C3 Metals Inc (TSX-V:CCCM, OTC:CARCF) has reported positive results from a closely spaced soil sampling program at its Bellas Gate project in Jamaica, targeting a volcanic redbed copper prospect in the northwest portion of the property.
The company announced that the program successfully outlined a significant copper-in-soil anomaly and has defined drill targets for testing in the second half of 2025.
In February 2025, C3 Metals signed an agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:FCX, ETR:FPMB) that allows it to earn up to a 75% interest in the Bellas Gate project by funding up to US$75 million in exploration and related expenses.
The soil sampling program consisted of nine widely spaced lines extending across a three-kilometre strike length, with samples collected at approximately five-metre intervals along each line.
The results included a 120-metre-wide zone averaging 0.12% copper in soils, a 90-metre-wide zone averaging 0.13% copper, a 50-metre-wide zone averaging 0.16% copper, and a 205-metre-wide zone averaging 452 parts per million (ppm) copper.
In total, the results defined an east-west trending copper-in-soil anomaly measuring 2.7 kilometres long and up to 200 metres wide, with a minimum threshold of 400ppm copper. Copper concentrations above 300ppm in soils are considered anomalous and of high interest for follow-up exploration, the company noted.
“The results of the soil geochemical data collection program in the northwest project area are highly encouraging. The redbed copper prospect is a target that warrants further exploration,” C3 Metals CEO Dan Symons said in a statement.
“We believe we can drill test the redbed target quickly and cost effectively, as drill holes would be relatively shallow to approximately 150m depth.”
Symons noted that these types of deposits account for the second most copper production globally after porphyry deposits.
“We plan to drill test this redbed copper target, along with other porphyry targets, during the second half of 2025,” Symons said.
A 750-metre diamond drilling program comprising five holes has been planned to test copper targets along soil lines 02, 03, and 08. The area is fully permitted for drilling.