Altair Minerals Strikes Copper Riches at Venatica: Major Discovery Unfolds

Altair Minerals Limited (ASX: ALR) has unveiled a game-changing development at its flagship Venatica Copper Project in Peru, with maiden sampling results confirming high-grade copper mineralisation stretching across a 1.1km strike zone at the Irka NE porphyry target. These early findings not only underscore the project’s immense potential but also place Altair squarely in the spotlight as one of the most exciting emerging players on the Andahuaylas-Yauri Porphyry Belt.

High-Grade Copper Over a 1.1km Corridor

Initial rock sampling at Irka NE has delivered stellar results, with assays returning up to 8.2% copper, alongside notable concentrations of gold (0.47g/t), silver (20g/t), and molybdenum (675ppm). Outcrop and float samples taken from leached capping, pre-mineral dikes, and porphyry hosts averaged an impressive 1.6% copper—solid evidence of a robust mineralised system. Key highlights include:

• Sample R14: 8.2% Cu, 0.47g/t Au, 20g/t Ag, 675ppm Mo
• Sample R04: 3.0% Cu, 26g/t Ag
• Sample R07: 1.9% Cu, 13g/t Ag

These results affirm the presence of a significant copper system, with bornite and chalcopyrite—minerals typically associated with large-scale porphyry systems—found at the base of Irka NE’s primary outcrop.

Irka SW: Discovery of a Supergene Copper Zone

Meanwhile, at Irka SW, Altair’s team identified a historic open pit and uncovered a previously unknown vertical shaft. The shaft confirms copper enrichment to depths of at least 25 metres, still open and showing signs of a supergene enrichment zone—a critical indicator of deeper high-grade potential. Sample R14 from the footwall of this shaft returned the project’s highest copper grade to date.

Irka Sur and Irka Central Add Further Firepower

In addition to Irka NE and SW, Altair has identified two more promising zones:

• Irka Sur: A newly discovered ~700m corridor with >1% copper mineralisation at surface, featuring peak assays of 2.9% Cu, 0.24g/t Au, and 92g/t Ag.
• Irka Central: Characterised by dense stockwork veining and argillic alteration, suggesting a central feeder system with multi-phase mineralisation.

Combined, these four zones paint a picture of a large-scale, potentially district-defining porphyry system in the making.

Drawing Parallels with Haquira

Notably, the geological similarities between Irka NE and the Haquira copper deposit—which was acquired by First Quantum for CAD $650 million in 2010—are raising eyebrows. Both sit along the Las Bambas corridor, host the same Eocene-Oligocene rocks, and share structural controls. While Altair is careful to note that this doesn’t guarantee success, the analogy adds a layer of intrigue for investors and geologists alike.

Next Steps: Scaling Up Exploration

Altair isn’t slowing down. A 5-week regional sampling campaign is now underway to map and evaluate untested areas across Venatica. The company’s geologists aim to delineate high-priority drill targets and expand the mineralised footprint of each porphyry system.

CEO Faheem Ahmed on the Breakthrough

“These early results are a significant milestone for Altair,” said CEO Faheem Ahmed. “The scale of copper mineralisation at Irka NE, coupled with the presence of bornite and chalcopyrite, strongly indicates a major porphyry system. With copper demand set to surge in the energy transition, Venatica is emerging as a strategic and high-impact project for Altair and its shareholders.”

With each new assay, Altair Minerals cements its position as a serious contender in the copper exploration space. The company’s strategic location on a proven copper belt, coupled with high-grade results and a methodical exploration approach, could make Venatica a cornerstone asset in the global hunt for critical minerals.