QC Copper and Gold discovers new high-grade copper zone at its Opemiska project in Quebec

QC Copper and Gold Inc (CVE:QCCU) (OTCMKTS:QCCUF) reported assay results from the recently-completed drill program on its flagship Opemiska copper-gold project in Quebec, which included 76.5 metres of 0.78% copper equivalent from the Saddle Zone, an area between the Opemiska’s Springer and Perry Mines.

The company said the drill results “clearly indicate that this (Saddle) Zone contains significant mineralized intervals.”

“These new results will likely lead to the possibility of excavating at least some of the Saddle Zone, which is significant as it impacts the strip-ratio but also allows the modelled pit(s) to go deeper,” QC Copper and Gold vice president of exploration Charles Beaudry said in a statement.

READ: QC Copper and Gold on the hunt for the red metal and eyeing consolidation in the famous Chibougamau district of Quebec

The company noted that a reasonable cut-off grade at Opemiska is about 0.25% copper equivalent and the drill intersections of disseminated mineralization obtained in 2019 and to date in 2021 range between 0.4% to 0.6% copper equivalent over 50 to 100 metres in width. 

“When we include the crown pillars, the average grade is even higher and this suggests the project is quite robust. We continue to be very optimistic regarding the upcoming mineral resource estimate numbers,” Beaudry added.

As well, QC Copper and Gold said the Saddle Zone reflects new mineralization not contained in its geological model, and it anticipates these results could consolidate the Springer and Perry pits into a single open pit design.

The company noted its 2021 drill program, which was focused primarily on twinning historical surface mine holes to validate the assays done by the mine, was also meant to test expanding the mineralization on the edges of the modelled pit, including the Saddle Zone.  

It added that the 20,000 metre program is now complete with the final batch of samples expected to leave the project in about four weeks.

QC Copper and Gold said it is targeting a mineral resource estimate to be published in August.

QC Copper and Gold’s flagship Opemiska Copper Mining Complex project is located near the town of Chapais, Quebec within the prolific Chibougamau region. The project consists of two past-producing mines, which were previously owned and operated by mining giant Falconbridge, then bought by Swiss firm Xstrata.

Contact Sean at [email protected]

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