March 2023 Quarterly Activities Report

Castillo Copper Limited

26 April 2023

 

26 April 2023

CASTILLO COPPER LIMITED
("Castillo", or the "Company")

March 2023 Quarterly Activities Report

Castillo Copper Limited (LSE and ASX: CCZ), a base metal explorer primarily focused on copper across Australia and Zambia, is pleased to present shareholders its latest quarterly report for the period 1 January to 31 March 2023

HIGHLIGHTS:

EAST ZONE, BHA PROJECT, NEW SOUTH WALES

·    Diamond core assays from the Tors Tank Prospect boosts confidence in the shallow, clay-hosted, rare-earth element ("REE") discovery, with the best intercept:

o 13m @ 1,550ppm Total Rare Earth Oxides ("TREO") from 5m¹

NWQ COPPER PROJECT, QUEENSLAND

·    Geology team will be undertaking site visits to several prospects - including Big One, Arya and Valparaisa - during 1H 2023, to identify new drill targets¹

·    Entech Mining to undertake a pit optimisation and mine design study for the Big One Deposit¹ 

CANGAI COPPER MINE, NEW SOUTH WALES

·    The Board approved plans to update and enhance the confidence in the 2017 inferred JORC MRE¹   

ACTIVITIES REPORT

An overview of key events follows:  

DEVELOPMENT WORK  

Castillo has four properties comprising the NWQ Copper Project in Mt Isa's copper-belt, the BHA Project near Broken Hill's world class silver-zinc-lead deposit in NSW, the historic Cangai Copper Mine and four assets across Zambia's copper-belt.

East Zone, BHA Project, NSW

On 15 February 2023, Castillo announced the assay results for diamond core from TT_005DD (Figure 1) - undertaken at the Tors Tank Prospect which significantly boosts confidence in the shallow, clay-hosted, rare-earth element discovery, with the best intercept:

·    13m @ 1,550ppm Total Rare Earth Oxides from 5m¹

FIGURE 1: TORS TANK DIAMOND CORE FROM 5.3-11.8M (TT_OO5DD)

Source: CCZ geology team

Notably, high value Magnetic REO (Nd+Pr+Dy+Tb) represented an exceptional 38.9% of the TREO grade vs 25% peer average¹.

Re-assays of 4m composite samples at Tors Tank & Fence Gossan to 1m provided greater clarity on the underlying geology, whilst delivering further evidence of an extensive, shallow REE mineralisation system - the best intercepts comprise:

·    17m @ 1,605ppm TREO from 2m and 1m @ 3,236 TREO from 19m (FG_003RC)

·    10m @ 1,013ppm TREO from 49m (FG_001RC)

·    6m @ 1,480ppm TREO from 7m (FG_004RC)

·    5m @ 1,598ppm TREO from 14m (TT_002RC)

·    4m @ 1,342ppm TREO from 28m (FG_004RC)

·    2m @ 3,491ppm TREO from 15m (TT_003RC)¹

Assays for circa 70% of the recent hand auger surface sampling campaign across Fence Gossan delineated a sizeable 4.5km² anomalous area for REE mineralisation. Notably, a preliminary interpretation suggests there are several more prime targets to test-drill that could potentially extend known mineralisation between the Fence Gossan and Tors Tank Prospects¹.

On 28 February, Castillo announced preliminary metallurgical test-work on a 20m composite sample from the Fence Gossan Prospect (FG_003RC) delivered encouraging results, with clays - subjected to froth flotation - obtaining up to 2-3 times REE enrichment from the head grade at up to 70% recovery. These findings confirm REEs can be readily separated from clay within the East Zone discovery area.

To acquire a deeper understanding of the potential to extract REE-mineralisation from clays in the East Zone discovery area, the Board has approved the appointment of a specialist consultancy to conduct an in-depth metallurgy test-work program. Once completed and interpreted, the results from this program will be key to securing interest from potential off-take partners and providing a path to market.

NWQ Copper Project, Queensland

On 23 January 2023, Castillo announced that following a review of prospects at the NWQ Copper Project (Mt Isa copper-belt), Castillo's geology team will be undertaking site visits to several prospects - including Big One, Arya and Valparaisa - during 1H 2023, to identify new drill targets¹.

The initial focus will be on the Big One, which has an inferred MRE of 2.1Mt @ 1.1% Cu for 21,886t copper metal post-two drilling campaigns across 2020-21. Moreover, factoring in a large conductor north of the line of lode, plus reconciling available geophysics and geochemical data, Castillo's geological consultant has set an Exploration Target that ranges from 2-6Mt @ 0.6-1.0% Cu for 12-60kt copper metal¹.

Cautionary Statement: It should be noted that the Exploration Target tonnage range quoted above are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a copper resource. Although a preliminary analysis was undertaken, insufficient data exists to confidently correlate mineralised horizons within the Exploration Target area. It is uncertain whether further exploration may lead to the reporting of a JORC-standard resource, however, there is some evidence to support the current exploration tonnage calculations, and the sufficient mineralised thicknesses interpreted from historical drilling to warrant further investigation in some areas.

The Valparaisa Prospect comprises copper mineralisation across two horizons over a 6km strike event, with the interaction of two intersecting faults suggesting a structurally controlled copper system that can potentially be drill-tested¹.

At the Arya Prospect, there is a significant magnetic anomaly, south of a known graphite system (test drilled in late 2021), that shows potential to be a primary source of copper mineralisation¹.

On 20 February 2023, Castillo's Board approved plans to assess optimising the Big One Deposit via implementing the following:

·    Commissioning an independent engineering contractor to conduct a pit optimisation study on the viability of commencing copper mining operations, utilising prospective third-party processors and effective path to market.

·    Re-formulating optimal plans for a third drilling campaign and companion geophysical surveys to extend known mineralisation beyond the line of lode.

To recap, the Big One Deposit has an inferred MRE at 2.1Mt @ 1.1% Cu for 21,886t¹ copper metal - with best intercepts comprising:

·    40m @ 1.64% Cu from surface incl: 11m @ 4.40% Cu from 24m, 5m @ 7.34% Cu from 28m & 1m @ 16.65% Cu from 29m (303RC)

·    44m @ 1.19% Cu from surface incl: 14m @ 3.55% Cu from 27m, 3m @ 10.88% Cu from 37m & 1m @ 12.6% Cu from 37m (301RC)

·    34m @ 1.51% Cu from surface incl: 21m @ 2.25% Cu from surface, 12m @ 3.44% Cu from 3m, 6m @ 4.79% Cu from 3m and 1m @ 9.4% Cu from 9m (B0017)¹

Post upcoming site visits to several prospects - including Arya, Valparaisa, Boomerang and Josephine - the Board will rank the exploration potential then present the opportunity to prospective development partners in the Mt Isa region.

On 28 March 2023, Castillo appointed Entech Mining to undertake a pit optimisation and mine design study for the Big One Deposit. If the findings are positive, then next steps comprise determining the optimal path to market and effective use of third-party processors.

Concurrently, work can focus on capitalising on Big One Deposit's exploration potential via drill-testing known targets north of the line of lode.

Cangai Copper Mine

On 9 March 2023, following a recent site visit to Cangai Copper Mine (one of Australia's highest grading historic copper mines) by geologist and director David Drakeley, the Board approved plans to update and enhance the confidence in the 2017 inferred JORC MRE - 107,589t contained copper metal (3.2Mt @ 3.35%)¹.

Considerable drilling work post-2017, which includes 34 RC drill-holes for a total of circa 5,000m will be factored into the updated geological model - the best intercepts from these campaigns comprised:

·    11m @ 5.94% Cu; 2.45% Zn & 19.13g/t Ag from 40m including:

o  3m @ 8.1% Cu; 2.84% Zn & 23.42g/t Ag from 41m

o  1m @ 10.25% Cu; 1.68% Zn & 32.50g/t Ag from 48m

o  1m @ 7.53% Cu; 6.04% Zn & 30.60g/t Ag from 50m (CC0023R)¹

·    5m @ 1.56% Cu, 4.43g/t Ag & 0.4% Zn from 92m including:

o  3m @ 2.22% Cu, 6.38g/t Ag & 0.60% Zn (CC004RC)¹

·    4.39m @ 5.06% Cu, 2.56% Zn and 20.1 g/t Ag from 49.9m (CC0036D)¹

Furthermore, the model will factor in bulk sampling done on several historic stockpiles (which should support a higher confidence Indicated MRE), drone topographic survey and re-positioned mine workings that are accurately georeferenced.

Pleasingly, the Cangai Copper Mine still delivers material exploration potential as six down-hole electro-magnetic surveys identified two untested off-hole bedrock conductors interpreted to be open at depth¹.

Zambia Copper Projects

Other than tenement management activities, no further work was undertaken on the Zambia assets during the review period.

CORPORATE

Board changes: On 30 January 2023, Castillo announced two new additions to the Board, as Non-Executive Directors¹ -

o  Mr David Drakeley BSc (Hons), an experienced field geologist who has worked as point on Castillo's drilling campaigns in Broken Hill and Queensland, will oversee designing and implementing all future exploratory work across the group's portfolio.

o  Mr Jack Sedgwick BEng BCom MBA (Distinction) GAICD, a hands-on corporate strategist / business improvement specialist with blue-chip experience across the mining / energy sectors (including working on Rio Tinto's iron ore expansion projects), will oversee portfolio optimisation and the group's finances.

POST PERIOD EVENT 

Magnetic Rare Earth Oxide ("MREO") focused metallurgical test-work underway by ANSTO: On 13 April 2023, Castillo appointed specialist consultant ANSTO to undertake comprehensive metallurgical test-work on six samples from Fence Gossan, Reefs and Tors Tanks Prospects to understand the potential to extract REE from shallow clay zones. The scope of work will focus on characterising REE leachability from the six samples which comprise fresh pegmatite to highly weathered clay, especially with Magnetic Rare Earth Oxide grades ranging from 362-603ppm.

Note, this is an important step towards advancing the viability of the BHA Project's East Zone REE potential and securing interest from prospective development partners, especially given the extent of high-value MREO (Nd+Pr+Dy+Tb) within the system.

PAYMENTS TO, OR TO AN ASSOCIATE OF, A RELATED PARTY OF THE ENTITY DURING THE QUARTER

$119,000 was paid to related parties of Castillo relating to executive director salary and non-executive director fees.

SUMMARY OF THE EXPLORATION EXPENDITURE INCURRED DURING THE QUARTER

	Consulting fees	Rates and mines departments fees
Cangai	$74,000	-
Broken Hill Alliance	$145,000	-
Mt Isa	$82,000	$12,000
Zambia	$17,000	$1,000
Total	$318,000	$13,000

For further information, please contact:  

Castillo Copper Limited	[phone]
Dr Dennis Jensen (Australia), Managing Director   Gerrard Hall (UK), Chairman
SI Capital Limited (Financial Adviser and Corporate Broker)	[phone]
Nick Emerson
Gracechurch Group (Financial PR)	[phone]
Harry Chathli, Alexis Gore, Henry Gamble

About Castillo Copper  

Castillo Copper Limited is an Australian-based explorer primarily focused on copper across Australia and Zambia. The group is embarking on a strategic transformation to morph into a mid-tier copper group underpinned by its core projects:  

·    A large footprint in the Mt Isa copper-belt district, north-west Queensland, which delivers significant exploration upside through having several high-grade targets and a sizeable untested anomaly within its boundaries in a copper-rich region.  

·    Four high-quality prospective assets across Zambia's copper-belt which is the second largest copper producer in Africa.  

·    A large tenure footprint proximal to Broken Hill's world-class deposit that is prospective for zinc-silver-lead-copper-gold and platinoids.   

·    Cangai Copper Mine in northern New South Wales, which is one of Australia's highest grading historic copper mines.  

The group is listed on the LSE and ASX under the ticker "CCZ."  

References

1)        Note - All information referenced is from CCZ ASX Releases, as dated in text, from 1 January 2022 to 28 April 2022 inclusive

Competent Person's Statements

The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results for "BHA Project" is based on information compiled or reviewed by Mr Mark Biggs. Mr Biggs is a director of ROM Resources, a company which is a shareholder of Castillo Copper Limited. ROM Resources provides ad hoc geological consultancy services to Castillo Copper Limited. Mr Biggs is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (member #107188) and has sufficient experience of relevance to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration, and to the activities undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, and Mineral Resources. Mr Biggs holds an AusIMM Online Course Certificate in 2012 JORC Code Reporting. Further, Mr Biggs consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results and Mineral Resource Estimates for "Cangai Copper Mine" is based on information compiled or reviewed by Mr Mark Biggs.  Mr Biggs is a director of ROM Resources, a company which is a shareholder of Castillo Copper Limited.  ROM Resources provides ad hoc geological consultancy services to Castillo Copper Limited.  Mr Biggs is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (member #107188) and has sufficient experience of relevance to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration, and to the activities undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, and Mineral Resources. Mr Biggs holds an AusIMM Online Course Certificate in 2012 JORC Code Reporting.  Mr Biggs also consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information in this announcement that relates to exploration results is based on and fairly represents information reviewed or compiled by Mr Matt Bull, a Competent Person who is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mr Bull is a Consultant of Castillo Copper Limited. Mr Bull has sufficient experience that is relevant to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the "Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves". Mr Bull has provided his prior written consent to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results for "NWQ Copper Project" is based on information compiled or reviewed by Mr Mark Biggs. Mr Biggs is a director of ROM Resources, a company which is a shareholder of Castillo Copper Limited. ROM Resources provides ad hoc geological consultancy services to Castillo Copper Limited. Mr Biggs is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (member #107188) and has sufficient experience of relevance to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration, and to the activities undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, and Mineral Resources. Mr Biggs holds an AusIMM Online Course Certificate in 2012 JORC Code Reporting. Further, Mr Biggs consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears.

APPENDIX A: KEY PROJECTS

FIGURE A1: WEST AND EAST ZONE - BHA PROJECT, BROKEN HILL REGION

Source: CCZ geology team

FIGURE A2: ZAMBIA COPPER-BELT PROJECTS

Source: CCZ geology team

FIGURE A3: NWQ COPPER PROJECT, MT ISA REGION

Source: CCZ geology team

 

APPENDIX B: INTEREST IN MINING TENEMENTS HELD

JACKADERRY (CANGAI)
New England Orogen in NSW
Tenement ID	Ownership at start of Quarter	Ownership at end of Quarter	Change during the Quarter
EL8635	100%	100%	-
EL8625	100%	100%	-
EL8601	100%	100%	-

BROKEN HILL
located within a 20km radius of Broken Hill, NSW
Tenement ID	Ownership at start of Quarter	Ownership at end of Quarter	Change during the Quarter
EL8599	100%	100%	-
EL8572	100%	100%	-
EL 8434	100%	100%	-
EL 8435	100%	100%	-

MT OXIDE
Mt Isa region, northwest Queensland
Tenement ID	Ownership at start of Quarter	Ownership at end of Quarter	Change during the Quarter
EPM 26513	100%	100%	-
EPM 26525	100%	100%	-
EPM 26574	100%	100%	-
EPM 26462	100%	100%	-
EPM 27440	100%	100%	-

ZAMBIA
Project	Tenement ID	Ownership at start of Quarter	Ownership at end of Quarter	Change during the Quarter
Lumwana North	23914-HQ-SEL	100%	100%	-
Lumwana South	23913-HQ-SEL	100%	100%	-
Mkushi	24659-HQ-LEL	100%	100%	-
Luanshya *	22448-HQ-LEL	-	-	-
Luanshya	25195-HQ-LEL	55%	55%	-
Luanshya	25273-HQ-LEL	55%	55%	-
Mwansa	25261-HQ-LEL	100%	100%	-

*       CCZ can earn up to 80% by meeting previously disclosed milestones

Appendix 5B

Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity
quarterly cash flow report

Name of entity
Castillo Copper Ltd
ABN		Quarter ended ("current quarter")
52 137 606 476		31 March 2023

Consolidated statement of cash flows		Current quarter $A'000	Year to date (9 months) $A'000
1.	Cash flows from operating activities
1.1	Receipts from customers
1.2	Payments for
	(a)   exploration & evaluation
	(b)   development
	(c)   production
	(d)   staff costs
	(e)   administration and corporate costs	(150)	(875)
1.3	Dividends received (see note 3)
1.4	Interest received	7	10
1.5	Interest and other costs of finance paid
1.6	Income taxes paid
1.7	Government grants and tax incentives
1.8	Other (provide details if material)
1.9	Net cash from / (used in) operating activities	(143)	(865)
2.	Cash flows from investing activities
2.1	Payments to acquire or for:
	(a)   entities
	(b)   tenements
	(c)   property, plant and equipment
	(d)   exploration & evaluation	(331)	(1,454)
	(e)   investments
	(f)    other non-current assets	-	(82)
2.2	Proceeds from the disposal of:
	(a)   entities
	(b)   tenements
	(c)   property, plant and equipment
	(d)   investments
	(e)   other non-current assets
2.3	Cash flows from loans to other entities
2.4	Dividends received (see note 3)
2.5	Other (provide details if material)
2.6	Net cash from / (used in) investing activities	(331)	(1,536)
3.	Cash flows from financing activities
3.1	Proceeds from issues of equity securities (excluding convertible debt securities)
3.2	Proceeds from issue of convertible debt securities
3.3	Proceeds from exercise of options
3.4	Transaction costs related to issues of equity securities or convertible debt securities
3.5	Proceeds from borrowings
3.6	Repayment of borrowings
3.7	Transaction costs related to loans and borrowings
3.8	Dividends paid
3.9	Other (provide details if material)
3.10	Net cash from / (used in) financing activities	-	-
4.	Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for the period
4.1	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,848	5,754
4.2	Net cash from / (used in) operating activities (item 1.9 above)	(143)	(865)
4.3	Net cash from / (used in) investing activities (item 2.6 above)	(331)	(1,536)
4.4	Net cash from / (used in) financing activities (item 3.10 above)	-	-
4.5	Effect of movement in exchange rates on cash held	(42)	(21)
4.6	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3,332	3,332

5.	Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter (as shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows) to the related items in the accounts	Current quarter $A'000	Previous quarter $A'000
5.1	Bank balances	3,240	3,756
5.2	Call deposits	92	92
5.3	Bank overdrafts
5.4	Other (provide details)
5.5	Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter (should equal item 4.6 above)	3,332	3,848

 

6.	Payments to related parties of the entity and their associates	Current quarter $A'000
6.1	Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their associates included in item 1	561
6.2	Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their associates included in item 2	632
1Comprises director's fees for the quarter. 2Comprises consulting fees paid to the Managing Director and exploration expenditure paid to Field Crew, a related entity of director David Drakeley.

7.	Financing facilities Note: the term "facility' includes all forms of financing arrangements available to the entity. Add notes as necessary for an understanding of the sources of finance available to the entity.	Total facility amount at quarter end $A'000	Amount drawn at quarter end $A'000
7.1	Loan facilities
7.2	Credit standby arrangements
7.3	Other (please specify)
7.4	Total financing facilities
7.5	Unused financing facilities available at quarter end
7.6	Include in the box below a description of each facility above, including the lender, interest rate, maturity date and whether it is secured or unsecured. If any additional financing facilities have been entered into or are proposed to be entered into after quarter end, include a note providing details of those facilities as well.

8.	Estimated cash available for future operating activities	$A'000
8.1	Net cash from / (used in) operating activities (item 1.9)	(143)
8.2	(Payments for exploration & evaluation classified as investing activities) (item 2.1(d))	(331)
8.3	Total relevant outgoings (item 8.1 + item 8.2)	(474)
8.4	Cash and cash equivalents at quarter end (item 4.6)	3,332
8.5	Unused finance facilities available at quarter end (item 7.5)
8.6	Total available funding (item 8.4 + item 8.5)	3,332
8.7	Estimated quarters of funding available (item 8.6 divided by item 8.3)	7.0
	Note: if the entity has reported positive relevant outgoings (ie a net cash inflow) in item 8.3, answer item 8.7 as "N/A". Otherwise, a figure for the estimated quarters of funding available must be included in item 8.7.
8.8	If item 8.7 is less than 2 quarters, please provide answers to the following questions:
	8.8.1     Does the entity expect that it will continue to have the current level of net operating cash flows for the time being and, if not, why not?
	Answer: N/A
	8.8.2     Has the entity taken any steps, or does it propose to take any steps, to raise further cash to fund its operations and, if so, what are those steps and how likely does it believe that they will be successful?
	Answer: N/A
	8.8.3     Does the entity expect to be able to continue its operations and to meet its business objectives and, if so, on what basis?
	Answer: N/A
	Note: where item 8.7 is less than 2 quarters, all of questions 8.8.1, 8.8.2 and 8.8.3 above must be answered.

Compliance statement

1        This statement has been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and policies which comply with Listing Rule 19.11A.

2        This statement gives a true and fair view of the matters disclosed.

Date:                26 April 2023

Authorised by:  The Board of Directors

(Name of body or officer authorising release - see note 4)

Notes

1.          This quarterly cash flow report and the accompanying activity report provide a basis for informing the market about the entity's activities for the past quarter, how they have been financed and the effect this has had on its cash position. An entity that wishes to disclose additional information over and above the minimum required under the Listing Rules is encouraged to do so.

2.          If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, the definitions in, and provisions of, AASB 6: Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources and AASB 107: Statement of Cash Flows apply to this report. If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with other accounting standards agreed by ASX pursuant to Listing Rule 19.11A, the corresponding equivalent standards apply to this report.

3.          Dividends received may be classified either as cash flows from operating activities or cash flows from investing activities, depending on the accounting policy of the entity.

4.          If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors, you can insert here: "By the board". If it has been authorised for release to the market by a committee of your board of directors, you can insert here: "By the [name of board committee - eg Audit and Risk Committee]". If it has been authorised for release to the market by a disclosure committee, you can insert here: "By the Disclosure Committee".

5.          If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors and you wish to hold yourself out as complying with recommendation 4.2 of the ASX Corporate Governance Council's Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, the board should have received a declaration from its CEO and CFO that, in their opinion, the financial records of the entity have been properly maintained, that this report complies with the appropriate accounting standards and gives a true and fair view of the cash flows of the entity, and that their opinion has been formed on the basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control which is operating effectively.

 

END