Results Of Soil Geochemistry And Geophysical Surveys At South Bullfrog
VANCOUVER - Zacapa Resources reported on exploration activities completed and ongoing at its South Bullfrog gold project in the Beatty District of Nevada. Results from surface geochemistry program identified several new areas of interest and support mapping observations of alteration in four key target areas. A drone magnetic geophysical survey completed on eastern claim block has identified an additional target area with strongly altered fault zone. Hyperspectral remote sensing data has identified previously unrecognized zones of alteration. Follow-up mapping and surface sampling of highest priority targets is underway, and drill hole planning and permitting is underway with anticipated commencement of drilling next month.
Zacapa's ongoing mapping and sampling continues to refine and prioritize exploration targets on the South Bullfrog property. Most ore deposits in the Beatty District are structurally controlled and have a limited geochemical expression at surface, composed principally of As, Sb, and/or Hg with varying degrees of clay alteration and silicification11,12. Zacapa's exploration utilizes magnetic and induced polarization geophysical surveys in coordination with geologic mapping and surface geochemical surveys to identify prospective structures for drill testing. Numerous high-quality target areas have been established at Shingleback, Bottom's Up, Sledge, Sourdough, and now the SE Block.
At Zacapa's Shingleback target, IP chargeability and resistivity highs (chargeability >10 msec where background values are 4-8 msec, resistivity >100 ohm-m where background values are 35-75 ohm-m) occur in an area where historically mined veins trend under cover and into the path of the IP line. Mapping has demonstrated zones of clay alteration and silicification along these structures with coincident soil and stream sediment geochemical anomalies displaying elevated Au, Bi, Hg, Sb, and Pb in the area. The highest values of gold in stream sediment sampling also occur at Shingleback. The IP resistivity anomaly is interpreted as a likely zone of silicification at depth with an outboard chargeability anomaly interpreted as a possible zone of disseminated pyrite, which is associated with some deposits in the district11. Based on the geometry of the IP geophysical results it appears that the veins and alteration observed at surface may expand at depth, possibly within a favorable stratigraphic horizon. The upcoming drill program will commence with testing Shingleback.
At the Sledge target, the projected continuation of the NE-SW trending structures that host the Montgomery-Shoshone deposit appear to trend into Zacapa's tenements before deflecting northward. Along this structural corridor several faults have been identified within a zone of pervasive clay alteration topographically above anomalous stream sediment and soil samples.
A drone based magnetic survey was recently completed on the newly staked eastern claim block and preliminary results show large linear zones of low magnetic signature that coincide with mapped faults and alteration at surface. This style of magnetite destructive alteration is commonly associated with clay alteration and silicification present at other deposits in the district. The structures in the SE Block also occur in a highly favorable structural position immediately north of the Fluorspar Canyon detachment fault where numerous other deposits occur. These altered fault zones immediately north of the Fluorspar Canyon fault are part of the SE Block target and are being rapidly advanced toward drill testing.
Recently acquired hyperspectral remote sensing data has highlighted several additional areas of interest, including a zone of strong alteration in an area that is predominantly under cover. Field inspection of poorly exposed outcrops in that area revealed strong silicification with clay and alunite alteration. Alunite is a significant component of the advanced argillic alteration zone.
"Leading exploration techniques applied by our team continue to generate compelling targets at South Bullfrog and we are confident that the project's position within the Beatty District demonstrates a clear path to value," said, Adam Melnik, Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited to start drilling our highest priority targets imminently."