CHILE — Pan Asia Metals Limited (ASX:PAM) has commenced a comprehensive geochemical exploration program at its Rosario Copper Project in Chile, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to assess the project’s potential.
The exploration initiative, which focuses on the Rosario East Trend (RET), has already yielded promising visual results, with numerous samples displaying visible malachite, a secondary copper mineral.
The company has made substantial progress in its sampling efforts, collecting 193 soil samples and 32 rock chip samples to date.
These samples are currently undergoing laboratory analysis, with results anticipated in mid to late October.
The presence of visible malachite in many samples provides early validation of previous exploration results and bolsters confidence in the project’s potential.
In addition to the geochemical program, Pan Asia Metals is conducting an Induced Polarisation (IP) survey, a first for the Rosario project.
This geophysical technique is expected to offer valuable insights into the scale and characteristics of the Rosario copper system.
The Rosario Copper Project holds a strategic position in South America’s copper landscape.
Located just 10 kilometres north of Codelco’s El Salvador Copper Mine, the project is situated within a region known for its significant copper production.
The area has a history of small-scale mining and prospecting, with numerous shallow pits and underground workings evident.
Paul Lock, Managing Director of Pan Asia Metals, expressed optimism about the project’s prospects, stating: “Exploration results to date support previous work with strong visuals and many samples containing visible Malachite, a secondary copper mineral.
“The presence of small-scale historical mines, and the proximity of the El Salvador copper mine, provide a high level of confidence in the project.”
Looking ahead, Pan Asia Metals is preparing for a first-phase 2,500-metre reverse circulation (RC) drilling program, which is scheduled to commence in November 2024.
This drilling campaign will further investigate the copper mineralisation identified through the ongoing exploration activities.
The Rosario Copper Project is interpreted as a highly prospective yet significantly under-explored Manto-style copper-silver project.
This mineralisation style is prevalent throughout northern Chile and has been responsible for substantial historical and current copper production in the region.
As Pan Asia Metals continues its systematic exploration of the Rosario Copper Project, the company aims to unlock the full potential of this strategically located asset in Chile’s prolific copper-producing region.