VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orla Mining Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:OLA) ("Orla" or the "Company") is pleased to provide new results from the 2017 drill program at its wholly owned Cerro Quema project in Panama.  Highlights are from the last two holes drilled in the Caballito Copper-Gold zone.  Hole CQDH17-148 intersected 102.5 metres grading 0.46 g/t Au and 1.21% Cu and hole CQDH17-142 intersected 87.9m grading 0.36 g/t Au and 0.74% Cu and 52.8m grading 0.2 g/t Au and 0.52% Cu.

Results from holes CQDH17-142 through 150 are reported herein. 

Hole CQDH17-142 was drilled 100m north of previously reported CQDH17-136 which intersected 158.7 metres grading 0.62 g/t Au and 0.62% Cu (see NR dated November 30, 2017).  In CQDH17-142, an upper intersection from 81.1 to 169.0m averaged 0.36 g/t Au and 0.74% Cu.  This included two intervals of high copper values; 9.5m @ 0.61 g/t Au and 2.07% Cu and 4.1m @ 0.59 g/t Au and 3.29% Cu.  A weakly mineralized dyke separated the upper intersection from a lower intersection from 194.7 to 247.5m averaging 0.2 g/t Au and 0.52% Cu.

Hole CQDH17-148 was drilled to test the core of a geophysical EM anomaly.  The collar of this hole was 115 metres southwest of the collar of CQDH17-136 and 120 metres west of previously reported CQDH17-116 (49.0m @ 0.50 g/t Au and 1.39% Cu and 55.8m @ 0.28 g/t Au and 1.99% Cu in two intercepts separated by 28.7m of low grade material - See News Release dated Sept. 15, 2017).   CQDH17-148 had an upper oxide intersection from 6.0 to 16.0 that averaged 0.70 g/t Au over 11.0m.  From 71.5 to 174.0 m, the hole intersected 102.5m averaging 0.46 g/t Au and 1.21% Cu, including a higher-grade portion with 8.1m @ 2.31 g/t Au and 3.21% Cu.  The hole then went into an 81.1 m lower grade interval from 174.0 to 255.1m that averaged 0.2 g/t Au and 0.24% Cu.

The geometry, and thus true width, of mineralization is still unknown.  Copper-gold mineralization encountered in CQDH17-142 and 148 appears to include both low and moderate arsenic sub-types, with most higher-grade zones having relatively low arenic.  This suggests the existence of two overlapping metal-bearing systems, but further work is required to refine the geologic model for the zone. Additional drilling is required to determine the orientation and extent of the copper-gold values and distribution of mineral types.  A 30 line-km grid with 100m spaced lines is currently being established to allow an IP survey over the area.  Drilling will resume in mid-January.

Marc Prefontaine, Orla CEO stated, “The Caballito Cu-Au zone was an exciting discovery for Orla in 2017 and highlighted the potential for new discoveries at Cerro Quema that add value on top of the existing oxide reserve.  We look forward to continued success on this project in 2018.”

Holes CQDH17-143 and 144 were drilled in the far western portion of the proposed Quemita pit outlined in the project Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) to see if any of the material modeled as waste had gold values.  Neither had a significant intersection.  Hole CQDH17-147 intersected 41.5m of oxide averaging 0.31 g/t Au below the central portion of the PFS pit.  Holes CQDH17-150, 152 and 153 were drilled to the north and downslope of the PFS pit.  Results from CQDH17-150 showed only weakly anomalous gold.  Results from the other 2 holes are pending.

Six holes were drilled to acquire material for additional metallurgical column test work.  Holes CQDH17-145, 146 and 149 were drilled in the Quemita zone.  Holes CQDH17-151, 154 and 155, the last hole drilled in 2017, were drilled in the La Pava zone.

A total of 11,895 metres were drilled in 91 holes at Cerro Quema in 2017. 

Table of Drill Holes released on January 8^th, 2018

A map showing the location of Caballito holes is attached to this press release and posted on the website.

Quality Control Protocols

All gold results were obtained by ALS Minerals (Au-AA23) using fire assay fusion and an atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. All samples are also analyzed for multi-elements, including silver and copper, using an Aqua Regia (ME-ICP41) method at ALS Laboratories in Peru. Samples with copper values in excess of 1% by ICP analysis are re-run with Cu AA46 aqua regia and atomic absorption analysis. Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control and interpretation of results are performed by qualified persons employing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with NI 43-101 and industry best practices. Standards, blanks and duplicates are included approximately one every 25 samples for Quality Assurance/Quality Control purposes by the Company as well as the lab. Approximately 5% of sample pulps are sent to a secondary laboratory for check assays. The HQ diameter core is halved with a diamond saw.