Phoenix Copper Project Grows by 18 Claims with High-Grade Copper Targets
Diablo Resources has extended its Phoenix Copper Project claims in Utah, targeting high-grade copper mineralisation along a key fault zone, as the US moves to classify copper as a critical mineral. The company’s maiden drilling program is underway with results expected soon.
- Additional 18 claims secured along Philly Fault Zone at Phoenix Copper Project
- High-grade copper samples up to 45.7% Cu over 750m strike previously recorded
- Project located near producing Lisbon Valley Copper Mine in Utah
- US Interior Department proposes copper addition to 2025 Critical Minerals List
- Maiden drilling program ongoing with assay results due in 3-6 weeks
Strategic Expansion of Claims
Diablo Resources has bolstered its footprint at the Phoenix Copper Project in southwestern USA by securing an additional 18 unpatented lode claims. These claims extend the strike length of the Philadelphia Prospect’s Philly Fault Zone by approximately 1,500 metres, a structural feature known for hosting significant copper mineralisation. The new claims cover both Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administered lands and private grazing leases with federal mineral rights, consolidating a highly prospective area that was previously undercover.
Promising Copper Mineralisation
Previous rock chip sampling along the Philly Fault Zone has revealed impressive copper grades, with assays reaching as high as 45.7% copper over a 750-metre strike length. Notable results include intervals such as 6 metres at 2.13% copper, including 1 metre at 7.16%, and other significant multi-metre zones exceeding 1% copper. These findings underpin the rationale for Diablo’s ongoing maiden drilling program, which commenced in August targeting the Trenton and Philadelphia prospects within the CC Claim Block.
Proximity to Established Mining Operations
The Phoenix Copper Project is strategically located approximately 70 kilometres southwest of Moab, Utah, and lies along strike from the operating Lisbon Valley Copper Mine, which has a reported resource of 740 million pounds of copper. This proximity to an active mine within the world-class Lisbon Valley Mining District lends further credibility to the exploration potential of Diablo’s claims, which share similar sediment-hosted copper mineralisation characteristics.
US Policy Boosts Copper’s Strategic Importance
Adding to the project’s appeal, the US Department of the Interior has proposed including copper on the 2025 Critical Minerals List. This designation highlights copper’s vital role in the economy and national security, particularly given its accelerating demand driven by the clean energy transition. Inclusion on this list could facilitate streamlined permitting, access to federal funding, and improved competitiveness against imports, potentially benefiting projects like Phoenix Copper.
Next Steps and Market Watch
Diablo Resources has commenced soil sampling over the newly acquired claims to further delineate the mineralised extensions of the Philly Fault Zone. Meanwhile, the maiden drilling program continues, with assay results expected within the next three to six weeks. These upcoming results will be critical in assessing the economic potential of the mineralisation and guiding future exploration and development decisions.
Bottom Line?
As drilling results loom, Diablo’s expanded claims and US policy tailwinds position Phoenix Copper as a project to watch closely.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming assay results confirm the high-grade copper mineralisation indicated by surface sampling?
- How will inclusion of copper on the US Critical Minerals List impact permitting and funding for Diablo’s project?
- What is the potential scale and economic viability of the mineralisation along the extended Philly Fault Zone?
