Properties
Crypto Zn-Cu-In
Setting
Property Geology
Historical Work and Resource Estimate
Lithic’s Exploration
Fly Lake Zn-Cu









Historical Work and Resource Estimate



Modern exploration commenced in 1953 when Kennecott identified a large magnetic anomaly in the area in the course of a regional search for porphyry copper deposits. Beginning in 1961, Utah International drilled the property for its iron (magnetite) deposits, subsequently discovering significant zinc mineralization on which they focussed their attention until exiting in 1985. In the early 1990's, Cyprus Minerals optioned the property and drilled a number of additional holes, mainly to test the known zones at depth. In all, 68 holes totalling about 27,000 metres were drilled on the property prior to Lithic's involvement.

In 1993, Cyprus used the cross-sectional method to estimate a "geological in-situ reserve" on the property, dividing mineralization into an upper, near surface oxide zone and lower sulphide zone situated at a depth of 300-500 metres.

 
Tonnes
% Zn
contained lb Zn
Oxide Zinc
2,800,000
7.0
431,984,000
Sulphide Zinc
5,400,000
8.7
1,035,439,000

This historical estimate was made prior to the implementation of NI43-101 standards, does not conform to those standards and should not be relied on as being indicative of a resource or a reserve with demonstrated economic viability. However, Cyprus' estimate was independently reviewed in 1993 by Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. ("RP") who found their methodology to be consistent with industry practice at the time and also confirmed Cyprus' observation that since a number of the sulphide zones were open along strike and/or down dip, there is good potential to expand mineralization by in-fill and step-out diamond drilling. Based both on RP's independent review and Cyprus' status as a senior mining company, the Cyprus estimate is believed by the Company to be relevant and a reliable indication of the mineral potential of the property.

The following table shows possible US dollar gross metal values (GMV) and per tonne GMV's for a deposit of similar size and grade based on a range of zinc prices. While it should not be taken as representing actual value as no reserve has been established on the property yet, it clearly demonstrates the economic potential of a deposit such as Crypto.


 Zn price (US$)
$0.90
$1.10
$1.30
$1.50
 
GMV/t
GMV
GMV/t
GMV
GMV/t
GMV
GMV/t
GMV
oxide
139
388,785,600
170
475,182,400
201
561,579,200
231
647,976,000
sulphide
172
929,752,992
210
1,136,364,768
249
1,342,976,544
287
1,549,588,320
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