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Re: News - Tuesday, October 19, 2010
10-22 - Cornerstone and Thundermin report excellent metallurgical
results from scoping level test work undertaken on core samples
from the Little Deer Copper Deposit
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Mount Pearl, NL, Canada: Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc. (TSXV-CGP)
(F-GWN) (B-GWN) (OTC-CTNXF) and 50% joint venture partner Thundermin
Resources Inc. ("Thundermin") (THR:TSX) are pleased to announce that
excellent metallurgical results have been obtained from scoping level
test work undertaken on core samples from the Little Deer Copper
Deposit ("Deposit") which is located approximately 10 km north of
Springdale in north-central Newfoundland.
Highlights
.. Production of a saleable, high grade copper concentrate grading over
28% copper with over 97% copper recovery in locked cycle tests
.. Copper concentrates free of any deleterious elements
.. Copper recovered employing a simple rougher-cleaner flowsheet using a
common xanthate collector
.. Copper mineralization of medium hardness with Bond ball mill work
index of 14.6 kilowatt hours per tonne ("kWh/t")
.. Fresh and aged tailings decant solutions well within Canadian Metal
Mining Effluent Regulations ("MMER") limits and non-lethal designations
for MMER aquatic toxicology tests
Work Summary
SGS Lakefield Research ("Lakefield") of Lakefield, Ontario, an ISO
17025:2005 accredited company, was retained by Cornerstone and
Thundermin to undertake a scoping level metallurgical test program on
copper mineralization from the Deposit accompanied by basic
environmental characterization of the flotation tailings produced from
the metallurgical test program.
The metallurgical test program consisted of two main components: 1)
sample characterization including head sample chemical analysis,
quantitative evaluation of materials by QEMSCAN(tm) analysis, and Bond
ball mill grindability tests; and 2) flotation testing including
rougher and cleaner testing, locked cycle testing and detailed
concentrate chemical analysis. The environmental test program consisted
of: 1) inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy/mass
spectroscopy ("ICP-OES/MS") elemental analysis; 2) shake flask
extraction ("SFE") testing; 3) modified acid base accounting ("ABA");
4) net acid generation ("NAG") testing; 5) ICP-OES/MS analysis of the
fresh and aged tailings decant solutions; and 6) single concentration
acute lethality testing of effluent on MMER aquatic test species
(Daphnia Magna and Rainbow Trout).
Sample Preparation and Head Grade
Approximately 200 kilograms ("kg") of crushed reject core sample was
shipped to Lakefield in plastic pails. This sample was selected from
six drill holes located throughout the Deposit and was designed to
approximate, as closely as possible, the anticipated average copper
grade for the Deposit. At Lakefield, the sample was combined and
blended into one 200 kg composite sample. Ninety (90) kg was riffle
split from this sample for metallurgical testing and the remainder was
stored in a freezer. Ten (10) kg of the sample was riffled out for a
Bond ball mill work index hardness test. The remaining 80 kg was
stage-crushed to -10 mesh and rotary split into 2 kg test charges for
flotation testing. All materials were stored frozen until subjected to
testing.
A 2 kg test charge sample was submitted for a range of chemical
analysis. The head grade of the sample was 2.43% copper, 0.034% cobalt,
0.03 g/t Au, 19.1% iron and 5.99% sulphur.
Grindability Test Results
A standard Bond ball mill grindability test was completed at a closing
sieve size of 80 mesh. The Bond mill work index was measured at 14.6
kWh/t which is considered to be of medium hardness based on Lakefield's
extensive work index database.
Flotation Test Results
Flotation test results revealed that the copper mineralization at
Little Deer can be recovered easily using a simple rougher-cleaner
flowsheet with a common xanthate collector at a pH of 9 using lime as
the modifier. An analysis of the liberation characteristics of the
chalcopyrite determined that the primary grind needs to be in the range
of 80% passing 150 microns, with a regrind in the range of 80% passing
30-40 microns likely necessary.
Results of two locked cycle tests completed on samples of the Little
Deer copper mineralization are presented below in Table 1. Test LCT-1
differed from LCT-2 mainly with respect to primary grind size, with
LCT-1 completed at a primary grind P80 of 160 �m versus LCT-2, which
was at a P80 of 100 �m. Both tests achieved approximately 97% copper
recovery into a saleable concentrate grading 28% copper.
Table 1. Locked Cycle Test Results
Test No. Grind Size Product Weight % Assays Distribution
% Cu % S % Co % Cu % S % Co
LCT-1 1� - 162�m Cu 3rd Cleaner Conc 8.3 28.0 34.3 0.065 96.7 49.0 20.8
2� - 34�m Cu 1st Cl Scav Tail 11.6 0.28 14.2 0.078 1.4 28.1 34.9
Cu Rougher Tail 80.1 0.059 1.67 0.014 2.0 22.9 44.3
Head (calc.) 100.0 2.41 5.82 0.026 100.0 100.0 100.0
LCT-2 1� - 96�m Cu 3rd Cleaner Conc 8.2 28.3 34.4 0.061 97.2 48.9 17.0
2� - 32�m Cu 1st Cl Scav Tail 10.6 0.33 16.0 0.107 1.5 29.3 38.7
Cu Rougher Tail 81.1 0.038 1.56 0.016 1.3 21.8 44.2
Head (calc.) 100.0 2.40 5.80 0.029 100.0 100.0 100.0
Environmental Test Results
The purpose of the environmental test program was to assess the
geochemical, acid rock drainage ("ARD"), aquatic toxicology and
contaminant mobility potential associated with the Little Deer
flotation tailings materials over time. The ICP-OES/MS strong acid
digest elemental analysis indicated that the tailings sample was
predominantly comprised of silica and iron with moderate to minor
amounts of alumina, magnesium and calcium. Analysis of the shake flask
extraction leachate reported a slightly alkaline final pH value and all
MMER controlled parameters at concentrations well within the designated
limits. ABA indicated that the tailings sample was potentially acid
generating and NAG testing confirmed the acid generating nature of the
tailings sample. Analysis of the fresh and aged tailings decant
solutions reported all controlled parameters at concentrations well
within MMER limits and acute lethality testing of the Decant Day 28
solution resulted in non-lethal designations for both Daphnia Magna and
Rainbow Trout.
Conclusions
The results of a scoping level metallurgical test program on a
representative composite sample of copper mineralization from the
Deposit indicate that a saleable, high grade concentrate grading 28%
copper can be achieved with approximately 97% copper recovery.
The use of a simple rougher-cleaner flowsheet, a common xanthate
collector, pH control with lime and a relatively course primary grind
for copper liberation from mineralization of medium hardness suggest
that the operating costs should fall into the low range for any
metallurgical plant constructed to treat the Little Deer
mineralization.
Mineral Resource Estimate
On October 13, 2010, Cornerstone and Thundermin reported an updated
National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") mineral resource estimate for
the Deposit comprising Indicated Mineral Resources of 1,150,500 tonnes
at an average grade of 2.8% Cu within the Little Deer Zone and Inferred
Mineral Resources of 2,355,500 tonnes at an average grade of 2.1% Cu
within the Little Deer and Footwall Zones (see news release dated
October 13, 2010).
Based on
Diamond drilling results to date, the Deposit is interpreted
to consist of two main copper-bearing zones, the Little Deer Zone and
the Footwall Zone with the Footwall Zone occurring mainly west of, and
from 50 to 75 m below, the Little Deer Zone. A number of additional
copper-bearing zones have also been intersected in the footwall of
these two zones, but their extent and significance are unknown at the
present time. The Deposit has been intersected over a strike length of
approximately 1,050 m and to a vertical depth of approximately 1,000 m.
The overall Deposit remains open along strike to the east and west, up
dip and at depth and the potential exists for the discovery of
additional mineral resources in all areas.
Little Deer Joint Venture
Cornerstone and Thundermin, the operator, have the option, on a 50/50
basis to earn a 100% interest in the Deposit and adjacent property from
Weyburn Investments Ltd. Thundermin, under its joint venture agreement
with Cornerstone, has the right to increase its interest in the Little
Deer property to 75% by completing a feasibility study and by arranging
100% of the necessary bank financing required to place the property
into commercial production. Details on the Deposit and the terms of the
agreement with Weyburn can be found in numerous news releases and on
Cornerstone's and Thundermin's respective websites and on SEDAR.
Qualified Persons
Mr. Dan Imeson, M.Sc., Manager, Mineral Processing for Lakefield
supervised the metallurgical test program on the Little Deer copper
mineralization and Ms. Barbara A. Bowman, Senior Technologist,
Environmental Testing and Mr. Robert J. Caldwell, Group Leader,
Environmental Testing for Lakefield supervised the basic environmental
characterization of the flotation tailings produced during the scoping
level flotation testing of the Little Deer copper mineralization. Mr.
Imeson, Ms. Bowman and Mr. Caldwell have all reviewed the contents of
this news release for accuracy with respect to the metallurgical work
done at Lakefield. Mr. Klaus Konigsmann, P. Eng., Cornerstone's and
Thundermin's metallurgical consultant and independent Qualified Person
("Q.P.") in accordance with NI 43-101, has also reviewed the contents
of this news release for accuracy with respect to the metallurgical
work done at Lakefield. The mineral resource estimate for the Deposit
was prepared by Mr. Reno Pressacco, M.Sc.(A), P.Geo., Senior Geologist
for Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. of Toronto, Ontario, an
independent Q.P. in accordance with NI 43-101. Mr. Pressacco has
reviewed the contents of this release for accuracy with respect to the
mineral resource estimate.
Cornerstone Commences Social Media Program
Cornerstone is pleased to announce it has retained the services of RBL
Communications ("RBL") (http://www.rblcommunications.com) to implement
and manage a complete social media program. The program is designed to
provide Cornerstone with a greater online presence, as well as improved
investor communication and corporate branding.
Effective immediately, investors can access and join the following
Cornerstone social media channels:
Facebook
(http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cornerstone-Resources-Inc/152481978112151)
Twitter (http://twitter.com/Cornerstone_cgp)
YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/CornerstoneResource)
Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cornerstoneresources)
About Cornerstone
Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration company
based in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, with a
diversified portfolio of projects in Canada and Ecuador and a strong
technical team that has proven its ability to identify, acquire and
advance properties of merit. The company's business model is based on
generating exploration projects whose subsequent development is funded
primarily through joint venture partnerships.
Further information is available on Cornerstone's website:
www.cornerstoneresources.com or for investor, corporate or media
inquiries, please contact:
Martti Kangas,
Investor Relations
North America toll-free: 1 (877) 277-8377
Direct Line: 1 (647) 521-9261
Email: communications@crigold.com
Cautionary Notice:
This news release may contain 'Forward-Looking Statements' that involve
risks and uncertainties, such as statements of Cornerstone's plans,
objectives, strategies, intentions and expectations. The words
"potential," "anticipate," "forecast," "believe," "estimate," "expect,"
"may," "project," "plan," and similar expressions are intended to be
among the statements that identify 'Forward-Looking Statements.'
Although Cornerstone believes that its expectations reflected in these
'Forward-Looking Statements' are reasonable, such statements may
involve unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed in our
regulatory filings, viewed on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. For
us, uncertainties arise from the behaviour of financial and metals
markets, predicting natural geological phenomena and from numerous
other matters of national, regional, and global scale, including those
of an environmental, climatic, natural, political, economic, business,
competitive, or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our
actual future results to be materially different than those expressed
in our Forward-Looking Statements. Although Cornerstone believes the
facts and information contained in this news release to be as correct
and current as possible, Cornerstone does not warrant or make any
representation as to the accuracy, validity or completeness of any
facts or information contained herein and these statements should not
be relied upon as representing its views subsequent to the date of this
news release. While Cornerstone anticipates that subsequent events
may cause its views to change, it expressly disclaims any obligation to
update the Forward-Looking Statements contained herein except where
outcomes have varied materially from the original statements.
On Behalf of the Board,
Glen H. McKay
President & CEO
Neither 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.
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Copyright (c) 2010 CORNERSTONE CAPITAL RESOURCES INC. (CGP) All rights
reserved. For more information visit our website at
http://www.cornerstoneresources.com/ or send
mailto:info@cornerstoneresources.com
Message sent on Tue Oct 19, 2010 at 5:15:00 AM Pacific Time
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