Field work at Tambo South has confirmed the presence of hydrothermal alteration assemblages
So far, results points to the likelihood of a high sulphidation epithermal setting and/or the upper levels of a porphyry system
It is anticipated the final surface sample results from Tambo South will be received within the June quarter
Special Report: Belararox has identified characteristics of a high sulphidation setting or the upper levels of a porphyry system through early-stage field activities at the Toro-Malambo-Tambo (TMT) South project in Argentina.
Belararox (ASX:BRX) has been focusing its exploration efforts on proving up the epithermal mineralisation and porphyry story at the TMT project, which boasts similar characteristics to nearby discoveries on the same belt, such as the C$3.1 billion Filo Mining Corp’s 644Mt Filo Del Sol mine.
Backed by BHP, Filo Del Sol holds both high-grade sulphide epithermal copper-gold-silver deposits and copper-gold porphyry mineralisation, pulling in average grades of 0.31% copper, 0.32 g/t gold and 10.1 g/t silver.
TMT is also located on the same belt as the Los Helados and Potro Cliffs projects being developed by TSE-listed NGEx Minerals, which boasts a market cap of C$1.59 billion.
Tambo South is one of 12 high priority exploration targets that comprise a great diversity of rocks, including miocene dacite, which is the preferential host rock for hydrothermal alteration.
From BRX’s point of view, this could indicate the area is prospective for a high-sulphidation epithermal setting or represent the upper levels of a porphyry system.
Hydrothermal and iron-oxide alteration of an outcrop at Tambo South. Pic: Supplied (BRX)
Samples sent to laboratory
Anaconda-style geological mapping – involving the record of vein minerology, veil orientation and host rock alteration of feldspar, mafic and groundmass sites using various colour codes – has been carried out with the first stage of surface samples now collected.
A total of 14 geochemical rock and talus samples, consisting of two system and 12 selective outcrop samples, have been dispatched for geochemical analysis.
At this stage, BRX says 28 samples have been collected and stored on site, with an additional 149 geochemical samples planned for collection at Tambo South.
The integration of the mapping data with the geochemical results of samples currently being collected will assist in defining the metal zoning and erosional level of the magmatic-hydrothermal system at Tambo South.
Additional surface samples may be required upon receipt and review of the laboratory results, which are expected in the coming weeks.
In the coming months, BRX will provide the market with updates, encompassing findings in geology, geochemistry, geophysics and drilling targets for the primary focus areas, including Toro South, Toro Central, Toro North, Malambo and Tambo South.
Tambo South fly camp with the right-hand side mountain range displaying hydrothermal and iron-oxide alteration. Pic: Supplied (BRX)
Geochemical results to sharpen focus
“Initial exploration shows a complex geological environment at Tambo South, with multiple intrusive events, breccias, strong fracturing and high-level quartz veining which are all characteristic of the upper levels of a porphyry system or high-sulphidation epithermal system,” BRX exploration director Jason Ward says.
“Geochemical results and airborne magnetics will sharpen our understanding and given the very large alteration footprint and favourable structural setting; we eagerly anticipate drill testing these targets this year.”
It is anticipated the final surface sample results from the Tambo South will be received within the June quarter, with the interpretation of the surface sample results set to be completed by the end of that reporting period.
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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