Interview with David Kelley, President & CEO of Chakana Copper Corp.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/copper-explorers-aiming-to-fill-the-growing-supply-gap-5598

Recording date: 3rd July 2024

Chakana Copper, a junior exploration company, is making strides in its pursuit of a significant copper-gold discovery at the Soledad project in Ancash, Peru. Recent scout drilling results from the Mega-Gold target area have confirmed the presence of an extensive hydrothermal system, marking an important milestone in the company's exploration efforts.

CEO David Kelley recently shared insights into the initial findings from the first three holes of an eight-hole program at Mega-Gold. While the market reaction to these results was initially negative due to the absence of immediate high-grade intercepts, Kelley emphasized the significance of the data collected, "We've confirmed our initial thesis. This is a big hydrothermal system. We've got hundreds of meters of pervasive alteration, we're seeing sulfide concentrations up to 10-15%, we're seeing disseminated pyrite and pyrite in multiple different types of veins. Every single hole that we've drilled so far has chalcopyrite and molybdenite." These indicators suggest the potential for a substantial mineral system, with chalcopyrite and molybdenite in every hole drilled so far pointing towards significant copper mineralization.

Investors should understand that early-stage exploration is an iterative process. As Kelley noted, "Exploration is a tricky business. It's very, very, very rare that you come out and just drill your first hole, slam dunk, world-class tier-one discovery." Instead, the company is methodically gathering data to vector towards potentially higher-grade zones within the system.

Chakana is employing advanced exploration techniques to maximize the value of their data. This includes hyperspectral core scanning, which allows for the three-dimensional modelling of mineral assemblages, helping to guide future drilling efforts. The company also integrates geophysical data with drilling results to map sulfide concentrations across the target area.

Looking ahead, investors can anticipate several potential catalysts:
- Results from the remaining five holes of the Mega-Gold drilling program
- Results from three holes drilled at the La Joya target
- Ongoing analysis and interpretation of data, including hyperspectral core scanning results

These results are expected to be released in August and September, providing further insight into the project's potential.

It's important to note that the Soledad project extends beyond the Mega-Gold target. The property hosts numerous breccia pipes, with Chakana having identified 52 targets for testing. This portfolio of targets provides multiple opportunities for discovery and helps mitigate the risk associated with any single target.

For investors with a high risk tolerance and an understanding of the mineral exploration process, Chakana offers exposure to a potentially significant copper-gold discovery. The company's technical approach, multiple exploration targets, and strategic partnership with Gold Fields are positive factors to consider.

As the exploration program progresses, the coming months could prove pivotal in determining the ultimate potential of the Soledad project. Investors should closely monitor upcoming news releases and technical updates as Chakana continues to unravel the geology of this promising copper-gold system in Peru.

View Chakana Copper's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/chakana-copper

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