How Sentinel Metals’ New Geophysics and Expert Advisor Could Unlock Columbia Gold
Sentinel Metals has completed a comprehensive field program at its Columbia Gold Project, integrating advanced geophysical surveying and detailed geological mapping to sharpen drill targets ahead of its maiden diamond drilling campaign.
- Completion of high-resolution HSAMT geophysical survey and detailed geological mapping
- Integration of new data with historical sampling to refine structural and mineralisation models
- Identification of classic epithermal textures confirming high-grade gold potential
- Appointment of Dr. Greg Corbett, a leading epithermal gold systems expert, as Consultant Technical Advisor
- Upcoming maiden 5,000-metre diamond drilling program to test newly defined targets
Exploration Milestone Achieved
Sentinel Metals Limited (ASX, SNM) has successfully completed a pivotal field exploration campaign at its Columbia Gold Project in Montana, USA. The program combined a high-resolution hybrid-source audio-magnetotellurics (HSAMT) geophysical survey with detailed structural and geological mapping, marking a significant step forward in the company’s quest to unlock the project’s deeper gold potential.
The HSAMT survey, conducted over 284 stations, is designed to probe subsurface resistivity to depths exceeding 800 metres. This cutting-edge geophysical technique is particularly suited to identifying the vertical feeder structures that are believed to source the surface mineralisation, a critical factor in targeting high-grade epithermal gold deposits.
Refining the Geological Model
Alongside the geophysical work, Sentinel engaged Dahrouge Geological Consulting to undertake meticulous structural and geological mapping. This involved measuring vein and fracture orientations, documenting hydrothermal textures, and sampling key mineralised zones. The mapping confirmed the presence of classic low-sulphidation epithermal textures such as crustiform-colloform banding and ginguro sulphide bands, which are indicative of preserved high-grade boiling zones, prime targets for gold mineralisation.
By integrating the new HSAMT data with updated mapping and historical soil and rock sampling, Sentinel aims to refine its structural interpretation and mineralisation model. This integrated approach is expected to sharpen the definition of deeper feeder zones and evaluate a promising western blind target, identified by a high-grade vein intercept at depth.
Expertise Boosts Confidence
Adding significant technical weight to the project, Sentinel has appointed Dr. Greg Corbett as a Consultant Technical Advisor. Dr. Corbett is internationally recognised for his expertise in porphyry-epithermal gold systems and co-authored the seminal geological framework widely used in the industry. His involvement is expected to enhance the company’s drill targeting strategy, particularly in understanding the structural and fluid processes that create bonanza-grade gold shoots.
Looking Ahead
With the field program complete and data processing underway, Sentinel is preparing for its maiden diamond drilling campaign, targeting approximately 5,000 metres. This drilling will test the newly defined high-impact targets and is poised to deliver critical insights into the project’s gold potential. A technical update and target generation announcement are anticipated shortly, which will provide further clarity on the next phase of exploration.
Bottom Line?
Sentinel Metals is poised to translate advanced geophysical insights and expert guidance into tangible drilling results that could redefine the Columbia Gold Project’s prospects.
Questions in the middle?
- What specific results will the HSAMT survey reveal about the depth and extent of feeder zones?
- How will Dr. Greg Corbett’s expertise influence the prioritisation of drill targets?
- What are the timelines and expected milestones for the upcoming 5,000-metre drilling program?
