Barksdale Resources (TSXV:BRO)(OTCQX:BRKCF) has reported the interception of significant base metal sulfide mineralization at its ongoing exploration drilling program at the Sunnyside Project in Arizona. The discovery, identified as carbonate replacement deposit (CRD) style mineralization, contains copper-rich sulfide phases. Company geologists believe this may indicate proximity to a porphyry source.

The drill hole, designated as SUN24-002B, is part of a broader program targeting both near-surface copper-silver deposits and deeper extensions of lead-zinc-silver-copper CRD mineralization. The region is known for hosting similar deposits, including the nearby Taylor deposit, which is being developed by South32, an Australian mining company.

Drilling Progress and Mineralization Details

Drill hole SUN24-002B has encountered a 93-meter section of intensely altered and variably mineralized Triassic-Jurassic volcaniclastic tuffs and breccias. These volcanic rocks overlie highly altered carbonate lithologies, converted into silicified marble and calc-silicate skarn. The unconformable contact between volcanic units and carbonate rocks was identified at a down-hole depth of 1,305 meters (4,281 feet).

The mineralized section extends between 1,265 meters and 1,358 meters (4,150 feet to 4,455 feet), containing semi-massive to stockwork sulfide mineralization. Geologists report up to 50% sulfide content within this zone. The sulfide assemblage includes coarse-grained chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and chalcocite. A significant interval of mineralization measuring 9.75 meters (32 feet) from 1,348 meters to 1,358 meters (4,423 feet to 4,455 feet) showed dense sulfide networks. These networks formed after calcite veins dissolved, creating open spaces filled by base metal sulfides.

As of the latest update, drilling has reached 1,370 meters (4,492 feet) and remains ongoing. The company anticipates encountering additional mineralized zones deeper within the carbonate stratigraphy. Barksdale emphasizes that while the visual observations of mineralization are encouraging, the final significance of the results will not be confirmed until laboratory assays are completed. Samples for testing are currently being prepared and will be sent to ALS Global’s laboratory in Tucson, Arizona.

Barksdale Resources is a base metal exploration company focused on acquiring and developing high-potential projects in North America. The company’s primary projects include the Sunnyside copper-zinc-lead-silver project and the San Antonio copper project, both located in the Patagonia mining district of southern Arizona. Additionally, Barksdale is advancing the San Javier copper-gold project in central Sonora, Mexico.

Barksdale’s latest findings highlight the potential for significant CRD mineralization at the Sunnyside Project. While the reported copper-rich sulfides are encouraging, further drilling and assay results will provide clarity on the discovery’s scale and economic viability. The company’s exploration efforts continue to focus on defining the resource potential within this historically mineral-rich region.

Barksdale Resources (TSXV:BRO)(OTCQX:BRKCF) has announced initial assay results from its ongoing diamond core drilling program at the Sunnyside Project in Arizona. The data reveals high-grade copper-silver and lead-zinc-silver veins, along with expansive zones of hypogene chalcocite mineralization.

Alan Roberts, VP of Exploration of Barksdale, commented in a press release: “The results highlighted here are the culmination of the efforts of our geologic team and our technical advisors Dr. Quinton Hennigh and Dr. Peter Megaw, who believe that the Sunnyside Project is a target rich environment that needs further exploration to fully develop its potential. The results illustrate that there exists a system of feeders, manifesting as veins associated with structures, that acted as fluid pathways from the hypothesized porphyry source akin to what Dr. Megaw said in his recent video presentation evoking the “hub and spoke” concept to finding additional mineral deposits associated with, and in, the Sunnyside porphyry and surrounding rocks.”

The company’s second drill hole, SUN24-002, was designed to investigate carbonate replacement deposit (CRD) lead-zinc-silver mineralization at depth and assess near-surface copper-silver mineralization in what is known as the “Chalcocite Zone.” Assay results from the surface to a depth of 639 feet show:

•Copper values up to 4.33%

•Zinc concentrations of up to 2.45%

•Silver grades reaching 99.7 g/t

Broader zones of anomalous copper, lead, and zinc were also identified. This mineralization is believed to be related to a porphyry deposit core, located less than five kilometers to the west and at a deeper level.

The high-grade veins found in the area echo historic mining activities from the early 20th century. These polymetallic veins, associated with faults, show high copper and silver grades along with significant levels of antimony, bismuth, iron, and sulfur. The broader zones of lower-grade disseminated copper-silver mineralization provide potential indicators of the location of the porphyry core.

Drilling in SUN24-002 reached a depth of 3,014 feet and aims for a final depth of 4,100 feet. A fault zone encountered at approximately 700 feet caused a deviation in the drill path, leading to the continuation of the hole under the new designation SUN24-002B. This adjusted drill path continues toward its original target to explore deeper lead-zinc mineralization.

Associated Drilling and Sample Submission

Barksdale has also submitted samples from two reverse-circulation drill holes:

1.SUN24-001: A pre-collar drill hole.

2.SUN24-003: An exploration hole targeting feeder structures linked to historic mine workings and the potential northern extension of the Chalcocite Zone.

Both holes aim to further delineate the project’s mineral potential. The company has postponed other planned reverse-circulation drilling due to ground conditions, a high water table, and permitting challenges.

Geological Insights

The targeted lead-zinc veins, found between 630 and 639 feet in SUN24-002, occur at the contact between Triassic-Jurassic volcanic rocks and Paleozoic carbonate rocks. This type of mineralization aligns with broader CRD-style deposits previously observed in historical and recent drilling. Earlier drill holes, including TCH-02 (1981) and SUN-003 (2023), provided key insights into this type of mineralization.

Geologists at Barksdale believe that the copper-silver veins reflect mineralization linked to the porphyry core, while the lead-zinc-silver veins likely act as feeders to more distal CRD-style deposits.

Barksdale Resources is a Vancouver-based base metal exploration company. It focuses on advancing promising projects in North America, particularly the Sunnyside copper-zinc-lead-silver and San Antonio copper projects in southern Arizona. Additionally, it is developing the San Javier copper-gold project in Sonora, Mexico.

The company’s recent findings highlight the Sunnyside Project’s potential as a significant source of base metals. As drilling continues, Barksdale remains focused on expanding its understanding of the mineralization and identifying opportunities for further resource development.

The above references an opinion and is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Seek a licensed professional for investment advice. The author is not an insider or shareholder of any of the companies mentioned above.