VMS Discovery Hunt: CZR's Edamurta Project Shows Striking Similarities to Golden Grove Deposits
Major EM Survey Reveals High-Grade Copper-Silver-Zinc Potential at Depth
CZR Resources (ASX: CZR) has revealed compelling evidence that its Edamurta copper-silver-zinc project in Western Australia has the potential to host a significant VMS (volcanogenic massive sulphide) deposit similar to the world-class Golden Grove mine located just 45km away.
A recently completed Moving Loop Electromagnetic (MLEM) survey over a 2km section of the Edamurta volcanic sequence has identified highly conductive anomalies at depth that could indicate the presence of massive sulphide mineralization – the key to high-grade VMS deposits.
"Following a recent detailed review of our Buddadoo project, the potential of the Edamurta VMS deposit was highlighted, given its obvious analogy to the world-class Golden Grove copper-gold-zinc-silver deposits, located only 45km to the east," said CZR Managing Director Stefan Murphy.
"We have extensive mineralised gossans on surface, historical copper and zinc drill hole intercepts and similar-aged volcanic rocks to Golden Grove. Previous drilling targeted the surface gossans and while it generated very encouraging results that proved the presence of a fertile VMS system, they lacked the technology that exists today to look deeper for high-grade massive sulphide accumulations."
Historical Drilling Confirms Active VMS System
The CZR Resources Edamurta project has a history of promising drill results, with previous intercepts including:
- 3.2m at 3.8% Cu from 188.7m in EDH8
- 4m at 1.5% Cu, 5g/t Ag, 0.1g/t Au from 104m in WHD-2
- 7m at 0.9% Cu, 4g/t Ag, 0.1g/t Au from 112m in BDRC063
- 5.5m at 3.4% Zn from 99m in EDH4
Importantly, these historical drill holes intersected disseminated to stringer sulphide mineralization – typically found on the periphery of higher-grade massive sulphide zones in VMS systems. This is similar to what Solstice Minerals uncovered with high-grade gold at their Bluetooth prospect, where initial results hinted at larger mineralized systems.
New EM Survey Identifies 12 Highly Conductive Targets
The MLEM survey has identified 12 highly conductive plates at depth along the 2km strike length surveyed. These conductors range in conductance from 200 to 6,000 Siemens, with the strongest conductors potentially representing massive sulphide accumulations.
| Conductor Plate | Conductance (S) | Depth to plate (m) | Dip (°) | Dip direction (°) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3,500 | 163.1 | 60 | 295 |
| 2 | 800 | 168.3 | 65 | 302 |
| 3 | 800 | 109.9 | 70 | 312 |
| 4 | 1,000 | 168.3 | 70 | 312 |
| 5 | 900 | 130.4 | 70 | 307 |
| 6 | 2,200 | 101.6 | 75 | 327 |
| 7 | 200 | 63.1 | 80 | 325 |
| 8 | 4,000 | 163.1 | 75 | 325 |
| 9 | 6,000 | 69.9 | 75 | 330 |
| 10 | 3,000 | 95.5 | 75 | 332 |
| 11 | 400 | 100 | 80 | 317 |
| 12 | 2,500 | 200 | 85 | 317 |
Understanding VMS Deposits: The Key to Exploration Success
VMS (volcanogenic massive sulphide) deposits are formed when metal-rich minerals precipitate from hydrothermal fluids near or on the seafloor. These deposits typically occur in layers and may contain substantial concentrations of copper, zinc, lead, silver, and gold.
What makes VMS deposits particularly attractive to explorers is their potential for high-grade mineralization concentrated in massive sulphide lenses. These deposits often feature:
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Zoning patterns: Copper-rich zones typically occur at the base (closer to the hydrothermal source), with zinc-rich zones toward the top.
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Stringer/disseminated zones: Lower-grade disseminated and stringer sulphide mineralization often surrounds the high-grade massive sulphide cores.
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Surface expression: Oxidized caps or "gossans" at surface can provide exploration clues, but the highest-grade portions are typically found at depth.
The Golden Grove deposits, which CZR is using as an analogue for Edamurta, demonstrate this pattern perfectly – with higher-grade massive sulphide zones discovered at depth after initial lower-grade discoveries near surface. In a similar vein, Austin Metals recently identified new gold targets along strike from their high-grade discovery using a comparable exploration strategy.
The Golden Grove Connection: A 53.8Mt Resource Just 45km Away
The strategic significance of the CZR Resources Edamurta project location is substantial. The nearby Golden Grove mine, operated by 29Metals, hosts an impressive resource of 53.8Mt at 1.7% Cu, 4.2% Zn, 0.7 g/t Au, and 30 g/t Ag.
Golden Grove's history offers a blueprint for exploration at Edamurta. Initially discovered in 1971, Golden Grove featured distinct copper and zinc zones with oxide mineralization at surface. The high-grade massive sulphide accumulations that now form the backbone of the operation were discovered at depth – precisely the target model CZR is pursuing at Edamurta.
Next Steps: Drill Testing High-Priority Targets
CZR has outlined plans for a 3,000m, 11-hole Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program to test the high-conductance plates identified by the MLEM survey. This program is scheduled for the current quarter, subject to completion of the sale of CZR's Robe Mesa project.
Following the initial RC program, the company plans to implement down-hole EM surveys to better define the massive sulphide targets for subsequent drilling. This methodical approach mirrors the strategy recently employed by ZMI in securing drilling approval for their massive untested anomaly at Mt Clere.
Why Investors Should Take Notice
The CZR Resources Edamurta project represents a compelling investment proposition for several reasons:
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World-class analogue: The proximity and geological similarities to Golden Grove provide a proven exploration model.
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Technical validation: The MLEM survey has identified conductor plates consistent with massive sulphide accumulations.
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Historical confirmation: Previous drilling has already confirmed the presence of a fertile VMS system.
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Unexplored potential: Modern exploration techniques are being applied to a historically underexplored area.
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Strategic location: The project benefits from excellent infrastructure in an established mining region.
With exploration activity ramping up and drill testing of these high-priority targets imminent, CZR Resources offers investors exposure to a potentially significant copper-silver-zinc discovery in one of Australia's premier mining jurisdictions. Furthermore, the company's approach aligns with successful strategies seen in recent major discoveries like Hammer Metals' gold-copper finds in North Queensland.
The CZR Resources Edamurta project could follow a similar trajectory to companies like Lunnon Metals, who recently entered exclusive talks with Gold Fields for their Lady Herial project, demonstrating how promising exploration assets can quickly attract major industry attention.
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