Castillo Copper Ltd (LSE:CCZ, ASX:CCZ) has undertaken a massive logistical effort to kick-off its inaugural exploration drilling at Arya Prospect within the Mt Oxide Copper Project in the Mt Isa copper belt of northwest Queensland.
The drilling campaign is designed as a 'proof of concept' following the analyses of geochemical and geophysical data of the site, consisting of five initial reverse cycle (RC) drill holes.
CCZ intends to explore three targets identified by BHP in the mid-1990s, of which one has been interpreted as a potentially massive sulphide bedrock conductor up to 130 metres thick, 1.5 kilometres long and 450 metres wide with a revised depth of 100-200 metres.
"Compelling evidence"
“Of the 22 targets that we have across the tenure in the Mt Isa region, the Arya Copper Prospect has generated the most intrigue and interest among stakeholders,” Castillo Copper managing director Simon Paull said.
“The geochemistry and geophysical evidence have all provided compelling evidence the three targets are potentially among the best within our tenure. As such, the board optimistically looks forward to the initial observations as the campaign progresses.”
Largest mobilisation in CCZ’s history
Drilling is now underway, but rough terrain produced logistical barriers that required a massive mobilisation of resources in the largest mobilisation effort in CCZ’s history.
Castillo decided heli-lifting the drill-rig, all supporting personnel and equipment to site, and then between drill pads was the most efficient and cost-effective solution at this stage of development.
Chopper airlifting drilling rig to site at Arya.
The first set of drill holes will be assessed for prospective underlying systems, after which built-in flexibility in the drill campaign will allow CCZ to fully drill-test the extent of any such mineralisation.
Additionally, CCZ’s geology team will complete a 200 by 200 metres mapping and rock chip sampling campaign, designed to extend the known historical surface anomaly to the south.
Ongoing project work
Castillo Copper is a base metal explorer with core copper assets, pursuing a transformation into a mid-tier copper producer underpinned by its core projects.
Apart from its core copper portfolio at Mt Oxide in Queensland, Cangai Copper Mine in NSW and in Zambia’s Copper-belt, the company also has lithium, nickel, zinc and cobalt assets.
In the coming weeks, a progress report will be prepared for drilling at Arya in Queensland. In Zambia, CCZ intends to complete its IP survey at the Luanshya and Mkushi projects then analyse the results for incremental targets for test-drilling before commencing the inaugural drill campaign at Luanshya.
The company is undertaking ongoing due diligence at its Picasso and Litchfield lithium projects, where it is awaiting the return of assay results for surface sampling campaigns.