Recent updates from XXIX Metal Corp have unveiled promising developments in their ongoing drilling program at the Cooke Gold Zone. The company has made significant progress in its exploration, having completed six out of the planned twenty-three drill holes. Among these findings are wide copper intervals ranging from 12 to 48 meters, with visible and native gold observed in two of the holes.
This drilling initiative, part of a broader 6,000-meter program, is crucial for assessing the economic viability of the Cooke Gold Mine’s crown pillar. The company firmly believes that these findings could significantly enhance the resource base, contributing to the forthcoming Pre-Feasibility Study.
Insights into resource growth at Opemiska
The Cooke Gold Zone is only one facet of XXIX’s strategy for exploration and growth. The company reminds stakeholders that only 55% of its mineral resource estimate was factored into the Preliminary Economic Assessment released earlier this year. This suggests considerable potential for further resource expansion.
Exploring the Saddle Zone
Another critical area for potential growth is the Saddle Zone. This zone is strategically positioned within the anticipated open-pit layout but has not yet been included in the current mineral resource estimate. Previous drilling efforts have yielded high-grade copper mineralization results, such as:
- 5.29%Cu,1.20 g/tAu over 11.0 meters
- 0.99%Cu,0.30 g/tAu over 57.3 meters
- 0.87%Cu,0.14 g/tAu over 45.0 meters
However, additional drilling is necessary before these findings can be integrated into a resource estimate. Ongoing exploration within the Saddle Zone will remain a focal point for XXIX.
Evaluating underground resources
In addition to surface exploration, XXIX is also investigating mineralization that lies beneath the proposed open pit. The Springer and Perry zones currently hold the open-pit resources and have exhibited mineralization extending to depths of nearly one kilometer. Although further assessments are required, the company is optimistic about uncovering substantial underground mineralization that could play a role in future mining activities.
Drilling progress and future initiatives
As part of the Cooke drilling program, XXIX aims to complete all 23 planned holes, with a total length of 5,000 meters. So far, the results have been encouraging, with visible native gold detected in two drill holes. The geological conditions and the observed style of mineralization suggest that these gold-bearing zones could be suitable for open-pit extraction. The crown pillar remains intact and extends approximately 700 meters in strike length, making it a valuable target for further exploration.
Located just 2.5 kilometers east of the planned Opemiska pit, the Cooke site has a rich history; it was one of four underground mines operated by Falconbridge and the only primary gold mine in the historical Opemiska operations. Historically, Cooke produced approximately 1.97 million tonnes averaging 5.04 g/t gold and 0.66% copper.
Chibougamau Copper Zone development
XXIX has also made strides at the Chibougamau Copper Zone, completing seven drill holes totaling 1,017 meters. Each drill hole has intersected copper mineralization, indicating additional potential to complement the existing mineral resource estimate and the results from the recent preliminary economic assessment.
Expanding the drilling program
In light of the promising results from both the Cooke and Chibougamau zones, XXIX is deploying a second drill rig to expedite the exploration across additional high-priority targets. The company is committed to uncovering further mineral resources, with plans to incorporate any new findings into the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study.
This drilling initiative, part of a broader 6,000-meter program, is crucial for assessing the economic viability of the Cooke Gold Mine’s crown pillar. The company firmly believes that these findings could significantly enhance the resource base, contributing to the forthcoming Pre-Feasibility Study.0