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Results have been received for two additional sample sites at Costean Seven that confirm the high grade nature of the copper discovery and extend the mineralisation along strike, as shown in the accompanying plan. Channel samples from Sample Sites I and J are, respectively:
- 3 metres at 6.3% copper, 0.4% lead
- 4 metres at 5.4% copper, 0.1% lead
Results are very consistent for each site, as shown in the accompanying table. There are now a total of 437 samples in the volcanic breccia unit which hosts the copper mineralisation. The average values for these samples are 5.6% copper and 0.8% lead.
These results are very encouraging because now all outcrops of volcanic breccia carry significant copper and there is every reason to believe that the intervening rock that lies beneath surface cover may also carry a similar grade, perhaps over the entire 55 metre surface width. Costean Seven will be the first drill target when drilling recommences later this quarter.
The Company has had requests for more information on the nature of the copper mineralisation and this is shown in the photographs below. The most striking feature of the mineralisation is that fresh, primary sulphides occur at the surface. This is because the host rock is very siliceous and the silica protects the sulphides from oxidation.
The silicification also makes it very difficult to identify mineralisation without breaking open the rocks and is the reason Costean Seven has not previously been discovered. This of course bodes well for future discoveries.
It should be noted that all three copper minerals (the primary sulphides bornite and chalcopyrite and the secondary carbonate malachite) will be able to be extracted by the zinc processing plant now under design with only very minor modifications.
Work is now complete at Costean Seven and the exploration team has moved to a new copper discovery which lies one kilometre to the east of Costean Seven. Initial indications are encouraging and results will be released as soon they are available.
Mark Hansen
Managing Director
For further information contact:
Elissa Samuel
Investor Relations Manager
esamuel@prairiedownsmetals.com.au
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