Mr. David Strang reports
ERO COPPER INTERSECTS 24.6 METRES GRADING 7.56 per cent COPPER INCLUDING 7.7 METRES GRADING 15.97 per cent COPPER IN SOUTHERN EXTENSION OF THE VERMELHOS MINE
Ero Copper Corp. has provided a quarterly update on the continuing exploration drill programs at its Pilar and Vermelhos mineral districts, both part of its 99.6-per-cent-owned Vale do Curaca property located in Bahia state, Brazil, as well the first exploration update on the company's 97.6-per-cent-owned NX gold mine located in Mato Grosso state, Brazil. This update encompasses drill results received for the company's continuing exploration programs from December, 2018, through to the end of March, 2019.
Highlights
Twenty-four drill rigs are currently operating throughout the Curaca Valley, including 11 within the Vermelhos district and 13 within the Pilar district. Three of these drill rigs are testing high-priority regional exploration targets located within these districts.
Within the Vermelhos district, where 11 drill rigs are currently operating including eight focused on long-term exploration, drill results during the period reflect meaningful increases in both previously modelled thickness and the known extent of mineralization of the Vermelhos mine and district. When combined with results of the recently completed regional airborne geophysical survey and data compilation programs, the results continue to indicate significant potential for extensions of the Vermelhos mine along a north-northeast-trending structure that, to date, has been interpreted to extend over 5.5 kilometres. Vermelhos mine and district drill results are highlighted by the following zones (please refer to complete table of results for additional information):
-
Southern extension of high-grade mineralization adjacent to existing infrastructure, including hole FVS-354 that intersected 17.0 metres grading 6.76 per cent copper including 3.0 metres grading 17.19 per cent copper, and hole FVS-364 that intersected 9.4 metres grading 1.66 per cent copper and 24.6 metres grading 7.56 per cent copper including 7.7 metres grading 15.97 per cent copper. These holes indicate mineralized continuity in areas previously defined as discrete lenses south of the Sombrero orebody.
-
Central expansions of the mineralized thickness of the Toboggan orebody, highlighted by hole FVS-337 that intersected 23.8 metres grading 8.06 per cent copper including 8.0 metres grading 9.20 per cent copper and hole FVS-355 that intersected 25.0 metres grading 7.32 per cent copper including 16.0 metres grading 9.67 per cent copper, a 70-per-cent increase in the modelled thicknesses of the mineralization in the immediate area surrounding these new results.
-
Regionally within the Vermelhos district, exploration drilling below the known extent of mineralization at Vermelhos West (now referred to as the N8 deposit), located approximately 1.1 kilometres north of the Vermelhos mine, demonstrate continuity of mineralization at depth. Results are highlighted by hole FV-130 that intersected multiple lenses of mineralization including 17.2 metres grading 1.16 per cent copper and 15.4 metres grading 1.81 per cent copper.
-
While the aforementioned programs remain continuing, exploration drilling within the Vermelhos district is now focused on a north-northeast mineralized trend encompassing the Vermelhos mine, East zone, N8 deposit and several high-priority regional targets located south and to the north of the Vermelhos mine -- a combined strike length of approximately 5.5 kilometres.
Within the Pilar district, where 13 drill rigs are currently operating, including nine focused on long-term exploration, underground drilling has identified a high-grade zone of mineralization in the southern portion of the West Limb. In addition, a newly identified and now digitized historic drill database encompassing 53 drill holes, of which 20 have been validated under the company's quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program, has significantly extended the drilled extent of the West Limb. The historic database was discovered during the company's continuing data digitization program. The data encompass an area within the West Limb measuring approximately 300 metres in length by 275 metres in depth located immediately south of the previously defined resource model of the West Limb. The 33 remaining historic drill samples are being systematically reviewed and validated via reassaying and twin-hole drilling as required. West Limb results during the period are highlighted by:
-
A newly identified and digitized historical database resulting in a significant extension of the drilled extent of the West Limb, highlighted by hole FC3798 that intersected 11.0 metres grading 1.95 per cent copper and hole FC3837 that intersected 20.0 metres grading 1.23 per cent copper.
-
New results drilled by the company in the southern portion of the West Limb are highlighted by a cluster of high-grade holes including: FC38157 that intersected 16.7 metres grading 3.31 per cent copper including 3.0 metres grading 7.85 per cent copper and FC38159 that intersected 10.5 metres grading 4.00 per cent copper including 3.0 metres grading 8.70 per cent copper. These drill results are significant as they were drilled approximately 100 metres south of the previously defined resource model of the West Limb zone and approximately 250 metres south of the P1P2W mining area within the West Limb and within the area of the newly discovered historic database. In addition to these results, hole FC3482 that intersected 9.0 metres grading 1.82 per cent copper and hole FC3843 that intersected 6.3 metres grading 2.16 per cent copper were drilled approximately 250 metres south of the previously defined resource model of the West Limb zone, and another 150 metres south of the holes highlighted previously.
Drilling in the Deepening Extension zone, located in the Pilar mine, continues to extend mineralization beyond what was previously believed to be the southern limits of the mine's mineral resources at depth. The results are highlighted by hole FC38162 that intersected 13.2 metres grading 1.58 per cent copper including 6.0 metres grading 2.06 per cent copper. These new results, when combined with previously announced exploration results (see press release dated Dec. 11, 2018), highlight that the Deepening Extension remains open to depth and to the south.
At the company's 97.6-per-cent-owned NX Gold mine, where six long-term exploration drill rigs are currently operating, a significant new discovery was made. The new discovery, known as Santo Antonio, is a new zone of mineralization located between and on trend of the Bras and Buracao veins. To date, mineralization has been delineated over approximately 400 metres in strike length and approximately 200 metres down-dip and remains open to depth. Development into this new vein has commenced while drilling to confirm the extent of mineralization remains continuing. The Santo Antonio discovery is highlighted by drill holes:
-
SA13 that intersected 3.0 metres grading 19.38 grams per tonne gold;
-
SA22 that intersected 3.8 metres grading 19.03 grams per tonne gold;
-
SA31 that intersected 8.8 metres grading 6.89 grams per tonne gold.
Expansions and extensions as referenced herein reflect mineralization not captured in the company's mineral resource and mineral reserve models used in the current National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects-compliant mineral resource and reserves. Currently, 24 drill rigs are operating within the Curaca Valley and six drill rigs are operating at the NX Gold mine.
Vermelhos district
The Vermelhos district is located approximately 80 kilometres to the north of the Pilar mine and Caraiba mill complex and includes the newly constructed high-grade Vermelhos mine. Drilling is focused on expansion and new discovery initiatives (including the Vermelhos East zone) within and immediately adjacent to the Vermelhos mine, and on near-mine targets identified during the company's regional airborne survey and subsequent data compilation work. The Vermelhos system, encompassing the Vermelhos mine, East zone and N8 deposit, is now believed to extend over 5.5 kilometres in strike length. Eleven drill rigs are currently operating within the district, including eight focused on long-term exploration.
Vermelhos main orebody expansions
Exploration drilling within the main Vermelhos orebodies continues to target expansions and extensions of the mineral resource, with a focus during the period on both infill drilling and testing several electromagnetic (EM) anomalies identified during the company's systematic and continuing bore hole EM programs. Drilling during the period continued to expand and extend the mineral resource and mineral reserve models of the Vermelhos mine as set out in the current NI 43-101-compliant technical report.
Thirteen holes drilled during the period highlight both extension and expansion of the previously modelled southern extent of the mineralization within the Sombrero orebody of the Vermelhos mine. Significant results are highlighted by hole FVS-326 that intersected 21.4 metres grading 5.52 per cent copper including 9.2 metres grading 7.64 per cent copper; hole FVS-354 that intersected 17.0 metres grading 6.76 per cent copper including 3.0 metres grading 17.19 per cent copper; and hole FVS-364 that intersected 9.4 metres grading 1.66 per cent copper and 24.6 metres grading 7.56 per cent copper including 7.7 metres grading 15.97 per cent copper. These holes are significant as this area of the Sombrero orebody was previously modelled as small discrete lenses at the southern edge of the orebody, rather than as a more continuous high-grade extension of the mineralization of the Sombrero orebody.
Additionally, nine drill holes were drilled during the period that demonstrate central expansions of the Toboggan orebody of the Vermelhos mine. The results are highlighted by hole FVS-337 that intersected 23.8 metres grading 8.06 per cent copper including 8.0 metres grading 9.20 per cent copper and hole FVS-355 that intersected 25.0 metres grading 7.32 per cent copper including 16.0 metres grading 9.67 per cent copper. The mineralized thicknesses of these intercepts are significant as, together, they represent an approximate 70-per-cent increase in the modelled thicknesses of the mineralization in the immediate area surrounding these holes when compared with the current mineral resource and reserve estimate.
SOMBRERO SOUTH EXPANSION
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu (%)
FVS-323 135.5 138.5 3.0 1.06
and 171.8 176.0 4.2 2.03
FVS-326 121.3 142.7 21.4 5.52
including 130.3 139.5 9.2 7.64
FVS-330 112.9 118.2 5.3 4.72
including 112.9 114.9 2.0 6.66
FVS-335 105.1 120.5 15.5 2.26
and 125.1 135.4 10.4 5.74
including 125.1 132.1 7.0 7.13
and 140.4 143.4 3.0 1.25
FVS-342 86.5 94.4 7.9 3.22
FVS-344 101.5 105.5 4.0 1.43
FVS-346 82.5 88.5 6.0 4.56
and 201.6 206.0 4.4 14.54
FVS-351 149.8 159.2 9.4 1.88
FVS-354 124.6 141.6 17.0 6.76
including 129.1 132.1 3.0 17.19
FVS-356 95.1 100.1 4.9 1.20
FVS-364 108.3 117.7 9.4 1.66
and 134.0 158.6 24.6 7.56
including 143.3 151.0 7.7 15.97
FVS-371 25.1 35.4 10.3 4.10
including 26.1 30.1 4.0 6.71
FVS-375 17.1 39.0 21.9 2.01
including 30.7 33.7 3.0 4.33
and 41.6 45.3 3.7 2.41
NSI indicates no significant intercept, based on cut-off grade of
0.68 per cent copper. Drill holes were drilled from surface. Holes
not included are either pending assay results, have been included
in a different section of this press release for clarity of
discussing drill results or were previously included in a prior
press release. The length of intercept may not represent the true
width of mineralization. Values may not add up due to rounding.
From, to and mineralized intercepts are rounded to the nearest
10th of a metre.
TOBOGGAN CENTRAL EXPANSION
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu (%)
FVS-320 196.2 200.8 4.5 6.30
FVS-321 217.7 222.2 4.5 9.17
FVS-337 167.7 191.5 23.8 8.06
including 167.7 177.7 8.0 9.20
and 236.9 241.1 4.2 3.55
FVS-347* 173.3 185.7 12.4 1.97
including 180.8 185.7 4.9 2.74
and 196.6 206.0 9.4 10.47
FVS-355* 180.2 205.2 25.0 7.32
including 189.2 195.2 16.0 9.67
FVS-357* NSI NSI NSI NSI
FVS-366 209.9 217.5 7.5 12.74
including 213.9 217.5 3.5 15.13
and 238.3 242.8 4.5 3.96
FVS-385 71.0 83.9 12.9 3.70
including 73.0 79.0 6.0 4.86
FVS-401 40.1 59.6 19.5 7.76
including 49.1 53.1 4.0 9.97
NSI indicates no significant intercept,
based on cut-off grade of 0.68 per cent
copper. Drill holes were drilled from
surface. Holes not included are either
pending assay results, have been included
in a different section of this press
release for clarity of discussing drill
results or were previously included in a
prior press release. The length of
intercept may not represent the true
width of mineralization. Values may not
add up due to rounding. From, to and
mineralized intercepts are rounded to
the nearest 10th of a metre.
(*) Indicates a shallower intercept that
also intersected the East zone at
deeper depths, as referenced in the
Vermelhos East zone drill results table.
Vermelhos East zone extension
The Vermelhos East zone discovery (see press release dated Sept. 25, 2018, for announcement of the Vermelhos East zone discovery) is located approximately 100 metres to the east of mineralization comprising the main Vermelhos mine orebodies and lies on the eastern side of an intrusive body. The zone of mineralization, to date, has been delineated from surface copper oxide mineralization to an interpreted depth of approximately 500 metres below surface.
During the period, results from 15 drill holes were received that highlight extensions of the Vermelhos East zone, as shown in the attached table. These results are highlighted by drill hole FVS-336 that intersected 5.0 metres grading 2.04 per cent copper, hole FVS-339 that intercepted 5.5 metres at 1.22 per cent copper and hole FVS-362 that intersected 11.1 metres grading 1.75 per cent copper. These holes continue to demonstrate continuity of the East zone from surface to a depth of over 500 metres below surface. Drilling to extend the previously announced high-grade near-surface portion of the East zone (see press release dated Dec. 11, 2018) is under way.
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu (%)
FVS-313 152.8 157.9 5.2 0.83
FVS-336 540.6 545.6 5.0 2.04
FVS-339 434.1 439.7 5.5 1.22
FVS-347* 342.7 346.7 4.0 1.09
and 361.7 365.1 3.4 1.17
FVS-349 408.8 417.3 8.6 0.90
and 537.9 540.9 3.0 1.39
and 543.9 548.9 5.0 1.34
FVS-355* 398.7 413.4 14.7 1.72
and 452.7 457.9 5.2 1.72
FVS-357* NSI NSI NSI NSI
FVS-362 458.0 468.0 11.1 1.75
and 476.5 480.2 3.7 1.10
FVS-363 493.3 498.3 5.0 0.98
FVS-366 411.6 417.6 6.0 1.76
FVS-370 324.6 330.0 5.3 2.26
and 333.7 342.3 8.6 1.84
FVS-373 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FVS-374 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FVS-387 460.7 473.0 12.3 1.38
including 468.9 470.9 2.0 3.41
FVS-414** - 6.7 6.7 2.26
and** 23.0 29.9 6.9 3.00
and 119.8 124.0 4.2 0.71
and 133.6 139.3 5.6 3.97
NSI indicates no significant intercept, based on cut-off
grade of 0.68 per cent copper. Drill holes were drilled from
surface. Holes not included are either pending assay results,
have been included in a different section of this press
release for clarity of discussing drill results or were
previously included in a prior press release. The length of
intercept may not represent the true width of mineralization.
Values may not add up due to rounding. From, to and mineralized
intercepts are rounded to the nearest 10th of a metre.
(*) Indicates a deeper intercept that also intersected the main
Toboggan orebody at shallower depths, as referenced in the
Toboggan drill results table.
(**) Indicates near-surface intercept that includes oxide or
transitional material.
Vermelhos West (N8)
The N8 deposit, previously referred to as Vermelhos West, lies in the northern part of an interpreted semi-continuous system, encompassing the Vermelhos mine, the Vermelhos East zone, the N8 deposit and new regional targets to the south and to the north of the Vermelhos mine. Drilling is under way to evaluate continuity and mineralized extent of the system as well as evaluate the high-priority targets to the south of the mine.
During the period, four holes were drilled to test continuity of mineralization below the previously defined resource model.
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu (%)
FV-130 217.4 223.7 6.3 0.79
and 227.7 241.7 14.0 0.75
and 269.1 286.2 17.2 1.16
and 292.5 307.8 15.4 1.25
and 394.2 399.2 5.0 1.30
and 408.2 416.8 8.6 0.96
and 431.0 438.0 7.0 1.14
FV-131 245.0 249.1 4.2 1.28
and 277.9 282.9 5.0 1.64
and 290.6 295.6 5.0 1.79
and 301.9 309.2 7.4 1.17
and 382.3 387.3 5.0 0.89
and 395.0 402.0 7.0 1.12
FV-132 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FV-133 NSI NSI NSI NSI
NSI indicates no significant intercept, based on
cut-off grade of 0.68 per cent copper. Drill holes
were drilled from surface. Holes not included are
either pending assay results, have been included
in a different section of this press release for
clarity of discussing drill results or were
previously included in a prior press release. The
length of intercept may not represent the true
width of mineralization. Values may not add up due to
rounding. From, to and mineralized intercepts are
rounded to the nearest 10th of a metre.
Pilar district
The Pilar district encompasses the area surrounding the Pilar underground mine, Caraiba mill complex and the past producing Pilar open pit and R22 mines. Thirteen drill rigs are currently operating within the district consisting of eight underground drill rigs and five surface drill rigs.
During the period, expansion and extensional drilling continued to focus on the West Limb and Deepening Extension zones. Four underground and four surface drill rigs are currently undertaking long-term exploration drilling focused on evaluating the extent of the West Limb while four underground short-term core rigs are operating in the Deepening Extension zone (see the company's press release dated May 17, 2018, for the announcement of the West Limb discovery).
West Limb
Exploration drilling at the West Limb is focused on infill, extension and twin-hole drilling of the previously announced West Limb discovery. Underground drilling during the period was focused on testing the southern extent of mineralization within the West Limb. Results during the period were highlighted by a cluster of four drill holes (FC38157, FC38159, FC38160 and FC38161) that intersected high-grade copper mineralization located approximately 100 metres south of the previously defined resource model of the West Limb zone and approximately 250 metres south of the P1P2W mining area within the West Limb. Additionally, hole FC3482 and hole FC3843 were drilled approximately 250 metres south of the previously defined resource model of the West Limb zone, and another 150 metres south of the holes highlighted previously. Exploration drilling on the West Limb continues to test the southern limits of mineralization.
During the period, results from 16 underground drill holes were received that highlight extensional drilling of the West Limb, as shown in the attached table.
WEST LIMB -- NEW DRILLING
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu (%)
Underground drilling (West Limb South)
FC3482 271.9 280.9 9.0 1.82
including 271.9 277.0 5.2 2.29
FC3483 278.5 284.8 6.3 2.16
FC35115 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC35116 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC35117 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC36134 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC36135 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC36136 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC37126 504.2 509.7 5.5 4.39
including 505.2 508.1 2.8 5.74
FC38157 0.1 16.8 16.7 3.31
including 9.1 12.1 3.0 7.85
FC38159 2.5 13.0 10.5 4.00
including 8.5 11.5 3.0 8.70
FC38160 0.0 18.0 18.0 2.20
including 5.0 12.0 7.0 3.21
FC38161 0.0 15.4 15.4 2.48
including 3.0 6.0 3.0 4.16
including 11.0 14.5 3.5 5.02
FC38163 0.0 4.0 4.0 0.82
FC41186 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC45144 NSI NSI NSI NSI
Surface drilling (West Limb North)
FC5062 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC5144 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC5232 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC5334 278.9 295.0 16.0 1.48
including 287.4 295.0 7.6 2.03
FC5335 296.3 300.3 4.0 1.37
FC5336 300.2 305.4 5.2 1.07
and 307.4 315.2 7.8 1.22
and 351.4 355.7 4.4 1.60
FC5339 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC5407 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC5408 240.4 244.6 4.2 1.10
FC5412 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC5413 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC5414 232.8 236.0 3.2 0.82
FC5415 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC5510 304.1 307.5 3.4 0.80
FC5613 NSI NSI NSI NSI
NSI indicates no significant intercept, based on cut-off
grade of 0.68 per cent copper. Drill holes were drilled
level plus 50, level minus 280 in the Pilar underground mine
and from surface near the past-producing R22 open pit.
Holes not included are either pending assay results,
have been included in a different section of this press
release for clarity of discussing drill results or were
previously included in a prior press release. The length of
intercept may not represent the true width of mineralization.
Values may not add up due to rounding. From, to and mineralized
intercepts are rounded to the nearest 10th of a metre.
In addition to these new drill results, and as part of the company's continuing historic data digitization programs, a historic drill database was identified and digitized during the period resulting in a significant extension of the drilled extent of the West Limb. While this zone is within the known mineralized trend of the West Limb as previously defined, the company can now prioritize drilling within less defined sections of the West Limb leading up to the company's midyear mineral resource and reserve update, expected to be released during the third quarter of 2019. The database encompasses 53 drill holes, of which 20 have been validated under the company's quality assurance/quality control program, and are shown in the attached table.
WEST LIMB -- HISTORIC DATABASE VALIDATION
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu (%)
FC1019 290.0 302.0 12.0 1.54
FC1024 286.0 292.0 6.0 0.91
FC3704 63.0 72.0 9.0 1.34
FC3751 71.0 77.0 6.0 1.79
FC3786 22.0 25.0 3.0 1.64
FC3795 - 3.0 3.0 2.02
and 5.0 8.0 3.0 1.20
and 21.0 31.0 10.0 1.47
and 34.0 42.0 8.0 1.27
FC3796 1.0 9.0 8.0 1.72
and 54.0 58.0 4.0 0.93
FC3798 - 9.0 9.0 1.89
and 40.0 44.0 4.0 1.46
and 48.0 59.0 11.0 1.95
and 63.0 66.0 3.0 1.29
and 97.0 100.0 3.0 1.28
FC3799 2.0 5.0 3.0 1.29
and 16.0 25.0 9.0 1.79
and 32.0 42.0 10.0 1.22
FC37100 - 5.0 5.0 1.31
and 24.0 32.0 8.0 1.90
and 54.0 58.0 4.0 1.08
FC38112 37.0 41.0 4.0 1.38
FC38115 66.0 70.0 4.0 0.80
and 94.0 106.0 12.0 1.45
FC3837 55.0 75.0 20.0 1.23
FC3893 15.0 18.0 3.0 0.85
and 31.0 44.0 13.0 1.18
FC3934 65.0 68.0 3.0 1.42
FC39127 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC39131 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC40119 376.3 388.7 12.4 0.93
FC41147 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC42190 NSI NSI NSI NSI
NSI indicates no significant intercept, based on cut-off
grade of 0.68 per cent copper. Drill holes were drilled
level plus 50, level minus 280 in the Pilar underground mine
and from surface near the past-producing R22 open pit.
Holes not included are awaiting further QA/QC validaton
or twin-hole drilling. The length of intercept may not
represent the true width of mineralization. Values may
not add up due to rounding. From, to and mineralized
intercepts are rounded to the nearest 10th of a metre.
The Deepening Extension
The Deepening Extension drilling is currently targeting mineralization on the East Limb of the Pilar mine between level minus 725 and level minus 1,040 approximately 1,200 metres to 1,500 metres below surface and approximately 100 metres laterally from the current level of the primary ramp (completed to level minus 890).
During the period, results for 17 holes were received that continue to demonstrate extensions of the modelled mineralization within the zone. The results are highlighted by continued extensions beyond what was previously believed to be the southern limit of the Deepening Extension zone in hole FC38162 that intersected 13.2 metres grading 1.58 per cent copper including 6.0 metres grading 2.06 per cent copper as well as hole FC38156 that intersected 5.0 metres grading 1.17 per cent copper. These results, when paired with previously announced results (see press release dated Dec. 11, 2018), continue to indicate that the Deepening Extension remains open to the south.
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu (%)
FC38155 154.0 160.0 6.0 0.94
FC38156 194.6 199.5 5.0 1.17
FC38158 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC38162 139.6 152.8 13.2 1.58
including 143.6 149.6 6.0 2.06
FC38164 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC38165 194.2 197.2 3.0 0.87
FC38166 264.8 270.8 6.0 1.88
including 267.8 270.8 3.0 2.30
FC38167 133.1 136.8 3.8 1.82
FC47116 350.3 358.3 8.0 2.41
including 356.3 358.3 2.0 6.23
FC47119 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC47120 359.5 362.5 3.0 1.35
and 425.0 428.0 3.0 1.33
FC47123 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC4895 402.0 408.5 6.5 2.24
including 402.0 405.0 3.0 3.83
FC5143 NSI NSI NSI NSI
FC5409 300.0 305.0 5.0 1.12
and 319.0 326.1 7.1 1.18
FC5410 343.9 355.9 12.0 1.77
and 361.7 370.7 9.0 1.25
FC5411 464.9 470.9 6.0 0.83
NSI indicates no significant intercept, based on cut-off
grade of 0.68 per cent copper. Drill holes were drilled
from the minus 674 and minus -750 levels. Holes not included are
either pending assay results, have been included in a different
section of this press release for clarity of discussing drill results or were
previously included in a prior press release. The length of
intercept may not represent the true width of mineralization.
Values may not add up due to rounding. From, to and mineralized
intercepts are rounded to the nearest 10th of a metre.
Regional exploration
The company has completed the data interpretation and targeting phase of the regional airborne geophysical survey consisting of both electromagnetic and gravity systems. To date, a significant number of high-priority target areas have been identified and detailed analysis of each target area remains ongoing. Further drill testing of high-priority targets, located within the Pilar and Vermelhos districts, is under way, with one exploration drill rig allocated to a target south of the Pilar mine and two drill rigs located on a target south of the Vermelhos mine.
NX gold mine
The NX gold mine is a high-grade producing gold mine, located in Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The mine is currently producing approximately 40,000 ounces of gold and 25,000 ounces of silver per annum. Historic and currently contemplated production occurs within two adjacent mineralized quartz veins located along a northeast trend approximately 600 metres apart, known as Bras and Buracao, which are accessed via a single portal and decline. Beginning in late 2018, exploration drilling commenced to evaluate down-plunge extensions of the Bras and Buracao veins, as well as test potential mineralization between Bras and Buracao. Six drill rigs are currently operating on the property.
Since commencing drilling activities, the results for 43 drill holes have been received. A significant new discovery between Bras and Buracao, known as the Santo Antonio vein, has demonstrated, for the first time, that mineralization exists between Bras and Buracao. This new vein system has been defined over a lateral extent of approximately 400 metres, a down-dip distance of approximately 200 metres and remains open to depth. Drill results from the new discovery are highlighted by hole SA13 that intersected 3.0 metres grading 19.38 grams per tonne gold, SA22 that intersected 3.8 metres grading 19.03 grams per tonne gold and SA31 that intersected 8.8 metres grading 6.89 grams per tonne gold. Drilling and underground development are under way to define the limits of the high-grade and thickest portions of the vein, which remains open. Additionally, results indicate that mineralization continues to depth in some areas of the Bras and Buracao veins and in a new extension to the east of the Bras vein known as the Matinha zone.
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t)
BS40 NSI NSI NSI NSI
BS41 NSI NSI NSI NSI
BS51 NSI NSI NSI NSI
BS49 725.2 726.2 1.0 1.84
BS50 795.4 796.4 1.0 15.06
SA01 284.6 286.9 2.2 14.10
SA02 357.1 358.3 1.2 56.4
SA05 NSI NSI NSI NSI
SA06 368.5 368.9 0.4 3.02
SA07 397.8 400.3 2.5 8.85
SA09 NSI NSI NSI NSI
SA10 431.0 434.9 3.8 7.95
SA12 NSI NSI NSI NSI
SA13 368.9 371.9 3.0 19.38
SA14 NSI NSI NSI NSI
SA15 368.2 370.3 2.1 2.99
SA16 NSI NSI NSI NSI
SA17 NSI NSI NSI NSI
SA18 434.9 441.4 6.5 5.05
SA19 NSI NSI NSI NSI
SA20 429.3 434.7 5.4 9.72
SA21 NSI NSI NSI NSI
SA22 381.0 384.8 3.8 19.03
SA24 460.5 463.7 3.2 1.41
SA26 300.7 303.7 2.9 7.85
SA27 268.5 270.5 2.0 5.71
SA28 305.8 306.2 0.4 1.44
SA29 NSI NSI NSI NSI
SA31 399.1 407.9 8.8 6.89
SA32 372.9 375.2 2.4 16.73
SA33 427.3 434.2 6.3 3.25
SA34 NSI NSI NSI NSI
SA35 493.0 494.6 1.6 3.22
SA36 NSI NSI NSI NSI
SA40 NSI NSI NSI NSI
BUS58 358.5 361.1 2.6 26.7
BUS61 378.6 381.3 2.8 2.10
BUS73 345.0 347.3 2.3 4.64
MAT01 NSI NSI NSI NSI
MAT02 NSI NSI NSI NSI
MAT03 NSI NSI NSI NSI
MAT04 217.4 218.7 1.3 14.08
MAT05 NSI NSI NSI NSI
NSI indicates no significant intercept, based on cut-off grade of 1.40
grams per tonne gold. Drill holes were drilled from surface. Holes not
included are pending assay results. The length of intercept may not
represent the true width of mineralization. Values may not add up due
to rounding. From, to and mineralized intercepts are rounded to the
nearest 10th of a metre.
About Ero Copper Corp.
Ero Copper, headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., is focused on copper production growth from the Vale do Curaca property, located in Bahia, Brazil. The company's primary asset is a 99.6-per-cent interest in the Brazilian copper mining company, MCSA, 100-per-cent owner of the Vale do Curaca property with over 39 years of operating history in the region. The company currently mines copper ore from the Pilar underground mine, the R22W open-pit mine and its newly constructed Vermelhos underground mine. In addition to the Vale do Curaca property, MCSA owns 100 per cent of the Boa Esperanza development project, an iron-oxide-copper-gold-type copper project located in Para, Brazil, and the company, directly and indirectly, owns 97.6 per cent of the NX gold mine, an operating gold and silver mine located in Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Quality assurance/quality control
Vale do Curaca property
The company is currently drilling on surface and underground with core drill rigs using a combination of owned and third party contracted drill rigs. During the period from August, 2018, to November, 2018, third party drill rigs were operated by Major Drilling, Layne Christensen Co. and DrillGeo Geologia e Sondagem Ltda., all of whom are independent of the company. Drill core is logged, photographed and split in half using a diamond core saw at MCSA's secure core logging and storage facilities. Half of the drill core is retained on site and the other half core is used for analysis, with samples collected on one-metre sample intervals unless an interval crosses a geological contact. Reverse circulation cuttings are split at the drill rig using one-metre sample intervals. All sample preparation is performed in MCSA's secure on-site laboratory. Total copper is determined using a nitric-hydrochloric acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and/or titration. Oxide copper values are determined using sulphuric acid digestion followed by AAS. All recent sample results have been monitored through a QA/QC program that includes the insertion of certified standards, blanks, and pulp and reject duplicate samples. Regular check assays are submitted to ALS Brasil Ltda.'s facility located in Vespasiano, Minas Gerais, Brazil, at a rate of approximately 5 per cent. ALS Brasil Ltda. is independent of the company.
NX Gold mine
The company is currently drilling on surface with third party contracted core drill rigs. During the period from August, 2018, to March, 2019, third party drill rigs were operated by Major Drilling do Brasil Ltda. and Servitec Foraco Sondagem SA whom are independent of the company. Drill core is logged, photographed and split in half using a diamond core saw at NX Gold's secure core logging and storage facilities. Half of the drill core is retained on site and the other half core is used for analysis, with samples collected on half-metre sample intervals for quartz vein and one-metre intervals in surrounding rock unless such interval crosses a geological contact. Samples are sent to ALS Brasil Ltda.'s laboratory in Goiania (Brazil) for preparation and are analyzed by the certified laboratory of ALS Peru SA, which is independent of the company. Gold content was determined by fire assay in 2018. Commencing in January of 2019 gold content has been determined by both fire assay and screen fire assay. All recent sample results have been monitored through a QA/QC program that includes the insertion of certified standards, blanks, and pulp and reject duplicate samples at a rate of one standard, one blank and one duplicate pulp sample per every 20 samples for a blended rate of approximately 5 per cent.
Rubens Mendonca, MAusIMM, chartered professional -- mining, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this press release. Mr. Mendonca is a qualified person and is independent of the company as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
We seek Safe Harbor.
© 2024 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.