Kutcho Copper Recovers up to 92.3% Copper and 84.2% Zinc in Metallurgical Locked Cycle Test Results, improving on Pre-feasibility Results

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 11, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kutcho Copper Corp. (TSXV: KC) (OTC: KCCFF) (“Kutcho Copper” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce results of ongoing metallurgical testing on its 100% owned Kutcho Project in British Columbia, Canada.  This test program is part of the work completed or underway that is designed to support completion of a Feasibility Study for the Kutcho Project.

The results were produced from recent Locked Cycle Tests completed on composites representing a range of proposed process plant feed material characteristics found within the Main Lens of the Kutcho Project, including sulphur content, copper grade and copper mineralogy. The 2019 Kutcho Composite “A” compares favourably with the updated 2018 Measured and Indicated resource in terms of both precious and base metal grades and total sulphur (pyrite content) which more closely approximates the known average sulphur content and respective metallurgical response.  Composite “B” represents complex material containing higher sulphur content (as pyrite) compared to the updated resource model. Material tested is originated from the 2018 infill drill program from the Main lens and represent the current bounds of understanding for the Kutcho Project.

The recoveries of copper and zinc to their respective concentrates have improved significantly over the 2017 Pre-feasibility (PFS) Life of Mine (LOM) results including improved zinc concentrate grades and the rejection of zinc from the copper concentrate, as shown in the tables below.  Silver performance was also significantly improved.  Selected copper and zinc concentrates produced from the 2019 cycle tests were analysed for minor trace metallic elements and were found to be free of impurities which would typically attract smelter penalties.

“We are extremely pleased with the progress and results of the recently completed metallurgical test program. We have undertaken comprehensive work investigating multiple avenues to improve copper recoveries, concentrate quality, and advance our mineralogical understanding of the deposit. This comprehensive knowledge and data will feed directly into the Feasibility Study.” said Vince Sorace, President & CEO of Kutcho Copper.

The flowsheet utilized in the 2019 bench scale test work recently completed at Base Metallurgical Laboratories in Kamloops, BC (BaseMet) has also simplified the processing scheme in that a single stage of flotation cleaning has been used in the copper circuit and only two stages of flotation cleaning were required in the zinc circuit.  A thorough review of the historical Kutcho metallurgical test work was undertaken as part of this program.  The batch test work leading up to the cycle testing utilized several procedures found to be successful in the past work and a number of new procedures were also incorporated in this year’s work.  The primary grind size used in the test work program based on the recent comminution and mineralogical data is a target of 75 microns K₈₀, which was achieved in the test work.   Regrinding was utilized in both the copper and zinc circuits with the copper cleaning circuit regrind being approximately 15 microns K₈₀ and the zinc cleaning circuit regrind being approximately 20 microns K₈₀.  These target parameters were identified in the mineralogical assessments conducted on the feed samples and the test work results confirmed those findings.  The total mass of material which will be subject to finer grinding is less than 20% of the anticipated mill feed.

The 2019 metallurgical program at BaseMet is ongoing, with variability composites selected to provide better definition to metallurgical drivers which will enhance the link between the prediction of metallurgical performance and mine planning in the Feasibility Study. In preparation for this work, a comprehensive mineralogical study is under way to determine the variability of abundance of the copper sulfide minerals, principally chalcopyrite and bornite, as well as the major sulfide, pyrite.  The zinc carrier is predominantly sphalerite.

Qualified Person

Tom Shouldice, Chief Executive Officer of Base Metallurgical Laboratories is a professional metallurgical engineer with over 20 years of experience in mineral processing.  His relevant experience includes plant operations, project management, engineering and all aspects of metallurgical testing. Tom specializes in flotation and mineralogical interpretation in relation to metallurgical response. Mr. Shouldice is a “Qualified Person” as defined in National Instrument 43-101 “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects” of the Canadian Securities Administrators and has reviewed and approved this press release.

Rory Kutluoglu, B.Sc. P.Geo., a “Qualified Person” as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has read and approved all technical and scientific information contained in this news release. Mr. Kutluoglu is the Company’s Vice President, Exploration & Development.

About Kutcho Copper Corp.

Kutcho Copper Corp. is a Canadian resource development company focused on expanding and developing the Kutcho high grade copper-zinc project in northern British Columbia. Committed to social responsibility and the highest environmental standards, the Company intends to progress the Kutcho Project through feasibility and permitting to a positive construction decision.

Vince Sorace
President & CEO, Kutcho Copper Corp.

For further information regarding Kutcho Copper Corp., please email info@kutcho.ca or visit our website at www.kutcho.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements” with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “projects”, “potential”, “indicates”, “opportunity”, “possible” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will”, “would”, “may”, “could” or “should” occur. Although Kutcho Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company’s ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward, to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing, to explore and develop the Kutcho project or its other projects, to repay its debt and for general working capital purposes; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations, future prices of copper and other metals, changes in general economic conditions, accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates, the potential for new discoveries, the potential to convert inferred resources to indicated or measured resources, the potential to optimize the mine plan, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the Kutcho project and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company’s plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company’s operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, aboriginal title claims and rights to consultation and accommodation, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.