World Copper Ltd (TSX-V:WCU, OTCQX:WCUFF) has updated the mineral resource estimate for the Zonia copper-oxide deposit in Arizona, significantly expanding the historical resource estimate.
The company said in a statement that the updated mineral estimate includes 75.7 million short tons grading 0.30% total copper containing 450.5 million pounds of copper, and 122.0 million short tons grading 0.24% total copper containing 575.4 million pounds of copper.
Zonia Norte has been confirmed as the next exploration target at the project, World Copper added.
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The target was fully permitted by the previous operator and is drill-ready once the permitting process is re-started, the company noted. The drill program will consist of 18 shallow, near-surface holes targeting copper-oxide mineralization over 5,000 metres.
World Copper CEO Nolan Peterson said the updated resource estimate for Zonia was a critical first milestone since World Copper's acquisition of the project, representing the company’s best understanding of the resource as it is, and an expansion over past resources.
“As we advance the project on the engineering front, we will simultaneously aim to expand the resource even further by targeting the high potential Zonia Norte target northeast of the main resource deposit,” Peterson said.
“Zonia is a key component of our development portfolio, and we look forward to continued positive developments at the site."
Headquartered in Vancouver, World Copper is a Canadian resource company focused on the exploration and development of its copper porphyry projects: Escalones and Cristal in Chile, and Zonia in Arizona.
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