ANTL Antler Gold Inc

HALIFAX, July 26, 2017 /CNW/ - Antler Gold Inc. ("Antler") (TSXV: ANTL) is pleased to provide an update on its continuing 2017 exploration program that includes significant gold-in-soil survey and rock assay results highlighting numerous new prospective gold target areas at its 100% owned Wilding Lake Gold Project ("Project") in central Newfoundland.

Final assays for 1632 of a total 3797 soil samples and 44 rock samples collected thus far in 2017 have been received. The soil survey was designed to extend the sampling completed in 2016 to the northeast and southwest and to date has successfully defined two significant new anomalous gold-in-soil trends (Birch and Larch) that extend for approximately a kilometer in length to the southwest of existing showings. In addition, the Cedar Elm (CE) Zone soil anomaly trend has been extended further to the northeast by approximately 250 metres.

Multiple boulder sized mineralized quartz float were discovered in two separate areas that are approximately 350 metres apart and are coincident with the Birch gold-in-soil anomaly trend. Four rock samples from the first location returned gold values up to 1.8 g/t and the second area returned up to 1.6 g/t from two rock samples. The Birch trend corresponds with a linear regional magnetic feature defined from Antler's recently completed helicopter-borne high resolution magnetic survey. In addition, a mineralized quartz float boulder coincident with the new northeast extension of the CE Zone soil anomaly trend returned 1.96 g/t Au. Note that grab samples are selected samples and results are not necessarily indicative of a property's potential and are not necessarily representative of the mineralization hosted on the property.

For maps showing the new trends and float locations, please visit www.antlergold.com and click on "News Release July 26^th, 2017".

A mechanical trenching program will commence in August to locate the potential bedrock sources of the new gold-in-soil survey anomalies and mineralized quartz float boulder results. This will be followed by a core drilling program to evaluate the new high-grade gold occurrences discovered in 2016, any new gold occurrences discovered in the upcoming trenching program, as well as test selected geophysical targets.

Dan Whittaker, President and CEO of Antler stated: "We're excited to report significant exploration progress made to date. We look forward to the trenching program in August to locate the potential bedrock sources to these new anomalies and mineralized quartz float boulder results. Our goal is to generate 15-20 quality drill targets for the fall program currently estimated to consist of approximately 3,000 metres. I also want to thank our crew for their diligent and productive work to date".

2017 Wilding Lake Gold Exploration Summary

The summer 2017 exploration program has focused on expanding on the 2016 soil survey grid area that was initially centered on the six gold occurrences discovered in 2016. These high grade gold occurrences include previously released saw-cut channel sample results of 6.0 grams per tonne ("g/t") over 8.5 metres ("m"), 8.7g/t over 6.7m and 49.3g/t over 4.6m from the Alder Zone, 28.8g/t over 1.0m, 12.2g/t over 0.9 at the Taz Zone and 101.5g/t over 0.5m, 93.1g/t over 1.3m, 37.5g/t over 0.9m and 18.0g/t over 1.2m from the Elm Zone.

These gold occurrences were found by prospecting near roads, limited soil sampling and trenching of the immediate Alder-Taz (AT) Zone and Cedar-Elm (CE) Zone area. The expanded systematic 2017 exploration program has included ground magnetic and IP-Resistivity geophysical surveys over these gold occurrences, a helicopter-borne triaxial magnetic geophysical survey covering the entire Project at a 75 metre line spacing, a till sample survey and a continuing soil sample geochemical survey.

In addition to the previously reported 1216 soil sample survey results collected in 2016, Antler has collected 3797 soil samples in 2017 mainly at a 25-metre spacing along 50-metre spaced grid lines. Soil sampling is continuing to the projected 5000 sample total for the season. The increased soil survey area now covers over 7.0 kilometres of the prospective gold bearing regional structural corridor.

The Wilding Lake Project encompasses 21,500 hectares and covers greater than 50 kilometres of prospective strike length following an important regional gold bearing structural corridor that hosts Antler's six gold occurrences discovered in 2016, as well as Marathon Gold Corporation's Valentine Lake project that is located immediately adjacent to and southwest of the Project. Antlers results indicate that the mineralizing system on the Wilding Lake Project is capable of producing both high grade gold and significant widths. Gold mineralization occurs within shear-related orogenic style quartz veins and quartz stockwork underneath shallow overburden in an area that has not previously been systematically explored for gold.

Regional Property Update

Following the closing of the option agreement for the right to earn a 100% interest in 1,678 mineral claims representing six separate regional projects in central Newfoundland from Altius Resources Inc. (see press release dated June 26, 2017), Antler conducted a one day helicopter supported reconnaissance expedition to the Victoria River, Intersection and Cape Ray properties to scout the area to assist with future exploration planning. The projects are all located on the strike extensions of the major structural corridor hosting gold mineralization at Antler's Wilding Lake Project and Marathon Gold's Valentine Lake Project, as well as Benton Resources Cape Ray gold deposit.

Antler personnel collected three grab rock samples from the historical Grandy's Lake Prospect located within Antlers Cape Ray property. The samples consisted of broken rubbly quartz-fragments from a historical trench exposing intensely sheared tonalite (sericite schist). The three sample assays are presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Grab Rock Sample Assay Results from the Historical Grandy's Lake Prospect, Cape Ray Project.

Note that grab samples are selected samples and results are not necessarily indicative of a property's potential and are not necessarily representative of the mineralization hosted on the property.

A helicopter-borne triaxial magnetic gradiometer survey at 100-metre spaced lines was conducted over the entire Crystal Lake and Victoria River properties. The purpose is to assist in the overall regional geological interpretation of the prospective areas and in particular the mapping of structures that are inferred to control gold mineralization. The survey was conducted by Scott Hogg and Associates Ltd. of Toronto, Ontario.

Quality Control

Grab sample results are not necessarily indicative of a property's potential. All rock and soil samples were collected by Antler Gold Inc. personnel on site and were dried and stored at Antler's secure facility located in Millertown, Newfoundland. Samples were sealed in bags and transported by Antler personnel to the Eastern Analytical Inc. laboratory in Springdale, Newfoundland. Gold was analyzed by 30g fire assay with AA-finish. Field management and Quality Assurance/Quality Control was performed by Dave Evans, P.Geo., Regional Manager of Antler Gold Inc., and Spencer Vatcher, P.Geo., Silvertip Exploration Consultants Inc. Interpretation of results was performed by Howard Bird P.Geo., Antlers VP, Exploration and Dave Evans, P.Geo. Antler Gold employs a QA/QC program consistent with NI 43-101 and industry best practices.

Howard Bird, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration of Antler Gold Inc., is the qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 guidelines and has reviewed and approved this release.

Cautionary Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking information, such as statements regarding Antler's planned work program for the Project. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions (including assumptions relating to general economic and market conditions) that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including risks relating to the ability to complete the work program in the expected timeframe, adverse weather and other conditions affecting work programs at the Project. Actual results may differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. Antler does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information in this release, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Antler. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the filings made by Antler with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.

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.

SOURCE Antler Gold Inc.