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South Pacific Metals Taps K92 Exploration Veteran to Lead Anga and Osena Project Drilling in PNG’s Kainantu Gold District

 Highlights:

 

  • Dean Williamson Joins to Execute Drill Program Mandate – Former K92 exploration operator/manager with extensive experience and knowledge of Kainantu area mineralization and operations;
  • Irinke Prospect Assays – Surface program results have defined a 2 km-wide mineralized NE trending corridor at SW Anga Project, with orientation and strike continuations comparable to K92’s Arakompa Discovery and lode-gold drill program, less than 3 km away;
  • Anga and Osena Project Drill Planning Nearing Completion – Additional exploration programs set to kick off at both Anga and Osena / K92 border areas, with a new Anga anomaly discovery at Binano less than 1,500 metres from K92 Mining’s Plant Site, an expanded Irinke Prospect, and the recently identified Ontenu Northeast lode-gold target at Osena; and
  • Positioned for Discovery Success – Leveraging a shared 45 km mineralized corridor that runs through both Anga and Osena Projects, the close proximity to K92’s active exploration and infrastructure positions projects for near-term discovery and development scenarios.

 

Vancouver, B.C. – November 13, 2024 South Pacific Metals Corp. (TSX-V: SPMC) (OTCQB: SPMEF) (FSE: 6J00) (“SPMC” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce Dean Williamson has joined the Company as Exploration Manager in Papua New Guinea. Mr. Williamson brings extensive experience gained from his +30 year exploration career, which most recently includes a five-year tenure at K92 Mining, where he led critical exploration initiatives that delivered significant gold-copper discoveries. His geological and operational expertise will play a key role in advancing forthcoming Anga and Osena Project drill programs within the Kainantu Gold District.

 

Previously, Mr. Williamson was principal leader of the K92 Mining exploration team that discovered the Blue Lake Copper-Gold Porphyry and yielded a major maiden inferred resource estimate, as well as acting as a key leader in managing the infill and extensional drilling of the Kora and Judd lodes. With a demonstrated ability to drive results in complex terrains, Mr. Williamson’s leadership and desire to be in the field will accelerate exploration on SPMC’s adjacent properties.

 

The Anga and Osena Projects hold substantial promise as K92-adjacent properties with geology and mineralization similar to the prolific Kainantu deposits. Extensive geological work by the Company has indicated potential for lode-gold and large-scale copper-gold porphyry, vein and skarn systems at both Anga and Osena. Recent surface sampling programs have already identified high-priority targets, setting the stage for targeted drilling efforts under Williamson’s direction.

 

Michael Murphy, Executive Chair of South Pacific Metals, commented, “Dean Williamson’s track record in achieving high-impact discoveries at K92 Mining aligns perfectly with our mission to unlock district-scale potential in Papua New Guinea. His insights and proven exploration acumen will be instrumental as we advance Anga and Osena, two of our most prospective properties adjacent to K92’s operations.

 

K92 is targeting a maiden mineral resource estimate for Arakompa by Q1 2025, and reports mineralization is open in both directions along strike, at depth and only approximately 40% of the +1.7 km mineralized corridor strike length has been drill tested to date.

 

Anga Gold-Copper Project Update

 

The Company is pleased to announce promising results of its preliminary surface sampling program conducted in July-August 2024 at its Anga Gold-Copper Project, located in the gold-copper-producing Kainantu District (see news releases dated July 25, 2024 and September 5, 2024). The exploration program at the Irinke Prospect was designed to target lode-gold and base-metal rich mineralization known to exist on the adjacent property, only 3 km to the southwest at the Arakompa lode-gold drill program and nearby Kainantu Gold Mine.

 

Recent Project Highlights:

  • Multiple occurrences of gold mineralized veins and structurally hosted breccias, and Au-Be-Ti-Cu anomalous soils has helped to define a 2 km-wide mineralized NE trending corridor 3 km along strike from Arakompa;
  • Recent surface sampling at Irinke returned notable gold assays in rock chip samples, including 28 g/t Au, and 1,292ppm Cu;
  • New and expanded gold in soil anomalies – coincident Au-Be-Ti-Cu (important district pathfinders), with an expanded anomaly at Irinke now over 1000 x 300 meters and a new anomaly at Binano over 700 x 300 metres;
  • Surface results to date show similar style host rocks, alteration and metal associations to that of Arakompa, in particular, the recently identified 17 x 2 metre shear zone; and
  • The total anomalous Au-Cu in soil and rock footprint at Anga is 4 by 3 km – suggesting a possible large sub-surface mineralized system present at Anga.

 

The SW Anga Project and new anomalies are located within 1.5 km of K92 Mining’s processing plant (Figure 1). The project area consists of meta-sediments (phyllites) and porphyry intrusions, both of which are coincident and proximal to mineralization on the adjacent Kainantu Mine Area.  The structures are generally oriented N-S to NNE-SSW and provide strike continuations to the impressive Arakompa discovery located less than 3 kilometres along strike from the project area.  As previously reported (see news release dated March 10, 2022) a Mobile MT geophysical survey presents  conductivity anomalies also comparable to those anomalies the Kainantu deposits currently being mined.

 

2024 Irinke Expanded Exploration Program

 

The ongoing 2024 Irinke Exploration Program comprised comprehensive surface sampling and structural and geological mapping program on the western-most portion of the Project (refer to Figure 2). The program is designed to follow up on positive preliminary surface sampling results from previous work in 2022 (under previous management as Kainantu Resources Ltd., see news release dated December 15, 2022), notably, a high-grade gold-carbonate base-metal vein was sampled that returned 2.28 g/t Au, 9.4 g/t Ag, 418ppm Pb and 1254 ppm Zn.

 

New results include an expanded gold anomaly which is coincident with elevated pathfinders of copper, bismuth and tellurium.  The pathfinder suite, gold rock chips up to 3.28 g/t Au, and the dominant NNE-SSW trend orientation set this area as priority for follow up work (refer Figure 2).

 

Binano Prospect – New Anomaly Discovered

 

Approximately 1.5 km to the east of Irinke is the Binano area (Figure 2). Previously a rock float sample returned 0.27% Cu from a sample described as a quartz veined intrusive with disseminated pyrite-chalcopyrite. Follow up work included a soil sampling grid which has now identified a coincident gold and pathfinder anomaly over 700 x 300 metres. Similarly to Irinke, Binano contains structural fabrics of a similar orientation to Arakompa. The area between Irinke and Binano is through a valley floor with minimal outcrop. It is possible these prospects connect or there are further as yet undiscovered anomalies and targets in areas under shallow cover.

 

 

Figure 1: Anga Project Au in rock chip and Bi in soils results and recently updated mineralization halo of the Arakompa vein system only 3 km to the southwest.* The northeast striking zone of elevated Bi in soils, which is an important element associated with gold mineralization, is 700 metres in length.*

*Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company’s properties.

 

Figure 2: Au-Te-Cu-Bi soil results zoomed into the SW Anga region showing anomalous pathfinder suite at the Irinke and Binano Creek regions.

 

Next Steps

 

The Company is planning further surface exploration work at Anga, including more detailed soil grid sampling in the Irinke area to fill in regions of encouraging results from the recent coarse (50 m spaced) sampling. Locations for drill placement will also be assessed. Additionally, a preliminary ridge and spur and stream sampling program is being designed to explore other exciting targets at Anga that have not yet been ground truthed.

 

Stock Options Grant

 

SPMC also announces that it has granted 75,000 incentive stock options (the “Options”) at an exercise price of $0.58 per share to Mr. Williamson. The Options will vest in stages, with 38,000 vesting upon completion of a drill program and the remainder vesting after 12 months following the drill program completion date.

 

About the Anga Project

 

The Anga Gold-Copper Project comprises 461 km² of 100%-owned exploration licenses in the highly gold-copper mineralized Kainantu Gold District. The project is located immediately northeast of, and adjacent to, K92’s Kainantu Gold Mine Project (see Figure 3), and its southwestern project boundary is only 3 km from where K92 is currently drilling on the Arakompa lode-gold vein system, where multiple wide and high-grade gold zones have been intercepted. Access to the Anga Project is via the Ramu-Markham highway to the northeast.

 

Across the broader, 60 km by 40 km sized Kainantu Gold District there are multiple gold and copper occurrences, prospects, and targets. Mineralization is interpreted to be associated with mid to late-Miocene intrusive rock, the NNE oriented Kainantu Transfer Structural Zone and NNW oriented arc-parallel structures, all of which are present at Anga. Since 2020, the Company has been actively engaged with local communities on the Project to ensure consent is gained and maintained to undertake field work programs.

 

Figure 3: Regional location map*

 

QA/QC

 

Soil samples were collected on a nominal grid pattern of 50m x 100m, where access allowed, and by field teams using sieved B-Horizon soils. All samples were assayed by Intertek Laboratory in Lae, Papua New Guinea using Aqua Regia analysis (code AR01/MS OES) with detection limits 0.1 ppb Au, 0.02 ppm Bi, 0.05 ppm Cu and 0.02 ppm Te.

 

Rock samples were collected selectively from natural outcrop, or small hand-dug excavations. Samples were assayed by Intertek Laboratory in Lae, Papua New Guinea using Fire Assay (code FA25) for gold with a detection limit of 0.01 ppm; and 4-acid ICP analysis for multi-element including copper with a detection limit of 1 ppm. Standards (certified reference material), duplicates and blanks are inserted into the sample submission to monitor laboratory performance.

 

Recently received rock sample results > 0.05ppm Au (Coordinates, WGS84 Zone 55).

Sample_id Easting Northing Elevation Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Arsenic (ppm) Copper (ppm) Pb (ppm) Sulphur (ppm) Zinc (ppm)
D03061 378492 9323871 574 3.680 8.8 10951 65 152 14426 364
D03018 379070 9323824 526 0.906 6.4 6153 30 39 9863 50
D03034 379594 9324575 535 0.814 3.0 4495 35 34 11850 69
D03036 379592 9324574 536 0.601 4.2 14939 26 49 12088 84
D03068 378486 9324074 557 0.429 7.7 391 1282 51 160700 72
D03048 378964 9323794 580 0.303 6.4 253 166 206 48056 474
D03035 379593 9324572 535 0.265 2.1 2929 67 34 9143 60
D03052 378494 9323835 570 0.251 7.7 557 35 36 84332 25
D03012 379020 9323806 556 0.129 0.9 3079 332 39 65676 43
D03063 378485 9324074 557 0.126 1.6 40 44 15 79260 11
D03040 379567 9324569 534 0.081 0.7 2239 43 14 7520 31
D03051 378489 9323824 585 0.079 4.6 2914 5 24 6045 19
D03066 378487 9324077 557 0.071 3.9 122 42 33 5104 16
D03067 378487 9324075 557 0.054 1.8 104 67 11 9961 17
D03065 378487 9324078 557 0.052 1.7 188 70 12 9466 21

 

 

Qualified Person

 

The scientific and technical information disclosed in this release has been reviewed and approved by Darren Holden, BSc.(Hons), Ph.D., FAusIMM, a “Qualified Person” as defined under the Canadian Institute of Mining National Instrument 43-101, 2014 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr. Holden is a Technical Advisor to the Company.

 

*Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company’s properties.

 

About South Pacific Metals Corp.

 

South Pacific Metals Corp is an emerging gold-copper exploration company operating in the heart of Papua New Guinea’s proven gold and copper production corridors. With an expansive 3,100 km² land package and four transformative gold-copper projects contiguous with major producers K92 Mining, PanAust and neighbouring Barrick/Zijin, new leadership and experienced in-country teams are prioritizing thoughtful and rigorous technical programs focused on boots-on-the-ground exploration to prioritize discovery across its portfolio projects: Anga, Osena, Kili Teke and May River.

 

Immediately flanking K92’s active drilling and gold producing operations to the northeast and southwest, SPMC’s Anga and Osena Projects are located within the high-grade Kainantu Gold District – each having the potential to host similar-style lode-gold and porphyry copper-gold mineralization as that present within K92’s tenements. Kili Teke is an advanced exploration project situated only 40 km from the world-class Porgera Gold Mine and hosts an existing Inferred Mineral Resource with multiple opportunities for expansion and further discovery. The May River Project is located adjacent to the world-renowned Frieda River copper-gold project, with historical drilling indicating potential for a significant, untapped-gold mineralized system. SPMC common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX.V: SPMC), the OTCQB Marketplace (OTCQB: SPMEF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: 6J00).

 

For further information please contact:

Michael Murphy, Executive Chair

South Pacific Metals Corp.

Tel: +1 604-428-6128
Email: info@southpacificmetals.ca

 

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.  Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Information

 

Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of SPMC. In making the forward-looking statements, SPMC has applied certain assumptions that are based on information available to the Company, including SPMC’s strategic plan for the near and mid-term. There is no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements may involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of the Company. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because of the context of the statements, including such words as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “plans”, “may”, “estimates”, or words of a similar nature. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: formulation of plans for drill testing; and the success related to any future exploration or development programs. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic, regulatory or other unforeseen uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, without limitation: success of the Company’s projects, prices for metals remaining as estimated, currency exchange rates remaining as estimated, availability of funds for the Company’s projects, capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates, prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation), no labour-related disruptions, no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production, all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner, and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in gold prices, fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation), fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar), operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mineral exploration, inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards, the Company’s ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner, changes in laws, regulations and government practices, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations, legal restrictions relating to mineral exploration, increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel, the availability of additional capital, title matters and the additional risks identified in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described, or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company’s property.

 

Source: South Pacific Metals Corp

South Pacific Metals Identifies Multiple Copper-Gold Mineralized Districts at May River Project

Historical Drill Highlights Include:
19 m @11.47% Cu, 2.17g/t Au from 13 m Depth at Ufuo Massive Sulfide Prospect
109 m at 1.53 g/t Au from Surface at Skygate Cu-Au Porphyry Prospect

Vancouver, British Columbia- October 30, 2024 – South Pacific Metals Corp. (TSXV: SPMC) (OTCQB: SPMEF) (FSE: 6J00) (“SPMC” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce that two significant mineralized districts – the Skygate Cu-Au Porphyry-Epithermal District and the Ufuo Polymetallic Massive Sulfide District – have been identified by the Company following a thorough evaluation data from decades of historical work.

Project Highlights:

  • Ufuo Polymetallic Massive Sulfide District: hosts a complex of five massive sulfide bodies, hosted in volcanics with a clear structural control. Two have been drilled with historical results returning high-grade Cu (+Au, Zn, Pb, Ag) near surface: 19 m @11.47% Cu, 2.17g/t Au from 13 m depthand 11 m @ 10.07% Cu, 2.03g/t Au from 13 m depth1. Multiple other undrilled geophysical targets remain in this prospect area;
  • Skygate Cu-Au Trend: a 7-km long gold-copper mineralized trend lying 15 km west of the giant Frieda River Cu-Au deposit, which hosts 12 Mt Cu and 20 Moz Au2. This trend features confirmed Cu-Au porphyry exposures and historically drilled gold-bearing diatreme breccias. New, advanced review, reprocessing and modeling of historic data has illustrated the potential for sub-surface porphyry targets. This trend lies within similar host rocks and structural setting to that of Frieda River.
    • Historical drilling intercepts include 109 m at 1.53 g/t Au from surface1 and 54 m at 1.83 g/t Au from 106 m depth1, with holes ending in +1 g/t Au mineralization; and
  • Expansive Copper-Gold Exploration Package: district-scale tenement package (~1,700 km²) , hosting multiple styles of mineralization with more than 20 identified prospects ranging from high grade polymetallic massive sulfide, epithermal Au and porphyry Cu-Au-Mo1.

As a result, the Company is currently evaluating various non-dilutive, project-level financing options to advance exploration efforts which may include surface sampling, mapping and drilling. Refer to Figure 1 for an overview of prospects at May River.

“As we continue to evaluate and integrate over 25 years of exploration data with regional known geology, our efforts to delineate May River’s full mineralized potential continue to expand,” stated Cathy Fitzgerald, President and Chief Geologist. “Our recent 3D advanced geological and geophysical modeling, combined with prior surface sampling and drill results, have already defined high-priority targets at Skygate and Ufuo for drilling. This district-scale approach to early-stage deposit evaluation underscores the prolific nature of May River’s land package and further growth opportunities with multiple additional anomalies warranting follow-up. Our near-term goal is to advance our existing drilled prospects and test the remaining tenement package to qualify additional targets.

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Figure 1: May River Project, mineralized prospects and infrastructure.

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Two Significant Mineralized Districts Prioritized

Ufuo Polymetallic Massive Sulfide District: in the northern region of the May River tenement package lies the Ufuo District, which hosts a cluster of five massive sulfide bodies occurring over a 3 km by 5 km area within a NW trending mineralized corridor. These were discovered outcropping in 1993 by Highlands Gold, who completed several surface mapping, trenching and drilling campaigns, along with electromagnetic geophysical surveys. Four of the five bodies have been drilled (in 1993, 1997 and 1998), with one lens returning intercepts of 11 m @ 10.07% Cu and 2.03 g/t Au from 13 m1 and 19 m @ 11.47% Cu and 2.17 g/t Au from 13 m1. Both holes have up to 4 % Zn, 3 % Pb and 115 g/t Ag (over 1 m intervals) suggesting a polymetallic system1. A total of 39 holes were completed (3,026 m) at Ufuo. Trenching at one body also returning exceptional results that warrant follow up, including 40 m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 28 m @ 2.5% Cu, 1.1 g/t Au at surface1. Refer to Figure 2 for geology and drill intercept information and Appendix 1 for more drill hole and quality assurance and quality control information.

Historic reporting by Highlands Gold suggested the systems represent Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulfide (“VHMS” or “VMS”) style deposits, however they, and several outside researchers also note that there is a) clear structural control on the bodies; b) notable high gold content b) a clear magmatic input into mineralization, i.e., possibly related to a porphyry Cu-Au intrusive. Only 5 km to the NE, outcropping chalcopyrite bearing diorite was mapped and it is towards this body that the gold content increases across the prospect area.

The recent comprehensive data review completed by the Company shows that the deposit model applicable to these bodies should not be restricted to classifying these as “VMS” deposits. Further, the Company has completed new interpretation of the high-quality historical airborne magnetic data collected in 1990’s and 2010’s. Advanced 3-D magnetic modelling has identified a prominent target beneath the exposed massive sulfide mineralization at one Ufuo prospect, along with other proximal targets (refer to Figure 3).

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Figure 2: One of five prospects within the Ufuo Polymetallic Massive Sulfide District.

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Figure 3: 3D magnetic model of the subsurface at Ufuo highlights a highly magnetic target that represents a possible mineralized intrusive target.

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Skygate Cu-Au Porphyry-Epithermal Trend
: a 7-kilometer-long zone of Cu-Au mineralization, containing both porphyry and epithermal mineralization. It lies within the same geological and structural setting as the Frieda River Cu-Au system, which hosts 20 Moz Au and 29 Blbs Cu (refer to Figure 1)2. At the northern end of the Skygate Cu-Au Trend, there is confirmed Cu-mineralized breccias and stockworks at surface (the Company, under previous management, sampled this Mountain Gate prospect in 2022, see news release dated February 15, 2023). At the southern end, is the Skiraisa Gold Breccia, a historically drilled diatreme breccia hosts high-sulfidation gold mineralization (refer to Figure 4).

Historical drilling at the Skiraisa Gold Breccia has returned exceptional gold intercepts, including 109 m at 1.53 g/t Au from surface1 and 54 meters at 1.83 g/t Au from 106 m depth1. Both holes ended in mineralization above 1 g/t Au and remain open, suggesting a larger Au system, possibly related to a porphyry intrusive, may be present. Drilling was completed by Highlands Gold (1990-1994) and Niuminco (2011). Refer to Appendix 1 for more drill hole information.

The recent comprehensive data review completed by the Company interprets that Skiraisa represents a shallow expression of a mineralized porphyry system, and historic drilling defines a gold mineralized body more than 150 m wide and open to the east and to depth. There are several lines of evidence that a significant porphyry target underlies Skiraisa:

  • Historic reports note porphyry-style mineralization (quartz-sulfide (chalcopyrite) was noted in felsic intrusive clasts within the diatreme breccia suggest a deeper Cu mineralized target; and
  • Analysis of drilling and surface data, combined with new advanced 3-D magnetic and geological modelling has identified a strong magnetic feature down plunge of the near-surface gold mineralization at Skiraisa (refer to Figure 5).

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Figure 4: Cross section of the Skiraisa gold diatreme breccia, showing historical drilling and mineralization open to depth and to the east.

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Figure 5: 3D magnetic model of the subsurface at Skiraisa highlights a highly magnetic target that represents a possible mineralized intrusive target.

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Cautionary Note

1 Historical assay data acquired by and reported on by previous operators has not been confirmed, with the exception of surface Cu-Au porphyry-style mineralization within the Skygate Cu-Au trend, hosted at the Mtn Gate prospect (see news release dated February 15, 2023). Extensive geophysical datasets over a vast expanse of the property have been acquired by the Company from previous operators, reviewed and interpreted. All historic data is interpreted to be reliable for the current interpretive use.
2 Potentially economic or economic mineralization on adjacent properties are not necessarily indicative of the mineralization potential of the May River Project.
Also refer to Appendix 1 for further details.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information disclosed in this release has been reviewed and approved by Darren Holden, Ph.D., FAusIMM, a “Qualified Person” as defined under National Instrument 43-101, 2014 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr. Holden is a Technical Advisor to the Company.

About the May River Project

The May River Project covers an expansive mineralized district covering almost 1,700 km2 and is located less than 15 km from, and immediately west of, PanAust’s giant Frieda River Cu-Au Deposit. The Project hosts two historically drilled Cu-Au mineralized districts, the Ufuo Polymetallic Massive Sulfide District and the Skygate Cu-Au Porphyry-Epithermal Trend. Recent geological and geophysical modeling has identified priority geophysical targets directly beneath these mineralized systems that warrant future drilling. Regional work has also identified more than 20 other prospective areas at May River, representing several deposit styles including polymetallic (VMS), epithermal Au and porphyry Cu-Au. The Project, which was acquired by the Company in April 2023 (see news release dated April 3, 2023) encompasses a large, highly mineralized district in East Sepik Province in Papua New Guinea.

About South Pacific Metals Corp.

South Pacific Metals Corp. is an emerging gold-copper exploration company operating across Papua New Guinea’s proven gold and copper production corridors. With an expansive 3,100 km² land package and four transformative gold-copper projects contiguous with major producers K92 Mining, PanAust and neighbouring Barrick/Zijin, new leadership and experienced in-country teams are prioritizing thoughtful and rigorous technical programs focused on boots-on-the-ground exploration to prioritize discovery across its portfolio projects: Anga, Osena, Kili Teke and May River.

Immediately flanking K92’s active drilling and gold producing operations to the northeast and southwest, SPMC’s Anga and Osena Projects are located within the high-grade Kainantu Gold District – each having the potential to host similar-style lode-gold and porphyry copper-gold mineralization as that present within K92’s tenements. Kili Teke is an advanced exploration project situated only 40 km from the world-class Porgera Gold Mine and hosts an existing Inferred Mineral Resource with multiple opportunities for expansion and further discovery. The May River Project is located adjacent to the world-renowned Frieda River copper-gold project, with historical drilling indicating potential for a significant, untapped-gold mineralized system. SPMC common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: SPMC), the OTCQB Marketplace (OTCQB: SPMEF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: 6J00).

For further information please contact:

Michael Murphy, Executive Chair
or
Investor Relations
South Pacific Metals Corp.
Tel: +1-604-653-9464
Email: info@southpacificmetals.ca

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Information

Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of SPMC. In making the forward-looking statements, SPMC has applied certain assumptions that are based on information available to the Company, including SPMC’s strategic plan for the near and mid-term. There is no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements may involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of the Company. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because of the context of the statements, including such words as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “plans”, “may”, “estimates”, or words of a similar nature. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: formulation of plans for drill testing; and the success related to any future exploration or development programs. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic, regulatory or other unforeseen uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, without limitation: success of the Company’s projects, prices for metals remaining as estimated, currency exchange rates remaining as estimated, availability of funds for the Company’s projects, capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates, prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation), no labour-related disruptions, no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production, all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner, and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in gold prices, fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation), fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar), operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mineral exploration, inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards, the Company’s ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner, changes in laws, regulations and government practices, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations, legal restrictions relating to mineral exploration, increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel, the availability of additional capital, title matters and the additional risks identified in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described, or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company’s property.

Appendix 1

Historical Data Sources, Data Verification and QA/QC

The Company has made considerable effort in reviewing historic reports and compiling validated databases cross-checked against multiple sources. Whilst historic results cannot be currently verified using field checking and assaying, the consistency of reporting between various sources and, at the time, external validation by consultants, the information presented is considered acceptable within the context in which it appears. SPMC have compiled a database of drilling and cross-checked against the original Highlands Gold reports and validation also conducted by Mincor Ltd. All historic grid coordinate systems have been standardized to WGS UTM84 Zone 54.

Data Sources:

  • 1991-2001: Highlands Gold Ltd (HGL). Annual reports submitted to Department of Mines and Petroleum PNG for PA880/EL880 (Ufuo Project)
  • 1991-1999: HGL. Annual reports submitted to Department of Mines and Petroleum PNG for PA944/EL955 (Skygate Project)
  • 2012-2020: Niuminco Ltd / Mincor Ltd. Annual reports submitted to the Department of Mines and Petroleum PNG for EL1441 (both Ufuo and Skygate)
  • 2011: Geotech Ltd Geophysics reports and original contractor data: sourced from Mincor Ltd (successor).

Project History

  • 1991 – HGL reports high tenor stream sediment samples (Ufuo and Skygate) and massive sulfide boulders in creeks in the Ufuo region
  • 1992-1997 – HGL identifies massive sulfide in outcrop at Ufuo and conducts trenching (costeaning) across the property, identifying multiple zones of mineralization
  • 1993 – Dr Terry Leach of CSM Ltd in Auckland independently verifies copper bearing minerals from Ufuo with textures typical of VMS systems with chalcopyrite dominant; along with zinc and lead sulfides
  • 1992-1997 – HGL conducts reconnaissance surface sampling and mapping.
  • 1997-1998 – HGL drills 39 diamond core holes for 3,076 m with maximum depth 120.4 m and average depth of 78m at Ufuo. All core sampled on 1m intervals
  • 1998 – HGL drills 13 holes for 1,620 m with a maximum depth of 270 m and average depth of 124 m at Skygate. All core sampled on 2 m intervals.
  • 2011-2020: Niuminco Ltd (in JV with Mincor 2011-2013) conducts regional geophysics including 200 m spaced VTEM (Ufuo) and ZTEM (Skygate) and magnetics. Drills three confirmation drill holes are Skiraisa totaling 900 m.

Laboratory Results

All results presented in this release were from work completed by HGL and submitted to Astrolabe Laboratories Pty Ltd of Madang, PNG. Astrolabe was a PNG Accredited laboratory. All gold assays conducted using fire assay techniques with a detection limit of 0.01 ppm Au. In addition, using the laboratory code G3, assays were conducted for Ag (detection limit 0.5 ppm) and Cu, Pb, Zn, As and Sb (detection limit 5 ppm). Laboratory standards were utilized and certified.

May River Project Historical Drill Hole Details (WGS84, Zone 54 (South).

HoleID Easting Northing Elevation Depth Dip Azimuth (true north) Prospect
001UF97 563740 9543366 530 102.4 -62 94.4 Ufuo
002UF97 563635 9543363 548 102.15 -59 94.4 Ufuo
003UF97 563718 9543517 559 100.15 -60 94.4 Ufuo
004UF97 563766 9543512 552 100.15 -60 94.4 Ufuo
005UF97 563769 9543551 565 100.15 -60 269.4 Ufuo
006UF97 563668 9543465 548 100.15 -60 69.4 Ufuo
007UF97 563571 9543618 552 70.05 -59 79.4 Ufuo
008UF97 563645 9543665 581 70.45 -60 344.4 Ufuo
009UF97 563611 9543523 564 80.35 -60 79.4 Ufuo
010UF97 563612 9543498 558 41.55 -60 74.4 Ufuo
011UF97 563588 9543491 554 80.3 -60 74.4 Ufuo
012UF97 563630 9543414 549 60.8 -60 79.4 Ufuo
013UF97 563661 9543521 562 100.15 -60 274.4 Ufuo
014UF97 563640 9543523 565 61 -60 283.4 Ufuo
015UF97 563588 9543524 558 67.9 -60 269.4 Ufuo
016UF97 563612 9543569 571 36.05 -60 94.4 Ufuo
017UF97 563587 9543556 563 61 -60 274.4 Ufuo
018UF97 564147 9543244 463 60.9 -60 359.4 Ufuo
019UF97 564148 9543295 455 61.1 -60 184.4 Ufuo
020UF97 564210 9543338 446 100.04 -60 184.4 Ufuo
021UF97 564189 9543379 430 100.15 -60 184.4 Ufuo
022UF97 564075 9543352 434 100.2 -60 184.4 Ufuo
023UF97 564323 9543382 445 100.55 -60 184.4 Ufuo
024UF97 563675 9543620 583 115.55 -60 274.4 Ufuo
025UF97 563724 9543620 585 60.6 -60 364.4 Ufuo
026UF97 563759 9543665 590 74.4 -60 274.4 Ufuo
027UF97 563818 9543551 553 106.1 -60 274.4 Ufuo
028UF97 563796 9543266 515 55.1 -60 274.4 Ufuo
029UF97 563798 9543369 517 78.07 -60 364.4 Ufuo
030UF98 563720 9543754 598 85.05 -60 274.4 Ufuo
031UF98 563770 9543754 593 20.84 -60 274.4 Ufuo
032UF98 563670 9543754 591 55.85 -60 274.4 Ufuo
033UF98 563800 9542614 632 42.2 -65 184.4 Ufuo
034UF98 563775 9542705 635 87.2 -75 94.4 Ufuo
035UF98 564870 9542705 273 61.55 -90 0 Ufuo
036UF98 564350 9541555 317 64.02 -90 0 Ufuo
037UF98 564243 9541755 335 71.2 -90 0 Ufuo
038UF99 564147 9543101 280 120.4 -90 0 Ufuo
039UF99 565165 9542125 254 120.4 -90 0 Ufuo
001SK98 574781 9477680 1214 287.1 -60 225 Skiraisa
002SK98 574638 9477915 1132 145.5 -70 90 Skiraisa
003SK98 574638 9477915 1132 54.5 -90 0 Skiraisa
004SK98 574644 9477994 1099 73.5 -70 90 Skiraisa
005SK98 574607 9478143 1092 73.5 -70 180 Skiraisa
006SK98 574742 9477655 1229 109 -70 90 Skiraisa
007SK98 574748 9477550 1260 148 -70 45 Skiraisa
008SK98 574740 9477455 1252 142.6 -70 90 Skiraisa
009SK98 574620 9477793 1185 145.3 -70 90 Skiraisa
010SK98 574585 9477655 1171 142.6 -70 90 Skiraisa
011SK98 574805 9477655 1229 150.1 -70 270 Skiraisa
012SK98 574507 9478069 1106 80 -70 270 Skiraisa
13SK98 574637 9477563 1201 148 -70 90 Skiraisa

Source:  South Pacific Metals Corp.

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About South Pacific Metals

An Emerging Gold-Copper Company - Discovering Transformative Growth in Papua New Guinea

Company Overview

 

South Pacific Metals Corp. (TSX.V: SPMC | OTCQB: SPMEF | FSE: 6J00) is an emerging gold-copper exploration company operating in Papua New Guinea’s proven gold and copper production corridors. With an expansive 3,000 km² land package and four transformative gold-copper projects contiguous with major producers K92 Mining, PanAust and neighbouring Barrick/Zijin, new leadership and experienced in-country teams are prioritizing thoughtful and rigorous technical programs focused on boots-on-the-ground exploration to prioritize discovery across its portfolio.

 

 

Focus Projects: Osena and Anga

 

K92-adjacent and showing similar geological, structural and metal associations. Evidence of large-scale Copper-Gold porphyry and vein systems present. Situated in the heart of the Kainantu Gold District along a major 45 km Cu-Au mineralized trend.

 

Investor Highlights

 

Top Geological Jurisdiction

World-class copper-gold deposits, with major companies including K92 Mining, Barrick/Zijin, Ok Tedi, Harmony/Newmont and PanAust re-investing in PNG

 

Compelling Au-Cu Projects

Four projects all with historical drilling and expansive Au-Cu mineralized systems and prospects; one with an inferred mineral resource estimate

 

Experienced Leadership

Successful capital and exploration executives combined with influential in-country operators and community relations managers

 

Delivering for Shareholders

District-scale discovery upside with significant insider ownership, strong strategic investor support and tight share structure

 

Community & Environment

 

Dedicated to responsible mineral exploration and meaningful community impact

 

At South Pacific Metals, we are dedicated to integrating the community and sustainable best practices into all aspects of our operations. As we work to fully realize the potential of our gold and copper projects in Papua New Guinea, sustainable development prioritizes the health and well-being of local communities and champions environmental stewardship. By aligning on these core beliefs, we aim to build strong community relationships that respect the diverse cultures, customs, and values of the people we engage with in our business activities. We uphold this commitment through ongoing dialogue, consultation, and communication with all stakeholders. This all-encompassing dedication ensures that our growth harmonizes with the well-being of our surroundings – thereby increasing long-term value for the PNG people as well as SPMC investors.

-Cathy Fitzgerald, President & Chief Geologist

 

Key Investment Highlights

 

Top Geological Jurisdiction

World-class gold-copper deposits, with major companies including K92 Mining, Barrick/Zijin, Ok Tedi, Harmony/Newmont and PanAust re-investing in Papua New Guinea

 

Compelling Au-Cu Projects

Four projects all with historical drilling and expansive Au-Cu mineralized systems and prospects; one with an inferred mineral resource estimate

 

Experienced Leadership

Successful capital and exploration executives combined with influential in-country operators and community managers

 

Delivering for Shareholders

District-scale discovery upside with significant insider ownership, strong strategic investor support and tight share structure

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This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNMG undertakes no obligation to update such statements.