Grafton Resources Inc. has commenced an 80 line-kilometre mobile magnetotelluric heliborne survey at its Alicahue Gold-Copper Project in Valparaiso, Chile. The survey, conducted by Expert Geophysics Surveys Inc., will cover the entire project area within a single day, with interpreted results anticipated by March 2026. This advanced geophysical investigation represents a critical step in the company's exploration strategy for the mineral-rich region.
The MobileMT technology employed in this survey is designed to identify subsurface geologic structures, alteration halos, and contrasting lithologies. When combined with complementary VLF-EM data that provides near-surface electromagnetic information, the methods should yield increased resolution of shallow features. According to the company, this combined approach can identify deep-seated faults, lithological contacts, and structures controlling mineral systems from surface to depths of approximately 1 to 2 kilometers, depending on the conductivity distribution of the local geology.
Campbell Smyth, Chairman of Grafton Resources, explained the survey's potential significance: "We expect the Mobile MT data will provide a three-dimensional image of the Alicahue Project area. We hope the survey will assist us in tracing the outline of a possible porphyry centre in the southeast concession. Further we hope the survey helps us to vector towards the origin of the IOCG vein systems and possible feeder zones to gold and copper vein mineralization mapped in the area." Smyth noted that MobileMT is particularly effective at identifying areas of electrically conductive sulphides potentially linked to mineralized porphyry intrusive centres, as well as resistive bodies representative of intrusions.
This survey is important because it represents a significant technological advancement in mineral exploration that could potentially identify previously undetected mineral deposits. The ability to map subsurface structures to depths of up to two kilometers provides exploration companies with valuable data that can guide future drilling programs and resource estimation. For investors and industry observers, the results of this survey could indicate the potential scale and economic viability of the Alicahue Project, which is located in a region known for significant mineral deposits.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond Grafton Resources to the broader mining industry in Chile and globally. Successful identification of mineralized structures through advanced geophysical methods could validate similar exploration approaches elsewhere, potentially leading to more efficient discovery of mineral resources. For local communities and the Chilean economy, the discovery of significant gold and copper deposits could translate into economic development opportunities, though this would depend on subsequent exploration results and economic feasibility studies.
Readers interested in additional information about Grafton Resources and regulatory filings can review documents available at https://www.sedarplus.ca. The original press release announcing the survey commencement is available through New Media Wire's platform at https://www.newmediawire.com.
