Big Sandy
Project
Emerging Porphyry Copper Discovery in Arizona
Step-out drilling targeting expansion of a large porphyry copper system
Project Highlights
2.4 km x 2.1 km
MT Conductivity Anomaly
>1.5 km
Vertical system Extent
200m @ 0.42% Cu
BS-3 Drill Result
100% Owned
Flagship Asset
BS-4A
Next Drill Target
PROJECT OVERVIEW
A Large, Concealed
Copper System
Big Sandy represents a compelling porphyry copper target beneath gravel cover in a proven Arizona copper belt. Multiple lines of evidence—including geophysics, surface mineralization, and drilling—indicate a large-scale copper-molybdenum system at depth.
The project combines geologic scale with strong technical indicators, positioning it as a high-interest exploration opportunity.
BS-3 Drill Site
Large Conductivity Anomaly Supports a Mineralized System at Depth
Magnetotelluric (MT) data define a large conductivity anomaly measuring ~2.4 km by 2.1 km, extending to depths greater than 1.5 km.
The anomaly core exhibits very low resistivity, consistent with conductive sulfide mineralization.
Its spatial relationship with surface copper-bearing conglomerates supports a genetic link to a deeper mineralized system.
GEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE
A Large Porphyry System Defined by Multiple Lines of Evidence
Independent geological, geophysical, and geochemical datasets support a large, concealed porphyry copper system at Big Sandy.
Surface Copper Mineralization
Indicates a Concealed Source
Copper mineralization identified at surface occurs within geologically recent conglomerates of the Big Sandy River system. These deposits are interpreted to reflect copper transport from a concealed source at depth.
The presence of exotic copper mineralization at surface represents a key indicator of an underlying porphyry system.
Fanglomerate clasts carrying + 1% copper as chrysocolla and chalcocite (supergene copper minerals) found across a distance of +6 kilometers on the property
Structural Displacement Links Big Sandy to the Diamond Joe System
The Diamond Joe area represents an exposed portion of a porphyry system root zone, while exploration at the Big Sandy target area demonstrates that the upper portions of the system have been structurally displaced. This geological relationship suggests that the Big Sandy target area may represent the missing, concealed portion of a larger porphyry copper system.
Structural interpretation highlighting displacement between the Diamond Joe system and the projected Big Sandy target area.
Magnetotelluric (MT) survey highlighting a large, deep conductivity anomaly spatially associated with surface copper mineralization at Big Sandy.
Age Correlation Confirms a Single Porphyry System
U–Pb zircon dating confirms that the Big Sandy and Diamond Joe systems are coeval, supporting interpretation of a single porphyry system that has been structurally displaced.
Zircon ages from BS-1 (74.2 ± 1.0 Ma) and the Diamond Joe system (74.9 ± 1.2 Ma), located approximately 13 kilometers apart, are statistically indistinguishable.
Additional zircon dating from BS-3 (74.62 ± 0.92 Ma), completed by the University of Arizona (2024) using Bell Copper core collected by the Arizona Geological Survey, further confirms age consistency across the system.
U–Pb zircon age correlation demonstrating that Big Sandy and the Diamond Joe system are part of the same porphyry event despite structural displacement.
These datasets define a coherent porphyry copper system at depth.
INTERPRETATION
Veinlets carrying gray chalcocite and brassy pyrite in porphyry
DRILL RESULTS
BS-3 Confirms Significant Copper Mineralization
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200 m averaging 0.42% Cu
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Includes 54 m at 0.67% Cu
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Chalcocite-dominant copper mineralization
These results confirm a substantial copper-bearing system consistent with porphyry-style mineralization at depth.
District-Scale Porphyry Target
District-Scale Porphyry Copper Target
Big Sandy is interpreted to represent a district-scale porphyry copper system concealed beneath gravel cover in northwestern Arizona.
KEY POINTS
Selected Porphyry System Comparisons
Geophysical data outlines a conductivity anomaly extending over several kilometers, geological relationships with the Diamond Joe porphyry system indicate displacement of a larger system.
The combined footprint, structural setting, and geophysical signature are consistent with large porphyry systems observed in major copper districts worldwide.
- Multi-kilometer conductivity anomaly (~6 × 5 km scale)
- Linked to the exposed Diamond Joe porphyry system
- Evidence of structural displacement and preserved system elements
- Characteristics consistent with large-scale porphyry copper systems
Comparative porphyry system dimensions based on approximate lateral extent of pyrite shells and publicly reported deposit metrics.
These features indicate potential for significant lateral extent and depth within a coherent porphyry system.
ACTIVE PHASE
Expanding the Big Sandy Discovery Through
Step-Out Drilling
The BS-3 drill hole successfully intersected porphyry-style copper mineralization, confirming the presence of a large mineralized system at Big Sandy. Results demonstrate consistent alteration, sulfide mineralization, and geological characteristics typical of major porphyry copper deposits.
NEXT PHASE: BS-4A DRILL PROGRAM
Focused on testing extensions beyond the BS-3 discovery using geophysical and geological targeting.
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Step-out drilling targeting system expansion
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Testing for higher-grade zones
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Refining system scale and continuity
Expanding the System at Depth
DRILLING PROGRAM
Step-out drilling is designed to test the scale and continuity of the Big Sandy porphyry system beyond the initial discovery.
Geologic cross-section of the Big Sandy Project illustrating the BS-3 discovery and the planned BS-4A step-out target within a large porphyry copper system.