Centenario Gold Corp. (TSXV: CTG) has completed the first phase exploration program at its Los Reyes copper-gold project near Chihuahua, Mexico, reporting high-grade copper mineralization in underground sampling. The program, which included mapping and rock sampling of old mine dumps and underground workings, focused on the intrusive-limestone contact zone where copper-rich skarn mineralization occurs.
The Los Reyes project comprises two mineral claims: El Rey (36.0 hectares) and El Rey 2 (9.3 hectares), located approximately 1.8 km apart. The El Rey claim contains the most significant old mine workings, originally developed by ASARCO in the late 1800s to early 1900s, which reportedly produced about 200,000 tons of Cu-Zn-Ag material.
During this initial phase, Centenario collected 58 rock samples: 7 from surface outcrops, 11 from old waste dumps and shallow pits, 12 from underground at the Tuesda mine, and 28 from underground at the Jibosa mine. The samples were analyzed by ALS Chemex using fire assay for gold and acid digestion for 34 other elements.
The mineralization occurs as chalcopyrite, bornite, malachite, azurite, and chalcocite within irregular, semi-tabular lenses or bodies up to 60 meters wide. Some zones previously mined by ASARCO exceeded 125 meters in length. At the Tuesda shaft, the mineralized zone showed thickness up to 20 meters, while at Jibosa, thickness did not exceed 15 meters. Higher sulfide content is presumed further north of the Tuesda shaft, and fragments of magnetite and skarn with magnetite and specularite in old dumps suggest copper-gold skarn-type mineralization.
The company expects assay results by mid-June. Once received, Centenario will release the geochemical data, which will help understand the controls, distribution, and extension of mineralization. The next phase, a 1,500-meter drill program, is planned for July to test strike and down-dip extensions of the copper-rich skarn zones, focusing on targets near the Jibosa and Tuesda shafts.
Derrick Strickland, an independent Qualified Person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this release. The company cautions that information on adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Los Reyes project.
Centenario Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on acquiring and developing high-potential projects in the Americas, with primary emphasis on gold, copper, and silver. The company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and continues to evaluate new opportunities. For more information, visit www.centenariogold.com.
