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The chalcopyrite shows a strong affinity for the tourmaline, but also occurs disseminated in the quartz porphyry. The tourmaline makes up much of the matrix, follows closely spaced fractures, and also occurs very finely disseminated throughout the quartz porphyry. The remnant sulphides in the exposed cliff faces and float show leaching has been strong, but will be shallow. There is little chance of significant secondary enrichment of copper because of the limited leaching. The above description can be applied to the southwestern half of the pipe from 3,700 meters up to 4,000 meters. The other half up to 4,500 meters, as observed through binoculars, appears to be the same, but the presence or absence of chalcopyrite cannot be confirmed at present.As can be seen in the accompanying claim map, the southern part of the pipe is within SAGC's Pimenton claim block. The northern part belongs to CODELCO.The extreme topography will make for slow and costly surface fieldwork, and leaching will affect the reliability of any surface sampling. Percussion drilling is an effective method to get initial results. Fortunately road access within SAGC's ground, to both sides of the pipe as well as it's southwestern end and center, will be over talus with very little if any rock blasting required. The siting of the first percussion holes will be favored by two aspects. First, the entire southern limit corresponds to a cliff at least 30 meters high. This can be drilled into with drill holes inclined at 60 degrees to the horizontal, which will have very little overburden. Second, the center of the pipe has been eroded by a glacial cirque. This has left a semicircular amphitheater within the breccia pipe. (see photo) This means drill holes around the amphitheater can be collared in solid rock. Careful systematic surface visual examination in these two areas is expected to find early drill targets. Subsequent drilling will depend on results. If an economic body or bodies can be outlined within the breccia pipe by the early percussion drilling, a suitably detailed diamond drill program can follow to define reserves. Pimenton can experience light to heavy snow conditions during the Chilean winter season from May to October. The company's current plans are to immediately construct 10 km of road to provide access to the breccia pipe. This will be followed by further exploration of the breccia pipe, as mentioned above, and the siting of drill holes. If light winter conditions prevail, drilling could progress during the winter months. |
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