Sandfire Resources America Inc. Reports Further High Grade Copper Intersections at the Black Butte Copper Project; And Provides Update on Drilling Program
Sandfire Resources America has announced additional results from its 2024 exploration drilling program at the Black Butte Copper Project in Montana. The program focuses on upgrading and expanding the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone resource, which currently contains 1.2Mt at 6.8% Cu (Measured and Indicated) and 0.5Mt at 5.9% Cu (Inferred).
Notable high-grade intersections include: 19.46% Cu over 3.19m (SC24-296), 8.98% Cu over 2.84m (SC24-302), and 11.82% Cu over 2.79m (SC24-303). The company has completed 32 drill holes and drilled approximately 13,800 meters since December 2023. A second drill was added in November, with a third planned for January 2025.
The program will continue into mid-summer 2025, providing material for metallurgical and geotechnical testing. Results will contribute to an updated Feasibility Study expected in 2026.
Sandfire Resources America ha annunciato ulteriori risultati dal suo programma di perforazione esplorativa 2024 presso il Black Butte Copper Project nel Montana. Il programma si concentra sul miglioramento e l'espansione della risorsa della Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone, che attualmente contiene 1,2 milioni di tonnellate al 6,8% di rame (Misurato e Indicizzato) e 0,5 milioni di tonnellate al 5,9% di rame (Inferito).
Tra le intersezioni ad alta legge spiccano: 19,46% di rame su 3,19m (SC24-296), 8,98% di rame su 2,84m (SC24-302) e 11,82% di rame su 2,79m (SC24-303). L'azienda ha completato 32 fori di perforazione e ha perforato circa 13.800 metri da dicembre 2023. Un secondo trapano è stato aggiunto a novembre, mentre un terzo è previsto per gennaio 2025.
Il programma continuerà fino a metà estate 2025, fornendo materiale per test metallurgici e geotecnici. I risultati contribuiranno a uno Studio di Fattibilità aggiornato previsto per il 2026.
Sandfire Resources America ha anunciado resultados adicionales de su programa de perforación exploratoria 2024 en el Proyecto de Cobre Black Butte en Montana. El programa se centra en mejorar y expandir el recurso de la Zona de Cobre Johnny Lee Lower, que actualmente contiene 1,2 millones de toneladas al 6,8% de Cu (Medido e indicado) y 0,5 millones de toneladas al 5,9% de Cu (Inferido).
Las intersecciones notables de alta ley incluyen: 19,46% de Cu sobre 3,19m (SC24-296), 8,98% de Cu sobre 2,84m (SC24-302), y 11,82% de Cu sobre 2,79m (SC24-303). La empresa ha completado 32 perforaciones y ha perforado aproximadamente 13,800 metros desde diciembre de 2023. Se añadió un segundo taladro en noviembre, y se planea un tercero para enero de 2025.
El programa continuará hasta mediados del verano de 2025, proporcionando material para pruebas metalúrgicas y geotécnicas. Los resultados contribuirán a un Estudio de Viabilidad actualizado que se espera para 2026.
샌드파이어 리소스 아메리카는 몬태나 블랙 부트 구리 프로젝트에서 2024년 탐사 시추 프로그램의 추가 결과를 발표했습니다. 이 프로그램은 현재 6.8% Cu(측정 및 표시된)로 120만 톤과 5.9% Cu(추정)로 50만 톤을 포함하는 조니 리 하부 구리 구역의 자원을 개선하고 확장하는 데 중점을 두고 있습니다.
주목할 만한 고품위 교차점에는 3.19m에서 19.46% Cu (SC24-296), 2.84m에서 8.98% Cu (SC24-302), 2.79m에서 11.82% Cu (SC24-303)가 포함됩니다. 회사는 2023년 12월 이후 약 13,800미터를 시추하며 32개의 시추공을 완료했습니다. 11월에 두 번째 시추기가 추가되었으며, 2025년 1월에 세 번째 시추기가 계획되어 있습니다.
이 프로그램은 2025년 여름 중반까지 계속되며, 금속공학 및 지질 기술 시험을 위한 자료를 제공합니다. 결과는 2026년에 예정된 업데이트된 타당성 조사에 기여할 것입니다.
Sandfire Resources America a annoncé des résultats supplémentaires de son programme de forage exploratoire 2024 au projet de cuivre Black Butte dans le Montana. Le programme se concentre sur l'amélioration et l'expansion de la ressource de la zone de cuivre Johnny Lee Lower, qui contient actuellement 1,2 million de tonnes à 6,8% Cu (Mesuré et Indiqué) et 0,5 million de tonnes à 5,9% Cu (Estimé).
Les intersections à haute teneur notables comprennent : 19,46% Cu sur 3,19m (SC24-296), 8,98% Cu sur 2,84m (SC24-302) et 11,82% Cu sur 2,79m (SC24-303). L'entreprise a complété 32 trous de forage et foré environ 13 800 mètres depuis décembre 2023. Un deuxième forage a été ajouté en novembre, et un troisième est prévu pour janvier 2025.
Le programme se poursuivra jusqu'à la mi-été 2025, fournissant du matériel pour des tests métallurgiques et géotechniques. Les résultats contribueront à une étude de faisabilité mise à jour prévue pour 2026.
Sandfire Resources America hat zusätzliche Ergebnisse seines Erkundungsbohrprogramms 2024 im Black Butte Kupferprojekt in Montana bekannt gegeben. Das Programm konzentriert sich auf die Aufwertung und Erweiterung der Ressource der Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone, die derzeit 1,2 Millionen Tonnen Cu mit 6,8% (Gemessen und angezeigt) und 0,5 Millionen Tonnen Cu mit 5,9% (Geschätzt) enthält.
Bemerkenswerte Hochgrad-Überschneidungen beinhalten: 19,46% Cu über 3,19m (SC24-296), 8,98% Cu über 2,84m (SC24-302) und 11,82% Cu über 2,79m (SC24-303). Das Unternehmen hat 32 Bohrlöcher abgeschlossen und seit Dezember 2023 etwa 13.800 Meter gebohrt. Im November wurde ein zweites Bohrgerät hinzugefügt, ein drittes ist für Januar 2025 geplant.
Das Programm wird bis Mitte Sommer 2025 fortgesetzt, um Materialien für metallurgische und geotechnische Tests bereitzustellen. Die Ergebnisse werden zu einer aktualisierten Machbarkeitsstudie beitragen, die für 2026 erwartet wird.
- High-grade copper intersections: 19.46% Cu over 3.19m, 8.98% Cu over 2.84m, and 11.82% Cu over 2.79m
- Expansion of drilling program with addition of second drill and planned third drill
- Mine Operating Permit reinstated by Montana Supreme Court in February 2024
- Substantial existing resource: 10.9Mt at 2.9% Cu (Measured and Indicated) and 2.7Mt at 3.0% Cu (Inferred)
- None.
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, Mont., Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sandfire Resources America Inc. (“Sandfire America” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce additional drill results from its 2024 exploration drilling program since the Company’s news release dated July 24, 2024. The ongoing drilling program aims to upgrade and expand the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone resource of 1.2Mt at
HIGHLIGHTS
- Continued exploration success at the Johnny Lee Copper deposit at the Black Butte Copper Project in Montana, USA.
- Sandfire America has completed thirty-two drill holes in the current drill program. This update highlights results from eleven holes, with the significant results from the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone including:
- Drillhole SC24-296 3.19m at
19.46% Cu from 471.86m - Drillhole SC24-302 2.84m at
8.98% Cu from 357.36m - Drillhole SC24-303 2.79m at
11.82% Cu from 364.93m
- Drillhole SC24-296 3.19m at
See Table 1 below.
The ongoing 2024 drill program focuses on upgrading and expanding the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone resource which at last estimate consists of a measured and indicated resource of 1.2 million tonnes grading
VP of Exploration, Jerry Zieg shared, “We are pleased with our additional drilling results. Our drilling is achieving consistent high-grade intersections in and around the resource as well as clearly defining its boundaries. This much improves the integrity of the resource model and adds significant value to the Black Butte project.”
The current drill program is planned to extend into mid-summer of 2025 and is expected to lead to expansion and increased definition of the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone. The drill program will also provide sample material from both the Johnny Lee Upper and Lower Copper Zones for metallurgical testing and geotechnical testing; all with the expectation to better understand the economics of the project. The Company added a second drill in late November and plans to add a third drill in January 2025. Geological and geochemical results from the drilling program and from metallurgical and geotechnical testing will provide information for an updated Feasibility Study for the Johnny Lee deposit with an expected completion in 2026.
CEO Lincoln Greenidge closed stating, “We continue working diligently with this positive forward momentum to improve the permitted resource. This will ensure a robust Feasibility Study which will lead to an informed final investment decision related to building the project.”
Table 1. Black Butte Copper 2024 Exploration Drilling Program Results
| Drill hole ID | collar x | collar y | collar z | azimuth | dip | total depth | From (m) | To (m) | Width (m) | Cu % | Resource |
| SC23-278 | 506700.0 | 5180717.0 | 1741.0 | 16.6 | -67.9 | 489.29 | 64.98 | 81.36 | 16.38 | 1.42 | Upper Copper Zone |
| SC23-278 | 433.46 | 446.37 | 12.91 | 4.7 | Lower Copper Zone | ||||||
| SC24-279 | 506628.0 | 5180702.0 | 1748.0 | 36.8 | -70.2 | 502.31 | 62.86 | 76.25 | 13.39 | 2.3 | Upper Copper Zone |
| SC24-279 | 461.73 | 467.10 | 5.37 | 10.2 | Lower Copper Zone | ||||||
| SC24-280 | 507100.0 | 5180848.7 | 1709.4 | 36.8 | -70.2 | 442.48 | weakly mineralized | Lower Copper Zone | |||
| SC24-281 | 506441.5 | 5180834.2 | 1767.5 | 31.8 | -77.5 | 486.61 | 94.98 | 100.58 | 5.60 | 1.84 | Upper Copper Zone |
| SC24-281 | 431.66 | 437.54 | 5.88 | 4.60 | Lower Copper Zone | ||||||
| SC24-282 | 507650.0 | 5180746.0 | 1735.0 | 194.2 | -86.5 | 494.57 | weakly mineralized | Lower Copper Zone | |||
| SC24-283 | 507213.0 | 5180540.0 | 1713.0 | 43.0 | -71.5 | 560.98 | 471.44 | 477.93 | 6.49 | 2.45 | Lower Copper Zone |
| SC24-284 | 506900.0 | 5180832.0 | 1721.2 | 35.2 | -83.0 | 426.11 | 383.44 | 392.98 | 9.54 | 7.42 | Lower Copper Zone |
| with | 386.72 | 392.98 | 6.26 | 10.68 | |||||||
| SC24-285 | 506900.0 | 5180832.0 | 1721.2 | 28.9 | -67.6 | 392.03 | 363.65 | 365.45 | 1.8 | 15.30 | Lower Copper Zone |
| SC24-286 | 506609.0 | 5180868.0 | 1779.0 | 45.4 | -73.9 | 495.67 | 77.23 | 80.77 | 3.54 | 4.67 | Upper Copper Zone |
| SC24-286 | 438.25 | 446.78 | 8.53 | 6.60 | Lower Copper Zone | ||||||
| SC24-287 | 506850.0 | 5180852.0 | 1731.1 | 336.0 | -71.5 | 431.9 | weakly mineralized | Lower Copper Zone | |||
| SC24-288 | 506850.0 | 5180852.0 | 1731.0 | 110.0 | -78.8 | 460.25 | 396.15 | 409.34 | 13.19 | 12.77 | Lower Copper Zone |
| SC24-289 | 506900.0 | 5180832.0 | 1721.0 | 51.0 | -63.0 | 444.09 | weakly mineralized | Lower Copper Zone | |||
| SC24-290 | 506425.0 | 5180870.0 | 1767.0 | 82.0 | -71.0 | 90.5 | 96.16 | 5.66 | 1.63 | Upper Copper Zone | |
| SC24-290 | 506425.0 | 5180870.0 | 1767.0 | 82.0 | -71.0 | 513.31 | 476.68 | 481.39 | 4.71 | 4.54 | Lower Copper Zone |
| SC24-291A | 506622.0 | 5180877.0 | 1741.0 | 58.0 | -68.5 | 507.03 | 67.25 | 70.37 | 3.12 | 3.67 | Upper Copper Zone |
| 80.9 | 82.9 | 2.00 | 5.36 | Upper Copper Zone | |||||||
| SC24-291A | weakly mineralized | Lower Copper Zone | |||||||||
| SC24-292 | 506361.5 | 5180939.0 | 1771.0 | 0.0 | -84.5 | 453.54 | 120.21 | 125.89 | 5.68 | 2.32 | Upper Copper Zone |
| SC24-292 | 369.02 | 371.81 | 2.79 | 4.08 | Lower Copper Zone | ||||||
| SC24-293 | 506354.0 | 5180981.0 | 1773.0 | 346.0 | -76.5 | 362.1 | 126.39 | 134.92 | 8.53 | 4.01 | Upper Copper Zone |
| SC24-293 | weakly mineralized | Lower Copper Zone | |||||||||
| SC24-294 | 506441.5 | 5180834.0 | 1768.0 | 64.0 | -80.0 | 511.45 | 94.72 | 101.35 | 6.63 | 3.29 | Upper Copper Zone |
| SC24-294 | Zone faulted away | Lower Copper Zone | |||||||||
| SC24-295 | 506441.5 | 5180834.0 | 1767.55 | 38 | -68 | 461.95 | weakly mineralized | Upper Copper Zone | |||
| SC24-295 | weakly mineralized | Lower Copper Zone | |||||||||
| SC24-296 | 507052.4 | 5180697.0 | 1711 | 315° | -72.5° | 498.96 | 471.86 | 475.05 | 3.19 | 19.46 | Lower Copper Zone |
| SC24-297 | 507061.5 | 5180693.0 | 1712.6 | 332° | -71.5° | 514.2 | Faulted away | Lower Copper Zone | |||
| SC24-298 | 506454.0 | 5181004.0 | 1784 | 035° | -86° | 395.63 | 104.14 | 115.74 | 11.6 | 1.61 | Upper Copper Zone |
| with | 104.14 | 109.22 | 5.08 | 3.35 | Upper Copper Zone | ||||||
| SC24-298 | 368.31 | 372.95 | 4.64 | 1.81 | Lower Copper Zone | ||||||
| SC24-299 | 507222.4 | 5180646.0 | 1715 | 54.5° | -74° | 518.6 | Faulted away | Lower Copper Zone | |||
| SC24-300 | 507052.4 | 5180697.0 | 1711 | 319° | -79° | 501.3 | weakly mineralized | Lower Copper Zone | |||
| SC24-301 | 506899.0 | 5180826.0 | 1721 | 350° | -59.5° | 174.65 | 27.67 | 36.79 | 9.12 | 1.72 | Upper Copper Zone |
| SC24-302 | 506899.0 | 5180826.0 | 1721 | 350° | -59.5° | 383.74 | 30.8 | 35.72 | 4.92 | 2.21 | Upper Copper Zone |
| 357.36 | 360.2 | 2.84 | 8.98 | Lower Copper Zone | |||||||
| SC24-303 | 506899.0 | 5180826.0 | 1721 | 17° | -60° | 398.37 | 364.93 | 367.72 | 2.79 | 11.82 | Lower Copper Zone |
| SC24-304 | 506852.0 | 5180856.0 | 1731 | 350° | -70.5° | 441.84 | Assays pending | Upper Copper Zone | |||
| Assays pending | Lower Copper Zone | ||||||||||
| SC24-306 | 506852.0 | 5180856.0 | 1731 | 003° | -76° | 412.94 | Assays pending | Upper Copper Zone | |||
| Assays pending | Lower Copper Zone | ||||||||||
| SC24-307 | 506700.0 | 5180717.0 | 1741 | 004° | -63.5° | 492.92 | Assays pending | Upper Copper Zone | |||
| Assays pending | Lower Copper Zone | ||||||||||
| SC24-307A | 506703.7 | 5180888.5 | 1385.15 | 007° | -65° | 77.69 | Assays pending | Lower Copper Zone | |||
| SC24-308 | 506700.0 | 5180717.0 | 1741 | 010° | -68.5° | 523.34 | Faulted away | Upper Copper Zone | |||
| Assays pending | Lower Copper Zone |
Intercept calculations included a minimum of 2 samples above a
1) Drilling conducted by Ruen Drilling of Hope, Idaho. HQ3-sized core was collected. Drill holes were oriented with dips varying between -80 to -70 degrees in relatively variably dipping mineral zones. Intercepts may be slightly longer than true thickness.
2) After being logged and photographed in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, all mineralized zones were sampled by cutting half-core splits which were delivered to ALS labs in Reno Nevada for processing. ALS crushed the entire sample to
3) ALS Labs are accredited by ISO/IEC 170205:2017 methods for North America.
4) Drillhole collars are surveyed conforming to UTM NAD83 Zone 12.
5) The Company is aware of no drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to above.
Figure 1: Drilling completed at the Black Butte Project from mid-December 2023 to December 2024. Black diamonds show pierce points in Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone. Assay results are light brown for high grade and blue for low grade. Colored areas show Measured (red), Indicated (yellow), and Inferred (blue) resource areas from the 2020 Technical Report.
Johnny Lee Copper Deposit
The Johnny Lee deposit has a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 10.9 million tonnes (Mt) at an average copper grade of
Qualified Person
Jerry Zieg, Sr. Vice President of Exploration for the Company, is a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101 and has also reviewed and approved the information of a scientific or technical nature contained in this news release. Mr. Zieg verified the data disclosed in this news release, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information, or opinions contained in this news release.
*(2020 Technical Report) - “Feasibility Study (Johnny Lee Deposit) and Mineral Resource Estimate Update (Lowry Deposit) – Technical Report NI 43-101” dated October 19, 2020, and news release “Sandfire Resources America Achieves Major Milestones with Completion of Black Butte Copper Project Feasibility Study and Updated Mineral Resource for Lowry Deposit” October 27, 2020, authored by GR Engineering.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contact Information:
Sandfire Resources America Inc.
Nancy Schlepp, VP of Communications and Government Relations
Mobile: 406-224-8180
Office: 406-547-3466
Email: nschlepp@sandfireamerica.com
www.sandfireamerica.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain disclosures in this document constitute “forward looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “intends” or “expects”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events, or results “may”, “could”, “should”, “would” or “occur”. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward‐looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s drilling program and the expected timing and results thereof; the expansion and increased definition of the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone; the Company’s plans to add a third drill and the expected timing thereof; and the completion of an updated Feasibility Study for the Johnny Lee deposit and the expected timing thereof.
In making these forward-looking statements, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including that the Company will be able to complete its drilling program as planned or at all; that the Company’s planned drilling program will achieve expected results; that the Company will be able to achieve further expansion and increased definition of the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone; that the Company will be able to complete any environmental review, permitting process, or engineering and economic studies required for resource development of the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone; that the Company will be able to add a third drill to the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone by January 2025, or at all; and that the Company will be able to complete an updated Feasibility Study for the Johnny Lee deposit in 2026 or at all.
These forward‐looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that results of exploration and development activities will not be consistent with management’s expectations, delays in obtaining or inability to obtain required government or other regulatory approvals or financing, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the risk of accidents, labor disputes, inclement or hazardous weather conditions, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground control problems, earthquakes, flooding and all of the other risks generally associated with the development of mining facilities.
Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. We seek safe harbor.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ae30ac75-e859-4852-9c08-deb88a8a5601
FAQ
What are the latest drilling results from Sandfire Resources America's (SRAFF) Black Butte Project?
When will Sandfire Resources America (SRAFF) complete its current drilling program at Black Butte?
What is the current resource estimate for SRAFF's Johnny Lee deposit?
When will SRAFF complete the updated Feasibility Study for the Black Butte Project?
How many drill rigs is SRAFF currently operating at Black Butte?
