Castillo Copper chief geologist Joel Logan has formulated a three-day surface sampling campaign centred on eight areas across the company’s Big One deposit.

The focus areas, north and south of the 1200m line of lode, were selected from historical anomalous surface copper observations and high conductivity zones.

The geochemical results will help Castillo to come up with high-conviction test-drill targets to potentially extend known mineralisation north of the line of lode.

Related: Castillo Copper keen to develop Big One

“Our goal is to undertake a systematic surface sampling campaign that targets the most conductive IP anomalies north of known mineralisation at the Big One deposit,” Mr Logan said.

“Further, we will re-sample areas with elevated historical copper readings at surface.

“In turn, the combined area will be mapped, and structural measurements collected, with an emphasis on noting haematite-altered and copper-bearing faulting.

“This data should aid in confirming earlier observations from soil and rock chip sampling, where similar mineralised faulting through the Big One deposit trends north directly through the focus area. In addition, gossans north of the focus area will be assessed for visible copper minerals and thoroughly sampled.

“Once the assayed geochemical information and legacy IP readings are reconciled, a comprehensive drill strategy can be formulated.”

Located about 150km north of Mount Isa, Big One has a JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate of 2.1Mt at 1.1 per cent copper for 21,886t contained metal.

Following a strategic asset review in 2023, the new Castillo board is prioritising its development.