Key Points:
1. High-Grade Gold and Copper Detected at Mirador Creek: Rock samples taken from densely forested areas at Mirador Creek have returned high-grade gold and copper results - a positive signal that a larger mineral system lies beneath the surface.
● Best Gold Result (Channel Sample 15913): 2.8 m grading 1.74 g/t gold and 13 g/t silver, with telluride minerals present -a signature commonly associated with high-grade gold deposits.
● Best Copper Result (Panel Sample 17763): 0.51% copper and elevated molybdenum, found in iron-rich surface rock - a geochemical pattern that indicates significant sulphide mineralization at depth.
2. New Porphyry Copper Zone Taking Shape: Samples reported here combined with previous work have highlighted a new copper zone developing 1.2 km south of Previsto Central gold zone and 2 km south of the previously reported copper zone. The new zone has a footprint spanning 320 m x 200 m west of Mirador Creek has returned six rock chip samples with copper grades ranging from 0.2% to 1.0%. Combined with consistent mineral spectral signatures across the zone, this points to a potential copper deposit concealed at depth beneath a surface silica cap.
3. Strong Chemical Indicators of a Mineral Deposit: Rock chemistry tests show that the magma which formed Previsto was exceptionally fertile. A key industry measure - the Strontium/Yttrium (Sr/Y) ratio averaged 93 at Previsto, well above the threshold of 35 used to identify deposits capable of concentrating large quantities of metals. Peak values exceeded 5,000, placing Previsto at the high end of prospective systems.
4. Active Field Programs Continue: Field teams are on the ground now, systematically extending the Mirador Creek gold zone and building towards drill target definition.
Michael Hudson, CEO, states: “The latest data from Previsto provides the de-risking we look for in large scale exploration. We aren't just seeing isolated hits; we are seeing a classic district-scale zonation. The combination of high-grade telluride signatures and the right magmatic fertility confirms that the hydrothermal engine at Previsto has the scale and chemistry required to produce multiple and significant mineral systems. Our focus now turns to continuing to define the structural conduits that fed these high-grade leakage zones.”
Significant Rock Chip Results
Recent sampling at Mirador Creek has confirmed the presence and continuity over 42 m of high-grade gold associated with a distinct telluride signature (Figure 4). Simultaneously, the identification of copper/molybdenum-rich gossanous samples highlights the volume of sulphide present in this part of the system and potential for copper endowment in the west of Mirador Creek (Figure 3). The Company has received results for 57 in situ rock chip samples from the Mirador Creek target area. To ensure structural continuity and representative sampling, 48 of these samples were collected as continuous rock-saw channels, covering a cumulative length of 76.4 m. Highlight channel samples reported here are:
- 24 m @ 0.36 g/t Au, 3 g/t Ag, 116 ppm Cu including:
o 2.8 m @ 1.74 g/t Au, 13 g/t Ag, 96 ppm Cu, 15 ppm Te
- 18.85 m @ 0.12 g/t Au, 2 g/t Ag, 258 ppm Cu including:
o 5.2 m @ 0.32 g/t Au, 2 g/t Ag, 300 ppm Cu
Technical Summary: Indications For Copper Mineralization Potential
Samples reported here combined with previous work have highlighted a new copper zone of mineralization developing 1.2 km south of Previsto Central gold zone and 2 km south of the previously reported copper zone. Geochemical and spectral analysis of samples shows a footprint of 320 m x 200 m developing of copper enrichment in a silica lithocap with abundant iron oxides after sulphides – indicative of potentially significant copper mineralization below (Figure 3).
Technical Analysis: The "Fertility" Engine and significance of Sr/Y and Au-Te
The geochemical data indicates that Previsto is not merely a localized occurrence but part of a high-flux magmatic-hydrothermal system. The Strontium/Yttrium (Sr/Y) ratios are particularly compelling. In porphyry exploration, a high Sr/Y ratio (typically >35) is used to identify "productive" intrusions that stayed hydrated during their ascent through the crust, allowing metals to concentrate rather than dissipate (Loucks, 2014).
At Previsto, the mean ratio of 93 - with peak values significantly higher - places this project in the upper echelon of fertile systems globally, comparable to major Andean copper-gold porphyry districts.
In the copper-gold exploration industry, high Sr/Y ratios are a primary indicator of "fertile" magmas - those that have retained the water and metals necessary to form large deposits rather than losing them during volcanic eruption. Furthermore, the coupling of Gold and Tellurium (Au-Te) at Previsto Central – now expanding 1 km south to Mirador Creek – is a diagnostic signature of high-grade epithermal systems often found above or adjacent to large alkaline porphyry gold-copper deposits.
Next Steps
Hannan's team is actively advancing multiple work fronts:
1. Mirador Creek Extensions – Further systematic sampling to locate extensions and repetitions of the confirmed high-grade mineralization along strike and in parallel structures.
2. Structural Mapping – Detailed mapping and channel sampling of Previsto Central outcrops, to further understand the structural controls of mineralization.
3. Drill Program Integration – All surface results will be compiled and integrated into target generation for the upcoming drill program at Previsto.
Drill Permitting in Previsto (DIA Amanecer)
A ten-person environmental team including professional environmental archaeological investigations, community workshops and liaison activities has now completed collecting appropriate information necessary to make the submittal for approval to the DGAAM - General Directorate of Mining Environmental Affairs - of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Peru. The work program includes:
● Environmental baseline monitoring for the project, conducted by third party experts (now complete);
● Submission to the Peruvian Ministry of Culture the CIRA (Certificate of non-existence of archaeological remains) which declares that the project does not impact archaeological sites;
● Public participation meetings outlining Hannan’s plans will be held in the hamlets in the area of influence, where the communities are on record as approving the company’s proposed drill program;
The DIA is the primary environmental certification required to allow low impact mineral prospecting programs, that includes drilling programs, to proceed in Peru.
Drill Permitting in Belen (DIA Valiente)
Drilling at Belen (DIA Valiente) is now complete. A total of 8 holes for 3,124.85 metres were completed. Final results will be reported as they come available.
About the Project
The 100% owned project is in central eastern Peru, east of the city of Tingo Maria (Figures 1 and 2). The area is characterized by steep topography on the eastern flank of the Central Cordillera with elevations between 800 m and 2,000 m above sea level (a.s.l.). The project was found in 2021 during an extensive greenfields prospecting program initiated by Hannan for back-arc porphyry copper-gold systems. The Company has been actively prospecting on the project since 2021 and has successfully gained social permits progressively in all areas of interest.
During 2021 Hannan staked 921 km2 of 100% owned mining concessions covering unexplored terrain for potential mineralized porphyry targets in central eastern Peru. The Project has rapidly evolved from a greenfields prospect to a multi-prospect opportunity.
Early surface prospecting identified two outcropping copper-gold porphyry targets and one epithermal target at Belen (see Press Release Feb 16, 2023). Porphyry areas quickly followed at Serrano Norte and Serrano. The focus more recently has been on Previsto. At Previsto and Belen, a district-scale porphyry cluster within an area of 25 km by 10 km, with eight porphyry and/or epithermal targets now identified in more detail with up to 10 earlier stage targets awaiting further work.
The company is executing a multi-year strategy to systematically prospect and drill test its extensive land package in this emerging Miocene-aged, linked porphyry-epithermal mineral belt.
Technical Background
All samples were collected by Hannan geologists. Samples were transported to ALS in Lima via third party services using trackable parcels and by company staff. At the laboratory, rock samples were prepared and analyzed by standard methods. The sample preparation involved crushing 70% to less than 2 mm, riffle split off 250 g, pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were analyzed by method ME-MS61, a four-acid digest performed on 0.25 g of the sample to quantitatively dissolve most geological materials. Analysis is via ICP-MS. Gold was analyzed in rock and soils by ALS in Lima using a standard sample preparation and 30 g fire assay sample charge. Soil samples were analyzed by a portable XRF (VANTA-VMR) using an in-house protocol which includes routine use of CRM and field duplicates as well as 10% check samples analyzed by ALS Lima.
Channel samples are considered representative of the in-situ mineralization samples. At this stage true widths of mineralization are not known. Grab or panel samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property.
About Hannan Metals Limited (TSXV:HAN) (OTCPK: HANNF)
Hannan Metals Limited is an exploration company focused on the identification and delineation of large gold and copper mineralizing systems in new frontiers in Peru. Over the last decade, the team behind Hannan has forged a long and successful record of discovering, financing, and advancing mineral projects in Australia, Europe and South America.
Mr. Michael Hudson FAusIMM, Hannan’s Chairman and CEO, a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has prepared, reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this news release.
Further Information
Further discussion and analysis of the project is available through the Hannan Metals website. These data, along with an interview on these results with CEO Michael Hudson can be viewed at www.hannanmetals.com and our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@HannanMetals
Forward Looking Statements. Certain disclosure contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements may relate to this news release and other matters identified in the Company's public filings. In making the forward-looking statements the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; planned work programs; permitting; and community relations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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