Iron oxide copper gold style (IOCG) mineral deposits are the target at Don Beno, with gold and copper the principal metals of interest.
The Don Beno Project is located about 60 kilometres south of Copiapó. This 100% Zoro-owned property consists of 7,100 hectares covering intrusive and metasedimentary rocks of Cretaceous age – the same host rocks as Candelaria.
After initial exploration efforts directed at porphyry copper style deposits, Zoro geologists recognized that Don Beno is more likely an IOCG occurrence, based on their recognition of alteration types and geochemistry that support such mineralization.
The initial exploration work in 2008 included IP/Resistivity surveys, which delineated several near-surface geophysical anomalies. Subsequent drilling encountered anomalous gold, silver, and copper in disseminated pyrite hosted by a variety of rock types.
Continued geologic mapping and sampling substantiated the disseminated pyrite occurrences, but determined that the geology and geochemistry at the property supports an IOCG mode of mineralization.
In his 43-101 technical report, published in 2010, John Hiner recommends a detailed mapping and sampling program to further evaluate the property's potential, including an aeromagnetic compilation of the entire property.
Induced polarization results for Don Beno. The depth of investigation is approximately 250 metres below surface. The IP targets extend well below this depth. Click image to enlarge.
