Montero Initiates Exploration Program on the Avispa Copper-Molybdenum Property, Chile
June 15 2021 - 9:28AM
Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. (TSX-V: MON)
(“
Montero” or the “
Company”) is
pleased to announce the commencement of exploration of its 170 km2
Avispa copper molybdenum exploration concessions (Avispa or the
“property”) located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The
Avispa project is situated within the well-defined north to south
trending late Paleocene to early Eocene Cu-Mo porphyry belt of
northern Chile that hosts some giant operating porphyry copper
mines. The property is located approximately 40 km north of BHP’s
Spence Cu-Mo mine and KGHM’s Sierra Gorda Cu-Mo mine which are
situated in this belt. Avispa is also 50 km west of Codelco’s
Chuquicamata supergiant porphyry copper mine that occurs within the
younger late Eocene – early Oligocene porphyry belt (Figure 1). The
property is surrounded by major mining companies with exploration
and mining concessions including; Codelco in the north and Freeport
and Glencor to the south with Antofagasta and SQM to the east and
west.
The prospective geology of the Avispa project is
below a sequence of cover rocks consisting of gravels and
fine-grained clastic sediments intercalated with evaporite deposits
of Tertiary age. These sediments are underlain by Paleocene
volcanics and Cretaceous monzodiorite and diorite porphyries
(Figure 1). The Avispa district was previously the target of some
wide-spaced exploration drilling.
Dr. Tony Harwood, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Montero commented, “Montero has secured 17,000 hectares
in this highly prospective copper district in proximity and in the
same geological setting as world class operating copper molybdenum
mines. The Avispa exploration program will be the first step in
defining drill target areas to test for buried porphyry and
porphyry-related copper molybdenum mineral deposits.”
Figure 1 is available
at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e8736c3f-158a-4086-af95-cf29fd57cb02
Planned Exploration Program
Montero has completed a thorough investigation of historical
information on exploration in this highly prospective area and aims
to utilize cutting edge exploration technology with the objective
of developing drilling targets. The Company has planned an
exploration program that includes; geological mapping, surface
sampling, ground, and airborne geophysical surveys.
Reconnaissance mapping has shown extensive areas
of Tertiary evaporites with intercalated sediments that overlay
older volcanic and intrusive rocks hosting the porphyry deposits in
the area. The area will be initially mapped and prospected on a
scale of 1:10,000. A rock chip and soil sampling program will be
undertaken to help define geochemical signatures of any buried
mineralization. Our geologists will also sample surface RC
stockpiles that have been left next to RC drill holed left by
previous companies that has drilled in the area. Geophysical work
planned in the future will include airborne magnetics over selected
areas of the property to define possible buried porphyry targets
and controlling structural features. Targets will be prioritized
for reverse circulation drill testing.
Previous companies to have explored Avispa
include BHP that conducted limited drilling on the property at 2 km
to 3 km spacing as part of a regional exploration program. Montero
believes that there is potential for buried porphyry and
porphyry-related deposits with smaller footprints than those sought
by major companies.
Montero’s Chief Geologist, Marcial Vergara, has
reviewed publicly available data on Avispa and has conducted a
field visit. Marcial previously worked for Codelco and Anglo
American, both major operating copper mining companies in Chile.
Montero has adopted a prospect generator model at Avispa where it
will de-risk the project and carry out limited exploration while
seeking a partner to advance the project through the drill phase.
This will provide Montero shareholders with exposure to the copper
space while it continues to focus on the gold-silver potential of
southern Chile.
Qualified Person's Statement
This press release was reviewed and approved by Mr. Mike Evans,
M.Sc. Pr.Sci.Nat. and Sr. Marcial Vergara B.Sc. who are qualified
persons for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. Sr Vergara
is based in Santiago and has more than 30 years’ experience in
copper exploration experience in Chile.
About Montero Montero is a
junior exploration company focused on finding, exploring, and
advancing globally significant gold deposits in Latin America. The
Company is in the process of relinquishing its portfolio of battery
metal projects in Africa to focus on gold opportunities in Latin
America. Montero’s board of directors and management have an
impressive track record of successfully discovering and advancing
precious metal and copper projects. Montero trades on the TSX
Venture Exchange under the symbol MON and has 38,647,485 shares
outstanding.
For more information, contact:
Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. Dr.
Tony Harwood, President and Chief Executive Officer
E-mail: ir@monteromining.com Tel: +1 416 840 9197 | Fax: +1 866 688
4671 www.monteromining.com
Neither 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.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING
INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking
information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities
laws. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to,
statements, projections and estimates with respect to the Share
Consolidation. Generally, forward-looking information can be
identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as
“plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”,
“scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or
“does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words
and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”,
“could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be
achieved”. Such information is based on information currently
available to Montero and Montero provides no assurance that actual
results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking
information by its very nature involves inherent risks and
uncertainties that may cause the actual results, level of activity,
performance, or achievements of Montero to be materially different
from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
information. Actual results relating to, among other things,
completion of the agreement, results of exploration, project
development, reclamation and capital costs of Montero’s mineral
properties, and financial condition and prospects, could differ
materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for
many reasons such as: an inability to complete the agreement on the
terms as announced or at all; changes in general economic
conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in
demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative,
environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and
competitive developments; technological and operational
difficulties encountered in connection with Montero’s activities;
and other matters discussed in this news release and in filings
made with securities regulators. This list is not exhaustive of the
factors that may affect any of Montero’s forward-looking
statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully
and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking information. Montero does not undertake to update
any forward-looking information, except in accordance with
applicable securities laws.
Montero Mining and Explo... (TSXV:MON)
Historical Stock Chart
From Nov 2024 to Dec 2024
Montero Mining and Explo... (TSXV:MON)
Historical Stock Chart
From Dec 2023 to Dec 2024