Porphyry outcrop discovery validates Belararox’s exploration of TMT project

Belararox’s mapping identifies priority targets at the TMT project in Argentina
Notable discovery of outcrop with copper-bearing, porphyry-style veining at Toro North
Upcoming drone survey to delineate quartz-magnetite veins contain chalcopyrite mineralisation

Special Report: Geological mapping and sampling at Belararox’s TMT copper project in Argentina has identified priority targets, including an outcrop showing copper-bearing, porphyry-style veining at the Toro North area.

It comes as China’s November copper imports rise to their highest levels in almost two years, while Citi has flagged its confidence in the near-term prospects for the red metal.

The TMT (Toro-Malambo-Tambo) project sits within the underexplored gap between the El Indo and Maricunga metallogenic belts.

These belts host monster deposits such as the 22Moz Au Pascua Lama and 6.1Moz Au Veladero gold mines, along the El Indo belt to the south owned by Barrick Gold and Shandong, as well as the Josemaria mine within Filo del Sol project that has recorded hits of 1,338m at 1.33% copper equivalent from 150m in the Maricunga belt to the north.

Belararox’s (ASX:BRX) initial work on the 320km2 TNT project using ASTER and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery had initially delineated 11 targets with the potential to host high sulphidation epithermal and porphyry copper systems.

Field work launched in Q4 2023 concentrated on the southern portion of the Toro prospect, where known major copper and gold deposits are hosted along the same north-south structural corridor.

Additionally, independent technical consultant Dr Steve Garwin visited the project in early November to initiate the work program, train the geological team to use the ‘Anaconda’ mapping technique and assess the project for the most suitable geochemical sampling program.

Further exploration to ‘unlock the mineral potential’

Mapping at the Toro South, Toro Central and Toro North have now encountered porphyry style mineralisation and alteration.

Of particular interest is the discovery of a previously unreported unknown potassic altered diorite outcrop containing quartz veinlets with centre lines filled by fine-grained magnetite with chalcopyrite as veinlets and disseminated grains.

Belararox field team standing in front of an outcrop of variably sericite-altered tonalite intrusive rock at Toro North. Pic: Supplied (BRX)

“The mapping and sampling program is advancing well and the discovery of a previously unreported and potassic altered porphyritic diorite with B veins exhibiting chalcopyrite mineralisation validates our exploration method and the prospectivity of the project,” Argentina exploration director Jason Ward said.

“The B-type quartz-magnetite veins contain chalcopyrite mineralisation associated with magnetite and we expect that our upcoming drone magnetic survey will help delineate this at depth.

“The assistance of Dr Steve Garwin to kick off the mapping and sampling program has been invaluable.”

BRX managing director Arvind Misra said the company was making pleasing progress exploring the TMT project.

“With the Toro campsite now fully operational, our dedicated exploration teams are continuing the thorough exploration programs to unlock the mineral potential of the project,” he said.

More results expected early next year

Mapping and sampling is continuing with 180 samples comprising rock chips and talus samples have been collected so far across the Toro North, Central and South areas.

Samples have been taken approximately every 50m to 100m along access roads and selected traverses and they will be assayed for multiple elements using a four-acid digest.

Results – expected in late January 2024 – will be used to create a 3D geochemical model(s) to help guide further exploration.

BRX is currently planning to carry out a drone magnetic geophysical survey over the Toro and Malambo priority targets.

 

This article was developed in collaboration with Belararox, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

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