High-grade cobalt-zinc potential at Broken Hill

RNS Number : 3679F
Castillo Copper Limited
21 March 2022
 

21 March 2022

 

CASTILLO COPPER LIMITED


("Castillo" or the "Company")

 

High-grade cobalt-zinc potential at Broken Hill

 

Castillo Copper Limited (LSE and ASX: CCZ), a base metal explorer primarily focused on copper across Australia and Zambia, is delighted to report a successful trip by the geology team to the core library in Broken Hill, NSW, where they analysed diamond core from drill-holes BH1 and BH2 at The Sisters Prospect1 within the East Zone, BHA Project.

 

 

Highlights

· Castillo's geology team re-tested diamond core - from drill-holes BH1 & BH2 at the "The Sisters" Prospect1 (East Zone, BHA Project) - available at the core library in Broken Hill, NSW, with encouraging results: 

Utilising a PXRF analyser - to identify samples for follow up assays - readings up to 1,705ppm Co and 9.63% Zn were recorded

More significantly, several wide PXRF intervals (7-9m wide) were delineated with high-grade cobalt-zinc readings (Figure 1) 

These identified intervals from the BH1 & BH2 core (Appendix B) are being sent to the laboratory for follow up analysis 

The above results are an average of two readings taken for 60 seconds and are preliminary. They are being used to identify sections for core re-sampling and subsequent laboratory analyses. They are not being used in the block model and do not replace laboratory analyses. 

 

FIGURE 1: PRXF INTERVALS BH1 & BH2 - THE SISTERS PROSPECT

    Drillhole

From

To

Apparent Thickness (m)

Co (ppm)

Zn (%)

BH1

11.84

20.89

9.05

859

0.26

 

106.62

114.36

7.26

946

1.53

 

116.24

124.66

8.42

897

3.26

 

124.66

129.54

4.88

370

0.89

BH2

89.35

90.44

1.09

245

1.89

 

92.66

93.57

0.91

350

1.94

 

137.29

140.58

3.29

525

2.21

(Note: Refer to Appendices B); Source: CCZ geology team

 

· The PXRF analysis for BH1 & BH2 is consistent with earlier assayed sections from the same diamond core (over different depths), with the best results comprising: 1.8m @ 820ppm Co from 124.7m (BH1) and 1.5m @ 320ppm Co from 138.4m (BH2)2 - Refer Appendix C

· There is a primary 1,200m synclinal structure at The Sisters Prospect3 - which BH1 intersected - that appears to host high-grade cobalt-zinc mineralisation: this is now a key target for further drill-testing

· In addition, further forensic work on codifying the 6,380 drill-holes around the Reefs Tank & Tors Tank Prospects found more evidence of shallow cobalt mineralisation, with the best intercepts: 7m @ 1,600ppm Co from 30m (drillhole 1800E1180N); 15m @760ppm Co from 67m (3E51N); 10m @ 520ppm Co from surface (2925E1240S); and 5m @ 520ppm Co from 45m (TT05W10N)4

· The Board is optimistic there is adequate geological data across The Sisters, Reefs Tank & Tors Tank Prospects to potentially prove up a primary cobalt JORC 2012 compliant mineral resource estimate

 

Dr Dennis Jensen, CEO of Castillo Copper, said: " The preliminary results from analysing The Sisters Prospect's diamond core has delivered Castillo Copper an excellent outcome. We now have compelling evidence, subject to final assays, there is high-grade cobalt-zinc mineralisation apparent and a prime target for future test drilling. Furthermore, the Board believes that, once all the assays are in from The Sisters Prospect, there will be sufficient data to potentially prove up a primary global cobalt mineral resource estimate that complies with the JORC 2012 Code."

 

HIGH GRADE COBALT-ZINC POTENTIAL 

 

The objective of the trip to the core library in Broken Hill was to find incremental evidence (from analysing untested diamond core from BH1 & BH2) to demonstrate the presence of cobalt-zinc mineralisation at The Sisters Prospect1.

Using a PXRF analyser, purely to identify parts of the diamond core for follow up assays, the initial readings returned up to 1,705ppm Co and 9.63% Zn. Further, there were several wide PXRF intervals that delineated high-grade cobalt-zinc mineralisation, including (refer Figure 1 & Appendix B):

 

· 9.05m @ 859ppm Co & o.26% Zn from 11.84m

· 8.42m @897ppm Co & 3.26% Zn from 116.24m

· 7.26m @ 946ppm Co & 1.53% Zn from 106.62m

· 4.88m @ 370ppm Co & 0.89% Zn from 124.66m (Appendix B)

 

Due to these findings, the identified intervals from BH1 & BH2 diamond core are being sent to the laboratory for a complete analysis to confirm the results reconcile with the PXRF observations.

The results are an average of two readings taken for 60 seconds and are preliminary. They are being used to identify sections for core re-sampling and subsequent laboratory analyses. They are not being used in the block model and do not replace laboratory analyses. 

 

FIGURE 2: THE SISTERS PROSPECT, EAST ZONE, BHA PROJECT (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement)

 

PHOTO GALLERY: ANALYSING BH1 & BH2 DAIMOND CORE AT BROKEN HILL (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement)

 

Previous assays of the diamond core from BH1 & BH2, from different sections to where the PXRF analysis targeted, returned encouraging results, with the best intercepts comprising:  1.8m @ 820ppm Co from 124.7m (BH1) and 1.5m @ 320ppm Co from 138.4m (BH2)2 - refer Appendix C for further details. As such, when reconciling the historical assays with the recent PXRF results, it provides a relatively high degree of confidence there is significant potential to extend the known cobalt mineralisation once verified by assays.

 

Indeed, according to a previous report3 there is a primary 1,200m synclinal structure at The Sisters Prospect - which BH1 intersected - that appears to host high-grade cobalt-zinc mineralisation. Most historic drilling campaigns missed this structure completely. Consequently, it is now a key target for further drill-testing once a timeline is set to undertake an inaugural drilling campaign at The Sisters Prospect.

 

FIGURE 3:  THE SISTERS HISTORICAL DRILL-HOLES - COBALT PPM BY LABORATORY ASSAY PROJECT (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement)

 

Reefs Tank & Tors Tank Prospects

Ongoing work to codify the 6,380 drill-holes around the Reefs Tank & Tors Tank Prospects - within the defined target area - has found more evidence of shallow cobalt mineralisation, with the best intercepts: 7m @ 1,600ppm Co from 30m (1800E1180N); 15m @ 760ppm Co from 67m (3E51N); 10m @ 520ppm Co from surface (2925E1240S); and 5m @ 520ppm Co from 45m (TT05W10N)4.

 

Primary cobalt MRE

Assessing the preliminary findings holistically across The Sisters, Reefs Tank & Tors Tank Prospects, the Board is optimistic there is adequate geological data to potentially prove up a primary cobalt JORC 2012 compliant mineral resource estimate.

 

Next steps

In NSW: 

· JORC 2012 compliant mineral resource estimate for the BHA Project East Zone. 

In Queensland:

· Assay results for Arya Prospect.

· Big One Deposit - formalising timing for next drilling campaign.

In Zambia: 

· Complete geophysical report on the Mkushi Project; and

· Complete work on the inaugural drilling campaign for the Luanshya Project.

 

In addition to this release, a PDF version with supplementary information and images can be found on the Company's website: https://castillocopper.com/investors/announcements/  

 

For further information, please contact:   

 

Castillo Copper Limited

+61 8 6558 0886

Dr Dennis Jensen (Australia), Chief Executive Officer  

Gerrard Hall (UK), Director

SI Capital Limited  (Financial Adviser and Corporate Broker)

+44 (0)1483 413500

Nick Emerson

Luther Pendragon  (Financial PR) 

+44 (0)20 7618 9100 

Harry Chathli, Alexis Gore  

 

 

About Castillo Copper  

 

Castillo Copper Limited is an Australian-based explorer primarily focused on copper across Australia and Zambia. The group is embarking on a strategic transformation to morph into a mid-tier copper group underpinned by its core projects: 

 

· A large footprint in the Mt Isa copper-belt district, north-west Queensland, which delivers significant exploration upside through having several high-grade targets and a sizeable untested anomaly within its boundaries in a copper-rich region. 

· Four high-quality prospective assets across Zambia's copper-belt which is the second largest copper producer in Africa. 

· A large tenure footprint proximal to Broken Hill's world-class deposit that is prospective for zinc-silver-lead-copper-gold. 

· Cangai Copper Mine in northern New South Wales, which is one of Australia's highest grading historic copper mines. 

 

The group is listed on the LSE and ASX under the ticker "CCZ." 

 

References

1)  CCZ ASX Release - 9 March 2022 AND Glifillan J.F., 1971, Report on Exploration by Falconbridge (Australia) Pty Ltd on ATP 3091 Broken Hill Area NSW under option from Minerals Recovery (Australia) N.L., Falconbridge (Australia) Pty Limited, Jan 1971, 93pp

2)  CCZ ASX Release - 15 March 2022 and 9 March 2022

3)  Gilfillan J.F., 1971, Report on Exploration by Falconbridge (Australia) Pty Ltd on ATP 3091 Broken Hill Area NSW under option from Minerals Recovery (Australia) N.L., Falconbridge (Australia) Pty Limited, Jan 1971, 93pp

4)  Leyh, W.R., and Lees T., 1977, Progress Report on Exploration Licence, No. 846 Iron Blow -Yellowstone Area, Broken Hill, New South Wales for the six months period ended 29th June 1977, North Broken Hill Limited, Report GS1976-198, Jul 77, 35pp

AND Leyh, W.R., 1990, Exploration Report for the Third Six Monthly Period ended 12th June 1990 for EL 3238 (K Tank), Broken Hill District, New South Wales for the six months period, Pasminco Limited, Report GS1989-226, Jun 90, 22pp AND Main, J.V., and Tucker D.F., 1981, Exploration Report for Six Month Period 8th November 1980 to 7th May 1981, EL 1106 Rockwell, Broken Hill, NSW, CRA Exploration Pty Ltd, GS1980-080, Jul 1981, 40pp

 

 

Competent Person Statement

The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results for "BHA Project, East Zone" is based on information compiled or reviewed by Mr Mark Biggs.  Mr Biggs is a director of ROM Resources, a company which is a shareholder of Castillo Copper Limited.  ROM Resources provides ad hoc geological consultancy services to Castillo Copper Limited.  Mr Biggs is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (member #107188) and has sufficient experience of relevance to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration, and to the activities undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, and Mineral Resources. Mr Biggs holds an AusIMM Online Course Certificate in 2012 JORC Code Reporting.  Mr Biggs also consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears.

 

APPENDIX A: BHA PROJECT  

Figure A1: West and East Zone - BHA Project   (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement)

 

 

 

APPENDIX B: MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY AND XRF READINGS

TABLE B1:  BH1 AND BH2 - MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY AND XRF READINGS ON BQ CORE

HoleID

SampID

From

To

Thick

Mag.Susc. (10-3 SI)

Co (ppm)

Cu (ppm)

Zn (ppm)

BH1

BH1.1

11.89

12.378

0.488

22

835

2200

2560

BH1

BH1.2

12.378

12.866

0.488

16.7

1350

935

4610

BH1

BH1.3

12.866

13.354

0.488

19.5

255

2585

1135

BH1

BH1.4

13.354

13.964

0.61

11.9

930

1300

915

BH1

BH1.5

13.964

14.33

0.366

33.4

755

380

440

BH1

BH1.6

14.33

15.426

1.096

46.9

450

1090

725

BH1

BH1.7

15.426

16.522

1.096

40.5

670

3605

490

BH1

BH1.8

16.522

17.618

1.096

43.7

1255

120

2970

BH1

BH1.9

17.681

18.777

1.096

35.9

1335

430

9790

BH1

BH1.10

18.777

19.807

1.03

10.5

850

2305

2090

BH1

BH1.11

19.81

20.84

1.03

0.7

665

170

1580

BH1

BH1.12

20.84

21.87

1.03

1.3

 

 

1545

BH1

BH1.13

21.87

22.9

1.03

0.9

660

90

3585

BH1

BH1.14

22.9

23.93

1.03

0.4

1600

720

8355

BH1

BH1.15

23.93

24.99

1.06

0.3

 

230

380

BH1

 

24.99

99.06

74.07

 

 

 

 

BH1

BH1.16

99.06

100.95

1.89

0.4

 

 

6630

BH1

BH1.17

100.95

102.84

1.89

0.8

 

 

2345

BH1

BH1.18

102.84

104.73

1.89

0.5

 

 

2625

BH1

BH1.19

104.73

106.62

1.89

368.3

 

5635

3575

BH1

BH1.20

106.62

108.51

1.89

131

285

10395

10385

BH1

BH1.21

108.51

110.46

1.95

604.7

1500

7215

26565

BH1

BH1.22

110.46

112.41

1.95

2000

990

140

21460

BH1

BH1.23

112.41

114.36

1.95

1801.3

1010

1605

2895

BH1

BH1.24

114.36

116.31

1.95

1906

 

375

2815

BH1

BH1.25

116.31

118.26

1.95

1644.7

140

260

19365

BH1

BH1.26

118.26

119.29

1.03

168

1600

770

41340

BH1

BH1.27

119.29

120.32

1.03

108.3

1705

735

14485

BH1

BH1.28

120.32

121.35

1.03

1187

920

365

43580

BH1

BH1.29

121.35

122.38

1.03

1479.7

1230

565

96315

BH1

BH1.30

122.38

123.44

1.06

1289

435

485

9205

BH1

BH1.31

123.44

124.66

1.22

97.2

250

560

4035

BH1

BH1.32

124.66

125.88

1.22

238.3

 

2015

12460

BH1

BH1.33

125.88

127.1

1.22

0.7

370

15620

3925

BH1

BH1.34

127.1

128.32

1.22

107.4

 

3085

5305

BH1

BH1.35

128.32

129.54

1.22

299.2

 

40

10560

BH2

BH2.1

75.59

77.48

1.89

0

220

40

3790

BH2

BH2.2

77.48

79.37

1.89

0

 

30

850

BH2

BH2.3

79.37

81.26

1.89

0

 

545

1375

BH2

BH2.4

81.26

83.15

1.89

0

330

205

2295

BH2

BH2.5

83.15

85.04

1.89

13.6

 

45

2610

BH2

BH2.6

85.04

85.46

0.42

0.4

 

35

2270

BH2

BH2.7

85.46

85.88

0.42

0.3

 

90

3460

BH2

BH2.8

85.88

86.3

0.42

0.3

 

 

765

BH2

BH2.9

86.3

86.72

0.42

0.5

 

 

2225

BH2

BH2.10

86.72

87.17

0.45

0.8

 

 

860

BH2

BH2.11

87.17

88.26

1.09

0.3

 

60

2105

BH2

BH2.12

88.26

89.35

1.09

1.8

230

60

1340

BH2

BH2.13

89.35

90.44

1.09

0.2

 

245

18940

BH2

BH2.14

90.44

91.53

1.09

0.5

 

 

240

BH2

BH2.15

91.53

92.66

1.13

0.7

 

 

1700

BH2

BH2.16

92.66

93.57

0.91

1

 

415

19365

BH2

BH2.17

93.53

94.44

0.91

0.4

 

65

1175

BH2

BH2.18

94.3

95.21

0.91

0.5

 

410

3465

BH2

BH2.19

95.21

96.12

0.91

0.2

 

165

5715

BH2

BH2.20

96.12

97.23

1.11

0.5

 

20

985

BH2

BH2.21

97.23

97.77

0.54

0.3

 

 

1625

BH2

BH2.22

97.77

98.31

0.54

0.7

 

40

1650

BH2

BH2.23

98.31

98.85

0.54

2.1

 

40

800

BH2

BH2.24

98.85

99.39

0.54

0.9

 

100

475

BH2

BH2.25

99.39

99.97

0.58

0.4

 

35

445

BH2

BH2.26

99.97

101.37

1.4

0.3

 

320

7760

BH2

BH2.27

101.37

102.77

1.4

0.4

 

85

2875

BH2

BH2.28

102.77

104.17

1.4

0.3

 

20

1080

BH2

BH2.29

104.17

105.57

1.4

0.5

 

20

1195

BH2

BH2.30

105.57

106.99

1.42

1.1

 

30

680

BH2

BH2.31

106.99

108.08

1.09

0.8

 

90

2270

BH2

BH2.32

108.08

109.17

1.09

0.4

 

 

370

BH2

BH2.33

109.17

110.26

1.09

0.5

 

 

360

BH2

BH2.34

110.26

111.35

1.09

0.8

 

145

4090

BH2

BH2.35

111.35

112.47

1.12

1.5

 

190

4115

BH2

BH2.36

112.47

113.45

0.98

0.6

 

240

1210

BH2

BH2.37

113.45

114.43

0.98

1.4

 

220

1830

BH2

BH2.38

114.43

115.41

0.98

0.6

 

 

770

BH2

BH2.39

115.41

116.39

0.98

0.4

 

 

1685

BH2

BH2.40

116.39

117.35

0.96

0

 

30

1520

BH2

BH2.41

117.35

118.39

1.04

0.3

 

 

685

BH2

 

118.39

132.89

14.5

 

 

 

 

BH2

BH2.42

132.89

133.99

1.1

0.4

 

 

980

BH2

BH2.43

133.99

135.09

1.1

0.6

 

 

830

BH2

BH2.44

135.09

136.19

1.1

244.7

 

110

1705

BH2

BH2.45

136.19

137.29

1.1

241.7

 

70

1545

BH2

BH2.46

137.29

138.38

1.09

78.9

445

 

11205

BH2

BH2.47

138.38

139.48

1.1

52.2

 

270

15555

BH2

BH2.48

139.48

140.58

1.1

23.5

565

180

6955

BH2

BH2.49

140.58

141.68

1.1

351.7

160

30

1190

BH2

BH2.50

141.68

142.78

1.1

387.3

 

155

2295

BH2

BH2.51

142.78

143.87

1.09

345.3

 

50

2300

BH2

 

143.87

161.24

17.37

 

 

 

 

BH2

BH2.52

161.24

162.28

1.04

0.2

 

 

625

BH2

BH2.53

162.28

163.32

1.04

0

 

60

2810

BH2

BH2.54

163.32

164.36

1.04

0.1

 

 

325

BH2

BH2.55

164.36

165.4

1.04

0.3

 

 

865

BH2

BH2.56

165.4

166.42

1.02

0.4

 

 

410

Note: PXRF readings to be verified by resampling core intervals and then conducting laboratory analyses, most likely ME-MS61R (ALS technique) or similar. Readings are the average of 2 scans held for 60 sec.

Source: CCZ geology team

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX C: THE SISTERS LABORATORY ANALYSIS

TABLE C1: THE SISTERS LABORATORY ANALYSIS

Drillhole

SampID

From (m)

To (m)

Length

Ag

Au_ppm

Co

Cu

Pb

Zn

As

Bi

Pd

BH1

6100

20.57

22.25

1.68

1.4

 

185

183

46

22

 

 

 

BH1

6101

113.84

115.52

1.68

1.5

 

 

1465

 

 

 

 

 

BH1

6102

115.52

117.04

1.52

1.6

 

 

535

 

 

 

 

 

BH1

6103

117.04

118.57

1.52

1.3

 

 

410

 

 

 

 

 

BH1

6104

118.57

120.09

1.52

1.5

 

 

188

 

 

 

 

 

BH1

6105

120.09

121.62

1.52

1.5

 

 

300

 

 

 

 

 

BH1

6106

121.62

123.14

1.52

1.8

 

 

84

 

 

 

 

 

BH1

6107

123.14

124.66

1.52

1.1

 

 

620

 

 

 

 

 

BH1

6108

124.66

126.49

1.83

 

 

860

19300

 

 

 

 

 

BH2

6201

88.39

89.92

1.52

 

 

17

60

 

 

 

 

 

BH2

6202

89.92

91.44

1.52

 

 

22

63

 

 

 

 

 

BH2

6203

91.44

92.96

1.52

 

 

26

65

 

 

 

 

 

BH2

6204

137.16

138.38

1.22

 

 

40

20

 

60

 

 

 

BH2

6205

138.38

139.90

1.52

0.7

 

320

210

 

40

 

 

 

BH2

6206

161.54

162.46

0.91

 

 

3

2

 

19

 

 

 

BH2

6207

162.46

163.07

0.61

 

 

13

7

 

26

 

 

 

BH2

6208

163.07

163.98

0.91

 

 

4

8

 

11

 

 

 

BH2

6209

163.98

164.59

0.61

 

 

3

2

 

11

 

 

 

BH2

6210

198.12

198.73

0.61

 

 

6

2

 

16

 

 

 

BH3

6220

67.67

68.28

0.61

0.2

 

75

70

52

40

 

 

 

BH3

6221

68.28

69.19

0.91

0.1

 

380

190

64

20

 

 

 

BH3

6222

69.19

70.10

0.91

0.2

 

115

50

49

20

 

 

 

BH3

6223

70.10

70.41

0.30

0.1

 

80

20

48

30

 

 

 

BH3

6224

70.41

71.32

0.91

0.1

 

400

210

58

20

 

 

 

BH3

6225

71.32

71.93

0.61

0.1

 

150

110

52

25

 

 

 

BH3

6226

71.93

72.54

0.61

0.4

 

80

30

48

20

 

 

 

BH3

6227

72.54

73.15

0.61

0.3

 

795

264

72

20

 

 

 

BH3

6228

73.15

73.76

0.61

0.2

 

405

140

65

25

 

 

 

BH4

6400

35.66

36.58

0.91

1

 

160

45

 

 

 

 

 

BH4

6283

64.92

66.45

1.52

 

 

41

550

40

28

 

 

 

BH4

6284

66.45

67.97

1.52

 

 

46

10

65

34

 

 

 

BH4

6285

67.97

69.49

1.52

 

 

21

10

60

18

 

 

 

BH4

6286

69.49

71.02

1.52

 

 

16

5

50

4

 

 

 

BH4

6287

71.02

72.54

1.52

 

 

28

5

60

10

 

 

 

BH4

6288

72.54

73.76

1.22

 

 

26

5

50

20

 

 

 

RCPS1

S1_00_04

0.00

4.00

4.00

0.5

0.008

41

17

10

28

1

2

0.002

RCPS1

S1_04_08

4.00

8.00

4.00

0.5

0.006

69

73

14

35

1

10

0.001

RCPS1

S1_08_12

8.00

12.00

4.00

0.5

0.098

61

127

15

9

44

14

0.004

RCPS1

S1_12_16

12.00

16.00

4.00

1

0.164

19

180

31

8

30

10

0.007

RCPS1

S1_16_20

16.00

20.00

4.00

1

0.123

27

228

19

8

56

21

0.01

RCPS1

S1_20_24

20.00

24.00

4.00

0.5

0.027

51

247

9

13

62

12

0.002

RCPS1

S1_24_28

24.00

28.00

4.00

0.5

0.006

20

8

7

25

1

9

0.001

RCPS1

S1_28_32

28.00

32.00

4.00

0.5

0.002

13

23

2

26

1

8

0.001

RCPS1

S1_32_36

32.00

36.00

4.00

0.5

0

5

25

2

19

1

9

0

RCPS1

S1_36_37

36.00

37.00

1.00

1

0.001

2

19

2

10

1

8

0

RCPS2

S2_00_04

0.00

4.00

4.00

0.5

0.015

36

123

24

23

1

16

0.002

RCPS2

S2_04_08

4.00

8.00

4.00

0.5

0.027

51

203

33

20

1

14

0.004

RCPS2

S2_08_12

8.00

12.00

4.00

0.5

0.006

32

137

32

16

1

16

0.002

RCPS2

S2_12_16

12.00

16.00

4.00

0.5

0.017

26

233

25

11

12

15

0.003

RCPS2

S2_16_20

16.00

20.00

4.00

0.5

0.04

48

378

18

12

18

15

0.002

RCPS3

S3_00_04

0.00

4.00

4.00

2

0.006

43

31

7

28

3

13

0.002

RCPS3

S3_04_08

4.00

8.00

4.00

1

0.004

43

17

12

35

1

10

0.001

RCPS3

S3_08_12

8.00

12.00

4.00

0.5

0.006

32

23

7

38

1

2

0.002

RCPS3

S3_12_16

12.00

16.00

4.00

0.5

0

30

7

7

21

1

9

0.001

RCPS3

S3_16_20

16.00

20.00

4.00

0.5

0.009

138

228

16

17

4

19

0.002

RCPS4

S4_00_04

0.00

4.00

4.00

0.5

0.002

14

20

6

9

1

2

0.001

RCPS4

S4_04_08

4.00

8.00

4.00

0.5

0.001

12

7

5

12

1

2

0

RCPS4

S4_08_12

8.00

12.00

4.00

0.5

0.002

22

22

7

18

1

2

0.001

RCPS4

S4_12_16

12.00

16.00

4.00

0.5

0.015

45

10

5

27

1

6

0.001

RCPS4

S4_16_20

16.00

20.00

4.00

0.5

0.001

53

2

7

25

1

2

0.001

RCPS4

S4_20_24

20.00

24.00

4.00

0.5

0

34

7

7

25

1

6

0.001

RCPS4

S4_24_28

24.00

28.00

4.00

0.5

0.001

28

420

8

37

1

7

0.001

RCPS4

S4_28_32

28.00

32.00

4.00

1

0.004

12

720

10

32

1

10

0

RCPS4

S4_32_36

32.00

36.00

4.00

2

0.001

27

17

7

26

1

13

0.003

RCPS4

S4_36_38

36.00

38.00

2.00

0.5

0

6

12

5

19

1

7

0

RCPS5

S5_00_04

0.00

4.00

4.00

0.5

0.002

26

71

9

28

1

9

0.003

RCPS5

S5_04_08

4.00

8.00

4.00

0.5

0.004

81

86

26

31

3

15

0.003

RCPS5

S5_08_12

8.00

12.00

4.00

1

0.001

66

13

6

21

1

10

0

RCPS5

S5_12_16

12.00

16.00

4.00

2

0

2

7

6

13

1

11

0

RCPS5

S5_16_20

16.00

20.00

4.00

1

0

2

24

6

10

1

7

0

RCPS5

S5_20_24

20.00

24.00

4.00

2

0

8

11

9

36

1

10

0

RCPS5

S5_24_28

24.00

28.00

4.00

2

0

19

33

10

59

1

13

0.003

RCPS5

S5_28_32

28.00

32.00

4.00

2

0

18

23

7

30

1

12

0.001

RCPS5

S5_32_35

32.00

35.00

3.00

2

0.002

18

12

6

24

1

12

0

RCPS6

S6_00_04

0.00

4.00

4.00

0.5

0.001

7

9

2

13

1

6

0

RCPS6

S6_04_08

4.00

8.00

4.00

1

0.001

35

21

2

28

1

7

0

RCPS6

S6_08_12

8.00

12.00

4.00

2

0.045

86

251

16

99

1

16

0.003

RCPS6

S6_12_15

12.00

15.00

3.00

0.5

0.041

119

438

18

69

1

13

0.003

RCPS7

S7_00_04

0.00

4.00

4.00

0.5

0.006

81

61

15

32

1

14

0.003

RCPS7

S7_04_08

4.00

8.00

4.00

0.5

0.002

40

70

13

13

1

16

0.002

RCPS7

S7_08_12

8.00

12.00

4.00

0.5

0.006

26

62

14

10

1

16

0.003

RCPS8

S8_00_04

0.00

4.00

4.00

0.5

0.004

81

65

12

52

22

8

0.005

RCPS8

S8_04_08

4.00

8.00

4.00

0.5

0.006

38

77

15

8

2

13

0.002

RCPS8

S8_08_12

8.00

12.00

4.00

0.5

0.006

41

39

13

29

5

11

0.006

RCPS8

S8_12_16

12.00

16.00

4.00

0.5

0.012

24

36

6

36

1

9

0.002

RCPS8

S8_16_20

16.00

20.00

4.00

0.5

0

21

12

2

7

1

9

0

 

Notes: Laboratories were Falconbridge Laboratories, Perth, WA, Geochemical and Mineralogical Laboratories Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW and SGS Sydney, NSW.

 

Source: CCZ geology team

 

 

APPENDIX D: JORC CODE, 2012 EDITION - TABLE 1

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)

Criteria

JORC Code explanation

Commentary

 

 

 

Sampling techniques

· Nature and quality of sampling (e.g., cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.

· Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.

· Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report.

· In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g., 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30g charge for fire assay'). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information.

· Surface sampling used in this analysis was all historical from the period 1964-2018.  This includes the 2016 and 2018 Squadron Resources soil sampling program. The data was a combination of the NSW Geological Survey surface sampling database and historical annual and relinquishment reports revisited and additional data extracted.

· Reference to these reports is given in the associated geology reports (Biggs (2022a, b, c).

· Many of the sampling programs, especially from the 1990's did include reference samples and duplicate analyses and other forms of QA/QC checking.

· Sampling prior to 1988 generally has higher "below detection limits" and less or no QA/QC checks.

· Regarding historical cores from holes held by the NSW Geological Survey across EL 8434 and 8435, selected sections have been reanalysed using pXRF. The grades quoted for cored intervals described in Table A1 have been measured using a handheld pXRF Analyser.  These grades are indicative grades only as the pXRF Analyser does not have the same degree of accuracy as laboratory generated results.

· Sample details from the pXRF machine for Ag, Cu, Co, and Zn are listed in Table A1, below.  The complete results for all elements have been listed in Appendix 1 of the Geological Summary report.

Drilling techniques

· Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.).

· Historical drilling consists of auger, rotary air blast, reverse circulation, and diamond coring.  In and around The Sisters model area are twelve (12) drillholes, however it should be noted that the majority of these are <18m in depth, and the number of holes >100m number around 14.  Complete drilling analyses results are in the process of being compiled, and hence did not form part of this study.

Drill sample recovery

· Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.

· Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples.

· Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material.

· Not applicable in this study, no new holes completed.

Logging

· Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.

· Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography.

· The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.

· The drilling that did occur was generally completed to modern-day standards. The preferred exploration strategy in the eighties and early nineties was to drill shallow auger holes to negate the influence of any Quaternary and Tertiary thin cover.

· No downhole geophysical logging took place; however, measurements of magnetic susceptibility were taken on the library core relogged over the same intervals as the PXRF readings were taken.

Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation

· If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.

· If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry.

· For all sample types, the nature, quality, and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.

· Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.

· Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.

· Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled.

· Not applicable, as no new drilling was undertaken.

Quality of assay data and laboratory tests

· The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total.

· For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.

· Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established.

· All the historical samples (87) were laboratory tested in various NATA-registered laboratories throughout Australia.  Many of the earlier Falconbridge stream sediment and soil samples were analysed by the Falconbridge internal laboratories.

· XRF geochemical data taken from field portable XRF Niton.

· Duration of sampling 60 seconds per filter (2 filters).

· Calibration of the unit was carried out on the unit at the start of the sampling at the core library.

· The following elements were analysed; Ag, As, Se, Ca, K, S, Ba, Sb, Sn, Cd, Pd, Zr, Sr, Rb, Pb, Hg, Zn, W, Cu, Ni, Co, V, Ti, Au, Fe, Mn, Cr, Sc, Mo, Th, U, Ta.

Verification of sampling and assaying

· The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel.

· The use of twinned holes.

· Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.

· Discuss any adjustment to assay data.

· BH1 and/or BH2 will require twinning to confirm XRF readings.

· None of the historical data has been adjusted.

Location of data points

· Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation.

· Specification of the grid system used.

· Quality and adequacy of topographic control.

· In general, locational accuracy does vary, depending upon whether the samples were digitised off plans or had their coordinated tabulated.  Many samples were reported to AGD66 or AMG84 and have been converted to MGA94.Zone 54

· It is estimated that locational accuracy therefor varies between 2-50m

Data spacing and distribution

· Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.

· Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.

· Whether sample compositing has been applied.

· The average sample spacing across the tenure varies per element, and sample type, as listed in Table A1-1, below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table D1:  EL 8434 and EL 8435 Surface and Drillhole Sampling

Description

Number

Average Spacing

Comments

Stream Sediment

88

185

Includes BCL

Soil

6

54

 

Surface Rock Chip

22

310

 

Drilling

87

190

Twelve drillholes in total. Drilling by Falconbridge and Endeavour Minerals

Mineral Occurrences

24

260

Includes quarries and industrial minerals occurrences

· No sample compositing has been applied.

Orientation of data in relation to geological structure

· Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type.

· If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.

· The current database does not contain any sub-surface geological logging for The Sisters, which is being compiled (50% complete)

· Geological mapping by various companies has reinforced that the strata dips variously between 45 and 80 degrees.

Sample security

· The measures taken to ensure sample security.

· The sample security measures, except for the Squadron Resources work programs is not known.  Squadron took samples to their Broken Hill office and transported samples for analysis to ALS Broken Hill

Audits or reviews

· The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.

· No audits or reviews have yet been undertaken.

 

 

 

SECTION 2 REPORTING OF EXPLORATION RESULTS

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)

Criteria

JORC Code explanation

Commentary

Mineral tenement and land tenure status

· Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings.

· The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.

EL 8434 is located about 28km east of Broken Hill whilst EL 8435 is 16km east of Broken Hill.  Both tenures are approximately 900km northwest of Sydney in far western New South Wales (Figure A1-2-1). 

EL 8434 and EL 8435 were both granted on the 2nd of June 2016 to Squadron Resources for a term of five (5) years for Group One Minerals.  On the 25th of May 2020, Squadron Resources changed its name to Wyloo Metals Pty Ltd (Wyloo).  In December 2020 the tenure was transferred from Wyloo Metals to Broken Hill Alliance Pty Ltd a 100% subsidiary company of Castillo Copper Limited.  Both tenures were renewed on the 12th of August 2021 for a further six (6) years and are due to expire on the 2nd of June 2027.

EL 8434 lies across two (2) 1:100,000 geology map sheets Redan 7233 and Taltingan 7234, and two (2) 1:250,000 geology map sheets, SI54-3 Menindee, and SH54-15 Broken Hill in the county of Yancowinna.  EL 8434 consists of one hundred and eighty-six (186) units) in the Adelaide and Broken Hill 1:1,000,000 Blocks covering an area of approximately 580km2.

EL 8435 is located on the 1:100,000 geology map sheet Taltingan 7234, and the 1:250,000 geology map sheet SH/54-15 Broken Hill in the county of Yancowinna.  EL 8435 consists of twenty-two (22) units (Table 1) in the Broken Hill 1:1,000,000 Blocks covering an area of approximately 68km2.

Access to the tenures from Broken Hill is via the sealed Barrier Highway.  This road runs north-east to south-west through the northern portion of the EL 8434, passes the southern tip of EL 8435 eastern section and through the middle of the western section of EL 8435.  Access is also available via the Menindee Road which runs north-west to south-east through the southern section of the EL 8434.  The Orange to Broken Hill Rail line also dissects EL 8435 western section the middle and then travels north-west to south-east slicing through the eastern arm of EL 8434 (Figure A3-2-1).

 

 

 

Figure D1:  EL 8434 and EL 8434 General Location Map (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement) 

 

 

Exploration done by other parties

· Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties.

Explorers who were actively involved over longer historical periods in various parts of EL8434 were: - North Broken Hill Ltd, CRAE Exploration, Major Mining Ltd and Broken Hill Metals NL, Pasminco Exploration Ltd, Normandy Exploration Ltd, PlatSearch NL/Inco Ltd/ EGC Pty Ltd JV and the Western Plains Gold Ltd/PlatSearch/EGC Pty Ltd JV.

A comprehensive summary of work by previous explorers was presented in Leyh (2009). However, more recently, follow-up field reconnaissance of areas of geological interest, including most of the prospective zones was carried out by EGC Pty Ltd over the various licenses. This work, in conjunction with a detailed interpretation of aeromagnetic, gravity plus RAB / RC drill hole logging originally led to the identification of at least sixteen higher priority prospect areas. All these prospects were summarized in considerable detail in Leyh (2008).  Future work programs were then also proposed for each area.  Since then, further compilation work plus detailed geological reconnaissance mapping and sampling of gossans and lode rocks has been carried out.

A total of 22 prospects were then recognised on the exploration licence with at least 12 occurring in and around the tenure.

With less than 15% outcropping Proterozoic terrain within the licence, this makes it very difficult to explore and is in the main very effectively screened from the easy application of more conventional exploration methodologies due to a predominance of extensive Cainozoic cover sequences.  These include recent to young Quaternary soils, sands, clays and older more resistant, only partially dissected, Tertiary duricrust regolith covered areas.  Depth of cover ranges from a few metres in the north to over 60 metres in some areas on the southern and central license.

Exploration by EGC Pty Ltd carried out in the field in the first instance has therefore been heavily reliant upon time consuming systematic geological reconnaissance mapping and relatable geochemical sampling. These involve a slow systematic search over low outcropping areas, poorly exposed subcrops and float areas as well as the progressive development of effective regolith mapping and sampling tools.  This work has been combined with a vast amount of intermittently acquired past exploration data.  The recent data compilation includes an insufficiently detailed NSWGS regional mapping scale given the problems involved, plus some regionally extensive, highly variable, low-level stream and soil BLEG geochemical data sets over much of the area. 

There are also a few useful local detailed mapping grids at the higher priority prospects, and many more numerous widespread regional augers, RAB, and percussion grid drilling data sets. Geophysical data sets including ground magnetics, IP and EM over some prospect areas have also been integrated into the exploration models.  These are located mainly in former areas of moderate interest and most of the electrical survey methods to date in this type of terrain continue to be of limited application due to the high degree of weathering and the often prevailing and complex regolith cover constraints.

Between 2007 and 2014 Eaglehawk Geological Consulting has carried out detailed research, plus compilation and interpretation of a very large volume of historic exploration data sourced from numerous previous explorers and dating back to the early 1970's. Most of this data is in non-digital scanned form. Many hard copy exploration reports (see references) plus several hundred plans have been acquired from various sources, hard copy printed as well as downloaded as scans from the Geological Survey of NSW DIGS system. They also conducted field mapping, costean mapping and sampling, and rock chip sampling and analysis.

Work Carried out by Squadron Resources and Whyloo Metals 2016-2020

Research during Year 1 by Squadron Resources revealed that the PGE-rich, sulphide-bearing ultramafic rocks in the Broken Hill region have a demonstrably alkaline affinity.  This indicates a poor prospectivity for economic accumulations of sulphide on an empirical basis (e.g., in comparison to all known economic magmatic nickel sulphide deposits, which have a dominantly tholeiitic affinity).  Squadron instead directed efforts toward detecting new Broken Hill-Type (BHT) deposits that are synchronous with basin formation.  Supporting this modified exploration rationale are the EL's stratigraphic position, proximity to the Broken Hill line of lode, abundant mapped alteration (e.g., gahnite and/or garnet bearing exhalative units) and known occurrences such as the "Sisters" and "Iron Blow" prospects.

The area overlies a potential magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE source region of metasomatised sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) identified from a regional targeting geophysical data base.  The exploration model at the time proposed involved remobilization of Ni-Cu-PGE in SCLM and incorporation into low degree mafic-ultramafic partial melts during a post-Paleoproterozoic plume event and emplacement higher in the crust as chonoliths/small intrusives - Voisey's Bay type model.  Programs were devised to use geophysics and geological mapping to locate secondary structures likely to control and localise emplacement of Ni-Cu-PGE bearing chonoliths. Since EL8434 was granted, the following has been completed:

Airborne EM survey.

Soil and chip sampling.

Data compilation.

Geological and logistical reconnaissance.

Community consultations; and

Execution of land access agreements.

Airborne EM Survey

Geotech Airborne Limited was engaged to conduct an airborne EM survey using their proprietary VTEM system in 2017.  A total of 648.92-line kilometres were flown on a nominal 200m line spacing over a portion of the project area. Several areas were infilled to 100m line spacing.

The VTEM data was interpreted by Southern Geoscience Consultants Pty Ltd, who identified a series of anomalies, which were classified as high or low priority based on anomaly strength (i.e., does the anomaly persist into the latest channels).  Additionally, a cluster of VTEM anomalies at the "Sisters" prospect have been classified separate due to strong IP effects observed in the data.  Geotech Airborne have provided an IP corrected data and interpretation of the data has since been undertaken.

Soil and Chip sampling

The VTEM anomalies were followed up by a reconnaissance soil sampling programme. Spatially clustered VTEM anomalies were grouped, and follow-up soil lines were designed.  Two (2) VTEM anomalies were found to be related to culture and consequently no soils were collected.  Two (2) other anomalies were sampled which were located above thick alluvium of Stephens Creek and were therefore not sampled.  A line of soil samples was collected over a relatively undisturbed section at Iron Blow workings and the Sisters Prospect.

One hundred and sixty-six (166) soil samples were collected at a nominal 20cm depth using a 2mm aluminium sieve.  Two (2) rock chips were also collected during this program.  The samples were collected at either 20m or 40m spacing over selected VTEM anomalies.  The samples were pulverised and analysed by portal XRF at ALS laboratories in Perth.

Each site was annotated with a "Regolith Regime" such that samples from a depositional environment could be distinguished from those on exposed Proterozoic bedrock, which were classified as an erosional environment.  The Regolith Regime groups were used for statistical analysis and levelling of the results.  The levelled data reveals strong relative anomalies in zinc at VTEM anomaly clusters 10, 12 and 14 plus strong anomalous copper at VTEM 17.

Geology

· Deposit type, geological setting, and style of mineralisation.

Regional Geology

The Broken Hill polymetallic deposits are located within Curnamona Province (Willyama Super group) (Figure A3-2-2) that hosts several world-class deposits of lead, zinc, silver, and copper.  The Willyama Supergroup consists of highly deformed metasedimentary schists and gneisses with abundant quartz-feldspathic gneisses, lesser basic gneisses, and minor 'lode' rocks which are quartz-albite and calc-silicate rocks (Geoscience Australia, 2019).  Prograde metamorphism ranges from andalusite through sillimanite to granulite grade (Stevens, Barnes, Brown, Stroud, & Willis, 1988).

Regionally, the tenures are situated in Broken Hill spatial domain which extends from far western New South Wales into eastern South Australia.  The Broken Hill Domain hosts several major fault systems and shear zones, which were formed by various deformation events and widespread metamorphism which has affected the Willyama Supergroup (Figure A1-2-3).  Major faults in the region include the Mundi Mundi Fault to the west of Broken Hill, the Mulculca Fault to the east, and the Redan Fault to the south. Broken Hill is also surrounded by extensive shear zones including the Stephens Creek, Globe-Vauxhall, Rupee, Pine Creek, Albert, and Thackaringa-Pinnacles Shear Zones.

 

Figure D2:  Regional Stratigraphy (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement) 

 

Figure D3:  Regional Geological Map (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement) 

 

There are over twenty (20) rock formations mapped within the project area.  Parts of the project area are covered by Quaternary alluvium, sands, and by Tertiary laterite obscuring the basement geology.  Within the Lower to Middle Proterozoic Willyama Supergroup (previously Complex) there are two (2) groups, the Thackaringa Group, and the younger Broken Hill Group (Colquhoun, et al., 2019). 

Local Geology

A summary of the units that host or appear to host the various mineralisation styles within EL 8434 and EL 8435 is given below.

Broken Hill Group

The Hores Gneiss is mostly comprised of quartz-feldspar-biotite-garnet gneiss, interpreted as metadacite with some minor metasediments noted.  An age range from Zircon dating has been reported as 1682-1695Ma (Geoscience Australia, 2019).  The Allendale Metasediments unit contains mostly metasedimentary rocks, dominated by albitic, pelitic to psammitic composite gneiss, including garnet-bearing feldspathic composite gneiss, sporadic basic gneiss, and quartz-gahnite rock.  Calc-silicate bodies can be found at the base of the unit and the formation's average age is 1691 Ma (Geoscience Australia, 2019).

Thackaringa Group

The Thorndale Composite Gneiss is distinguished by mostly gneiss, but also migmatite, amphibolite, and minor magnetite.  The age of this unit is >1700Ma (Geoscience Australia, 2019) and is one of the oldest formations in the Group.  The Cues Formation is interpreted as a deformed sill-like granite, including Potosi-type gneiss.  Other rock-types include pelitic paragneiss, containing cordierite.  The average age: ca 1700-1730 Ma. (Stevens, Barnes, Brown, Stroud, & Willis, 1988).  Other rock types include mainly psammo-pelitic to psammitic composite gneisses or metasedimentary rocks, and intercalated bodies of basic gneiss.  This unit is characterised by stratiform horizons of granular garnet-quartz +/-magnetite rocks, quartz-iron oxide/sulphide rocks and quartz-magnetite rocks (Geoscience Australia, 2019).  This is a significant formation as it hosts the Pinnacles Ag-Pb-Zn massive sulphide deposit along with widespread Fe-rich stratiform horizons. 

The protolith was probably sandy marine shelf sedimentary rocks.  An intrusion under shallow cover was syn-depositional.  The contained leuco-gneisses and Potosi-type gneisses are believed to represent a felsic volcanic or volcaniclastic protolith.  Basic gneisses occur in a substantial continuous interval in the middle sections of the Formation, underlain by thinner, less continuous bodies.  They are moderately Fe-rich (abundant orthopyroxene or garnet) and finely layered, in places with pale feldspar-rich layers, and are associated with medium-grained quartz-feldspar-biotite-garnet gneiss or rock which occurs in thin bodies or pods ('Potosi-type' gneiss). 

A distinctive leucocratic quartz-microcline-albite(-garnet) gneiss (interpreted as meta-rhyolite) occurs as thin, continuous, and extensive horizons, in several areas.  The sulphide-bearing rocks may be lateral equivalents of, or associates of Broken Hill type stratiform mineralisation.  Minor layered garnet-epidote-quartz calc-silicate rocks occur locally within the middle to basal section.  The unit is overlain by the Himalaya Formation. 

The Cues Formation is intruded by Alma Granite (Geoscience Australia, 2019).  The Himalaya Formation (Figure A3-2-4) consists of medium-grained saccharoidal leucocratic psammitic and albitic meta-sedimentary rocks (average age 1700Ma).  The unit comprises variably interbedded albite-quartz rich rocks, composite gneiss, basic gneiss, horizons of thinly bedded quartz-magnetite rock.  Pyrite-rich rocks occur at the base of the formation (Geoscience Australia, 2019).  It is overlain by the Allendale Metasediments (Broken Hill Group).  The Himalaya Formation hosts cobalt-rich pyritic horizons at Pyrite Hill and Big Hill.  The protolith is probably sandy marine shelf sedimentary rocks with variable evaporitic or hypersaline component.  Plagioclase-quartz rocks are well-bedded (beds 20 - 30mm thick), with rare scour-and-fill and cross-bedded structures. 

Thin to thick (0.5 - 10m) horizons of thinly bedded quartz-magnetite rock also occur with the plagioclase-quartz rocks.  In some areas the formation consists of thin interbeds of plagioclase-quartz rocks within meta-sedimentary rocks or metasedimentary composite gneiss (Geoscience Australia, 2019).  Lady Brassey Formation which is well-to-poorly-bedded leucocratic sodic plagioclase-quartz rock, as massive units or as thick to thin interbeds within psammitic to pelitic metasedimentary composite gneisses.  A substantial conformable basic gneiss.  It overlies both Mulculca Formation and Thorndale Composite Gneiss.  Part of the formation was formerly referred to as Farmcote Gneiss in the Redan geophysical zone of Broken Hill Domain - a zone in which the stratigraphy has been revised to create the new Rantyga Group (Redan and Ednas Gneisses, Mulculca Formation, and the now formalised Farmcote Gneiss).

Lady Louise Suite

This unit is approximately 1.69Ma in age comprising amphibolite, quartz-bearing, locally differentiated to hornblende granite, intrusive sills, and dykes, metamorphosed, and deformed; metabasalt with pillows (Geoscience Australia, 2019).  Annadale Metadolerite is basic gneisses, which includes intervening metasedimentary rocks possibly dolerite (Geoscience Australia, 2021).

Rantya Group

Farmcote Gneiss contains metasedimentary rocks and gneiss and is a new unit at the top of Rantyga Group.  It is overlain by the Cues Formation and Thackaringa Group, and it overlies the Mulculca Formation.  The age of the unit is between 1602 to 1710Ma.  Mulculca Formation is abundant metasedimentary composite gneiss, variable sodic plagioclase-quartz-magnetite rock, quartz-albite-magnetite gneiss, minor quartz-magnetite rock common, minor basic gneiss, albite-hornblende-quartz rock (Geoscience Australia, 2019).  Ednas Gneiss contains quartz-albite-magnetite gneiss, sodic plagioclase-quartz-magnetite rock, minor albite-hornblende-quartz rock, minor quartzo-feldspathic composite gneiss.  It is overlain by Mulculca Formation.

Silver City Suite

Formerly mapped in the Thackaringa Group this new grouping accommodates the metamorphosed and deformed granites.  A metagranite containing quartz-feldspar-biotite gneiss with variable garnet, sillimanite, and muscovite, even-grained to megacrystic, elongate parallel to enclosing stratigraphy. It occurs as sills and intrudes both the Thackeringa Group and the Broken Hill Group.  This unit is aged between 1680 to 1707Ma.

Torrowangee Group

Mulcatcha Formation comprises flaggy, quartzose sandstone with lenticular boulder and arkosic sandstone beds.  Yangalla Formation contains boulder beds, lenticular interbedded siltstone, and sandstone.  It overlies the Mulcatcha Formation (Geoscience Australia, 2020).

Sundown Group

The Sundown Group contains Interbedded pelite, psammopelitic and psammitic metasedimentary rocks and it overlies the Broken Hill Group.  The unit age is from 1665 to 1692Ma (Figure A1-2-4).

There is also an unnamed amphibolite in Willyama Supergroup, which present typically medium grained plagioclase and amphibole or pyroxene rich stratiform or discordant dykes.

Figure D4:  EL 8434 and EL 8435 Solid Geology(Available to view on PDF version of the announcement) 

 

 

Drill hole Information

· A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes:

easting and northing of the drill hole collar

elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar

dip and azimuth of the hole

down hole length and interception depth

hole length.

· If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case.

· No new drillholes have been completed yet.

Data aggregation methods

· In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g., cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.

· Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail.

· The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated.

· No new laboratory assays are reported in this announcement; however, a visit is in progress to the GSNSW core library to relog and resample six (6) drillholes completed across EL 8434 and 8435.  Portable XRF readings are being used to identify sections of core to be resampled.

Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths

· These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.

· If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.

· If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. 'down hole length, true width not known').

· As a database of all the historical borehole sampling has not yet been compiled and validated (in progress) it is uncertain if there is a relationship between the surface sample anomalies to any subsurface anomalous intersections.  Mineralisation is commonly associated with shears, faults, amphibolites, and pegmatitic intrusions within the shears, or on or adjacent to the boundaries of the Himalaya Formation.

· No existing geological 3D models exist but preliminary investigation has shown that sufficient data may be available to generate a small resource of cobalt or copper.

Diagrams

· Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views.

· Current surface anomalies are shown on maps in the report.  All historical surface sampling has had their coordinates converted to MGA94, Zone 54.

Balanced reporting

· Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results.

· All portable XRF readings have been included.  Regarding the surface sampling, no results other than duplicates, blanks or reference standard assays have been omitted.

Other substantive exploration data

· Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.

· Historical explorers have also conducted airborne and ground gravity, magnetic, EM, and IP resistivity surveys over parts of the tenure area but this is yet to be fully georeferenced (ground IP surveys).

Further work

· The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g., tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).

· Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive.

Work has commenced on Stage 2, which is to identify more cobalt anomalies and priority zones within the EL 8434 and EL8435, it is recommended that:

· The non-sampled zone in the centre of the tenure be defined and sampled.

· A more detailed study of historical drillholes should be conducted to determine if enough data exists to estimate a JORC resource; and

· A program of field mapping and ground magnetic or EM surveys be planned and executed.

 

APPENDIX E: BHA Modelling Updates

Objectives and Scope

As part of an ongoing database and modelling effort of cobalt at Reefs Tank and Tors Tank a program of relogging and resampling was instigated across the tenure suite EL8434 and 8435.  The objective was to examine the rock types, local structure and mineralisation styles which are very similar in many instances to the cobalt horizons at Reefs Tank and Tors Tank.

Drillholes held within the GSNSW Broken Hill Core Storage Facility were identified as being held within as listed in Table E1, below.  The holes covered existing prospects: The Sisters, Iron Blow, Round Hill, and Rockwell, all which were wholly within or partly trending into the BHA tenure package.

TABLE E1: EL 8434, 8435 DRILLHOLES FOR RE-LOGGING AND RESAMPLING

HOLE_NAME

E_GDA94

N_GDA94

LOG_FROM_m

LOG_TO_m

Notes

Notes

BH1

566841.77

6480228.70

20.00

23.00

Cobalt as high as 950ppm in several bands, in chloritic schist

BH1&2 from The Sisters Cu-Au-Co historic mine; depths will be in feet.

 

 

 

113.00

127.00

 

BH2

566721.77

6480418.70

77.00

116.00

Cobalt as high as 250ppm in several bands, in chloritic schist

 

 

 

 

136.00

141.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DD80RW4

559571.82

6459448.72

74.00

112.00

No anomalous Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag zones; Co not analysed

DD80RW series at Rockwell BHT prospect

 

 

 

124.00

130.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DD80RW4_1

559571.82

6459448.72

74.00

112.00

No anomalous Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag zones; Co not analysed

Redrill at the same site

 

 

 

124.00

130.00

 

 

 

 

198.00

232.00

 

 

 

 

270.00

275.00

 

 

 

 

350.00

375.00

 

DD90_IB3

560223.79

6473890.70

140.00

250.00

No assay found??

DD90_IB3 at the Iron Blow BHT and PGE prospect

RH3

562961.79

6474868.70

6.00

52.60

No assay for cobalt (only PGE); look for chloritic schist or blue quartz, Mn-rich horizons

Drillholes This is the western-most drillhole in the Round Hill PGE Prospect

Source: CCZ geology team

Current Investigations

This release concerns the first two drillholes BH1 and BH2 from The Sisters prospect, as examination of the other holes at other prospects is in progress.

Core from each of these holes was sequentially laid on core tables and attempted to be reconciled with historically logged drill depths (drilling completed between 1969 and 1970), a task complicated by missing core, incorrectly named core boxes and the use of imperial measurements and limited use of core blocks.

In BH1 thirty-one (31) intervals and in BH2 fifty-six (56) approximately 1m intervals for portable XRF and magnetic susceptibility and future lab analysis identified and marked with core blocks (blue). Intervals located across three zones of interest.  Two, sixty second XRF readings and three Mag Sus reading taken per interval.

Previously sampled intervals were identified.  Core blocks were inserted within core trays to identify sample intervals for further cutting and analysis.  Wet and dry photographs of core from both holes was undertaken.

XRF data preliminary results and a comparison to historical sampling are given above. In general, BH1 showed significant cobalt and zinc mineralisation, and to a lesser degree copper mineralisation.

 

FIGURE E1: LOCATION OF HISTORICAL DRILLING AT THE SISTERS (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement) 

 

FIGURE E2: SETTING UP FOR CORE PHOTOGRAPHY (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement) 

 

Figure E3: Typical High Grade Metamorphic rocks in BH2 (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement) 

 

Best intersections from the two holes are as shown in Table E2 and in Figures E4 and E5, below.

TABLE E2: SIGNIFICANT PRXF ASSAY READINGS FOR INTERVALS BH1 AND BH2

Drillhole

From

To

App. Thick. (m)

Co (ppm)

Cu (%)

Zn (%)

BH1

11.84

20.89

9.05

859

0.15

0.26

 

106.62

114.36

7.26

946

0.48

1.53

 

116.24

124.66

8.42

897

0.05

3.26

 

124.66

129.54

4.88

370

0.52

0.89

BH2

89.35

90.44

1.09

245

0.02

1.89

 

92.66

93.57

0.91

350

0.04

1.94

 

137.29

140.58

3.29

525

0.05

2.21

Source: CCZ geology team

FIGURE E4:  BH1 AND BH2 PXRF COBALT VALUES (PPM; COLOURS AS PER FIGURE E5) (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement) 

 

FIGURE E5: BH1 AND BH2 PXRF COBALT HISTOGRAM (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement) 

 

Given the unexpected thick intervals of anomalous cobalt by portable XRF, historical laboratory assay data was downloaded and encoded, with Table E3 and Figures E6 and E7 illustrating significant intersections.

TABLE E3: SIGNIFICANT LABORATORY ASSAY READINGS FOR ALL "THE SISTERS" DRILLHOLES

Drillhole

From

To

App. Thick. (m)

Ag (g/t)

Co (ppm)

Cu (%)

Zn (%)

BH1

20.57

22.25

1.68

1.4

185

0.02

0.002

BH1

123.14

126.49

3.35

1.1

430

1.0

n/a

BH2

138.38

139.90

1.52

0.7

320

0.02

0.004

BH3

68.28

73.76

5.48

0.2

301

0.01

0.002

BH4

35.66

36.58

0.92

1.0

160

0.004

n/a

RCPS3

16.0

20.0

4.0

0.5

138

0.02

0.002

RCPS4

12.0

15.0

3.0

0.5

119

0.04

0.007

Source: CCZ geology team

 

FIGURE E6:  THE SISTERS HISTORICAL DRILLHOLES, COBALT PPM BY LABORATORY ASSAY (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement) 

 

FIGURE E7: HISTOGRAM OF HISTORICAL LABORATORY ASSAY (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement) 

 

Location and background

"The Sisters" prospect is located 13km northeast from Broken Hill, NSW (Figure A1-8).  Access by road is via Mt. Gipps turning off the Barrier Highway at K Tank Station, 9km east from Broken Hill, thence 4km north via a station track. "The Sisters" lie 500m west across country from this point.

Within EL8435, The Sisters Prospect comprises a prominent ridge forming exposures of banded iron formation in a tight synform, hosted in schists.  The formation outcrops over one kilometre and consists of individual lensoidal bands of quartz and magnetite up to tens of metres thick and up to 100 metres long.  Below the base of oxidation pyrite occurs as weak disseminations and narrow massive laminae.  Magnetite is concentrated in the base of the synform (Timms and Groves 2003).

The synform is flatly north plunging and strongly contorted and crumpled.  Secondary copper mineralisation occasional with weak gold and silver occurs at surface along a major north-south striking structure associated with shearing and quartz veining.  The structure appears axial planar.  The more significant mineralisation appears to be developed where the structure intersects lenses of the banded iron formation in the hinge zone.

 

FIGURE E8:  EL 8434 & 8435 LOCATION PLAN - THE SISTERS PROSPECT (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement) 

 

Regional geology

The Sisters prospect occurs in a bedded quartz magnetite horizon, folded into a north pitching synclinal structure.  The synclinal structure is large and is clear on airborne magnetic imagery.  The trough of the quartz-magnetite (QM) bed probably extends several thousand metres downwards vertically (Gilfillan 1971).

These rocks form part of the Willyama Super Group of lower to middle Paleoproterozoic Age (1690 - 1730 Ma; Willis et al 1983).  Stratigraphically they have been mapped as being higher in sequence than the Broken Hill mineralisation.  The unit hosts cobalt-rich pyritic horizons at Pyrite Hill and Big Hill.  The protolith probably sandy marine shelf sedimentary rocks with variable evaporitic or hypersaline component.  The unit occurs in Thackaringa Group and overlies the Cues Formation.

Mineralisation at The Sisters consists of scattered copper carbonates and silicates in bands in the QM bed and appears confined to this horizon.  Two shallow shafts have been sunk in the schists adjacent to the hanging wall of the QM.  The more northerly shaft appears to be about 20m deep and copper carbonates were evident in the mullock from this shaft (Timms and Groves 2003).

 

FIGURE E9:  BHA TENURES - REGIONAL GEOLOGY AND MINERALISATION STYLES (Available to view on PDF version of the announcement) 

 

Mineralisation

The mineralisation is indicated by surface exposures of ferruginous gossan showing box works and siliceous lenses with some box works, any by numerous surface historical workings.  Some disseminated mineralisation with associated copper carbonates occurs in parts of the QM rock.

The controls of mineralisation appear to be:

(1)  Favourable structure. Near the heel of the syncline where pressure lows favouring mineralisation are frequently developed.

(2)  Favourable Bedding. The QM rock here has acted as a favourable bed, with some replacement of QM by mineralisation and probable infilling of fractures within the QM by mineralisation.  The mineralisation does appear to favour the hanging wall of the bed.

(3)  Fault Control. The mineralisation appears to be associated with faulting (Strike 150o, dip 75o W) which cuts obliquely across the QM layer. Widths of mineralisation vary considerably on either side of such faults.

Surface sampling

Grab samples by various explorers (Gilfillan 1971; Leyh 1976; 1990; Timms and Groves 2003) were taken over the surface of the QM formation.  The highest value obtained was 0.4% copper with values between 1500 ppm and 4000 ppm copper for 4 samples, each of which showed some visible copper carbonates.  A sample of gossan with box works assayed 900 ppm.

The siliceous formation with box works and iron oxide gave miscellaneous values with 10 samples assaying between 70 and 160 ppm Cu.  No significance is attached to the values obtained, other than that they establish the minimum dimensions of the length of original mineralisation.

Potential

The main occurrences of gossan and siliceous rock with box works occur over a length of approximately 400m on the western limb of the main synclinal structure.  Additional mineralisation occurs over a further 100 metres in a minor fold structure.

Other minor obvious occurrences of mineralisation occur which give scope for prospecting for additional shoots of mineralisation around the structure.  It is likely that the mineralisation will persist at depth though pitching to the north and it is recommended that the downward extension of the mineralisation be drilled below the water table.

The structure is a large one (at the surface >1,200m in length) and the possibility exists of a large tonnage of ore being established, particularly on the keel of the synclinal structure (Gilfillan 1971).

 

 

References

Castillo Copper Limited, 2022a, ASX Release Battery metal drill-hole assays unlock BHA East Zone potential / lithium update, 5th January 2022.

Castillo Copper Limited, 2022b, Strategic focus to develop significant cobalt mineralisation potential at BHA Project, 9th February 2022.

Castillo Copper Limited, 2022c, High grade platinum confirmed at BHA Project, 9th March 2022.

Biggs, M.S., 2022a, BHA Cobalt Modelling and Mineral Resource Estimate Update, unpublished memo for Castillo Copper by ROM Resources.

Biggs, M.S., 2022b, Broken Hill BHA Tenures Update, Castillo Copper, unpublished memo prepared by ROM Resources, Mar 22, 5pp

Gilfillan J.F., 1971, Report on Exploration by Falconbridge (Australia) Pty Ltd on ATP 3091 Broken Hill Area NSW under option from Minerals Recovery (Australia) N.L., Falconbridge (Australia) Pty Limited, Jan 1971, 93pp

Leyh, W.R., 1976, Progress Report on Exploration Licence, No. 846 Iron Blow -Yellowstone Area, Broken Hill, New South Wales for the six months period ended 29th July 1976, North Broken Hill Limited, Report GS1976-198, Jul 76, 88pp

Leyh, W.R., and Lees T., 1977, Progress Report on Exploration Licence, No. 846 Iron Blow -Yellowstone Area, Broken Hill, New South Wales for the six months period ended 29th June 1977, North Broken Hill Limited, Report GS1976-198, Jul 77, 35pp

Leyh, W.R., 1990, Exploration Report for the Third Six Monthly Period ended 12th June 1990 for EL 3238 (K Tank), Broken Hill District, New South Wales for the six months period, Pasminco Limited, Report GS1989-226, Jun 90, 22pp

Mohoney, M., 2018, BHA Broken Hill Project Position Paper, Squadron Resources Pty Ltd., Unpublished report, Mar2018, 8pp

Main, J.V., and Tucker D.F., 1981, Exploration Report for Six Month Period 8th November 1980 to 7th May 1981, EL 1106 Rockwell, Broken Hill, NSW, CRA Exploration Pty Ltd, GS1980-080, Jul 1981, 40pp

Squadron Resources Pty Ltd, 2018, Broken Hill Project Status, August 2018, unpublished confidential presentation by Squadron Resources,

Timms, P.D., and Groves A.J., 2003, Exploration Licence 4846, The Sisters, Annual Report to 29th May 2003, Endeavour Minerals Pty Ltd.,

Willis, I.L., Brown, R.E., Stroud, W.J., Stevens, B.P.J., 1983, The Early Proterozoic Willyama Supergroup: stratigraphic subdivision and interpretation of high to low-grade metamorphic rocks in the Broken Hill Block, New South Wales., Geological Society of Australia Journal, 30(2), p195-224

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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