Manitou Gold Announces 99% Recovery of Gold from Metallurgical Testing at Kenwest

SUDBURY, Ontario, April 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Manitou Gold Inc. (TSX-V:MTU) (the “Company” or “Manitou”) is pleased to announce receipt of metallurgical test work designed to provide indications of expected gold recoveries at its Kenwest property located approximately 50 km South of Dryden, Ontario.

Following the receipt of the initial surface bulk sample results, in which Manitou recovered 6.5 g/t gold over a trench length of 12.1 m (see press release dated February 13, 2018), the Company requested SGS Minerals to prepare a representative 100 kg composite, for metallurgical testing at the SGS Lakefield laboratory.  The preparation of the composite sample was undertaken directly by SGS, in their secure facilities.

The metallurgical test work focused on the amenability of a bulk sample to gravity separation and cyanide leaching. The test work was also used to confirm the head grade of the sample.

The bulk sample was ground to 80% passing through a 103 micron screen and used for a single gravity separation and bulk cyanidation test.  The gravity gold recovery from the Knelson concentrate was measured at 88.6%, which is considered to be a very high recovery level in a simple gravity circuit.

The gravity tailing sample responded well to cyanidation using standard conditions, with the 48-hour leach extraction testing returning 95.1% recovery. The overall gravity, plus cyanidation gold recovery, was accordingly, very high at 99.4% for the composite sample.

SGS also reports that the calculated head grade of the 100 kg composite sample was 8.9 g/t gold.  This contrasts with the expected 6.5 g/t head grade previously obtained from prior testing of the bulk sample by SGS.  This contrast suggests that additional bulk sample testing will be required to establish reliable grades for the Kenwest gold mineralization as we advance the property.

Cyanide (NaCN) and lime (CaO) consumptions were both 0.79 kg/t.

A map illustrating the bulk sample location can be found on the Manitou Gold website.

“I am very encouraged by both the very high gold recoveries reported by SGS laboratories, as well as by the increased grade of gold actually retrieved from this initial metallurgical test sample taken at Kenwest,” stated Richard Murphy, CEO of Manitou Gold.  “These results clearly indicate the need for additional bulk sampling, in order to get a better understanding of the full grade potential of the Kenwest gold mineralization.”

Manitou is currently preparing a new 3-D model of the project geology and mineralization in order to develop plans for the next round of exploration drilling.  At the same time, the Company is preparing documentation required for permitting an underground bulk sample at Kenwest.

For further information on Manitou Gold Inc., contact:

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

Richard Murphy, P.Geo is the qualified person responsible for the technical content contained in this document.

A single 100 kg gravity separation test was completed to evaluate the recovery of gold, as well as to provide gravity separation tailing for downstream cyanide leaching.  Ore charges (10 kg) were ground in a laboratory rod mill at 65% solids for a set time to reach the target grind size P80 of approximately 105 μm. The ground material was processed through a Knelson MD-3 laboratory concentrator operating under standard lab conditions. The Knelson concentrate was recovered and assayed to extinction for gold. The Knelson tailing was forwarded for cyanidation.

The gravity (Knelson) tailing from test G-1 was submitted for a 48-hour cyanidation test to investigate the response of the sample to cyanide leaching. A 200 L drum was used for the test which was equipped with an overhead mixer, baffles, and air injection.  Air was sparged into the pulp at a rate of ~13 L/min to maintain a dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of 5-8 mg/L. Solution subsamples were not taken during the test. Upon completion of the test, a subsample of the pulp was pumped from the bulk test and filtered, with the final solution being collected and submitted for gold analysis. The filter cake was washed with water, dried, and assayed for gold (triplicate 30 g cuts by fire assay). A subsample of the residue was also submitted for particle size analysis to confirm the grind size P80.

Forward Looking Statements – Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, statements with respect to the prospective nature of any of Manitou’s property interests. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the timing and amount of future exploration, the availability of necessary financing, the progress of exploration activities, the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, and assumptions with respect to currency fluctuations, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, and other similar matters. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Manitou, including, but not limited to the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, risks inherent in exploration and development activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined, mineral prices, competition, access and supply risks, reliance on key personnel, operational risks, capitalization and financing risks, risks related to disputes concerning property titles and interest, and environmental risks. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.