Arizona’s Cochise County is renowned for its geological formations conducive to the formation of valuable mineral deposits, particularly porphyry copper, gold, molybdenum, and other commercially important minerals.
That is where Liberty Star Uranium & Metals Corp. (OTC:LBSR) (dba Liberty Star Minerals) is exploring at the Hay Mountain property, and early results are showing indications of commercially valuable metals, particularly copper, gold, and molybdenum.
Through their drilling program, Liberty Star has uncovered significant geological features suggesting the potential for substantial mineralization in the area.
The company has employed a skilled team at the site, led by consulting geologist Jim Bryce. With over 30 years of experience in the mining and exploration industry, Bryce has worked on projects on five continents, encompassing both mining and exploration spanning a wide range of commodities, including gold, silver, diamond, coal, uranium, and PGE (Platinum Group Elements).
From Bryce’s geological perspective, the chemical alteration of the rocks indicates a propylitic alteration. Additionally, the presence of marble, a result of heat alteration, suggests the influence of high temperatures. This combination results in the presence of acidic, mineral-rich waters, along with significant heat.
These factors strongly suggest the existence of an intrusive or porphyritic body, Bryce told Proactive. “Both of those things indicate the presence of an intrusive body or porphyritic body and that's principally what we're seeing,” he said.
Secondary to that, Bryce also sees a lot of epithermal veining, characterized by quartz veining as the fluids migrate towards the surface. This close-to-surface veining, known as epithermal, is associated with gold grades.
“Taken together, these geological indicators strongly support the presence of a mineralized system,” Bryce said. “Despite potential variations in distance within the project area, these indicators suggest a significant scale, indicating substantial mineralization potential."
At Hay Mountain, drilling activities are conducted based on observations made during the exploration process and readings obtained from Portable X-ray Fluorescence (PXRF) devices.
These observations and readings suggest the presence of hydrothermal alteration and sulfide minerals associated with veins in the core samples obtained from depths ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 feet below the surface. The findings hint at the possibility of a carbonate replacement deposit (CRD) at depth, although confirmation awaits assay analysis.
The essence of a CRD lies in the fluids, previously mentioned, responsible for mineralization or alteration. These fluids often carry significant metal content.
When they interact with carbonate rocks like limestone or dolomite, a chemical reaction occurs – akin to the separation of oil and vinegar in Italian dressing, according to Bryce. This process leads to the precipitation of sulfides, resulting in the formation of high-grade copper deposits.
While CRDs may appear small in size, their high-grade nature distinguishes them from broader, low-grade bulk tonnage mining situations typically associated with porphyry deposits. CRDs represent localized, yet exceptionally rich mineral systems.
Liberty Star’s team is currently mapping out its next steps at Hay Mountain. More drill results are forthcoming, which will help guide the company’s decisions at the property.
But one thing is for sure: Bryce is optimistic about leveraging existing geological data to further advance exploration efforts and piece together the puzzle of Hay Mountain's mineral potential.
"I've been in this field for 33 years, and I've worked on numerous projects worldwide. Here at Hay Mountain, I'm keenly aware of the contributions made by geologists before me,” he said.
“We often joke that us geologists are skilled at assembling complex puzzles without a guide. It's about piecing together small fragments of information to form a cohesive picture. Sometimes, these pieces don't fit perfectly at first, but they're interconnected nonetheless.
“By conducting further exploration and upcoming drill programs, I'm confident we'll complete the puzzle and gain a clearer understanding of the geological landscape."
Fortunately, there are already some key pieces in place at Hay Mountain.