Nouveau Monde Intersects 4.12 % Cg Over 71 m Initial Drilling on the West Zone
Completes Drilling on the South-East and South-West Zones-Tony Block-Matawinie ProjectGATINEAU, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired - Dec 3, 2015) - Nouveau Monde Mining Enterprises Inc. ("Nouveau Monde") (TSX VENTURE:NOU) (OTC PINK:NMGRF) (FRANKFURT:NM9) is pleased to report complete drilling results for the South-East Zone and South-West Zone, as well as partial results for the West Zone from its ongoing 2015 program on the Matawinie graphite property. The project is located in the Saint-Michel-des-Saints area, some 130 km north of Montreal, Québec, Canada. An extensive trenching and drilling (totaling over 10,000 m) program was initiated in June of 2015 on the property's Tony claim block. The objective of the work is to define before year-end a mineral resource estimate, completed in accordance with the NI 43-101 guidelines, for the South-East and South-West zones. Regarding the West Zone, the estimate is scheduled to be completed during the first quarter of 2016. A preliminary economic assessment of these three mineralized zones is expected during the first half of 2016. Partial drilling results for the South-East and South-West zones were presented earlier this year (see September 10 and September 29, 2015 press release).
The following files can be downloaded in support to the reading of the paragraphs below:
• Property location map: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7b4cpvfsi59tnvc/PR_Tony_Block_20151130.pdf?dl=0
• South-East and South-West zones location map: https://www.dropbox.com/s/zbaxr85djubn3s2/PR_South_Zones_201501130.pdf?dl=0
• West Zone location map: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ccu04r60ep1bgj2/PR_West_Zone_201501130.pdf?dl=0
• Significant drill sections: https://www.dropbox.com/s/gxq4et7cklvz3io/Sections_PR_2015-12-03.zip?dl=0
Drilling
To date, 68 core drill holes ranging in length from 33 m to 240 m were drilled over the Tony claim block in 2015 for a total of 10,025 m. The operation generated more than 3,000 samples. Most of the drilling was concentrated on the South-East, South-West and West Zones. The graphitic mineralization is mostly encased within paragneiss units.
The results presented in Table 1 concern the South-East Zone of the Tony block where nine holes, totaling 1552 m, were drilled. The highlight for this zone is the large width of the mineralized envelope comprised in horizons S1 and S2. From section S2600 to section S2900 (300 m length), the mineralization varies from 117 m to 160 m (true width), with grades ranging from 3.19% Cg to 3.62% Cg. The horizons dip about 45° to the south. Drilling suggests that the S1 horizon narrows to the east between sections S3000 and S3100 while ground geophysics (PhiSpy method), indicates that the mineralization is continuous and close to surface between sections S2600 to S3100.
Table 1: Complete summary of drilling results for the South-East Zone
| Section | Drill Hole | Mineralized Horizon | From (m) | To (m) | Width (m) | True Width (m) | Grade (% Cg) | |||
| S2600 | TO-15-30 | SOUTH S1 + S2 | 10.6 | 135.5 | 124.9 | 124.7 | 124.9m @ 3.62 | % | ||
| S2700 | TO-15-31 | SOUTH S1 + S2 | 22 | 178.5 | 156.5 | 156.5 | 156.5m @ 3.38 | % | ||
| TO-15-43 | *SOUTH S1 + S2 | 10.6 | 132.7 | 122.1 | 122.1 | 122.1m @ 3.86 | % | |||
| S2800 | TO-15-17 | SOUTH S1A | 30.9 | 39.45 | 8.6 | 8.6 | 8.6m @ 4.65 | % | ||
| SOUTH S1B + S2 | 54 | 171.35 | 117.4 | 117 | 117.3m @ 3.56 | % | ||||
| TO-15-42 | SOUTH S1B + S2 | 13 | 125 | 112 | 111.6 | 112m @ 3.85 | % | |||
| SOUTH S3 | 145 | 153 | 8 | 8 | 8m @ 4.32 | % | ||||
| S2900 | TO-15-16 | SOUTH S1 + S2 | 16.5 | 176.6 | 160.1 | 160.1 | 160.1m @ 3.19 | % | ||
| TO-15-41 | *SOUTH S1 + S2 | 6.9 | 129.9 | 123 | 123 | 123m @ 3.18 | % | |||
| S3000 | TO-15-32 | SOUTH S2 | 87 | 154.2 | 67.2 | 66.9 | 67.2m @ 3.2 | % | ||
| S3100 | TO-15-33 | SOUTH S1A | 18.45 | 38.68 | 20.2 | 20.1 | 20.2m @ 2.86 | % | ||
| SOUTH S2A | 84 | 97.9 | 13.9 | 13.8 | 13.9m @ 2.55 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2B | 128 | 155.3 | 27.3 | 27.2 | 27.3m @ 2.87 | % | ||||
| * The drill hole intercepted only part of the mineralized horizon. | ||||||||||
A total of 22 holes, cumulating 2,554 m in length, was drilled over the South-West Zone. The mineralized intervals are summarized in Table 2. Here, a first graphitic horizon (S1) about 30 m thick is followed by a mostly barren interval between 25 m and 63 m thick, which is in turn underlain by a second graphitic horizon (S2) approximately 40 m to 50 m thick. The grade of the graphitic horizons vary from 2.79% Cg to 5.29% Cg. These horizons dip from 45° to 55° towards the south. Drilling indicates that the S1 and S2 horizons merge and narrow to the west between sections S1200 and S1400 while the PhiSpy ground survey indicates that both horizons disappear to the east between sections S1900 and S2000.
Table 2: Complete summary of drilling results for the South-West Zone
| Section | Drill Hole | Mineralized Horizon | From (m) | To (m) | Width (m) | True Width (m) | Grade (% Cg) | |||
| S1200 | TO-15-13 | SOUTH S1 | 15.29 | 44.7 | 29.4 | 29.3 | 29.4m @ 3.35 | % | ||
| TO-15-14 | *SOUTH S1 | 4.5 | 17.74 | 13.2 | 13.1 | 13.2m @ 4.02 | % | |||
| S1300 | TO-15-12 | SOUTH S1 | 18.3 | 80.07 | 61.8 | 61.6 | 61.8m @ 3.36 | % | ||
| SOUTH S2 | 114.5 | 119.8 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3m @ 2.23 | % | ||||
| S1400 | TO-15-11 | SOUTH S1 | 13.4 | 35 | 21.6 | 21.5 | 21.6m @ 4.57 | % | ||
| SOUTH S2A | 49.9 | 55.9 | 6 | 6 | 6m @ 3.22 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2B | 64.9 | 71.1 | 6.2 | 6.2 | 6.2m @ 3.62 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2C | 80.2 | 94.5 | 14.3 | 14.2 | 14.3m @ 3.79 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2D | 98.5 | 113 | 14.5 | 14.4 | 14.5m @ 2.15 | % | ||||
| TO-15-23 | SOUTH S2A | 3.7 | 16.3 | 12.6 | 12.6 | 12.6m @ 4.68 | % | |||
| SOUTH S2B | 26 | 32 | 6 | 6 | 6m @ 2.26 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2C | 33.7 | 46.4 | 12.7 | 12.7 | 12.7m @ 2.2 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2D | 59 | 69 | 10 | 10 | 10m @ 3.18 | % | ||||
| S1500 | TO-15-10 | SOUTH S1A | 12.6 | 56.5 | 43.9 | 43.9 | 43.9m @ 4.78 | % | ||
| SOUTH S1B | 67.2 | 70.5 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 3.3m @ 4.58 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2A | 84.9 | 122.5 | 37.6 | 37.6 | 37.6m @ 4.1 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2C | 160.5 | 166.3 | 5.8 | 5.8 | 5.8m @ 1.9 | % | ||||
| TO-15-22 | SOUTH S1B | 3.2 | 17.2 | 14 | 14 | 14m @ 4.71 | % | |||
| SOUTH S2A | 25.6 | 69.6 | 44 | 44 | 44m @ 3.93 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2B | 85.5 | 92.8 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3m @ 4.18 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2C | 104.1 | 108.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.2m @ 3.13 | % | ||||
| S1600 | TO-15-09 | SOUTH S1A | 3 | 12.3 | 9.3 | 9.2 | 9.3m @ 4.11 | % | ||
| SOUTH S1B | 23.9 | 31 | 7.1 | 7 | 7.1m @ 3.21 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S1C | 36.5 | 50.7 | 14.2 | 14.1 | 14.2m @ 4.88 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S1D | 57.2 | 64.4 | 7.2 | 7.1 | 7.2m @ 4.55 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2A | 129.7 | 148 | 18.3 | 17.8 | 18.3m @ 3.99 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2B | 152 | 162 | 10 | 9.7 | 10m @ 2.12 | % | ||||
| TO-15-21 | SOUTH S1D | 1.25 | 11.3 | 10.1 | 10 | 10.1m @ 3.93 | % | |||
| SOUTH S2A | 56 | 83.2 | 27.2 | 26.9 | 27.2m @ 4.11 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2B | 91.1 | 108 | 16.9 | 16.7 | 16.9m @ 3.07 | % | ||||
| TO-15-24 | SOUTH S2A | 2.8 | 35.1 | 32.3 | 32 | 32.3m @ 3.59 | % | |||
| SOUTH S2B | 46.5 | 60.2 | 13.7 | 13.6 | 13.7m @ 3.43 | % | ||||
| S1700 | TO-15-07 | SOUTH S1 | 42.4 | 70.2 | 27.8 | 27.5 | 27.8m @ 5.29 | % | ||
| SOUTH S2 | 114.1 | 151.5 | 37.4 | 37 | 37.4m @ 3.29 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S3 | 162.8 | 170 | 7.2 | 7.1 | 7.2m @ 3.39 | % | ||||
| TO-15-20 | SOUTH S1 | 1.15 | 25.9 | 24.8 | 24.8 | 24.8m @ 4.63 | % | |||
| SOUTH S2 | 47 | 91 | 44 | 44 | 44m @ 3.32 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S3 | 110 | 118 | 8 | 8 | 8m @ 4.95 | % | ||||
| TO-15-26 | SOUTH S3 | 33.6 | 37.8 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.2m @ 3.48 | % | |||
| TO-15-27 | SOUTH S2 | 5.5 | 52.1 | 46.6 | 46.6 | 46.6m @ 3.05 | % | |||
| SOUTH S3 | 70.2 | 75 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8m @ 2.57 | % | ||||
| S1800 | TO-15-06 | SOUTH S1 | 13.7 | 48.8 | 35.1 | 35.1 | 35.1m @ 4.74 | % | ||
| SOUTH S2 | 92.7 | 143.5 | 50.8 | 50.7 | 50.8m @ 2.79 | % | ||||
| TO-15-19 | *SOUTH S1 | 1.35 | 10.88 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5m @ 5.37 | % | |||
| SOUTH S2 | 39 | 90.76 | 51.8 | 51.7 | 51.8m @ 2.73 | % | ||||
| TO-15-28 | *SOUTH S2 | 1.2 | 39 | 37.8 | 37.7 | 37.8m @ 2.73 | % | |||
| S1900 | TO-15-15 | SOUTH S1A | 22.91 | 29.33 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 6.4m @ 3.14 | % | ||
| SOUTH S1B | 43 | 72.02 | 29 | 28.9 | 29m @ 4.53 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2A | 94.27 | 98.33 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.1m @ 3.55 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2B | 104 | 112 | 8 | 8 | 8m @ 2.62 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S2C | 118 | 137 | 19 | 18.9 | 19m @ 3.64 | % | ||||
| TO-15-18 | SOUTH S2B | 39.9 | 54.47 | 14.6 | 14.5 | 14.6m @ 2.63 | % | |||
| SOUTH S2C | 65.9 | 80.5 | 14.6 | 14.5 | 14.6m @ 3.31 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S3 | 110 | 129.94 | 19.9 | 19.8 | 19.9m @ 1.6 | % | ||||
| TO-15-29 | SOUTH S2B | 13.5 | 21 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5m @ 2.5 | % | |||
| SOUTH S2C | 30 | 44.3 | 14.3 | 14.2 | 14.3m @ 3.04 | % | ||||
| SOUTH S3 | 76 | 118.8 | 42.8 | 42.6 | 42.8m @ 2.96 | % | ||||
| * The drill hole intercepted only part of the mineralized horizon. | ||||||||||
Results from the first five drill holes completed over the West Zone have recently been received and compiled (Table 3). The mineralization in this zone seems to be contained within a series of three graphitic horizons (W1 to W3) which can be followed from sections W100 to W1300 (1300 m length). The western horizon (W3) is around 20 m (true width) from sections W100 to W600 and narrows to 7 m from sections W800 to W1300, with the grade varying from 2.99% Cg to 4.99% Cg. The central horizon (W2) varies from 7 m to 23 m (true width) between sections W100 and W800, and shows a significant increase to 64 m (true width) at section W1300, with grades ranging from 3.68% Cg to 5.14% Cg. The eastern horizon (W1) varies in thickness from 36 m to 57 m (true width) between sections W100 and W800, with grades ranging from 3.36% Cg to 5.14% Cg. The horizon narrows to 5 m at section W1300, with grade varying from 2.81% Cg to 2.88% Cg. The horizons all dip from 60° to 75° towards the east and mineralization remains open to the north and to the south.
Table 3: Summary of drilling results received to date on the West Zone
| Section | Drill Hole | Mineralized Horizon | From (m) | To (m) | Width (m) | True Width (m) | Grade (% Cg) | |||
| W100 | TO-15-36 | WEST W3 | 65.5 | 89.6 | 24.1 | 19 | 24.1m @ 4.99 | % | ||
| WEST W2 | 113 | 127.8 | 14.8 | 11.7 | 14.8m @ 3.68 | % | ||||
| WEST W1 | 135.57 | 181.5 | 45.9 | 36.2 | 45.9m @ 3.75 | % | ||||
| W600 | TO-15-37 | WEST W3 | 34 | 58.27 | 24.3 | 22.8 | 24.3m @ 2.99 | % | ||
| WEST W2 | 73.1 | 80.5 | 7.4 | 7 | 7.4m @ 3.87 | % | ||||
| WEST W1 | 112.4 | 170.4 | 58 | 54.5 | 58m @ 4.33 | % | ||||
| W800 | TO-15-38 | WEST W4 | 17 | 36 | 19 | 17.1 | 19m @ 4.14 | % | ||
| WEST W3 | 40.2 | 48 | 7.8 | 7 | 7.8m @ 3.62 | % | ||||
| WEST W2 | 58 | 73.3 | 15.3 | 13.8 | 15.3m @ 5.14 | % | ||||
| WEST W1B | 92.5 | 115 | 22.5 | 20.2 | 22.5m @ 5.15 | % | ||||
| WEST W1A | 115 | 156 | 41 | 36.9 | 41m @ 3.36 | % | ||||
| W1100 | TO-15-39 | WEST W3 | 14.6 | 22 | 7.4 | 7.2 | 7.4m @ 3.86 | % | ||
| WEST W2 | 27.4 | 65 | 37.6 | 36.6 | 37.6m @ 3.9 | % | ||||
| WEST W1 | 74 | 110.2 | 36.2 | 35.1 | 36.2m @ 2.81 | % | ||||
| W1300 | TO-15-40 | WEST W3 | 29 | 36.27 | 7.3 | 6.6 | 7.3m @ 4.44 | % | ||
| WEST W2 | 45.1 | 116.4 | 71.3 | 64.1 | 71.3m @ 4.12 | % | ||||
| WEST W1B | 120.7 | 150.7 | 30 | 27 | 30m @ 2.54 | % | ||||
| WEST W1A | 157.7 | 163.5 | 5.8 | 5.2 | 5.8m @ 2.88 | % |
Samples from the 2015 core drilling program were generally 2 m in length (see QC/QA section below). Core barrel size was BTW (4.2 cm). All the holes on the South-East Zone and South-West Zone were more or less oriented N336° (perpendicular to the long axis of the zone), with a dip of 45°, while all the holes on the West Zone were more less oriented N293°. The 2015 drilling program over the Tony claim block is expected to be completed by early December.
Trenching - Channel Sampling
Assay results have recently been received and compiled for the remaining trenches from the summer 2015 program. Trenches TO-15-TR-7, TO-15-TR-8 and TO-15-TR-9 all display significant graphitic mineralization as shown in Table 4. Mineralization in trench TO-15-TR-08 remains open to the west where thick (> 4 m) overburden prevented further excavation.
Channel samples from the program each measured approximately 2 m in length, 4 cm in width, and 10 cm in height. They were collected using a portable gas-powered rock saw. The trenches were oriented approximately perpendicular to the gneissossity whose dip varies approximately from 60° to vertical in these areas. The location of all tree trenches can be seen on the property map, while a compilation of assay results is available below (Table 4).
Table 4: Summary of mineralized intervals from channel sampling in Trenches TO-15-TR-7, TO-15-TR-8 and TO-15-TR-9
| Trench | From (m) | To (m) | Grade (% Cg)* | |
| TO-15-TR-7 | 30 | 56 | 26 m @ 4.00 | % |
| Including | 30 | 40 | 10 m @ 6.00 | % |
| TO-15-TR-8 | 0 | 38 | 38 m @ 4.47 | % |
| TO-15-TR-9 | 20 | 46 | 26 m @ 3.09 | % |
| * Interval length does not represent true width. All analyses were performed by ALS Minerals Laboratories and delivered as graphitic carbon (Cg), internal analytical code C-IR18. | ||||
Quality Assurance - Quality Control
The 2015 drilling program was supervised by Yvan Bussières, P.Eng. (Québec), B.Sc., and the trenching by Antoine Cloutier, P.Geo. (Québec), B.Sc. A strict protocol, including the insertion of duplicate and blank samples within the sample stream was adopted as part of a quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program. Graphite standards were also included within the borehole sampling protocol. Duplicate, blank and graphite standard sample results returned values within acceptable limits. Verification, preparation and sample submittal for the drilling were done by Mr. Bussières, whereas Mr. Cloutier was responsible for the same for the channel sampling.
All channel samples were thoroughly washed and individually bagged prior to shipping. Mineralized core samples were chosen for analysis either by Mr. Bussières or Mr. Bernard-Olivier Martel, P.Geo. (Québec), B.Sc. The mineralized drill core was split into quarters using a rock saw. The quarter core samples were then individually bagged and sent for analysis, and the remaining core was kept as a reference and for possible metallurgical testing. Samples were analyzed for graphitic carbon (Cg) content by a LECO analyzer (ALS code; C-IR18) at the ALS Minerals laboratory in North Vancouver (BC), Canada. This laboratory is ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 17025 accredited.
The technical information in this news release was prepared by Yvan Bussières, P.Eng., drill program supervisor, and Antoine Cloutier, P.Geo., chief geologist for Nouveau Monde, and reviewed by Eric Desaulniers, MSc, P.Geo., President and CEO of Nouveau Monde. All three are qualified persons under National Instrument 43-101.
Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) has in any way approved or disapproved the contents of this press release.
Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated by such statements. Nouveau Monde will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by Nouveau Monde.
Contact
Nouveau Monde Mining Enterprises Inc.
Eric Desaulniers, M.Sc., P.Geo., President and Chief Executive Officer of Nouveau Monde
(819) 923-0333