Goldstorm Targets “1 Billion Ton” Giant in BC’s Golden Triangle | Ken Konkin

Goldtorm Metals: Exploration in British Columbia’s Golden Triangle – A Detailed Summary

Key Concepts: Golden Triangle (British Columbia), Porphyry Deposits, Structural Geology, Induced Polarization (IP), Magnetotellurics (MT), Treaty Creek, Valley of the Kings, Electrum, High-Grade Silver Systems, Generational Mine Potential, Exploration Template, AI in Exploration.

1. Introduction & Background – The Golden Triangle Expertise

Paul Harris of Kiko Mining interviews Ken Conin, President & CEO of Goldtorm Metals (TSXV: GSTM), focusing on the company’s exploration activities in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, Canada. The conversation centers on Goldtorm’s strategy, leveraging past successes and geological understanding of the region to unlock significant gold, copper, and silver deposits. Conin emphasizes his extensive experience in the Golden Triangle, notably his involvement in the Bruce Jack Lake (Valley of the Kings) discovery starting in 2006, where drilling intersected 16,995 g/t gold over 1.6m with 8.5 kg of silver – a remarkably high-grade intersection composed of electrum (a naturally occurring gold-silver alloy). He highlights the importance of a skilled exploration team built on past collaborations.

2. The Tudor Gold Connection & Goldtorm’s Genesis

Goldtorm Metals was spun out from Tudor Gold in November 2022 to isolate and focus on specific assets south of the large Treaty Creek deposit. Tudor Gold currently owns approximately 11% of Goldtorm. The rationale behind the spin-out was to unlock value in these southern projects, which were not receiving adequate attention within the larger Tudor Gold framework. Treaty Creek itself is a significant discovery, currently estimated to contain around 25 million ounces of gold, 3 billion pounds of copper, and 150 million ounces of silver – a world-class gold-copper-silver deposit. The formation of Goldtorm was likened to “splitting house cards” to maximize potential.

3. Geological Framework & Structural Controls

A key theme throughout the discussion is the importance of understanding the regional geological structure. Conin describes a “structural pendulum” extending from the KSM (Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell) deposit in the north, swinging south through Treaty Creek, and continuing onto Goldtorm’s claims. This structure is a regional thrust belt with near-vertical structures potentially being thrusts at depth. The same rock ages and geological formations present at Treaty Creek and KSM are believed to extend through Goldtorm’s property, specifically along the Orion Spine. Previous work by Tudor Gold on the Tennyson property (now Luxor) revealed a copper-gold porphyry showing, further reinforcing the geological continuity. Understanding this structural framework is crucial for targeting exploration efforts.

4. Exploration Strategy: Leveraging an “Exploration Template”

Goldtorm’s exploration strategy is based on a successful “template” derived from past discoveries in the region. The company is applying lessons learned from Treaty Creek and Valley of the Kings to guide its drilling program. This includes recognizing the importance of being on the correct side of thrust faults and understanding the potential for repeated geological sequences. The company is not solely chasing high-grade surface showings but is focused on identifying the “source” of the mineralization, indicated by chargeability anomalies identified through geophysical surveys. The approach is described as “battleship” style – systematically eliminating unproductive areas and focusing on the most promising targets.

5. Geophysical Surveys & Target Identification

Induced Polarization (IP) and Magnetotellurics (MT) surveys are central to Goldtorm’s exploration strategy. A 1.2 km long chargeability anomaly has been identified, representing a significant target. The company is prioritizing drilling based on this anomaly, combined with visible high-grade structures at surface. Conin emphasizes that the initial drilling phase is designed to gather information and refine targeting, rather than immediately focusing on high-grade zones.

6. Drilling Program & Potential Scale

Goldtorm is planning a 30,000-meter drilling program across the Orion Spine. The goal is to identify a “billion-ton target” – a generational mine with significant long-term potential. Conin cites a historical drill hole on the northern edge of Goldtorm’s property (drilled by Tudor Gold in 2012) that intersected 222 meters of 0.9 g/t gold as evidence of the potential. Based on experiences at Treaty Creek, the company anticipates needing approximately 600 drill holes to define a resource, but believes that the existing geological understanding will allow for wider drill spacing (150-200 meters) once the main mineralization zones are identified.

7. The Role of AI in Exploration

Conin acknowledges the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in exploration but cautions that its effectiveness is limited in areas with limited existing data. He uses the analogy of teaching AI to play chess – it excels with a complete dataset but struggles with novel situations. In the Golden Triangle, particularly on Goldtorm’s largely unexplored claims, the geological understanding and regional template are more valuable than AI-driven analysis at this stage. However, AI could be useful for optimizing drill spacing once a substantial dataset is generated.

8. Financing & Recent Developments

Goldtorm was spun out during a challenging period for junior exploration financing. The company initially focused on lower-cost exploration methods, such as mapping and prospecting, and achieved success with the discovery of high-grade silver and gold at the Electrum project, including samples assaying up to 20 kg/t silver with 3 oz/t gold. The company currently has over $1 million in treasury.

9. Key Catalysts & Future Outlook

Key catalysts for Goldtorm over the next 12 months include:

• Commencement of the 30,000-meter drilling program: Scheduled to begin around July 15th, weather permitting.
• Initial drill results: Anticipated in late 2024.
• Exploration at the Delta West target: A newly exposed area south of Valley of the Kings with high-grade surface samples (up to 39.9 g/t gold).
• Continued development of the Electrum project: Focused on high-grade silver systems.

10. The Importance of Silver & Regional Infrastructure

Conin highlights the increasing importance of silver in the Golden Triangle, citing examples like the Calpine deposit (SK Creek) and Dolly Varden. He notes that rising silver prices are enhancing the economic viability of projects in the region. The development of infrastructure, such as the power line to the Pretium mine, is also seen as a positive catalyst, making the Golden Triangle a more attractive and safer jurisdiction for exploration.

Notable Quote:

“We’re after the elephant here, not the mink or the fox here. We’re after the elephant.” – Ken Conin, emphasizing the company’s focus on large-scale, generational deposits.

This summary provides a detailed overview of the Kiko Mining interview with Ken Conin, preserving the technical language and specific details from the original transcript. It aims to be a comprehensive resource for understanding Goldtorm Metals’ exploration strategy and potential in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia.