Chalice Mining (ASX:CHN) has intersected several broad copper-silver-gold zones in initial drilling at its Deep Blue target, confirming an extensive mineralised system over 1.2km of strike.
The reconnaissance reverse circulation drilling program consisted of 16 holes for 1,874m across three drill lines approximately 600m apart at the Goomalling Copper Project in Western Australia’s central Wheatbelt region.
Key intersections include 21m @ 0.18% copper (Cu), 0.67 grams per tonne silver (Ag), and 0.03g/t gold (Au) from 50m, including 4m @ 0.41% Cu, 1.20g/t Ag, and 0.07g/t Au from 50m. Chalice also intersected 9m @ 0.21% Cu, 0.86g/t Ag, and 0.05g/t Au from 180m.
Abundant visual disseminated and fracture-controlled chalcopyrite was logged across broader intervals in most holes, corresponding to anomalous copper values above 400ppm over widths up to 30m.
Chalice says the results are ‘encouraging’ for a first-pass reconnaissance program over a single target within a much larger, substantially unexplored corridor.
According to the company, the host rocks at Deep Blue are migmatitic gneiss and granitoid and have undergone significant metamorphism and deformation.
Chalice has materially expanded its tenure position in the region, covering a newly recognised 30km strike length copper belt.
An induced polarisation survey is planned as the next direct-detection exploration tool, while extension and infill of the existing soil sampling grid is scheduled to commence in the December quarter.
The Goomalling Copper Project consists of a joint venture with Northam Resources (ASX:NRL) — Chalice earning 70% — and several 100% owned exploration licences, covering 1,200km².
Chalice Mining is an explorer and developer focused on critical and precious metals, particularly its Gonneville Project, a greenfields discovery in Western Australia.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Images: Chalice Mining
