Evolution Energy Minerals Ltd (ASX:EV1) has identified strong evidence of malachite (copper carbonate) and lead-zinc mineralisation at the new Chikundo prospect, in shallow artisanal workings less than 4.5 kilometres southwest of the Chilalo graphite plant site.
The amateur workings developed by locals are just 8 to 10 metres deep but show clear evidence of copper mineralisation, with potential for chalcopyrite (copper-iron sulphide) as well as malachite.
Detailed geochemical work undertaken by IMX Resources between 2011 and 2014 confirms the local geology is likely to hold a volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) copper-lead-zinc deposit with copper values up to 5,800 parts per million at surface.
“Exciting” new copper discovery
“I am delighted to be able to announce this exciting new copper discovery, as an allied battery metal on our tenements,” Evolution chair Robin Birchall said.
“A significant amount of geological work had been done on this ground as part of the exploration stage that informs our initial work program at very little cost.
“This anomaly may allow us to diversify the company’s asset portfolio while also accelerating progress of the Chilalo graphite asset.”
The emerging Chikundo prospect boasts a strike of 1.5 kilometres, with associated pathfinder elements indicating the anomaly may be open for further exploration to the southwest.
From here EV1 will focus on geological mapping, soil sampling and trenching programs to get a better idea of the copper anomaly’s boundaries before using data from previously completed ground fixed loop electromagnetic (FLEM) or airborne versatile time domain electromagnetic (VTEM) surveys to identify hidden VMS targets at depth.
The exploration workstreams will culminate in a reverse circulation (RC) drilling program designed to test the extent, depth and continuity of mineralisation at Chikundo.