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Highlights
Great Southern Copper PLC detects high-grade copper and silver mineralisation beneath the Mostaza mine at Cerro Negro, Chile
Geophysical surveys reveal multiple untested drill targets along an extensive mineralised trend south of the mine
Complex structural geology confirmed, supporting targeted future drilling efforts using advanced geophysics
The FTSE All Share listed Great Southern Copper PLC is engaged in exploration within the copper and silver mining sector. Recent developments at the Cerro Negro project in Chile reveal significant mineralisation beneath the historical Mostaza mine. The company completed advanced geophysical surveys using pole-dipole induced polarization (IP) and audio magneto-telluric techniques, which have identified multiple high-grade mineral zones and untested drill targets along a mineralised trend extending south of the mine.
Geophysical Surveys and Mineralisation
The pole-dipole IP and audio magneto-telluric surveys conducted by Great Southern Copper PLC (LSE:GSCU) have identified areas of strong sulphide mineralisation linked to copper and silver deposits beneath the Mostaza mine. These methods measure variations in electrical and electromagnetic properties in the subsurface, which are typically associated with the presence of mineralised zones. The survey data outlines several unexplored targets along a 2.5-kilometre mineralised trend, expanding the known footprint of mineralisation at Cerro Negro.
These geophysical techniques are widely used in mineral exploration to detect buried sulphide bodies and provide critical information on the subsurface structure, helping to map extensions of known deposits.
Structural Complexity and Geological Framework
Results indicate that the deposit displays significant post-depositional structural complexity. Faults and folds influence the distribution and concentration of mineralisation, which makes surface mapping insufficient to fully understand the mineral deposit's architecture. The structural complexity requires detailed geophysical to guide drilling effectively.
Understanding the geological framework is essential in complex deposits such as Cerro Negro, where mineralisation is controlled by fault trends and structural features. The identification of the Mostaza Fault trend as a focus for drilling highlights the role of tectonic structures in localising mineralised zones.
Planned Drilling Program
Following the survey results, Great Southern Copper is preparing for a new drilling phase targeting the identified untested zones. The objective is to explore extensions of mineralisation to the south of the historical mine and to further delineate the mineralised system’s architecture within the FTSE All Share framework.
The use of geophysical data to guide drill hole placement is a standard practice in contemporary exploration. It increases efficiency by prioritising targets with the highest likelihood of hosting mineralisation, particularly in structurally complex environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What minerals has Great Southern Copper identified at Cerro Negro?
High-grade copper and silver sulphide mineralisation beneath the Mostaza mine. - What geophysical techniques were used in the recent surveys?
Pole-dipole induced polarization and audio magneto-telluric surveys. - Where is the Cerro Negro project located?
In Chile, focusing on areas south of the historical Mostaza mine.
