Molaoi Inferred Germanium Estimate Underway
Rockfire Resources plc has commenced a maiden JORC Inferred germanium resource estimation for its Molaoi zinc deposit in Greece, which will also include an updated Inferred zinc resource, with results expected within four weeks. Upon completion, Molaoi is anticipated to be one of only two global deposits outside China with a quoted germanium resource, highlighting its significance for critical mineral supply chains. Diamond drilling continues to upgrade the resource from Inferred to Indicated, and recent core analysis revealed a 1cm vein with 12% copper, the highest recorded value at Molaoi, providing directional information towards the mineralisation source.
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Rockfire Resources plc (LON: ROCK), the base metal, critical mineral and precious metal exploration company, is pleased to provide the market with this drilling and operational update from Rockfire’s 100%-owned Molaoi zinc deposit in Greece.
Highlights
A maiden JORC Inferred germanium mineral resource estimation has commenced. GeoRes Mining Consultants has started a maiden Inferred germanium resource estimate, which will include an updated Inferred zinc resource. To track the germanium resource progression, the company has elected to commence the estimation early. It is expected that the resource numbers will be announced within the next four weeks.
On completion of its maiden germanium resource, Rockfire expects Molaoi to be one of only two deposits in the world, excluding China, with a quoted germanium resource. The other deposit is Fireweed Metals’ Macmillan Pass in Canada (Indicated 10.98 g/t Ge; Inferred 8.14 g/t Ge)
Diamond drilling to upgrade the mineral resource from Inferred to Indicated continues, with hole HMO-022 in progress.
Hand-held pXRF readings of core from hole HMO-022 include a 1cm wide vein of massive copper with readings of 12% Cu. Although extremely narrow, this is the highest copper value ever recorded at Molaoi and will contribute to vectoring towards the source of mineralisation. In accordance with geological models, copper values are expected to increase as drilling approaches the source of the mineralisation.
A 1cm wide vein of massive copper (chalcopyrite) at 179.80m depth, with a single pXRF reading of 12% Cu will provide directional information towards the source of mineralisation at Molaoi.
The cleanliness of the pXRF machine was established by measuring a BLANK reference material (a translucent quartz crystal) at the beginning of each day. A Certified Reference Material (CRM) specific to volcanic-hosted massive sulphide Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au ore (OREAS 620) was measured for accuracy/precision of the pXRF machine with a reading taken at the beginning of each day. pXRF readings are preliminary and indicative only, and are not a substitute for laboratory assays. Laboratory analysis will be undertaken in due course.
Drill hole location map within the Molaoi Licence.
David Price, Chief Executive Officer of Rockfire, commented:
“It is both exciting and significant to have the highly anticipated maiden germanium resource for Molaoi underway. The process involves a re-modelling of the main zinc lodes with the inclusion of germanium grades. Germanium grades are being collated from re-sampling historical core, the ongoing systematic analytical work being done during past and current drilling programmes and extrapolation of grades from regression mapping of historical zinc grades.
On the announcement of the germanium inferred resource, Molaoi will host only the second quoted germanium resource globally, excluding China, demonstrating the significance of the Molaoi project to global germanium supply chains. With reverse parking sensors in cars, artificial intelligence and precision weaponry dependent on germanium supply, Rockfire anticipates increasing demand for germanium over the coming decades.
The intersection of the highest copper value ever recorded at Molaoi is exciting. In most mineral systems of this type, it is expected that copper values will increase as the proximity to the mineralising heat source approaches. We believe that the narrow intercept is of no concern as the important aspect of this interval is the extremely high grade. This shows the temperature/acidity/pressure conditions are favourable for precipitation of copper. This is a distinct change from other parts of the deposit.
The market will continue to be informed and updated as we advance the Molaoi Project.”
| Rockfire Resources plc | E-mail: info@rockfire.co.uk |
| David Price, Chief Executive Officer | |
| Allenby Capital Limited (Nominated Adviser & Broker): | Tel: +44 (0) 20 3328 5656 |
| John Depasquale / Ashur Joseph (Corporate Finance) | |
| Matt Butlin / Kelly Gardiner (Sales and Corporate Broking) | |
| CMC Markets UK Plc (Joint Broker) | Tel: +44 (0)20 3003 8632 |
| Douglas Crippen | |
| Oak Securities (Joint Broker) | Tel: +44 (0) 20 3973 3678 |
| Jerry Keen / Robert Bell | |
| Glossary | |
| Item | Definition |
| "3D" | three dimensional |
| ‘’ Ag’’ “Au” | Silver Gold |
| "Cu" “Ga” | Copper Gallium |
| ‘’ Ge’’ | Germanium |
| ‘’ g/t’’ | grams per tonne |
| ‘’JORC’’ | Joint Ore Resource Committee |
| "km" | Kilometre |
| "m" “Ni” | Metre Nickel |
| ‘’ Pb’’ | Lead |
| “ppm” | parts per million |
| "pXRF" | portable X-Ray Fluorescence |
| "VMS" | volcanogenic massive sulphide |
| ‘‘’ Zn’’ | Zinc |
| “ZnEq’’ | zinc equivalent |
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