Grafton Resources Inc. has commenced an 80 line-kilometre mobile magnetotelluric heliborne survey at its Alicahue Gold-Copper Project in Valparaiso, Chile. The survey, conducted by Expert Geophysics Surveys Inc., is designed to cover the entire project area within a single day, with interpreted results anticipated by March 2026. This advanced geophysical investigation represents a significant step in the company's exploration strategy for the Chilean property.
The MobileMT technology employed in this survey is recognized for its ability to identify subsurface geologic structures, alteration halos, and contrasting lithologies. When combined with complementary VLF-EM data that provides near-surface electromagnetic information, the methods are expected to yield increased resolution of shallow features. According to the company, this integrated approach should identify deep-seated faults, lithological contacts, and structures controlling mineral systems from surface to depths of approximately 1 to 2 kilometers, depending on the conductivity distribution of the local geology.
Campbell Smyth, Chairman of Grafton Resources, emphasized the survey's potential significance. "We expect the Mobile MT data will provide a three-dimensional image of the Alicahue Project area," Smyth stated. "We hope the survey will assist us in tracing the outline of a possible porphyry centre in the southeast concession. Further we hope the survey helps us to vector towards the origin of the IOCG vein systems and possible feeder zones to gold and copper vein mineralization mapped in the area."
The technical capabilities of MobileMT are particularly relevant for mineral exploration, as the technology is known for identifying areas of electrically conductive sulphides potentially linked to mineralized porphyry intrusive centres, and resistive bodies representative of intrusions. This makes it especially valuable for projects targeting porphyry copper-gold systems and iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposits, both of which are significant mineral deposit types in Chile's prolific mining regions.
The implications of this survey extend beyond Grafton Resources' immediate exploration program. Successful identification of mineralized structures could potentially reveal new exploration targets in a region already known for its mineral wealth. The Alicahue Project's location in Chile's Valparaiso region places it within a geological setting that has historically produced significant copper and gold deposits. The survey results, expected in March 2026, could provide valuable data not only for Grafton but for the broader understanding of the region's mineral potential.
For investors and industry observers, the initiation of this advanced geophysical survey represents a methodical approach to exploration that prioritizes data collection before committing to more invasive and expensive drilling programs. The use of heliborne technology allows for rapid coverage of large areas with minimal environmental disturbance, aligning with modern responsible exploration practices. The company's filings and additional business information are available through regulatory channels including www.sedarplus.ca.
The broader mining industry continues to benefit from advancements in geophysical technologies like MobileMT, which enable more precise targeting of mineral resources while reducing the environmental footprint of exploration activities. As global demand for copper and gold remains strong, particularly for electrification and renewable energy infrastructure, efficient exploration methods that can identify new resources become increasingly valuable. The results from Grafton's survey will contribute to the growing body of geological knowledge about Chile's mineral endowment while potentially revealing new opportunities for resource development in the region.
