C29 Metals Ltd (ASX:C29) is in the thick of exploration activities at the Mayfield Copper-Gold Project located near Mt Isa in Queensland.
The company has cast a lens over existing geophysical datasets for the project, which consist of magnetics, radiometric, sub-audio magnetic and gravity, and is interrogating their resolution and quality prior to commencing fieldwork.
Deficiencies in data
This work has already found some gaps, and C29 plans to reprocess the existing aeromagnetic and sub-audio magnetic data to improve definition and targeting ability while allowing a better compilation of the datasets.
The geophysical review also highlighted the low resolution of the existing gravity dataset and determined further infill work to improve this initially.
C29 is now preparing to conduct an extensive ground gravity survey taking in more than 400 stations.
The Cloncurry district (Mt Isa Eastern Succession) is globally recognised iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG) mineralisation, but the reality is that the mineralisation present is highly diverse, spanning a number of deposit styles, such as:
- IOCG;
- iron sulphide copper-gold (ISCG);
- Broken Hill-type (BHT);
- sedex;
- skarn; and
- intrusion -related copper-molybdenum.
A common factor in all these deposit types is the presence of positive gravity anomalies due to the metal content and, therefore, density of the mineralised rocks.
C29 hopes the acquisition of high-resolution gravity data will allow for more informed targeting of future exploration, including drilling and electrical geophysical surveys.
Geophysical advisor and contractor engaged
The company has worked with an independent geophysical advisor to design the gravity survey, reducing data spacing to a minimum of 400 metres x 400 metres, or even closer over known prospects.
A geophysical contractor has been engaged to carry out the survey and the fieldwork should kick off within the next 14 days, with results expected within the month.
Once collection and processing is completed, the new gravity dataset will be used in conjunction with existing geochemistry, geophysics and drilling data to determine priority targets for electrical geophysical methods such as IP.
Ultimately the goal is to define and rank a suite of targets for drill-testing in 2023.
“We are pleased to now have full access to the Mayfield data sets and project area so we can begin systematic exploration of this highly prospective project,” executive director Mark Major said.
“This work will add to the current knowledge base and allow the company to pursue the target areas with more confidence. We look forward to having this completed soon and progressing our exploration in this highly prospective area.”