Kirkland Lake Gold Intersects New High-Grade Mineralization East and West of Macassa South Mine Complex and Along Amalgamated Break

• Drilling east of South Mine Complex (“SMC”) intersects high-grade mineralization 200 metres (“m”) northeast of current resource
  º Key intercepts: 111.8 g/t over 2.1 m true width (SMC East) 
                             53.0 g/t over 2.1 m true width (SMC East)
                             49.2 g/t over 2.0 m core length (Footwall Zone)

• New drilling intersects high-grade mineralization 275 m west of existing SMC Mineral Resources (25 m further west of high-grade intersections announced on May 2, 2019) 
  º Key intercepts: 24.4 g/t over 2.0 m core length (SMC West)
                             46.5 g/t over 2.0 m core length (SMC West)
                             17.7 g/t over 2.2 m core length (SMC West)

• Drilling on Amalgamated Break continues to yield ore grade intercepts and confirms presence of high-grade zones 
  º Key intercepts: 108.2 g/t over 3.3 m core length (Amalgamated Break related)
                             51.3 g/t over 2.0 m core length (Amalgamated Break related)
                             20.1 g/t over 5.4 m core length (Amalgamated Break related)

TORONTO, Sept. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (“Kirkland Lake Gold” or the “Company”) (TSX:KL) (NYSE:KL) (ASX:KLA) today reported new drill results from underground exploration drilling at the Macassa Mine in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. The new results include 71 drill holes (29,207 m) of drilling from the east and west exploration drifts on the 5300-foot level (“5300 Level”) as well as from the 5600 Level Ramp Development (“5600 Ramp”). Results being reported today are from four underground drill rigs focused on three key target areas, the SMC East, SMC West and the Amalgamated Break. Drilling from the 5300 Level and 5600 Ramp will continue throughout the remainder of 2019, with an additional two drill rigs having recently been added to the exploration program.

A total of 41 drill holes for 18,943 m drilled to the east of the SMC from the 5300 Level east exploration drift intersected high-grade mineralization approximately 200 m northeast of the existing Mineral Resource (Figure 2).  A total of 16 drill holes for 6,401 m of drilling were completed from the 5300 Level west exploration drift targeting zones west of the SMC as well as in the Lower SMC. Results from this drilling include high-grade intersections up to 275 m west of existing Mineral Resources (see Figure 2) and 25 m further west of high-grade intersections reported in the Company’s news release dated May 2, 2019.  An additional 14 drill holes for 3,863 m of drilling were completed from the 5300 Level west exploration drift and the 5600 Ramp targeting the Amalgamated Break and associated hanging wall mineralization (Figure 3). This drilling resulted in new high-grade intersections up to 175 m west of existing SMC Mineral Resources and within previously identified high-potential target areas along the Amalgamated Break (see news release dated May 2, 2019 for more information).

Tony Makuch, President and CEO of Kirkland Lake Gold, commented: “Today’s results continue to highlight the significant potential we have to grow Mineral Resources at Macassa to the east and west of the SMC, as well as in the Lower SMC. Very importantly, today’s results also include new high-grade intersections along the Amalgamated Break, in two key target areas we identified earlier this year. The results support our view that the Amalgamated Break offers substantial exploration potential and represents a whole new chapter for exploration in the area, given that it extends parallel to the Main and “04” Breaks through the Kirkland Lake gold camp. We will follow up on today’s results over the balance of this year and look to expand our exploration efforts along the Amalgamated Break going forward.”    

SMC East

A total of 41 drill holes for 18,943 m of drilling has recently been completed from the 5300 Level east exploration drift targeting the SMC East (Figure 2). The SMC East comprises a shallow dipping (~30 degrees) mineralized horizon including localized high-grade gold bearing quartz veins and/or structural features. Exploration drilling intersected high-grade gold mineralization approximately 200 m northeast of the current resource area, further supporting the potential for resource growth.  Key intersections from the new drill results include: 111.8 g/t over 2.1 m true width in Hole 53-3790 (SMC East), 53.0 g/t over 2.1 m true width in Hole 53-3853 (SMC East), 49.2 g/t over 2.0 m core length in Hole 53-3818 (Footwall Zone, true width unknown). Refer to Table 1 for a complete list of drill hole results. Diamond drilling from this current drill platform has been ongoing since Q1 2019 and will continue through the end of the year. Exploration development will be ongoing to the east on 5300 Level for the remainder of 2019 and will continue into 2020 to support further exploration efforts on the SMC East and other targets.

SMC West

A total of 16 drill holes for 6,401 m of drilling has recently been completed from the 5300 Level west exploration drift targeting the SMC West (Figure 3). Results from this drilling include high-grade intersections up to 275 m west of existing Mineral Resources and 25 m further west of high-grade intersections reported in the Company’s news release dated May 2, 2019.  The SMC West comprises shallow and steep dipping mineralized zones including localized high-grade gold bearing quartz veins and/or structural features. As drilling continues to extend the mineralized area further west and away from the current Mineral Resource, follow up infill drilling will be required to confirm the geometry of individual zones.  As such, true widths have not yet been calculated for assay composites during this phase of the drill program. Drill holes of note in this area include: 46.5 g/t over 2.0 m core length in Hole 53-3784 (true width unknown), 24.4 g/t over 2.0 m core length in Hole 53-3781 (true width unknown) and 17.7 g/t over 2.2 m core length in Hole 53-3752 (true width unknown). Refer to Table 2 for a completed list of drill hole results. Exploration development during the first half of 2019, as well as the excavation of a diamond drill bay an additional 165 m west of the current platform in early Q3, will allow for additional exploration drilling on SMC West targets during the second half of the year.

Amalgamated Break and Hanging Wall

A total of 14 holes for 3,863 m of drilling is being reported from drilling off of the 5300 Level west exploration drift and the 5600 Ramp targeting the Amalgamated Break and South SMC (Figure 3).  This early-stage drilling program is focused on mineralization associated with the steeply dipping Amalgamated Break deformation zone.  The current phase of the exploration drilling program has been successful in intersecting additional high-grade mineralization within the deformation zone, as well as in localized zones outside of the main deformation zone.  Drill holes of note in this area include: 108.2 g/t over 3.3 m core length in Hole 56-735A (true width unknown), 51.3 g/t over 2.0 m core length in Hole 56-749 (true width unknown) and 20.1 g/t over 5.4 m core length in Hole 53-3839 (true width unknown). The shallow dipping SMC is bounded to the south by the Amalgamated Break and the area drilled during this phase occurs where the shallow dipping SMC transitions into the Amalgamated Break.  Further drilling and interpretation work are necessary to confirm geometries of individual intercepts. Refer to Table 2 for a completed list of drill hole results.  The Amalgamated Break has been largely untested and represents an important emerging exploration target which remains open and represents a highly prospective target area for the addition of new Mineral Resource ounces. Drilling to follow up on the down dip and eastern and western extent of this mineralization will continue throughout 2019.

To view the figures accompanying the press release, please click on the following links:

Figure 1. Mine Plan View – South Mine Complex: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f1224c3-9d54-4813-ba6f-4ea037e534c7

Figure 2. Plan View – SMC East: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aa39d1d1-337c-4135-9b07-28f4bfdfc185

Figure 3. West Drilling – Longitudinal View (Looking Northwest): https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ef39826d-b8aa-4480-b531-d7a78632c467

2019 Underground Exploration Development

Underground development on the 5300 Level will be ongoing throughout 2019 and is scheduled to include 350 m of advancement to the east and 429 m of advancement to the west, including all track development and the excavation of diamond drill bays.  This development is part of an ongoing effort to expand the SMC in all directions and to test for, and define, new target areas.

Two more drills have recently been added to the underground exploration program at Macassa to expedite the current drilling program and test additional areas of the SMC and Amalgamated Break.  It is anticipated that exploration drilling will continue with six underground diamond drills for the remainder of the year.

Qualified Person

The Company’s exploration programs at Macassa are conducted under the supervision of Eric Kallio, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration. Eric Kallio is the ‘qualified person’ for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, of the Canadian Securities Administrators, and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

QA/QC Controls

The Company has implemented a quality assurance and control (“QA/QC”) program to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with best practices. The drill core is sawn in half with one half of the core samples shipped to Swastika Laboratories in Swastika, Ontario. The other half of the core is retained for future assay verification. Other QA/QC includes the insertion of certified reference standards, blanks and the regular re-assaying of pulps and rejects at alternate certified labs. Gold analysis is conducted by fire assay using atomic absorption or gravimetric finish. The laboratory re-assays at least 10% of all samples and additional checks may be run on anomalous values.

About Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. is a growing gold producer operating in Canada and Australia that produced 723,701 ounces in 2018 and is on track to achieve significant production growth over the next three years, including target production of 950,000 – 1,000,000 ounces in 2019, 930,000 – 1,010,000 ounces in 2020 and 995,000 – 1,055,000 ounces in 2021. The production profile of the Company is anchored by two high-grade, low-cost operations, including the Macassa Mine located in Northern Ontario and the Fosterville Mine located in the state of Victoria, Australia. Kirkland Lake Gold's solid base of quality assets is complemented by district scale exploration potential, supported by a strong financial position with extensive management and operational expertise.

For further information on Kirkland Lake Gold and to receive news releases by email, visit the website www.klgold.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This Press Release contains statements which constitute ”forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to the future business activities and operating performance of the Company. The words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made such as, without limitation, opinion, assumptions and estimates of management regarding the Company’s business, including but not limited to; the continued exploration programs on the SMC and Amalgamated Break mineralization, the timing and results thereof; the ability to continue to expand the SMC and Amalgamated Break and to increase levels of resources and the anticipated timing thereof; the potential to increase the level of resources and reserves and potential conversion of mineral resources; the anticipated completion date of the #4 shaft and potential impact and benefits thereof; the amount of future production over any period; and assumptions made relating to operating cash costs based on forecasts and projections.  Such opinions, assumptions and estimates, are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other known and unknown factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the Company's expectations in connection with the projects and exploration programs being met, the impact of general business and economic conditions, global liquidity and credit availability on the timing of cash flows and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future conditions, fluctuating gold prices, currency exchange rates (such as the Canadian dollar versus the United States Dollar), possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in accounting policies, changes in the Company's corporate mineral reserves and resources, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, changes in project development, construction, production and commissioning time frames, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, higher prices for fuel, power, labour and other consumables contributing to higher costs and general risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, unexpected changes in mine life, seasonality and unanticipated weather changes, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims, and limitations on insurance, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2018 and its filings for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2019, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors - Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates

All resource and reserve estimates included in this news release or documents referenced in this news release have been prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") - CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Standards"). NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators, which established standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. The terms "mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve" and "probable mineral reserve" are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. These definitions differ materially from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7 ("SEC Industry Guide 7") under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act.

In addition, the terms "Mineral Resource", "measured Mineral Resource", "indicated Mineral Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. "Inferred Mineral Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their 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, except in very limited circumstances. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a Mineral Resource exists, will ever be converted into a Mineral Reserve or is or will ever be economically or legally mineable or recovered.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

Anthony Makuch, President, Chief Executive Officer & Director
Phone: +1 416-840-7884
E-mail: tmakuch@klgold.com

Mark Utting, Vice-President, Investor Relations
Phone: +1 416-840-7884
E-mail: mutting@klgold.com

Table 1. Complete List of Reported Drill Holes – SMC East

^{NSV = No significant value
Cut = cut to 274.3 g/t for SMC East Horizon.
The top cut only applies to SMC East horizon where a statistical cut has been calculated. All other zones remain uncut.}

Table 2. Complete List of Reported Drill Holes – SMC West and Amalgamated Break

^{NSV = No significant value}