{"id":117831,"title":"ECR Minerals PLC: Positive Drilling Results Highlight Significant Potential at Duke of Cornwall Lode System","publisher":"Share Talk","author":"sharetalk","published":"2024-11-20T11:42:21+00:00","modified":"2024-11-20T11:45:13+00:00","canonical_url":"https://www.share-talk.com/ecr-minerals-plc-positive-drilling-results-highlight-significant-potential-at-duke-of-cornwall-lode-system/","markdown_url":"https://www.share-talk.com/ecr-minerals-plc-positive-drilling-results-highlight-significant-potential-at-duke-of-cornwall-lode-system.md","json_url":"https://www.share-talk.com/ecr-minerals-plc-positive-drilling-results-highlight-significant-potential-at-duke-of-cornwall-lode-system.json","category":"Blogs","categories":["Blogs","Exclusive Interviews","Mining"],"tags":["Adam Jones","Andrew Haythorpe","Andrew Scott","Avoca Gold Project","bailieston gold project","Ballarat","ballarat gold system","Black Cat","cherry tree","Creswick Gold Project","David Tang","dimocks main shale","dr rodney boucher","ECR","ECR Minerals","fosterville gold mine","fosterville south exploration","Geological Survey of Victoria","Mike Whitlow","Moderna","Nick Tulloch","Philippines","Queensland","Share Talk","Tambo Gold Project","Timor Gold Project","Victoria"],"featured_image":"https://i0.wp.com/www.share-talk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ECR-20-NOV-2024.webp?fit=1200%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1","format":"news","language":"en-GB","content":"**ECR Minerals PLC,** the AIM-listed gold exploration and development company, has released highly promising [results from its recent diamond drilling programme](https://www.share-talk.com/ecr-minerals-plc-aimecr-initial-drilling-results-from-tambo-gold-project/) at the Duke of Cornwall Lode system in Victoria, Australia.\n\nThe update not only underscores the geological potential of this area but also highlights the company’s methodical approach to exploration, utilising advanced diamond drilling techniques to refine its understanding of the gold system.\n\nThis latest announcement is another milestone in ECR’s journey to unlock the value of its Australian assets and underpins its strategy to build shareholder value through strategic exploration.\n\n**Strong Drill Results with Exceptional Grades**\n\nThe standout results from this initial phase of the drilling campaign include intercepts from drill hole DOCD002, which revealed:\n\n0.15 metres at 24.10 grams per tonne (g/t) gold\n\n0.40 metres at 8.51 g/t gold\n\nThese high-grade gold intersections are particularly significant given the relatively narrow vein widths encountered. Consistency in grades from both surface rock chip and channel samples further strengthens confidence in the mineralisation continuity along the lode.\n\n**Surface channel sampling also produced remarkable results, including:**\n\n0.2 metres at 180 g/t gold\n\n0.25 metres at 27.80 g/t gold\n\nThese grades suggest the Duke of Cornwall Lode system hosts a robust and continuous gold-bearing structure. Historical sampling and the new results consistently returned grades between 17.65 g/t and 180 g/t gold, confirming the system’s high-grade nature.\n\n**The Importance of Diamond Drilling**\n\nThis drilling programme employed diamond drilling techniques, which allow for the recovery of high-quality, intact core samples. Diamond drilling is widely recognised as the gold standard for precision and provides critical structural and geological information that traditional drilling methods cannot achieve.\n\nCommenting on the methodology, **ECR’s Technical Director noted**: “The use of diamond drilling has been critical in providing clear, high-resolution structural insights into the vein system. The data generated is invaluable for building a precise geological model, which will underpin future exploration and development planning.”\n\nThe high-definition structural data acquired enables the team to better understand the vein orientations, continuity, and potential controls on mineralisation, which are vital for targeting future drilling and resource estimation.\n\n**Exploration Strategy and Results to Come**\n\nThe current programme consisted of five diamond drill holes, with a total of 439 metres drilled. The campaign was designed to test the gold grade continuity along strike and at depth, with four of the holes targeting mineralisation below surface rock chip sample locations. Drilling also aimed to expand the geological model, providing critical insights into the lode structure.\n\nEarly results suggest success on both fronts. Commenting on the progress, ECR’s Technical Director added:\n\n“We have drilled some 75 metres in a vertical sense below the old workings in anticipation these results will be similar to the results nearer surface. Despite this being a small drilling programme, early indications are pointing towards further potential. This programme is covering only some 100 metres of strike along the system, with over 250 metres still untouched at our grasp.”\n\nWith rapid assay turnaround times, results from the remaining holes (DOCD001, 003, 004, and 005) are expected by the end of the month.\n\n**Visual Indicators and Associated Minerals**\n\nThe drill core revealed strong visual indicators of mineralisation, including the presence of sulphides such as chalcopyrite, tungsten, and arsenopyrite. These minerals often occur alongside gold mineralisation in high-grade systems, serving as key indicators for exploration.\n\nAssay values also showed a strong correlation with elevated bismuth, providing further evidence of the system’s potential scale and consistency.\n\n**Management Comments: Confidence in the Future**\n\nECR’s **CEO, Mike Whitlow**, expressed enthusiasm about the results, stating: “These early results from the Duke of Cornwall Lode system are outstanding and validate the geological potential of this area. The high-grade gold intercepts, consistent mineralisation across the Main Lode, and the visual indicators in the core provide confidence in the continuity and potential scale of the system. We look forward to the remaining results and the insights they will bring as we work towards defining the scope of this exciting opportunity.”\n\nThe **Chief Geologist Adam Jones** added his perspective, saying: “I am glad to see the results to date are aligned to our previous rock chip sampling, that is, more consistent gold results. I am eager to know what the outcome of the remaining holes will be. I have seen plenty of visual indicators within the core, including chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite sulphides.”\n\nThese comments reflect a growing optimism within the team as they uncover more evidence of the project’s significant potential.\n\n**A Strategic Approach to Unlocking Value**\n\nECR’s focus on high-quality exploration techniques, such as diamond drilling, is a testament to its commitment to unlocking value from its portfolio. By acquiring precise structural and geological data, the company is laying the groundwork for resource definition and potential development.\n\nThe Duke of Cornwall Lode system is shaping up to be an exciting opportunity for ECR Minerals. The combination of high-grade results, strong geological continuity, and underexplored strike length makes this a compelling target for further exploration.\n\n**Looking Ahead: What’s Next for ECR Minerals?**\n\nWith results from the remaining drill holes expected by month-end, ECR Minerals is on the cusp of a significant milestone. These results will provide further clarity on the system’s scale and continuity, paving the way for future resource estimation.\n\nECR’s exploration strategy remains focused on identifying high-value assets in Australia’s prolific goldfields. The Duke of Cornwall Lode system is just one example of the potential within the company’s portfolio.\n\nAs the team continues to build on its successes, investors will be closely watching for updates from the remaining holes and future exploration campaigns. With a strong technical team, a clear strategy, and encouraging results, ECR Minerals is well-positioned for success.\n\n**Progress on Non-Core Asset Disposal**\n\nIn addition to the initial  positive results from the Duke of Cornwall Lode system, ECR Minerals is advancing its strategy to streamline its portfolio through the disposal of non-core assets. Discussions with a counterparty, with whom the Company has entered into an exclusivity agreement, are progressing well. This initiative is part of ECR’s commitment to focusing resources on its core exploration projects, ensuring maximum value creation for shareholders. Updates on the disposal process will be provided shortly as discussions reach key milestones.\n\nFor more information, visit [www.ecrminerals.com.](http://www.ecrminerals.com.)"}