BHP, Corriente step up Argentine work

Drilling has resumed at the Taca-Taca (lower) copper porphyry project in Argentina’s Salta province.

BHP Minerals, the operator, can earn an initial 60% interest from Corriente Resources (CTQ-T) by spending US$3.6 million and paying US$4.8 million by Oct. 31, 2000.

BHP is testing a large system of copper-gold mineralization. In 1996, an initial, widely spaced, 4-hole program outlined a thick, leached zone, which caps an extensive, low-grade, primary porphyry system. There is evidence that a higher-grade enriched zone overlies the primary zone.

Corriente will launch a 5,000 metre drill program on its wholly owned Taca-Taca (upper) project in April. The target is a copper porphyry prospect in the centre of the property.

Meanwhile, in Peru, Corriente will begin drilling on the Chama gold project.