White Energy (ASX:WEC) has identified multiple copper–gold–silver exploration vectors from selective assays completed as part of an eight-hole reconnaissance drilling program at its Specimen Hill Project in Queensland.
All eight diamond holes drilled at the Mount Rainbow–Specimen Hill area displayed varying degrees of epidote, chlorite, and sericite alteration. Selective assays were conducted on holes C25MR01, C25MR02, C25MR03, and C26MR08.
At the Southern Copper prospect, White Energy says the results from C26MR08 and nearby surface samples is evidence of a structurally controlled hydrothermal system within altered volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks.
Surface gossan sample PBSTN029P, collected about 280m from C26MR08, returned 1.20% Cu, 5.00 grams per tonne (g/t) Au, and 329g/t Ag.
The company interprets the sample as an oxidised and supergene-enriched expression of primary copper sulphide mineralisation. Bornite and chalcopyrite observed in the area are considered indicators of mineralisation sourced at depth.
Hole C25MR02 intersected an iron-rich altered interval containing Cu, Ag, Au, bismuth, tellurium, selenium, arsenic, molybdenum, and tungsten. White Energy says elevated bismuth, tellurium, Ag, and Au may indicate a focused or higher-temperature fluid pathway.
C25MR03 returned a peak result of 452 parts per million (ppm) Cu over 1m from 102.5m, although the company says this isolated interval may reflect a lithological effect. A separate interval averaged about 245ppm Cu over approximately 5m from 36.5m.
CEO Greg Sheahan says the relationship between C26MR08 and the surface mineralisation at Southern Copper provides a focus for further technical assessment.
“The company will continue integrating drilling, geochemistry, geology, and geophysics to refine the scale, geometry, and style of the mineral systems,” Sheahan says.
White Energy says it plans further ionic soil sampling, rock-chip sampling, and geophysical surveys ahead of additional drilling.
The company notes it is exploring Specimen Hill under a farm-in agreement with Aquis-listed Tamar Minerals (AQUIS:TMR) and its subsidiary Signature Gold. Its combined Biloela tenure now covers approximately 246.4km² following the relinquishment of 13 sub-blocks.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: White Energy
