QMines Ltd (ASX:QML) may have made its first copper and zinc discovery using an electromagnetic (EM) survey near its flagship Mt Chalmers Copper and Gold Project in central Queensland.
Ground investigations of five EM anomalies identified by a regional airborne geophysical survey have returned encouraging signs of mineralisation at the VT01, VT02 and VT03 target, now collectively known as the Artillery Road Prospect.
The five were part of 34 anomalies, which were identified and ranked by QMines geophysical consultants Mitre Geophysics.
Artillery Road Prospect – geology, zinc soil geochemistry, gossans and VTEM plate models projected to surface.
Visible sightings
Gossanous outcrops, comprising iron oxides with visible copper mineralisation (cuprite and tenorite), have been identified measuring more than 700 metres in strike and up to 20 metres wide at surface.
A further broad 400 by 250-metre zinc soil pXRF anomaly, with more than 100 parts per million zinc has been detected adjacent to the gossan, which is coincident with the main EM plate models.
Analysis of the outcropping gossans returned readings of up to 0.68% copper from pXRF.
Eighteen rock chip samples have been collected and will be submitted to ALS in Brisbane for analysis.
Artillery Road Prospect gossan outcrops.
QMines managing director Andrew Sparke said: “We are extremely pleased to have made a new discovery at the Mt Chalmers Project.
“The new Artillery Road Prospect has similarities with the Mt Chalmers copper and gold deposit and is proof of the success of the electromagnetic survey.
“With 34 anomalies to review, we are excited by the potential to make further discoveries with ongoing ground reconnaissance currently underway.”
Forward plan
QMines is preparing a program comprising 30 reverse circulation (RC) drill holes to define the orientation of the Artillery Road gossans and to test the modelled EM plates at the prospect.
Early downhole EM (DHEM) surveying and modelling will also assist in defining sub-surface target geometry.
Drilling on this prospect will begin as soon as access is available.
Separately, the company plans to continue ground reconnaissance mapping and ranking of the remaining anomalies.
It plans to also complete the planned pre-feasibility study on the Mt Chalmers project to assess the potential for a standalone mining operation.
Read more on Proactive Investors AU
