The Carrera Pinto copper sulfide project is located approximately 60 kilometres northeast of Copiapó. Pacific Copper owns 8,000 hectares of exploration concessions in the historic vein district.
Geologic mapping and preliminary drilling show the presence of chalcopyrite and magnetite associated with strong sodic alteration. This indicates the possibility of a significant IOCG (iron oxide-copper-gold) deposit in the southwest corner of the Llano de Varas.
A copper system buried under alluvium
Four deep core drillholes completed in 2007 confirmed the presence of a disseminated copper system buried beneath the plain.
The target concept is for a 500 million ton IOCG deposit with ±1% copper, 15% magnetite, and gold and silver as by-products. This target is anticipated to be within an area of 6 square kilometres and may be covered with up to 100 metres of alluvium.
Next steps
The next phase of exploration involves the acquisition of available aeromagnetic data that will be followed by a soil-gas survey. The results of these surveys will enable Pacific Copper to target the next stage of diamond core drilling. Upon the success of this drilling program, the deposit will be grid-drilled on 100 metre centers.
