Pacific Empire Minerals Corp (CVE:PEMC) (OTCQB:PEMSF) has unveiled drill assays from its Jean Marie project in British Columbia, which, it said, show "kilometer-scale base and precious metal mineralization over a large, under-explored" area.
The drilling program last year comprised 15 reverse circulation (RC) holes and focused on the northern 'A' zone where drilling in the 1970s hit copper.
The company said 13 of these holes hit copper, while eight holes averaged greater than 1,000 parts per million (ppm) copper over its entire length. One hole hit 3.37% copper and 11.4 grams per ton (g/t) silver over 3.05 metres (m) and another averaged 1.4 g/t silver over its length.
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Together with airborne survey data collected last year, the results will be used to develop additional targets for diamond drilling this year.
"Results from drilling and rock sampling during 2020 confirm the presence of copper and gold mineralization over a wide area on the property," said Brad Peters, Pacific Empire CEO, in a statement.
"In addition, results from the airborne magnetic survey have identified coincidental geophysical and geochemical targets on the southern half of the property that will be followed up on in 2021. The company is planning expanded ground geochemical surveys and geological mapping programs."
Notably, a zone of elevated copper values (over 0.2%) was delineated over an area of around 400m by 500m, which remains open to the northeast and south-west and suggests the presence of a larger mineralizing system, said Pacific Empire.
The company has an option to earn 100% of Jean Marie, which comprises 7,350 hectares of contiguous claims situated 50 kilometres west of Centerra Gold's operating Mt. Milligan copper-gold mine.
Although, previously the focus has been at the A,B and C Zones, it is apparent from surface sampling that there appears to be a gold-dominant zone to the south of these areas, the firm noted.
Peters also highlighted copper's credentials as a commodity during current times.
"In the drive towards cleaner and greener energy, copper is indispensable. Copper is a core input for manufacturing and electrification. The high durability, high malleability, high electrical and heat conductivity, in addition to antimicrobial properties provide additional sources of demand from growing global industries; importantly the health care industry amidst the ongoing global pandemic," he told investors.
Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com