Liberty Star Uranium & Metals Corp. (OTC:LBSR), dba Liberty Star Minerals, said its drilling program at the Hay Mountain property has uncovered significant indicators of commercially valuable metals, suggesting the potential for substantial mineralization in the area.
Drilling at the southeast Arizona property has indicated the potential presence of commercially important metals associated with porphyry copper-gold-moly geologic structures, according to the Tuscon-based company.
At a depth exceeding 2000 feet, the company encountered a marble front along with an intense zone of propylitic alteration, both suggesting the existence of a substantial, hydrous intrusive body at depth.
According to consulting geologist Jim Bryce, this alteration represents some of the most profound seen in over three decades of experience in the field, the company noted in a statement.
Photo evidence reveals intense Actinolite, Chlorite, Hematite, and Sericite alteration of sediments, with thick marble units encountered in the drilling process. Additionally, zones of disseminated pyrite and chalcopyrite, along with discrete zones of carbonate replacement, primarily consisting of pyrite with traces of chalcopyrite, indicate the possibility of being within the halo above a CRD (Carbonate Replacement Deposit) type system.
Porphyry ore deposits, characterized by accumulations of metals such as copper, molybdenum, and gold, are typically formed from hydrothermal fluids in an intrusive host and surrounding rocks. These deposits are often centered within an alteration halo, exhibiting distinct mineralogical and chemical zoning patterns.
Following these promising discoveries, Liberty Star Minerals said its crews are temporarily pausing operations for a two-week break before resuming drilling activities.