Strategically targeted projects displaying hallmarks of VMS mineralisation
As first mover in the re-emergence of Cyprus’ long and esteemed mining history, Venus Minerals has positioned itself to deliver growth on many fronts. Venus holds a total of 45 km2 under granted licences and a further 34km2 as licence applications.
West Skouriotissa
North Alestos
Ayia Marina
West Nikitari
Klimata
The West Skouriotissa project is of considerable interest as the site of a promising aeromagnetic anomaly in the vicinity of several of Cyprus’s largest mines, Mavrovouni (16Mt @ 4.5% Cu), Skouriotissa (6Mt @ 2.2% Cu) and Apliki (1.8Mt @ 2.2% Cu).
A well-defined corridor of low magnetic intensity may suggest an axial structure which is oriented in a northwesterly direction and terminated at the site of the Mavrovouni deposit. Geological mapping identified copper staining along a structure interpreted as a growth fault.
Drilling in the downthrow side of this structure intersected intervals of sericitic alteration and clear hydrothermal calcite, and entered disseminated sulphide mineralisation at 210 metres which continued with increasing intensity to the final depth of 250 metres.
The licence for West Skouriotissa was granted in September 2019 and this stand out target has yet to be followed up.
At North Alestos, ground checking of magnetic anomalies identified disseminated cupriferous mineralisation associated with chloritic alteration in the Upper Pillow Lavas. The mineralisation is spatially associated with an extensive region of low magnetic intensity which continues north of the area of identified alteration.
Drilling of a number of holes intersected copper- and zinc-rich mineralisation. Best independent intersections were 50 metres averaging 0.5 % Cu, with the hole terminated in mineralisation assaying 0.75 % Cu, and 50 metres averaging 0.5 % Zn. A 3D Induced Polarisation survey indicated the mineralisation to be associated with zones of increased chargeability, which are open in the southeasterly direction.
The northern extensions of the aeromagnetic anomaly are located at the intersection between northwesterly and northerly lineaments which has been identified by Venus as a significant structurally controlled target beneath the cover of sedimentary units and lavas.
The Ayia Marina Project hosts a sizeable ancient slag heap, the source of which has never been identified. There are widespread signs of mineralisation which are associated with an array of structures that disrupt the geology and commonly form the contact between Upper and Lower pillow lavas. Of interest are intersections between northwest trending structures and a major northeast trending regional fault that could potentially create a locus for ore deposition.
Copper mineralisation was identified in historical drilling at the Vasilis prospect in the southern part of the project. Geochemical sampling has been carried out in order to identify the extents of the anomalous ground and the result are under evaluation.
The West Nikitari prospect is located at the contact between the pillow lavas and sedimentary rocks. The latter comprise basal umber overlain by calcareous sediments, including reef limestone and gypsum. In the vicinity of the prospect, the pillow lavas are locally hydrothermally altered with pyrite cubes in a chloritic matrix. All of the aforementioned are known to be associated with VMS deposits.
Detailed helicopter magnetic data display a well-defined magnetic low strategically located at the intersection between interpreted aeromagnetic structures. North of the prospect, at East Koutrafa, historical exploration by the Geological Survey Department has identified the presence of copper- and zinc-rich sulphide mineralisation, whose extents have not yet been outlined.
The Klimata prospect is situated near Paphos in the south west of Cyprus. The prospect is within a different geological sequence to that at North Troodos. The area was the site of historical mining that may date back to ancient times. Venus has undertaken a mapping and XRF soil analyses within the licence area. Two significant copper anomalies have been highlighted associated with gossans. The scale of the anomalies warrants follow up work.
Regional exploration activity:
- 4658 pXRF Soil samples taken to date
- 2200 Rock-chip assay samples
- 4752 Historic drill collars
- 1550 Stream sediment samples