Encounter Resources (ASX:ENR) has intersected shallow copper-gold mineralisation on the margin of an interpreted breccia complex at the Elsa prospect.
The broad-spaced reverse circulation (RC) drilling program has defined a priority zone on the northern margin of a Havieron-style breccia complex. The intersect forms part of its Lamil Copper-Gold Project in Western Australia’s Paterson Province.
Results include 18m @ 0.45% copper (Cu) from 96m, including 2m @ 1.15% Cu from 100m in hole ETG284, and 14m @ 0.36% Cu from 104m in hole ETG283.
Gold results include 6m at 1.74g/t gold from 94m, including 2m at 3.5g/t gold from 96m in hole ETG283, and 40m at 0.23g/t gold from 100m in hole ETG303.
The copper-gold mineralisation coincides with an extensive preferential weathering zone extending more than 200m below surface.
Encounter has not yet reached fresh rock, suggesting the potential for a more sulphide-rich system at depth.
Executive Chairman Will Robinson says the program has successfully identified a zone of focus.
“Prior drilling at Elsa intersected an extensive breccia and alteration system containing zones of copper-gold anomalism,” Robinson adds.
“This recently completed program has successfully identified a zone of focus, intersecting significant copper-gold mineralisation that is coincident with extensive preferential weathering that extends over 200m from surface.
“That suggests the potential for a more sulphide-rich system at depth, making this a priority target for the next phase of drilling.”
The Elsa prospect is located at the south-east end of the Lamil dome, where an interpreted intrusive-related system is centred around a series of magnetic anomalies.
The breccia and alteration system is interpreted as a major structural fluid pathway similar in style to the large Havieron gold-copper discovery, located 80km to the east.
Follow-up RC and diamond drilling are planned to test the 1km-plus-long gold-copper target at Elsa, following completion of the Parbo copper drilling program.
Encounter Resources is an Australian mineral exploration company focused on discovering major copper and critical mineral deposits.
ENR holds a portfolio of 100%-owned projects, including the Aileron Project in Western Australia’s West Arunta region and the Lamil and Yeneena projects in the Paterson Province.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
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