Alta Zinc Ltd (ASX:AZI) has discovered multiple mineralised veins with battery metals potential that extend into the company’s renewed Balme Exploration Licence (EL) from its adjacent and contiguous Ponta Corna Project in northern Italy.
Geological mapping and fieldwork have revealed extensions of several of the known mineralised veins from the Punta Corna EL into a northern valley of the Balme EL, extending the mineralised vein system 1 kilometre east and 0.7 kilometres north.
A potential new vein system a further 2 kilometres northwest was also discovered, with follow-up work at these areas planned for early September.
Renewal of the Balme EL overlying the northern half of Punta Corna sees the company exploring for cobalt, nickel, copper, silver and associated metals for a further three years to 2024.
Battery metals campaign
Alta Zinc managing director Geraint Harris said: “The discovery of new veins in the northern valleys of the Balme EL and the award of the additional 3-year tenure provides Alta with the opportunity to progress our exciting battery metals exploration campaign at Punta Corna.
“Early results from our hyperspectral satellite surveying of the area also appear very encouraging for future exploration.”
As part of the renewal of the Punta Corna EL, AZI has taken the opportunity to expand the EL footprint further to the south and west where mineralised veins have been shown to extend beyond an area of historical mining.
Alta Zinc said the Punta Corna EL renewal was progressing well and it will keep shareholders updated on exploration progress and feedback from the various Government authorities and stakeholders.
Plan map of Balme and Punta Corna exploation licence areas with initial planned drilling.
The Balme EL of around 1,550 hectares secures the extensions of the prospective geology from the Punta Corna EL and underpins the company’s current and near-term exploration programs at the Project.
Alta Zinc believes it also offers strong potential for further mineral discoveries within the project area.