CopperCorp Resources (TSXV:CPER) has released detailed results from its latest drilling program at the Jukes prospect on the Razorback Copper-Gold-REE property in western Tasmania, Australia. The findings provide valuable insights into a potentially broad copper-gold mineralized system and indicate significant exploration potential for future develpment.
Stephen Swatton, President and CEO of CopperCorp commented in a press release: “We have intersected a previously unknown but significant IOCG body, that is lithologically similar to the deeper levels of the successfully mined Prince Lyell and Tharsis ore bodies at Mt Lyell (3MT copper, 3 Moz gold). Previous historical drilling at Jukes has clearly missed the IP target and hole JDD002W1 has just grazed the southern end of the anomaly. The IP interpretation indicates at least 700m strike extent of prospective ground that will now be tested by CopperCorp. With the distinct lack of new copper discoveries globally, this drilling success within 5 kilometres of a copper mine that operated for [a century] has already attracted investor interest and testing the extension of this mineralisation becomes an urgent priority for 2025. The project is ideally located in Tasmania’s mining-friendly region, where 4 operating mines are supported by a residential workforce, nearby water and transport infrastructure and 100% renewable grid power.”
Drilling Results Overview
Drill holes JDD002 and JDD002W1, located at the Jukes prospect, have yielded data that highlight both challenges and promising mineralization zones.
Drill Hole JDD002:
Drilled to a depth of 310 meters, JDD002 intersected the Jukes Fault contact at approximately 122.3 meters. The hole traversed a sequence of volcanic rocks, with partial assay results revealing low-grade mineralization, including a 14.8-meter interval at 0.18% copper and 0.01 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 122.2 meters. The hole was stopped early due to steep dipping, limiting its ability to intersect deeper mineralized zones.
Drill Hole JDD002W1:
This follow-up hole, reaching 569 meters in depth, targeted mineralization beneath JDD001 and a previously identified 3D magnetic inversion model. JDD002W1 successfully intersected broad zones of copper-gold mineralization associated with intense chlorite-magnetite alteration. The most notable interval spanned 50 meters (498–548 meters downhole) with two high-grade copper-gold zones. The highest grade included 50 meters at 0.66% copper and 0.27 g/t gold.
The drilling also revealed cobalt-enriched magnetite-pyrite veins near the center of the mineralization system, including localized intervals grading up to 0.1% cobalt. These veins represent a hot core of the system, while copper-gold mineralization occurs in outward zones of chlorite-magnetite alteration.
Geophysical Analysis
A review of historical geophysical and geochemical data identified significant induced polarization (IP) chargeability anomalies at the Jukes prospect, aligning with magnetic features, surface geochemistry, and historic mine workings. Two main IP anomalies were noted:
Western IP Anomaly:
This zone extends 550 meters in a north-northeast to south-southwest direction, with a central area of high chargeability values (>30 millivolts/volt) over a strike length of 230 meters. Drill hole JDD002W1 intersected copper-gold mineralization toward the southern end of this anomaly. Historic channel sampling in the northern part returned promising results, such as 58 meters grading 0.74% copper and 0.39 g/t gold, yet most of the anomaly remains untested by drilling.
Eastern IP Anomaly:
Spanning 700 meters along a north-south axis with widths up to 130 meters, this anomaly remains largely unexplored, particularly its northern extent. Surface signs, such as extensive potassic-chlorite-magnetite alteration and historical mine workings, suggest strong potential for mineralization along this zone.
Both anomalies correspond with a large magnetic pipe feature identified through 3D magnetic inversion modeling, extending up to 1.4 kilometers vertically. This feature is thought to represent the structural and mineralogical framework of the system.
Next Steps in Exploration
CopperCorp’s exploration team continues to analyze geological and structural data from the Jukes prospect. Surface channel sampling over IP anomalous zones is underway, alongside preparations for additional drilling at other high-priority targets, including the Hydes and Linda South prospects.
The Jukes prospect lies within the Razorback property, situated approximately 10 kilometers south of the historic Mt. Lyell copper-gold mining camp. Mt. Lyell has produced significant copper and gold reserves, making the region an area of interest for similar structurally controlled mineralized systems.
Previous exploration at Jukes, dating back to the 1970s and 1980s, included limited drilling and surface sampling. Recent advancements in geophysical modeling have allowed CopperCorp to refine its understanding of the subsurface, uncovering high-priority targets. For example, recent channel sampling at the Jukes No. 3 Main Adit revealed 31 meters at 1.48% copper and 0.83 g/t gold, with a 9-meter section at 2.92% copper and 1.79 g/t gold.
CopperCorp’s findings at Jukes indicate a mineralized system with substantial vertical and lateral continuity. The combination of magnetic, geophysical, and geochemical data underlines the prospect’s exploration potential. However, significant parts of the identified anomalies remain untested by drilling, leaving open questions about the extent and grade of mineralization.
The company’s methodical approach, combining advanced modeling with historical data, demonstrates how new technologies can uncover resources in underexplored regions. The results from JDD002W1 and ongoing analyses will likely shape the next phase of drilling and further exploration efforts in western Tasmania.
Highlights from the results are as follows:
- JDD002W1 intersected a broad zone of copper-gold mineralization assaying 50.0m @ 0.66% Cu and 0.27g/t Au from 498.0m, including two zones of higher-grade mineralization, with best intercepts of:
- 20.0m @ 0.76% Cu and 0.17g/t Au from 498.0m; and
- 19.0m @ 0.86% Cu and 0.48g/t Au from 529.0m, including
- 2.05m @ 4.2% Cu and 1.66g/t Au from 545.4m
- Historical gradient array Induced Polarization (“IP”) survey data over Jukes indicates a strong IP chargeability response associated with known surface geochemistry extending over a +700m undrilled strike length. Current and historic drilling at Jukes is limited to the extreme southern end of the IP chargeability and magnetic features.
The above references an opinion and is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Seek a licensed professional for investment advice. The author is not an insider or shareholder of any of the companies mentioned above.
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