Taruga zeroes in on geophysical SA copper targets

Recent exploration by ASX-listed Taruga Minerals at its Wyacca copper prospect has highlighted the potential promise of the target with multiple gravity and magnetic anomalies identified that cross cut the ore bearing shales located at the Mt Craig Copper project in South Australia. The newly identified zones are extensive and remain completely untested by drilling. Planning is now underway to drill test the gravity and magnetic anomalies early in the near year that represent potential ore zones at Wyacca. New gravity data modelling has highlighted a series of anomalies that are perpendicular to the strike of the host rocks. The company had previously hypothesised a cross cutting high grade copper mineralisation relationship. This new gravity data provides good supplementary evidence for the company to refine its targeting regime. Importantly, the latest geophysical modelling also indicates all previous drilling may have missed the newly identified anomalies. The Wyacca project shows some growth potential with Taruga saying the project shares a similar geological setting to the Central African Copperbelt that hosts some of the largest and highest-grade copper deposits in the world. Specific gravity testing of ore zones within diamond drill core at Wyacca has shown the ore zones are significantly denser than the surrounding host rocks. The gravity discovery should help guide Taruga in its efforts to target the hypothesised high-grade cross cutting ore shoots more effectively by interpreting gravity contrasts. In addition to airborne gravity and magnetic geophysical data collection, Taruga also undertook a high-resolution ground magnetic data survey on a 50 metre line spacing. The data is still being processed and interpreted, however a preliminary review has indicated the mineralisation is controlled by the cross-cutting structures further supporting the cross cutting high-grade copper mineralisation theory. Magnetic testing of ore zones at Wyacca has determined the ore zone is slightly more magnetic than the surrounding shales. Taruga’s interpretation of the slightly higher magnetic responses suggest none of the magnetic anomalies have been previously drill tested. With Taruga’s geophysical interpretation on all fronts pointing towards a cross cutting copper mineralisation relationship and the possibility all previous drill targeting missed the mark, it will no doubt be eager to kick the drill rig into gear and test its new grab bag of unexplored targets. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: matt.birney@wanews.com.au