Fireweed Metals Corp. has launched the largest regional program at Macpass, seeking to unlock the 977 km2 district-level potential and develop additional targets for the drill-ready state.
High-resolution core scanning image of stratiform and massive to semi-massive sulfide mineralization in TS23-009 (722.4 m to 734.3 m). Image Credit: Fireweed Metals Corp.
A comprehensive drill program exceeding 14,000 meters will deploy four diamond drill rigs across several key sites. Approximately 8,000 meters are designated for step-out drilling at the Tom, Jason, and Boundary zones, aimed at expanding known mineral deposits. Concurrently, 6,000 meters are earmarked for probing new targets within the Macpass area as part of a broader regional exploration strategy.
The 2024 drilling objectives focus on uncovering new mineral discoveries through a target-rich exploration approach in the region, coupled with high-potential step-out drilling at established zones within Macpass. This dual approach aims to both delineate and expand the known mineral resources while testing the potential for new findings in underexplored areas.
CEO Statement
We are excited to commence the largest regional exploration program Macpass has ever seen. Comprising over 6,000 metres of drilling at greenfield targets, as well as comprehensive ground and airborne geophysical and geochemical surveys, this regional work will aim to unlock over 40 kilometres of an under-explored prospective trend at Macpass. As part of our growth strategy, we are also excited to be drilling step-out holes at Tom, Jason and Boundary that will primarily focus on targets that may form extensions of the major known zones.
Peter Hemstead, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Fireweed Metals Corp.
Adam Lundin Statement
Adam Lundin, Strategic Advisor to Fireweed, stated, “Previous drilling at Tom, Jason and Boundary Zone demonstrated the very large mineral endowment and future growth potential at Macpass. However, we have only just scratched the surface in testing the true scale of this district in the making. This summer’s exploration program is focused on growing the district’s mineralized footprint through drilling many of the compelling greenfield targets for new discoveries, as well as step-out targets at Tom, Jason and Boundary.”
Drill Program
The 2024 drill campaign at Macpass is set to capitalize on the success of the previous year's efforts, employing four diamond drill rigs to explore various targets across the region. Scheduled to commence with the first rig on June 7, 2024, the operation aims to fully deploy all four rigs by late June, intensifying exploration activities across the Tom, Jason, Boundary, and newly identified regional generative targets.
- Exploration: The exploration component of the campaign is dedicated to testing new greenfield targets. Two prospects, Start Zone and Popcorn, are already drill-ready. Additional drilling meterage is planned for allocation later in the season as further targets are delineated through ongoing regional exploration initiatives.
- Tom South: Drilling activities will focus on step-out areas beyond the current mineral resource boundaries. This effort follows up on the successful intercepts of feeder-style mineralization observed in the 2023 program, aiming to extend the known mineral zones.
- Jason: The drilling at Jason is strategically planned to follow up on notable intersections observed in borehole JS23-001D1 located in Jason South.
- Boundary Zone: The Boundary Zone will undergo step-out drilling to expand beyond the established mineralization, specifically targeting high-grade zones identified during the 2023 campaign.
Regional Exploration
The 2024 field campaign at Macpass is set to advance with an extensive regional exploration program designed to leverage both airborne and ground-based techniques. This multifaceted approach will include the use of a helicopter-mounted Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM) and magnetic surveys, along with a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey.
Additionally, the program will employ ground-based gravity surveys across local and regional scale grids, comprehensive soil sampling, detailed prospecting, and thorough geological mapping. The primary aim is to delineate and advance existing prospects, showings, and anomalies, while also aggressively targeting new exploration opportunities in a commodity-agnostic manner.
The exploration's particular focus is on identifying new sediment-hosted zinc, lead, and silver targets. However, the scope also encompasses exploration for reduced intrusion-related gold systems (RIRGS), reflecting the region's diverse geological potential.
Operational Update
In preparation for increased exploration activities, significant operational enhancements have been implemented. A new core-logging facility has been established to optimize the core logging process, facilitating the efficient management and analysis of core samples and data.
As part of this infrastructure development, the historical core previously stored at Tom Camp has been relocated to a newly constructed adjacent facility at Sekie. Sekie, Fireweed’s new 50-person sub-alpine camp, has been strategically designed to be operational even under winter conditions, significantly extending the operational season. Additionally, Tom Camp has received upgrades to support continued habitation during the summer months over the forthcoming years.