Helix Resources Ltd (ASX:HLX) has wrapped up downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) geophysics on two scout drill holes at the Canbelego Copper Project in central New South Wales (NSW), in which the company has a 70% stake in a joint venture with Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX:AIS, OTC:ARSRF).
The JV is on the trail of a pole-dipole induced polarisation (IP) anomaly. While it has encountered a copper mineralised structure in both holes, drilling did not reach significant massive sulphides within 100 to 200 metres of the drill holes.
Massive sulphides deeper than drilling
Results suggest that any potential massive sulphide copper lodes are likely deeper than 400 metres vertically.
Helix and Aeris are now employing geophysical techniques, complemented by drilling, to explore for copper systems similar to Cobar-style CSA, which host multiple copper lodes extending over more than two kilometres in depth.
The next phase will involve the analysis of petrophysics, geology and pending assay results to assess the mineralised structure's prospectivity.
Additionally, the plan is to shift focus towards identifying near-surface copper lodes at the 1.6-kilometre-long Bijoux copper anomaly.
An infill auger program will be conducted to pinpoint zones with the strongest copper mineralisation for subsequent drill testing.
The technical report highlights that both drill holes intersected a fault zone with intense chlorite alteration, late veins and disseminations of pyrite and chalcopyrite at around 250 metres below the surface.
The lack of basement conductors in the DHEM surveys indicates that future drilling should target areas at least 200 metres along strike or down dip from the current drill holes.
Pending assay and petrophysical results are anticipated in the coming weeks, which will be critical for evaluating the structure's prospectivity.
Concurrently, Helix continues its exploration programs at its Eastern Group Tenements, with results pending for three multi-kilometre gold geochemical anomalies.
Focus on Bijoux
Helix managing director Kylie Prendergast said: “Despite a mineralised structure being intercepted where predicted, deployment of downhole EM geophysics leads us to believe further copper sulphide lodes in the Canbelego Far West position will be deeper than 400 metres depth below surface or more than 200 metres along strike.
“While we are waiting for final results, the focus will now shift back to Bijoux, where a well-developed surficial copper anomaly has seen very limited drill testing. The first step will be to infill the current wide-spaced reconnaissance auger coverage to enhance targeting in the Bijoux anomaly.
“In the meantime, Helix continues to progress other priority prospects including at the Eastern Group Tenements where Helix has several priority targets in its pipeline which we believe have potential to deliver a new copper-gold discovery in the highly endowed, Cobar region close to established operations and processing facilities.”
Read more on Proactive Investors AU
