Canadian Phosphate Intersects Whistler Member Target in Wapiti Drilling

The first eight drill holes of a campaign by Canadian Phosphate (ASX: CP8) at its Wapiti project in British Columbia have intersected the target Whistler Member and confirmed a visually significant phosphatic horizon.

Detailed geological logging identified phosphatic intervals, including the Phosphate Main Zone at the base of Whistler Member and directly above the contact with the underlying Vega-Phroso Member.

The zone, which extends more than 3 kilometres to the south, is thought to be consistent with historical exploration data and modelling, containing abundant phosphatic pellets, nodules, and clasts, a phosphate-rich matrix and fossil fragments.

The eight holes represent one-third of the planned 3,000m program, with drilling scheduled for completion in September ahead of initial assays from Calgary-based AGAT Laboratories.

Known Phosphate Horizons

Canadian Phosphate’s drilling is testing the continuity, thickness, and grade of known phosphate horizons across priority target areas identified through historical exploration and recent geological modelling.

The initial targets are the East Limb and central area of the Red Deer Syncline with a view to proving areas of continuous phosphate seam to the south of the property.

Further targets along strike remain on the property outside of the current permitted area and will be assessed as needs and permitting allow.

The company is pursuing a diversified strategy across its North American project portfolio aimed at supplying phosphate into agricultural and advanced industrial markets.

The Wapiti campaign is expected to provide geological confidence and representative material for metallurgical studies focused on the development of enhanced phosphorus products for regenerative agriculture, along with the manufacture of single super phosphate fertiliser for Western Canadian agriculture and production of purified phosphoric acid for lithium iron phosphate cathode active material and super phosphoric acid end uses.

Large-Scale Opportunity

Managing director Daniel Gleeson said exploration at Wapiti continued to demonstrate the characteristics of a large-scale sedimentary phosphate opportunity.

“Our initial drilling has confirmed the presence of phosphatic horizons and intercepted the previously studied Main Zone, with encouraging visual observations and preliminary portable x-ray fluorescence supporting the continuation of phosphate mineralisation within the project area,” he said.

“These early results reinforce our belief that Wapiti has the potential to become a strategically important source of phosphate in North America and we look forward to reporting assays as they become available.”

Canadian Phosphate will use the exploration results to progress an update to Wapiti’s historical mineral resource estimate of 1.54 million tonnes at 21.6% phosphorus pentoxide before year end.

As North America continues to localise critical mineral supply chains and fertiliser production, the company believes Wapiti is well-positioned to become an important domestic source of phosphate for the food security and energy transition markets.