Encounter Resources Limited (ASX: ENR) has intersected shallow copper-gold mineralisation at the Lamil project in Western Australia, providing a clear focus for its next exploration phase. The company’s broad-spaced reverse circulation (RC) drilling program successfully delineated a priority zone of copper-gold mineralisation along the northern margin of an interpreted breccia complex.

Results from the program, which targeted the Paterson Province site, include 18m at 0.45% copper from 96m, featuring a higher-grade interval of 2m at 1.15% copper. Gold results were also notable, including 6m at 1.74g/t gold from 94m, with a 2m sub-interval returning 3.5g/t gold. This drilling covers a 1.2km long target zone, which the company views as a key area for further investigation.

"Prior drilling at Elsa intersected an extensive breccia and alteration system containing zones of copper-gold anomalism. That suggests the potential for a more sulphide rich system at depth, making this a priority target for the next phase of drilling."

— Will Robinson, Executive Chairman

The mineralisation identified in the recent RC holes is associated with a preferential weathering zone that extends more than 200 metres below the surface. Because the drilling has yet to intersect fresh rock, the company believes this weathering profile indicates the presence of a deeper, sulphide-rich system. The interpreted breccia complex is considered a major structural fluid pathway, similar in geological style to major discoveries in the wider Paterson Province.

Moving forward, the company has mapped out a multi-faceted exploration strategy for the prospect. This includes plans for deeper RC and diamond drilling designed specifically to test beneath the current shallow mineralisation and probe the deeper reaches of the system. Additionally, further drilling is planned to better define the southern and western margins of the identified breccia complex.

These future operational steps are contingent on external requirements. Before the next phase of RC drilling can commence at the site, the company must complete a heritage survey. Once these requirements are met and current field commitments at other prospects are concluded, the team expects to advance its focus on the 1.2km long gold-copper target defined in this latest program. By systematically testing the area, the team aims to refine its geological model of the intrusive-related system centered around the magnetic anomalies identified at the Lamil project.

Read the full announcement: RC Drilling Defines Copper-Gold Target at Elsa