C3 Metals Confirms Age of Mineralization at Khaleesi Copper Project, Peru is the Same as the Large Las Bambas and Antapaccay Copper Deposits
C3 Metals Confirms Age of Mineralization at
Khaleesi Copper Project, Peru is the Same as
the Large Las Bambas and Antapaccay Copper
Deposits
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2026) -
C3 Metals Inc.
(TSXV: CCCM) (OTCQB: CUAUF)
("C3 Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce geochronology (age date) results at its 100%-
owned Khaleesi copper project ("Khaleesi" or "the Project") in southern Peru.
The geochronological age
of porphyry-style copper deposits is critically important for both mineral exploration and scientific
understanding.
The "correct" age for mineralization of this type facilitates the understanding of the
occurrence and enhances the significance of the discovery when ranked against other projects in the
region.
Copper-molybdenum-gold skarn and porphyry-style mineralization was discovered by C3 Metals during
regional exploration mapping and sampling.
As part of the exploration process, the Company recently
undertook a geochronological (age dating) program to better understand the relationships between the
intrusive phases, skarn alteration and copper + molybdenum mineralization.
Khaleesi Geochronology Highlights
Khaleesi is located along the major copper producing Andahuaylas-Yauri Skarn and Porphyry belt
where the known porphyry and skarn mineralization lies within a
broad range of 39.5 ± 1.1 to
28.7 ± 0.8 Ma
("age in millions of years") (Perelló et al., 2003).
Khaleesi has no absolute geochronological constraints, but with this new data, the molybdenite
mineralization age is inferred to be ~35.8 Ma
and therefore younger than the gabbroic-diorite
intrusives encountered in early drill testing.
Molybdenite age dating results indicate one of the
Khaleesi hydrothermal events is within the
same time frame as nearby porphyry and skarn deposits
,
such as the large Las Bambas
and Antapaccay (Coroccohuaya) deposits.
The geochronology data suggests there is a multi-phase (or long-lived hydrothermal system) at
Khaleesi, and therefore a younger event that could be causing some of the copper + molybdenum
mineralization.
Dan Symons, President and CEO, stated
, "It might be seen as unusual to be excited to be announcing
the age of a mineral system.
However, there is considerable evidence that the best porphyry and
skarn systems along the Andahuaylas-Yauri belt in Peru are typically between 40 and 30 million
years old.
Even before we drilled a hole at Khaleesi, several major mining companies were
particularly keen to understand the age of our mineralization.
The results of this dating program
indicate the molybdenum mineralization is approximately 35.8 million years – the same age range as
both the nearby Las Bambas and Antapaccay deposits operated by MMG and Glencore, respectively.
Importantly, the multiphase diorite intrusives encountered in early-stage drilling dated approximately
40.1 million years old.
This means the diorite intrusives are not stoping out mineralization but instead
are acting as important conduits to allow mineralization to travel up the intrusive contacts to near
surface.
This is the exact result we were hoping for."
A total of five samples were collected for zircon U-Pb, garnet U-Pb and molybdenite Re-Mo age dating.
Two samples were collected from gabbroic-diorite intrusives of the Andahuaylas-Yauri batholith
outcropping at Khaleesi, one sample from the garnet skarn and two samples of molybdenite
mineralization from quartz + molybdenite + chalcopyrite veinlets in gabbroic-diorite and magnetite skarn.
The geochronological work reports the gabbroic-diorite (batholith) having U-Pb ages of 40.12 ± 0.23 Ma
and 39.33 ± 0.31 Ma. The garnet (skarn) sample returned a U-Pb age of 40.5 ± 1.8 Ma, a similar age to
the gabbroic-diorite.
Two Re-Os age dates from molybdenite within veinlets cross-cutting the gabbroic-
diorite and the magnetite skarn, reported ages of 35.67 ± 0.20 Ma and 35.92 ± 0.21 Ma.
Of particular importance are the ages reported from molybdenite in quartz veinlets, which reported
ages
aligned with those from nearby large copper mines and deposits (Figure 1), such as MMG's
Las Bambas mine, located approximately 35km west of Khaleesi, and Glencore's Antapaccay
mine (Coroccohuayco).
The older ages reported for garnet and diorite fall within the lower/older ages
of the known mineralization of the Andahuaylas-Yauri belt (Figure 1).
The prograde garnet and
retrograde magnetite skarn mineralization at Khaleesi is thus likely an older event, related to the
gabbroic diorite, which was then
overprinted on by a younger copper-gold mineralizing event
that
brought in quartz + copper sulfide + molybdenite veinlets.
Figure 1. Ages of the Andahuaylas-Yauri Belt deposits with new Khaleesi age dates shown at bottom for
comparison. Figure modified from compilation in Garay-Maureira (2020). References for age dates
listed are as follows: 1 – Noble et al. (1984); 2 – Perelló et al. (2003); 3 – Chelle-Michou et al. (2015); 4
– Cernuschi (2015); 5 – Wise et al. (2017). Ages all in million years (Ma).
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2661/286543_b451b36f948d08d1_001full.jpg
Samples were selected from Khaleesi surface outcrops and drill holes and sent to universities for age
dating.
The zircon and garnet U-Pb age dating was done at the FiLTER lab at the University of British
Columbia Okanagan, in Kelowna, Canada.
The molybdenite Re-Os age dating was done at the
University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Canada.
Drilling Continues
The Company has completed 12 drill holes for 6,300m with copper reported or observed in all 12 holes
over a 1,000m by 500m footprint (see press releases dated December 15, 2025, January 21, 2026 and
February 26, 2026).
An additional 15,000m drill program in 25 to 30 holes is expected to be completed
by the end of 2026.
Currently, six holes are pending assays with two additional holes in progress.
For additional information, contact:
Dan Symons
President and CEO
+1 416 716 6466
ABOUT C3 METALS INC.
C3 Metals Inc. is a mineral exploration company focused on creating substantive value for its
shareholders through the discovery and development of large copper and gold deposits.
The Company
holds approximately 31,000 hectares located in the prolific high-grade Andahuaylas-Yauri Porphyry-
Skarn belt of Southern Peru, which contain the Company's Jasperoide and Khaleesi projects.
Mineralization at Jasperoide and Khaleesi is hosted in a similar geological setting to the nearby major
mining operations at Las Bambas (MMG), Constancia (Hudbay) and Antapaccay (Glencore).
At
Jasperoide, the Company has identified 13 skarn prospects a 28km belt.
The Company has published a
maiden resource estimate on the first of these skarn targets, which contained Measured & Indicated
Resources of 52Mt at 0.5% copper and 0.2 g/t gold
1
.
The Company is also actively exploring in Jamaica
where it has identified 16 porphyry, 40 epithermal and multiple volcanic redbed copper prospects over a
30km strike extent.
The Company holds a 100% interest in 17,855 hectares of exploration licenses, of
which Freeport-McMoRan Exploration Corporation, a wholly-owned affiliate of Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
(NYSE: FCX), has the option on 13,020 hectares to earn up to a 75% interest by funding up to US$75
million of exploration and project related expenditures.
The Company also holds a 50% interest in 9,870
hectares in a joint venture with Geophsyx Jamaica Ltd, the largest mineral tenure holder in the country.
Barrick Mining Corp. announced on May 1, 2024 that it had entered into an earn-in agreement with
Geophysx Jamaica Ltd. on approximately 400,000 hectares of exploration licenses, several of which
surround C3 Metals' mineral concessions.
Mining is currently the second largest industry in Jamaica, and
historical mining dates back to the colonial eras of the 1500s (Spanish) and 1800s (British).
Related Link:
www.c3metals.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
QP Statement
Stephen Hughes, P.Geo. is Vice President Exploration and a Director for C3 Metals and is a Qualified
Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
Mr. Hughes has reviewed the technical information in
this news release and approves the written disclosure contained herein.
Technical Program
C3 Metals adheres to a strict QA/QC protocol for handling, sampling, sample transportation and
analyses. Chain-of-custody protocols are designed to ensure security of samples until their delivery at
the laboratory.
Samples were cut at C3 Metals' Khaleesi Project camp, Cusco Region, Perú, by Company personnel.
Before entering the cutting room, the drill core samples are marked lengthwise with a yellow line, and the
core saw followed these lines to cut each sample. Diamond drill core was sampled in maximum 3-metre
intervals, stopping at geological boundaries, and using a rock saw. Core diameter is a mix of PQ3 and
HQ3, depending on the depth of the drill hole. Samples were bagged, tagged and packaged for
shipment via local freight transport service to the ALS preparation laboratory in Arequipa, Arequipa
Region, Perú. Entire samples were dried and weighed, then crushed to 85% passing 10 mesh (2mm).
From this, a 1.5 kg split was pulverized to 90% passing 200 mesh (75µm).
The prepared, pulp samples were sent via ALS to the ALS assay laboratory in Lima, Lima Region, Perú,
for copper, gold and multi-element analysis. ALS is an accredited laboratory which is independent of the
Company. Gold assays were done by fire assay fusion (Au-AA23) with AAS finish on a 30g sample.
Copper was assayed by ICP-AES following a 4-acid digestion via the ME-MS61r package for a suite of
60 elements. Any copper sample over detection limit (i.e., greater than 10,000ppm or 1% Cu) was
additionally assayed via ICP-AES using the package ME-OG62. High and low copper, gold and iron
standards, as well as blanks and duplicates (coarse crush split and pulp), were randomly inserted into
the sampling sequence for quality control. On average, 11% of the submitted samples are quality control
samples. No data quality problems were indicated by the QA/QC program.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These
statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend",
"expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to
matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on
the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual
future results may differ materially. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of
the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to
be accurate.
While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently
available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements
to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by
the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks inherent in the exploration and development of
mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be
redefined, risks relating to variations in grade or recovery rates, risks relating to changes in mineral
prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of minerals, risks related to increased competition and
current global financial conditions, access and supply risks, reliance on key personnel, operational risks,
and regulatory risks, including risks relating to the acquisition of the necessary licenses and permits,
financing, capitalization and liquidity risks.
The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the
Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the
risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information
contained herein.
1
Based on the assumptions and parameters outlined in the NI 43-101 Technical Report titled Jasperoide Copper-Gold Project Cusco Region, Peru
dated July 5, 2023.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit
https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286543