Centenario Gold Corp. (TSXV: CTG) has completed the first phase exploration program at its Los Reyes Project in Chihuahua, Mexico, reporting high-grade copper mineralization encountered in underground sampling. The program, which focused on mapping and sampling old mine dumps and underground workings along the intrusive-limestone contact zone, has identified copper-rich skarn zones with significant potential for expansion.
The Los Reyes Project, located 225 km south of Chihuahua City near Highway 49, comprises two mineral claims: El Rey (36.0 hectares) and El Rey 2 (9.3 hectares). The El Rey claim hosts the most extensive old mine workings, originally developed by ASARCO in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Historical records indicate that approximately 200,000 tons of Cu-Zn-Ag material were extracted from Los Reyes during that period.
The exploration program included geological reconnaissance, alteration mapping, and collection of 58 rock samples from surface outcrops, old waste dumps, and underground workings at the Tuesda and Jibosa mines. The sampling was supervised by a senior professional geologist, with samples sent to ALS Chemex in Chihuahua for analysis using fire assay for gold and acid digestion for 34 other elements.
At the El Rey claim, copper-rich skarn mineralization occurs sporadically for over 800 meters along the north-south trending granodiorite-limestone contact. The altered zone extends up to 120 meters in width, with the contact dipping between vertical and 75 degrees to the east. The alteration exhibits typical skarn zoning, transitioning from skarn near the intrusive to marble and recrystallized limestone, and finally hornfels with garnet bands.
Copper mineralization consists of chalcopyrite, bornite, malachite, azurite, and chalcocite within irregular, semi-tabular lenses up to 60 meters wide. Some previously mined zones by ASARCO exceeded 125 meters in length. The mineralized zone beneath the Tuesda shaft showed thicknesses up to 20 meters, while at Jibosa, the mineralized body did not exceed 15 meters. Higher sulfide content is expected further north of the Tuesda Shaft, with fragments of magnetite and skarn containing magnetite and specularite found in old mine dumps, suggesting Cu-Au skarn-type mineralization.
Results from the 58 rock samples are expected by mid-June. Once received, the company will release the assay results promptly. The first phase program will pave the way for a second phase drilling program planned for July, consisting of 1,500 meters designed to test strike and down-dip extensions of the copper-rich skarn zones identified by underground sampling. Primary drill targets are near the Jibosa and Tuesda mining shafts.
Derrick Strickland, an independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this release. Centenario Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on high-potential projects in the Americas, with a primary emphasis on gold, copper, and silver. The company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and continues to evaluate new opportunities to expand its portfolio.
For more information, visit www.centenariogold.com or the original press release on www.newmediawire.com.
