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Kenorland Minerals and Auranova Resources Report Drill Results at the South Uchi Project, Ontario; Auranova Completes Initial Earn-In

By: Newsfile

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) (OTCQX: KLDCF) (FSE: 3WQ0) ("Kenorland" or the "Company") and Auranova Resources Inc. ("Auranova") are pleased to announce complete assay results from the 2025 Winter drill program at the South Uchi Project (the "Project"), located in the Red Lake District of Ontario. Assays from 27 diamond drill holes totaling 14,365 metres are reported herein. Kenorland and Auranova also jointly report that Auranova has completed the initial earn-in under the South Uchi option agreement, acquiring a 51% ownership interest in the Project.

Drill Highlights:

  • New gold system confirmed, with widespread mineralisation intersected in maiden drilling

  • Gold-bearing structures traced over five kilometres across the target area

  • 25 of 27 drill holes (93%) intersected intervals of gold assaying at least 0.1 g/t Au

  • 15 of 27 drill holes (56%) intersected intervals of gold assaying at least 1.00 g/t Au

  • 6 of 27 drill holes (22%) intersected intervals of gold assaying at least 5.00 g/t Au

  • Highest grade intercept of 14.60 g/t Au over 1.00 m

  • Mineralised corridor remains open in all directions

  • Follow-up drill program planned for late summer

Figure 1. Plan map of Papaonga with drill hole locations including highlights from this press release

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Zach Flood, President and CEO of Kenorland, stated: "The results from this maiden drill program mark a major step forward in unlocking the potential of South Uchi. Intersecting gold mineralisation across a five-kilometre structural corridor, in an area with no previously recorded gold occurrences, validates our early targeting efforts and highlights the scale of this newly discovered system. We look forward to advancing the next phase of follow-up drilling with Auranova."

Tom Obradovich, CEO of Auranova, stated: "We're excited to advance the next phase of drilling, targeting the gold-bearing structures identified in Phase 1. With a more focused approach, we aim to unlock the potential of this emerging gold system and gain a deeper understanding of the controls on mineralisation."

Discussion of Results

This program marks the first-ever drilling at the Papaonga gold target, following four years of systematic exploration. Prior to this work, no historical drilling or documented gold occurrences had been recorded within the target area. The maiden drill program consisted of 27 diamond drill holes totaling 14,365 metres, testing a 27km2 area identified by extensive gold-in-till and heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) gold grain anomalies (see press release dated September 11, 2024). Widely spaced drill fences, roughly 500 metres to greater than 1 kilometre apart were designed to test interpreted structural corridors concealed by deep overburden and Papaonga Lake.

Widespread gold mineralisation was intersected across the Papaonga target, hosted by various rock types including the sheared margin of the diorite, interbedded clastic sedimentary rocks and iron formation, and the volcaniclastic-mafic volcanic rock stratigraphy. A significant gold bearing structural corridor was intersected in multiple drill holes traced over a 5 kilometre strike length, trending east-west across the target area and remains open. Details include:

  • Drill hole 25PADD023, drilled along the most eastern fence, intersected 0.50m at 7.57 g/t Au and 9.50m at 1.19 g/t Au including 0.50m at 4.76 g/t Au, containing visible gold within multi-stage quartz and quartz-carbonate veins associated with arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, and trace chalcopyrite mineralisation and sericite-silica-carbonate-chlorite alteration. Figure 2 illustrates style of mineralisation and detailed images of visible gold intersected within 23PADD023, 147.50-157.00m downhole.

  • Approximately 3 kilometres to the west along strike, drill hole 25PADD016 intersected widespread gold anomalism including 1.35m at 7.00 g/t Au, 34.50m at 0.11 g/t Au, and 30.50m at 0.13 g/t Au.

  • Further to the west, approximately 1.5 kilometres along strike, drill hole 25PADD027 intersected numerous zones of notable gold mineralisation including 25.50m at 0.20 g/t Au, 1.00m at 14.60 g/t Au, and 8.50m at 0.48 g/t Au.

These results demonstrate widespread gold mineralisation and continuity of a significant structure across multiple kilometres, suggesting a robust gold-rich orogenic system. The broad zones of anomalous gold mineralisation, multiple vein and sulphide generations, visible gold, and strong deformation intersected in the initial drill program are indicative of the long-lived nature of fluid flow and deformation across the Papaonga target area. The major east-west trending deformation zone along volcanic and volcaniclastic stratigraphy remains open in all directions and a priority target for follow up.

Figure 2. Drill core from hole 25PADD023 (146.1m - 159.1m) highlights a zone of intense shearing with multiphase quartz veining, hosting 5-10% arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite and chalcopyrite along with visible gold, emphasized in the lower portion of the figure.

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Next Steps

A Phase 2 drill program, up to 5,000m, is scheduled for late summer 2025, focused on expanding on the newly discovered gold-bearing structural corridor identified during the maiden drill program. Tighter step-outs will be planned around 25PADD023 where volcaniclastic and mafic volcanic rocks are cross-cut by strongly mineralised shear zones, containing quartz-carbonate stockwork hosting visible gold. Broader spaced step-outs will test the east-west trending deformation zone between 25PADD016 and 25PADD023, as well as to the east of 25PADD023, where no drilling has been conducted and bedrock is concealed by deeper overburden.

Auranova Completes Initial Earn-In

Kenorland and Auranova jointly report that Auranova has completed the initial earn-in under the South Uchi option agreement (see press release dated December 2, 2024), acquiring a 51% ownership interest in the Project. As part of the earn-in milestone, Kenorland has received $500,000 in cash and 9,242,267 common shares of Auranova.

Table 1: Table of assay results from the 2025 winter drill program

HOLE IDFrom (m)To (m)Interval (m)Au (g/t)
25PADD007
118.50139.8521.350.49
Incl.124.50126.001.505.08
25PADD011
117.00118.001.004.08
And342.80344.001.205.58
And384.00384.600.603.80
25PADD014B
446.00474.0028.000.39
Incl.454.50456.001.502.90
25PADD015
216.30222.005.701.88
Incl.216.30217.000.707.03
25PADD016
174.90176.251.357.00
And219.20253.7034.500.11
And273.55304.0530.500.13
25PADD017
413.00414.001.004.32
25PADD023
117.00117.500.507.57
And147.50157.009.501.19
Incl.151.05151.550.504.76
25PADD027
414.00439.5025.500.20
And450.00451.001.0014.60
And468.00476.508.500.48

 

Table 2. Drill hole location and collar table of reported drill from the 2025 winter drill program

HOLE IDEasting (NAD83)Northing (NAD83)Elevation (m)Depth (m)DipAzimuth
25PADD0015500305641214418501.00-50140
25PADD0025506265640830408604.30-50140
25PADD0035504195641083423507.00-50140
25PADD0045503645640293405522.00-50140
25PADD0055492175639676406501.00-50145
25PADD0065514475641146415535.00-50140
25PADD0075508325640579403546.00-50140
25PADD0085505815640029403498.00-50140
25PADD0095493935639432410492.85-50145
25PADD0105510355640338400453.00-50140
25PADD0115516095640823411516.00-50140
25PADD0125507865639777398495.00-50140
25PADD0135551885640468394509.30-50170
25PADD0145514525639847394177.40-50140
25PADD014A551452563984739457.00-60140
25PADD014B5514525639847394537.00-64140
25PADD0155522395640084394469.20-50140
25PADD0165524375639844394534.00-48140
25PADD0175520245640338394540.00-60140
25PADD0185530395641285394501.00-50155
25PADD0195520875641199394468.00-50140
25PADD0205518165640586394600.00-60140
25PADD0215511855640150401600.00-50140
25PADD0225523075640990394483.00-50140
25PADD0235551385640775401531.00-50170
25PADD0245479665638698397522.00-50170
25PADD0255529495641666394555.00-50155
25PADD0265527745640830392585.00-50140
25PADD0275508685639581400525.00-50155

 

Figure 3. Regional volcanic assemblages with significant gold deposits and South Uchi Project location

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1 Kinross reports 2023 fourth-quarter and full-year results: (Date February 14, 2024) – Updated resource to the technical report titled Great Bear Project Ontario, Canada prepared by Nicos Pfeiffer, P.Geo., John Sims, CPG, Yves Breau, P.Eng., Rick Greenwood, P.Geo., Agung Prawasono, P.Eng., issued February 13, 2023

About South Uchi Project

The South Uchi Project was first identified and staked by Kenorland based on the under-explored region's prospectivity to host significant gold mineralised systems. The Project covers a portion of Confederation Assemblage volcanic rocks, as well as the boundary between the Uchi geological subprovince to the north and the English River geological subprovince to the south. Multiple major east-west striking deformation zones associated with the subprovince boundary transect the Project, resulting in zones of strong shearing and folding of the supracrustal stratigraphy, which are favourable settings for orogenic gold mineralisation. Prior to Kenorland staking the Project, records indicated little to no systematic exploration had been completed, and the land package remained under-explored. The majority of gold deposits in the Red Lake District (Red Lake, Madsen, Hasaga, and others) are located on the northern margin of the Confederation Assemblage. However, recent discoveries such as the LP Fault Zone on the Dixie Project by Great Bear Resources Ltd. (acquired by Kinross Gold and renamed Great Bear Project) highlight the prospectivity of the entire Confederation Assemblage along the southern margin of the Uchi subprovince.

Kenorland announced on December 2, 2024, that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Auranova, granting Auranova the right to earn up to a 70% interest in the Project. Pursuant to the agreement, Auranova may earn an initial 51% interest in the Project by making cash payments totalling $500,000 to Kenorland, completing a diamond drilling program with at least $8,000,000 in qualifying expenditures or completing 15,000 metres of drilling within two years of receiving a drill permit, issuing Kenorland 19.9% of Auranova's common shares, and maintaining Kenorland's 19.9% share position until Auranova raises a minimum of $10,000,000 through share issuances, after which Kenorland's stake will remain at 10% on a pro-rata basis through to the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA"). Kenorland has received the $500,000 in cash payments and currently holds 9,242,267 common shares of Auranova. Further, Auranova may earn an additional 19% interest, for a total of 70% interest in the Project, by incurring an additional $10,000,000 in qualifying expenditures on or before the third anniversary of Auranova's election to proceed with the second option. Kenorland will also retain a 30% carried interest in the Project through to the completion of the PEA, at which point a joint venture will be formed.

Kenorland also holds a 2% net smelter return royalty on the Project (see press release dated September 16, 2024).

Qualified Persons

Mr. Janek Wozniewski, B.Sc., P.Geo. (EGBC #172781, APEGS #77522, EGMB #48045, PGO #3824), a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.

William Yeomans, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101, has also reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. Mr. Yeomans is a gold exploration professional with over 40 years of experience in all stages of gold exploration throughout the Americas, including the Superior Province throughout Quebec and Ontario. He gained extensive exploration management experience across the entire Guiana Shield with BHP and has generated projects which resulted with significant NI 43-101 gold resources. He has worked as a consultant to IAMGOLD and Dundee Precious Metals Inc., identifying acquisition opportunities across Canada, the USA and South America. He is currently the President of Yeomans Geological Inc. as well as 1127637 B.C. Ltd. and has many years of experience as a board member for several junior mining companies.

QA/QC and Core Sampling Protocols

All drill core samples were collected under the supervision of Kenorland employees. Drill core was transported from the drill platform to the logging facility where it was logged, photographed, and split by diamond saw prior to being sampled. Samples were then bagged, and blanks and certified reference materials were inserted at regular intervals. Groups of samples were placed in large bags, sealed with numbered tags in order to maintain a chain-of-custody, and transported from Chibougamau to Bureau Veritas Commodities ("BV") laboratory in Timmins, Ontario.

Sample preparation and analytical work for this drill program were carried out by BV. Samples were prepared for analysis according to BV method PRP70-250: individual samples were crushed to 2mm (10 mesh) and a 250g split was pulverized to 75μm (200 mesh) for analysis and then assayed for gold. Gold in samples were analyzed using BV method FA430 where a 30g split is analyzed with fire assay by Pb collection and AAS finish. Over-limits gold samples were re-analyzed using BV method FA530 where a 30g split is analyzed with fire assay by Pb collection and gravimetric finish. Multi-element geochemical analysis (45 elements) was performed on all samples using BV method MA200 where a 0.25g split is by multi-acid digest with ICP-MS/ES finish. All results passed the QA/QC screening at the lab, all company inserted standards and blanks returned results that were within acceptable limits.

About Kenorland Minerals

Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) is a well-financed mineral exploration company focused on project generation and early-stage exploration in North America. Kenorland's exploration strategy is to advance greenfields projects through systematic, property-wide, phased exploration surveys financed primarily through exploration partnerships including option to joint venture agreements. Kenorland holds a 4% net smelter return royalty on the Frotet Project in Quebec which is owned by Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. The Frotet Project hosts the Regnault gold system, a greenfields discovery made by Kenorland and Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. in 2020. Kenorland is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

About Auranova Resources

The Company is an unlisted reporting issuer in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Its directors and major shareholders are Thomas Obradovich, Chris Taylor, Timothy Young and William Rand. The company is focused on the discovery of new gold systems in the Birch Uchi Belt in partnership with Kenorland Minerals Ltd. as well as expanding its presence in the greenstone belts of Ontario.

Further information can be found on the Company's website www.kenorlandminerals.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Kenorland Minerals,

Zach Flood
President, CEO & Director

For further information, please contact:

Alex Muir, CFA
Corporate Development and Investor Relations Manager
Tel +1 604 568 6005
info@kenorlandminerals.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Auranova Resources,

Thomas Obradovich
Chief Executive Officer
Tel +1 416 985 7140

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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.

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