Skeena Resources Ltd. Intersects 22.59 g/t AuEq Over 14.33 m at Eskay Creek
VANCOUVER, February 26, 2020 - Skeena Resources Limited (TSX.V:SKE)(OTCQX:SKREF) ("Skeena" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the final gold-silver assays from the 2019 Phase I surface drilling program at the Eskay Creek Project ("Eskay Creek") located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. Four ground-based surface drill rigs were utilized for the 2019 Phase I program in the 21A, 21E and HW Zones to infill and upgrade areas of Inferred resources to the Indicated classification. A total of 14,266 metres over 209 holes were drilled. Drill hole results reported in this release are from the 21E and HW Zones. Reference images are presented at the end of this release as well as on the Company's website. Phase I Eskay Creek Drilling Highlights:
- 13.24 g/t Au, 701 g/t Ag (22.59 g/t AuEq) over 14.33 m (SK-19-246) - HW Zone
- Including: 5.18 g/t Au, 5,860 g/t Ag (83.31 g/t AuEq) over 0.90 m
- And: 1.75 g/t Au, 1,235 g/t Ag (18.22 g/t AuEq) over 1.05 m
- And: 1.23 g/t Au, 1,895 g/t Ag (26.50 g/t AuEq) over 0.85 m
- And: 176.00 g/t Au, 1,530 g/t Ag (196.40 g/t AuEq) over 0.90 m
- 2.58 g/t Au, 51 g/t Ag (3.26 g/t AuEq) over 25.00 m (SK-19-222A) - 21E Zone
- 3.36 g/t Au, 40 g/t Ag (3.89 g/t AuEq) over 14.00 m (SK-19-217) - 21E Zone
- 1.94 g/t Au, 166 g/t Ag (4.16 g/t AuEq) over 13.50 m (SK-19-237) - 21E Zone
Gold Equivalent (AuEq) calculated via the formula: Au (g/t) + [Ag (g/t) / 75]. Reported core lengths represent 80-100% of true widths and are supported by well-defined mineralization geometries derived from historical drilling. Grade capping of individual assays has not been applied to the Au and Ag assays informing the length weighted AuEq composites. Processing recoveries have not been applied to the AuEq calculation and are disclosed at 100%. Samples below detection limit are nulled to a value of zero.
2019 Drilling Demonstrates Continuity and Exceptional Silver Grades
The 2019 Phase I infill program at Eskay Creek continues to demonstrate the excellent continuity of the current resource model which is derived largely from historical drilling. Phase I infill drilling within the 21E Zone, which is located on the eastern flank of the Eskay deposits, has correlated extremely well with the historical drilling with respect to grades, widths and spatial distribution of mineralization.
Initial drilling within the HW (Hanging-Wall) Zone has not only corroborated the current resource model but has located additional mineralization of equivalent tenor as confirmed by drill hole SK-19-245 which intersected 1.63 g/t Au, 62 g/t Ag (2.45 g/t AuEq) over 16.21 metres.
Situated 20 metres east of this expanded mineralization, drill hole SK-19-246 intersected extremely high-grade silver mineralization of 13.24 g/t Au, 701 g/t Ag (22.59 g/t AuEq) over 14.33 metres including 5.18 g/t Au, 5,860 g/t Ag (83.31 g/t AuEq) over 0.90 metres. This intercept was predicted by the resource model. Drill intercepts in the HW Zone are located less than 20 metres below surface.
Current Status - Eskay Creek Drilling
Four ground-based drill rigs are now operational at the Eskay Creek Project continuing the
Phase I infill program. Exploratory drilling is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks.
About Skeena
Skeena Resources Ltd. is a junior Canadian mining exploration company focused on developing prospective precious metal properties in the Golden Triangle of northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company's primary activities are the exploration and development of the past-producing Eskay Creek mine, which contains a combined Indicated and Inferred 4Moz, 4.4 g/t gold-equivalent open-pit resource. The Company recently completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on Eskay Creek which highlights an after-tax NPV5% of C$638M, 51% IRR and a 1.2-year payback. Skeena is also exploring the past-producing Snip gold mine.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Ltd.,
Walter Coles Jr.
President & CEO
Qualified Persons
Exploration activities at the Eskay Creek Project are administered on site by the Company's Exploration Managers, Colin Russell, P.Geo. and Adrian Newton, P.Geo. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Paul Geddes, P.Geo. Vice President Exploration and Resource Development, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting its exploration activities on its exploration projects.
Quality Assurance - Quality Control
Once received from the drill and processed, all drill core samples are sawn in half, labelled and bagged. The remaining drill core is subsequently securely stored on site. Numbered security tags are applied to lab shipments for chain of custody requirements. The Company inserts quality control (QC) samples at regular intervals in the sample stream, including blanks and reference materials with all sample shipments to monitor laboratory performance. The QAQC program was designed and approved by Lynda Bloom, P.Geo. of Analytical Solutions Ltd., and is overseen by the Company's Qualified Person, Paul Geddes, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration and Resource Development.
Drill core samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistry's analytical facility in North Vancouver, British Columbia for preparation and analysis. The ALS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold assays and all analytical methods include quality control materials at set frequencies with established data acceptance criteria. The entire sample is crushed and 1kg is pulverized. Analysis for gold is by 50g fire assay fusion with atomic absorption (AAS) finish with a lower limit of 0.01 ppm and upper limit of 100 ppm. Samples with gold assays greater than 100ppm are re-analyzed using a 50g fire assay fusion with gravimetric finish. Analysis for silver is by 50g fire assay fusion with gravimetric finish with a lower limit of 5ppm and upper limit of 10,000ppm. Samples with silver assays greater than 10,000ppm are re-analyzed using a gravimetric silver concentrate method. A selected number of samples are also analyzed using a 48 multi-elemental geochemical package by a 4-acid digestion, followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and also for mercury using an aqua regia digest with Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish. Samples with sulfur reporting greater than 10% from the multi-element analysis are re-analyzed for total sulfur by Leco furnace and infrared spectroscopy.
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward looking information" and "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "could" or "would". Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Table 1: Eskay Creek Project 2019 Phase I length weighted drill hole gold and silver composites:
| HOLE-ID | FROM (m) | TO (m) | CORE LENGTH (m) | AU (g/t) | AG (g/t) | AUEQ (g/t) | ZONE |
| SK-19-215 | 10.20 | 13.00 | 2.80 | 0.66 | 112 | 2.15 | 21E |
| SK-19-215 | 20.50 | 28.50 | 8.00 | 1.01 | 15 | 1.20 | 21E |
| SK-19-216 | 4.90 | 8.80 | 3.90 | 1.89 | 39 | 2.40 | 21E |
| SK-19-216 | 11.30 | 15.00 | 3.70 | 0.45 | 77 | 1.48 | 21E |
| SK-19-216 | 18.00 | 29.00 | 11.00 | 1.03 | 186 | 3.50 | 21E |
| SK-19-216 | 49.10 | 57.50 | 8.40 | 1.72 | 178 | 4.09 | 21E |
| INCLUDING | 51.90 | 53.21 | 1.31 | 4.09 | 661 | 12.90 | 21E |
| AND | 53.21 | 53.71 | 0.50 | 4.85 | 565 | 12.38 | 21E |
| SK-19-217 | 4.60 | 9.53 | 4.93 | 1.45 | 43 | 2.03 | 21E |
| SK-19-217 | 15.00 | 28.00 | 13.00 | 0.65 | 109 | 2.10 | 21E |
| INCLUDING | 21.75 | 22.25 | 0.50 | 2.57 | 793 | 13.14 | 21E |
| SK-19-217 | 52.00 | 54.75 | 2.75 | 0.64 | 10 | 0.77 | 21E |
| SK-19-217 | 57.00 | 71.00 | 14.00 | 3.36 | 40 | 3.89 | 21E |
| SK-19-218 | 5.00 | 10.00 | 5.00 | 1.12 | 30 | 1.52 | 21E |
| SK-19-218A | 5.00 | 9.00 | 4.00 | 1.04 | 27 | 1.40 | 21E |
| SK-19-218A | 18.50 | 28.50 | 10.00 | 1.20 | 102 | 2.55 | 21E |
| SK-19-218A | 52.50 | 62.00 | 9.50 | 1.12 | 55 | 1.85 | 21E |
| SK-19-218A | 65.00 | 71.00 | 6.00 | 5.28 | 25 | 5.62 | 21E |
| INCLUDING | 68.82 | 70.00 | 1.18 | 11.80 | 53 | 12.51 | 21E |
| SK-19-219 | 5.50 | 12.34 | 6.84 | 1.84 | 29 | 2.23 | 21E |
| SK-19-219 | 20.50 | 33.77 | 13.27 | 1.00 | 94 | 2.25 | 21E |
| SK-19-220 | 1.60 | 14.00 | 12.40 | 0.68 | 42 | 1.24 | 21E |
| SK-19-220 | 26.50 | 30.00 | 3.50 | 1.71 | 17 | 1.93 | 21E |
| SK-19-221 | 1.17 | 11.00 | 9.83 | 1.06 | 122 | 2.68 | 21E |
| INCLUDING | 10.00 | 11.00 | 1.00 | 3.85 | 612 | 12.01 | 21E |
| SK-19-221 | 30.50 | 39.00 | 8.50 | 1.28 | 38 | 1.79 | 21E |
| SK-19-221 | 55.85 | 59.00 | 3.15 | 1.07 | 7 | 1.15 | 21E |
| SK-19-222 | 2.00 | 10.25 | 8.25 | 0.54 | 51 | 1.21 | 21E |
| SK-19-222 | 14.70 | 24.00 | 9.30 | 2.86 | 33 | 3.31 | 21E |
| SK-19-222A | 2.00 | 10.33 | 8.33 | 0.49 | 38 | 0.99 | 21E |
| SK-19-222A | 14.17 | 28.65 | 14.48 | 3.02 | 28 | 3.40 | 21E |
| SK-19-222A | 33.43 | 42.50 | 9.07 | 0.95 | 18 | 1.18 | 21E |
| SK-19-222A | 63.50 | 88.50 | 25.00 | 2.58 | 51 | 3.26 | 21E |
| SK-19-222A | 105.50 | 111.00 | 5.50 | 1.54 | 8 | 1.64 | 21E |
| SK-19-223 | 3.23 | 9.88 | 6.65 | 1.03 | 49 | 1.69 | 21E |
| SK-19-223 | 14.62 | 23.42 | 8.80 | 3.51 | 26 | 3.86 | 21E |
| SK-19-223 | 27.08 | 37.00 | 9.92 | 0.93 | 54 | 1.65 | 21E |
| SK-19-224 | 0.43 | 14.00 | 13.57 | 1.33 | 20 | 1.59 | 21E |
| SK-19-224 | 22.50 | 30.50 | 8.00 | 2.43 | 6 | 2.50 | 21E |
| SK-19-225 | 2.19 | 8.00 | 5.81 | 1.39 | 36 | 1.87 | 21E |
| SK-19-225 | 17.50 | 26.25 | 8.75 | 1.15 | 15 | 1.35 | 21E |
| SK-19-225 | 30.50 | 38.00 | 7.50 | 3.49 | 15 | 3.69 | 21E |
| SK-19-226 | 1.00 | 6.24 | 5.24 | 1.14 | 34 | 1.60 | 21E |
| SK-19-226 | 12.05 | 25.50 | 13.45 | 0.81 | 81 | 1.89 | 21E |
| SK-19-226 | 40.78 | 43.50 | 2.72 | 1.54 | 5 | 1.61 | 21E |
| SK-19-226 | 46.96 | 52.50 | 5.54 | 3.51 | 32 | 3.94 | 21E |
| SK-19-227 | 2.13 | 9.15 | 7.02 | 0.75 | 48 | 1.40 | 21E |
| SK-19-227 | 29.63 | 33.63 | 4.00 | 0.79 | 12 | 0.94 | 21E |
| SK-19-228 | 3.20 | 29.00 | 25.80 | 0.68 | 37 | 1.17 | 21E |
| SK-19-228 | 31.30 | 37.63 | 6.33 | 1.11 | 19 | 1.36 | 21E |
| SK-19-229 | 5.00 | 9.00 | 4.00 | 0.45 | 82 | 1.54 | 21E |
| SK-19-229 | 40.00 | 42.50 | 2.50 | 2.68 | 5 | 2.74 | 21E |
| SK-19-230 | 2.73 | 12.50 | 9.77 | 0.50 | 133 | 2.28 | 21E |
| SK-19-231 | 5.00 | 9.50 | 4.50 | 0.80 | 289 | 4.65 | 21E |
| INCLUDING | 8.35 | 9.50 | 1.15 | 0.75 | 938 | 13.26 | 21E |
| SK-19-232 | 1.93 | 17.79 | 15.86 | 2.16 | 24 | 2.47 | 21E |
| SK-19-232 | 22.22 | 35.50 | 13.28 | 0.88 | 18 | 1.12 | 21E |
| SK-19-232 | 51.00 | 58.00 | 7.00 | 0.87 | 5 | 0.94 | 21E |
| SK-19-232 | 83.50 | 88.00 | 4.50 | 3.66 | 11 | 3.81 | 21E |
| SK-19-232 | 94.27 | 97.50 | 3.23 | 0.47 | 128 | 2.18 | 21E |
| SK-19-233 | 5.30 | 16.77 | 11.47 | 1.43 | 29 | 1.82 | 21E |
| SK-19-233 | 20.98 | 26.98 | 6.00 | 1.23 | 19 | 1.48 | 21E |
| SK-19-234 | 6.44 | 16.60 | 10.16 | 1.13 | 31 | 1.54 | 21E |
| SK-19-234 | 25.72 | 33.00 | 7.28 | 1.18 | 20 | 1.45 | 21E |
| INCLUDING | 11.00 | 12.00 | 1.00 | 1.70 | 1,195 | 17.63 | 21E |
| SK-19-235 | 21.00 | 26.50 | 5.50 | 0.73 | 12 | 0.90 | 21E |
| SK-19-236 | 13.50 | 31.50 | 18.00 | 0.75 | 65 | 1.62 | 21E |
| INCLUDING | 14.50 | 15.00 | 0.50 | 1.46 | 921 | 13.74 | 21E |
| SK-19-236 | 36.80 | 40.00 | 3.20 | 0.50 | 90 | 1.70 | 21E |
| SK-19-237 | 14.00 | 18.33 | 4.33 | 1.90 | 85 | 3.04 | 21E |
| SK-19-237 | 25.50 | 39.00 | 13.50 | 1.94 | 166 | 4.16 | 21E |
| INCLUDING | 28.05 | 28.90 | 0.85 | 4.71 | 1,360 | 22.84 | 21E |
| SK-19-238 | 7.95 | 21.00 | 13.05 | 1.16 | 67 | 2.05 | 21E |
| SK-19-239 | 16.87 | 22.00 | 5.13 | 1.28 | 16 | 1.50 | 21E |
| SK-19-239 | 26.50 | 29.50 | 3.00 | 0.68 | 9 | 0.80 | 21E |
| SK-19-240 | 22.54 | 23.47 | 0.93 | 2.00 | 12 | 2.16 | 21E |
| SK-19-241 | 16.90 | 23.50 | 6.60 | 1.17 | 12 | 1.33 | 21E |
| SK-19-242 | 6.10 | 12.50 | 6.40 | 0.83 | 12 | 0.99 | 21E |
| SK-19-242 | 81.50 | 98.00 | 16.50 | 1.12 | 19 | 1.37 | 21E |
| SK-19-242 | 101.00 | 105.00 | 4.00 | 1.02 | 9 | 1.14 | 21E |
| SK-19-243 | 16.42 | 37.50 | 21.08 | 1.33 | 33 | 1.77 | 21E |
| SK-19-244 | 19.40 | 26.85 | 7.45 | 0.64 | 32 | 1.07 | 21E |
| SK-19-244 | 31.40 | 35.00 | 3.60 | 0.91 | 16 | 1.12 | 21E |
| SK-19-245 | 11.50 | 27.71 | 16.21 | 1.63 | 62 | 2.45 | HW |
| SK-19-245 | 34.05 | 38.00 | 3.95 | 2.25 | 20 | 2.52 | HW |
| SK-19-246 | 10.00 | 24.33 | 14.33 | 13.24 | 701 | 22.59 | HW |
| INCLUDING | 11.95 | 12.85 | 0.90 | 5.18 | 5,860 | 83.31 | HW |
| AND | 12.85 | 13.90 | 1.05 | 1.75 | 1,235 | 18.22 | HW |
| AND | 13.90 | 14.75 | 0.85 | 1.23 | 1,895 | 26.50 | HW |
| AND | 19.00 | 19.90 | 0.90 | 176.00 | 1,530 | 196.40 | HW |
| SK-19-246 | 27.30 | 34.00 | 6.70 | 1.10 | 10 | 1.23 | HW |
| SK-19-247 | 12.55 | 23.47 | 10.92 | 1.32 | 8 | 1.42 | HW |
Gold Equivalent (AuEq) calculated via the formula: Au (g/t) + [Ag (g/t) / 75]. Reported core lengths represent 80-100% of true widths and are supported by well-defined mineralization geometries derived from historical drilling. Length weighted AuEq composites were constrained by geological considerations. Grade capping of individual assays has not been applied to the Au and Ag assays informing the length weighted AuEq composites. Processing recoveries have not been applied to the AuEq calculation and are disclosed at 100%. Samples below detection limit were nulled to a value of zero.
Table 2: Mine grid Phase I drill hole locations and orientations:
| HOLE-ID | EASTING | NORTHING | ELEVATION | LENGTH (m) | AZIMUTH | DIP |
| SK-19-100 | 9973.0 | 10139.0 | 972.6 | 41.4 | 73.2 | -59.8 |
| SK-19-128 | 10086.0 | 10527.0 | 941.0 | 36.0 | 161.6 | -60.3 |
| SK-19-130 | 10086.0 | 10527.0 | 941.0 | 40.0 | 210.7 | -55.1 |
| SK-19-215 | 10124.5 | 10272.3 | 979.7 | 32.0 | 327.1 | -82.2 |
| SK-19-216 | 10106.2 | 10308.4 | 980.2 | 71.0 | 160.1 | -57.3 |
| SK-19-217 | 10106.0 | 10308.3 | 980.7 | 71.0 | 164.1 | -68.6 |
| SK-19-218 | 10106.4 | 10308.4 | 979.4 | 17.0 | 205.0 | -84.0 |
| SK-19-218A | 10106.4 | 10308.4 | 979.4 | 71.0 | 199.1 | -84.1 |
| SK-19-219 | 10106.4 | 10308.3 | 979.7 | 47.0 | 189.7 | -60.2 |
| SK-19-220 | 10130.6 | 10264.2 | 979.5 | 50.0 | 181.9 | -67.2 |
| SK-19-221 | 10130.5 | 10266.5 | 980.3 | 59.0 | 228.9 | -87.0 |
| SK-19-222 | 10120.1 | 10383.8 | 976.3 | 24.0 | 277.0 | -85.2 |
| SK-19-222A | 10120.3 | 10384.6 | 975.0 | 122.0 | 270.3 | -86.6 |
| SK-19-223 | 10120.0 | 10367.4 | 975.3 | 45.0 | 3.4 | -89.1 |
| SK-19-224 | 10138.5 | 10322.9 | 981.5 | 66.0 | 44.1 | -56.8 |
| SK-19-225 | 10138.1 | 10321.0 | 981.8 | 62.0 | 43.8 | -72.1 |
| SK-19-226 | 10138.3 | 10320.4 | 981.9 | 54.0 | 220.5 | -89.9 |
| SK-19-227 | 10132.3 | 10389.1 | 977.2 | 44.0 | 28.9 | -70.1 |
| SK-19-228 | 10132.1 | 10389.2 | 975.3 | 41.0 | 285.5 | -78.3 |
| SK-19-229 | 10137.8 | 10293.3 | 980.8 | 65.0 | 142.6 | -74.8 |
| SK-19-230 | 10135.5 | 10293.3 | 980.9 | 62.0 | 43.5 | -86.7 |
| SK-19-231 | 10136.9 | 10292.7 | 981.0 | 53.0 | 86.0 | -71.5 |
| SK-19-232 | 10128.3 | 10363.6 | 975.6 | 102.0 | 63.1 | -89.1 |
| SK-19-233 | 10114.2 | 10344.7 | 976.8 | 41.0 | 92.2 | -78.5 |
| SK-19-234 | 10113.4 | 10343.8 | 977.0 | 45.0 | 239.0 | -72.0 |
| SK-19-235 | 10110.2 | 10277.7 | 976.3 | 32.0 | 114.4 | -60.5 |
| SK-19-236 | 10108.4 | 10276.0 | 975.6 | 47.0 | 194.4 | -67.6 |
| SK-19-237 | 10109.1 | 10317.4 | 977.2 | 47.0 | 267.0 | -69.2 |
| SK-19-238 | 10109.3 | 10317.8 | 977.5 | 35.0 | 86.3 | -68.5 |
| SK-19-239 | 10137.0 | 10382.0 | 977.2 | 41.0 | 141.0 | -62.2 |
| SK-19-240 | 10137.6 | 10382.9 | 977.0 | 41.0 | 48.5 | -69.5 |
| SK-19-241 | 10137.6 | 10381.9 | 977.4 | 42.0 | 103.1 | -44.7 |
| SK-19-242 | 10138.9 | 10357.6 | 979.2 | 106.0 | 21.3 | -85.1 |
| SK-19-243 | 10128.6 | 10407.0 | 974.5 | 38.0 | 283.2 | -60.4 |
| SK-19-244 | 10129.1 | 10405.8 | 973.9 | 35.0 | 203.1 | -68.5 |
| SK-19-245 | 9862.2 | 10891.7 | 860.3 | 38.0 | 130.8 | -64.3 |
| SK-19-246 | 9882.9 | 10892.3 | 863.1 | 34.0 | 162.0 | -67.2 |
| SK-19-247 | 9884.5 | 10894.6 | 863.4 | 30.0 | 100.9 | -44.6 |
CONTACT:
Walt Coles Jr., President & CEO
Kelly Earle, Vice President Communications
Email: kearle@skeenaresources.com
Tel: (604) 684-8725
SOURCE: Skeena Resources Ltd.