QC Copper and Gold Inc. (TSX-V:QCCU, OTCQB:QCCUF) has announced initial assay results from its fourth-quarter 2021 drill program at its Opemiska copper project in Quebec, in which “significant” results were obtained in several drill holes, including 184.5 metres grading 0.3% copper equivalent and 49.5 metres grading 0.7% copper equivalent.
The company said the current phase of drilling is focused on areas that are yet to demonstrate geological continuity in order to increase the resource base within the conceptual pit outline.
“These results are notable because they extend mineralization into areas that were not well sampled or included in September 2021's Mineral Resource Estimate,” QC Copper and Gold vice president of exploration Charles Beaudry said in a statement.
READ: QC Copper and Gold set to kick off Phase 1 drilling at its Opemiska project in Quebec
“This hole clearly demonstrates the in-pit mineralization expansion potential relative to what was defined in our initial Mineral Resource Estimate. Priority step-out holes are planned to follow up to the east, west, and up-dip from Hole 122 as part of definition drilling to expand the in-pit mineral resource on the Springer-Perry deposit,” Beaudry added.
QC Copper noted that as part of an updated mineral resource for the Springer-Perry deposits planned for late 2022, the geology is being re-interpreted from a vein and halo categorization to the domaining of global mineralized envelopes above a nominal cut-off grade of 0.2% copper equivalent using all historical and current drilling results.
It added that a total of 2,597 metres has been drilling since the current phase of drilling began in early January 2022 and no assays have been received to date for any drilling done in 2022.
The company also said its near-term priority is converting what may currently be considered waste into mineral resources within the Springer-Perry open pit, as it believes this is the lowest risk, highest return, and most efficient way to grow the Opemiska deposit.
QC Copper added that targeted areas outside the conceptual open pit will seek to test and confirm low-grade, open-pitable mineralization along with the Cooke-Robitaille mines structural corridor before undertaking systematic definition drilling in 2023.
QC Copper and Gold’s Opemiska property covers 12,782 hectares and covers the past producing Springer, Perry, Robitaille, and Cooke mines, which were previously owned and operated by Falconbridge between 1953-1991.
The project hosts excellent on-site infrastructure, including a power station and direct access to Highway 113 and the Canadian National Railway.
Contact Sean at sean@proactiveinvestors.com