Block 8 Initial Exploration Results: A Promising Step for Alara Resources

Alara Resources Limited (ASX: AUQ), a leading base and precious metals producer and explorer, has announced exciting updates on its exploration activities in the Block 8 concession in Oman. The initial results are a promising sign of the area's potential, particularly in identifying new copper mineralization sites. The exploration work is being conducted in partnership with Power Metal Resources and Awtad Copper LLC under the terms of a Joint Venture Agreement signed in October 2024.

Overview of the Block 8 Project

Block 8 is strategically located in Oman and is part of Alara Resources Limited (ASX: AUQ) growing portfolio of exploration assets. This project holds great promise for the discovery of copper and other valuable minerals, bolstered by a supportive regulatory framework and Oman’s rich history of mineral production. The Block 8 concession covers areas rich in potential for Cyprus-type Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) copper-gold (Cu-Au) deposits.

The project’s recent progress has been made possible by the efforts of Power Metal’s majority-owned subsidiary, Power Arabia Ltd. Their technical team has carried out substantial exploration activities, including stream sediment sampling, geological mapping, rock sampling, and an ionic leach soil geochemical sampling orientation study. Additional efforts such as trenching at the Al Mansur target and planning for a gravimetric geophysics survey have also been instrumental.

Highlights of Initial Exploration Results

The exploration team’s fieldwork during the last quarter of 2024 yielded remarkable findings:

Significant Copper Discoveries

An in-situ outcrop sample at the Al Maider prospect returned 4.46% Cu. A float sample within 2km of Al Maider showed 1.75% Cu. These results suggest the presence of high-grade copper mineralization, reinforcing confidence in the potential of Block 8 to host economically viable deposits.

Advancing Target Areas

Five initial target areas have been identified from historical data reviews and recent fieldwork. These targets focus on Cyprus-type VMS Cu-Au mineralization and other mineralized zones within the mantle sequence rocks.

Key Exploration Activities

The exploration work has been divided into two main regions of the Block 8 concession: the northern and southern areas. Both areas have shown promising indications of mineralization.

Block 8 North

In the northern region, exploration activities have concentrated on identifying areas with exposed Semail Upper Volcanics stratigraphy. These volcanic sequences are typically associated with Cyprus-type VMS mineralization.

Geological Mapping and Sampling

A total of 263 localities were mapped, and 13 rock chip samples were collected. The results highlighted copper mineralization in basaltic and andesitic rocks, with significant alteration features including chlorite and epidote.

Planned Geophysics Surveys

Gravimetric geophysics surveys are being planned to better delineate mineralized zones and structural features in the area. These surveys will help identify the presence of Cu, Au, Cr, and platinum group elements (PGE).

Block 8 South

The southern region, which spans 65 square kilometers, has seen extensive geochemical stream sediment sampling to identify areas with upstream mineralized host rock.

Stream Sediment Sampling

149 samples were collected, including 14 QA/QC samples to ensure accuracy. Sampling was conducted using a 2mm mesh to focus on high-density indicator minerals and trace element concentrations.

New Copper Occurrences

The team discovered secondary copper oxide minerals, including malachite and chrysocolla, in float and in-situ samples near Al Maider village. These findings indicate untapped mineral potential in the region.

Five Target Areas Identified

From a review of historical and new data, five key target areas have been outlined for further exploration:

Target Area 1

Focus: Cyprus-type VMS Cu-Au mineralization.

Features: Magnetic low anomalies coinciding with Semail volcanic rock units.

Work Completed: Outcrop verification, mapping, and three trenches.

Target Area 2

Focus: VMS Cu-Au mineralization.

Features: Magnetic low anomaly trends with inferred buried Semail volcanics.

Planned Work: Ion leach soil geochemical sampling in January 2025.

Target Area 3

Focus: Cu-Au and Cr-PGE mineralization in mantle sequence rocks.

Work Completed: Stream sediment sampling and mapping.

Target Areas 4 and 5

Focus: Cr-PGE mineralization in mantle sequence rocks.

Work Completed: Stream sediment sampling (results pending).

Significance of Copper Results

The copper assay results from Block 8 are particularly noteworthy as they come from areas that were previously unexplored. The discovery of high-grade copper samples not only validates the potential of Block 8 but also paves the way for more detailed exploration programs.

Al Maider Prospect

The 4.46% Cu result highlights the presence of high-grade mineralization in outcrop samples. This prospect will be a key focus for upcoming exploration activities.

Float Sample

The 1.75% Cu result from within 2km of Al Maider indicates a broader mineralized zone in the vicinity. Further work will aim to understand the extent and continuity of this mineralization.

Strategic Vision for Block 8

Alara Resources Limited (ASX: AUQ) is committed to intensifying exploration activities at Block 8. The partnership with Power Arabia brings technical expertise and additional resources to the project, ensuring a comprehensive and methodical approach to exploration.

Near-Term Goals

Complete planned geophysics surveys and soil geochemical sampling.

Continue geological mapping and rock sampling to refine target areas.

Long-Term Vision

Develop Block 8 into a significant copper-producing asset.

Unlock the full potential of the concession through sustained exploration and investment.

Whats’ Next?

The initial exploration results from Block 8 are a strong start for Alara Resources Limited (ASX: AUQ) and its partners. The discoveries of high-grade copper mineralization, combined with the delineation of promising target areas, underline the potential of the project to host economically significant deposits.

With further exploration activities planned and the support of a skilled technical team, Block 8 is poised to become a flagship asset in Alara Resources Limited (ASX: AUQ) portfolio. As Alara Resources Limited (ASX: AUQ) and Power Arabia continue their efforts, shareholders and stakeholders can look forward to additional updates and the possibility of transformative discoveries in the months ahead.