Angkor Resources Corp. (TSXV: ANK; OTCQB: ANKOF) has announced the results of a scientific study of drill core from the Thmei North (TN) target on its Andong Bor mineral exploration license in northwest Cambodia. The study, conducted by the Economic Geology Laboratory at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, in collaboration with the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) in Phnom Penh, found that the alteration and mineralization at TN exhibit the characteristics of a porphyry copper-molybdenum system—the type of deposit that supplies most of the world’s copper—indicating potential for such a deposit. The findings align with the modified copper porphyry model the company uses to guide its TN drill program, as detailed in its news release ANGKOR RESOURCES DRILLS INITIAL PROGRAM AT ANDONG BOR COPPER-GOLD TARGET, CAMBODIA - Angkor Resources Corp.
The study, which examined core from TN drill holes, identified three stacked alteration zones typical of porphyry systems: a deeper potassic zone formed by the earliest, hottest fluids where most copper was deposited; an overlying chlorite-serite zone that later altered part of the potassic zone; and an upper phyllic zone formed from later, more acidic fluids that appears to lack mineralization. Copper minerals, mainly chalcopyrite, occur in veins within both diorite and hornfels host rocks, and as disseminated grains in the diorite. Molybdenite, the primary ore mineral of molybdenum, was found only in B-type veins within the potassic zone. Fluid inclusion measurements revealed that the main copper-bearing veins formed at temperatures between 300°C and 415°C, and evidence of boiling suggests a process commonly associated with metal deposition in porphyry systems. These results provide the exploration team with a clearer guide for placing the remaining 1,700 meters of the 2,800-meter TN drill program planned for early 2027.
Dennis Ouellette, VP Exploration, commented, “This study supports what we have been seeing in the core. The copper is in the potassic and chlorite-sericite alteration, while the phyllic zone near the top appears to lack it. That tells us where to aim the next phase of drilling at Thmei North.” The study’s conclusion that copper is concentrated in potassic-altered rock is consistent with assay results previously reported by the company from TN drill core, including a 108-meter interval of 0.53% copper equivalent and a 46-meter interval of 0.51% copper equivalent, both in potassic-altered rock, as noted in the company’s release ANGKOR CONFIRMS 108 METRES OF 0.53% COPPER EQUIVALENT AT ANDONG BOR, CAMBODIA, December 13, 2022.
The study also provided detailed tables and figures, including Table 1: Alteration zones at Thmei North and their relationship to copper., Table 2: Vein sequence at Thmei North, from earliest to latest., and Table 3: Temperature and salt content of the vein-forming fluids, measured from fluid inclusions in quartz. For comparison, seawater is about 3.5% salt.. Core samples were prepared for sending to ALS laboratory for assay, as shown in Figure 2 Core samples prepared for sending to ALS laboratory for assay.. The study was led by Sokvireak Say of Kyushu University and ITC, with contributions from Kotaro Yonezu, Akira Imai, and Akane Ito of Kyushu University, John C. Menzies of Cmi Capital Limited, and Reach Sam of Angkor Resources. The partnership supports Cambodia’s national capacity in geoscience.
For readers and investors, the study underscores the potential of the Andong Bor project to host a significant copper-molybdenum deposit, which could enhance Cambodia’s mineral sector and attract further exploration investment. However, the company cautions that the study is academic and not a technical report under NI 43-101, and no mineral resource has been established. The next phase of drilling will test the potassic and chlorite-serite zones at depth. Angkor Resources, listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, holds two mineral exploration licenses in Cambodia and an onshore oil and gas license, positioning it as a key player in the country’s resource development. More information is available at angkorresources.com.
