Helix Resources Ltd (ASX:HLX) has identified copper mineralisation within regional scale polymetallic surface anomaly in its copper-gold discovery work on the Black Range Prospect located in the Cobar-Nyngan area of central NSW.
An initial reverse circulation (RC) drill programme to test a copper target at the Black Range prospect located on the Rochford Trend2 has been completed. The RC holes intersected broad zones of iron (pyrite) and copper (chalcopyrite) sulphide mineralisation associated with intermittent intervals of anomalous copper including;
- 1 metre (m) at 1.11% copper (Cu) within 8m at 0.35% Cu from 126m (BBRC001)
- 2m at 1.44% Cu within 8m at 0.63% Cu from 76m (BBRC002)
These initial two drill holes were targeted at the eastern end of the large-scale Black Range Cu-bismuth anomaly near two historic shallow shafts. The objective was to assess the mineralisation style and orientation before ‘stepping out’ to test the full 6km east-west (E-W) trending extent of the anomaly.
The drilling intersected intervals of massive pyrite and chalcopyrite veins and disseminations within a 450m long north-northwest (NNW)-trending mineralised zone defined by gossan outcrop and anomalous rock chip and lag geochemistry, which is open to the north and south.
Preliminary interpretations suggest that the six-km E-W trending Cu-Bi anomaly may encompass a series of NNW trending structures which are mineralised. The multi-element geochemical anomaly comprising copper and bismuth with indium, tin, tungsten and zinc is consistent with an intrusive-related mineralising system. Whilst very early days, the geochemical signature and the wide zones of sulphide mineralisation suggest a different style of mineralisation to what has been delineated at Canbelego Main Lode and described as ‘Cobar-style’.
Work is underway to outline the next drilling program at Black Range – given the rugged and wooded terrain significant planning and approvals for site clearance are required. A follow-up drill program is being planned.
At the Black Range prospect, we have delineated a significant, regional-scale polymetallic anomaly with an intrusive-related geochemical signature,” Managing Director, Mike Rosenstreich, said.
“Whilst there are numerous scattered historic copper-mine workings, there has been no previous drilling in the area and the initial RC drilling recently completed by Helix intersected significant pyrite and chalcopyrite mineralisation.
“Whilst the copper grades in these first two drill holes are not spectacular, within the context of the geochemical and mapping data they do suggest prospectivity for larger scale copper mineralisation.
“The style of mineralisation observed suggests something a bit different for the region – than the ‘Cobar’ copper lode model we have at Canbelego. The large-scale and multi-element nature of the anomaly, now supported by highly anomalous drill intercepts leads us to look within the broader anomaly area to define further drill targets, particularly in potential parallel zones immediately west of Black Range.
“Helix has a commanding land position in a highly endowed copper (and gold) province – where we are generating new targets and testing them with the drill bit. It’s a numbers game – the more targets you test the greater chance of discovery.”
