Proactive Investors - QC Copper and Gold Inc. (TSX-V:QCCU, OTCQB:QCCUF) told investors it has commenced a drill program on the historically significant Cooke and Robitaille Mines.
The mines, integral components of Falconbridge's Opemiska Copper Mine Complex, are less than a kilometre from the recently unveiled open pit resource on Opemiska in Quebec's Chapais-Chibougamau District. It will be the first time the company has conducted systemic drilling at the two mines, presenting a "promising opportunity" to define additional 'Opemiska Style' near-surface mineralization, QC Copper said in a statement.
The company said the primary objective of the drill program is to assess preliminary targets as it finalizes planning and permitting for its comprehensive 2024 drill program. Leveraging historical production data and internal resource modeling, it aims to systematically drill Cooke and Robitaille to identify additional open pit material within these zones.
"Our recent focus has been on delivering the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). As we shift our exploration efforts towards drilling targets like Cook and Robitaille, we recognize our expansive land package's potential for significant discoveries," commented QC Copper vice president for Exploration Charles Beaudry.
"With limited historical drilling and evaluation for near-surface bulk tonnage targets, these areas hold immense promise for our exploration initiatives. The Company remains dedicated to unlocking the full potential of its properties, and this drill program marks a crucial step in realizing the value hidden within the Cooke and Robitaille Mines."
The recently released MRE for the Opemiska Project shows a total Measured and Indicated resource of 97.5 million tonnes grading 0.81% copper, 0.27 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 1.76 g/t silver and an additional 11 million tonnes at 0.53% copper, 0.20 g/t gold and 2.58 g/t silver in the Inferred category. The new resource saw a 26% increase in the copper total grade, an 11% increase in copper equivalent (CuEq) total grade, and a 16% rise in CuEq pounds compared to the 2021 Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate.
"As QC Copper and Gold continues to pursue strategic exploration and development initiatives, stakeholders can anticipate further updates on the progress and findings from this ongoing program throughout 2024," Beaudry added.