EuroPacific Metals Reports High-Grade Copper Findings in Portuguese Mining Project

EuroPacific Metals, a mining exploration company, has reported promising drill results from its Miguel Vacas copper project in Portugal, potentially signaling a major development in European copper production. The company's CEO, Karim Rayani, revealed that recent drilling efforts have uncovered substantial high-grade copper deposits, which could have significant implications for the global copper industry.

The latest drilling campaign targeted a high-grade zone below a previously explored section. A 350-meter hole intersected a mineralized section of 10.5 meters grading 2.56% copper, including an impressive 5.9 meters grading 4.52% copper. This high-grade zone is located approximately 80 meters to the north-northeast of the first hole, which had previously revealed 22.8 meters grading 2.76% copper, including 9.0 meters grading 7.49% copper.

The Miguel Vacas mine area, situated about 180 kilometers east of Lisbon by road and roughly 70 kilometers east of Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region, has shown a mineralized system extending at least 2 kilometers along strike. Importantly, this system remains open at depth, suggesting potential for further discoveries. The mineralization is hosted in a polymict breccia with a quartz-carbonate matrix and quartz, grey shales, and graphitic phyllite clasts, striking in a north-northeast to south-southwest direction.

These findings are particularly significant given the growing global demand for copper, driven by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. The discovery of high-grade copper deposits in a European Union member state could have strategic implications for the region's resource security and industrial development.

EuroPacific Metals is advancing the project with additional drilling planned to target the northern and southern areas of the site. These efforts aim to confirm the extent of the oxidative blanket and enable a comprehensive resource calculation. Rayani expressed optimism about the project's potential, describing it as one of the richest copper ventures on the Iberian Peninsula.

The copper grades reported at Miguel Vacas are considered high by industry standards. For context, many operating copper mines globally work with grades below 1%, making the intersections of over 4% particularly noteworthy. If further drilling confirms the continuity and extent of these high-grade zones, it could significantly enhance the economic viability of the project.

As the world transitions towards a greener economy, the demand for copper is expected to rise substantially. Copper plays a crucial role in renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient technologies. The potential development of a new high-grade copper mine in Portugal could contribute to meeting this increasing demand while also boosting the local and national economy.

The progress at the Miguel Vacas project also highlights Portugal's growing importance in the mining sector. The country has been actively promoting its mineral resources to attract investment and develop its mining industry. Success at projects like Miguel Vacas could encourage further exploration and development in the region.

As EuroPacific Metals continues its exploration efforts, the mining industry and investors will be watching closely. The results from upcoming drill programs will be crucial in determining the full potential of the Miguel Vacas project and its possible impact on the European copper market. If the high grades persist and a significant resource is defined, this Portuguese project could become a key player in the future of European copper production.

For more information about the Miguel Vacas project and its potential impact, interested parties can visit the detailed news release.