Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. is advancing its exploration activities at the Parks/Salyer deposit, as highlighted in its latest updates on the feasibility study drilling program. This ongoing work aims to refine the mineral resource model, particularly by establishing aProven Mineral Reservethat will support the initial phases of copper production. This progress is essential for confirming the company’s financial projections for the first two to two-and-a-half years of copper cathode output.
The updated mineral resource model presents a positive outlook based on initial drill assay results, which align with existing estimates for the southern zone of Parks/Salyer. With continued infill drilling and planned condemnation drilling set for the first quarter of, the company expects the resource model to evolve further, enhancing its prospects.
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Drilling program highlights
The feasibility study drill program covers approximately 92,000 feet (28,000 meters) across the southern section of the Parks/Salyer starter pit. The drill spacing has been tightened to around 125 feet (38 meters), which is expected to improve the classification of the mineralized zones into theMeasured Mineral Resourcecategory, as outlined in the pre-feasibility study.
Currently, results from about 62% of the drilling program have been analyzed, and the findings align with expectations. With around 70% of the
Key drill results
- ECM-480– 0.55% Total Copper (CuT) over 483 feet (147 meters) from a depth of 231 feet (70 meters) (enriched)
- ECM-477– 1.72% CuT over 93 feet (28 meters) from a depth of 267 feet (109 meters) (enriched)
- ECM-413– 0.49% CuT over 269 feet (82 meters) from a depth of 810 feet (247 meters) (enriched)
- ECM-416– 0.77% CuT over 185 feet (56 meters) from a depth of 628 feet (191 meters) (enriched)
- ECM-424– 0.33% CuT over 406 feet (124 meters) from a depth of 559 feet (171 meters) (enriched)
President and CEO George Ogilvie commented on the promising updates, noting that the initial model revisions indicate a favorable mineral resource conversion rate at the Cactus Project. This improvement is attributed to the closer spacing of drill holes, which increases the likelihood of declaring Proven Mineral Reserves in the Parks/Salyer starter pit during the upcoming feasibility study.
Future prospects and operational readiness
Looking ahead, the company anticipates that the grades within the starter pit will initially remain steady at around 0.3% CuT, with an expected increase to 0.51% CuT in the third year of operations. Ultimately, a peak of approximately 1.03% CuT is projected for year twelve as deeper, higher-grade zones are accessed. Following the completion of the current drilling program, the geological team is preparing for operational readiness later this year.
Quality control measures
The drilling activities conducted between and have been closely monitored by personnel on-site at the Cactus Project. A comprehensive quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program has been implemented, utilizing blanks, standards, and duplicates to ensure analytical accuracy. Samples collected were securely sealed and dispatched to Skyline Laboratories in Tucson, Arizona, where they underwent rigorous analytical methodologies that comply with international quality standards.
The scientific and technical information presented here has been reviewed by Allan Schappert, a qualified professional independent of the company, ensuring the integrity of the data as per National Instrument 43-101 standards.
Arizona Sonoran Copper Company is committed to becoming a mid-tier copper producer with a sustainable and responsible operational footprint that benefits the community, investors, and all stakeholders involved. By leveraging its existing infrastructure and favorable permitting conditions, the company aims to achieve robust economic returns from the Cactus Project.
