Great Southern Copper has initiated an audio-frequency magneto-telluric (AMT) geophysics survey at the La Colorada lithocap prospect in Chile’s Especularita Project.
The survey aims to identify large-scale porphyry copper deposits and is set to cover around 33km², targeting buried mineralisation beneath the high-sulphidation lithocap.
This region is situated at a favourable low elevation and provides access to infrastructure and mining services. It is located along a trend of significant copper deposits such as Los Pelambres, Altar and El Pachon.
Conducted by Southernrock Geophysics, the AMT survey is planned on 500m grids, with expectations to map depths exceeding 1,000m, depending on the rock resistivity.
The technique measures natural electromagnetic fields on the Earth's surface, generated by phenomena such as lightning and solar winds, to map subsurface electrical resistivity.
This mapping assists in identifying geological units and potential mineral deposits, crucial for porphyry systems where resistive intrusions and conductive alteration halos are key indicators.
Results of the survey are expected in four to six weeks and will guide the first-pass scout drilling.
Great Southern Copper holds the rights to 100% ownership of the Especularita Project, located 100km south of the port of Coquimbo.
Scout reverse circulation drilling is currently in progress at the Artemisa North target. Three holes have been completed, with a fourth under way.
Samples from two of these holes have been dispatched for analysis in Santiago.
This drilling programme will move to the Artemisa South and Victoria targets upon completion.
Additional exploration activities including mapping and sampling are ongoing at the Cerro Negro and Viuda prospects in preparation for further drilling.
Great Southern Copper CEO Sam Garrett said: "The AMT geophysics survey is designed to allow us to see through the lithocap blanket that masks potential porphyry copper deposits at depth.
“Used in conjunction with ongoing soil geochemistry and spectral rock studies, the survey will help refine and prioritise targets for first-pass scout drilling across the lithocap, which we expect to commence early in the second half of this year.”
