Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Expands Drilling at Cactus
Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. (TSX:ASCU | OTCQX:ASCUF) has made notable strides in their drilling efforts at the Cactus Project. The company recently released encouraging new drill assay results from their ongoing infill and step-out drilling aimed at the primary copper mineralization near the Cactus West pit.
Updated Drill Assay Results
The current drilling initiative has significantly enriched the company's geological database by extending primary sulphide mineralization as deep as 500 feet (152 meters) below previously mapped areas. To date, this drilling program has covered a total of 30,601 feet (9,387 meters) across 17 drill holes, primarily targeting primary sulphides located below the surface oxide and enriched material at Cactus West.
Highlights from the Drilling
Here are some key highlights from the latest drilling activities:
- ECW-256: 2,119 feet (646 m) with a continuous mineralization of 0.40% CuT.
- ECW-258: 2,108 feet (643 m) with a continuous mineralization of 0.31% CuT.
- ECW-260: 1,901 feet (579 m) with a continuous mineralization of 0.33% CuT.
- ECW-266: 1,571 feet (479 m) with near-continuous mineralization of 0.33% CuT.
- ECW-252: 1,002 feet (305 m) displaying variable grades, including 352 feet (107 m) at 0.44% CuT.
Note: The true widths are not known, and the assay includes a specific core loss measurement.
Future Plans for the Cactus Project
George Ogilvie, the President and CEO of Arizona Sonoran, highlighted the substantial discovery of additional primary sulphide mineralization located beneath and beyond the current resource pit shell. The geological team is set to kick off an infill drilling program focused on the southern claim block, known as MainSpring. This will help expedite the transition of this area to an indicated resource status, which is essential ahead of a new Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) that is scheduled for next year.
Looking Ahead
The drilling efforts at Cactus West are gaining momentum with current exploration and infill initiatives. The primary focus remains on advancing operational readiness towards a PFS level, alongside crucial processes, including metallurgical column testing. There’s growing anticipation for new columns to begin testing in the southern claim block by the fourth quarter of 2024, contingent on the availability of new core samples.
Insights into the Drilling Area
Geologically, Cactus West features significant bedrock exposure, located about 150 feet south-southeast of the Cactus West pit. This area is particularly abundant in copper mineralization, surrounded by various lithological structures. Observations indicate that the mineralized bedrock lies just beneath the Gila conglomerate, with its depth increasing in all directions. The successful drilling results are attributed to the unique composition of the primary mineralization associated with the nearby barren potassic quartz monzonite unit.
Extending Drilling Horizons
As part of their ongoing drilling activities, the company aims to deepen the mineralization by another 500 feet below the newly identified areas next to the Cactus West pit. This is part of a wider growth strategy, emphasized in the recently published Preliminary Economic Assessment, which indicates promising financial advantages stemming from the project's developments.
Commitment to Quality Assurance in Drilling
Arizona Sonoran has implemented stringent quality assurance and control protocols during their recent drilling operations, carefully managed by their on-site personnel. This includes the preparation of core samples for assay and a robust QA/QC process to ensure analytical precision and accuracy through various monitoring techniques. Samples are rigorously selected before being sent to accredited analysis facilities in the region.
About Arizona Sonoran Copper Company
Arizona Sonoran is dedicated to achieving mid-tier copper production rates through sustainable mining practices that provide substantial returns to stakeholders. With complete ownership of the Cactus Project, the future looks promising, as operations are well-situated in a resource-rich area with solid infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What recent drilling results has Arizona Sonoran announced?
The company announced drill assay results reflecting new continuous mineralization in various drill holes, especially highlighting ECW-256 with 0.40% CuT.
2. How far have the primary sulphide zones been extended?
The primary sulphide zones have been extended to a depth of 500 feet below the previously known mineralization.
3. What is the significance of the southern claim block, MainSpring?
MainSpring is vital for moving the project's resources toward an indicated status, facilitating further development.
4. What are the future plans for metallurgical testing?
New metallurgical column testing from the southern claim block is projected to start in the fourth quarter of 2024.
5. How does Arizona Sonoran ensure quality in sampling?
The company follows a robust QA/QC protocol using blanks, standards, and duplicates to guarantee the accuracy and precision of the results.
