Drilling of the shallow Cascada deposit continues to produce excellent results with the first three holes of this program extending mineralisation to the west, north and south. Each hole intersected a high grade core of copper mineralisation surrounded by a wider mineralised zone containing anomalous copper, gold and silver.
This is consistent with earlier results from Cascada and together with the recent discovery of the copper mineralised porphyry below Cascada (refer ASX announcement 15/1/14), adds further support to Azure's model that the overall Promontorio project area has the potential to host a major copper deposit.
• Positive assay results received from first three holes (APR- DD106 to 108) testing extensions of shallow mineralisation at Cascada
• Near surface copper mineralised zone extended to 140m along strike and 150m down dip and mineralisation remains open along strike to the west and down-dip to the north
• Drilling is continuing at Cascada with hole 110 completed and hole 111 in progress
• Results continue to support Azure's geological model that near- surface epithermal deposits at Cascada and Promontorio are overlying a large porphyry copper system
• Further testing of the deep porphyry copper target will be underway shortly with hole 112 designed to drill to 600m depth
"These latest drilling results continue the expansion of the Cascada copper deposit. Cascada is a near-surface, chalcocite-dominant, copper-gold-silver deposit with potential to continue at depth towards the porphyry body responsible for the introduction of copper mineralisation to the area. We will continue drilling both the Cascada mineralised zone and the porphyry copper system with the aim of proving up a copper project of major size..
The more we drill, the more I am convinced that Promontorio hosts a major copper system with near surface deposits like Promontorio and Cascada, other similar targets like Risco Dorado and Rojo Grande, and the likelihood of a very large porphyry copper body beneath them all."
Significant mineralised intercepts from the recent drilling include:
Copper intercepts:• APR-DD-106: 4.6m @ 4.1% CuEq
• and 6.1m @ 2.7% CuEq
• APR-DD-107: 5.7m @ 4.6% CuEq
• APR-DD-108: 3.7m @ 2.9% CuEq
Gold intercepts:• APR-DD-106: 19.4m @ 1.45g/t Au
• and 11.7m @ 1.14g/t Au
• APR-DD-107: 15.9m @ 1.72g/t Au
• APR-DD-108: 10.6m @ 1.41g/t Au
DETAILS
Assays have been received from the first 3 holes (APR-DD-106 to 108) of the current program (see Figure 1 for locations). Details of drill holes and significant copper and gold mineralised intercepts are contained Tables 1, 2 & 3.
Each hole is a 40m step-out from known mineralisation. Holes 106 and 108 are vertical holes designed to test up-dip to the south and down-dip to the north of the copper intercepts returned from the first drill program. Hole 107 (and the recently completed hole 110) are angled holes located 40m to the west.
Copper sulphide mineralisation commences at about 20 to 30 metres below surface and mostly occurs as chalcocite in quartz-pyrite-chalcocite veins and disseminated chalcocite in the host rock. Surrounding the copper zone is a halo of low to moderate grade gold and silver mineralisation associated with widespread disseminated pyrite mineralisation.
Azure believes that the near-surface Cascada deposit is the high sulphidation
epithermal mineralisation associated with the nearby porphyry copper body recently discovered by Azure in hole APR-DD-109. Further drilling will test both the near- surface (<150m) extensions and depth extensions of the Cascada system, as well as the underlying porphyry.
The current drill program is designed to test:
• around and beneath the Cascada deposit with the aim of expanding the mineralised zone and enabling a Mineral Resource to be estimated;
• the porphyry copper target beneath Cascada and Promontorio;
• interpreted feeder zones connecting the buried porphyry body and the near- surface Cascada and Promontorio deposits.
The Promontorio and Cascada copper-gold-silver deposits form separate parts of a high-sulphidation, epithermal system comprising massive, semi-massive and disseminated copper sulphides hosted in vuggy silica and silicified host rocks.
High sulphidation epithermal deposits form above porphyry copper bodies with
feeder zones connecting the porphyry and the overlying epithermal system. These types of deposits are common in northern Mexico and south-western US.
Lying buried beneath Cascada and Promontorio is a porphyry copper body which was the source of the copper, gold and silver mineralisation and is likely to be mineralised in its own right. This makes the Promontorio Project an exciting porphyry copper exploration target in addition to the high grade epithermal mineralisation already identified.
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact:
Tony Rovira Managing Director Azure Minerals Limited Ph: +61 8 9481 2555
Press / Investor Relations
Victoria Thomas
Six Degrees Investor Relations
Ph:+61 3 9645 7567
or visit www.azureminerals.com.au
Competent Person Statement:
Information in this report that relates to Exploration Results for the Promontorio Project is based on information compiled by Mr Tony Rovira, who is a Member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Rovira has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he
is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the
"Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves". Mr Rovira is a full-time employee and Managing Director of Azure Minerals Limited and consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.
Copper Equivalency Statement:
APPENDIX
• Copper Equivalent (CuEq) was based on the following assumed metal prices that were guided by the three year averages at the data cut-off date: US$3.25/lb for Cu, US$1,450/oz for Au and US$27.50/oz for Ag.
• The CuEq grade accounts for the following metal recoveries, which were based on metallurgical testwork completed on the adjacent Promontorio deposit by independent metallurgical laboratories AMDEL and Ammtec, under the supervision of Coffey Mining Pty Ltd: 97.9% for Cu, 93.4% for Au, and 97% for Ag.
• It is Azure's belief that all elements included in the metal equivalent calculation have a reasonable potential to be recovered.
• The following formula was used to calculate the Copper Equivalent grade: CuEq (%)
= (Cu% x 0.979) + (Au (g/t) x 0.6077) + (Ag (g/t) x 0.0120)
TABLE 1: Drill Hole Information
HOLE No. | NORTH (mN) | EAST (mE) | ELEVATION (mASL) | AZIMUTH | DIP | TOTAL DEPTH | COMMENTS |
APR-DD-106 | 3,146,227 | 782,375 | 2,023 | 000 | -90 | 251.3 | Step out hole to the south |
APR-DD-107 | 3,146,283 | 782,335 | 2,028 | 180 | -70 | 200.8 | Step out hole to the west |
APR-DD-108 | 3,146,337 | 782,373 | 1,964 | 000 | -90 | 300.6 | Step out hole to the north |
APR-DD-109 | 3,146,216 | 782,433 | 1,985 | 000 | -90 | 500.6 | Step out hole to the southeast |
APR-DD-110 | 3,146,283 | 782,335 | 2,028 | 180 | -58 | 175.0 | Step out hole to the west |
APR-DD-110 | 3,146,337 | 782,373 | 1,964 | 180 | -75 | 200 | Step out hole to the north In progress |
TABLE 2: Significant Copper Mineralised Drill Intercepts from Cascada
HOLE | FROM | TO | INTERCEPT LENGTH (m) | CuEq (%) | Cu (%) | Au (ppm) | Ag (ppm) |
APR-DD-106 | 27.60 | 29.60 | 2.00 | 2.41 | 1.33 | 0.60 | 62 |
APR-DD-106 | 59.25 | 63.85 | 4.60 | 4.05 | 1.42 | 3.63 | 37 |
APR-DD-106 | 98.55 | 104.60 | 6.05 | 2.71 | 1.24 | 1.87 | 30 |
APR-DD-106 | 144.15 | 145.23 | 1.08 | 4.31 | 1.62 | 3.34 | 58 |
APR-DD-107 | 150.25 | 155.95 | 5.70 | 4.59 | 2.27 | 3.48 | 21 |
APR-DD-108 | 255.70 | 259.35 | 3.65 | 2.94 | 2.24 | 0.66 | 29 |
TABLE 3: Significant Gold Mineralised Drill Intercepts from Cascada
HOLE | FROM | TO | INTERCEPT LENGTH (m) | Au (ppm) | Ag (ppm) |
APR-DD-106 | 58.00 | 77.35 | 19.35 | 1.45 | 21 |
APR-DD-106 | 98.55 | 110.25 | 11.70 | 1.14 | 17 |
APR-DD-107 | 143.55 | 159.45 | 15.90 | 1.72 | 11 |
APR-DD-108 | 82.55 | 93.15 | 10.60 | 1.41 | 6 |
Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data
Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
Sampling techniques | Nature and quality of sampling (eg 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 (eg 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g 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. | Cascada was sampled by diamond core drilling. Drill core was sampled at 0.15m to 1.0m intervals guided by changes in geology. Drill hole collar locations were determined by hand-held GPS. All drill holes were surveyed for down-hole deviation, with surveys undertaken at 30m intervals and at bottom of hole. Drill core was saw cut longitudinally and ½ core samples were collected and sent for assay. Samples were prepared at ALS-Chemex in Hermosillo, Mexico. Samples were weighed, assigned a unique bar code and logged into the ALS-Chemex tracking system. The sample was dried and the entire sample was fine crushed to >70% passing a 2 mm screen. A 250g split was pulverised using a ring and puck system to >85% passing 75 micron screen. Envelopes containing the 250g sample pulps were sent via courier to the ALS-Chemex laboratory in Vancouver for analysis. Samples were dissolved by four-acid digest and analytical methods used were ICP61 and OG62 (for silver and base metals) and Fire Assay methods AA-23 and GRA-21 for gold. |
Drilling techniques | Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open- hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg 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). | Drilling technique for all holes was diamond drilling with HQ-size (63.5mm diameter) core. Drill core was not orientated. |
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. | All samples came from diamond core drilling. Core was reconstructed into continuous runs. Depths were measured from the core barrel and checked against marked depths on the core blocks. Core recoveries were logged and recorded in the database. Sample recoveries were high with >85% of the drill core having recoveries of >90%. There is no discernable relationship between recovery and grade, and therefore no sample bias. |
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. | Detailed core logging was carried out with recording of weathering, lithology, alteration, veining, mineralisation, structure, mineralogy, RQD and core recovery. Drill core was photographed, wet and without flash, in core trays prior to sampling. Each photograph includes an annotated board detailing hole number and depth interval. All holes were logged in full. |
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. | Drill core was sawn in half using a core saw. All samples were half core and were collected from the same side of the core. No non-core samples were collected. The sample preparation followed industry best practice. Samples were prepared at ALS-Chemex in Hermosillo, Mexico. Samples were weighed, assigned a unique bar code and logged into the ALS-Chemex tracking system. The sample was dried and the entire sample was fine crushed to >70% passing a 2 mm screen. A 250g split was pulverised using a ring and puck system to >85% passing 75 micron screen. Envelopes containing the 250g pulps were sent via courier to the ALS-Chemex laboratory in Vancouver. Certified Reference Standards and blank check samples were routinely inserted at 20m intervals and also immediately following visually identified mineralised intercepts to provide assay quality checks. Review of the standards and blanks are within acceptable limits. Pulp duplicate samples are randomly selected and submitted for analysis. The sample sizes are considered appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. |
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 (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established. | The analytical techniques for all elements (other than gold) involved a four-acid digest followed by multi-element ICP-MS analysis. This technique is considered a total digest for all relevant minerals. No geophysical or portable analysis tools were used to determine assay values. Internal laboratory control procedures comprised duplicate sampling of randomly selected assay pulps, as well as internal laboratory standards and blanks. |
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. | Senior technical personnel from the Company (Project Geologist, Exploration Manager & Managing Director) have all inspected the drill core. No drill holes were twinned as this was deemed unnecessary at this stage of exploration. Primary data was collected by employees of the Company at the project site. All measurements and observations were recorded onto hard copy templates and later transcribed into the Company's digital database. Digital data storage, verification and validation are managed by an independent data management company. No adjustments or calibrations have been made to any assay data. |
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. | Drill hole collar locations were determined by hand-held GPS. All drill holes were surveyed for down-hole deviation. Surveys were undertaken at 30m intervals and at bottom of hole. The grid system used is NAD27 Mexico UTM Zone 12 for easting, northing and RL. A photogrammetric company collected high resolution stereo aerial photos over the project area in June 2011 to create a 2m interval contour map and a colour orthophoto with 20 cm pixels. Both the contour map and orthophoto provided a base for geologic mapping that was completed at 1:2000 over the project. The geology of selected areas was later mapped at a scale of 1:1000. |
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. | Overall intersection density of mineralisation by the diamond drilling was approximately 20-30m spacing. Mineralisation and geology showed good continuity from hole to hole. 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. | Geological controls and orientations of the mineralised zone are unknown at this time and therefore all mineralised intersections are reported as "intercept length" and may not reflect true width. No sampling bias is believed to have been introduced. |
Sample security | The measures taken to ensure sample security. | Assay samples were placed in poly sample bags, each with a uniquely numbered ticket stub from a sample ticket book. Sample bags were marked with the same sample number and sealed with a plastic cable tie. Samples were placed in woven poly bags and a numbered tamper-proof plastic cable tie was used to close each bag. The bags were delivered by company personnel directly to the ALS-Chemex laboratory for sample preparation. The numbers on the seals were recorded for each shipment. ALS-Chemex audited the arriving samples and reported any discrepancies back to the Company. No such discrepancies occurred. |
Audits or reviews | The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. | All digital data is subject to audit by the independent data manager. |
Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results
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. | The Promontorio Mineral Concession is titled T-235269. Azure Minerals has an Option to Purchase this tenement for US$750000, which is held by a local Mexican syndicate. Upon exercise of the Option, Azure will have 100% ownership of the tenement with no residual royalties payable to the vendors. The tenement is in good standing. There are no known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. |
Exploration done by other parties | Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. | The project area has a history of artisanal mining dating back to the 19th century. Between 1993 and 2008 the property was explored by several companies. 1993 to 1994 - Empresa Minera CanMex conducted exploration and RC drilling. 1995 to 1997 - Sierra Nevada Gold drilled 63 diamond core holes, mapped and sampled old underground mine workings, carried out metallurgical test work and produced a Mineral Resource estimate. 2004 to 2005 - Dia Bras Exploration undertook geological mapping, diamond drilling, geophysics, and prepared a NI43- 101 compliant technical report. Azure Minerals acquired the rights to the project in April 2008 through its fully owned Mexican subsidiary company Minera Piedra Azul SA de CV. |
Geology | Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. | Cascada is a high-sulphidation, epithermal deposit. Mineralisation comprises massive, semi-massive and disseminated copper sulphides hosted in vuggy silica and silicified host rocks. |
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. | Refer to tables in the report and notes attached thereto which provide all relevant details. |
Data aggregation methods | In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg 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. | All reported mineralised intervals have been length-weighted. No top cuts have been applied. High grade intervals internal to broader mineralised zones, if existing, are reported as included zones. Reported copper mineralised intersections are based on intercepts using a nominal 0.2% copper grade cut-off and a 0.5% Copper Equivalent cut-off. Reported gold mineralised intersections are based on intercepts using a nominal 0.2g/t gold cut-off. Copper Equivalent values have been used in this report - refer to Copper Equivalency Statement for relevant details. |
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'). | Geological controls and orientations of the mineralised zone are unknown at this time and therefore all mineralised intersections are reported as "intercept length" and may not reflect true width. |
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. | No maps or sections are included in this report |
Balanced | Where comprehensive reporting of all | The Company believes that the ASX |
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