Touro Trenching Yields Up to 2.4m at 2,559ppm Zinc and 756ppm Copper

Surface Exploration Reveals Encouraging Mineralisation

Alvo Minerals Limited (ASX, ALV) has announced significant progress at its Touro Prospect, part of the broader Palma Copper-Zinc Project in Brazil. Recent surface trenching has uncovered well-defined zones of massive, semi-massive, and disseminated mineralised gossans within a hydrothermally altered geological unit. These findings are particularly notable given the grades observed, with zinc concentrations reaching up to 7.5% in rock chips and trench intercepts showing substantial copper, zinc, and lead values.

The mineralised gossans are interpreted as oxidised expressions of Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposits, a style of mineralisation that Palma is known for. The trenching program, which included three trenches spaced across the target zone, returned results such as 2.4 meters at 2,559 ppm zinc and 756 ppm copper, and 12.6 meters at 2,028 ppm zinc and 272 ppm copper. These grades are comparable to those of the established C1 and C3 deposits within the project, underscoring the potential significance of the Touro discovery.

Strategic Drilling Plans Underway

In response to these encouraging surface results, Alvo is prioritising the mobilisation of a diamond drill rig to test the downdip extensions of the mineralisation at Touro. These targets coincide with deeper fixed-loop electromagnetic (FLEM) conductors identified through geophysical surveys, which suggest the presence of substantial sulphide bodies beneath the surface. Additionally, the company plans to drill at other high-priority prospects within Palma, including Esperanza and Entre Rios, aiming to expand the footprint of known mineralisation.

Rob Smakman, Managing Director of Alvo, highlighted the significance of the findings, noting that the grades observed in the gossan material are unusually high for oxidised zones and provide strong evidence of thick mineralised zones. He emphasised the company's excitement about advancing drilling activities to better define the extent and quality of the mineralisation.

Palma Project, A District-Scale VMS Opportunity

The Palma Copper-Zinc Project is a district-scale VMS system with a JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate of 7.6 million tonnes at 2.02% copper equivalent, including significant zinc, lead, silver, and gold credits. The project remains open along strike and at depth, offering substantial upside potential through ongoing exploration and resource expansion.

Alvo’s integrated approach combines geological mapping, geochemical sampling, and advanced geophysical techniques to refine targets and prioritise drilling. The company’s in-house expertise and equipment enable efficient and cost-effective exploration across its extensive tenure, which covers over 1,000 square kilometres and more than 80 kilometres of prospective strike.

Looking Ahead

Beyond the immediate drilling plans at Touro and other prospects, Alvo continues to evaluate additional opportunities for copper, gold, and rare earth elements within Brazil. The company’s strategic focus remains on discovery, expansion, and upgrading of resources to unlock value for shareholders while maintaining strong community and stakeholder engagement.