Marifil Receives NI 43-101 Resource Estimate For Las Aguilas Nickel Platinum Deposit
Vancouver, BC -- May 11, 2011 -- Marifil Mines Ltd. (TSXV: MFM) ("Marifil" or "the Company") announces that it has received the results from a recently completed NI43-101 Resource Estimate for the Las Aguilas Nickel platinum project, in Argentina from its joint venture partner Pacific Coast Nickel Corp. (Pacific Coast). In summary, the resource estimate includes 3.264 MT indicated grading 0.67% NiEq and 1.339 MT inferred grading 0.59% NiEq at a cut-off of 0.4% NiEq (see details below).
The report is authored by Todd McCracken, P. Geo. and Callum Grant, P.Eng. of Wardrop Engineering Inc., a Tetra Tech Company, both considered independent Qualified Persons. The focus of this study was to complete an initial resource estimate and evaluate the potential of resource expansion on the Las Aguilas deposit, based on 79 historic and current diamond drill holes on the property. The study will be filed and available on SEDAR.
The Las Aguilas Mineral Resource was developed on two parallel nickel sulphide bearing zones. Two mineralized intrusions 300 m from each other, Las Aguilas East and Las Aguilas West, have been identified on the Property.
Table 1.1 summarizes the resource estimate at a 0.4% NiEq.
Click here to view Table 1.1 and diagrams.
NiEq: Nickel equivalent = ([(Ni grade x $Ni)+(Cu grade x $Cu)+(Co grade x $Co)] x 20 + [(Au grade x$Au)+(Ag grade x $Ag)+(Pt grade x $Pt)+(Pd grade x $Pd)] x 0.0291667)/($Ni*20). As no metallurgical work has been completed on all the elements, the NiEq formula assumes 100% recovery based on the in situ material. This value is based on a long range pricing index updated quarterly. At the time the resource models were completed the following commodity prices were used: Ni - $9.02/lb; Cu - $2.66/lb; Co - $15.92/lb; Pt - $1842/oz; Pd $681/oz; Au - $1058/oz and Ag - $16.57/oz
The report recommends additional exploration expenditures where extension of the known zones offers the potential for resource expansion; particularity along strike on the West Zone and down -dip on the East Zone. Pacific Coast intends to follow up on prior extensive geophysical data to identity new step out drill targets within the prospective 570 sq km optioned claim area. NI43-101 recommendations include a down-hole geophysical survey to aid in the step-out drilling.
The Phase I program is estimated to cost $750,000, which primarily involves drilling that will focus on following strike and down-dip extensions of known resource zones with the objective of expanding these resources to a mineable reserve. Phase II calls for expenditures of $1,250,000 in exploration with the goal of moving this resource into the measured and indicated categories as well as explore some of the many other excellent exploration targets on the property.
Richard Walters, V.P. of Exploration for the Company noted: "I am very pleased to announce the completion of the NI43-101 report on Las Aguilas. This is the only known nickel resource in Argentina, and I believe the planned exploration program has a good chance of substantially increasing the size of the resource. With the substantial rise in metal prices we are now looking at a significantly higher nickel equivalent grade and a great opportunity for our shareholders."
About Las Aguilas
The Las Aguilas project is located in the province of San Luis, Argentina approximately 800 km to the west of Buenos Aires. It is accessible by paved and dirt roads from the city of San Luis, the Provincial Capital, approximately 35 km to the northeast. The Project consists of 33 concessions totaling 57,597.8 hectares. Pacific Coast has the option to acquire up to 70% interest in the project by joint venture agreement with the Company.
The nickel-copper-platinum group (Ni-Cu-PGE) mineralization at Las Aguilas is hosted by differentiated mafic/ultramafic bodies intruding the Pringles metamorphic complex. The bulk of the mineralization is composed of pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and pentlandite in a matrix-supported texture, with some fracture-controlled massive sulphide veins.
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This press release has been reviewed and approved by John Hite, President of Marifil Mines Ltd., and by Richard Walters, Vice President, under whose directions the exploration program is being carried out. Mr. Hite and Mr. Walters are Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the Company's proposed agreement with NEI. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, and include discussion of what NEI must do to exercise the option. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: (1) the occurrence of any events that prevent NEI to performing the acts necessary to exercise the option, and (2) other factors beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Additional information about the Company and these and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties is available in the Company's public filings with Canadian securities regulators, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Neither the 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 news release.
For further information regarding Marifil Mines Ltd., please refer to the Company's filings available on SEDAR (http://www.sedar.com) or at Marifil's website (http://www.marifilmines.com.)
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