Duke Exploration’s copper theory for Quorn firms up after soil anomalies correspond to IP survey

Duke Exploration (ASX: DEX) has yielded further exploration success at Quorn, part of the Bundarra project, with anomalous copper identified in soil samples associated with the primary conductive anomalies identified at the prospect.

A handheld pXRF reader was used on soil samples collected at the prospect where up to 0.47% copper was recorded.

The reader revealed copper soil results were “highly anomalous” over the main conductive targets that were identified recently via a gradient array induced polarisation survey.

Duke has firmed up new targets where conductors and copper soil anomalies correspond, with the company theorising near surface copper sulphide mineralisation is present.

Chairman Toko Kapea said the soil sampling results had enabled the company to “better compare” reported anomalies at Quorn with the Bundarra project’s other target Mt Flora.

“We are very encouraged to see similar scale systems at Quorn to that mapped at Mt Flora where we are drilling near surface copper and silver bearing sulphide,” Mr Kapea explained.

Bundarra discovery potential increases

Mr Kapea said the results increase the company’s confidence in making discoveries in the Quorn area of Bundarra.

“We are already planning to fast-track the acquisition of additional electric geophysical data and pXRF soil data over potential extensions to the anomalies mapped at Quorn to the south and east and expect the scale of the system for exploration to increase in size throughout the coming year,” he added.

In the upcoming March quarter, Duke plans to complete phase one drilling at Mt Flora. Results from this will be used to underpin infill drilling at the prospect.

Over at another anomaly Quarry, Duke will undertake pattern resource drilling focusing on higher grade northern strike extension.

Further geophysics work at Quorn is planned, which will be used for drilling which is scheduled for the June quarter.

The company is attempting to source a second rig to fast-track drilling across Mt Flora, Quorn and Quarry.

At the Prairie Creek gold target, Duke is finalising land access and planning for a drilling program.