Untested Earl’s Target Could Hold Cyprus-Style Copper Deposit, Firetail Says
Firetail Resources has identified an 800-metre strike of high-grade copper-only mineralisation at the Earl’s Target within its Skyline Copper Project in Newfoundland, bolstering the case for Cyprus-style VMS deposits in the region.
- 800m strike of copper-only VMS mineralisation identified at Earl’s Target
- Rock chip samples up to 18.19% copper confirm high-grade potential
- Geological setting analogous to Cyprus’s Troodos ophiolite hosting major copper deposits
- No prior geophysical surveys or drilling at Earl’s Target; new surveys underway elsewhere
- Due diligence progressing on recent US gold project acquisitions
A New Copper Frontier at Skyline
Firetail Resources Limited (ASX – FTL) has revealed a significant copper discovery at its Skyline Copper Project in Newfoundland, Canada. Prospecting at the Earl’s Target has delineated an 800-metre strike of copper-only volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralisation, a style distinct from the polymetallic copper-zinc-silver deposits previously explored nearby.
This copper-only mineralisation is particularly intriguing as it aligns with a Cyprus-style deposit model, named after the prolific Troodos ophiolite sequence in Cyprus. These deposits are known for their high-grade copper lenses hosted within mafic volcanic rocks and have a rich mining history dating back thousands of years. The geological sequence at Skyline mirrors that of Troodos, suggesting strong potential for similar large-scale copper deposits.
High-Grade Samples and Untapped Potential
Rock chip sampling at Earl’s Target has returned exceptional copper grades, with assays reaching as high as 18.19% copper. These results underscore the high-grade nature of the mineralisation and validate the prospectivity of this newly identified strike zone. Notably, the area has not yet been subjected to any magnetic, induced polarisation (IP), or electromagnetic geophysical surveys, nor has it been drill tested, leaving much of its potential unexplored.
Firetail’s Managing Director, Glenn Poole, emphasised the significance of this discovery, highlighting that Earl’s Target lies outside previously surveyed zones and represents a fresh frontier within the Skyline Project. The company is advancing geophysical programs elsewhere on the project, including a 3D IP survey over the Governor’s Target and planned high-resolution UAV magnetic surveys across the extensive 8-kilometre ophiolite sequence. These surveys aim to identify additional concealed mineralisation and refine drill targets.
Broader Exploration and Strategic Moves
Alongside the Skyline copper exploration, Firetail is progressing due diligence on two high-grade gold projects recently acquired in the United States, the Excelsior Springs Gold Project in Nevada and the Bella Gold Project in South Dakota. These acquisitions complement Firetail’s copper focus with promising gold assets, positioning the company for diversified growth.
The company’s broader portfolio also includes copper-silver projects in Peru, where exploration continues to define new targets. Firetail’s strategic approach combines geological analogies, modern geophysical techniques, and targeted acquisitions to build a robust pipeline of mineral assets.
Looking Ahead
Firetail’s identification of a high-grade copper trend at Earl’s Target marks an exciting development in the Skyline Project’s evolution. With geophysical surveys and drilling yet to commence at this target, the coming months will be critical in testing the continuity and scale of the mineralisation. The company’s ongoing exploration and acquisition activities suggest a dynamic phase ahead as it seeks to unlock value across its global portfolio.
Bottom Line?
Firetail’s discovery at Earl’s Target could redefine Skyline’s copper potential, but upcoming surveys and drilling will be the true test.
Questions in the middle?
- Will geophysical surveys confirm the extent and depth of the Earl’s Target copper mineralisation?
- How soon will Firetail commence drilling to test the high-grade copper zones at Earl’s Target?
- What impact will the US gold project acquisitions have on Firetail’s overall growth strategy?
