VANCOUVER (miningweekly.com) – Junior explorer Mirasol Resources has discovered three large-scale porphyry copper/molybdenum/gold targets, also expanding its claim holdings, at the 100%-owned Rubi project, next to the giant El Salvador copper mining district, in northern Chile.

Mirasol recently completed field evaluation and targeting programmes at Rubi, identifying three large-scale targets at the Lithocap, Zafiro and Portezuelo prospects. The targets were defined by integrated analysis, including the re-logging of drill holes and reinterpreting geophysics and geochemistry from its joint venture partner’s previous exploration at Rubi. This, combined with recent Mirasol geological mapping, rock chip sampling and target vector modelling from field-based measurements of alteration minerology, delivered the new discoveries.

"The company has rapidly built a portfolio of quality copper targets at Rubi and at its recently announced Odin project, located 35 km north of BHP's Escondida mine. These and other recently staked copper projects strategically position Mirasol in the premier copper belt of northern Chile," stated president and CEO Stephen Nano.

According to the TSX-V-listed company, Rubi lies at relatively low elevation, within 20 km of El Salvador and Portrerillos porphyry copper/molybdenum/gold mines, with infrastructure advantages such as year-round access, nearby townships with a trained mining workforce, nearby roads, power, a water grid and an operating mill and smelter.

Rubi has a prospective geological setting centred on structural intersections with the Domeyko Fault System, a through-going regional-scale structure and the Ojos del Salado trans-orogen structure, interpreted to have influenced the emplacement of the nearby giant El Salvador and Potrerillos deposits.

Mirasol has systematically consolidated claim holdings at Rubi over the past 12 months and has expanded the claim area to a total of nearly 26 000 ha.

A 7.6 km segment of the Inca Trail passes through the Rubi project, but Mirasol said the new discoveries are separated from the trail.