend is a northeast-trending regional structural feature that extends over 160 kilometres, hosting numerous anomalous uranium occurrences (Figure 2). Most notably, it is home to the Hurricane Deposit, a discovery that has significantly enhanced the prospectivity of the entire trend, further underscoring its potential for additional high-grade uranium discoveries.
Recent exploration drilling and geophysical programs have successfully defined the alteration and geochemical footprint of the Hurricane Deposit. While the mineralized footprint is relatively small—ranging from 20 to 125 meters wide, 375 meters long, and 2 to 12 meters thick (Figures 4)—it is hosted within a much larger zone of hydrothermal clay alteration, spanning up to 500 meters wide, 1 km long, and 200 to 300 meters thick. Within this broader alteration zone, the boundaries of the uranium mineralization are remarkably sharp and have been precisely delineated by drilling (Figure 4). Typically, uranium grades in the Hurricane Deposit decline sharply, dropping from greater than 1% to less than 20 ppm U-p over 30 metres in the both the horizontal and vertical directions. This abrupt decrease in uranium grade over such short distances presents a challenge in identifying additional high-grade zones. However, the broader, low-level geochemical signature of uranium mineralization provides a larger, more accessible target for initial drill testing, offering valuable vectors for potential follow-up drilling. This understanding has informed the design and analysis of the recent summer drill program (Figure 3), with drilling in seven of ten ANT anomalous target areas defined by 2023 and 2024 surveys. As a result, three target areas – East Hurricane, D and E – have been prioritized for future drill testing, with the details of the high priority targets reviewed in figures and tables below. Integration of new geological, mineralogical, geochemical and geophysical (ANT) information obtained in 2024 with historical information is already underway to generate new drill targets.
Table 1: Geochemical and elevated downhole results using
Hole |
From (m) |
To (m) |
Length (m) |
U-partial (ppm) |
Gamma-2PGA (cps) |
Collar Orientation (Azimuth / Dip) |
Unconformity Depth in Hole (m) |
Target Area |
|
|
|||||||||
LE24-165 |
240.0 |
305.0 |
65.0 |
10.8 |
254 |
173/-78.5 |
305 |
B |
|
incl. |
260.0 |
300.0 |
40.0 |
13.9 |
282 |
|
|||
and |
305.0 |
311.0 |
6.0 |
165 |
1,359 |
|
|||
incl. |
307.5 |
310.5 |
3.0 |
277 |
2,025 |
|
|||
and Incl. |
309.0 |
309.5 |
0.5 |
396 |
3,067 |
|
|||
LE24-167 |
278.2 |
287.0 |
8.8 |
55.0 |
387 |
158/-77.5 |
276.7 |
B |
|
incl. |
278.2 |
278.7 |
0.5 |
83.1 |
487 |
|
|||
and |
279.1 |
280.0 |
0.9 |
- |
1,152 |
|
|||
LE24-168 |
266.2 |
306.2 |
40.0 |
6.4 |
166 |
173/-84 |
306.2 |
B |
|
incl. |
301.2 |
306.2 |
5.0 |
9.2 |
299 |
|
|||
incl. |
305.6 |
306.2 |
0.6 |
23.4 |
843 |
|
|||
and |
306.7 |
307.7 |
1.0 |
105 |
1,100 |
|
|||
LE24-169 |
294.1 |
296.1 |
2.0 |
21.1 |
266 |
165/-65 |
294.6 |
A |
|
LE24-170 |
336.0 |
338.0 |
2.0 |
18.7 |
126 |
173/-69 |
338 |
B |
|
LE24-172 |
288.5 |
289.0 |
0.5 |
13.6 |
81 |
337/-60 |
289 |
D |
|
LE24-173 |
295.8 |
296.3 |
0.5 |
6.9 |
100 |
157/-60 |
300.3 |
A |
|
LE24-174 |
254.0 |
257.5 |
3.5 |
26.2 |
257 |
345/-65 |
257.5 |
D |
|
and |
305.7 |
306.1 |
0.4 |
649 |
989 |
|
|||
incl. |
305.8 |
306.0 |
0.2 |
- |
1,303 |
|
|||
LE24-178 |
263.6 |
263.7 |
0.1 |
pending |
1,420 |
160/-59.6 |
268.3 |
D |
|
and |
268.0 |
268.5 |
0.5 |
pending |
1,830 |
|
|||
incl. |
268.2 |
268.3 |
0.1 |
pending |
2,340 |
|
|||
LE24-180 |
162.1 |
164.6 |
2.5 |
238 |
1,579 |
090/-76.1 |
164.1 |
E |
|
incl. |
163.6 |
164.1 |
0.5 |
462 |
3,286 |
|
|||
LE24-181 |
292.1 |
292.6 |
0.5 |
163 |
180 |
189/-85.8 |
292.6 |
B |
|
and |
292.6 |
294.1 |
1.5 |
279 |
160 |
|
|||
incl. |
292.6 |
293.1 |
0.5 |
555 |
126 |
|
|||
and |
298.4 |
299.6 |
1.2 |
pending |
2,678 |
|
|||
Incl. |
298.7 |
299.0 |
0.3 |
pending |
4,643 |
|
|||
LE24-182 |
273.3 |
274.3 |
1.0 |
pending |
1,344 |
177/-85.0 |
307.9 |
B |
|
and |
307.8 |
308.1 |
0.3 |
pending |
1,253 |
|
|||
LE24-183 |
328.7 |
328.9 |
0.2 |
pending |
1,138 |
360/-53.0 |
281.5 |
D |
|
LE24-184 |
298.3 |
298.8 |
0.5 |
pending |
1,128 |
179.8/-80.0 |
292.6 |
B |
|
LE24-186 |
346.2 |
346.8 |
0.6 |
pending |
1,668 |
134.7/-59.9 |
344.3 |
B |
|
incl. |
346.5 |
346.6 |
0.1 |
pending |
2,119 |
|
|||
LE24-188 |
376.7 |
377.2 |
0.5 |
pending |
1,324 |
173.8/-56.0 |
388.6 |
B |
|
and |
377.5 |
379.6 |
2.1 |
pending |
1,847 |
|
|||
and |
382.0 |
382.1 |
0.1 |
pending |
1,156 |
|
|||
and |
382.4 |
382.8 |
0.4 |
pending |
1,838 |
|
|||
LE24-191 |
307.7 |
308.4 |
0.7 |
pending |
1,730 |
360/-60.0 |
255.5 |
G |
|
incl. |
307.8 |
307.9 |
0.1 |
pending |
2,936 |
|
|||
and |
309.7 |
310.0 |
0.3 |
pending |
1,507 |
|
|||
LE24-192 |
199.5 |
201.5 |
2.0 |
495 |
3,410 |
330/-58.6 |
200.5 |
E |
|
incl. |
200.5 |
201.5 |
1.0 |
667 |
5,013 |
|
|||
incl. |
200.5 |
201.0 |
0.5 |
1,110 |
7,483 |
|
|||
incl. |
200.7 |
200.8 |
0.1 |
- |
11,035 |
|
|||
LE24-193c1 |
188.7 |
189.4 |
0.7 |
pending |
2,117 |
088/-56.0 |
197.3 |
E |
|
and |
193.0 |
193.2 |
0.2 |
pending |
1,193 |
|
|||
and |
193.5 |
194.0 |
0.5 |
pending |
1,190 |
|
Notes: |
|
1. |
Measurement of downhole total gamma cps are an indication of uranium content but may not correlate with uranium chemical assays. |
2. |
Complete geochemical results have not been received for: LE24-173, 180, 181 and 192 listed in Table 1 |
3. |
The 30 holes drilled in the summer 2024 are numbered from LE24-164 to LE24-193c1. Where drill holes are not listed in Table 1 geochemical results may not have been received but radioactivity measured by the 2PGA gamma probe is less than 1000 cps. |
Corporate Update
The Company announces that Dr.
Dr. Dan Brisbin has assumed accountability for
Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)
Quality Assurance in uranium exploration benefits from the use of down-hole gamma probes and hand- held scintillometers/spectrometers, as discrepancies between radioactivity levels and geochemistry can be readily identified.
For unmineralized samples such as composite and spot samples, field insertions are made at the rate of 1% for blanks, 2% for duplicates and 1% CRMs. The following protocols are followed:
- Sample IDs ending in 00 will be certified blanks (BLA1).
- Sample IDs ending in 25 and 75 will be duplicates (DUPL) of the preceding sample.
- Sample IDs ending in 50 will be CRM OREAS 120 (O120).
In addition to
No QA/QC samples are inserted for reflectance samples as analyses are semi-quantitative only.
Assaying and Analytical Procedures
Composite and spot samples were shipped to
The samples were then dried, crushed, and pulverized as part of the ICPMS Exploration Package (codes ICPMS1 and ICPMS2) plus boron (code Boron). Samples were analyzed for uranium content, a variety of pathfinder elements, rare earth elements, and whole rock constituents with the ICPMS Exploration Package (plus boron). The Exploration Package consists of three analyses using a combination of inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry ("ICP- OES"), and partial or total acid digestion of one aliquot of representative sample pulp per analysis. Total digestion is performed via a combination of hydrofluoric, nitric, and perchloric acids while partial digestion is completed via nitric and hydrochloric acids. In-house quality control performed by SRC consists of multiple instrumental and analytic checks using an in-house standard ASR316. Instrumental check protocols consist of two calibration blanks and two calibration standards. Analytical protocols require one blank, two QA/QC standards, and one replicate sample analysis.
Samples with radioactivity over 350 CPS measured by Radiation Solutions RS- 125 were also shipped to SRC. Sample preparation procedures are the same as for the ICPMS Exploration Package, samples were analyzed by ICP-OES only (Code ICP1) and for U3O8 using hydrochloric and nitric acid digestion followed by ICP-OES finish, capable of detecting U3O8 weight percent as low as 0.001%.
Selective samples to be analyzed for gold, and in some instances, platinum and palladium, by fire assay using aqua regia digestion with ICP-OES finish. Analytical protocols utilized replicate sample analysis; however, no in-house standards were used for these small batches. Boron analysis has a lower detection limit of 2 ppm and is completed via ICP-OES after the aliquot is fused in a mixture of sodium superoxide (NaO2) and NaCO3. SRC in-house quality control for boron analysis consists of a blank, QC standards and one replicate with each batch of samples.
Borehole Radiometric Probing Method
All successfully completed 2024 drillholes are radiometrically logged using calibrated downhole
Sample Collection Methods
All drill core is systematically logged to record its geological and geotechnical attributes by
Composite geochemistry samples consist of roughly one-centimetre-long chips of core collected every 1.5 m to geochemically characterize unmineralized sections of sandstone and basement. Composite sample lengths are between five and ten m (typically 3 to 7 chips per sample). For five metres above and two metres below the unconformity composite sample intervals are 0.5 m long and the samples are composed of several chips of core in each interval.
Split-core "spot" (i.e., representative) samples are collected through zones of significant but unmineralized alteration and/or structure. Spot sample length varies depending on the width of the feature of interest but are generally 0.5 m in length.
Split-core mineralization ("MINZ") samples are collected through zones of elevated radioactivity exceeding 350 CPS measured via RS-125 handheld spectrometer.
Systematic short-wave infrared ("SWIR") reflectance ("REFL") samples are collected from approximately the middle of each composite sample for analysis of clays, micas, and a suite of other generally hydrous minerals which have exploration significance. Spot reflectance samples are collected where warranted (i.e., fracture coatings). Reflectance samples are not collected through mineralized zone.
For lithogeochemistry samples, sample tags with the sample number are placed in the sample bags before they are sealed and packed in plastic pails or steel drums for shipment to the
Geologists enter all geological, geotechnical and sample interval data into
Sample Shipment and Security
Drill core was delivered from the drill to
Qualified Person Statement
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Dr.
For additional information regarding the
About
Neither the TSX Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Information
The information contained herein 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. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, the anticipating timing for reporting of the remaining results and planned exploration activities and the anticipated results thereof. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof.
Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated and will be reported when anticipated, the price of uranium, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.
Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known mineral reserves, the limited operating history of the Company, the influence of a large shareholder, alternative sources of energy and uranium prices, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, availability of third party contractors, availability of equipment and supplies, failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals and the risk factors with respect to the Company set out in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators and available under IsoEnergy's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/isoenergy-summer-drilling-intersects-multiple-areas-of-radioactivity-highlighting-the-prospectivity-of-the-larocque-trend-302297125.html
SOURCE