The Pampa Oeste Project is located in Region II, 60km northeast of Antofagasta and near the Mantos Blancos Mine (>500Mt@1.0%Cu) and Sierra Miranda Mine (300Mt@0.45%CuT). The area was identified by a re-analysis of samples from third party grid drilling that extends to Mantos Blancos. In an area of 2km by 1km anomalous samples were found with copper oxide mineralization and deeper in the RC drill holes chalcopyrite and pyrite. Approximately 80% of the area is covered by alluvial and colluvial material, with average coverage between 10 and 70 meters. This project has basic geological mapping, some surface samples, nitrate exploration drill hole data, ground magnetics and an IP line. Scout drilling of the prospect (RC and DDH) totals 9010 m, highlighting intercepts of 180 meters with 0.34% CuT and 0.25% CuS (DDHPO-02), also with important values of Mo, the Cu is represented by a mineralization of oxides (atacamite-crysocolla) giving way to a zone of mixed and then primary sulfides (pyrite-chalcopyrite).
In addition, drilling confirmed surrounding intrusive units of monodioritic to granodioritic composition (K in age?) and a lesser presence of volcanic units related to the La Negra Fm. (Jr) were intercepted. The latest drill campaign tested geophysical anomalies from the litho-structural interpretation of the ground magnetics and IP survey.
Finally, this project is related to a porphyry system (Cu-Mo) in a probable cluster, with favorable covered areas to encounter new mineralized intrusive units or similar yet higher grade units, as well as favorable structural target areas with great potential that have not been tested.
This easy access project, some 45km from the main 5-Norte highway, is located approximately 50km south of Antucoya, a Cretaceous porphyry system, currently producing, and located in the same main branches of the Atacama Fault. The project comprises a total of more than 5000 hectares, where less than 30% of the area has been drilled.
Jose Dias Cifuentes
New Metal Business Director
jose.dias.cifuentes@sqm.com
+56 9 7465 7359
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