Diablo Resources' Phoenix Copper Project Delivers Exceptional High-Grade Results
Diablo Resources' Phoenix Copper Project has announced impressive copper results, revealing significant mineralisation with rock chips grading up to 42.6% copper and channel samples returning 6m @ 2.13% copper, including 1m @ 7.16% copper.
Strategic Position in America's Second-Largest Copper Producing State
The Phoenix Copper Project is strategically located along strike from the currently producing Lisbon Valley Copper Mine (LVCC) in Utah, which holds approximately 740 million pounds of copper reserves. This places Diablo in the heart of the world-class Lisbon Valley Mining District, a region known for its prolific copper production.
Utah ranks as the second-largest copper-producing state in the USA, having produced 700 million pounds of copper in 2023 alone. These operations contribute significantly to making mining companies global economic powerhouses.
The project consists of two claim blocks – CC and Stateline – covering a total area of 5,840 acres (23.6 km²) across 292 unpatented lode claims. The location offers year-round access via sealed and maintained gravel roads, providing significant operational advantages.
Multiple High-Grade Targets Identified
The company has identified six priority targets with potential to host copper mineralisation similar to that being mined at LVCC. Initial exploration has already delivered exceptional results:
Target 1 (Philadelphia Prospect):
- Channel sampling returned outstanding intercepts:
- 6m @ 2.13% Cu, including 1m @ 7.16% Cu
- 2m @ 2.40% Cu
- 3m @ 1.28% Cu
- 10m @ 0.55% Cu
- Mineralisation confirmed over a 750m strike length
Target 2:
- Road cut grab samples yielded:
- 8.21% Cu and 36 g/t Ag
- 4.66% Cu
- 2.74% Cu
- 0.86% Cu and 48 g/t Ag
Target 4:
- Reconnaissance grab sampling returned an exceptional 42.6% Cu and 211 g/t Ag
Target 5:
- Grab sample from a dozer scrape yielded 14.7% Cu and 55 g/t Ag
Understanding Sediment-Hosted Copper Deposits
The Diablo Resources Phoenix Copper Project targets sediment-hosted copper deposits, which are among the world's most significant sources of copper. These deposits form when copper-rich fluids migrate through permeable sedimentary rocks and precipitate along favourable geological horizons, often along faults or within specific rock types.
What makes this style of mineralisation particularly attractive to investors is the potential for extensive, continuous mineralisation that can be economically mined. Sediment-hosted copper deposits often support long-life mining operations with relatively predictable grades and metallurgical characteristics.
At Phoenix, the geology is characterised by a structurally controlled Paleozoic Paradox Basin containing folded clastic sediments, evaporites, and carbonates. The structural setting, particularly along the Lisbon Valley Fault and Eastern Bounding Fault, creates ideal conditions for copper mineralisation similar to the nearby operating Lisbon Valley Copper Mine.
Copper Market Tailwinds
The timing of Diablo's exploration program coincides with a robust copper market. Copper prices have surged to approximately US$9,855 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange, reflecting strong global demand driven by energy transition and electrification trends.
As the world moves toward renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicles, copper demand is projected to significantly outpace supply in the coming years. Understanding the copper price forecast is becoming increasingly important for investors in the mining sector.
The United States has identified copper as a critical mineral essential for national security and economic prosperity, potentially providing projects like Phoenix with additional strategic importance.
Clear Path Forward
Diablo has outlined a focused exploration strategy to rapidly advance the Phoenix Copper Project:
1. Ongoing soil and rock sampling programs, combined with detailed geological mapping
2. Systematic evaluation of the six identified targets in order of priority
3. Development of drill targets expected to be tested in 2025
Modern technology enhances copper exploration significantly, allowing companies like Diablo to leverage innovative techniques in their programs.
As Chairman Paul Lloyd commented: "Initial sampling and reconnaissance on the identified Targets have returned some very exciting results clearly demonstrating the excellent potential to identify further copper mineralisation. The ongoing exploration includes soil geochemistry, geological mapping and reconnaissance sampling."
Why Investors Should Follow Diablo Resources
Diablo Resources presents a compelling investment opportunity for several key reasons:
1. Strategic Location: The project is positioned in a proven copper district adjacent to productive mines, minimising exploration risk.
2. Exceptional Early Results: Initial sampling has delivered exceptional high-grade copper values (up to 42.6% Cu) that are significantly above typical economic grades for copper deposits.
3. Multiple Target Areas: With six priority targets identified, the company has a pipeline of opportunities to deliver exploration success across its landholding.
4. Strong Copper Market: With copper prices near multi-year highs and structural demand growth from energy transition, the timing for developing new copper resources is ideal.
5. Clear Development Timeline: The company has outlined a systematic exploration approach with drilling planned for 2025, providing a clear pathway to potential resource definition.
The combination of high-grade initial results, strategic location in America's second-largest copper-producing state, and strong copper market fundamentals positions Diablo Resources Phoenix Copper Project for potential significant revaluation as exploration progresses.
The Diablo Resources Phoenix Copper Project is particularly noteworthy due to its proximity to the existing Lisbon Valley Copper Mine and the historical Big Indian Copper Mine, which produced 150,000 tonnes of copper ore averaging 1.5% primarily during World War II. This historical production serves as a key to informed mining investments in the region.
Furthermore, the overall geological setting of the Diablo Resources Phoenix Copper Project within the Lisbon Valley, localised on a northwest-trending, double plunging anticline (arch-shaped fold), creates an ideal structural setting for copper mineralisation. The intersection of major structures like the Lisbon Valley Fault and Eastern Bounding Fault with favourable host rocks provides multiple targets for copper deposition, as demonstrated by the initial high-grade results.
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