Pampa Medina’s High-Grade Discovery Raises Development Questions
Marimaca Copper has reported exceptional high-grade copper intersections at its Pampa Medina deposit, significantly expanding the known mineralized area and hinting at a major new sediment-hosted copper system in Chile.
- 6m at 12.0% copper intersected in bornite-rich sulphides
- Deposit extends over 1.4km by 1.2km with thick, high-grade zones
- Drilling confirms a unique sediment-hosted manto copper system
- Preliminary Economic Assessment paused to reassess scale and strategy
- Definitive Feasibility Study for Marimaca Oxide Deposit nearing completion
A Breakthrough in Chilean Copper Exploration
Marimaca Copper Corp has unveiled a striking new chapter in its exploration story with the discovery of ultra high-grade copper sulphide mineralization at the Pampa Medina deposit, located in Chile's Atacama Desert. The company’s latest drilling results reveal a sediment-hosted copper system that is both extensive and exceptionally rich, with intercepts such as 6 metres grading 12.0% copper within a broader 26-metre zone averaging 4.1% copper. These findings not only extend the deposit in all directions but also suggest a scale and grade profile rarely seen in Chile.
A Unique Sediment-Hosted Manto System
The Pampa Medina deposit sits in a flat valley approximately 28 kilometres east of Marimaca Copper’s flagship Marimaca Oxide Deposit. The mineralization is hosted in a flat-lying, sedimentary manto system characterized by interbedded shales, sandstones, conglomerates, and tuffs. This style of copper deposit is unusual for Chile, more closely resembling the Kupfershiefer deposits of Europe or sediment-hosted copper systems in Africa. The discovery of thick, high-grade bornite and chalcopyrite zones across a large area; up to 1.4 kilometres east-west and 1.2 kilometres north-south; signals a potentially transformative asset for the company.
Implications for Development and Production
Given the scale and grade of the mineralization, Marimaca Copper has prudently paused its Preliminary Economic Assessment to reassess the development strategy for Pampa Medina. The deposit’s proximity to existing infrastructure; including powerlines, water pipelines, major ports, and nearby mines operated by industry giants such as BHP and Antofagasta Minerals; offers significant logistical and permitting advantages. These factors could translate into a lower capital intensity and faster path to production compared to more remote projects.
Ongoing Exploration and Near-Term Milestones
The company has added a second diamond drill rig to accelerate its 14-hole follow-up program, aiming to delineate the full extent of the mineralized manto system. Meanwhile, the Definitive Feasibility Study for the nearby Marimaca Oxide Deposit is nearing completion and expected to be released shortly, providing further clarity on the company’s near-term production profile. Marimaca’s leadership emphasizes a dual strategy, advancing exploration to unlock district-scale copper potential while progressing towards copper cathode production in the near term.
Strategic Positioning in a Competitive Copper Landscape
Marimaca Copper’s discovery at Pampa Medina adds a compelling new dimension to Chile’s copper sector, which is under pressure to replenish reserves amid rising global demand. The combination of ultra high-grade sulphide mineralization, favorable geology, and strategic location positions the company well to emerge as a significant copper producer. Investor interest will likely intensify as the company provides updates from its expanded drilling program and releases the Marimaca Oxide Deposit feasibility study.
Bottom Line?
Marimaca Copper’s Pampa Medina discovery could redefine its growth trajectory, but the market awaits further drilling and economic analysis to confirm its full potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the expanded scale of Pampa Medina impact Marimaca Copper’s production forecasts and capital requirements?
- What are the timelines and key milestones for the updated economic assessment and feasibility studies?
- Could the unique sediment-hosted manto system at Pampa Medina attract strategic partnerships or off-take agreements?
