Pivotal Metals Enhances Resource Expansion Prospects at Horden Lake
- 15-Jul-2024 5:30 PM
- Journalist: Francis Stokes
Drilling at Pivotal Metals' Horden Lake Project in Quebec, focusing on copper, has revealed promising signs of expanding resource potential in all directions. These new findings also include mineralization of gold, silver, platinum group metals, and cobalt, which have not been previously analyzed. Notably, results from four recent holes highlight a significant discovery, with a peak hit of 10.2 meters at 2.3% copper equivalent within a broader 28.6 meters at 1.05% copper equivalent starting from 74 meters depth.
Pivotal Metals reports that these latest results indicate wider mineralization within the open pit zone of the deposit. Further analysis from hole HN-24-104 confirmed mineral continuity, showcasing 14.6 meters at 0.84% copper equivalent from 272 meters, including a section of 5.7 meters at 1.41%. Another drill hole, aimed at testing depth continuity, intersected 7.3 meters at 0.78% copper equivalent from 165 meters and 13.2 meters at 0.77% copper equivalent from 180.1 meters.
Ivan Fairhall, Managing Director, emphasizes the potential for continued expansion at depth, supported by deeper drilling and downhole electromagnetics (DHEM). He notes that recent DHEM surveys have extended the mineralized zones and connected with previous drillings, suggesting further potential in the southern zone.
Infill drilling, aimed at refining the resource model, has shown consistent mineralization within the 2022 open pit shell. The drilling results included a section of 15.6 meters at 0.88% copper equivalent starting from 121 meters depth, with a notable interval of 5.7 meters at 1.41% in hole HN-24-101.
Fairhall underscores the project's progress, stating, "Horden Lake continues to exceed expectations as we enhance our understanding through infill and step-out drilling. In shallow areas, we observe promising continuity and expansion of mineralization."
Pivotal Metals also notes the potential economic upside from valuable byproducts in copper and nickel concentrates, which could significantly enhance the overall grade of the deposit. Initial metallurgical tests indicate favorable recoveries across these metals, with historical data showing copper concentrates grading between 22-30% at recoveries of 85-96%.
The ongoing drilling program at Horden Lake, originally discovered by Inco in the 1960s, highlights its historical significance and resource potential. Located in a remote area accessible only by float plane or helicopter during Inco's tenure, the project's development was limited due to logistical challenges and focus on the larger Sudbury Nickel Camp.
Over the years, extensive drilling totaling 52,000 meters has been conducted, with recent efforts comprising 7,097 meters across 34 holes. Pending assays from 21 holes, including additional step-out and DHEM results, are expected to further delineate zones of mineralization.
Pivotal Metals is actively advancing towards a resource update and continues to conduct metallurgical testwork to refine recovery processes. These efforts aim to capitalize on the significant resource base at Horden Lake, reinforcing its position as a key player in Quebec's mining sector.