Tuffnell Ltd. Announces Geophysics Details of Phase II Exploration at the Little Butte Gold/Copper Project in Arizona, Confirming Mineralized Structures Averaging 400 Feet in Width and at Least 3,000 Feet Long
Tuffnell Ltd. is pleased to announce gradient IP-resistivity survey details (Geophysics) of the Phase II Exploration program at the Little Butte Gold/Copper Project.
Mr. George Dory, Tuffnell’s CEO, is pleased to report that Tuffnell’s geophysical survey interpretation indicates the mineralized structures discovered to date are part of a major north-south strike-slip fault system that averages 400 feet in width and is at least 3,000 feet long. Additional north-south structures were identified to both the east and west.
A gradient IP-resistivity survey was conducted over a 3,600 by 3,600 feet area centered on drill hole LB-1010. A30 meter dipole spacing was used along east-west lines spaced 100 meters apart. The survey was completed by Zonge Engineering of Tucson, Arizona and interpreted by Frank Fritz, a respected geophysicist.
Mr. Fritz’s interpretation shows several north-south structures offset by east-northeasterly trending later faults. There are also two large resistivity lows and two associated smaller IP effect highs. By far the most impressive feature runs north-south through the middle and correlates well with the structure and mineralization found in the Company’s drilling. This resistivity high runs at least 3,000 feet to the north and averages 300-500 feet in width. Fritz interprets this feature as an altered structure. He interprets a steep easterly dip on the east side where an IP effect high also occurs. The IP effect high may be associated with sulfide mineralization at depth. A similar but weaker resistivity/IP effect anomaly occurs on the western boundary of the survey. Fritz also interpreted several other north-south faults worth future follow-up.
When the veins discovered to date are plotted on the resistivity map a district scale structural interpretation soon emerges. The veins which strike N30-35W are formed by right lateral strike-slip movement. Dilational faults occur as a result of the strike-slip movement causing extension between the two major north-south boundary faults. The company now has a well defined target easily tested with additional drilling.
Also of interest is Mr. Fritz’s belief there is a major dike under the central portion of the resistivity high. This dike may be the source of the mineralization and begs a deeper drill hole at some point in the Company’s exploration program.
The geophysical survey interpretation indicates the mineralized structures discovered to date are part of a major north-south strike-slip fault system that averages 400 feet in width and is at least 3,000 feet long. Additional north-south structures were identified to both the east and west and a similar but weaker second anomaly occurs along the western margin of the survey. The identification of the geophysical target associated with the mineralization defines a discrete target that can be easily drill tested.
A map showing the location of trenches and the current drilling program may be found shortly on the Tuffnell website www.tuffex.com. Assay results for drilling will be released as soon as all results have been interpreted.
After all results are in and interpreted from the current trenching and core drilling, a plan for further testing will be developed using all available data. This plan will undoubtedly include RC drill testing to the north of the IP anomaly overlying the LB-1010 zone and other anomalies found by the survey. Further core drilling may also be appropriate if the LB-1010 zone remains open along strike and at depth. Planning for a deep test of the Grasberg style copper/gold target will continue as the winter exploration program develops. Tuffnell is also in the process of planning its Phase 3 exploration program and believes Phase 3 to be a very important milestone for the company as results continue to be very exciting for the Company.
