Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. (TSX-V:MON)
(“
Montero” or the “
Company”) has
started a detailed field work program on its Avispa
copper-molybdenum exploration concessions in Chile, following its
successful completion of reconnaissance exploration on the
property. The Avispa project covers 17,000-hectares (170 km2) in
the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. It is situated within the
well-defined north to south trending Paleocene-Eocene copper
porphyry belt which hosts giant operating copper-molybdenum mines.
Montero’s reconnaissance exploration work has
shown extensive surface areas of Tertiary evaporites with
intercalated sediments and gravels overlaying older volcanic and
intrusive rocks that could potentially host the target
copper-molybdenum deposits at Avispa.
The reconnaissance exploration process involved
a detailed investigation of historical geological, geophysical,
remote sensing, hydro-geological and Landsat data, reconnaissance
mapping and sampling of the Avispa project area. The work has
provided a basis for Montero’s Phase One field exploration program
that will include detailed geological mapping, drill chip sampling
at previous drill sites, surface lithological sampling and
geophysical surveys. The Company will use the information obtained
in this phase to develop drilling targets with the aid of
innovative exploration technology.
The prospective porphyry target geology of the
Avispa project lies below a sequence of cover rocks consisting of
gravels and fine-grained clastic sediments intercalated with
evaporite deposits of Tertiary age. The target lithologies are the
underlying Paleogene volcanic, Cretaceous monzodiorite, and diorite
porphyry rocks (Figure 1).
Avispa is located approximately 40 km north of
BHP’s Spence copper-molybdenum mine and KGHM’s Sierra Gorda
copper-molybdenum mine. It is 50 km west of Codelco’s massive
Chuquicamata porphyry copper mine. The property is surrounded by
exploration and mining concessions held by major mining companies,
including Codelco in the north and Freeport and Glencor to the
south, with Antofagasta and SQM exploring to the east and west,
respectively (Figure 2). The Avispa district was previously the
target of wide-spaced exploration drilling by BHP and other major
mining companies but they only explored part of Montero’s Avispa
property.
Dr Tony Harwood, President and CEO of Montero
commented: “Montero’s 17,000-hectare landholding is clearly in the
proximity and in the same geological setting as world-class
operating copper-molybdenum mines. Our reconnaissance exploration
has revealed positive detail on the geology, structure,
geochemistry and the location of previous drilling sites. The Phase
One field exploration program, now underway, will set out to
discover mineralized copper-molybdenum deposits with smaller
exploration footprints than that targeted by major mining
groups.”
Figure 1 is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13c67042-4a6a-4f82-a783-cac6a619e2b2
Figure 2 is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6fe6d9f1-02af-493c-b215-316ca3f49dd3
Phase One Field Exploration
Program
During the Phase One field exploration program,
detailed mapping at a scale of 1:10,000 will further outline the
location of exposed volcanic and intrusive rocks on the property.
Importantly, it will also assist Montero in understanding the depth
of the gravels at Avispa. The rock chip and soil sampling program
will be undertaken on selected lithologies to help define
geochemical signatures of any potential buried mineralization.
“Our geologists have located further surface
reverse circulation drill stockpiles left by companies that
previously drilled the area that will be sampled,” says Harwood.
“The planned geophysical work will include magnetics and electrical
methods over selected areas of the property to define an anomaly
pattern that might identify any buried mineralized targets and
controlling structural features. Based on this information,
potential drill targets will be prioritized for further
testing.”
Montero’s consulting geologist, Marcial Vergara,
has reviewed publicly available data on Avispa and conducted site
field visits. Vergara previously worked for Codelco and Anglo
American in Chile, two of the largest mining companies operating in
the country and is familiar with the geological setting of the
major occurrences of mineralization in the region.
“Montero remains focused on exploring for gold,
silver and base metals in the highly prospective southern Andes
area,” says Harwood. “The company has adopted a prospect generation
strategy at Avispa whereby 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 and position
ourselves favourably for the expected long-term demand for
copper.”
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 in Chile.
About Montero Montero is a
junior exploration company focused on finding, exploring, and
advancing globally significant gold and base metals deposits in
Latin America. The company is in the process of relinquishing its
portfolio of battery metals 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