VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(June 16, 2017) – Kootenay Zinc Corp. (the “Company“) (CSE:ZNK)(CSE:ZNK.CN)(CNSX:ZNK)(OTCQB:KTNNF)(FRANKFURT:KYH) provides the following update on exploration activities and upcoming drill testing at the Sully project.

Field programs have continued through May and early June and the project team has completed a number of activities at the site, with a specific focus on the E3 Target: detailed gravity surveying, interpretation and mass modeling, prospecting and mapping, soil geochemistry sampling, drilling preparations and road/access preparations.

Excel Geophysics has recently completed interpretation and mass modeling of the new data collected at E3. The work resulted in a well-defined, sizeable and discreet anomaly at this target location. As compared to measurements and analysis at E1, the data suggest that E3 is not as dissected or disturbed, making it a more attractive target for drilling. At the time of planning exploration at E1, permits to drill E3 had not yet been received. The necessary exploration permits have since been granted. Brian Jones, principle of Excel stated, “E3 has emerged as a strong geophysical target. Now it needs to be tested.” A drill site has been identified and preparations are underway to mobilize FB Drilling of Cranbrook, BC.

The project team has also completed new prospecting and sampling over the EAST anomaly area and has collected outcrop samples from a number of sites for assay. Many new outcrop locations were identified and visible sphalerite was found disseminated in irregular patches at one of the outcrops. This style of mineralization is reminiscent of mineralization in rocks two to three kilometres south of the Sullivan deposit on North Star Hill. A total of 17 outcrop samples were sent for analysis. Samples from two of these sites returned zinc values greater than 10,000 ppm (roughly 1%); one of these sites is 100 metres south of the surface projection of the E3 gravity anomaly.

A soil geochemical survey extended previous coverage to complement existing property-wide geological mapping. Thirty-four samples were collected along the base of the slope, including below E3. Several samples returned anomalous zinc in the 150 to 300 ppm range with higher zinc values in general proximity to the E3 drill target.

The Company is excited to drill test E3 to determine the source of the gravity anomalies at Sully and will provide further updates on progress and results.

About the Company

Kootenay Zinc Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, British Columbia that is presently targeting the Sully Property. The Company is focused on discovering large-scale sedimentary-exhalative (“SEDEX“) deposits.

The Sully Property comprises 1,375 hectares located approximately 30 kilometres east of Kimberley, B.C., and overlies rocks of similar age and origin as those which host the world-class Sullivan deposit, owned by Teck Resources Ltd. Sullivan was discovered in 1892, and is known to be one of the largest SEDEX deposits in the world. Over its 100-year lifetime, Sullivan produced approximately 150 million tonnes of ore, including approximately three hundred million ounces of silver, eight million tonnes of zinc and eight million tonnes of lead. The equivalent level of strata as at Sullivan and that formed on the margin of that same basin are present at the Sully Property. The Company cautions that past results or discoveries on proximate land are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the Sully Property.

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by the Company’s Project Manager, Paul Ransom, P.Geo., a “Qualified Person” as defined in National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Forward Looking Information 

This news release includes certain statements that constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, statements that address the Sully Property, comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, costs and timing of future exploration and development, requirements for additional capital, other statements relating to the financial and business prospects of the Company. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends”, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved), and variations of such words, and similar expressions are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statement are necessarily based upon a number of factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements express or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of zinc and other metals, anticipated costs and the ability to achieve goals.
While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events, level of activity, performance or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: (i) risks related to zinc, base metal and other commodity price fluctuations; (ii) risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results; (iii) risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; (iv) that resource exploration and development is a speculative business; (v) that the Company may lose or abandon its property interests or may fail to receive necessary licences and permits; (vi) that environmental laws and regulations may become more onerous; (vii) that the Company may not be able to raise additional funds when necessary; (viii) the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company’s expectations; (ix) exploration and development risks, including risks related to accidents, equipment breakdowns, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in exploration and development; (x) competition; (xi) the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of geologic reports or studies; (xii) the uncertainty of profitability based upon the Company’s history of losses; (xiii) risks related to environmental regulation and liability; (xiv) risks associated with failure to maintain community acceptance, agreements and permissions (generally referred to as “social licence”); (xv) risks relating to obtaining and maintaining all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations relating to the continued exploration and development of the Company’s projects; (xvi) risks related to the outcome of legal actions; (xvii) political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; (xix) risks related to current global financial conditions; and (xx) other risks and uncertainties related to the Company’s prospects, properties and business strategy. These risks, as well as others, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly.
There can be no assurance that planned exploration will be completed as proposed or at all, or that economic resources will be discovered or developed at the Sully Property. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants, equipment failures, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations and fees charged by service providers. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.