All 26 SilverCrest drill holes and 27 historic drill holes (verified with assays) intersected polymetallic mineralization that includes silver (Ag), copper (Cu), gold (Au), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), tungsten (W) and molybdenum (Mo). Thirty three widely-spaced holes approximately 100 metres apart have identified a large, near-surface bulk tonnage target in the Phase I drilling area along the Main Mineralized Trend ("MMT") at La Joya. The MMT is defined, by using results from the Company's Phase I program and validated historic drill hole information, as a semi-continuous Ag-Cu-Au-Pb-Zn mineralized corridor with current "drilled-defined" dimensions of approximately 1,000 metres by 500 metres. The MMT includes a combination of wide vertical stockwork zones and multiple-stacked, polymetallic, stratabound horizons up to 230 metres in vertical thickness with grades ranging from 15.9 gpt to 202.4 gpt Ag equivalent(i).
The remaining 44 holes that lie outside the Phase I drilling area have identified extensions to current mineralization along the MMT (see news release dated October 17, 2011) and have discovered a number of additional separate targets. Information from the historic database has extended the "overall" dimensions of the Main Mineralized Trend to greater than 2.5 kilometres in strike length by approximately one kilometre in width (see table on next page, attached maps and sections: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/fourMaps.pdf).
N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng. and Chief Operating Officer stated; "In our first review of the Phase I results we focussed on the higher grade intercepts, but with the receipt of significant historical data we recognized the potential for a much larger, lower grade deposit. The key to identifying the presence of a potential large, near-surface bulk tonnage deposit is establishing continuity of the mineralization and grades of the drill hole intercepts. Our initial geological computer-generated model is increasing our confidence in the continuity and our ability to apply it to the anticipated La Joya resource estimates. The upcoming Phase II drill program will further systematically test the continuity and grade of mineralization in the Phase I area, as well as along the extensions of the Main Mineralized Trend."
The several styles of mineralization have been identified at La Joya as follows;
at least 6 multi-stacked, polymetallic, disseminated sulfide,
1) stratabound horizons and mantos up to 50 metres in true thickness with Ag-Cu-Au-Pb-Zn mineralization, at least 6 structurally-controlled vertical stockwork zones up to 50
2) metres in true width with Ag-Cu-Au mineralization, a Contact Zone with the underlying intrusive up to 100 metres in true
3) thickness with Ag-Cu-Au-Pb-Zn-W mineralization, and pervasive gold and tungsten mineralized halos proximal to the underlying
4) intrusive.
The attached sections, AA' and BB', show the overall inferred continuity of the polymetallic, stratabound horizons, mantos and the Contact Zone, cross-cut by wide mineralized stockwork zones. Longitudinal Section AA' is along the main axis of a northwest-southeast trending anticline and is looking northeast. Section BB' is a cross section of the MMT looking north and intercepts Section AA' at hole SAC98-04. The stratabound horizons, mantos and Contact Zone are more continuous proximal to the centre of the sections where they are influenced by the axis of an anticlinorium. Late stage stockwork zone placement along the axis positively impacts mineralization where the highest grades tend to be located. True thicknesses of mineralization in drill holes can be approximated from the attached sections (To view sections, visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/AAandBB.pdf).1) stratabound horizons and mantos up to 50 metres in true thickness with Ag-Cu-Au-Pb-Zn mineralization, at least 6 structurally-controlled vertical stockwork zones up to 50
2) metres in true width with Ag-Cu-Au mineralization, a Contact Zone with the underlying intrusive up to 100 metres in true
3) thickness with Ag-Cu-Au-Pb-Zn-W mineralization, and pervasive gold and tungsten mineralized halos proximal to the underlying
4) intrusive.
The following table presents the weighted, uncut average assay results (excluding Pb, Zn, Mo and W) of the 33 drill holes located within the Phase 1 area which identify the potential bulk tonnage deposit at La Joya. Twenty five of the 26 holes drilled by the Company in Phase I are stated in the table below with most significant hole intercepts. Selective higher grade intervals for these holes were previously announced and can be reviewed in news releases dated March 7, 2011, June 6, 2011 and October 17, 2011.
(i)Cutoff of 15 gpt Ag equivalent, Ag equivalent is based on 100% metallurgical recovery, combination of Ag, Cu, Au only and price ratios of 86:1- Cu:Ag and 55:1- Ag:Au. Metals prices used to determine ratios were US$24/oz for Ag; US$3/lb for Cu and US$1200/oz for Au. Minimum 2 metre width for mineralized intercept. All numbers are rounded.
Company hole LJ DD11-15 not presented in the table intercepted the "gold-tungsten halo" from surface to 64.0 meters grading 7.8 gpt Ag, 0.1 % Cu, 0.13 gpt Au and 0.074 % W. This hole is currently considered to be outside of the Main Mineralized Trend. Holes SAC98-01 to 06, S-9 and LB98-04 are historic holes that have been validated by an Independent Qualified Person for the purpose of NI43-101 reporting. Currently, only these 8 historic holes and all 26 Company holes have been independently validated for resource estimation purposes. Work is ongoing to further validate additional historic information.There are numerous lead and zinc values in selected drill hole intervals grading up to 2.5 % combined Pb and Zn over 16.6 metres, which are not included in the silver equivalent calculations. High grade selective molybdenum intervals have been intersected in drill holes grading up to 0.7 % Mo over 1.5 metres. In addition to the silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc and molybdenum mineralization, the La Joya property potentially hosts a large, near-surface bulk tonnage tungsten deposit. This target partially overlaps polymetallic mineralization within the Main Mineralized Trend. Grades for near-surface tungsten range from 0.02 to 0.50% W. Further results on tungsten will be provided once compilations have been completed.
All sample preparation for Company-drilled holes and validation of historic results was completed by ALS Chemex in Zacatecas, and analyzed by ALS Chemex in North Vancouver. Selected samples were analyzed at the Company's lab at its Santa Elena Mine, and were re-run at ALS Chemex for verification and QA/QC purposes.
Additional Targets Outside the MMT
Surface work, recent geophysics and historic drilling have outlined additional targets at La Joya with excellent potential for continued discoveries (see attached map). Further drilling in these areas is planned for the Phase II program.
Cerro Coloradito: This target lies approximately 1 kilometre west of the MMT. It has been drilled with 7 widely spaced drill holes, all of which contain significant values of Ag, Cu, Au, and Mo. Historic hole S-4 intercepted 76.2 metres from surface grading 24 gpt Ag, 0.15 gpt Au and 0.076 % molybdenum (Mo). Eight holes are proposed to further test this target by Q2 2012.
Santo Nino: This target is approximately 1 kilometre east of the MMT and has been tested with 3 widely spaced drill holes. Historic hole S-1, intercepted 24.3 metres grading 11.8 gpt Ag, 0.45% Cu, and 0.12 gpt Au. Six holes are proposed to further test this target by Q2 2012.
La Esperanza: This target is approximately 500 metres northeast of the MMT and contains an underground historic mine with geology and mineralization similar to the MMT. Five holes are proposed to further test this target by Q2 2012.
The Company is completing a resource estimate for La Joya and a NI 43-101 Technical Report which is anticipated in Q4 2011. A Phase II program is currently in the planning stage, and contemplates a program of approximately 60 drill holes, in excess of 10,000 metres, to begin in Q4 2011 at an estimated cost of US$3 million.
The Company has the right to acquire 100% of the La Joya Property which is located approximately 75 kilometres southeast of the city of Durango, Mexico. The property is located in a productive mineralized region which currently supports several large scale mining operations including Grupo Mexico's San Martin Mine, Industrias Penoles' Sabinas Mine, Pan American Silver's La Colorada Mine and First Majestic Silver's La Parrilla Silver Mine. Please reference our website at www.silvercrestmines.com for more information, photos, a video and figures on La Joya.
The Qualified Person under National Instrument (NI 43-101) Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this News Release is N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, and Chief Operating Officer for SilverCrest Mines Inc., who has reviewed and approved its contents.
SilverCrest Mines Inc. (TSX-V: SVL.V - News) is a Mexican precious metals producer with headquarters based in Vancouver, BC. SilverCrest's flagship property is the 100%-owned Santa Elena Mine, which is located 150km northeast of Hermosillo, near Banamichi in the State of Sonora, Mexico. The mine is a high-grade, epithermal gold and silver producer, with an estimated life of mine cash cost of US$8 per ounce of silver equivalent (55:1 Ag:Au). SilverCrest anticipates that the 2,500 tonnes per day facility should recover approximately 4,805,000 ounces of silver and 179,000 ounces of gold over the 6.5 year life of the open pit phase of the Santa Elena Mine. A three year expansion plan is underway to double metals production at the Santa Elena Mine and exploration programs are rapidly advancing the definition of a potential large polymetallic deposit at the La Joya property in Durango State.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This presentation contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and the United
States dollar); risks related to the inherently dangerous activity of mining, including conditions or events beyond our control, and operating or technical difficulties in mineral exploration, development and mining activities; uncertainty in the Company's ability to raise financing and fund the exploration and development of its mineral properties; uncertainty as to actual capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns, and uncertainty that development activities will result in profitable mining operations; risks related to reserves and mineral resource figures being estimates based on interpretations and assumptions which may result in less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated and to diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as properties are mined; risks related to governmental regulations and obtaining necessary licenses and permits; risks related to the business being subject to environmental laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict our operations; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers, or claims and other defects in title; risks relating to inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance; risks related to potential litigation; risks related to the global economy; risks related to environmental laws risks related to the Company's status as a foreign private issuer; risks related to all of the Company's properties being located in Mexico and El Salvador, including political, economic, social and regulatory instability; and risks related to officers and directors becoming associated with other natural resource companies which may give rise to conflicts of interests. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The Company's forward-looking statements are based on beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
The information provided in this news release is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all matters and developments concerning the Company. It should be read in conjunction with all other disclosure documents of the Company. The information contained herein is not a substitute for detailed investigation or analysis. No securities commission or regulatory authority has reviewed the accuracy or adequacy of the information presented.
J. Scott Drever, President
SILVERCREST MINES INC.
To view accompanying maps, visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/fourMaps.pdf
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contact:
SilverCrest Mines Inc.
Fred Cooper
(604) 694-1730 ext. 108 or Toll Free: 1-866-691-1730
(604) 694-1761 (FAX)
info@silvercrestmines.com
www.silvercrestmines.com
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