Fitzroy Minerals Inc. (TSXV: FTZ, OTCQX: FTZFF, FSE: C3Y) has provided an update on its definition drilling, metallurgical test work, and geophysical survey at the Buen Retiro Copper Project in Copiapo, Chile. The company is advancing toward a maiden mineral resource estimate and an initial economic study, with two drill rigs currently operating.
Highlights include drill hole BRT-DDH048 intercepting 92.5 metres at 0.53% copper from 3.5 metres, including 46.0 metres at 0.82% copper from 36.0 metres. Drill hole BRT-DDH049 returned 83.0 metres at 0.57% copper from 95.0 metres, including 43.0 metres at 0.90% copper from 95.0 metres. These results demonstrate consistent thickness of the copper-mineralized package, approximately 80–90 metres thick, with higher-grade central zones.
Metallurgical test work has commenced at SGS Laboratories on a 2,900 kg representative sample. Three primary geo-metallurgical domains have been defined: a higher-grade oxide domain (≥0.5% Cu), a lower-grade oxide domain (0.10–0.5% Cu), and a mixed supergene transition domain. The program includes variability analysis, column leach testing, and evaluation of acid consumption to support the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS).
Additionally, Fleet Space Technologies’ Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) geophysical survey has been completed across a 5 km x 5 km area, with processing and interpretation underway. This survey aims to identify major sulphide targets for future exploration. A higher-resolution survey over a central 2 km x 3 km area will follow once initial data is interpreted.
Merlin Marr-Johnson, President and CEO, stated: “The resource definition drilling is advancing quickly and has intersected many samples that exceed the ALS laboratory 1% Cu maximum limit for ‘exploration’ assay methods. The start of metallurgical test work for the PFS is a milestone event.” He added that the ANT survey is a step forward in the hunt for a major sulphide discovery.
To date, 32 new diamond drill holes totaling 5,143 metres have been completed in the southwest area, with assays pending for many. The drill program is being expanded eastward as fresh zones of shallow mineralization are encountered. The company aims to delineate sufficient Measured and Indicated Resources to support a robust life-of-mine plan for the heap leach project and inclusion in the PFS.
Full results from four drill holes have been returned, with four having partial results pending re-assay for high-grade samples exceeding 1% copper. The high-grade samples are predominantly found near the central axis of the dominant structure controlling ferric breccias. For more details, see Table 1 in the original release: https://www.newmediawire.com.
The company has implemented rigorous QA/QC procedures, including insertion of blanks, standards, and duplicates representing about 12% of total samples. Dr. Scott Jobin-Bevans, a Qualified Person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information. The company is independent of the assay laboratories.
Fitzroy Minerals is focused on copper projects in the Americas, including the Buen Retiro and Caballos projects in Chile, the Taquetren Gold Project in Argentina, and the Caribou Project in Canada. The company’s shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under FTZ and on OTCQX under FTZFF.
