Tinka discovers high-grade zinc-lead-silver in Peru
Tinka Resources Limited [TK-TSXV; TKRFF-OTC] provided an update of recent regional exploration activities at the 100%-owned Ayawilca-Colquipucro Project in the base metal belt of central Peru. A zone of high grade zinc-lead-silver sulphide mineralization has been discovered in outcrops at Yanapizgo, 2 km southeast of the Ayawilca zinc resource. In addition at Tambillo, located 10 km north of the Ayawilca resource, the discovery of massive pyrite in surface rocks continues to highlight the district-scale prospectivity for base metals at the project.
Highlights of selective rock chip samples at Yanapizgo include:
- 8% zinc, 19.0% lead, 511 g/t silver over 0.8 metres;
- 0% zinc, 3.8% lead, 130 g/t silver over 0.8 metres, and
- 9% zinc, 3.5% lead, 81 g/t silver over 0.8 metres.
- Preliminary surface mapping at Yanapizgo has discovered base metal sulphide mineralization over a north-south strike length of approximately 350 metres. The thickness of the mineralization is yet to be determined – surface work is continuing;
- At the Tambillo prospect, 10 km north of Ayawilca, massive pyrite mineralization has been identified in outcrops of sandstone over 400 by 300 metres. Tambillo is believed to be prospective because massive pyrite is observed overlying zinc and tin mineralization at the Ayawilca resource;
- A follow-up ground magnetic survey at Tambillo, just completed, has identified sub-surface anomalies for possible future drilling;
- A regional airborne survey covering the full 140 km2 tenement package at Ayawilca-Colquipucro will be completed during May 2016.
           Dr. Graham Carman, President and CEO, stated, “The new surface results at Yanapizgo are exciting for Tinka because they represent some of the highest grades of lead and silver, along with zinc, in surface samples anywhere at the project. It is one of few areas where base metal sulphides are exposed in limestone, the best host for zinc mineralization, at the surface. We are optimistic that mineralization at Yanapizgo could be a significant new zone two kilometres from the Ayawilca resource, and that it could be linked in some way.”
           “We believe that the Tambillo massive pyrite discovery also has significant exploration potential. A recent ground magnetic survey has identified several anomalies, but more work is required to put these into context. The company will shortly commence a regional airborne magnetic survey to cover all of Tinka’s mineral claims at the project. This will assist in the ranking of our regional base metal prospects, as well as identify new targets for follow-up work.”
High-grade surface samples at Yanapizgo, recently discovered 2 km southeast of the Ayawilca resource, are being followed up with more detailed sampling. Base metal mineralization occurs within a horizontal ‘manto’ along a strike length of 350 metres exposed sporadically in a cliff face at the contact between Pucará limestone and overlying sandstone. Expanded sampling and detailed mapping of the Yanapizgo Zone are planned once the rainy season is over.
In other news, Tinka continues to prioritize exploration on areas adjacent to the Ayawilca resource, as well as identify new targets within the company’s extensive 140 km2 tenement package. Ongoing activities include regional mapping and sampling, drill permit renewals and extensions, as well as modeling and interpretation of the recent drill data at Ayawilca. Tinka expects to deliver an updated zinc resource estimate and the first estimation of the underlying tin-copper zone later in 2016.