Mr. Simon Ridgway
reports
RADIUS GOLD REPORTS MULTI-ELEMENT GEOCHEMICAL RESULTS SUPPORTING PORPHYRY INTERPRETATION AT THE TIERRA ROJA CORE TARGET, PERU
Radius Gold Inc. has released multielement geochemical results from rock sampling within the core of its Tierra Roja copper project in southern Peru. The results display metal associations consistent with a porphyry copper system and provide further support for the company's geological model.
Highlights:
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Multielement ICP data from rock samples in the core area show clear associations between copper and silver, gold, potassium and molybdenum.
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Soil sampling reveals an inverse relationship between copper and zinc, with lead and zinc depleted over the high-copper core and elevated on the periphery.
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Elevated potassium (2 per cent K) in both rocks and soils is consistent with potassic alteration of the host Jurassic andesite volcanics.
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Molybdenum values in rocks (commonly five to 10-plus parts per million) are higher than those in the surrounding soils (generally four ppm), supporting residual primary signatures in the core.
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Results remain restricted to the approximately 600-metre-by-800-metre core zone previously described by the company. A larger, property-wide geochemical survey is planned to enable effective vectoring.
Results -- rock samples
The data set comprises multielement analyses (including copper, silver, gold, molybdenum, arsenic and potassium) from rock samples collected across the core of the Tierra Roja target.
From a porphyry copper perspective, several observations are noteworthy:
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Copper shows a positive association with both silver and gold. Higher copper values are accompanied by elevated silver and gold, a common feature in the upper, more oxidized portions of many Andean porphyry systems.
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Potassium enrichment is evident, with several samples exceeding 2 per cent K. These elevated potassium values are spatially associated with the high-copper core zone and are consistent with potassic alteration in the deeper portions of a porphyry system.
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Molybdenum is present at levels typically five to 10 ppm and locally higher. While the copper-molybdenum correlation is not strongly linear, these molybdenum concentrations are distinctly higher than those observed in the surrounding soils (generally below four ppm) and fall within the range expected for the upper levels of a porphyry copper system.
Collectively, these relationships support the interpretation that the intense silica-sericite alteration and copper-oxide mineralization exposed over the approximately 600-metre-by-800-metre core zone represent the upper levels of a porphyry copper system. The data do not, however, define the location of the highest-grade or deepest parts of that system.
Fifty-nine soil samples collected across a broader area surrounding the core zone provide complementary information on metal distribution and alteration.
Copper versus zinc displays a clear inverse relationship. This pattern is reinforced by the spatial distribution of lead and zinc: The high-grade copper core is characterized by relatively low lead and zinc values, while higher lead and zinc concentrations occur on the periphery. This metal zonation is a classic signature of porphyry copper systems, in which copper is concentrated toward the centre and base metals are displaced outward.
Copper versus potassium in the soils also shows elevated potassium values, with numerous samples above 2 per cent K. Unaltered intermediate volcanics (calc-alkaline andesites) of the type that host mineralization at Tierra Roja typically contain approximately 1 per cent to 2 per cent potassium or less. The higher potassium values recorded in the soils are therefore interpreted as reflecting potassic alteration of the surrounding Jurassic volcanic sequence.
Lead versus zinc shows a weak positive correlation. In the context of the inverse copper-zinc relationship, this indicates that lead and zinc behave similarly to one another and are relatively depleted over the copper-rich core while remaining elevated in the peripheral soils -- again consistent with outward metal zonation around a porphyry centre.
Next steps
Radius intends to complete a larger multielement geochemical survey across the entire Tierra Roja property to allow the company to map metal zonation, identify vectors toward higher copper or molybdenum grades, and better integrate the surface geochemistry with the existing hyperspectral and geophysical data sets. Sampling will commence in September, and the results of the expanded survey will be reported as they become available.
Permitting update: Tierra Roja
Permitting at Tierra Roja has taken longer than originally anticipated because the project is located on unoccupied state-owned barren land, which requires a surface right from the Superintendencia Nacional de Bienes Estatales (SBN) in addition to exploration authorization from the Gerencia Regional de Energia y Minas (GREM) of Arequipa.
As previously disclosed, the company holds provisional SBN authorization for surface access over that state land. During the SBN process, the company received an observation relating to the project co-ordinates on the submitted plan. The observation was appealed in a timely manner, did not become a final resolution, and the appeal was upheld. Provisional surface access remains in place. That provisional authorization supports preparatory surface work, including soil sampling. Proof of the provisional SBN authorization has been submitted to GREM, and the company's application for authorization to initiate exploration activities remains in process.
The remaining SBN steps are state valuation of the surface right and execution of the definitive contract. Commencement of drilling remains subject to GREM authorization. The company is making progress on these steps.
Dr. Luke Longridge, PhD, PGeo, president, commented:
"The multielement results from the core of Tierra Roja show the metal associations and zonation of a porphyry copper system and are consistent with the geological features I have seen on the ground, including potassic alteration, porphyry dikes and widespread copper oxides.
"Although it has been frustrating that surface rights permission on state land has taken this long, the resolution of the initial SBN authorization means we can get on with the property-wide sampling program and we are optimistic that the remaining valuation and definitive contract can be completed in a reasonable time frame. Obtaining the GREM authorization and progressing on the path to drilling the target at Tierra Roja is Radius's primary near-term focus."
Sampling, analytical procedures and quality assurance/quality control
Rock and soil samples reported herein from the Tierra Roja core area were prepared and analyzed at Certimin SA, an independent laboratory located in San Juan de Miraflores, Lima, Peru. Certimin is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the International Accreditation Service (IAS TL-1051) and by Peru's Instituto Nacional de Calidad (INACAL-DA LE-022).
Multielement analyses were performed by ICP-OES/MS following aqua regia or multiacid digestion. Gold was determined by fire assay (or equivalent) with an ICP or AAS finish. Elevated copper values were confirmed by additional total and sequential (soluble-copper) methods.
The data set includes samples collected during multiple reconnaissance campaigns by previous operators and by Radius. Radius has reviewed the available historical assay certificates and associated laboratory
quality control results (certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates). These internal laboratory controls demonstrate acceptable accuracy and precision for the reported elements. Confirmation sampling completed by Radius is consistent with the copper and multielement geochemical anomalies previously identified on the project.
As exploration advances, Radius will continue to apply industry-standard sampling, preparation, analytical and QA/QC protocols in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 requirements.
Qualified person
Dr. Luke Longridge, PhD, PGeo, is the president of Radius and is Radius's qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr. Longridge has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.
About Radius Gold Inc.
Radius Gold is an exploration company focused on the discovery and advancement of high-quality projects in the Americas. The company's strategy is to identify, acquire and advance exploration opportunities with strong discovery potential.
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