Graduate Research
at Big Sandy
Academic research conducted in collaboration with the University of Arizona Department of Geosciences and the Arizona Geological Survey, supporting critical mineral discovery in northwestern Arizona.
Regional geological map showing the spatial relationship between the Diamond Joe pluton and the Big Sandy porphyry system in northwestern Arizona.
Source: University of Arizona research (Chappell, 2024)
MASTER’S RESEARCH
Defining the Big Sandy Porphyry System
Jonathan Chappell — University of Arizona (Lowell Program)
Jonothan Chappell’s Master’s research at the University of Arizona Department of Geosciences focused on integrating zircon geochronology and ore mineralogy to better understand the relationship between the Big Sandy porphyry copper system and the nearby Diamond Joe pluton in northwestern Arizona. His work aimed to correlate the timing, formation, and evolution of these systems and to determine whether they are part of a single magmatic-hydrothermal system.
Advisors:
Dr. Carson Richardson — Arizona Geological Survey
Dr. Hervé Rezeau — University of Arizona
Key Findings
- Genetic Link Established
Zircon age dating shows Big Sandy and Diamond Joe formed during the same magmatic event - Part of a Larger System
Big Sandy is interpreted as the offset upper portion of a larger porphyry copper system - Multiple Mineralization Stages
Drill core reveals complex, multi-stage hydrothermal activity typical of major porphyry deposits - Primary Copper Enrichment at Depth
Evidence of hypogene enrichment confirms a strong, mineralized system below surface - Outer Shell Interpretation
Mineral zonation indicates Big Sandy represents an outer mineralized shell - Exploration Upside
Findings suggest the central, higher-grade copper core remains undiscovered
GSA PRESENTATION
Research Presented at the Geological Society of America
Graduate research from the Big Sandy project was presented at the Geological Society of America (GSA) in 2024, one of the leading forums for geoscience research. This work highlights the geological characteristics of the system and contributes to broader understanding of porphyry copper exploration in Arizona.
Presentation of Big Sandy graduate research at the Geological Society of America.
Dr. Carson Richardson & Zoey Plonka
DOCTORAL RESEARCH
Advanced Modeling: Mapping Supergene Systems
From Leached Cap to Supergene Enrichment
Doctoral research led by Zoey Plonka at the University of Arizona, in collaboration with the Arizona Geological Survey under the guidance of Dr. Carson Richardson, focuses on evaluating the supergene profile and critical mineral potential of the Big Sandy porphyry copper system.
This work uses drill core from the BS-3 discovery hole to analyze the transition from leached capping to supergene enrichment, providing insight into mineral distribution, enrichment processes, and near-surface geological evolution.
Project Evidence: BS-3 Drill Core Analysis
Drill core samples from hole BS-3 form the basis for studies of supergene enrichment and critical mineral distribution at the Big Sandy project.
Drill core from hole BS-3 showing transition from leached capping to supergene enrichment.