Angkor Resources Corp. (TSXV: ANK OTCQB: ANKOF) announced the results of a scientific study conducted by the Economic Geology Laboratory at Kyushu University in Japan and the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, which found that the alteration and mineralization at the Thmei North target on its Andong Bor license in northwest Cambodia exhibit the characteristics of a porphyry copper-molybdenum system. This type of deposit supplies most of the world's copper, and the study indicates potential for such a deposit at Thmei North. The findings are important because they validate the company's exploration model, refine the understanding of where copper is concentrated, and provide a clear guide for the remaining 1,700 meters of drilling planned for early 2027.
The study, detailed in a press release from NEWMEDIAWIRE, analyzed drill core from the Thmei North target, identifying three stacked alteration zones typical of porphyry systems: a deeper potassic zone formed by the earliest, hottest fluids where most copper was deposited; a chlorite-serite zone above it that preserved and added copper; and an upper phyllic zone that appears to lack mineralization. Molybdenite, the main ore mineral of molybdenum, was also identified within the copper-bearing zone. Fluid inclusion measurements showed that the main copper-bearing veins formed at temperatures between 300 and 415 degrees Celsius, and evidence of boiling suggests conditions favorable for metal deposition. These results align with the company's modified copper porphyry model, which guided the initial drill program (see ANGKOR RESOURCES DRILLS INITIAL PROGRAM AT ANDONG BOR COPPER-GOLD TARGET, CAMBODIA - Angkor Resources Corp).
Dennis Ouellette, VP Exploration, commented, "This study supports what we have been seeing in the core. The copper is in the potassic and chlorite-serite alteration, while the phyllic zone near the top appears to lack it. That tells us where to aim the next phase of drilling at Thmei North." The study's conclusions are consistent with the company's own assay results from drill hole ABDDH16-005, which returned 108 meters of 0.53% copper equivalent, and ABDDH16-008, which returned 46 meters of 0.51% copper equivalent, both in potassic-altered rock (see ANGKOR CONFIRMS 108 METRES OF 0.53% COPPER EQUIVALENT AT ANDONG BOR, CAMBODIA, December 13, 2022).
The study provides a detailed alteration model that will be used to place the remaining drill holes so they pass through the phyllic zone and test the potassic and chlorite-serite zones at depth. The remaining 1,700 meters of the 2,800-meter program at Thmei North will be drilled in early 2027, following the 1,099 meters completed in mid-July 2026. The company also plans to continue activity on Thmei South in 2027. The research was led by Sokvireak Say of Kyushu University and ITC, in collaboration with Kotaro Yonezu, Akira Imai, and Akane Ito of Kyushu University, John C. Menzies of Cmi Capital Limited, and Reach Sam of Angkor Resources. This partnership supports Cambodia's national capacity in geoscience. For more information, visit angkorresources.com.
