Historical Rock Chips Show Up to 39.1 g/t Gold at Mt Ephraim Deep-Lead Mine
Cosmo Metals reveals striking historical gold assay results from the Mt Ephraim deep-lead mine within its Nundle Project, spotlighting a promising new target for large-scale gold-copper mineralisation in New South Wales.
- Historical rock chip samples show gold grades up to 39.1 g/t at Mt Ephraim
- Multi-element anomalies suggest intrusion-related gold-copper mineralisation
- Hanging Rock field features over 550 historic pits and shafts across 6.7 km strike
- Cosmo prioritises ground truthing and follow-up exploration at Mt Ephraim
- Historical data predates current JORC standards and awaits independent validation
Historical Gold Highlights at Mt Ephraim
Cosmo Metals Ltd (ASX, CMO) has brought renewed attention to the Mt Ephraim deep-lead gold mine within its Nundle Project in New South Wales, unveiling highly anomalous historical rock chip assay results. Samples collected from quartz veins on the pit floor returned gold grades as high as 39.1 grams per tonne, alongside significant silver, copper, bismuth, and tellurium. These findings, derived from exploration conducted between 1984 and 2008, suggest a compelling mineralisation system that has yet to be fully tested by modern drilling.
Intrusion-Related Gold-Copper Potential
The multi-element geochemical signature identified at Mt Ephraim aligns with intrusion-related gold systems (IRGS), a style known globally for hosting both bulk tonnage and high-grade deposits. This contrasts with the more common orogenic gold mineralisation typical of the broader Nundle Goldfield. The presence of an I-type granodiorite intrusion adjacent to the pit floor further supports the prospectivity of this target, which could represent a significant new discovery avenue for Cosmo Metals.
Extensive Historical Work and LiDAR Insights
Complementing these assay results, a recent high-density LiDAR survey has mapped over 550 historic pits and shafts along a 6.7-kilometre strike within the Hanging Rock field. This area, largely untouched by modern drilling, includes multiple deep-lead gold mining operations and extensive alluvial workings. The LiDAR data has been instrumental in refining exploration focus, revealing structural controls and mineralised trends that were previously underappreciated.
Next Steps, Ground Truthing and Target Definition
Cosmo Metals is prioritising ground truthing activities at Mt Ephraim and the broader Hanging Rock field to validate historical data and refine geological models. Planned work includes detailed geological mapping, systematic rock chip sampling, and ultimately drill target definition. While the historical data provides a strong foundation, Cosmo acknowledges that these results do not yet comply with the 2012 JORC Code and are subject to independent verification.
Strategic Implications for Cosmo Metals
This development marks a significant step in Cosmo Metals' strategy to unlock value from its underexplored NSW assets. The potential discovery of an intrusion-related gold-copper system could diversify the company's portfolio and enhance its growth prospects. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly observing the outcomes of upcoming exploration campaigns, which could redefine the mineral potential of the Nundle Project.
Bottom Line?
Cosmo Metals’ validation of Mt Ephraim’s high-grade gold potential could reshape exploration dynamics in NSW’s Nundle region.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Cosmo Metals confirm the historical high-grade gold assays through modern drilling?
- How extensive is the intrusion-related gold-copper mineralisation beneath the Mt Ephraim pit?
- What impact will these findings have on Cosmo Metals’ valuation and exploration priorities?
