Argonaut Gold Confirms Southern Extension of Gold Mineralization on the Recently Acquired Fresnillo Mineral Concession Adjacent to the El Castillo Mine

TORONTO, June 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Argonaut Gold Inc. (TSX: AR) (the "Company", "Argonaut Gold" or "Argonaut") is pleased to provide drill results for the South Target area that lies within the 420 hectare mineral concession recently acquired from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fresnillo Plc ("Fresnillo") (see press release dated February 23, 2017).  The South Target drill program, consisting of 71 reverse circulation ("RC") drill holes totaling 6,990 metres, tested projected mineralization immediately south of the current El Castillo open pit.  The recently announced North Target (see press release dated May 8, 2017) and the South Target drilling programs, totaling 18,530 metres in 146 RC drill holes, were designed to evaluate the economic potential of the recently acquired Fresnillo concession where mineralization is known to extend along a recognized mineral trend that projects beyond the Company's previous concession limits. 

The South Target drilling was supported by wide-spaced drilling previously completed by Fresnillo and by mineralized exposures projected south from the El Castillo pit limits.  The Company's objective was to increase drill-hole density within mineralized areas to approximately 35 metre spacing, which is consistent with the current modeling practices at El Castillo.  The drill results from the South Target area display strongly oxidized gold bearing rocks with the same chemical and structure characteristics as the El Castillo open pit mine.  The combined results of the North and South Target areas show potential to extend the current El Castillo pit limits and extend mine life.

Based on the success of the drilling campaign on the Fresnillo concession to date, the Company expects to commence an approximate 6,000 metre, Phase Two drilling program in areas where mineralization remains open for potential expansion.  The Company anticipates publishing an updated National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for the El Castillo mining complex during the first quarter of 2018, where all drill results from the North and South Target areas will be incorporated into an updated mineral reserve and resource estimate. 

Pete Dougherty, President & CEO commented: "Drilling results in both the North and South Target areas, along with the known wedges of economic mineralization that were unavailable to us prior to the Fresnillo concession purchase by reason of mineral concession boundary alone, indicate strong potential to expand the current pit limits and extend mine life.  The positive drill results lend solid support for our acquisition of the Fresnillo concession and our vision of creating a meaningful, flagship asset at the El Castillo mining complex which will include the El Castillo and San Agustin deposits." 

Thomas Burkhart, Qualified Person noted: "Based on our geologic understanding of the El Castillo gold system, we expected that our drilling to the south would encounter strong mineralization and this was confirmed.  As with the North Target, mineralization south of the El Castillo pit showed overall better than expected continuity, locally higher than average gold grades and strong oxidation.  Mineralization remains open in several areas and we look forward to commencing a Phase Two drill program shortly to better delineate our gold zones in preparation for an updated mineral reserve and resource estimate.  The Phase One drilling program has been very successful and we are pleased with the results."

Table 1 below illustrates key highlight holes from the South Target area.  For a full table of drill results, plan view maps and cross sections, please visit: http://www.argonautgold.com/gold_operations/drill_results/

Table 1: Selected Drill Results

Qualified Person Comments / Quality Control Procedures

Drill samples are transported to the preparation laboratory of ALS-Chemex Labs Inc. in Chihuahua, Mexico where samples are prepared and pulps sent for assay in the laboratory of ALS-Chemex in Vancouver, British Columbia.  Samples are analyzed for gold by fire assay and atomic absorption finish.  For silver, samples use a multi-element inductively coupled plasma (ICP) assay.  Argonaut utilizes standard Quality Assurance/Quality Control sample procedures that include the insertion of sample standards, blanks and duplicates as well as systematic check assaying by a second accredited laboratory.

The technical information relating to exploration activities disclosed in this news release was prepared under the supervision of, and reviewed and verified by, Thomas Burkhart, Argonaut Gold's Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

For further information on the El Castillo mine, please see the technical report on the El Castillo mine titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources and Reserves, Argonaut Gold Inc., El Castillo Mine, Durango State, Mexico", dated February 24, 2011 (effective date of November 6, 2010), prepared by SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. for Argonaut Gold (the "El Castillo Report").  The El Castillo Report is available electronically on Argonaut's website at www.argonautgold.com or on SEDAR under Argonaut's issuer profile at www.sedar.com.

The Company is not aware of any legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the El Castillo mine other than those set out in the annual information form of Argonaut for the financial year ended December 31, 2016 (dated March 20, 2017) filed on SEDAR under Argonaut's issuer profile at www.sedar.com.  Please see below under the heading "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements" for further details regarding risks facing the Company.

Production for today; development for tomorrow

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Argonaut Gold Inc. ("Argonaut" or "Argonaut Gold"). Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to estimation of mineral resources at mineral projects of Argonaut; success of exploration activities; the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; economics of production; estimated production and mine life of the various mineral projects of Argonaut; the future price of gold and silver; synergies and financial impact of completed acquisitions; the benefits of the development potential of the properties of Argonaut and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Except for statements of historical fact relating to Argonaut, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Argonaut and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.

Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include variations in metal grades, variations in recovery rates, changes in market conditions, risks relating to international operations, fluctuating metal prices and currency exchange rates, changes in project parameters, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated.

These factors are discussed in greater detail in Argonaut's most recent Annual Information Form and in the most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR, which also provide additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Argonaut cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Argonaut believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Argonaut undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws.

Although Argonaut has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed.

About Argonaut Gold

Argonaut Gold is a Canadian gold company engaged in exploration, mine development and production activities.  Its primary assets are the production stage El Castillo mine and the construction stage San Agustin project in Durango, Mexico and the production stage La Colorada mine in Sonora, Mexico.  Advanced exploration stage projects include the San Antonio project in Baja California Sur, Mexico, and the Magino project in Ontario, Canada.  The Company also has several exploration stage projects, all of which are located in North America.

SOURCE Argonaut Gold Ltd.