Ari Sussman, Chief Executive Officer, stated: "We have been waiting a long time to begin systematically drilling our priority grassroots-generated targets and are excited that exploration is underway. Ridge and spur soil sampling was the key to unlocking both the Yaraguá and Veta Sur deposits and we are equally optimistic of making another major discovery given the robustness of the sampling results on the new targets using the same methodology."
At central Pinguro, soil geochemical work, geological mapping and near-surface rock chip sampling have outlined a four kilometre X one kilometre area containing multiple families of veins. Two orientations of vein sets have been mapped; one set is north-northwest-striking and the other is east-northeast-striking and moderately southwest-dipping. The latter vein set has a potential strike length of over 500 metres and is open in all directions; vein sets outcrop over a more than 300 metre vertical extent. Soil and rock-chip sampling to date indicates that both vein orientations may exhibit high-grade gold mineralization with elevated levels of base metals that is geochemically similar to the majority of Yaraguá-style mineralization. Country rocks are mainly Cretaceous metabasalts and metasediments locally intruded by andesitic bodies.
Rock-chip sampling indicates that both vein orientations may exhibit high-grade gold-silver mineralization. Highlights of vein channel sampling are included in Table I and outlined in Figures 1 and 3 along with gold-anomalous soil samples.
In this area, northeast-trending, steeply-dipping vein systems have been outlined and partially sampled, covering an area measuring approximately 3,500 metres of potential strike length by 500 metres across. These vein sets and an intersecting set of northwest-trending veins occur over an elevation range of more than 500 metres and are open in all directions. The Obispo vein system is localized in a radiometric anomaly, which corresponds to phyllicly-altered late Cretaceous tonalitic pluton containing inclusions and lenses of Cretaceous metasediments that are intruded by the pluton. Small bodies of tertiary andesite porphyry crop out in the mineralized area.
The Obispo vein sets locally exhibit very high-grade precious metals, accompanied by low to moderate base-metal and high tellurium contents. Highlights of channel-chip and soil sampling are listed in Table II and outlined in Figures 1 and 3.
The geochemical signature of the Obispo prospect is akin to ultra-high-grade precious metal and base metal-poor mineralization found in the Veta Sur system, but also exhibits highly anomalous vanadium contents similar to bonanza-grade mineralization at the Porgera gold mine in Papua New Guinea and elsewhere.
Arados Target (referenced in Figures 1 and 2)
The Arados target is located approximately one kilometre west of the Yaraguá vein system. Tertiary microdiorite and cretaceous tonalitic rocks were mapped and host the gold-silver mineralization. Multi-trace element similarities exist between the Arados target and the Yaraguá and Pinguro systems, particularly with respect to levels of vanadium, bismuth and tellurium.
The Arados vein sets locally exhibit very high-grade precious metals, accompanied by moderate to high base metal contents. Highlights of channel-chip and soil sampling are listed in Table III and outlined in Figures 1 and 2.
Both steeply and shallowly-dipping vein sets have been observed in outcrop, trenches and artisanal workings. Systematic sampling of one of a family of veins with Yaraguá orientations averaged 5.3 g/t gold and 33 g/t silver over an average width of 0.3 metres along 400 metres of strike length.
Table III: Vein Sampling Highlights, Arados
| SampleID* | | Gold g/t | | Silver g/t | | Zinc ppm | | Lead ppm |
| 570272 | | 21.20 | | 1850.0 | | 114500 | | 81800 |
| 570226 | | 15.15 | | 26.7 | | 1130 | | 263 |
| 570257 | | 13.75 | | 644.0 | | 2860 | | 7440 |
| 570237 | | 13.50 | | 23.9 | | 1660 | | 101 |
| 906219 | | 10.10 | | 1.8 | | 23 | | 10 |
| 570254 | | 8.27 | | 38.1 | | 1740 | | 1060 |
| 570213 | | 8.02 | | 51.8 | | 398 | | 417 |
| 570205 | | 7.34 | | 31.4 | | 1070 | | 1530 |
| 903113 | | 6.11 | | 3.5 | | 157 | | 16 |
*Rock-chip/channel and soil samples (designated SampleID) above 5 g/t gold equivalent (Au + Ag/70). Sample true widths average 0.5 metres.
Guarco and Pajarito Targets (referenced in Figures 1 and 2)
The Guarco prospect is located four kilometres northwest of the Yaraguá vein system. The area exhibits extensive areas of gold as well as copper-gold anomalism spatially associated with microdiorite intrusions. The latter anomalies (>500 ppm copper) are up to 200 and 500 metres in extent and overlie porphyry gold-copper style mineralization evidenced by quartz-magnetite stockworks and weak potassic alteration. Higher grade (0.5 g/t to 6.47 g/t) gold-in-soil anomalies occur both within and separate from the broad gold and copper anomalies. Mapping and limited rock chip sampling of outcrop, trenches and artisanal workings indicate that the higher-grade anomalies are associated with vein and sheeted-vein style gold mineralization (channel samples are up to 5.6 g/t gold), variably enriched in copper, zinc and arsenic. Both shallowly and steeply dipping vein sets have been observed. However, strike and vertical extents remain unknown. The geochemical characteristics, associated alteration and morphology of the mineralization is consistent with moderate to high temperature styles compatible with their intrusion proximal character and the deeper erosion levels inferred for the Guarco area. Highlights of channel-chip and soil sampling are listed in Table IV and outlined in Figures 1 and 2.
The Pajarito prospect is located three kilometres west of the Yaraguá vein system. Gold and copper soil anomalisms are less extensive in the Pajarito area, where mineralization sampled to date is vein related. Additional work is underway to clarify the interpretation before a decision to drill can be determined.
Table IV: Sampling Highlights, Guarco and Pajarito
| SampleID* | | Gold g/t | | Silver g/t | | Zinc ppm | | Lead ppm | | Target |
| 215392 | | 9.50 | | 44.2 | | - | | - | | Pajarito |
| 215393 | | 7.70 | | 43.8 | | - | | - | | Pajarito |
| 215388 | | 6.00 | | 29.3 | | - | | - | | Pajarito |
| 905236S | | 6.47 | | 1.6 | | 161 | | 11 | | Guarco |
| 902579 | | 5.55 | | 6.3 | | 977 | | 61 | | Guarco |
| 225061 | | 2.52 | | 1.6 | | 220 | | 9 | | Guarco |
| 906276 | | 2.33 | | 1.7 | | 71 | | 6 | | Guarco |
| 906626 | | 1.34 | | 0.5 | | 28 | | 7 | | Guarco |
| 906307 | | 1.27 | | 0.8 | | 56 | | 6 | | Guarco |
*Rock chip/ channel and soil samples (designated SampleID) above 1 g/t gold-equivalent (Au + Ag/70 g/t). Sample true widths average 0.8 metres. All results herein were previously reported on February 28, 2013.
Geological Description of the Buriticá Project
Continental's 100%-owned, 70,764-hectare project, Buriticá, contains several known areas of high-grade gold and silver mineralization, of base metal carbonate-style ("Stage I") variably overprinted by texturally and chemically distinctive high-grade ("Stage II") mineralization. The two most extensively explored of these areas (the Yaraguá and Veta Sur systems) are central to this land package. The Yaraguá system has been drill-outlined along 1,100 metres of strike and 1,700 vertical metres and partially sampled in underground developments. The Veta Sur system has been drill-outlined along 1,000+ metres of strike and 1,800 vertical metres and has been partially sampled in underground developments. Both systems are characterized by multiple, steeply-dipping veins and broader, more disseminated mineralization and both remain open at depth and along strike, at high grades.
Technical Information
Mauricio Castañeda, Vice-President, Exploration of the Company and a qualified person for the purpose of NI 43-101, has prepared or supervised the preparation of, or approved, as applicable, the technical information contained in this press release.
The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program. Reconnaissance soil samples are taken at regular intervals along ridges and spurs and mostly comprise 2-3 kilograms of Zone C soils. Where exposure permits rock chip sampling is undertaken in channels across the apparently mineralized entities and their wall rocks, assay samples typically greater than 2 kilograms mass. Soil and rock samples are shipped to a sample preparation lab in Medellín run by ALS Colombia Limited ("ALS") in Colombia. Samples are then shipped for analysis to an ALS-certified assay laboratory in Lima, Peru. Gold is fire-assayed with instrumental & gravimetric finishes on 30 gram aliquots, other elements by instrumental finishes on the products of four-acid digestions, over-limits values re-assayed by element specific methods. Blanks, duplicates and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance and a portion of the samples are periodically check assayed at SGS Colombia S.A., a certified assay laboratory in Medellín, Colombia. Crush rejects and pulps are returned and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification.
The Company does not receive assay results for reconnaissance stream sediments, soil and rock chip samples in sequential order; however, all significant assay results are publicly reported. A listing of assay results to date for the Buriticá project is available by contacting the Company at the contact information below.
For information on the Buriticá project, please refer to the technical report, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, entitled "Buriticá Project NI 43-101 Technical Report Feasibility Study, Antioquia, Colombia" and dated March 29, 2016 with an effective date of February 24, 2016, led by independent consultants JDS Energy & Mining Inc. The technical report is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on the OTCQX at www.otcmarkets.com and on the Company website at www.continentalgold.com.
About Continental Gold
Continental Gold Inc. is an advanced-stage exploration and development company with an extensive portfolio of 100%-owned gold projects in Colombia. Formed in April 2007, the Company - led by an international management team with a successful track record of discovering and developing large high-grade gold deposits in Latin America - is focused on advancing its fully-permitted high-grade Buriticá gold project to production with first gold pour on track for H 2020. Additional details on Continental Gold's suite of gold exploration properties are also available at www.continentalgold.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains or refers to forward-looking information under Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding advancing the Buriticá project, exploration results, potential mineralization, timing of commencement of the drill program, timing of a production decision and exploration and mine development plans and is based on current expectations that involve several significant business risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are subject to other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to, an inability to advance the Buriticá project to the next level, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. Specific reference is made to the most recent Annual Information Form on file with Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements. All the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements, and are made as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no responsibility to update them or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances other than as required by law
Differences in Reporting of Resource Estimates
This press release was prepared in accordance with Canadian standards, which differ in some respects from United States standards. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms "inferred mineral resources," "indicated mineral resources," "measured mineral resources" and "mineral resources" that may be used or referenced in this press release are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects under the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the "CIM Standards"). The CIM Standards differ significantly from standards in the United States. While the terms "mineral resource," "measured mineral resources," "indicated mineral resources," and "inferred mineral resources" are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, they are not defined terms under standards in the United States. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. Readers are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves. Readers are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, United States companies are only permitted to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by standards in the United States as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information regarding resources contained or referenced in this press release containing descriptions of our mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by United States companies.
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