Great Southern Copper Drilling at Cerro Negro
Great Southern Copper (NYSE: SCCO) plc (LSE: GSCU) has officially launched its Phase I diamond drilling program at the Cerro Negro prospect in Chile. This exciting undertaking focuses on uncovering high-grade copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and gold (Au) mineralization at the Mostaza mine. The company's goal is to confirm and expand the known mineralized zones both to depth and along strike, promising intriguing results.
Details of the Initial Drilling Plan
The initial plan at the Mostaza site encompasses 5 to 10 diamond drill holes that will cover approximately 500 to 1,000 meters. This expansion follows historical non-JORC estimates that date back to 1981, which suggested the presence of significant sulfide resources with impressive grades of Cu, Ag, and Au. This historical context serves as a foundation for the current exploration efforts.
Targets and Expectations of the Drilling Program
The drilling operations at Mostaza are meticulously designed to verify previous results and to probe for the potential expansion of mineralization. The first borehole, CNG25-DD001, is currently active and aims to assess both the historical grades and the overall extent of the mineralization. Each drill hole will enhance the company's understanding of the geological makeup of the area.
CEO's Insights
Sam Garrett, the CEO of Great Southern Copper, expressed confidence regarding the drilling initiative. He highlighted that the historical drilling conducted previously had not exhaustively evaluated the mineralization, which seems to be open in all directions. This perspective not only reflects a keen understanding of the geology but also an optimistic approach towards the exploration program.
Additional Geological Work at Viuda Prospect
Before the holidays, the company conducted a preliminary RC drilling program at the Viuda prospect, successfully identifying porphyry-style alteration across all holes drilled. Current assay results from this preliminary exploration are eagerly awaited as they could greatly inform future drilling strategies.
Geographical Significance of Cerro Negro
Cerro Negro is strategically located within the Especularita project, benefiting from close proximity to national infrastructure and positioned in a metallogenic belt renowned for hosting significant copper and gold deposits. The Mostaza mine, part of this extensive project, has demonstrated considerable potential for a vast mineralized system, making it a key area for development.
Compliance and Verification Concerns
The company advises caution regarding the historical resource estimates, emphasizing that they are non-JORC compliant and should be interpreted strictly for historical context. Great Southern Copper has not independently verified these past drilling outcomes but intends to utilize the current drilling activities to establish a clearer and more definitive understanding of the mineralization at Cerro Negro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Great Southern Copper's latest drilling project?
Great Southern Copper has initiated a diamond drilling program at the Cerro Negro prospect in Chile, focusing on high-grade mineralization.
What is the aim of the Cerro Negro drilling program?
The program aims to confirm and expand the known mineralized zones of copper, silver, and gold.
How many holes will be drilled at Mostaza?
Initially, 5 to 10 diamond drill holes are planned, covering a total of 500 to 1,000 meters.
What did the historical data indicate about the site?
Historical estimates suggested significant sulfide resources were present at the site, with notable grades of copper, silver, and gold.
What does the company caution about historical estimates?
Great Southern Copper stresses that historical resource estimates are non-JORC compliant and should only be considered for context.
