Northern Vertex Mining Corp. (TSX-V: NEE) (OTC Nasdaq Intl.: NHVCF) is pleased to provide fiscal Q3 production results and an operational update related to continuous improvement initiatives, exploration drilling, and capital projects for its Moss Mine.

Gold production in the current quarter increased as compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2019.  The Company expects quarterly gold production to continue to increase following the completion of a second leach pad and the implementation of a new intermediate leach solution system as described below under the section Operational Highlights.  In addition, Management continues to evaluate other opportunities to potentially increase gold production while reducing costs.  Consequently, the Company continues to advance its tradeoff study for utilizing a 3/8-inch crush size versus the current 1/4-inch crush size, which if successful could significantly increase ore volumes processed.  

Operational Highlights

Safety/COVID 19

Further to the Company’s most recent update regarding COVID-19 Virus, the Company reports no known or suspected cases of infection at the Moss Mine nor at its office in Vancouver.  Production at the Moss Mine continues uninterrupted and the Company will continue to meet or exceed the recommendations and guidelines of public health authorities at both state and federal levels.  In addition to focusing on staff safety and hygiene, the Company has enacted numerous business continuity measures to ensure uninterrupted operations, including the early purchase of key consumables and repair parts, and the completion of major overhauls of equipment earlier this year.  While these actions have increased the all-in sustaining cost of the site during the period, they are expected to pay dividends in the periods ahead.

Leach Pad Expansion

The Company is pleased to announce that a second leach pad was commissioned in early March, which is located north of the existing pad.  The Company has been stacking crushed ore on the new pad over the last month, and in addition, management commissioned a new intermediate leach solution system to enhance recoveries.  The ILS is expected to accelerate the recovery of previously placed gold and silver ounces from the initial pad, while the new leach pad should produce ounces rapidly.  The benefits of both projects will be fully reflected in the next fiscal quarter.

Exploration Update

The 2020 infill drilling and exploration drill program is underway with six target areas being assessed, and contractor bids to execute the drill program have been received.   Drilling will commence in May with an objective to 1) convert inferred and indicated resources into measured resources, 2) de-risk near mine development while adding gold ounces to the overall resource, and 3) evaluate previously identified exploration targets on the Moss vein, and along other veins in the area.

Powerline

Construction has started on the $2.1 million, 6.9-mile electrical powerline project.  System design is now complete and long lead time items have been purchased.  Northern Vertex expects the construction of the powerline to be completed in the fall of 2020, with the economic benefits starting to be captured in final quarter of 2020.

Mine to Crusher

Mine operations continue to expand with the successful pioneering of the east pit.  Ore is now being delivered to the crusher from that area, and regular production from the east pit is scheduled to begin in May.  West Pit pioneering is scheduled to begin in late May or early June.  Crushing operations continue to greatly exceed expectations. 

Human Resources

The Company welcomed Paul Westwood, Mine Controller to our staff March 16, 2020, and Adam Knight was appointed as the Technical Services Manager on April 27, 2020. 

About Northern Vertex Mining Corp.

Northern Vertex Mining Corp. is focused on low cost gold and silver production at its 100% owned Moss Mine in NW Arizona. The Company has experience across all areas of operations, mine development, exploration, acquisitions and financing of mining projects. With operations at the flagship Moss Mine achieving commercial production the Company intends to consolidate additional producing or near-term production gold assets within the Western US. Through mergers and acquisitions Northern Vertex’s corporate goal is to become a mid-tier gold producer.