Angkor Resources Corp. (TSXV: ANK) (OTCQB: ANKOF) has announced the results of a scientific study that supports the potential for a porphyry copper-molybdenum system at its Andong Bor mineral exploration license in northwest Cambodia. The study, conducted by the Economic Geology Laboratory at Kyushu University in Japan and the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, analyzed drill core from the Thmei North target. The findings are significant because they confirm the presence of a porphyry-style system, which is the world's primary source of copper, and provide critical guidance for the company's ongoing exploration efforts.
The study identified three stacked alteration zones typical of porphyry systems: a deep potassic zone, a chlorite-serite zone above it, and a phyllic zone near the surface. Copper mineralization is mainly found in the potassic and chlorite-serite zones, while the upper phyllic zone appears to lack copper. This distribution is consistent with the company's modified porphyry model, which targets potassic-altered sediments adjacent to feldspar porphyry diorite dikes. The study also found molybdenite, the primary ore mineral of molybdenum, within the copper-bearing zone, and fluid inclusion measurements indicate that the main copper-bearing veins formed at temperatures between 300 and 415 degrees Celsius, with evidence of boiling that is commonly associated with metal deposition.
These results matter because they validate the company's exploration strategy and provide a clear vector for the remaining 1,700 meters of drilling planned for early 2027. Dennis Ouellette, VP Exploration, stated, "This study supports what we have been seeing in the core. The copper is in the potassic and chlorite-serite 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 company's own assay results, previously reported, include 108 meters of 0.53% copper equivalent and 46 meters of 0.51% copper equivalent in potassic-altered rock, aligning with the study's conclusions.
The study also highlights the partnership between Angkor Resources and the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, which supports building Cambodia's national capacity in geoscience. For more details on the initial drill program, see ANGKOR RESOURCES DRILLS INITIAL PROGRAM AT ANDONG BOR COPPER-GOLD TARGET, CAMBODIA - Angkor Resources Corp. Investors can also review the previously reported assay results at ANGKOR CONFIRMS 108 METRES OF 0.53% COPPER EQUIVALENT AT ANDONG BOR, CAMBODIA, December 13, 2022.
The scientific study provides detailed visual data, such as 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.. Additionally, Figure 2 Core samples prepared for sending to ALS laboratory for assay. and Figure 3: Angkor staff prepare samples from latest drilling at Andong Bor for analysis and assay. illustrate the sampling process. For more information about the company, visit angkorresources.com.
The implications of this study are substantial for Angkor Resources and for Cambodia's emerging mining sector. By confirming the porphyry nature of the system, the company can more efficiently allocate resources and target higher-grade zones. The planned 2027 drilling will test the potassic and chlorite-serite zones at depth, which could lead to a significant copper-molybdenum discovery. Furthermore, the collaboration with Cambodian institutions underscores the role of international partnerships in advancing the country's geoscientific knowledge and resource development. As the global demand for copper continues to rise, projects like Andong Bor could play a strategic role in supplying critical metals.
