Candente Resource Corp. - DNT:TSX-V (Candente) is pleased to report that it plans to commence a 2,000 metre (minimum) diamond drilling program on its 100% owned Cañariaco SX-EW - Heap Leachable Copper Property in the first quarter of 2004. Work to date on the property has identified a leachable copper zone grading 0.6% to 1.25% copper (chalcocite) with a low strip ratio of <0.5 / 1 (waste/ore).
Exploration on the Cañariaco Property by Candente in 2004 will focus on further delineating the high-grade, leachable copper zone. Candente has been and is in discussions with potential partners on this property, however, management believes that adding value by advanced-stage exploration is in the best interest of our shareholders. Subject to the results of the drilling program, Candente may seek a joint venture partner to advance the property through bankable feasibility and production.
Prior to Candente's involvement, exploration on the property included 11 diamond drill holes and preliminary metallurgical/leach testing. Candente commissioned a preliminary engineering data review and site visit to identify the suitability of the property for developing an SX-EW mine prior to acquiring the property.
Copper mineralization ranging from 0.23% to 1.25% occurs over widths varying from 200 metres to greater than 300 metres in 10 of the 11 holes drilled. Higher-grade copper mineralization ranging from 0.6% to 1.25% occurs within an enriched zone, which is greater than 200 metres thick in places. Several holes stopped in mineralization at depths of 300 metres such that the total thickness of the mineralization has not yet been determined. Lateral limits (size) to the mineralization have also not yet been defined. The top of the mineralization varies from surface exposure to a 70 metre depth indicating a very low (<0.5:1 waste/ore) strip ratio. Preliminary metallurgical (sequential leach) tests carried out by Geomet S.A. of Chile, indicate recoveries in the 85 to 90% range for the enriched zone. The engineering (Fatal Flaw) study carried out by Knight Piesold Ltd. indicates that the property should be appropriate for SX-EW mine infrastructure including leach pads and waste dumps.
The results above indicate that the property hosts a leachable copper zone with grades ranging from 0.6% to 1.25% and a low strip ratio (waste/ore). Additional mineralized porphyry targets have also been identified on the property.
For more technical details please refer to http://www.candente.com/s/Projects_Peru.asp?PropertyInfoID=655&View=4
Candente is a well funded mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and exploration of world-class gold and copper projects. Management has a strong geological/technical focus and has a track record of discovering world-class mineral deposits. For more information on our exploration progress visit www.candente.com and/or call us at (604) 689-1957, toll free 1-877-689-1964 or e-mail to investor@candente.com.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
"Joanne C. Freeze"
Joanne C. Freeze, P.Geo., President & CEO
CANDENTE RESOURCE CORP.
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. The company relies upon litigation protection for forward looking statements.