FOR: NAUTILUS MINERALS INC.
TSX, AIM SYMBOL: NUS
November 4, 2009
Nautilus Discovers Two New High Grade SMS Systems in the Bismarck Sea
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 4, 2009) - Nautilus Minerals Inc. (TSX:NUS)(AIM:NUS) (the "Company" or
"Nautilus") is pleased to announce the discovery of Solwara 12 and Solwara 13, two new Seafloor Massive
Sulphide ("SMS") systems on its wholly owned exploration licences in Papua New Guinea ("PNG"). Discovered
during the first five days of Nautilus' 2009 target testing campaign, Solwara 12 returned handheld x-ray
fluorescence ("XRF") results up to a maximum of 23.4% copper ("Cu") and 36% zinc ("Zn") from 10 chimney samples
collected from the new site. Solwara 13, discovered only four days later, returned XRF results from seven
chimney samples up to a maximum of 19.3% Cu and 38.5% Zn.
The 42 days of target generation work conducted earlier this year from MV Fugro Solstice yielded a large number
of SMS exploration targets. Due to this success and the high conversion in turning generated targets into new
SMS discoveries, Nautilus has exercised an option for an additional 28 days of vessel time. The extra time will
allow Nautilus to extend its target testing campaign to investigate other high ranking targets.
Stephen Rogers, Nautilus' CEO commented: "Nautilus is fast-tracking the exploration and discovery of SMS
systems to build an inventory for future drilling and appraisal. This early double success in the MV Fugro
Solstice target testing program confirms the prospectivity of Nautilus' Bismarck Sea tenements and our ability
to quickly discover new SMS systems."
Target testing commenced in the Bismarck Sea on 20 October 2009. On 24 October 2009, Nautilus discovered
Solwara 12 during a remotely operated vehicle ("ROV") dive, on the second target tested. An area containing
inactive sulphide chimneys (up to 12 metres high) was mapped using the ROV. Nautilus recovered 12 grab samples
comprising 10 sulphide samples and two volcanic samples. Figure 1 illustrates the location of the Solwara 12
and 13 discoveries.
Links:
Figure 1:
www.nautilusminerals.com/i/misc/Figure1_LocationofSolwaraProspects.pdf
Figure 2:
www.nautilusminerals.com/i/misc/Figure2_Solwara12SMSsystem.pdf
Figure 3:
www.nautilusminerals.com/i/misc/Figure3_Solwara13SMSsystem.pdf
Figure 2 illustrates the distribution of 10 sulphide chimney samples from Solwara 12, near the apex of a knoll
(more than 120 metres high), located on the southeastern edge of the DESMOS Caldera, in the eastern Manus
Basin. The knoll extends significantly beyond the observed outcrop of Solwara 12, along two sediment covered
ridges: one trending north and the other trending west. The extent of mineralisation beneath the sediment is
unknown and mineralisation as observed to date is open in several directions, particularly to the west and
north.
On 28 October 2009, Nautilus discovered Solwara 13. Nautilus recovered seven grab samples comprising massive
sulphides from the centre of Solwara 13; plus two scoop samples from the softer outer edges of the mineralised
system where iron manganese ("Fe-Mn") oxides dominate.
Figure 3 illustrates the distribution of seven sulphide chimney samples from Solwara 13 which occurs at the
southwest end of the Yuam Ridge, in the eastern Manus Basin.
/T/
Table 1 - Solwara 12 XRF(i) Analysis Results of Sulphide Samples
------------------
XRF (avg %(1))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sample Weight Lith-
No (g) Cu Zn Pb Easting(2) Northing(2) Depth(2) ology
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22561 4700 0.4 36.0 4.3 375817 9590023 -1876 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22562 4900 0.5 23.2 0.7 375856 9590023 -1866 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22564 5500 0.4 18.8 0.6 375870 9589991 -1910 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
less
than Massive
22565 3900 15.6 2.0 LOD 375849 9590083 -1922 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22566 5200 1.0 30.6 1.4 375888 9590088 -1907 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22568 5500 0.7 27.0 1.5 375915 9590092 -1899 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22569 3700 0.6 19.4 5.2 375949 9590085 -1887 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22570 7300 12.6 14.7 0.1 375852 9590082 -1923 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22571 4500 23.4 10.5 1.3 375877 9590024 -1901 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22573 5200 1.2 19.1 7.6 375961 9590118 -1905 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
less
than
Minimum 0.4 2.0 LOD
---------------------------
Maximum 23.4 36.0 7.6
---------------------------
Average 5.6 20.1 2.3
---------------------------
1. Average of 10 analyses per sub-sample using hand-held XRF(i).
2. Coordinates projected as UTM zone 56 south using a WGS 1984 datum
3. less than LOD equals below detection limit
Table 2 - Solwara 13 XRF(i) Analysis Results of Sulphide Samples
------------------
XRF (avg %(1))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sample Weight Lith-
No (g) Cu Zn Pb Easting(2) Northing(2) Depth(2) ology
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22574 2600 13.2 12.0 0.3 360741 9587443 -2006 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22576 3800 0.7 38.5 3.9 360740 9587427 -2002 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22577 6500 0.5 32.1 1.0 360766 9587467 -2004 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22578 3650 19.3 3.6 0.1 360750 9587449 -2005 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22579 6700 0.4 25.2 6.0 360776 9587466 -2006 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22581 1600 10.3 11.9 0.2 360757 9587438 -2001 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive
22582 6000 5.8 21.5 1.4 360759 9587433 -1997 Sulphide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum 0.4 3.6 0.1
---------------------------
Maximum 19.3 38.5 6.0
---------------------------
Average 7.2 20.7 1.8
---------------------------
1. Average of 10 analyses per sub-sample using hand-held XRF(i).
2. Coordinates projected as UTM zone 56 south using a WGS 1984 datum
/T/
Target Testing Procedure
Sulphide mineralisation at Solwara 12 and Solwara 13 was observed using the ROV during target testing
traverses. The planned traverses are generally a series of parallel lines, nominally 200 or 300 metres apart.
When chimney structures are located, using a combination of video and sonar apparatus, that area is mapped in
greater detail with the ROV.
No equipment capable of mapping any mineralisation beneath the seafloor is currently fitted to the ROV.
Sampling Procedure
Grab samples were collected from the seafloor using a manipulator arm mounted on the ROV. Chimney samples
averaging 37 kg (from 5 kg to 70 kg) were collected using the ROV manipulator arm, and placed in a separate
sample cage for recovery to the ship. They were then processed on board. Sample selections targeted material
exposed at the seafloor surface, across different parts of Solwara 12 and 13. Sub-samples from the chimneys
averaging 4.8 kg (from 1.6 kg to 7.3 kg), were taken from each of the chimney samples using a pneumatic jack
hammer, generally representing a cross section of the chimney at the base of the chimney. The remaining
portions of each sample were retained for reference purposes.
Small volcanic samples (1.4 kg to 6.2 kg) were collected using the ROV manipulator arm and placed in the sample
box attached to the ROV. Scoop samples (1.4 kg to 2.0 kg) were also taken using the ROV manipulator arm, by
scooping the outside of the softer oxide-bearing chimney structures, with a small (approximately 1 litre) metal
container. Once the scoop sample is taken, a second manipulator arm releases a tie, to secure the lid on the
scoop container. The scoop is then placed in the sample box on the ROV. XRF readings for Cu, Zn and lead
("Pb"), on the Fe-Mn oxide bearing scoop samples were below the detection limit for the XRF machine and are
therefore not reported herein.
Equipment Spread
The mapping work described herein was completed using a Fugro FV300 series ROV. The ROV is equipped with
sensors used to map the seafloor. These include: various video cameras and two magnetometers provided by Ocean
Floor Geophysics Inc. In addition, high-resolution mapping sonars housed on the ROV are being successfully used
for the first time to identify real-time seafloor features ahead and to the sides of the ROV beyond the range
of the video camera systems used previously.
For seafloor sampling purposes, the ROV is equipped with two manipulator arms and a custom-built sample tray,
or "geobox", for storing up to 10 hand-sized grab samples or scoop samples. Larger samples are stowed and
recovered using a custom built array of salvage bins.
(i)Note on results of indicative analyses from hand-held XRF, Niton XLT 592KW instrument
A hand-held XRF instrument (Niton XLT 592) was used to obtain indications of the metal grades of materials
recovered from the seafloor. The instrument does not provide the accuracy required to report assays. The
instrument is not calibrated using certified reference standards and the samples have not been crushed and
prepared to minimise matrix effects, which may affect the accuracy of the analyses. However, a suite of eight
standard reference samples were analysed for Cu, Zn, Pb and Fe prior to use on the MV Fugro Solstice 2009
cruise. These results, together with past comparisons between the XRF analyses and assay results for similar
samples, indicate the XRF tool is a reliable method for providing indicative results of the tenor of
mineralisation, and provides valuable data for "real-time" decisions to be made.
Measurements by the hand-held XRF are not assay results and do not measure gold ("Au") or silver ("Ag").
Samples will be formally assayed by an ALS Group laboratory in Queensland, Australia.
Qualified Person
The exploration results reported in this announcement have been compiled under the supervision of Michael
Johnston, Vice President Strategic Development of Nautilus. Mr Johnston is a member of the Australasian
Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has over 25 years experience in mining and exploration geology, and is a
qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. He consents to his name being used in this release.
About Nautilus Minerals Inc.
Nautilus is the first company to commercially explore the ocean floor for gold and copper seafloor massive
sulphide deposits and is currently developing its first project. The Company's main focus is the Solwara 1
Project, which is located in the territorial waters of Papua New Guinea in the western Pacific Ocean. Nautilus
is listed on the TSX and on AIM, and has among its largest shareholders two of the world's leading
international resource companies, Anglo American (11.1%) and Teck Resources (6.8%). Metalloinvest, one of the
largest and fastest growing mining and metallurgical holding companies in Russia, beneficially owns 21.0% of
its shares through Gazmetall Holding (Cypress) Limited.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Nautilus Minerals Inc. (Toronto)
Investor Relations
+1 (416) 551 1100
investor@nautilusminerals.com
www.nautilusminerals.com
OR
Nautilus Minerals Inc.
Australian Project Office
+61 (7) 3318 5555
OR
Numis Securities Limited
John Harrison
Nominated adviser
+ 44(0) 20 7260 1000
OR
Numis Securities Limited
James Black
Corporate broking
+ 44(0) 20 7260 1000
Neither the TSX nor the London Stock Exchange accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press
release.
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Nautilus Minerals Inc.