GT Resources Identifies High-Grade Copper Potential at North Rock west of Thunder Bay

GT Resources Inc. has announced the successful identification of multiple Bore Hole ElectroMagnetic (BHEM) conductors at its North Rock copper-nickel-platinum group element (Cu-Ni-PGE) project in Northwestern Ontario. The findings highlight the potential for significant high-grade sulphide mineralization within the underexplored 13-kilometre Grassy Portage Gabbro Complex.
“The North Rock project was one of the most significant assets acquired through our 2023 Metalcorp acquisition,” said Derrick Weyrauch, President and CEO. “High-grade copper in grab samples from our initial exploration program underscores the project’s immense potential, especially with the use of modern BHEM techniques targeting untested high-grade mineralization.”
Exploration Highlights
• Grab Samples: A highlight grab sample (NP-NR-24-001) returned 8.2% copper from the historic Beaver Pond Zone.
• BHEM Results: The first BHEM survey in Q4 2024 revealed several in-hole and off-hole conductors within the deepest drill holes, validating the method’s efficacy for identifying blind, high-grade sulphide zones.
• Beaver Pond Zone: Hosts a historic resource estimate of 1 million tons grading 1.2% copper, defined by Noranda in 1958 and accessed through a 90-meter shaft and underground development.
Neil Pettigrew, VP Exploration, noted, “The BHEM survey results confirm our thesis that the Grassy Portage Gabbro Complex is a favourable setting for disseminated copper-rich sulphide mineralization and higher-grade footwall vein-style deposits. This geological setting is reminiscent of notable deposits like the Temagami Mine in Ontario and the Duluth Complex in Minnesota.”
Modernizing Exploration
The North Rock project benefits from exceptional infrastructure, including a paved provincial highway, railway, and hydro lines. Spanning over 7,000 hectares, the project hosts two main mineralization styles:
1. Gabbro-Hosted: Disseminated to net-textured sulphides within the basal gabbro contact.
2. Footwall Vein-Style: Massive copper-PGE-rich sulphides within the footwall volcanic rocks.
The Q4 2024 BHEM survey targeted historic drill holes in the Beaver Pond Zone, including NR07-062, the deepest hole on the property. This hole intersected high-grade footwall Cu-PGE mineralization and identified Maxwell-modeled conductors representing both known and potential untested zones. Plans are underway to expand the survey to additional zones, including the East Zone, known for abundant footwall vein-style mineralization.
Future Plans
GT Resources plans to open historic drill trails to improve access for further BHEM surveys. The company aims to refine its exploration strategy to better define both disseminated and high-grade sulphide mineralization. The results underscore North Rock’s potential to host significant copper resources with polymetallic opportunities, paving the way for cost-effective exploration and development.
By Kevin Vincent, Senior Contributing Editor to Mining Life Online and Mining Life & Exploration News
Tags: Northern Ontario / Exploration / Gold / All Articles