Equinox Resources Ltd (ASX:EQN) has confirmed a significant discovery at its Alturas antimony project in Canada, defining a 1.5-kilometre-long shear zone with widths ranging from 5 to 25 metres. This discovery offers potential to greatly enhance the mineralisation in the area.
Located in the Slocan Mining Division of British Columbia, the Alturas project has seen ongoing prospecting and mapping efforts. Equinox's exploration has revealed the shear zone body along with other signs of high-grade antimony. Among the findings are historical workings that have highlighted the presence of stibnite mineralisation, with some samples showing antimony content of between 90% and 100%. This discovery underscores the potential for high-grade antimony mineralisation at the site.
In addition to the antimony prospects, a newly discovered copper-bearing boulder field has been found at the project. The boulder field features malachite staining within altered mafic intrusive rocks, which host fine sulphides at concentrations of 2-3%. Initial estimates suggest a copper content of 0.5% to 1.5%. This could indicate the presence of a copper-rich mineralised zone beneath the surface, warranting further exploration.
Further evidence of high-grade mineralisation has been identified in mafic to ultramafic rocks along the eastern extension of the shear zone. This area includes newly identified alteration zones with iron carbonate and talc, further suggesting mineralisation potential.
Equinox is awaiting rock and soil sample results, which are expected later this month. These results are anticipated to provide further insights into the project's mineralisation and guide subsequent exploration phases.
The exploration efforts at the Alturas project build on the site's history of ultra-high-grade antimony mining, indicating potential for both antimony and polymetallic mineralisation. Equinox Resources Ltd continues to explore the broader potential of this Canadian asset, with further updates anticipated as assay results are received.
This discovery highlights the growing interest in antimony, a critical mineral with applications in various industries, including electronics, batteries, and flame retardants. Equinox's efforts to unlock the full potential of the Alturas project could significantly contribute to the company's resource base and broader industry demand for critical minerals.
Equinox Resources Ltd remains focused on advancing its exploration activities at Alturas, with future steps dependent on upcoming assay results. The strategic importance of this project, given its polymetallic potential and critical mineral content, positions Equinox well within the broader resource sector.
As the project progresses, further developments are likely to attract attention from stakeholders in the mining industry, particularly given the critical nature of antimony and copper in global supply chains.