EV Resources is investigating previously unknown porphyry copper potential at its Khartoum project in Queensland, following strong new rock chip results. The company reported high-grade findings, including up to 71% copper and 874 grams per tonne silver, indicating the possibility of large-scale copper, molybdenum, and silver porphyry targets.
The company is reviewing its extensive database of over 5,000 rock chip samples to enhance its geophysical targeting of copper mineralization at the project. Five initial key target areas for copper-moly-silver mineralization have been highlighted, with the Hayes Creek porphyry target being the highest priority.
EV Resources noted that the magnetic signature beneath recent high-grade copper rock chip anomalies at Hayes Creek indicates a magnetic “hole” within the rocks, comparable to the Red Chris porphyry orebody in British Columbia. Red Chris, operated by Newcrest Mining, is a significant deposit of copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc, and molybdenum.
“Despite the very large number of historic mines, very little exploration has been carried out in the area. Our surface geochemistry compilation indicates that Copper-Silver-Gold-Moly mineralization is pervasive, strongly suggesting that porphyry mineralization is very likely to occur here. EV Resources is now on the hunt for that porphyry at Khartoum,” said Adrian Paul, Executive Director of EV Resources.
The Khartoum project spans five exploration permits covering 98 square kilometers, located about 100km southwest of Cairns. It is highly prospective for magmatic arc porphyry and epithermal copper and molybdenum mineralization. EV Resources plans to begin field work programs to confirm historic rock chip samples, expand sampling areas, and conduct a full geophysical interpretation of the project.
Recent studies by the Queensland Department of Resources, the University of Queensland, and James Cook University, as part of the state’s New Economy Minerals Initiative, highlight the significance of the area, noting its potential to host critical minerals listed by the Australian Government.
In addition to the Khartoum project, EV Resources holds significant interests in Peru with its flagship Parag and Don Enrique operations. Recent intersections at Parag include 18m at 1.7% copper and 0.4% molybdenum from 11m depth. The company plans to commence a 2000m drilling program at Don Enrique next month after identifying a chargeability high up to 1500m in length.
EV Resources’ latest high-grade copper rock chips bolster the company’s prospects for significant porphyry-type copper deposits in both Australia and Peru, presenting multiple opportunities for major discoveries.