EX-99.1 2 blackwater_tech-20120323.htm BLACKWATER TECHNCIAL REPORT DATED MARCH 23, 2012 blackwater_tech-20120323.htm


Exhibit 99.1
 
TECHNICAL REPORT
BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
Omineca Mining Division
British Columbia, Canada

 
Prepared for
 
New Gold Inc.
3110 – 666 Burrard Street,
Vancouver, BC V6C 2X8
 
 
 
 
Effective Date: March 7, 2012
Report Date: March 23, 2012


Ronald G. Simpson, P.Geo
GeoSim Services Inc.
1975 Stephens St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6K 4M7
Tel:           (604) 803-7470
Email: rgs@uniserve.com
 
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
 

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources
 
 
This technical report uses the terms 'measured resources', 'indicated resources' and 'inferred resources'. New Gold advises United States investors that while these terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations (under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects), the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. In addition, 'inferred resources' have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, or economic studies except for a Preliminary Assessment as defined under 43-101. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

GeoSim Services
 
Page 2

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
DATE AND SIGNATURE PAGE
 
 
The effective date of this Technical report, entitled “Technical Report, Blackwater Gold Project” is March 7, 2012.
 
 

 
“Ronald G. Simpson”
 
__________________________________
 
 
Ronald G. Simpson, P.Geo.
 
 
Date: March 23, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 3

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1         SUMMARY
7
1.1
Introduction
7
1.2
Geology and Mineralization
7
1.3
Project History
7
1.4
Drill Hole and Assay Database
8
1.5
Metallurgical Testing
8
1.6
Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves
9
1.7
Conclusions and Recommendations
9
2         INTRODUCTION
11
2.1
Introduction
11
2.2
Terms of Reference
11
3         RELIANCE ON OTHER EXPERTS
11
4         PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION
11
4.1
Location
11
4.2
Mineral Rights
12
4.3
Surface Rights
15
4.4
Nature and Extent of Issuer’s Title
15
4.5
Permits & Environmental Liabilities
16
5         ACCESSIBILITY, CLIMATE, LOCAL RESOURCES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
17
5.1
Accessibility
17
5.2
Local Resources Infrastructure
17
5.3
Physiography
17
5.4
Climate
17
6         HISTORY
17
7         GEOLOGICAL SETTING AND MINERALIZATION
19
7.1
Regional Geology
19
7.2
Local and Property Geology
21
7.3
MINERALIZATION
22
8         DEPOSIT TYPE
24
9         EXPLORATION
25
9.1
Geophysical Surveys
25
9.2
LiDAR Survey
26
10         DRILLING
27
10.1
Historic Drilling
27
10.2
Recent Drilling Aug 2009 – Dec 2011
28
10.3
Sampling Method and Approach
37
11         SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES AND SECURITY
38
11.1
Historic Drilling
39
11.2
Sample Reference Standards
39
11.3
Duplicate Samples
41
11.3.1
Field Duplicates
41
11.3.2
Between Lab Pulp Checks
43
11.3.3
Duplicate Pulp Analyses
44
11.3.4
Coarse reject duplicate analyses
47
11.4
Blanks
49
11.5
Conclusions
49
12         DATA VERIFICATION
49
12.1
Site Visit
49
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 4

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT

 
13         MINERAL PROCESSING AND METALLURGICAL TESTING
50
14         MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE
51
14.1
Exploratory Data Analysis
51
14.2
Outlier Analysis
55
14.3
Deposit Modeling
55
14.4
Compositing
57
14.5
Density
58
14.6
Variogram Analysis
58
14.7
Block Model and Grade Estimation Procedures
60
14.8
Mineral Resource Classification
66
14.9
Model Validation
69
14.10
Mineral Resource Summary
72
15         ADJACENT PROPERTIES
74
16         OTHER RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION
74
17         INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS
75
18         RECOMMENDATIONS
76
19         REFERENCES
77


LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 1 Mineral Resource Summary
9
Table 4 1 Blackwater Mineral Tenure Status
13
Table 6 1 Project work history
18
Table 7 1 Drill database lithologic codes
22
Table 10 1 Core drilling summary to Dec 31, 2011
27
Table 10 2 2011 New Gold drilling summary
28
Table 10 3 Significant intercepts 2011 New Gold drilling
32
Table 10 3 Blackwater Deposit Bulk Density Values
37
Table 11 1 Certified reference standards
40
Table 11 2 Summary of CDN and WCM standards, best values and performance
40
Table 11 3 Field duplicate statistics for values < 10 g/t Au
41
Table 11 4 Between lab pulp check statistics
43
Table 12 1 Assay results from samples collected during site 2010 visit
49
Table 14 1 Summary of drilling used for resource estimation
51
Table 14 2 Sample statistics
54
Table 14 3  Block model lithologic codes
55
Table 14 4 Composite statistics
57
Table 14 5 Density statistics for modeled lithologies
58
Table 14 6 Indicator variogram models
58
Table 14 7 Semi-variogram model parameters - Au
59
Table 14 8 Semi-variogram model parameters - Ag
59
Table 14 9 Block model parameters
60
Table 14 10 Au grade model search parameters
60
Table 14 11 Ag grade model search parameters
61
Table 14 12 Global mean grade comparison
69
Table 14 13 Blackwater Gold Project Mineral Resource Summary
72
Table 14 14 Resource by material type COG=0.4 g/t Au
73
Table 18 1 2012 Blackwater Proposed PEA Budget
76

 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 5

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT

 
LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 4 1 Location map
12
Figure 4 2 Mineral claim map
13
Figure 7 1 Regional geology
20
Figure 7 2 Property geology
21
Figure 8 1 Cross section of conceptual model
24
Figure 9 1 IP Chargeability - 2010 Quantec survey
25
Figure 9 2  N-S section chargeability data near centre of the mineralized zone
26
Figure 10 1 Drill hole plan
32
Figure 11 1 Scatterplot of field duplicate results for Au
42
Figure 11 2 Scatterplot of field duplicate results for Ag
42
Figure 11 3 Cumulative Frequency ARD Chart – Field Duplicates
43
Figure 11 4 Between-lab pulp recheck scatterplots
44
Figure 11 5 Cumulative Frequency ARD Chart – Pulp Duplicates
45
Figure 11 6 Scatterplot of pulp duplicate results - Au
46
Figure 11 7 Scatterplot of pulp duplicate results - Ag
46
Figure 11 8 Cumulative Frequency ARD Chart – Coarse Reject Checks
47
Figure 11 9 Scatterplot of coarse reject results - Au
48
Figure 11 10 Scatterplot of coarse reject results - Ag
48
Figure 14 1 Structural domains and EDA envelope
52
Figure 14 2 Plan view of structural domains and Au gradeshell domains
52
Figure 14 3 Scatterplot of Au vs Ag sample data
53
Figure 14 4 Frequency distribution of Au within gradeshell constraints
54
Figure 14 5 Frequency distribution of Ag within structural domains
54
Figure 14 6 Block lithology on section 5892800N
56
Figure 14 7 Weathering profile on section 5892800N
57
Figure 14 8 Search ellipsoids derived from indicator variograms
59
Figure 14 9 Frequency distribution of Au grades in block model
61
Figure 14 10 Frequency distribution of Ag grades in block model
61
Figure 14 11 Au block grade distribution – Section 5892800N
62
Figure 14 12 Ag block grade distribution – Section 5892800N
62
Figure 14 13 Au block grade distribution – Section 5892900N
63
Figure 14 14 Ag block grade distribution – Section 5892900N
63
Figure 14 15 Au block grade distribution – Section 375000E
64
Figure 14 16 Ag block grade distribution – Section 375000E
64
Figure 14 17 Au block grade distribution
65
Figure 14 18 Block classification - Plan view
68
Figure 14 19 Block classification - Section 5892800N
68
Figure 14 20 Perspective view of block model and pit shell
69
Figure 14 21 Swath plot (E-W) at 5892800-2830 North
70
Figure 14 22 Swath plot (N-S) at 375570-5600 East
70
Figure 14 23 Swath plot by elevation at 375300 East
71
Figure 14 24 Grade-Tonnage comparison of estimation methods
72


GeoSim Services
 
Page 6

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
1  
SUMMARY
 
This technical report on the Blackwater Gold Project (the “Project”) dated March 23, 2012 has been prepared by Geosim Services Inc. (“Geosim”) at the request of New Gold Inc. (“New Gold” or the “Corporation”), which has an office in Vancouver B.C., Canada.  The report was written in compliance with disclosure and reporting requirements set in the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101, Companion Policy 43-101CP, and Form 43-101F1. In general, the information in this report is current as of March 7, 2012.  An updated mineral resource estimate is provided based upon the current geological interpretation and exploration results obtained as of the effective date.
 
1.1  
Introduction
 
The Blackwater Gold Project (the “Project”) is on the northern flanks of Mt. Davidson in the Nechako Plateau, approximately 110 km southwest of the town of Vanderhoof.  Richfield Ventures Corp. (“Richfield”) acquired the property through option agreements with Silver Quest Resources Ltd. (“Silver Quest”) and from private individuals in early 2009.  On June 1, 2011 New Gold acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Richfield pursuant to a court approved plan of arrangement, and Richfield ceased trading on the TSX Venture.
 
Mineral claims presently comprising the Blackwater Gold Project are 100% controlled by New Gold, with 61 of 64 claims owned 100% by New Gold and 3 claims held under an option agreement between New Gold and private individuals.  The total area of the Blackwater Gold Project tenures is 25,240 hectares.
 
1.2  
Geology and Mineralization
 
The property is within a structurally raised block, termed the Nechako Uplift, that juxtaposes older Jurassic arc related rocks (Hazelton and Bowser Lake groups) with younger Eocene extensional related rocks (Ootsa Lake and Endako groups).  This uplift provides a direct window into the volcanic, volcaniclastic and sedimentary rocks of the Hazelton and Bowser Lake groups.  These stratified rocks are locally intruded by late Cretaceous felsic plutons such as the Capoose batholith. The widespread Eocene Ootsa Lake and Endako groups overlie these older volcanic and intrusive rocks. The entire package is capped by basalts of the Chilcotin Group.
 
1.3  
Project History
 
The Blackwater Gold Project area has been actively explored since the discovery of anomalous concentrations of silver, lead and zinc in silt samples taken from streams draining the Mt. Davidson area in 1973 by Granges. Historic work carried out by Granges between 1976 and 1994 included soil geochemistry, geophysics (VLF, magnetics and IP), reverse circulation (“RC”) drilling and diamond drilling.  Granges completed 37 core holes (4478 m) and 33 RC holes (3400 m) between 1981 and 1994.  In 2005 and 2006 Silver Quest drilled 7 core holes (1333 m).
 
Richfield began exploration drilling on the Project in 2009 when the company recognized the bulk gold potential on the property. In March 2009, Richfield optioned the Davidson and Dave claims from Silver Quest and the Rozek family respectively.  Between September 2009 and June 2011, Richfield completed 134 core holes totaling 44,736 m.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 7

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
On June 1, 2011 New Gold acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Richfield pursuant to a court approved plan of arrangement, and Richfield ceased trading on the TSX Venture Exchange.
 
On December 21, 2011, the Company acquired Geo Minerals Ltd. (“Geo”) which had additional landholdings in the Blackwater Gold Project area, and Geo ceased trading on the TSX-Venture Exchange.
 
On December 23, 2011, the Company acquired Silver Quest which held the remaining 25% interest in the Davidson claims, and Silver Quest ceased trading on the TSX-Venture Exchange.
 
Between June 2011 and year end, New Gold completed 133 additional core holes totaling 44,736 m.
 
1.4  
Drill Hole and Assay Database
 
New Gold’s drill hole and assay database is administered from the Vancouver head office using Maxwell Geoservices products. Drill hole data logged in the field is entered into a LogChief database specifically tailored to the Blackwater Gold Project. LogChief validates this data as it is entered, and the final logs are exported and transferred to the database administrator in Vancouver for import to Datashed, the master database. Additional data validation checks are carried out in DataShed and all logs are checked by the administrator. Access permission for entering and editing data into the database is restricted to the New Gold Corporate Exploration Manager and Database Administrator for the Project.
 
The database is hosted on the New Gold server, which routinely backs up every day to protect the database from any drive failures.
 
1.5  
Metallurgical Testing
 
Metallurgical testing on samples from the Blackwater Gold Project was carried out on composites comprised largely of samples taken from 4 metallurgical drill holes drilled in 2010/2011 as well as from up to 85 resource drill holes. Whole core samples were used from the metallurgical drill holes and quarter core for the resource drill hole samples. Test composites were generally defined by lithology and oxidation state. The work was carried out in late 2011 and early 2012 at a number of commercial metallurgical laboratories, including SGS in British Columbia, G&T in British Columbia, Dawson Metallurgical Laboratories in Utah and McClelland Laboratories in Nevada. Testing demonstrated that the Blackwater ore is non-refractory and amenable to extraction by conventional gold processing technologies
 
Results from metallurgical testing carried out in 2011 and 2012 showed that the samples responded well to direct whole ore cyanidation tests on oxide, transition and sulphide ores with gold and silver recoveries ranging from 87 - 92% and 55 - 60% respectively. Testwork on sulphide ores also showed that the samples responded well to bulk sulphide flotation followed by regrinding and cyanide leaching of the concentrate with gold and silver recoveries averaging 85% and 40% respectively. Testing of ore hardness indicated that the ore could be described as moderate to hard.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 8

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
1.6  
Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves
 
Analytical and lithologic data from 310 core holes (102,460 m) was used to develop the resource model.  However, only analytical data collected since 2009 was used for grade estimation which included 266 drill holes totaling 96,649 m.  The current mineral resource estimate is based on drilling completed through December 31, 2011.  Resource estimation was constrained by 3-dimensional solid models developed from geological and analytical data.  Grade estimation was carried out by the ordinary kriging using 5 meter downhole drill composites.  Gold grades were capped prior to compositing at 30 g/t and 20 g/t within gradeshell domains based on a 0.2 g/t gold threshold.  All silver grades were capped at 50 g/t.  Classified blocks were constrained by an optimized pit shell using a gold price of $1300 per ounce.  Block dimensions were 10 by 10 by 10 meters.   The density values assigned to the main lithologies and material types were based on 12,486 bulk density measurements of drill core representing approximately 14% of the post-2009 sample dataset.
 
At a cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t gold, the Blackwater Gold Project is estimated to contain an indicated mineral resource of 174 million tonnes averaging 0.98 g/t Au and 4.6 g/t Ag.  An additional 91.6 million tonnes grading 0.78 g/t Au and 3.8 g/t Ag is classified as inferred (Table 1-1).
 
Table 1-1 Mineral Resource Summary
 
Indicated
Inferred
COG g/t Au
Tonnes 000's
Grade
Contained Au M oz
Tonnes 000's
Grade
Contained Au M oz
Au g/t
Ag g/t
Au g/t
Ag g/t
0.20
228,167
0.82
4.2
6.00
141,931
0.61
3.5
2.78
0.25
219,150
0.84
4.3
5.94
133,981
0.63
3.5
2.73
0.30
206,146
0.88
4.3
5.83
120,942
0.67
3.6
2.61
0.35
190,707
0.92
4.5
5.66
105,794
0.72
3.8
2.45
0.40
174,407
0.98
4.6
5.47
91,566
0.78
3.8
2.28
0.45
158,547
1.03
4.7
5.25
79,471
0.83
3.9
2.12
0.50
142,961
1.09
4.9
5.01
68,607
0.88
4.1
1.95
 
1.7  
Conclusions and Recommendations
 
Drilling by Richfield and New Gold since August 2009 has outlined a large, low grade gold-silver deposit that extends at least 1250 meters along its longest dimension in an east-west direction and up to 800 meters in a north-south direction. The thickness of the presently defined zone ranges up to 500 meters.
 
Results from metallurgical testing carried out in 2011 and 2012 showed that the samples responded well to direct whole ore cyanidation tests on oxide, transition and sulphide ores with gold and silver recoveries ranging from 87 - 92% and 55 - 60% respectively. Testwork on sulphide ores also showed that the samples responded well to bulk sulphide flotation followed by regrinding and cyanide leaching of the concentrate with gold and silver recoveries averaging 85% and 40% respectively. Testing of ore hardness indicated that the ore could be described as moderate to hard.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 9

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Sample preparation, security and analysis is compliant with industry standards and is adequate to support a mineral resource estimate as defined under NI 43-101.  QA/QC with respect to the results received to date for the 2009 - 2011 exploration programs is acceptable and protocols have been well documented.  The database contains all core data collected on the Project to date and has been structured for resource estimation.
 
At a cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t gold, the Blackwater Gold Project is estimated to contain an indicated mineral resource of 174 million tonnes averaging 0.98 g/t Au and 4.6 g/t Ag.  An additional 91.6 million tonnes grading 0.78 g/t Au and 3.8 g/t Ag is classified as inferred.
 
The mineral resource estimate presented in this report will serve as the basis for a Preliminary Economic Assessment (“Blackwater PEA”) that is presently in progress.
 
The 2012 Blackwater PEA program will consist predominantly of additional delineation and infill drilling to expand and determine the economic limits of the Blackwater deposit, to better define the principal controls to mineralization and distribution of metal grades, and to further upgrade the mineral resource classification toward the measured and indicated categories. A program involving approximately 140,000 meters of delineation and infill core drilling is recommended. In parallel with the drilling program, a development program involving further metallurgical test work, evaluation of processing methods, engineering studies (e.g: mining methods, geotechnical characterization, site and infrastructure alternatives), and environmental baseline studies is also recommended. A budget for the 2012 PEA program is presented in Table 18-1.
 
Results of the PEA should be used as a basis for making additional detailed recommendations for:
 
·  
Further metallurgical test work;
 
·  
Infill and additional definition drilling;
 
·  
Geotechnical drilling;
 
·  
Site investigation;
 
·  
Infrastructure development;
 
·  
Environmental baseline studies;
 
·  
Mining method evaluation; and
 
·  
Processing option selection and resource characterization.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 10

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT

 
 
2  
INTRODUCTION
 
2.1  
Introduction
 
New Gold Inc. (“New Gold” or the “Corporation”) requested that Geosim Services Inc. (Geosim) provide an updated Technical Report and mineral resource estimate on the Blackwater Gold Project (the Project), located in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia, Canada.
 
The current work by Geosim entailed the preparation of a Technical Report as defined in NI 43–101 and in compliance with Form 43–101F1 (the “Technical Report”).
 
2.2  
Terms of Reference
 
Geosim is independent of New Gold and has no beneficial interest in the Blackwater Gold Project.  Fees for this Technical Report are not dependent in whole or in part on any prior or future engagement or understanding resulting from the conclusions of this report.  The Technical Report was requested in connection with the New Gold news release issued on March 7, 2012 announcing updated mineral resource estimate for the Blackwater Gold Project.
 
In preparing this Technical Report, the author relied on geological maps, reports and miscellaneous technical data listed in Section 21.
 
The author conducted site visits to the Blackwater Gold Project on December 13, 2010; September 8, 2011; and November 28, 2011.  The purpose of the visits was to review the geology and mineralization encountered in the drill holes completed to date.  In addition, drilling, sampling, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), sample preparation and analytical protocols and procedures, and database structure were reviewed.
 
The Effective Date of the Technical Report is March 7, 2012.
 
All measurement units used in this report are metric, and currency is expressed in United States dollars unless stated otherwise.
 
3  
RELIANCE ON OTHER EXPERTS
 
Geosim has not conducted independent land status evaluations and has relied upon these statements and updated information from New Gold regarding property status, legal title and environmental compliance for the Blackwater Gold Project (Sections 4.2 to 4.5), which Geosim believes to be accurate.
 
4  
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION
 
4.1  
Location
 
The Project lies in central British Columbia approximately 112 km southwest of Vanderhoof and 446 km northeast of Vancouver.  The property is centered at 5893000 N and 375400 E and is located in NTS sheet 93F/02 (Figure 4-1).
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 11

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 4-1 Location map
 

 
 
4.2  
Mineral Rights
 
Mineral claims comprising the Blackwater Gold Project are owned by two parties. 61 of 64 claims are owned 100% by New Gold. Claims 637203, 637205 and 637206 (“JR Option”) are held under option agreement with private individuals (Figure 4-2). Present claim status is shown in Table 4-1. The total area of the project tenures is 25,240 hectares.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 12

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT

Figure 4-2 Mineral claim map

 
 
Table 4-1 Blackwater Mineral Tenure Status
 
Tenure Number
Claim Name
Issue Date
Good To Date
Status
Area (ha)
503050
WHITEWATER
13/01/2005
13/01/2018
GOOD
348.76
509273
GOT
19/03/2005
19/03/2016
GOOD
484.45
509274
got2
19/03/2005
19/03/2016
GOOD
38.75
509275
got3
19/03/2005
19/03/2016
GOOD
19.38
515809
Dave
01/07/2005
19/03/2021
GOOD
581.6
515810
Jarrit
01/07/2005
19/03/2020
GOOD
348.96
536650
NIGHT FLIGHT
06/07/2006
06/07/2012
GOOD
271.42
602167
BWD
05/04/2009
19/03/2016
GOOD
387.94
602168
BWD2
05/04/2009
19/03/2016
GOOD
310.35
607194
BLACKWATER 2
08/07/2009
19/03/2021
GOOD
464.86
607195
BLACKWATER 1
08/07/2009
19/03/2020
GOOD
348.74
630903
BW1
09/09/2009
19/03/2020
GOOD
465.33
630944
BW2
09/09/2009
19/03/2020
GOOD
251.9
630963
BW3
09/09/2009
19/03/2020
GOOD
465.15
630983
BW4
09/09/2009
19/03/2020
GOOD
387.29
630984
BW5
09/09/2009
19/03/2020
GOOD
464.98
631003
BW6
09/09/2009
19/03/2020
GOOD
484.14
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 13

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Tenure Number
Claim Name
Issue Date
Good To Date
Status
Area (ha)
631024
BW7
09/09/2009
19/03/2020
GOOD
445.49
631043
BW8
09/09/2009
19/03/2020
GOOD
464.73
636583
KASSY 1
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
464.53
636603
KASSY 2
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
464.27
636604
KASSY 3
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
464.01
636623
KASSY 4
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
463.82
636643
KASSY 5
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
483.3
636644
KASSY 6
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
483.47
636663
KASSY 7
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
290.18
636683
RIGHT STUFF 1
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
464.86
636684
RIGHT STUFF 2
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
464.87
636703
RIGHT STUFF 3
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
464.87
636723
RIGHT STUFF 4
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
464.45
636724
RIGHT STUFF
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
464.63
636725
RIGHT STUFF 6
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
484.18
636727
RIGHT STUFF 7
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
484.41
636743
RIGHT STUFF 8
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
483.84
636763
RIGHT STUFF 9
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
464.85
636764
RIGHT STUFF 10
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
484.56
636765
RIGHT STUFF 11
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
465.12
636766
RIGHT STUFF 12
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
464.76
636767
RIGHT STUFF 13
18/09/2009
19/03/2013
GOOD
464.42
637203
Ozzy
19/09/2009
19/09/2012
OPTIONED
484.42
637205
Baby Jane
19/09/2009
19/09/2012
OPTIONED
464.57
637206
David Dale
19/09/2009
19/09/2012
OPTIONED
464.57
640804
PUREANDY
25/09/2009
25/09/2012
GOOD
310.16
641685
RICHFIELDADJACENTCC
26/09/2009
26/11/2014
GOOD
445.58
642043
BW
27/09/2009
01/07/2012
GOOD
232.57
642063
BW 2
27/09/2009
01/07/2012
GOOD
232.66
642064
BW3
27/09/2009
01/07/2012
GOOD
310.34
834367
RICH 1
27/09/2010
26/11/2014
GOOD
484.06
834371
DAVIDSON
27/09/2010
27/09/2012
GOOD
425.87
834948
 
03/10/2010
03/10/2012
GOOD
484.69
834998
RICH 2
04/10/2010
26/11/2014
GOOD
426.28
835005
 
04/10/2010
04/10/2012
GOOD
465.5
835009
 
04/10/2010
04/10/2012
GOOD
271.27
835011
 
04/10/2010
04/10/2012
GOOD
484.69
835012
 
04/10/2010
04/10/2012
GOOD
484.46
835013
 
04/10/2010
04/10/2012
GOOD
174.41
835014
DAVE
04/10/2010
04/05/2012
GOOD
116.23
835016
 
04/10/2010
04/10/2012
GOOD
232.77
835019
 
04/10/2010
04/10/2012
GOOD
387.77
835020
 
04/10/2010
04/10/2012
GOOD
329.47
835021
BW WEST
04/10/2010
04/10/2012
GOOD
387.94
835022
BW WEST2
04/10/2010
04/10/2012
GOOD
368.56
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 14

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Tenure Number
Claim Name
Issue Date
Good To Date
Status
Area (ha)
835023
 
04/10/2010
04/10/2012
GOOD
465.19
835025
BW WEST2
04/10/2010
04/10/2012
GOOD
38.79
 
 
4.3  
Surface Rights
 
No surface rights exist within the project area. The claims are on Crown land, and the area is open to mineral exploration and development. None of the claims are covered by placer mining claims.
 
The Project is situated within the asserted traditional territories of several First Nations, including the Lhoosk’uz Dene (also known as Kluskus), Ulkatcho, and Nazko.  In late 2011 and early 2012, New Gold entered in agreements with the Lhoosk’uz Dene Nation and the Ulkatcho First Nation to promote a cooperative and mutually respectful relationship concerning proposed exploration work in the area of the Project.  Pursuant to the terms of these Agreements, these First Nations consented to the issuance of authorizations and approvals for the exploration work.
 
4.4  
Nature and Extent of Issuer’s Title
 
On June 1, 2011, New Gold acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Richfield Ventures Corp. (“Richfield”), and Richfield ceased trading on the TSX-Venture Exchange.
 
On December 21, 2011, New Gold acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Geo, and Geo ceased trading on the TSX-Venture Exchange.
 
On December 23, 2011, the Company acquired Silver Quest which held the remaining 25% interest in the Davidson claims, and Silver Quest ceased trading on the TSX-Venture Exchange.
 
New Gold subsequently amalgamated with Richfield, Sliver Quest and Geo, effective January 1, 2012.
 
New Gold holds 100% interest in 61 of the 64 tenures listed in Table 4 1. To keep these claims in good standing in accordance with the Mineral Tenure Act, a minimum value of work or cash-in-lieu is required annually. These values are currently set at $4 per hectare in the first three years of a tenure and $8 per hectare in the fourth and subsequent years. Below are the details concerning the Optioned Properties and NSR agreements on three other claims (tenure numbers 515809, 515810 and 835014).
 
In May, 2009, Richfield acquired an option to earn a 100% interest in the Dave Property, Mineral Tenure number 515809 (‘Dave Option’) from Jane Roderick, Rebekah Antkow, David Rozek, Benjamin Rozek and John Blackwell, by making aggregate cash and share payments totaling $185,000 cash and 800,000 shares of Richfield and incurring an aggregate $625,000 in exploration expenditures within four years of TSX-Venture acceptance of the agreement. The optionors retain a 2.5% NSR royalty, of which New Gold may purchase 1% for $1,000,000. Richfield met all of the requirements of the Dave Option agreement and took 100% ownership of the Dave Property as of November 29, 2010.  Richfield’s obligations under the Dave Option agreement were assigned to New Gold, effective June 22, 2011.
 
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 15

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
In October, 2009, Richfield Ventures acquired an option to earn a 100% interest in the Jarrit Property, Mineral Tenure number 515810 (‘Jarrit Option’) from Jane Roderick, Rebekah Antkow, David Rozek and Benjamin Rozek by making aggregate cash and share payments totaling $180,000 cash and 120,000 shares of Richfield and incurring an aggregate $400,000 in exploration expenditures within three years of TSX-Venture acceptance of the agreement. The optionors retain a 2% NSR royalty, of which New Gold may purchase 1% for $1,200,000. Richfield met all of the requirements of the Jarrit Option agreement and took 100% ownership of the Jarrit property as of March 16, 2011.  Richfield’s obligations under the Jarrit Option agreement were assigned to New Gold, effective June 22, 2011.
 
In January, 2011, Richfield Ventures acquired an option to earn a 100% interest in the JR Option from Jane Roderick, Rebekah Antkow, David Rozek and Benjamin Rozek, by making cash payments totaling $75,000 cash and incurring an aggregate $600,000 in exploration expenditures within two years of TSX-Venture acceptance of the agreement. The optionors retain a 3% NSR royalty, of which New Gold may purchase 2% for $1,000,000. Richfield’s obligations under the JR Option agreement were assigned to New Gold, effective June 22, 2011.
 
On April 7, 2011, Geo acquired an option to earn a 100% interest in the Dave claim, Mineral Tenure number 835014 (‘Saulnier Option’) from Paul Saulnier by making cash and share payments totaling $15,000 cash and 30,000 shares of Geo within two years of the date of the agreement and incurring $50,000 in work on the property within one year of the date of the agreement, subject to TSX-Venture acceptance of the agreement.  The optionor retains a 2% NSR royalty, of which New Gold may purchase 1% for $1,000,000.  Geo met all of the requirements of the Saulnier Option agreement and took 100% ownership Mineral Tenure 835014 as of September 30, 2011.
 
4.5  
Permits & Environmental Liabilities
 
All of the Blackwater project mineral claims are located on Crown land, and the area is open to mineral exploration and development. None of the claims are covered by placer mining claims. The claim area is in area of interest of several First Nations, namely the Lhoosk’uz Dene, Ulkatcho and Nazko Nations.
 
The project area is being actively logged to remove trees killed by the mountain-pine-beetle infestation, and logging roads are extensive and in heavy use.
 
To perform the exploration work that will cause a physical disturbance, New Gold must first file, and receive approval of, a Notice of Work and Reclamation as required by Section 10 of the Mines Act of the Province of British Columbia. New Gold currently holds Notice of Work and Reclamation No. MX-13-177, which expires on December 31 2015.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 16

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
5  
ACCESSIBILITY, CLIMATE, LOCAL RESOURCES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
 
5.1  
Accessibility
 
The Project is readily accessible by vehicle from the Kluskus-Ootsa forest service road originating south of Vanderhoof.  At kilometer 146.5 along this road, an 18 km mine road built in 1986 by Granges and improved by Richfield provides direct easterly access to the property and camp location.  Driving time from Vanderhoof to the property is roughly 2.5 hours and vehicles should be radio equipped.
 
Additional road construction and continuation of the mine road from camp in 1991 provides further access to the PEM grid and additional historic drill setups.  Helicopter access is from bases in Vanderhoof, Quesnel or Prince George.
 
5.2  
Local Resources Infrastructure
 
The area is very sparsely inhabited; three ranches are found within a 20 km radius. Services are available in Vanderhoof, a two and a half hour drive away. Prince George is the regional hub with air service from major centres.
 
5.3  
Physiography
 
The Project is located within the Nechako Plateau, the northernmost region of the Interior Plateau physiographic province.  The area is characterized by rolling north to northwest trending hills cut by small to medium sized drainages.  The Project is located on the northern flank of Mt. Davidson with its peak at 1860 m.  Elevations on the property range from 1490 to 1820 meters; most current work is focused between 1520 and 1620 meters.  An extensive veneer of glacial debris covers the Project area, and bedrock exposures are rare and generally restricted to higher elevations. On the ridge of Mt. Davidson, outcrop is spotty although there is plenty of broken rock indicating shallow depth to bedrock.
 
Vegetation in the Project area is balsam fir and white spruce with lodgepole pine.   At higher elevations vegetation is less dense and dominated by subalpine fir and whitebark pine.  Tree line is about 1600 meters.
 
5.4  
Climate
 
Climate is characterized by brief warm summers and long cold winters.  The area receives on average 33 cm of precipitation yearly and temperatures range from a minimum of -40°C in winter to a maximum of 32°C in summer. Snowfall can attain 2 meters at higher elevations. The exploration period is between mid-June and late October.  Year round diamond drilling is possible given a suitable supply of water and a winterized camp.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 17

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
6
HISTORY
 
Mineralization on the property was discovered in 1973 during a regional silt geochemical survey by Granges, which located anomalous zinc and other metals in stream sediment east and north of the property. Between 1973 and 1985 a range of ground and airborne geophysical and geochemical surveys were conducted to locate and delimit mineralization. The nature and volume of the work is detailed in Table 6-1. Drilling began in 1985 and was concentrated between 1986 and 1994 with a total of 6300 meters completed during this period. A further 1332.6 meters of drilling was completed in the winter of 2005-06. The focus of the work during this period was on high grade vein targets which, at the time, were the only known gold targets in the Nechako Plateau.
 
Richfield’s work on the Project began in 2009 when the company recognized the bulk gold potential on the property. In 2009, Richfield optioned the Davidson property from Silver Quest and the Dave and Jarrit claims from the Rozek family. Richfield subsequently completed all of the earn-in requirements for these agreements resulting in it holding a 75% interest in the Davidson property and 100% interests in each of the Dave and Jarrit properties. In June 2011, New Gold acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Richfield pursuant to a court approved plan of arrangement. New Gold subsequently amalgamated with Richfield effective January 1, 2012 and became the direct operator of the Blackwater Gold Project.
 
Table 6-1 Project work history
Year
Period
Work
1973
Summer
Regional silt survey located anomalous silver, zinc, and lead in the Mt. Davidson area.  This was followed by a wide spaced soil survey northeast of Mt. Davidson.
1976
September
Soil sample and ground magnetometer surveys follow up of 1973 soil results.
1977
March
Pulse EM survey on the Pem claim.
1979
Nov. to Dec.
Vector Pulse EM survey on the Pem claim.
1981
February
Helicopter EM and magnetometer survey.
1981
August
Horizontal Loop EM survey on the Deb #1 claim.
1981
November
Reconnaissance mapping of the Mt. Davidson area.
1982
July
Soil sample and ground magnetometer surveys on the Pem claim.
1983
July
Hammer seismic survey.
1984
September
Hand trenching and VLF survey on the Pem claim.
1985
Aug. to Sept.
Winkie drilling (507m) on the Pem claim. Holes Dav 1-8.
1986
July to Aug.
Construction of access road.
1986
September
Percussion drilling (1524 m) on the Pem claim. RC 1-34.
1987
July to Nov.
Diamond drilling (2725 m) on the Pem claim. Holes Dav 9-31.
1992
July to Aug.
Soil sampling, stream silt sampling, geological mapping, IP, mag, VLF surveys and diamond drilling of five (785 m). Drill holes BD92-32 to BD92-36.
1994
Summer
Diamond drilling (759 m). Holes DAV 94-37 to DAV 94-41.
1997
June to Aug.
Linecutting and an Induced Polarization survey.
2005
Sept. to Oct.
Diamond drilling (939 m). Holes DAV05-01 to DAV05-05.
2006
September
Diamond drilling (394 m). Holes DAV06-06 and DAV06-07.
2007
June to July
Soil sampling program, 335 samples.
2010
Sept - Dec
Richfield core drilling (21337 m). Holes BW0042 toBW0116.
2011
Jan - June
Richfield core drilling (19734 m). Holes BW0117 to BW0175.
2011
July – Dec
New Gold core drilling (52365 m). Holes BW0176 to BW0299 and 7 metallurgical test holes.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 18

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
7  
GEOLOGICAL SETTING AND MINERALIZATION
 
7.1  
Regional Geology
 
The Project is underlain by rocks of the Stikine Terrane within an uplifted block termed the Nechako uplift. The Nechako Plateau is an area of moderate relief between the Skeena Arch and the Stikine and Cache Creek Terrane contact.
 
The southern Nechako Plateau near the Blackwater property is underlain by Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic island and continental arc assemblages and epicontinental sedimentary strata (Diakow et al. 1997).  Near the Project, the volcaniclastic Hazelton Group represents the Stikine Terrane (Diakow and Levson 1997).  The Hazelton Group has a lower unit of felsic tuffs and sediments, named the Entiako Formation and an upper unit of felsic to mafic volcanic flows and volcaniclastic and sedimentary rocks, termed the Naglico Formation (Diakow and Levson 1997).  Rocks of the Stikine Terrane in the southern Nechako Plateau are overlain by post-accretion Upper Jurassic volcaniclastic, sedimentary and mafic to felsic volcanic rocks of the Bower Lake Group (Diakow and Levson 1997).  The Hazelton and Bowser Lake groups in the area are collectively intruded by Late Cretaceous granitic to granodioritic plutons (e.g., Capoose batholith) exposed within the Nechako uplift.
 
Rocks of the Hazelton and Bowser Lake groups are overlain by Upper Cretaceous and Paleocene continental volcanic arc intermediate volcanic rocks and related sedimentary rocks of the Kasalka Group (Diakow et al. 1997).  The Kasalka Group is a rock unit which occurs locally south of Natalkuz fault. Widespread Eocene volcanic arc related extensional felsic volcanic rocks and minor sedimentary rocks of the Ootsa Lake Group overlie the older rocks and are themselves overlain on higher ridges by basalt and andesite of the Eocene Endako Group (Diakow et al. 1997).
 
The Bowser Lake Group is poorly exposed in the southern Nechako Plateau, except within Nechako uplift.  Nechako uplift is a structurally raised block bounded by the Natalkuz fault to the north and the Blackwater fault to the south (Diakow and Webster, 1994). Both faults juxtapose older rocks of the Stikine Terrane (e.g., Hazelton and Bowser Lake groups) with younger Cretaceous and Eocene rocks of the Ootsa Lake and Endako groups. This uplift provides a direct window through younger cover into older rocks (Diakow et al. 1997). The regional geologic setting is illustrated in Figure 7-1.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 19

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 7-1 Regional geology
 

 
 

GeoSim Services
 
Page 20

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
7.2  
Local and Property Geology
 
Quaternary glacial overburden, colluvial and fluvial deposits mask the majority of bedrock within the Project area. Outcrop on the Blackwater property is sparse and limited to the peak and ridges of Mt. Davidson. Property geology is based on historic and 2009/2010 drill core interpretations. Figure 7-2 presents a sketch map of the Project geology.  Interpreted geology is overlain on the regional geology as mapped by Diakow and Levson. The coloured area represents the gold gram*meter interpretation of mineralization as known on Feb 5, 2011.
 
Figure 7-2 Property geology
 

 
The Project is underlain by intercalated volcanic and volcaniclastic felsic to intermediate lapilli and ash tuff, volcanic breccia and andesitic flows.  These strata form a local wedge of laterally discontinuous strata. The Blackwater wedge is thought to dip generally northwest and is of limited aerial extent.  On the west the Blackwater wedge is faulted against younger massive felsic volcanic rocks of the Ootsa Lake Group. The fault is a north trending, presumed steep dipping structure. A similar relationship exists on the north side where Blackwater host rocks are also juxtaposed next to Ootsa Lake Group strata across an east-northeast trending fault. Although displacement across the faults is not known, the relative age of rocks across the two faults implies that the Blackwater block is a horst or high standing remnant west and north of which the Ootsa Lake Group has been dropped.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 21

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
East and south of the Blackwater block the relationship to the country rocks is unknown but presumed stratigraphic. Likely the Blackwater strata are underlain by Bowser Lake Group beds as at Capoose Lake.
 
The Blackwater wedge consists of a sequence of felsic to intermediate composition volcanic rocks. Individual mappable lithologies include felsic tuffs and lapilli tuffs, volcaniclasitic and epiclastic heterolithic breccias, and massive to layered andesites. Dark reddish-brown anhedral equant, garnet crystal fragments up to a cm in diameter are common as an accessory in the heterolithic breccia and locally make up 1-2% of the rock. XRF data on the garnets indicates they are Mn-rich spessartine.
 
Blackwater rocks are pervasively hydrofractured and silicified. The amount of silica introduced through hydrofracturing and silicification may amount to 25% or more of the total volume of volcanic rocks. Although intensely hydrofractured, the Blackwater wedge lacks clearly recognizable large scale faults or shear zones. Instead, extensive zones of broken rocks are seen in the mineralized zone. The zones grade laterally into unbroken rock and are generally not bounded by planar surfaces.
 
On the peak and ridges of Mt. Davidson are outcrops of massive felsic lapilli tuff assigned to the Ootsa Lake Group. This rock is generally darker grey than rocks drilled on the property, clasts are larger and plagioclase porphyry dominates. This unit is also characterized by fresh, black stubby euhedral doubly terminated quartz crystals up to 1 mm across which commonly make up a few percent of the rock.
 
At lower elevations near the Kluskus Road, bedded tuffs and sediments of the Jurassic Naglico Formation are observed.
 
The modified lithologic codes used in the Blackwater drill database as of Dec, 2011 are presented in Table 7-1.
 
Table 7-1 Drill database lithologic codes
Code
Description
OB
Overburden
AND
Andesite
FT
Felsic tiff
FLPT
Fesic lapilli tuff
VC
Volcaniclastic
EC
Epiclastic
SED
Argillite / Sandstone / Conglomerate
 
7.3  
MINERALIZATION
 
A total of 21 polished thin sections were prepared from samples taken from 2009 drill core and submitted to Vancouver Petrographics Ltd.  The sections were analyzed by reflected and transmitted light petrographic methods.  Sample selection was based primarily on gaining a representative suite, containing 1) the dominant lithologies and alteration assemblages described and used in core logging and 2) all the different styles of sulphide mineralization observed with different gold grades. The purpose of this study was to understand the nature of the host volcanic and volcaniclastic sequence and the nature of gold and base metal mineralization.  This study was ultimately intended to assist with lithologic correlation between drill holes.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 22

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
A second petrographic study of 21 drill core samples from 2010 drilling was carried out by Vancouver Petrographics Ltd and reported as follows:
 
“The samples submitted can be subdivided into five different suites. The first suite of samples are volcaniclastic lithologies and the nomenclature used in this report follows the suggestions reported in McPhie et. al. (1993). The components of the deposits are generally poorly sorted, polymict lithic fragments with a grain-size ranging from mudstone to breccia. Only sample 20 showed evidence of volcanic derived lithic fragments, such as microstructural evidence of the compaction of the lithic fragments under high temperature conditions and possibly devitrified spherulites. In the same sample, the coexistence of rounded and angular fragments indicates syn-eruptive re-sedimentation of primary deposits.
 
The second group of samples show a more intense alteration and they are possibly the altered equivalent of the volcaniclastic lithologies described above. Alteration products include clay, quartz and white mica, albite, chlorite and tourmaline
 
The third group of samples show flow microstructures and a possibly rhyo-dacitic composition.
 
The fourth group are porphyritic andesites with differing alteration products. One sample is altered by a biotite-white mica-quartz-pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite-sphalerite assemblage and another sample is altered by a weak to subtle clay alteration.”
 
Material from BW 59 was tested by Inspectorate Labs Metallurgical Division, which reported that:
 
“The principle (sic) minerals observed in the BW-59 Drill Hole Composite were non-opaque phases (90.02% average by optical analysis), which X-ray diffraction analysis indicates consist primarily of quartz (39.1% average), micas (27.9% average), orthoclase (17.0% average), clays (8.3% average), and minor calcium sulfates (1.8% average) and carbonates (0.5% average). The divergence in agreement between optical and XRD analysis is due mainly to the inability of XRD to detect amorphous limonite and subsequent overstating of the remnant phases; XRD analysis reflects only those components that are crystalline. Pyrite (3.96% average), iron oxides (limonite, hematite, magnetite and goethite, 3.88% average) and pyrrhotite (1.14% average) were the principle opaque phases. Ore minerals included sphalerite (0.77% average), chalcopyrite (0.23% average), cubanite (0.03% average), and traces of tetrahedrite, chalcocite and dioptase. Chalcopyrite and cubanite were occasionally tightly intergrown. Sphalerite rarely alters to bianchite. Principle other minerals included tetrahedrite, chalcocite, dioptase, rutile and ilmenite (traces of each), with a few particles of graphite observed. Dioptase and bianchite are only partially observable by reflected light microscopy, and a transmitted light study would better quantify their presence.”
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 23

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT

 
8  
DEPOSIT TYPE
 
What is known of the Blackwater deposit is exclusively from drilling. Host rocks are not exposed but are thought to occupy a roughly 5 square kilometer area east of a north trending fault, which juxtaposes younger Ootsa Lake Group strata and south of a similar fault north of which the same relationship is hypothesized.
 
Blackwater has the characteristics of, and is considered to be, an intermediate sulphidation epithermal gold-silver deposit according to the classification system of Sillitoe and Hedenquist (2003). Mineralization is hosted within felsic to intermediate composition volcanic rocks of Late Cretaceous age emplaced through and on Hazelton Group strata. The rocks are extensively hydrofractured and silicified and in association with pervasive stockwork and disseminated fine grained pyrite and other sulphide minerals distributed throughout. Gold is mainly associated with the sulphide minerals as gold grains between 5 and 50 microns across.
 
Figure 8-1 illustrates the hypothesized relationship of the mineralized volcanic rocks to surrounding strata.
 
Figure 8-1 Cross section of conceptual model
 

 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 24

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
9  
EXPLORATION
 
The Project was discovered in 1973. Since then, a considerable amount of data has been collected on the property by various operators. These data are publicly available where filed for assessment. For example, complete soil geochemical data were collected over the property. Ground total magnetic field data were also collected. A pole-dipole IP survey was carried out as part of the pre Richfield work. These data have been digitized, synthesized and reinterpreted and are used to help guide the current work on the property.
 
9.1  
Geophysical Surveys
 
During 2010, Richfield contracted Quantec Geoscience Ltd of Toronto to conduct a 17.5 line kilometer deep focus Induced Polarization (‘IP’)-Resistivity survey on five 3.5 km long north-south lines spaced 400 meter apart. Results of the survey have been reported and interpreted in terms of drill data. Excellent correspondence is seen between IP chargeability and known mineralization, and the IP data helps guide the drilling.
 
Figure 9-1 is a view looking northwest across the IP survey area showing chargeability variation across the Project.  Figure 9-2 is a plot of the chargeability data through the centre of the mineralized zone.  The high near-surface zone between 2500 and 3500N coincides with the gold mineralization.
 
 
Figure 9-1 IP Chargeability - 2010 Quantec survey
 

 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 25

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 9-2  N-S section chargeability data near centre of the mineralized zone
 

 
9.2  
LiDAR Survey
 
Eagle Mapping Ltd. performed an aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey of the Project area on August 8 and 9, 2011. The Area of Interest (AOI) for this survey covers a total of 412km2. The area collected covers approximately 500km2, and is greater than the area delivered due to buffering of the true AOI for quality assurance purposes.
 
Points were captured by the VQ-480 scanner with system and flight parameters set to provide full overlap. This helps minimize shadows, and ensure tree canopy penetration to capture an accurate ground model.  The delivered point data is positioned with an average density of three points per m2 for all returns, and approximately one point per m2 for ground-classified returns.
 
Accuracy of the LiDAR data is determined via comparison to a set of known ground points collected with Real Time Kinematic (RTK) and Static Post-Processing GPS surveying techniques. The accuracy of the dataset is stated as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) which is a measure of deviation from the mean, and takes upward or downward bias into consideration. The Blackwater project area has a RMSE of 0.037m, and absolute accuracy of ±0.073m.
 
Project deliverables included contours in DWG format, ArcASCII elevation grids, and orthophotography in GeoTiff format.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 26

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
10  
DRILLING
 
A total of 311 core holes (102,912 m) have been drilled in the Project area between 1985 and the end of 2011.  The details of the programs are summarized in Table 10-1.
 
Table 10-1 Core drilling summary to Dec 31, 2011
Series
Year
Company
Holes Drilled
Total meters
Intervals Assayed
Meters Assayed
DAV 3 TO DAV 8
1981
Granges
4
310.86
NA
NA
DAV 9 TO DAV 31
1987
Granges
23
2,617.13
1,656
2,080.53
BD 92-32 TO BD 92-36
1992
Granges
5
788.50
425
571.76
DAV 94-37 TO DAV 94-41
1994
Granges
5
761.68
370
368.75
 
Subtotal
Granges
37
4,478.17
2,451
3,021.04
             
DAV 05-01 TO DAV 05-05
2005
Silver Quest
5
938.65
335
674.60
DAV 06-06 TO DAV 06-07
2006
Silver Quest
2
393.97
137
273.99
 
Subtotal
Silver Quest
7
1,332.62
472
948.59
             
BW0042 TO BW0059
2009
Richfield
18
3,664.95
3,408
3,413.62
BW0060 TO BW0116
2010
Richfield
57
21,337.03
20,034
20,219.03
BW0117 TO BW0175
BW0050R
2011
Richfield
59
19,733.74
18,243
18,840.35
 
Subtotal
Richfield
134
44,735.72
41685
42,473.00
BW0176 TO BW0299 + 7 Met Holes
2011
New Gold
133
52,365.09
47,559
48,241.52
 
Total
All
311
102,911.6
91,094
93,594.24
 
No analytical data was available for 33 RC holes completed in 1986 by Granges, and their precise locations are uncertain.
 
 
10.1  
Historic Drilling
 
Between 1981 and 1986, 4 core holes were drilled for a total 311 meters by Granges Inc. The helicopter supported winkie drill had difficulty with the ground conditions and some holes did not reach target depths. Drilling focused on northern parts of the property. Results of this early drilling including drill logs, assays and core have not been located.
 
During the 1986 season, 34 percussion drill holes were completed for a total 1,524 meters. As with data for the earlier drilling, and despite thorough search, the drill logs and assays could not be located.
 
During 1987, some 23 diamond drill holes (2617.13 meters) were completed on the Gold and Silver Zones. Drill logs and assay data were filed for assessment and drill core is stored on the property. The core was re-logged and the data were reviewed by Richfield.
 
In 1992, 788.5 meters were drilled in five holes focused mainly southwest of the Gold Zone and on the Dave claim. Logs and assays were filed for assessment and core is stored on the property.  This core was also re-logged by Richfield in 2010.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 27

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Five holes were drilled in 1994 for a total 761.68 meters. The data was filed for assessment, and the core stored. The data have been reviewed and the core re-logged by Richfield.
 
Silver Quest drilled five holes in 2005 for a total 938.65 meters and another two holes in early 2006 for 393.97 meters. The holes were widely dispersed. The later drilling focused on the Quest Zone (holes DAV 05-02, DAV 06-06 and DAV 06-07). Cumulative drilling to the end of 2006 was 5,810.79 meters in 44 holes.
 
Location of historic drill holes and significant intercepts are documented in the previous Technical Report (Simpson, 2011, “Technical Report – Blackwater Gold Project”).  Assay data from historic holes was not used for resource estimation.
 
10.2  
Recent Drilling Aug 2009 – Dec 2011
 
Richfield began drilling at Blackwater in August 2009 and during that year drilled 18 holes for a total 3,368.58 meters. During 2010, Richfield drilled a further 58 holes (including one water well) for a total 21,585.56 meters. Following completion of work requirements for the option agreements on the Davidson, Dave and Jarrit properties, the 2010 drilling focused on the Dave and Jarrit claims. Between January and June 2011, Richfield completed 59 core holes for a total of 19733.74 meters. In June 2011, New Gold took over as operator and completed an additional 133 core holes (52,365 m) by the end of the year.  Drill hole collar details for the 2011 drilling carried out by New Gold are listed in Table 10-2.  The drill hole layout is illustrated in Figure 10-1.
 
Table 10-2 2011 New Gold drilling summary
Hole_ID
East
North
Elev
TD
Azim
Dip
BW0176
375250.82
5892896.94
1606.68
580.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0177
376097.45
5893000.33
1545.13
491.64
0.00
-90.00
BW0178
376099.47
5892895.15
1559.88
374.30
0.00
-90.00
BW0179
375041.40
5892902.90
1587.13
364.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0180
374889.10
5892754.50
1598.22
377.34
0.00
-90.00
BW0181
374847.36
5893402.03
1511.20
291.69
0.00
-90.00
BW0182
374947.50
5893398.80
1518.77
286.51
0.00
-90.00
BW0183
376002.13
5892898.12
1564.27
325.53
0.00
-90.00
BW0184
375099.56
5893052.46
1583.54
511.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0185
374948.86
5892898.97
1578.64
359.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0186
375049.84
5892696.56
1616.30
375.82
0.00
-90.00
BW0187
375044.28
5893396.07
1524.32
339.55
0.00
-90.00
BW0188
375150.60
5892708.60
1614.93
362.10
0.00
-90.00
BW0189
375898.77
5892802.76
1584.44
384.07
0.00
-90.00
BW0190
375050.92
5893094.46
1574.59
397.46
0.00
-90.00
BW0191
374796.29
5892800.07
1579.68
406.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0192
374953.35
5892702.35
1611.94
421.54
0.00
-90.00
BW0193
375594.71
5893009.29
1582.23
82.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0194
375593.87
5893010.86
1582.19
506.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0195
375946.73
5892795.14
1582.80
384.96
0.00
-90.00
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 28

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Hole_ID
East
North
Elev
TD
Azim
Dip
BW0196
374924.22
5892776.76
1597.64
450.19
270.00
-60.00
BW0197
375725.22
5892776.94
1605.25
420.00
270.00
-60.00
BW0198
374850.54
5892699.57
1604.41
415.44
0.00
-90.00
BW0199
375998.81
5892697.17
1602.82
392.45
0.00
-90.00
BW0200
375022.74
5892774.11
1604.96
445.62
270.00
-60.00
BW0201
374950.46
5892794.74
1597.50
282.85
0.00
-90.00
BW0202
376047.87
5892698.35
1602.05
259.42
0.00
-90.00
BW0203
375627.64
5892778.33
1610.54
530.50
270.00
-60.00
BW0204
374924.48
5892825.29
1589.46
478.50
270.00
-60.00
BW0205
375125.37
5892775.76
1607.46
474.57
270.00
-60.00
BW0206
375997.04
5892604.18
1617.58
436.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0207
375125.08
5892876.14
1596.88
399.59
270.00
-60.00
BW0208
375124.71
5892824.27
1602.27
459.00
270.00
-60.00
BW0209
375525.63
5892772.90
1616.59
486.00
270.00
-60.00
BW0210
375225.84
5892774.25
1610.00
479.15
270.00
-60.00
BW0211
376101.54
5892600.45
1616.81
415.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0212
375421.13
5892775.36
1619.40
480.00
270.00
-60.00
BW0213
375225.97
5892825.16
1608.04
471.00
270.00
-60.00
BW0214
375175.77
5892876.16
1601.91
465.43
270.00
-60.00
BW0215
375325.00
5892775.00
1614.67
480.67
270.00
-60.00
BW0216
375825.67
5892773.40
1596.87
432.00
270.00
-60.00
BW0217
375903.09
5892598.33
1621.86
22.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0218
375951.53
5892849.96
1573.86
369.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0219
375499.88
5892902.80
1610.04
410.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0220
375326.22
5892823.94
1611.66
476.10
270.00
-60.00
BW0221
375224.99
5892925.16
1603.28
434.95
270.00
-60.00
BW0222
375700.46
5892900.46
1589.65
390.20
0.00
-90.00
BW0223
375950.18
5892901.60
1568.78
372.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0224
376049.50
5892852.49
1569.86
396.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0225
374999.75
5893005.39
1575.79
398.68
0.00
-90.00
BW0226
375175.98
5892925.24
1598.90
455.76
270.00
-60.00
BW0227
375798.73
5892900.32
1581.07
390.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0228
375099.46
5893000.42
1586.99
464.21
0.00
-90.00
BW0229
375748.04
5892947.27
1578.96
384.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0230
375555.81
5892951.21
1597.83
143.30
0.00
-90.00
BW0230A
375555.81
5892951.21
1597.83
35.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0231
375501.53
5893004.33
1589.07
385.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0232
375850.99
5892952.18
1567.98
400.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0233
375126.75
5892924.10
1593.70
378.56
270.00
-60.00
BW0234
375199.93
5893000.74
1595.60
484.02
0.00
-90.00
BW0235
375650.42
5892954.25
1584.41
460.00
0.00
-90.00
 
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 29

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Hole_ID
East
North
Elev
TD
Azim
Dip
BW0236
375025.30
5892924.75
1583.51
462.08
270.00
-60.00
BW0237
375950.43
5892947.91
1562.30
361.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0238
375147.78
5892946.07
1594.91
490.12
0.00
-90.00
BW0239
375450.51
5893047.00
1589.01
440.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0240
375600.00
5892900.00
1596.35
494.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0241
376051.21
5892949.37
1553.85
400.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0242
374900.78
5892950.16
1568.13
374.29
0.00
-90.00
BW0243
375074.16
5892925.47
1588.66
274.62
270.00
-60.00
BW0244
375547.45
5892948.68
1599.25
480.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0245
375550.72
5893047.02
1579.04
375.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0246
375905.12
5892901.32
1571.07
382.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0247
375649.88
5893050.54
1573.40
519.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0248
374950.42
5892998.94
1568.86
391.06
0.00
-90.00
BW0249
376046.76
5893048.82
1542.57
169.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0250
375399.68
5893100.40
1581.95
376.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0251
374902.44
5893051.35
1557.88
130.15
0.00
-90.00
BW0252
375753.07
5893051.79
1561.19
472.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0253
376050.90
5893049.30
1542.45
376.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0254
374974.14
5892924.44
1578.71
428.55
270.00
-60.00
BW0255
374902.88
5893050.09
1558.15
360.27
0.00
-90.00
BW0256
375298.41
5892897.96
1609.64
503.70
0.00
-90.00
BW0257
375950.41
5893049.77
1548.20
352.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0258
374950.08
5893100.55
1558.31
378.87
0.00
-90.00
BW0259
375851.59
5893050.36
1554.03
388.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0260
375451.73
5893149.37
1570.20
571.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0261
375025.12
5892873.18
1589.48
457.50
270.00
-60.00
BW0262
376050.15
5893150.74
1527.71
330.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0263
375749.57
5893152.10
1548.38
424.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0264
375200.38
5893101.11
1585.28
378.56
0.00
-90.00
BW0265
375250.15
5892697.12
1616.93
426.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0266
375222.95
5892726.00
1613.31
493.50
270.00
-60.00
BW0267
375075.25
5892875.71
1593.07
239.27
270.00
-60.00
BW0267W
375075.25
5892875.71
1593.07
491.95
270.00
-60.00
BW0268
375251.58
5893153.25
1578.91
412.09
0.00
-90.00
BW0269
375851.76
5893150.65
1540.99
475.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0270
375550.11
5893149.96
1560.90
365.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0271
375149.93
5893150.17
1577.12
398.98
0.00
-90.00
BW0272
375649.36
5893148.82
1555.39
377.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0273
375950.82
5893149.58
1533.71
382.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0274
375349.98
5892700.65
1623.83
423.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0275
375049.56
5893150.22
1566.70
407.52
0.00
-90.00
 

GeoSim Services
 
Page 30

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Hole_ID
East
North
Elev
TD
Azim
Dip
BW0276
375224.86
5892875.47
1606.09
486.77
270.00
-60.00
BW0277
375999.83
5893100.20
1537.32
337.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0278
375649.32
5893249.61
1541.54
358.20
0.00
-90.00
BW0279
375124.37
5892724.77
1614.45
487.00
270.00
-60.00
BW0280
375249.01
5892649.44
1622.16
422.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0281
375549.55
5893248.23
1548.28
358.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0282
375202.70
5893198.30
1568.85
498.96
0.00
-90.00
BW0283
375725.00
5892825.00
1598.93
518.00
270.00
-60.00
BW0284
376099.18
5893098.61
1531.73
363.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0285
375025.75
5892827.54
1598.13
500.18
270.00
-60.00
BW0286
375299.50
5892651.57
1623.62
420.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0287
375850.71
5893251.21
1529.99
326.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0288
375347.09
5893149.37
1574.63
115.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0289
375022.68
5892726.20
1611.94
429.00
270.00
-60.00
BW0290
375599.60
5893297.44
1537.48
340.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0291
375148.83
5893248.23
1554.34
262.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0292
375349.31
5893149.53
1574.63
409.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0293
375899.84
5893201.68
1531.47
345.50
0.00
-90.00
BW0294
374545.93
5893536.59
1485.67
412.50
270.00
-60.00
BW0295
375249.39
5893245.83
1558.91
432.82
0.00
-90.00
BW0296
375825.00
5892825.00
1589.21
517.50
283.00
-60.00
BW0297
375424.59
5892824.98
1613.61
477.00
270.00
-60.00
BW0298
375697.70
5893298.67
1536.88
352.00
0.00
-90.00
BW0299
375325.14
5892674.39
1623.66
451.50
180.00
-90.00
BWMET01
375698.23
5893209.40
1544.08
325.53
0.00
-90.00
BWMET02
374996.96
5892792.47
1602.40
368.20
0.00
-90.00
BWMET03
375900.00
5892700.00
1601.43
352.65
0.00
-90.00
BWMET04
375150.09
5893048.36
1588.05
389.53
0.00
-90.00
BWMET05
375099.56
5893052.46
1583.54
302.00
0.00
-90.00
BWMET06
374902.08
5892750.82
1600.18
225.50
0.00
-90.00
BWMET07
375900.00
5892750.00
1592.32
318.50
0.00
-90.00
 
 

GeoSim Services
 
Page 31

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Figure 10-1 Drill hole plan
 
 
The table below list the significant intervals intersected since the effective date of the previous Technical Report based on a cut-off grade of 0.3 g/t Au.  The minimum width reported is 10m, and up to 5m internal dilution was accepted.  The mineralized zone is irregular and not tabular in shape, and true thickness cannot be determined and was not used as a factor in the resource model.
 
Table 10-3 Significant intercepts 2011 New Gold drilling
Hole-ID
From
To
Width (m)
Au g/t
Ag g/t
BW0176
41.00
167.00
126.00
1.666
2.6
BW0176
251.00
299.00
48.00
0.538
3.0
BW0179
83.00
307.00
224.00
3.070
7.5
BW0179
327.00
364.00
37.00
2.328
1.7
BW0180
77.00
148.00
71.00
1.199
6.1
BW0180
172.00
227.00
55.00
2.250
26.4
BW0183
204.00
241.00
37.00
0.672
4.8
BW0184
47.00
63.00
16.00
0.588
5.2
BW0184
70.00
316.00
246.00
0.580
4.7
BW0184
331.00
378.00
47.00
0.574
4.9
BW0184
394.00
500.00
106.00
0.509
2.4
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 32

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Hole-ID
From
To
Width (m)
Au g/t
Ag g/t
BW0185
158.00
186.00
28.00
0.548
1.9
BW0185
270.00
286.00
16.00
1.527
4.2
BW0188
30.00
77.00
47.00
0.848
4.0
BW0189
168.00
184.00
16.00
0.543
6.6
BW0190
9.00
36.00
27.00
0.417
3.7
BW0190
269.00
394.00
125.00
0.442
2.1
BW0192
21.00
55.00
34.00
0.526
1.8
BW0193
59.00
82.00
23.00
0.579
2.4
BW0194
62.00
111.00
49.00
0.640
3.6
BW0194
128.00
154.00
26.00
0.440
1.9
BW0195
284.00
294.00
10.00
0.926
4.6
BW0195
362.00
373.00
11.00
0.602
13.8
BW0196
34.00
44.00
10.00
0.429
2.7
BW0196
70.00
90.00
20.00
0.776
6.5
BW0197
18.00
38.00
20.00
0.677
6.7
BW0197
47.00
108.00
61.00
1.516
11.4
BW0197
155.00
214.00
59.00
2.615
9.9
BW0197
215.50
244.00
28.50
2.406
5.8
BW0198
10.00
21.00
11.00
0.592
3.8
BW0199
114.00
135.00
21.00
1.295
1.3
BW0199
294.00
340.00
46.00
0.492
3.6
BW0199
347.00
364.00
17.00
0.378
5.9
BW0200
66.00
181.00
115.00
2.023
6.0
BW0200
222.00
268.00
46.00
0.391
8.7
BW0200
297.00
338.00
41.00
1.080
22.6
BW0201
52.00
140.00
88.00
2.346
15.3
BW0201
164.00
278.00
114.00
3.957
34.7
BW0202
119.00
130.00
11.00
0.976
4.1
BW0203
18.00
68.00
50.00
0.648
6.4
BW0203
100.00
134.00
34.00
0.763
2.9
BW0203
141.00
239.00
98.00
1.527
3.6
BW0203
287.00
301.00
14.00
0.379
2.3
BW0203
317.00
328.00
11.00
0.588
1.1
BW0203
396.00
419.00
23.00
0.589
0.0
BW0204
12.80
33.00
20.20
0.384
2.3
BW0204
121.00
134.00
13.00
0.508
0.6
BW0205
204.00
250.00
46.00
1.017
2.2
BW0205
268.00
326.00
58.00
2.609
8.0
BW0207
74.00
264.00
190.00
1.766
7.2
BW0207
284.00
332.00
48.00
3.218
17.1
BW0208
111.00
147.00
36.00
0.438
7.5
BW0208
192.00
233.00
41.00
0.377
2.4
BW0208
241.00
260.00
19.00
1.442
8.9
BW0208
271.00
377.00
106.00
5.320
19.8
BW0209
0.00
118.00
118.00
0.818
7.8
BW0209
169.00
191.00
22.00
0.709
5.3
BW0209
198.00
220.00
22.00
1.040
4.8
BW0210
69.00
92.00
23.00
5.794
0.0
BW0210
99.00
109.00
10.00
0.374
0.0
BW0210
152.00
169.00
17.00
1.885
0.0
BW0210
178.00
271.00
93.00
0.976
0.0
BW0210
381.00
392.00
11.00
2.821
0.0
BW0212
0.00
182.00
182.00
1.966
0.0
BW0212
436.00
477.00
41.00
1.464
3.9
BW0213
12.00
50.00
38.00
1.201
3.8
BW0213
60.00
166.00
106.00
2.928
10.5
BW0213
184.00
205.00
21.00
0.372
2.2
BW0213
324.00
334.00
10.00
0.510
4.8
BW0213
344.00
386.00
42.00
0.765
1.5
BW0214
36.60
49.00
12.40
1.332
6.2
BW0214
71.00
96.00
25.00
0.408
7.3
 
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 33

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Hole-ID
From
To
Width (m)
Au g/t
Ag g/t
BW0214
118.00
191.00
73.00
1.514
3.4
BW0214
215.00
238.00
23.00
0.738
7.8
BW0214
263.00
393.00
130.00
5.916
13.7
BW0215
108.00
122.00
14.00
0.685
4.2
BW0215
236.00
268.00
32.00
0.464
1.7
BW0215
433.00
444.00
11.00
0.918
1.5
BW0216
38.00
138.00
100.00
1.918
10.1
BW0216
150.00
216.00
66.00
1.512
7.5
BW0216
286.00
297.00
11.00
0.903
5.4
BW0218
177.00
189.00
12.00
0.433
4.8
BW0218
195.00
217.00
22.00
0.829
7.7
BW0219
6.00
64.00
58.00
1.439
8.3
BW0219
72.00
92.00
20.00
0.729
4.3
BW0219
100.00
120.00
20.00
1.410
7.4
BW0219
193.00
209.00
16.00
0.521
3.1
BW0220
96.00
426.00
330.00
1.019
5.4
BW0221
2.70
21.00
18.30
0.926
8.5
BW0221
48.00
66.00
18.00
2.370
10.0
BW0221
113.00
166.00
53.00
0.638
3.5
BW0221
218.00
390.00
172.00
1.270
4.0
BW0221
417.00
434.95
17.95
1.185
8.7
BW0222
38.00
151.00
113.00
1.802
8.8
BW0222
346.00
356.00
10.00
0.886
8.7
BW0223
243.00
264.00
21.00
0.722
9.1
BW0224
133.00
147.00
14.00
0.565
11.0
BW0225
22.00
68.00
46.00
0.719
10.1
BW0225
82.00
199.00
117.00
1.300
2.8
BW0225
265.00
393.00
128.00
0.779
3.2
BW0226
91.00
104.00
13.00
0.448
2.7
BW0226
112.00
217.00
105.00
0.691
5.0
BW0226
223.00
385.00
162.00
1.090
5.2
BW0227
82.00
92.00
10.00
0.522
19.9
BW0227
300.00
318.00
18.00
0.453
6.0
BW0228
58.00
175.00
117.00
0.838
4.4
BW0228
184.00
197.00
13.00
0.388
3.1
BW0228
214.00
464.21
250.21
1.515
5.8
BW0229
102.00
137.00
35.00
1.671
7.3
BW0229
202.00
244.00
42.00
0.482
6.5
BW0229
308.00
321.00
13.00
0.411
0.6
BW0230
68.00
80.00
12.00
0.853
3.0
BW0230
105.00
117.00
12.00
0.503
2.4
BW0231
78.00
183.00
105.00
1.139
3.3
BW0231
299.00
310.00
11.00
0.439
0.3
BW0231
360.00
385.00
25.00
0.419
1.1
BW0232
102.00
138.00
36.00
0.593
8.0
BW0232
302.00
352.00
50.00
0.820
6.8
BW0233
61.00
71.00
10.00
0.480
8.9
BW0233
87.00
285.00
198.00
1.282
5.8
BW0233
322.00
347.00
25.00
0.535
1.1
BW0234
107.00
132.00
25.00
0.591
6.4
BW0234
317.00
334.00
17.00
1.150
14.2
BW0235
3.70
14.00
10.30
0.660
10.8
BW0235
63.00
80.00
17.00
0.445
8.8
BW0235
88.00
159.00
71.00
0.915
3.4
BW0235
166.00
221.00
55.00
0.668
4.1
BW0235
276.00
290.00
14.00
0.468
2.4
BW0235
298.00
310.00
12.00
0.556
2.6
BW0235
328.00
342.00
14.00
0.714
3.5
BW0235
350.00
361.00
11.00
0.606
3.6
BW0236
50.00
73.00
23.00
1.211
1.9
BW0237
222.00
241.00
19.00
0.434
8.1
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 34

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Hole-ID
From
To
Width (m)
Au g/t
Ag g/t
BW0237
258.00
270.00
12.00
0.660
7.9
BW0237
279.00
293.00
14.00
5.992
48.3
BW0238
22.00
62.00
40.00
0.809
14.4
BW0238
72.00
82.00
10.00
0.470
5.9
BW0238
96.00
161.00
65.00
0.425
2.5
BW0238
196.00
221.00
25.00
0.369
0.8
BW0238
241.00
255.00
14.00
0.774
3.5
BW0238
261.00
369.00
108.00
2.432
4.9
BW0238
383.00
420.00
37.00
0.476
1.4
BW0239
61.00
109.00
48.00
0.605
1.1
BW0239
123.00
150.00
27.00
0.495
1.1
BW0239
157.00
184.00
27.00
0.717
2.5
BW0239
190.00
207.00
17.00
1.197
6.4
BW0240
71.00
81.00
10.00
0.764
5.8
BW0240
118.00
134.00
16.00
1.098
2.2
BW0241
84.00
130.00
46.00
2.057
14.5
BW0242
140.00
150.00
10.00
0.763
3.0
BW0242
254.00
266.00
12.00
0.556
13.8
BW0243
89.00
159.00
70.00
1.573
3.9
BW0243
185.00
238.00
53.00
0.722
0.6
BW0244
52.00
115.00
63.00
0.828
4.2
BW0244
261.00
276.00
15.00
0.619
0.9
BW0245
96.00
125.00
29.00
0.376
2.5
BW0245
131.00
236.00
105.00
0.826
3.4
BW0245
275.00
291.00
16.00
0.755
1.0
BW0247
67.00
107.00
40.00
0.541
2.9
BW0247
115.00
186.00
71.00
0.621
2.8
BW0247
203.00
218.00
15.00
0.592
17.8
BW0247
291.00
312.00
21.00
0.624
2.9
BW0248
55.00
65.00
10.00
1.150
2.8
BW0248
123.00
136.00
13.00
0.408
0.8
BW0248
207.00
228.00
21.00
0.498
0.7
BW0248
359.00
378.00
19.00
1.702
5.3
BW0250
59.00
124.00
65.00
0.425
0.9
BW0250
164.00
174.00
10.00
0.538
3.4
BW0251
93.00
124.00
31.00
0.686
6.0
BW0252
35.00
54.00
19.00
0.715
8.1
BW0252
77.00
111.00
34.00
0.790
6.2
BW0252
127.00
156.00
29.00
0.452
4.8
BW0252
167.00
192.00
25.00
0.893
3.4
BW0252
208.00
218.00
10.00
0.595
1.6
BW0255
94.00
117.00
23.00
0.971
5.7
BW0255
227.00
263.00
36.00
0.699
9.3
BW0255
273.00
289.00
16.00
0.487
4.8
BW0256
103.00
143.00
40.00
1.701
3.8
BW0257
155.00
238.00
83.00
2.128
9.8
BW0259
21.00
61.00
40.00
0.668
6.0
BW0259
83.00
112.00
29.00
0.442
6.8
BW0259
136.00
146.00
10.00
0.572
2.7
BW0259
297.00
308.00
11.00
0.404
2.5
BW0259
325.00
367.00
42.00
0.789
4.9
BW0260
154.00
285.00
131.00
1.354
3.0
BW0260
292.00
303.00
11.00
0.744
8.0
BW0260
387.00
414.00
27.00
0.408
10.6
BW0260
477.00
545.00
68.00
0.622
7.6
BW0260
553.00
568.00
15.00
0.535
3.1
BW0261
107.00
121.00
14.00
1.939
5.7
BW0263
39.00
49.00
10.00
0.422
3.5
BW0263
69.00
139.00
70.00
1.761
11.9
BW0263
148.00
226.00
78.00
0.908
5.1
BW0263
252.00
295.00
43.00
0.423
1.3
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 35

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Hole-ID
From
To
Width (m)
Au g/t
Ag g/t
BW0263
303.00
424.50
121.50
1.084
4.1
BW0264
194.00
334.00
140.00
0.506
2.8
BW0267
52.00
201.00
149.00
1.563
2.1
BW0267W
317.00
333.00
16.00
1.105
4.8
BW0268
285.00
304.00
19.00
0.400
0.7
BW0268
329.00
372.00
43.00
0.590
0.6
BW0269
99.00
131.00
32.00
0.555
9.1
BW0269
257.00
270.00
13.00
1.531
2.5
BW0269
282.00
331.00
49.00
1.098
4.0
BW0269
349.00
381.00
32.00
0.621
6.5
BW0269
391.00
452.00
61.00
0.519
18.7
BW0270
141.00
217.00
76.00
1.034
1.6
BW0270
293.00
311.00
18.00
1.046
1.9
BW0271
203.00
231.00
28.00
0.378
2.1
BW0271
254.00
334.00
80.00
0.682
9.0
BW0272
55.00
82.00
27.00
0.423
4.3
BW0272
102.00
133.00
31.00
0.658
0.7
BW0272
359.00
374.00
15.00
0.997
3.0
BW0274
332.00
346.00
14.00
0.887
8.2
BW0275
354.00
369.00
15.00
0.405
1.7
BW0276
39.00
210.00
171.00
1.077
4.9
BW0276
230.00
297.00
67.00
0.433
2.1
BW0276
329.00
374.00
45.00
1.194
5.8
BW0278
68.00
80.00
12.00
0.611
12.6
BW0278
125.00
159.00
34.00
0.475
3.8
BW0278
342.00
354.00
12.00
1.202
1.0
BW0279
101.00
113.00
12.00
1.245
2.2
BW0279
146.00
226.00
80.00
0.890
2.6
BW0279
254.00
290.00
36.00
1.730
8.2
BW0281
152.00
265.00
113.00
0.725
1.2
BW0282
170.00
270.00
100.00
1.133
5.6
BW0282
366.00
377.00
11.00
0.335
1.9
BW0282
387.00
398.00
11.00
0.479
2.0
BW0282
423.00
445.00
22.00
0.717
4.6
BW0283
15.00
95.00
80.00
1.085
9.5
BW0283
133.00
143.00
10.00
0.411
11.6
BW0283
176.00
221.00
45.00
0.787
3.1
BW0283
316.00
345.00
29.00
0.356
1.5
BW0285
81.00
94.00
13.00
0.635
4.8
BW0285
210.00
224.00
14.00
1.175
1.7
BW0289
167.00
201.00
34.00
1.544
10.4
BW0289
297.00
308.00
11.00
0.395
3.1
BW0290
136.00
188.00
52.00
0.950
4.3
BW0292
46.00
62.00
16.00
0.442
1.8
BW0295
48.00
64.00
16.00
0.495
3.9
BW0295
72.00
99.00
27.00
0.394
3.1
BW0295
206.00
219.00
13.00
0.480
1.3
BW0295
380.00
406.00
26.00
0.520
1.2
BW0296
223.00
286.00
63.00
1.041
2.4
BW0296
304.00
346.00
42.00
0.445
4.7
BW0296
371.00
381.00
10.00
0.462
6.4
BW0296
402.00
460.00
58.00
0.684
8.5
BW0296
477.00
517.00
40.00
0.767
4.8
BW0297
7.00
24.00
17.00
2.067
9.0
BW0297
158.00
172.00
14.00
1.245
2.0
BW0297
434.00
450.00
16.00
1.559
2.2
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 36

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
10.3  
Sampling Method and Approach
 
Exploration drilling carried out since 2009 has been predominantly HQ core diameter except where reduction to NQ was required to attain target depths. The last three metallurgical holes (BWMET05 – BWMET07) were PQ core.
 
Drill core is transported from drill to camp by 4-wheel drive vehicle.  Core is logged in a specially built core handling facility. Logging includes geotechnical, magnetic susceptibility and specific gravity measurements taken at regular intervals. Lithology is logged and the core prepared for systematic sampling at regular 1 meter intervals. Core sawing and sampling are the last steps in core handling.
 
Logged data is entered into LogChief in tables designed specifically for this Project.  Logging was carried out by Project geologists.  Magnetic susceptibility and conductivity were measured at 10 cm increments along the core with a handheld conductivity and magnetic susceptibility meter (GDD MPP-EM2S+Probe).  This data was stored internally and was downloaded to an excel spread sheet.
 
Recovery and Rock Quality Designation (“RQD”) data were measured and recorded in LogChief.  An RQD measurement is the cumulative length of core pieces longer than 10cm in a given core run divided by the total length of that run.  Recovery and RQD measurements were performed by company geotechnical staff.  Core recovery for the combined 2009/2011 drilling averaged 91% and the median core recovery was 97%.  Poor core recovery often occurs in fault/shear zones.  The overall average RQD value for the same period was 36%.
 
10.4  
Bulk Density Assignment
 
New Gold has performed more than 11,000 measurements of specific gravity using a water immersion method without a wax coating on the samples.
 
A histogram of specific gravity measurements show that the distribution is bimodal with frequency peaks at specific gravities of 2.68 g/cm3 and 2.74 g/cm3.
 
GeoSim subdivided the data into two major rock types; andesite volcanics and rhyolitic volcanics. The mean densities for these rock types are 2.78 g/cm3 and 2.69 g/cm3 respectively. GeoSim further subdivided the specific gravity measurements by the zone of weathering. GeoSim used the median specific gravity values shown below in Table 10-4 to report mineral resources.
 
Table 10-4 Blackwater Deposit Bulk Density Values
Code
Lithologic Domain
Median Density
Sulphide Zone
Transition Zone
Oxide Zone
10
Andesitic Volcanics
2.78
2.79
2.74
2.69
20
Felsic Volcanics
2.70
2.70
2.65
2.60
 
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 37

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
New Gold checked the specific gravity measurements collected in the field by sending 151 samples for measurement in an independent laboratory. The specific gravity of the samples was measured in the ALS Global laboratory in Vancouver (an ISO 9000 certified laboratory). The ALS laboratory performed specific gravity measurements on the samples using both non-wax coated and wax coated methods.
 
Comparison of the average specific gravity measurements by ALS with the average of the original field measurement indicated no significant bias or differences between the independent checks and the measurements collected in the field.
 
11  
SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES AND SECURITY
 
Beginning in 2009, sampling for analysis is done systematically on one meter sample composites. Intervals are measured and marked on the core boxes where sample tags are stapled at the beginning of each interval.  Core is sawed in half lengthwise using a diamond saw. Half the core is placed in standard heavy poly sample bags with the pre-printed sample tag in a zip log baggy; the whole is then closed with zip ties. The remaining  half core is kept for reference in the core box stored at the Project camp site.
 
A certified reference standard is inserted into the sample stream every 20 samples, and a blank standard is inserted every 30 samples. The certified reference standards used were purchased from both CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd., an independent laboratory in Langley, BC, and WCM Minerals, a division of WCM Sales Ltd., in Burnaby, Vancouver. The reference standards were selected to match the precious metal content range and material type at Blackwater as closely as possible at the start of the exploration program.
 
For shipment to the lab, four samples are placed in rice bags with sample ID numbers on each bag and sealed with numbered banker’s security tags.  Between preparation and shipment, a period up to four days, the rice bags with samples are stored at site in a secure area behind the core cutting area.
 
Samples are transported to Prince George by truck. The driver waits with the samples in the truck until pick up for shipment by Papason Trucking Ltd.  Prior to July 2011, samples including the blanks, standards and duplicates, were shipped by bonded courier to Eco Tech Stewart Group Laboratories (“Eco Tech”) in Kamloops, BC.  Since the acquisition of Eco Tech by the ALS Group in July 2011, the samples have been shipped by bonded courier to ALS Minerals (“ALS”) in North Vancouver, BC.
 
Since July 2011, ALS has been used as the primary analytical laboratory and has an ISO 9001:2008 certification.  ALS is independent of New Gold.
 
In the lab standard sample preparation procedures were used. A multi element (33 elements) package with aqua-regia digest (nitric and hydrochloric acids) ICP-AES finish coupled with a fire assay with an AA finish was used for multi element and gold analyses respectively. Gold fire assays performed by Eco Tech were based on 30 gram pulp splits; gold fire assays performed by ALS were based on 50 gram pulp splits. Silver analyses are performed via Induction Coupled Plasmaspectrometry (“ICP”). Silver ICP analyses are not known with the same precision as gold fire assay analyses so the reader is cautioned regarding the accuracy of silver grades relative to gold grades reported in the current mineral resource estimate.  Overlimit ICP analyses of Ag, Cu, Pb, and Zn were performed on analyses that returned grades of Ag >30g/t, and Cu, Zn, Pb >1%. For Au, overlimit FA analysis was performed on analyses that returned >10g/t. Assay certificates received from ALS are delivered in a format specified by New Gold to allow instant import to DataShed.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 38

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
The drill hole and assay database for the project is administered from the Vancouver office using Maxwell Geoservices products. Drill hole data logged in the field is entered into a LogChief database specifically tailored to the Blackwater Project. LogChief validates this data as it is entered, and the final logs are exported and transferred to the database administrator in Vancouver for import to DataShed, the master database. Additional data validation checks are carried out in DataShed and all logs are checked by the administrator. Access permission for entering and editing data into the database is restricted to the New Gold Corporate Exploration Manager and Database Administrator for the project.
 
The database is hosted on the New Gold server which routinely backs up every day to protect the database from any drive failures.
 
11.1  
Historic Drilling
 
No records exist regarding QA/QC practices prior to 2005.  The 2005 assessment report by Silver Quest states the following:
 
“Routine duplicate samples were inserted into the sample stream about every 20 samples. Blank samples were inserted into the sample stream about every 40 samples.
 
A microdiorite sill rock unit was used for the blank samples in the sampling program. This blank rock was collected from diamond drill holes that intersected the sill during historical diamond drilling on Southern Rio's 3T’s property, located about 20 km southwest of the Davidson property. Laboratory results show that the ten blank samples contain from zero to 30 ppb gold and zero to 0.3 ppm silver, therefore no contamination within the laboratory is indicated by the blank sample results.
 
Duplicate samples were obtained by quartering the drill core sample from the selected interval (splitting one half of the core into two quarters). The two quarter-core samples were then submitted to the assay laboratory as a duplicate pair. Nineteen duplicate pairs were analyzed.”
 
No assessment report was filed in 2006 but it is believed that the same protocol was used for the two core holes completed during that season.
 
11.2  
Sample Reference Standards
 
As noted above, certified reference standards are inserted systematically into the sample stream. Every tenth sample is a standard, a blank or a duplicate.
 
The standards used during the 2009, 2010 and 2011 drill programs were used to monitor laboratory performance.  The standards were acquired from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd. and WCM Minerals and are shown in Table 11-1.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 39

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Table 11-1 Certified reference standards
Standard Sample
Element
Assay Type
Best Value
CDN CGS-22
Au
FA_AAS
0.640
CDN CGS-27
Au
FA_AAS
0.432
CDN CGS-1G
Au
FA_AAS
1.140
CDN CGS-1H
Au
FA_AAS
0.972
CDN CGS-1P5D
Au
FA_AAS
1.470
CDN GS-3E
Au
FA_AAS
2.970
CDN GS-3F
Au
FA_AAS
3.100
CDN GS-3H
Au
FA_AAS
3.040
CDN GS-7B
Au
FA_AAS
6.370
CDN GS-P4A
Au
FA_AAS
0.438
CDN ME-2
Au
FA_AAS
2.100
PM431
Au
unknown
2.7760
PM440
Au
unknown
1.62
PM445
Au
unknown
0.761
PM448
Au
unknown
0.279
PM449
Au
unknown
0.445
PM450
Au
unknown
0.56
PM451
Au
unknown
1.765
PM452
Au
unknown
0.952
PM927
Au
unknown
2.949
 
Upon receipt of the assay data, the standards are carefully examined and compared with accepted values. For standards a result within two standard deviations from the mean of the certified standard were deemed to pass. No unacceptable standard verification results were found in 2010 or in the first half of 2011 and one was found in 2009. Five instances were found where a blank was inserted into the sample stream instead of a standard. Five cases of misclassified standards being inserted were also noted.
 
Prior to the ALS acquisition, the average standard grades from Eco Tech compared closely with the certified grades except for CDN-GS-3E, where the average grade of 78 samples was almost 10% higher (3.26 vs. 2.97 g/t).  Examination of the CRM certificate revealed one of the round robin tests returned similar levels so the certified value may not be completely reliable.  When performance limits were adjusted for the bias the results were deemed acceptable with one failure. Use of this standard was discontinued at the end of 2009.
 
Since switching to ALS, the standard failure rate increased significantly and many 2011 sample batch sequences have been re-assayed to acceptable QA/QC performance limits.
 
A set of standards acquired from WCM show better performance at ALS than the CDN set.  Standard performance is summarized in Table 11-2.  The relative biases were between -3% and +4% and are not considered significant.
 
Table 11-2 Summary of CDN and WCM standards, best values and performance
Standard
Best Value
95% CI
95%CI/BV
Mean Value
Relative Bias
Number of Samples
CDN CGS-22
0.64
0.03
5%
0.65
1%
85
CDN CGS-27
0.43
0.02
5%
0.45
4%
75
CDN CGS-1G
1.14
0.05
4%
1.10
-3%
6
CDN CGS-1H
0.97
0.05
6%
0.99
2%
68
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 40

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Standard
Best Value
95% CI
95%CI/BV
Mean Value
Relative Bias
Number of Samples
CDN CGS-1P5D
1.47
0.08
5%
1.48
0%
46
CDN GS-3F
3.10
0.12
4%
3.11
0%
9
CDN GS-3H
3.04
0.12
4%
3.09
2%
39
CDN GS-7B
6.37
0.24
4%
6.49
2%
13
CDN GS-P4A
0.44
0.02
4%
0.44
1%
4
CDN ME-2
2.10
0.06
3%
2.10
0%
34
PM431
2.78
0.04
1%
2.83
2%
43
PM440
1.62
0.04
3%
1.66
2%
71
PM445
0.76
0.03
4%
0.77
2%
69
PM448
0.28
0.01
4%
0.28
2%
86
PM449
0.45
0.02
4%
0.45
1%
192
PM450
0.56
0.02
3%
0.57
2%
81
PM451
1.77
0.06
3%
1.71
-3%
27
PM452
0.95
0.04
4%
0.98
3%
146
PM927
2.95
0.09
3%
3.03
3%
43
 
 
11.3  
Duplicate Samples
 
11.3.1 Field Duplicates
 
Assay results for field duplicates were compared to those for the original sample and statistical plots were prepared for comparison using values < 10 g/t Au.  A total of 2479 field duplicate results were examined; 6% of which were duplicate half core with the remainder quarter core duplicates.  No significant bias was evident in the statistics ,although at the time of this report New Gold is investigating a possible decrease in analytical precision noted in samples analyzed by ALS since July 2011 (Table 11-3) or scatterplots (Figure 11-1 and Figure 11-2).
 
Table 11-3 Field duplicate statistics for values < 10 g/t Au
 
HALF CORE
QUARTER CORE
COMBINED
Original
Duplicate
Original
Duplicate
Original
Duplicate
n
148
148
2333
2333
2479
2479
Min
0.02
0.02
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Max
8.55
8.25
27.20
95.60
10.00
9.63
Mean
0.41
0.42
0.41
0.44
0.40
0.40
Median
0.14
0.13
0.12
0.12
0.12
0.12
Var
0.82
0.98
1.09
4.75
0.77
0.87
Std Dev
0.90
0.99
1.05
2.18
0.88
0.93
CV
2.19
2.36
2.56
4.94
2.22
2.33
 
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 41

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 11-1 Scatterplot of field duplicate results for Au
 

 
 
Figure 11-2 Scatterplot of field duplicate results for Ag
 

 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 42

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
The Absolute Relative Difference (ARD) Cumulative Frequency plot for Au in the field duplicates is shown in Figure 11-3.  The analysis is limited to grades > 0.2 and < 10 g/t . At the 90% cumulative frequency level the values for Eco Tech and ALS are both around 70% indicating a high level of variability between field duplicates.
 
 
Figure 11-3 Cumulative Frequency ARD Chart – Field Duplicates
 

 
 
11.3.2 Between Lab Pulp Checks
 
For a check on the primary assays by another laboratory every thirtieth reject from holes BW0060 to BW0090 was sent to Acme Labs of Vancouver, BC for check assay by staff at the Eco Tech Stewart Group Laboratories. Assay data were sent by Acme to Richfield as pdf and xls files. The statistical comparison (Table 11-4 and scatterplots (Figure 11-4) indicate that Acme has a very minor high bias which is not considered significant.
 
 
Table 11-4 Between lab pulp check statistics
 
Original
Eco Tech Lab
Duplicate ACME Lab
n
397
397
Min
0.00
0.00
Max
22.80
24.70
Mean
0.60
0.63
Median
0.13
0.14
Var
3.58
3.63
Std Dev
1.89
1.90
COV
3.17
3.02
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 43

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 11-4 Between-lab pulp recheck scatterplots
 

 
 
11.3.3 Duplicate Pulp Analyses
 
A total of 409 pulp duplicate samples were assayed at Eco Tech prior to the ALS transition.  A total of 2304 pulps were re-checked by ALS since that time. Results were again evaluated by cumulative frequency ARD charts using values > 0.2 g/t Au. The recommended value for pulp duplicates is less than 10% ARD at the 90% cumulative frequency limit.  The Eco Tech results yield a value of 13% at this level representing results between 2009 and 2011.  Results for ALS show a drop in performance with little change over the past 8 months.  The average for all ALS pulp duplicate results is 23% (Figure 11-5).
 
 
Results show no significant bias although, as noted above, a possible precision issue related to samples analyzed by ALS is being investigated by New Gold (Figure 11-6 and Figure 11-7).
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 44

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT

Figure 11-5 Cumulative Frequency ARD Chart – Pulp Duplicates
 

 
 

 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 45

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 11-6 Scatterplot of pulp duplicate results - Au
 

 
 
Figure 11-7 Scatterplot of pulp duplicate results - Ag
 

 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 46

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
11.3.4 Coarse reject duplicate analyses
 
A total of 2066 coarse reject duplicate samples were assayed at Eco Tech prior to the ALS transition.  A total of 2389 samples were re-checked by ALS since that time.   Results were again evaluated by cumulative frequency ARD charts using values > 0.2 g/t Au. The recommended value for coarse reject duplicates is less than 20% ARD at the 90% cumulative frequency limit.  The Eco Tech results yield a value of 21% at this level representing results between 2009 and 2011.  Results for ALS show a significant drop in performance during the transition period from July-Nov 2011 with considerable improvement since that time.  The average for all ALS coarse reject results is 29% with statistics for Dec 2011 as low as 20% Figure 11-8.
 
 
Results show no significant bias as illustrated in the scatterplots in Figure 11-9 and Figure 11-10.
 
 
Figure 11-8 Cumulative Frequency ARD Chart – Coarse Reject Checks
 

 
 

GeoSim Services
 
Page 47

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Figure 11-9 Scatterplot of coarse reject results - Au
 

 
 
Figure 11-10 Scatterplot of coarse reject results - Ag
 

 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 48

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
11.4  
Blanks
 
Blanks used in this Project and inserted into the sample stream derive from outcrop of a barren granodiorite exposed about 10 km north of the mineralized zone. Before use as blanks, 13 samples of this material were analyzed at Eco Tech Stewart Group Laboratories in 2009.
 
Upon receipt of the assay data the blanks are carefully examined and compared with accepted values. Assay results for blanks were uniformly below or at detection limit for gold. For other elements the blanks show good consistency giving confidence that the same material was being used in each instance.
 
11.5  
Conclusions
 
QA/QC with respect to the results received to date for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 exploration programs is acceptable, and protocols have been well documented.  A lower level of QA/QC exists for the seven drill holes completed between 2005 and 2006, but it is believed to be sufficient to support a resource estimate.  Data from holes drilled between 1981 and 1994 have no documented QA/QC information, and they are not deemed acceptable for use in resource grade estimation.
 
It is the author’s opinion that sample preparation, security and analysis is in compliance with industry standards and is adequate to support a mineral resource estimate as defined under NI 43-101.
 
12  
DATA VERIFICATION
 
12.1  
Site Visit
 
The author visited the site on December 13, 2010; September 8, 2011; and November 28, 2011.  The purpose of the visits was to review the geology and mineralization encountered in the drill holes completed to date.  In addition, drilling, sampling, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), sample preparation and analytical protocols and procedures and database structure were reviewed.
 
Four samples of drill core were collected by the author in 2010 and submitted for assay.  Results were consistent with those from the intervals in which they resided (Table 12-1).  No samples were collected during the 2011 site visit.
 
Six drill hole collar locations were also verified by GPS readings.
 
Table 12-1 Assay results from samples collected during site 2010 visit
Sample
Dhole
Depth
Assay g/t Au
Assay Interval
Au_g/t
B2-81A
BW0081
192
0.384
192-193
0.51
BW-81B
BW0081
191
0.210
191-192
0.51
BW-87A
BW0087
133.5
15.93
133-134
3.53
BW-87B
BW0087
146.5
0.603
146-147
0.75
 
The author is of the opinion that the data is adequate to support a mineral resource estimate as defined under NI 43-101.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 49

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
13  
MINERAL PROCESSING AND METALLURGICAL TESTING
 
Metallurgical testing on samples from the Blackwater Gold Project was carried out on composites comprised largely of samples taken from 4 metallurgical drill holes drilled in 2010/2011 as well as from up to 85 resource drill holes. Whole core samples were used from the metallurgical drill holes and quarter core for the resource drill hole samples. Test composites were generally defined by lithology and oxidation state. The work was carried out in late 2011 and early 2012 at a number of commercial metallurgical laboratories, including SGS in British Columbia, G&T in British Columbia, Dawson Metallurgical Laboratories in Utah and McClelland Laboratories in Nevada. Testing demonstrated that the Blackwater ore is non-refractory and amenable to extraction by conventional gold processing technologies.
 
Metallurgical testing was designed to investigate metallurgical response to three main flowsheets – direct cyanidation, flotation and heap leaching. Results from 64 tests at different conditions showed that the samples responded well to direct whole ore cyanidation tests on oxide, transition and sulphide ores with gold and silver recoveries ranging from 87 - 92% and 55 - 60% respectively. Testwork on sulphide ores also showed that the samples responded well to bulk sulphide flotation followed by regrinding and cyanide leaching of the concentrate, with gold and silver recoveries averaging 85% and 40% respectively from 30 tests at different conditions. Only 2 flotation tests were carried out on oxide and transition samples, which indicated gold recoveries in the range 50-78%. Further flotation testwork will be focused on the transition ore, to characterize the metallurgical response of this material.
 
Grinding characterization testwork was carried out, generating JKSimmet (JKS) and Bond data. The results suggest that the sulphide ores can be described as moderate to hard with an average JKS axb parameter of 38 and Bond Ball work index of 16.6 kWh/t.
 
The composites were also subjected to direct gravity concentration and indicated that the ore is amenable to gravity concentration with results in line with the previous testing carried out in early 2010 by the Metallurgical Division of Inspectorate Exploration and Mining Services Ltd. in Richmond BC.
 
The current PEA metallurgical test work is in the process of completion and an additional program is due to commence in Q2 2012 to provide further understanding of ore hardness, gold and silver recovery confirmation and variability testing through the deposit.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 50

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
14  
MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE
 
14.1  
Exploratory Data Analysis
 
The sample database for the Blackwater Gold Project contains results from 310 core holes (102,460 m) drilled between 1987 and July 1, 2011.  266 of these have been drilled since the start of 2009 including 6 holes for metallurgical testing completed in 2011. Four core holes drilled between 1981 and 2006 were not sampled or records have been lost.  An additional 7 core holes were either missing analytical data or were beyond the limits of the resource model. No analytical data was available for 33 RC holes completed in 1981 and their precise locations are uncertain.
 
Due to lack of QAQC and accurate survey information, holes drilled prior to 2009 were not used for statistical analysis or grade estimation. Table 14-1 summarizes the drilling information used in the present mineral resource estimation.
 
Table 14-1 Summary of drilling used for resource estimation
Series
Year Completed
Company
Holes Drilled
Total metres
Intervals Assayed
Metres Assayed
BW0042 TO BW0059
2009
RVC
18
3,664.95
3,408
3,413.62
BW0060 TO BW0116
2010
RVC
57
21,337.03
20,034
20,219.03
BW0117 TO BW0175 (+50R)
2011
RVC
59
19,733.74
18,517
19,114.96
 
Subtotal
RVC
134
44,735.72
41,959
42,747.61
             
BW0176 TO BW0298
2011
New Gold
125
49,631.68
45,773
46,437.29
BWMET01 TO BWMET07
2011
New Gold
7
2,281.91
1,347
1,364.73
BW0299
2012
New Gold
1
451.50
439
439.50
 
Subtotal
New Gold
132
51,913.59
47,559
48,241.52
 
Total
All
266
96,649.31
89,518
90,989.13
 
For preliminary statistical analysis, an exploratory data analysis (EDA) envelope was generated to exclude unmineralized or weakly mineralized drill hole data peripheral to the main deposit.  The deposit was also divided into three structural domains based on observed large-scale gold trends observed in previous resource estimates and contour plots of total gold accumulation in each drill hole.  These domains were numbered 901 (west), 902 (southeast) and 903 (northwest).  Gold gradeshell domains were then generated within each structural domain by indicator kriging using a threshold value of 0.2 g/t Au.  The various constraints and domains are illustrated in Figure 14-1 and Figure 14-2.
 
Within the EDA envelope Au and Ag show a weak positive correlation (correlation coefficient = 0.3) and a linear regression yields a very low R2 value of 0.1 (Figure 14-3).  Consequently, geostatistics and block grade estimation for Ag was not constrained by the 0.2 g/t Au gradeshells but only by the outer structural domain boundaries.
 

GeoSim Services
 
Page 51

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Figure 14-1 Structural domains and EDA envelope
 

 
 
Figure 14-2 Plan view of structural domains and Au gradeshell domains
 

 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 52

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 14-3 Scatterplot of Au vs Ag sample data
 

 
 
Cumulative frequency distribution for the Au samples within the 0.2 g/t Au grade shell domains used to constrain block model grade estimation is illustrated in Figure 14-4.  Sample populations are highly skewed approaching log normal distribution with no significant bimodality evident.
 
Cumulative frequency distribution for the Ag samples within the structural domain boundaries used to constrain the later block grade estimates is illustrated in and Figure 14-5.
 
Basic statistics for Au and Ag in their corresponding grade domains are shown in Table 14-2.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 53

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Figure 14-4 Frequency distribution of Au within gradeshell constraints
 

 
 
Figure 14-5 Frequency distribution of Ag within structural domains
 

 
 
Table 14-2 Sample statistics
 
Au g/t
Ag g/t
n
44692
85204
Min
0.002
0.1
Max
262
638
Median
0.317
1.5
Mean
0.827
3.6
Wt Avg
0.828
3.6
Variance
10.511
78.7
Std Dev
3.242
8.9
CV
3.92
2.4
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 54

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
14.2  
 Outlier Analysis
 
Before compositing, grade distribution in the raw sample data was examined to determine if grade capping or special treatment of high outliers was warranted. Cumulative log probability plots were examined for outlier populations, and decile analyses was performed for Au within the zone domains. As a general rule, the cutting of high grades is warranted if:
 
·  
the last decile (upper 10% of samples) contains more than 40% of the metal; or
 
·  
the last decile contains more than 2.3 times the metal of the previous decile; or
 
·  
the last centile (upper 1%) contains more than 10% of the metal; or
 
·  
the last centile contains more than 1.75 times the next highest centile.
 
For the 0.2 g/t Au grade shell domains the last decile for Au contained between 54-63% of the metal content and between 25-27% is contained in the top centile. After reviewing the probability distribution, it was decided to cap grades at 30 g/t Au for domains 901 and 902 and at 20 g/t for domain 903.  The capping affects a total of 78 samples and the expected amount of metal removed was 4.7%.
 
For Ag the last decile contained 54% of the metal, and the upper centile contained 19% for domains 901 and 902.  In domain 903, the last decile contained 48% of the contained metal, and the upper centile contained 13%.  A cap grade of 50 g/t was selected for Ag which approximates the 99.5th percentile level. A total of 396 samples assayed above this threshold for Ag within the domain constraints and the expected amount of metal removed was 4.3%.
 
Analysis of statistics for the major lithologies reveals that all major rock types can contain significant levels of Au.  Examination of contact profiles throughout the mineralized zones showed that lithologies were not principal controls of mineralization and that the use of hard boundaries for grade estimation along lithologic contacts were not justified.
 
14.3  
Deposit Modeling
 
Core drilling has defined a continuous zone of +0.2 g/t Au mineralization that extends at least 1250 meters along its longest dimension in an east-west direction and at least 800 meters in a north-south direction. The thickness of the zone ranges up to 500 meters.
 
A lithologic model of the andesite unit was generated using a combination of indicator kriging with control strings.  Blocks falling within the wireframe were coded as andesite and all other blocks below the bedrock surface were coded as felsic volcanics. In light of the present geologic interpretation it was not possible to further subdivide the felsic volcanics at this stage.  Further re-logging of older drill holes is being carried out and development of a more comprehensive geological model is anticipated later in 2012.
 
The block lithologic code assignments are illustrated in Table 14-3, and the block model lithologic coding is shown in cross section in Figure 14-6.
 
Table 14-3  Block model lithologic codes
Code
Lithology
1
Overburden
10
Andesite
20
Felsic Volcanics / Volcaniclastics
 
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 55

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 14-6 Block lithology on section 5892800N
 

 
 
A bedrock surface was modeled by creating profiles based on drill hole intercepts and generating a digital elevation model.  Surfaces representing the base of the oxide and oxide-sulphide transition zone were also generated and used to code the blocks as illustrated in Figure 14-7.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 56

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Figure 14-7 Weathering profile on section 5892800N
 

 
 
14.4  
Compositing
 
Best fit downhole composites of Au were generated using a nominal 5 meter interval within the three grade shell domains.  Samples within the domains 901 and 902 were capped prior to compositing at 30 g/t Au.  Samples within domain 903 were capped at 20 g/t.
 
Fixed length downhole composites of Ag were created using a 5 meter interval within the broader structural domains.  All samples were capped at 50 g/t for Ag prior to compositing.
 
Statistics for composites are summarized Table 14-4.  The combination of capping and compositing reduce the coefficient of variation for Au from 3.92 in the raw sample data to 1.77.
 
Table 14-4 Composite statistics
 
Au
Ag
n
9110
17321
Min
0.002
0.1
Max
27.641
50.0
Median
0.395
1.9
Mean
0.780
3.5
Variance
1.898
22.1
Std Dev
1.378
4.7
COV
1.77
1.36
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 57

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Composites for Au and Ag were also generated using 10m intervals for use in a nearest neighbour grade estimate in order to match the bench height.
 
14.5  
Density
 
A total of 12,486 density measurements have been made on core sampled between 2009 and the end of 2011.  The median density values for each modeled lithology, and material type were assigned to the corresponding blocks in the resource model as shown in Table 14-5.
 
Table 14-5 Density statistics for modeled lithologies
Code
Lithology
Sulphide Zone
Transition Zone
Oxide Zone
1
Overburden
2.00
2.00
2.00
10
Andesitic Volcanics
2.79
2.74
2.69
20
Felsic Volcanics
2.70
2.65
2.60
 
14.6  
 Variogram Analysis
 
Indicator variograms within each of the 3 structural domains were generated using a threshold of 0.2 g/t Au.  These were modeled to determine the anisotropy of the structural domains.  Model results are presented in Table 14-6 and search ellipsoids derived from these are illustrated in Figure 14-8.
 
Table 14-6 Indicator variogram models
Domain
Type
Axis
Azim
Plunge
co
c1
a1
c2
a2
c3
a3
901
Normal Spherical
major
27
0
0.1324
0.3323
23.75
0.1312
113
0.3856
291
semi-major
117
64
0.1324
0.3323
23.75
0.1312
113
0.3856
291
minor
117
-26
0.1324
0.3323
23.75
0.1312
113
0.3856
194
902
Normal Spherical
major
90
-15
0.172
0.4077
21.1
0.1265
65
0.2921
300
semi-major
0
0
0.172
0.4077
21.1
0.1265
65
0.2921
250
minor
90
75
0.172
0.4077
21.1
0.1265
65
0.2921
200
903
Normal Spherical
major
90
0
0.228
0.3246
24
0.109
62
0.341
250
semi-major
180
25
0.228
0.3246
24
0.109
62
0.341
220
minor
180
-65
0.228
0.3246
24
0.109
62
0.341
150
 
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 58

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 14-8 Search ellipsoids derived from indicator variograms
 

 
 
Directional pairwise relative semi-variograms for Au and Ag were modeled using composites falling within the corresponding domain constraints in order to determine kriging parameters, search parameters and anisotropy.  In the case of Au, composites were restricted to the 3 indicator gradeshells.  For Ag, the composites were combined for domains 902 and 903. Variogram model parameters for Au and Ag are shown in Table 14-7 and Table 14-8.
 
Table 14-7 Semi-variogram model parameters - Au
Domain
Type
Axis
Azim
Dip
co
c1
a1
c2
a2
Au 901
Normal Pairwise Relative
major
27
0
0.21
0.1895
19.8
0.1798
100
semi-major
117
64
0.21
0.1895
19.8
0.1798
100
minor
117
-26
0.21
0.1895
12
0.1798
67
Au 902
Normal Pairwise Relative
major
90
-15
0.34
0.207
20
0.139
100
semi-major
0
0
0.34
0.207
20
0.139
83
minor
90
75
0.34
0.207
15
0.139
67
Au 903
Normal Pairwise Relative
major
90
0
0.233
0.1556
20
0.1198
100
semi-major
180
25
0.233
0.1556
20
0.1198
88
minor
180
-65
0.233
0.1556
15
0.1198
60
 
Table 14-8 Semi-variogram model parameters - Ag
Domain
Type
Axis
Azim
Dip
co
c1
a1
Ag 901
Exponential Pairwise Relative
Isotropic
0
0
0.241
0.41
114
 
 
Ag 902/903
Exponential Pairwise Relative
major
0
0
0.271
0.266
100
semi-major
90
-25
0.271
0.266
100
minor
90
-65
0.271
0.266
70
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 59

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
 
14.7  
Block Model and Grade Estimation Procedures
 
A block model was created in Gemcom-Surpac Vision© software using a block size 10 x 10 x 10 m.  Block model extents are summarized in Table 14-9.
 
Table 14-9 Block model parameters
 
East
North
Elev
Min
374300
5892000
900
Max
376500
5893800
1750
Extent
2200
1800
850
Block Size
10
10
10
Blocks
220
180
85
 
The model blocks were first coded by the partial percent within the zone domain and below topography.  Lithologic codes, material types and density values were then assigned as described in Section 14.3 and 14.5.
 
Indicator kriging was carried out using Leapfrog3d© software to generate grade shell solid models within each of the 3 structural domains at a threshold of 0.2 g/t Au.  A comparison between these grade shells and nearest neighbor (NN) model of the same grade indicator showed that the grade shell volume is very similar to the NN model volume and is therefore regarded as unbiased.  The grade shell models are illustrated in Figure 14-2.
 
Au and Ag grades within the corresponding zone domains were estimated in three passes using ordinary kriging and the inverse distance weighting method to the third power (ID3).  A single pass nearest neighbour estimate was also carried out for use in model validation.  Search parameters are outlined in Table 14-10.  The anisotropy conforms to the search ellipsoids derived from the variogram models.  The frequency distributions of block grades within the blocks estimated for Au are shown in Figure 14-9 and Figure 14-10.
 
Block model grade distribution is illustrated in Figure 14-11 to Figure 14-17.
 
Table 14-10 Au grade model search parameters
Domain
Pass
Max Search Dist (m)
Min # Composites
Max # Composites
Max per Hole
Topcut g/t Au
Au 901
Gradeshell
1
25
6
16
4
30
2
50
6
16
4
30
3
100
4
24
-
30
Au 902
Gradeshell
1
25
6
16
4
30
2
50
6
16
4
30
3
100
4
24
-
30
Au 903
Gradeshell
1
25
6
16
4
20
2
50
6
16
4
20
3
100
4
24
-
20
 

 
 

GeoSim Services
 
Page 60

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Table 14-11 Ag grade model search parameters
Domain
Pass
Max Search Dist (m)
Min # Composites
Max # Composites
Max per Hole
Topcut g/t Ag
Ag 901
1
25
6
16
4
50
2
50
6
16
4
50
3
100
4
24
-
50
Ag 902/903
1
25
6
16
4
50
2
50
6
16
4
50
3
100
4
24
-
50
 
Figure 14-9 Frequency distribution of Au grades in block model
 

 
 
Figure 14-10 Frequency distribution of Ag grades in block model
 

 
 

GeoSim Services
 
Page 61

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Figure 14-11 Au block grade distribution – Section 5892800N
 

 
 
Figure 14-12 Ag block grade distribution – Section 5892800N
 

 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 62

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 14-13 Au block grade distribution – Section 5892900N
 

 
 
Figure 14-14 Ag block grade distribution – Section 5892900N
 

 
 

GeoSim Services
 
Page 63

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Figure 14-15 Au block grade distribution – Section 375000E
 

 
 
Figure 14-16 Ag block grade distribution – Section 375000E
 

 
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 64

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 14-17 Au block grade distribution
 

 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 65

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
14.8  
Mineral Resource Classification
 
Resource classifications used in this study conform to the following definition from National Instrument 43-101:
 
Mineral Resource
 
A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of diamonds, natural solid inorganic material, or natural solid fossilized organic material including base and precious metals, coal, and industrial minerals in or on the Earth’s crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge.
 
Measured Mineral Resource
 
A ‘Measured Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity.
 
Indicated Mineral Resource
 
An ‘Indicated Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed.
 
Inferred Mineral Resource
 
An ‘Inferred Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes.
 
In order to meet the requirements of NI43-101 with respect to reasonable prospects of economic extraction, by open pit mining methods, a 45° wall slope Lerchs-Grossman pit was generated to constrain the resource within the block model.  Metal prices assumed were $1300/ounce for gold with recovery of 87%. Combined processing, G & A and ore mining costs were assumed to be $12.20/tonne.  Base waste mining costs were assumed to be $2.45/tonne.
 
Consideration was given to classifying blocks estimated in the first estimation pass as ‘measured’.  However the structural and geologic modeling is still at an early stage and there are some assay/data quality issues still under investigated. Consequently, it was decided to delay classifying any blocks as measured at this stage.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 66

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Blocks were initially classified as ‘indicated’ if the block centroid was within 38.5m of the closest composite, and the average distance from the two nearest composites from different drill holes was also less than 38.5m.  This corresponds to a drill spacing of 50x50 metres with a 10% contingency buffer.  The indicated classification was then smoothed to eliminate small areas of inferred surrounded by indicated blocks.  Finally, indicated blocks adjacent to the outer grade shell boundaries were downgraded to ‘inferred’ to reflect the uncertainty of grade estimates along the hard boundaries. All other estimated blocks were classified as ‘inferred’.  Block classification in plan and section view is illustrated in Figure 14-18 and Figure 14-19.
 
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 67

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 14-18 Block classification - Plan view
 

 
 
Figure 14-19 Block classification - Section 5892800N
 

 
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 68

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 14-20 Perspective view of block model and pit shell

 
 
 
14.9  
Model Validation
 
Model verification was initially carried out by visual comparison of blocks and sample grades in plan and section views. The estimated block grades showed reasonable correlation with adjacent composite grades.
 
Block grades were also estimated using the inverse distance (ID3) and the nearest neighbour methods. A comparison of global mean values within the grade shell domain shows a reasonably close relationship with samples, composites and block model values (Table 14-12).
 
Table 14-12 Global mean grade comparison
 
Au g/t
Samples (Wt Avg)
0.83
Samples Capped
0.78
Composites
0.78
ID3 (Indicated)
0.74
Kriged (Indicated)
0.73
Nearest Neighbour
0.73
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 69

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
Swath plots were generated to assess the model for global bias by comparing Kriged, ID3 and nearest neighbour estimates on panels through the deposit. Results show a reasonable comparison between the methods, particularly in the main portions of the deposit indicated by the bar charts (Figure 14-21 to Figure 14-23).
 
 
Figure 14-21 Swath plot (E-W) at 5892800-2830 North
 

 
 
Figure 14-22 Swath plot (N-S) at 375570-5600 East
 

 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 70

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 14-23 Swath plot by elevation at 375300 East
 

 
 
Grade tonnage curves show a close comparison between the ID3 and kriged results (Figure 14-24).
 
The relative amount of smoothing in the block model estimates were evaluated using the Hermitian Polynomial Change of Support method (Herco). Using this procedure, the distribution of the hypothetical block grades are compared to the estimated models through the use of pseudo-grade-tonnage curves.  In general, the estimated model should be slightly higher in tonnage and slightly lower in grade when compared to the Herco distribution at the selected cut-off grade.  Results of this test showed that the kriged results were a better match with the Herco distribution compared to the ID3 model.
 
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 71

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Figure 14-24 Grade-Tonnage comparison of estimation methods
 

 
 
14.10  
 Mineral Resource Summary
 
The following table presents the mineral resource estimate for the Blackwater Gold Project at a range of cut-off grades with the base case in bold face.  The selected base case cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t gold is considered consistent with other mineral deposits of similar characteristics, scale and location.  Silver grades are reported but are not used in determining the base case cut-off grade. The effective date of the estimate is March 7, 2012.
 
Table 14-13 Blackwater Gold Project Mineral Resource Summary
 
Indicated
Inferred
COG g/t Au
Tonnes 000's
Grade
Contained Au M oz
Tonnes 000's
Grade
Contained Au M oz
Au g/t
Ag g/t
Au g/t
Ag g/t
0.20
228,167
0.82
4.2
6.00
141,931
0.61
3.5
2.78
0.25
219,150
0.84
4.3
5.94
133,981
0.63
3.5
2.73
0.30
206,146
0.88
4.3
5.83
120,942
0.67
3.6
2.61
0.35
190,707
0.92
4.5
5.66
105,794
0.72
3.8
2.45
0.40
174,407
0.98
4.6
5.47
91,566
0.78
3.8
2.28
0.45
158,547
1.03
4.7
5.25
79,471
0.83
3.9
2.12
0.50
142,961
1.09
4.9
5.01
68,607
0.88
4.1
1.95
 
Table 14-14 presents the breakdown of resources by material type above a cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t Au.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 72

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Table 14-14 Resource by material type COG=0.4 g/t Au
Zone
Indicated
Inferred
Tonnes 000's
Grade
Contained Au M oz
Tonnes 000's
Grade
Contained Au M oz
Au g/t
Ag g/t
Au g/t
Ag g/t
Oxide
4,710
0.85
7.4
0.13
3,583
0.76
6.9
0.09
Transition
19,903
0.93
6.0
0.59
9,892
0.73
4.8
0.23
Sulphide
149,794
0.98
4.3
4.74
78,091
0.78
3.6
1.96
Total
174,407
0.98
4.6
5.47
91,566
0.78
3.8
2.28

 
As noted in Section 11 above, gold analyses were performed by fire assay with an AA finish and silver analyses were performed via Induction Coupled Plasmaspectrometry (“ICP”). Silver ICP analyses are not known with the same precision as gold fire assay analyses so the reader is cautioned regarding the accuracy of silver grades relative to gold grades reported in the current mineral resource estimate.
 
The mineral resource estimate is quite sensitive to metal prices.  There are no other known factors or issues that materially affect the estimate other than normal risks faced by mining projects in the province in terms of environmental, permitting, taxation, socio-economic, marketing and political factors.  There are no known legal or title issues that would materially affect the mineral resource estimate.
 

GeoSim Services
 
Page 73

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT

 
15  
ADJACENT PROPERTIES
 
Not applicable
 
 
16  
OTHER RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION
 
There are no other data known to Geosim that are relevant to this Technical Report: therefore, there are no relevant data or information presented in this section.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 74

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
17  
INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS
 
The Blackwater Gold Project has the characteristics of, and is considered to be, an intermediate sulphidation epithermal gold-silver deposit. Mineralization occurs in stratigraphically chaotic volcanic rocks of Late Cretaceous age emplaced through and on Hazelton Group strata. The rocks are extensively hydrofractured and silicified and shot through with fine grained pyrite and other sulphide minerals. Gold is primarily associated with the sulphide minerals as gold grains between 5 and 50 microns across.
 
Drilling by Richfield and New Gold since August 2009 has outlined a large, low grade gold-silver deposit that extends at least 1250 meters along its longest dimension in an east-west direction and up to 800 meters in a north-south direction. The thickness of the presently defined zone ranges up to 500 meters.
 
Results from metallurgical testing carried out in 2011 and 2012 showed that the samples responded well to direct whole ore cyanidation tests on oxide, transition and sulphide ores with gold and silver recoveries ranging from 87-92% and 55-60% respectively. Testwork on sulphide ores also showed that the samples responded well to bulk sulphide flotation followed by regrinding and cyanide leaching of the concentrate with gold and silver recoveries averaging 85% and 40% respectively. Testing of ore hardness indicated that the ore could be described as moderate to hard.
 
Sample preparation, security and analysis is compliant with industry standards and is adequate to support a mineral resource estimate as defined under NI 43-101.  QA/QC with respect to the results received to date for the 2009-2011 exploration programs is acceptable and protocols have been well documented.  The database contains all core data collected on the Project to date and has been structured for resource estimation.
 
At a cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t gold, the Blackwater Gold Project is estimated to contain an indicated mineral resource of 174 million tonnes averaging 0.98 g/t Au and 4.6 g/t Ag.  An additional 91.6 million tonnes grading 0.78 g/t Au and 3.8 g/t Ag is classified as inferred.
 
The mineral resource estimate is quite sensitive to metal prices.  There are no other known factors or issues that materially affect the estimate other than normal risks faced by mining projects in the province in terms of environmental, permitting, taxation, socio-economic, marketing and political factors.  There are no known legal or title issues that would materially affect the mineral resource estimate.
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 75

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
 
18  
RECOMMENDATIONS
 
The mineral resource estimate presented in this Technical Report is adequate to serve as the basis for a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), which is presently in progress.
 
The 2012 Blackwater PEA program will consist predominantly of additional delineation and infill drilling to expand and determine the economic limits of the Blackwater deposit, to better define the principal controls to mineralization and distribution of metal grades, and to further upgrade the mineral resource classification toward the measured and indicated categories. A program involving approximately 140,000 meters of delineation and infill core drilling is recommended. In parallel with the drilling program, a development program involving further metallurgical test work, evaluation of processing methods, engineering studies (eg: mining methods, geotechnical characterization, site and infrastructure alternatives), and environmental baseline studies is also recommended. A budget for the 2012 PEA program is presented in Table 18-1 below.
 
 
Table 18-1 2012 Blackwater Proposed PEA Budget
2012 Exploration & Development Program
2012 Budget (M$)
 
Direct Drilling
$ 22.00  
Analytical
$ 9.00  
Road & Drill Pad Construction
$ 2.50  
Camp Costs & Logistics
$ 6.00  
Personnel
$ 6.50  
Engineering and Metallurgy Studies
$ 4.00  
Total     
$ 50.00  

 
Results of the PEA should be used by New Gold as a basis for undertaking:
 
·  
Further metallurgical test work;
 
·  
Infill and additional definition drilling;
 
·  
Geotechnical drilling;
 
·  
Site investigation;
 
·  
Infrastructure development;
 
·  
Environmental baseline studies;
 
·  
Mining method evaluation; and
 
·  
Processing option selection and resource characterization.
 

GeoSim Services
 
Page 76

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
 
19  
REFERENCES
 
Corbett, G.J. and Leach, T.M. (1997); Southwest Pacific rim gold-copper systems: Short Course Manual.
 
Diakow, L.J., and Webster, I.C.L. (1994): Geology of the Fawnie Creek Map Area (93F/3); in Geological Fieldwork 1993, Grant, B and Newell, J.M., Editors, B.C. Ministry of Energy Mines, and Petroleum Resources, Paper 1994-1, pages 15-26.
 
Diakow, L.J. and V.M. Levson (1997): Bedrock and Surfical Geology of the Southern Nechako Plateau, Central British Columbia (93F/2,3,6,7), Geoscience Map 1997-2. (Map)
 
Diakow, L.J., Webster, I.C.L., Richards, T.A. and Tipper, H.W. (1997): Geology of the Fawnie and Nechako Ranges, Southern Nechako Plateau, Central British Columbia (93F/2,3,6,7); in Interior Plateau Geoscience Project: Summary of Geological, Geochemical and Geophysical Studies, Newell, J.M. and Diakow L.G., Editors. B.C. Ministry of Employment and Investment, Paper 1997-2.
 
Friedman, R.M., Diakow, L.J., Lane, R.A., and Mortensen, J.K. (2001): New U-Pb age constraints on latest Cretaceous magmatism and associated mineralization in the Fawnie Range, Nechako Plateau, central British Columbia: Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, vol. 38: pp. 619-637
 
Sillitoe, R.H., Hedenquist, J.W. (2003): Linkages between volcanotectonic settings, ore-fluid compositions, and epithermal precious metal deposits: Society of Economic Geologists Special Publication 10, p. 315-343.
 
Simpson, R.G. (2011): Technical Report, Blackwater Gold Project, British Columbia, Canada. NI43-101 report prepared for Richfield Ventures Corp. and Silver Quest Resources Ltd. dated March 2, 2011. Filed on SEDAR.
 
Simpson, R.G. (2011):  Technical Report, Blackwater Gold Project, British Columbia, Canada. NI43-101 report prepared for New Gold Inc. and Silver Quest Resources Ltd. Dated November 2, 2011. Filed on SEDAR
 
 
GeoSim Services
 
Page 77

 
TECHNICAL REPORT - BLACKWATER GOLD PROJECT
 
Certificate of Author – Ronald G. Simpson, P.Geo.
 
I, Ronald G. Simpson, P.Geo, residing at 1975 Stephens St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6K 4M7, do hereby certify that:
 
1.  
I am president of GeoSim Services Inc.
 
2.  
This certificate applies to the Technical Report entitled “Technical Report, Blackwater Gold Project, British Columbia, Canada”, dated effective March 7, 2012.
 
3.  
I graduated with an Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of British Columbia in 1975. I have practiced my profession continuously since 1975. My relevant experience includes 37 years’ experience in mining and mineral exploration and 25 years’ experience in mineral resource estimation.
 
4.  
I am a member in good standing of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (Registered Professional Geoscientist, No. 19513).
 
5.  
 I am a “qualified person” for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 (the “instrument”).
 
6.  
I have visited the property that is the subject of the Technical Report on December 13, 2010, September 8, 2011 and November 28, 2011.
 
7.  
I am independent of the issuer, New Gold Inc., applying all of the tests in section 1.5 of NI 43- 101.
 
8.  
I have had prior involvement with the property that is the subject of the Technical Report, the nature of which involves the preparation of a technical report prepared for Richfied Ventures Corp. and Silver Quest Resources Ltd. dated 2 March, 2011 and titled “Technical Report, Blackwater Gold Project, British Columbia, Canada”.  The report was readdressed to New Gold Inc. on June 6, 2011.  An updated Technical Report with the same title was completed for New Gold and Siver Quest on November 2, 2011.
 
9.  
I am responsible for the preparation of all sections of the Technical Report.
 
10.  
I have read NI 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and the Technical Report has been prepared in compliance with that instrument and form.
 
 
11.  
As of the date of this certificate, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the Technical Report contains all scientific and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical Report not misleading.
 
 
12.  
I consent to the filing of the Technical Report with any stock exchange and other regulatory authority and any publication by them, including electronic publication in the public company files on their websites accessible by the public, of the Technical Report.
 
 
DATED this 23rd day of March, 2012
 
 
“Ronald G. Simpson”
 
 
Ronald G. Simpson, P.Geo.
 
 
 
 
GeoSim Services
Page 78