La Helvecia District – Zn-Pb-Cu District, Precordillera of La Rioja
La Helvecia District
Geological Context
- The limestones of San Juan host numerous gold – polymetallic deposits that have been exploited historically (1860-1940). the nearby Gualcamayo gold deposit has been mined by Yamana
- The mineral deposits have an unclear origin (Skarn, MVT / VMS / Sedex, IR) and with the exception of Gualcamayo, have not received attention by modern exploration
The La Helvecia target characteristics
- Massive sulfide manto deposit within / at the contact San Juan Limestones
- Zinc-Lead with significant Au-Ag-Cu credits
- The manto strikes NNW and dips moderately (approx 45°) to the west
- The upper part is partially oxidized
Exploration history
- La Helvecia has been historically mined for zinc oxides (1890 to 1965) and underground for zinc sulphides (>500m underground development – 1970-80)
- No modern exploration has been conducted
La Helvecia – Milka
- Initial rock chip samples returned ore-grade assays for Zinc, Lead and Silver and encouraging assays for Au-Cu.
- The massive sulfides carry economic grades of Zn-Pb (up to 21.7% Zn and > 20% Pb) and high-grade Ag, Au and Cu grades (up to 841ppm Ag, 1.8ppm Au and 2.3% Cu).
- The “manto” continuity to the west has not been explored
Ground consolidation
- An option signed to acquire the concession (Mississippi II) west of the Milka claim.
- Contracts with EMSE executed for the small mines inside Milka claim.
La Helvecia Project Highlights
| Location | La Rioja Province |
| Geology | Massive Sulfide ‘Manto’ (Zn, Pb, Au, Ag) within / at the contact of San Juan limestones |
| Project Area | 4,100 ha (41km²) |
| Ownership | 100% |
| Elevation | 2,500 – 2,800m ASL |
| Access | All year – unsealed road from nearest town of Guandacol (40km) |
| Primary Target | Milka, Mississippi II* |
| Nearology | Gualcamayo (4Moz Au) |
* Fully funded option agreement signed with private landowner for 100% mineral rights excluding Barite.