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Message: Reports First Indicated Resource at Valdecanas, Juanicipio Joint Venture
| February 24, 2009 | ||
| MAG Silver Reports First Indicated Resource at Valdecanas, Juanicipio Joint Venture | ||
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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 24, 2009) - MAG Silver Corp. (TSX:MAG)(NYSE Alternext US:MVG) ("MAG") is pleased to announce an independently prepared National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") compliant resource update for the Juanicipio project located in Zacatecas State, Mexico. MAG holds a 44% interest and Fresnillo plc ("Fresnillo") owns the remaining 56% interest in the project at Juanicipio through the Minera Juanicipio S.A. de C.V. joint venture company (the "Juanicipio Joint Venture"). Fresnillo is the operator of the Juanicipio Joint Venture. This Indicated and Inferred resource estimate (the "2009 Independent Resource Estimate") has been prepared by Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. ("Scott Wilson RPA"). Scott Wilson RPA was initially engaged by MAG to carry out this estimation as part of the formal valuation process being completed pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 in connection with the announcement by Fresnillo of its intention to make an insider bid for MAG. The formal valuation was suspended on February 1, 2009 as a result of the Independent Committee's determination that a proper valuation cannot be completed without critical information which Fresnillo has refused or neglected to provide to MAG or the independent valuator. MAG CEO, Dan MacInnis commented: "Upgrading the resource to an Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource is a critical step in advancing the Juanicipio Joint Venture and MAG is extremely pleased with the high grade and size of the Indicated Resource Estimate and the overall contained silver ounces. We are also delighted that Scott Wilson RPA completed its resource estimate in such a timely fashion. Earlier today, Fresnillo released information from an audited mineral resource estimate for the Juanicipio Joint Venture in a presentation at the 2009 Global Metals and Mining Conference that differs significantly from the Scott Wilson RPA independent resource estimate. MAG has not been given the necessary data to fully explain the discrepancies in the two current estimates or to reconcile Fresnillo's 2009 numbers with their earlier resource estimate, but we are highly confident that Scott Wilson RPA's independent work demonstrates the true measure of this world class silver deposit." Mr. MacInnis concluded: "MAG is deeply concerned that this appears to be yet another facet of Fresnillo's strategy to keep MAG and its shareholders in the dark about the true value of the Juanicipio project, while Fresnillo attempts to acquire control of MAG through a lowball take-under offer that is not in any way reflective of the true value of MAG's world class assets." Highlights of the 2009 Independent Resource Estimate The 2009 Independent Resource Estimate was prepared for MAG by Scott Wilson RPA, a pre-eminent independent mining and geological consulting firm. This new Valdecanas Vein resource estimation includes infill-drilling done during 2008, which gave sufficient drilling density to allow classification of the first Indicated Resources for the Valdecanas Vein. These Indicated Resources are of a higher degree of confidence than the previous Inferred Resource and are considered suitable for mine planning purposes. The new 2009 Independent Resource Estimate confirms Valdecanas (including the Hanging Wall Vein) as a world class deposit with an Indicated Resource of 3.88 million tonnes of 972 grams per tonne (g/t) (28.1 ounces per ton) silver, 2.05 g/t gold, 2.10% lead and 3.76% zinc. There is an additional Inferred Resource (Valdecanas, Footwall Veins and the Stockwork Zone) of 8.24 million tonnes of 549 grams g/t (15.9 ounces per ton) silver, 1.44 g/t gold, 1.87% lead and 2.94% zinc. The total contained metals in the Indicated Resource are 121 million ounces of silver, 255,000 ounces of gold and 180 million pounds of lead and 321 million pounds of zinc. The Inferred Resources contain an additional 145 million ounces of silver, 381,000 ounces of gold and 339 million pounds of lead and 534 million pounds of zinc. MAG's 44% share of the silver contained in the Indicated Resource category is 53 million ounces of silver plus 64 million ounces of silver in the Inferred Resource category. 2009 Independent Resource Estimate Detail The resource estimation information contained in the 2009 Independent Resource Estimate for the Valdecanas, Footwall, and Hanging Wall Veins and the Stockwork Zone is presented in the table below: Juanicipio Joint Venture (100%)
(44% MAG Silver / 56% Fresnillo plc)
Mineral Resource Estimate to February 23, 2008
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Contained Metal
Resource NSR ----------------------
Category Tonnes Ag Au Pb Zn US$/ Ag M Au K Pb M Zn M
and Zone millions g/t g/t % % tonne oz oz lbs lbs
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Indicated
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Valdecanas
Vein 3.47 969 1.94 2.19 3.91 383 108 217 168 299
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Hanging
Wall Vein 0.41 1,002 2.94 1.29 2.46 400 13 38 12 22
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Total
Indicated 3.88 972 2.05 2.10 3.76 385 121 255 180 321
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Inferred
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Valdecanas
Vein 6.15 660 1.52 2.33 3.64 273 131 302 316 493
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Footwall
Vein 0.50 428 1.58 0.58 0.61 174 7 26 6 7
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Hanging
Wall Vein 0.11 609 0.43 0.64 1.48 219 2 2 2 4
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Stockwork
Zone 1.47 122 1.11 0.48 0.95 66 6 52 16 31
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Total
Inferred 8.24 549 1.44 1.87 2.94 230 145 381 339 534
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Footnotes for Juanicipio Joint Venture resource table.
1. CIM Definition Standards have been followed for classification of mineral
resources.
2. Mineral resource blocks are within wireframes constructed with a minimum
true thickness of 1.5 metres and a minimum NSR value of US$50 per tonne,
which is the effective cut-off. All blocks within the wireframes are
reported as mineral resource. Approximately 1% of the indicated tonnes
and 6% of the inferred tonnes have values less than US$50 per tonnes but
are included for continuity.
3. NSR values are calculated in US$ using factors of $0.33 per g/t Ag,
$17.04 per g/t Au, $4.01 per % Pb and $5.57 per % Zn. These factors are
based on metal prices of US$12.50/oz Ag, US$800/oz Au, $0.45/lb Pb and
$0.70/lb Zn and estimated recoveries and smelter terms.
4. The mineral resource estimate uses drill hole data available as of
January 29, 2009.
5. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated
economic viability. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative
accuracy of the estimates; as a result totals may not add.
Resources were classified as Indicated or Inferred based on drill hole spacing and apparent continuity. The previous mineral resource was all classified as inferred, however, the improved drilling density due to 26,050 metres of infill-drilling done during 2008 allows classification of Indicated Resources, a higher confidence level than Inferred Resources, for a significant portion of the mineral resources. The Indicated Resource in the Valdecanas Vein is in the central part where good continuity of higher grade resource is reasonably well established with drill holes spaced at about 100 metres. Most of the Hanging Wall Vein is classified as indicated because of the good continuity apparent at approximately 100 metre drill hole spacing. The Indicated Resource is higher grade than the Inferred Resource because it is centered on the highest grade portions of the Valdecanas Vein and also includes most of the high grade Hanging Wall Vein. The lower grades seen in the Inferred Resource stem largely from lower grade material in the up-dip and down-dip projections of the Valdecanas Vein and from incorporation of the Footwall Vein and the Stockwork Zone. The latter two exhibit lower grades but are nonetheless significant contributors to the overall resource picture. In the deeper portions of the Valdecanas Vein, lead and zinc values increase and silver grades diminish. This is typical of the veins in the Fresnillo District, but in contrast to most other veins in the district, the base metal values in the Valdecanas Vein are high enough to make this deep zone economically attractive. The 2009 Fresnillo Resource Estimate On February 5, 2009, Fresnillo provided MAG with a preliminary resource estimate prepared internally by Fresnillo personnel. Fresnillo engaged SRK Consulting to audit this internal resource estimate on behalf of the Juanicipio Joint Venture. On February 19, 2009, MAG received an Audited Mineral Resource Statement by SRK (the "2009 Fresnillo Resource Estimate") which corresponds to the internal resource estimate prepared by Fresnillo personnel and modifies the resource classification to comply with the JORC Code. On February 24, 2009, Fresnillo released key elements of the 2009 Fresnillo Resource Estimate in a presentation delivered at the 2009 Global Metals and Mining Conference in Hollywood, Florida. Compared to the previous Juanicipio Joint Venture resource estimate prepared by Fresnillo and audited by SRK (the "2008 Fresnillo Resource Estimate", see MAG press release of June 18, 2008), the tonnage of the 2009 Fresnillo Resource Estimate is somewhat higher but the silver grade is significantly lower resulting in the contained silver ounces being significantly lower than Fresnillo's previous estimate. There are also some significant differences between the 2009 Fresnillo Resource Estimate and the 2009 Independent Resource Estimate by Scott Wilson RPA as described below. MAG has not yet been provided with the detailed data necessary to resolve these discrepancies. MAG Discussion of the Discrepancy between 2009 Independent Resource Estimate and 2009 Fresnillo Resource Estimate MAG CEO, Dan MacInnis commented: "The timing of the Fresnillo release is highly relevant given Fresnillo's December 1, 2008 announcement that it intends to make a "take-under" offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of MAG it does not already own at a price of US$4.54 per share. This offer price represented a 4.4% discount to the closing price of the MAG shares on the day before the take-under offer was announced and currently represents a discount of 20% to the closing price of MAG's shares on the NYSE Alternext on the last trading day prior to this press release." There is a significant discrepancy between the 2009 Independent Resource Estimate and the 2009 Fresnillo Resource Estimate, particularly in the total tonnage, silver grade and the contained ounces of silver in the Indicated Resource category and a significant difference in the Inferred Resource category. Certain of these details are set out below with reference to the initial 2008 Inferred Resource: Comparison Table(i)
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2009 2009
2008 Independent Fresnillo
Resource Resource Resource
Estimation Estimate Estimate
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Indicated
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Total Indicated Tonnes millions - 3.88 2.14
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Total Ag g/t - 972 783
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Total Contained Metal Ag M oz - 121 53.9
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Inferred
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Total Inferred Tonnes millions 7.3 8.24 6.63
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Total Ag g/t 1,011 549 601
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Total Contained Metal Ag M oz 237.8 145 128.1
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(i) Table prepared by MAG using inputs from 2008 Resource Estimate as
disclosed in MAG's June 18, 2008 press release, the 2009 Independent
Resource Estimate as disclosed in this press release and the 2009
Fresnillo Resource Estimate based on resource estimate numbers disclosed
by Fresnillo on February 24, 2009 in a presentation at the 2009 Global
Metals and Mining Conference in Hollywood, Florida, adjusted to separate
Indicated and Inferred Resources and to represent a 100% interest as set
out in the 2009 Fresnillo Resource Estimate.
- the 2009 Fresnillo Resource Estimate numbers cannot be reconciled to the 2009 Independent Resource Estimate or even to Fresnillo's own work from only eight months ago. - MAG was not afforded any opportunity to comment on, or provide input relating to, the preparation of the 2009 Fresnillo Resource Estimate by Fresnillo personnel. MAG was also provided with the SRK audit statement only two business days before Fresnillo's disclosure date. As a result of the delay and Fresnillo's continued efforts to limit the information available to MAG, MAG and its technical advisors were never given the opportunity to reconcile the two different resource estimations prior to their disclosure. - Fresnillo has continued to make it difficult for MAG to get access to key joint venture information. Fresnillo's actions are part of a continued pattern of behaviour that gave rise to MAG's inability to properly complete an independent valuation of MAG's securities. - MAG is deeply concerned that Fresnillo's actions appear to be another tactic in Fresnillo's strategy to acquire control of MAG at a "lowball" price that does not reflect the true value of MAG's world class assets. Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources Cautionary Note to Investors Concerning Estimates of Indicated Resources This press release uses the term "Indicated Resources". MAG advises investors that although this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations (under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize this term. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves. Cautionary Note to Investors Concerning Estimates of Inferred Resources This press release uses the term "Inferred Resources". MAG advises investors that although this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations (under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize this term. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into reserves. In addition, "Inferred Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, or economic studies except for Preliminary Assessment as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an Inferred Resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable. Qualified Person The mineral resources for the Juanicipio Joint Venture disclosed in this press release have been estimated by Dr. William Roscoe, P.Eng and Mr. David Ross, P.Geo., both employees of Scott Wilson RPA and independent of MAG. By virtue of their education and relevant experience Dr. Roscoe and Mr. Ross are "Qualified Persons" for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. The mineral resources have been classified in accordance with CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, (December 2005). Dr. Roscoe, P.Eng., and Mr. Ross, P.Geo. have read and approved the contents of this press release as it pertains to the disclosed mineral resource estimate. A National Instrument 43-101 technical report documenting the mineral resource estimate will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days. About MAG Silver Corp. (www.magsilver.com) MAG is focused on district scale projects located within the Mexican Silver Belt. Our mission is to become one of the premier companies in the Silver Mining Industry. MAG and its joint venture partner Fresnillo plc are delineating a significant new silver vein discovery on the Juanicipio Joint Venture in Zacatecas State, Mexico. MAG has also identified a new silver, lead and zinc discovery at its 100% owned Cinco de Mayo property. MAG is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Its common shares trade on the TSX under the symbol MAG and on the NYSE Alternext US (formerly AMEX) under the symbol MVG. On behalf of the Board of MAG SILVER CORP. Dan MacInnis, President and CEO |
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