Sierra Nevada Gold (ASX: SNX) reports exceptional surface rock chip assays up to 15.8% copper and 5.83g/t gold at its As Safra project in Saudi Arabia, identifying a new undrilled copper target and expanding existing zones ahead of a larger Phase 2 drilling program.
- New undrilled North Central Target returns up to 15.8% copper
- As Safra Southeast and southern polymetallic zones materially expanded
- Integration of geochemistry and geophysics refines Phase 2 drill targeting
- Phase 1 drilling results pending, Phase 2 drilling to start within eight weeks
- Strong Saudi government support underpins project advancement
Exceptional Surface Grades Spotlight New Undrilled Target
Sierra Nevada Gold (ASX:SNX) has uncovered a new high-grade copper target at its As Safra project in Saudi Arabia, with rock chip samples hitting up to 15.8% copper and 5.83 grams per tonne gold. This newly identified North Central Target lies approximately 200 metres east of the main ancient workings and stretches over a 500-metre north-northeast trend that has never been drilled. The combination of outstanding copper grades and significant strike length without prior drilling elevates this zone to a top priority for the upcoming Phase 2 drill campaign.
Expansion of Southeast and Polymetallic Zones Broadens Exploration Scope
Beyond the North Central Target, SNX has materially extended the As Safra Southeast target by approximately 200 metres to the northwest and 100 metres to the south-southwest, guided by strong geochemical vectors including bismuth, tellurium, molybdenum, and gold. Additionally, the recently discovered southern polymetallic breccia system has expanded by 150 metres north and 200 metres west, with surface samples returning up to 2.86g/t gold, 0.80% copper, and 5.22% zinc. These expansions underscore the project's district-scale potential and the presence of multiple mineralisation styles within the evolving hydrothermal system.
Geochemical and Geophysical Integration Sharpens Drill Targeting
SNX is integrating these high-grade surface results with Phase 1 drilling data and detailed magnetic, gravity, and induced polarization (IP) geophysical surveys to refine its understanding of the As Safra mineral system. The consistent copper-bismuth-tellurium association across several zones provides valuable vectors for prioritising drill targets, while the distinct gold-silver-copper-lead-zinc signature of the polymetallic breccia highlights the system's complexity. This multidisciplinary approach is enhancing the pipeline of drill-ready targets for the expanded Phase 2 program, expected to commence within eight weeks.
Phase 1 Drilling Results Awaited as Phase 2 Planning Accelerates
All 21 remaining Phase 1 drill hole results targeting copper mineralisation are due over the next two weeks. SNX’s CEO Adam Oehlman emphasised that the company is entering Phase 2 with a larger and better-defined suite of high-priority targets than at the outset of Phase 1. The upcoming drilling will aim to advance the near-surface Central Copper Zone towards resource definition while systematically testing the newly identified and expanded targets across the 5.5-kilometre mineralised corridor.
Saudi Arabia’s Mining Reforms Bolster Project Prospects
Operating under a modernised mining framework aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, SNX benefits from streamlined permitting, government incentives, and improved access to geological data. The company’s wholly owned Saudi subsidiary, Arabian American Minerals, facilitates local operations and capability building. This supportive environment, combined with increasing international mining interest, positions As Safra as a compelling copper-gold exploration play in a rapidly emerging jurisdiction.
Bottom Line?
SNX’s surface sampling success and target expansions set the stage for a crucial Phase 2 drilling campaign that could reshape the scale and scope of the As Safra copper-gold system.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Phase 1 drilling results confirm the continuity of the high-grade copper mineralisation indicated by surface samples?
- How will SNX prioritise targets within the expanded 5.5km mineralised corridor for efficient Phase 2 drilling?
- What are the potential implications of the polymetallic breccia system for the overall resource model at As Safra?