AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
_08_28_2025_04_57_54_152828.png)
Highlight
PFS Drilling Completed: 160,000 feet (49,000 metres) of infill drilling at Parks/Salyer completed, with updated mineral resource estimate expected soon to support the PFS release in 2H 2025.
DFS Drilling Underway: New 80,000-foot (24,000-metre) program launched to upgrade Indicated resources to Measured by early 2026, further de-risking the Cactus Project.
Cactus West Expansion: Step-out drilling extended mineralization north by 1,000 feet and south-southwest by 2,500 feet, indicating significant resource growth potential.
Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. (TSX:ASCU) announced the completion of its Pre-Feasibility Study -related drilling program and a step-out drill campaign at Cactus West, totaling 232,000 feet (70,715 metres) at the Cactus Project in Arizona. The work included both infill drilling to support the upcoming PFS and expansion drilling to test extensions of known mineralization.
The PFS drilling, which amounted to 160,000 feet (49,000 metres) across 134 drill holes, was concentrated primarily at the Parks/Salyer deposit. The program was designed to upgrade near-surface and lower-grade Inferred Mineral Resource Estimates (MRE) into the Indicated category. Drill assays have demonstrated consistent copper porphyry mineralization, supporting ASCU’s expectation of a high conversion rate. An updated mineral resource estimate is now being finalized, with release anticipated shortly. This updated MRE will underpin the PFS, scheduled for completion in the second half of 2025.
The Company has also commenced drilling in support of the Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”), with two rigs currently active at Parks/Salyer. This DFS program, expected to conclude by early 2026, will involve approximately 80,000 feet (24,000 metres) across 110 drill holes. The primary objective is to convert Indicated resources to the Measured category by drilling at 125-foot (38-metre) spacing. The program also includes two geotechnical and hydrogeological holes and 10 condemnation holes to support mine design and project development.
At Parks/Salyer, the PFS drilling brought spacing to 250-foot centres for oxide and enriched mineralization targeted for inclusion in the PFS mine plan. Drilling has outlined a higher-grade mineralized corridor trending southwest into the MainSpring area. This zone is observed to shallow toward the southwest, reaching as close as 600 feet (183 metres) from surface in some holes and only 138 feet (42 metres) in the southern extent. Improved definition of structural and lithological controls has also enhanced the geologic models, which will inform geotechnical studies including pit design and high-wall stability.
The step-out program at Cactus West added a further 72,000 feet (22,000 metres) across 45 drill holes, testing spacings of up to 1,000 feet (305 metres). The drilling successfully extended mineralization northward by 1,000 feet (305 metres) and south-southwest by 2,500 feet (760 metres). Results indicate additional potential growth at Cactus West, with leachable copper in the north and strong primary sulphide mineralization in the south and southwest of the historic Sacaton pit, as well as at depth between the Cactus West and Cactus East deposits.
All drilling undertaken between 2020 and 2025 followed strict quality assurance and quality control procedures. Core samples were prepared under supervision of project staff and analyzed at Skyline Laboratories in Tucson, Arizona, which is ISO-certified for quality management.
