Zonte Metals Inc. (TSXV:ZON) (OTC:EREPF) has reported a significant update from its Cross Hills Copper Project in Newfoundland and Labrador, including the discovery of copper and silver mineralization at the N Dunns target and the progression of multiple large-scale Iron Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) targets toward drill testing.
Over the past seven years, Zonte has systematically advanced the Cross Hills Copper Project from an early-stage property with limited copper showings into a district-scale IOCG system featuring nine large, drill-ready targets. Recent geophysical surveys, particularly high-resolution gravity data, have identified strong, deep-seated anomalies interpreted to potentially represent mineralized systems. These anomalies exhibit large-scale dimensions of up to 3,300 metres in length, 600 metres wide, and 1,000 metres in depth, with several remaining open along strike and at depth.
Key highlights include the identification of nine drill-ready IOCG targets, with gravity anomalies ranging from 1 to 5 mGals, suggesting significant tonnage potential. New surface drill hole discoveries confirm the presence of a fertile, copper-bearing hydrothermal system. Approximately $5 million has been invested to date in systematic exploration, including geophysics, geochemistry, and geological mapping. This progress positions Cross Hills as a compelling advanced exploration-stage project with the scale and geological setting attractive to mining companies, analogous to globally recognized IOCG systems such as Olympic Dam and Prominent Hill in Australia.
The N Dunns target is a large geophysical anomaly discovered this past winter through a ground gravity survey, measuring up to 3,300 m in length, 400–600 m wide, and up to 1,000 meters in thickness (see the May 29, 2025 news release). It sits about 100 m below surface. Recent fieldwork above the anomaly uncovered IOCG-style mineralization at surface. Copper-silver mineralization was observed in a series of narrow veins (2–15 cm wide), traceable for up to 150 metres before disappearing under cover. A grab sample from one of these veins returned assay results of 0.5% Cu, 14.3 g/t Ag, trace Au with >10% Fe. The Company notes that grab samples are selective by nature and the result may not be representative of the mineralization in the target area, and that geophysical surveys are not definitive, with no guarantee of a mineral discovery.
With the new surface copper mineralization spatially above the target anomaly, N Dunns will now be advanced to the drill stage. Remaining exploration will include infill and extensions to both the soil and gravity grids. Terry Christopher, CEO of Zonte Metals, commented: "With $5 million invested and years of exploration, we have delineated a large-scale, copper-fertile hydrothermal system at Cross Hills. The discovery of copper and silver mineralization at N Dunns is a key validation of the project's IOCG potential and confirms nine drill targets. As we transition into the drill phase, we look forward to testing these targets and unlocking the value of this underexplored district."
More information on the Cross Hills Copper Project can be found at https://www.zontemetals.com/projects/cross-hills-copper-property.
