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- R3D Resources (R3D) begins drilling the northern oxide zone at its Tartana mining leases in Far North Queensland
- Reverse circulation drilling will seek to extend the copper resource to 100 metres deep and review the cut-off grade in line with historical copper grades
- At the same time, the company hit 12 metres at 10.7 per cent zinc 30 metres below historical drilling at its Queen Grade zinc project
- Further assays are pending and once received, the company will undertake further planning for follow-up drilling
- R3D shares are down 4.04 per cent to close at 9.5 cents
R3D Resources (R3D) has begun drilling the northern oxide zone at its Tartana mining leases in Far North Queensland.
The leases contain an existing heap leach, solvent extraction crystallisation plant and the company has begun work to restart the plant to enable production of copper sulphate.
The 1340-metre reverse circulation campaign is being undertaken in an area north of the existing open pit, where historical drilling intersected oxide copper mineralisation that R3D believes could be leached out for future copper sulphate production.
Last month, the company announced results from leach testwork on the open pit resource that indicated low leaching recoveries and ore that comprises chalcopyrite mineralisation.
Following this, R3D is looking to extend the resource to 100 metres deep and review the cut-off grade in line with copper grades associated with conventional sulphide processing.
Managing Director Stephen Bartrop said as exploration advances, opportunities on the Tartana mining leases are increasing, particularly in relation to primary zinc and copper mineralisation. He believes the current drilling programme is likely to expand the company’s copper resources.
In regards to the copper sulphate plant at the project, Mr Bartrop said commissioning works are being planned with key items on order, being repaired or installed, including a dryer which is due for installation next week.
At the same time, the company has hit 12 metres at 10.7 per cent zinc 30 metres below historical drilling at its Queen Grade zinc project.
R3D labelled the intersection “excellent” and said it highlights the mineralisation is widening and continuous at depth.
The result comes from drilling completed in July that intersected six metres of massive sulphide dominated by sphalerite.
Further assays are pending and once received, the company will undertake further planning for follow-up drilling.
R3D shares were down 4.04 per cent to close at 9.5 cents.
