Potential Heap Leach Satellite Deposit At Ity Mine in Cote d'Ivoire

ABIDJAN - Endeavour Mining Corporation reported a new discovery at its Ity gold mine in Cote d'Ivoire, called Colline Sud, situated 2.5 kilometers from the current processing plant. The oxide mineralization encountered at Colline Sud could serve as a satellite deposit to potentially extend the current heap leach operation.

The Colline Sud mineralization occurs at or very near the surface and in two distinct areas referred to as the South East and North West sectors, with respective strike lengths of 500 meters and 350 meters. The mineralization in both sectors remains open at depth and in the North West sector also along strike. Similar to other targets identified on the Ity property, Colline Sud is a historical gold in soil anomaly. A short shallow drilling campaign was first conducted to confirm mineralization which was then followed-up with the recently completed 116-hole reverse-circulation (RC) and diamond-drilling (DD) program totaling 11,955 meters. Patrick Bouisset, Executive Vice-President Exploration and Growth of Endeavour, commented: "This new discovery - the second announced at Ity since September - along with the other targets outlined by historic geochemistry and our recent auger drilling program, demonstrates the prolific geological context of this district. Though smaller than the recently announced Bakatouo discovery, we believe Colline Sud provides the potential to extend the current heap leach operation. As we increase our exploration activity, we are excited to pursue and expand our ongoing exploration program to other identified targets." 

The Colline Sud mineralization is mainly hosted by surficial oxidized clays. In the South East sector it is oriented at N45 azimuth along strike and dipping on average at 55 degrees to the NW. It sits above some enhanced dissolution areas located at the contact between marbles and volcano sediments. Mineralization is also hosted in volcano sediment and skarnoide marble at depth. The contact between carbonate and volcano sediments could represent a possible shearing zone, which may have favoured posterior circulation of fluids linked with neighboring intrusives. Skarns facies are also present, although less developed than in Mount Ity or in the recently announced Bakatouo discovery. Ore bodies in Colline Sud are also thinner and less developed than at Bakatouo.

A maiden resource is expected to be published during the fourth quarter of 2016 for both Colline Sud and the previously announced Bakatouo discovery.

 Endeavour intends to resume exploration in and around the Ity mine after the end of the rainy season in November, with up to six drill rigs expected to be operational. A follow-up 3,700 meter RC and DD drilling program is planned on Colline Sud to test the extensions and conduct infill drilling. In addition, an 8,000 meter DD drilling campaign is also planned on Bakatouo. Other nearby targets are also being explored.