Prismo Metals Boosts Hot Breccia Project with Historical Exploration Insights

Prismo Metals Inc. has announced an update to the mineralization model for its Hot Breccia project in Southern Arizona. This revision is based on valuable historical data recently obtained from a third party, including exploration records from Bear Creek Mining Company, a former subsidiary of Kennecott Copper Co., now part of Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO). The data spans from the completion of Larry Barrett's 1972 master's thesis through the drilling of the first hole on the Hot Breccia property between 1972 and mid-1974. The new information comprises a complete log and assays for hole OC-1, along with geological interpretations following the drilling of holes OC-1 to OC-3, significantly enhancing the project's geological understanding.

The newly acquired data reveals the distribution of post-mineral quartz diorite dikes containing copper-bearing fragments brought up from depth, along with the locations of both shallow and deep IP anomalies compiled from various sources. The shallow IP anomaly correlates with the geological orientation of the quartz diorite dike swarm, suggesting the presence of pyrite-rich alteration related to the dikes. In contrast, the deeper IP anomaly spans much of the central portion of the claim block and could indicate alteration around a mineralized intrusion or a related sulfide body.

Bear Creek Mining’s interpretation of the IP data suggests that mineralization extends over a larger area than previously recognized. Importantly, the deep IP anomaly and the distribution of copper-bearing xenoliths within the quartz diorite dikes closely correspond to the conductive anomaly identified in Prismo's 2023 ZTEM geophysical survey. This alignment provides further confidence in the exploration potential of the Hot Breccia project.

Prismo Metals initially had access to only a partial OC-1 drill log up to 295 meters, showing volcanic rocks and summary assay data hinting at deeper mineralization. The newly acquired data reveals that hole OC-1 encountered 403 meters of Cretaceous volcanic and volcano-sedimentary rocks, followed by a 330-meter interval of quartz diorite porphyry, including a previously unexposed pyritic and copper-bearing stock.

Exploration Geologist Dr. Linus Keating, Manager of Walnut Mines LLC, who optioned the Hot Breccia project, reviewed the Bear Creek core in the 1990s before it was discarded. He recalled observing long intervals (500 to 700+ feet) of retrograde skarn mineralization beneath the overlying volcanics. The alteration included garnet, amphibole, quartz, and calcite veinlets, along with widespread chlorite, pyrite, and scattered chalcopyrite and sphalerite. Dr. Keating was impressed by the intensity and extent of the alteration and mineralization, noting that it was present in several holes.

Steve Robertson, President of Prismo Metals, emphasized the company's commitment to a thorough and scientific approach to exploration, highlighting the value of utilizing all available information to guide their modeling efforts. He noted that data and interpretations from previous generations of talented geologists, such as the recently acquired 1970s data, are just as crucial as new data. Robertson stated that this historical information would significantly influence Prismo Metals' exploration program in 2024.