Seabridge Gold Inc. announced that preparations are well underway at the wholly-owned 3 Aces project in Canada's Yukon to expand upon the comprehensive exploration model confirmed from last season's drill program. This year's program is a multi-pronged effort to apply the exploration model to new targets within the Central Core, evaluate the size and potential of existing zones, and assess the exploration model at regional targets across the larger 3 Aces property. The fully funded program plans to complete additional geophysical surveys and about 8,000 meters of core and reverse circulation drilling in the Central Core Area and outlaying targets on the 357 km2 3 Aces property at a budgeted cost of $6.0 million.

The 3 Aces exploration model predicts continuity of mineralization, including high-grade gold, localized along the limbs of second-order folds (F2). Mineralized zones are best expressed at the contacts between thick phyllite sequences and coarse interbedded sandstones and conglomerates. Shearing along fold limbs at these rheologic contacts result in brittle fracturing and Au bearing quartz veining preferentially hosted in coarser clastic units.

Evidence indicates that this structural architecture is regional in nature and multiple F2 synforms and antiforms have been identified across the property. Substantiating the presence of these controls on gold mineralization outside of the Central Core Area would provide Seabridge with confirmation of a district scale project. Additional exploration efforts planned for this season will evaluate the limit of several targets within the Central Core Area.

This work is intended to deliver indications of size potential on several known high-grade zones and provide additional refinements on the controls for gold. Last year's exploration work also revealed the potential for additional target concepts not previously recognized. Surface mapping and geophysical surveys are planned to assist in refining these early-stage concepts.

The company will also resume its previously initiated reclamation activities at the site, concentrating on exploration roads. Environmental monitoring activities focusing on wildlife management, water sampling and understanding environmental baseline conditions will continue in support of exploration activities.