NorthWest Copper Corp (TSX-V:NWST) has announced results from hole K-22-242 drilled in the middle of the Kwanika Central Zone, including multiple plus 1.00% copper equivalent (CuEq) intervals surrounding a thick zone of continuous high-grade.
"K-22-242 highlights the strong mineralization that forms the core of the high-grade zone at our flagship Kwanika project," Northwest Copper president and CEO Peter Bell said in a statement. "It displays consistent high copper and gold grades over long intervals, with mineralization over most of the length of the hole, punctuated by multiple zones of over 3% copper equivalent."
"The chalcopyrite and bornite mineralization is typical of this part of Kwanika. These patterns of rock type, alteration, and style of mineralization are similar to many other holes in this part of the Kwanika deposit, and drilling continues to demonstrate excellent lateral continuity of high-grade Central Zone mineralization," he added.
READ: NorthWest Copper reports additional Kwanika high-grade drill results as part of a near-surface program
This marks the 16th drill hole assay released from the 2022 program at Kwanika, which comprises 30 holes. Assay turnaround continues to be slower than anticipated, the company said, adding that the 2022 drilling program combines holes to expand the mineralized footprint as well as to identify and further delineate high-grade zones within the deposit.
Drilling highlights include:
- 304.20 metres of 0.79% CuEq from 339.30 to 643.50 metres including 154.70 metres of 1.16% CuEq from 412.10 to 566.80 metres and including
- 36.70 metres of 2.07% CuEq from 412.10 to 448.80 metres and
- 22.80 metres of 1.42% CuEq from 466.00 to 488.80 metres
NorthWest Copper explained that mineralization is primarily hosted by diorite and monzonite intrusions, which are cut by more weakly mineralized dykes. The high-grade mineralization occurs within strong potassic alteration associated with quartz-sulphide veins, variably affected in the upper part of the intersection by younger sericite alteration.
The upper portion of the mineralized interval is oxidized and contains supergene native copper and chalcocite, whereas the majority of mineralization comprises vein-hosted and disseminated hypogene chalcopyrite and lesser bornite. The high-grade mineralization begins at the base of a more modestly mineralized interval of strongly oxidized rock from which some of the original copper may have been leached, the company said.
NorthWest Copper is a new copper-gold explorer and developer with an exciting pipeline of projects in British Columbia. With a robust portfolio in a tier-one jurisdiction, the company is well-positioned to participate fully in a strengthening global copper market.
Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com