Published March 15, 2023 | Version v1
Conference paper Open

Discovery of the Cerro de Maimon South VHMS

  • 1. Mitre Geophysics, khine@mitregeophysics.com.au
  • 2. Perilya Ltd, Martin.jones@perilya.com.au

Description

The recent discovery of the world class Cerro de Maimon South deposit is an excellent example of a blind discovery at >350m depth by a dedicated and persistent exploration team. The discovery was made as a result of downhole EM follow up on a drill hole targeting a deep IP anomaly. Factors critical to the success included careful processing and reprocessing of the IP to yield a better model. Systematic drilling of all 8 of the best IP anomalies (not just the best two or three) and, most importantly, follow-up DHEM surveys to define whether there were any 'near miss' conductors. Finally, the drilling of the DHEM plate model required not just one but three drill holes to locate the main mineralisation. The discovery hole intersection was >50m at 2-5% copper at 515m below surface. Subsequent DHEM guided extensional targeting. The integration of high-quality soil sampling data, analysis and careful geological interpretation provided confidence that a substantial deposit could potentially be discovered. Impediments to success were the narrow-mineralised copper lenses at the nearby Rio Sin prospect that drew focus away the wider area. Drilling has currently defined a ~ 2.5km long and continuous southeast plunging massive sulphide deposit that extends from 350m to over 1km depth with potential extension of at least 500m to the southeast.

Notes

Open-Access Online Publication: May 29, 2023

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AEGC_2023_ID182.pdf

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