Copper Fox Updates Exploration Model - Preparing Plan of Operations for Drilling at Sombrero Butte Porphyry Copper Project

Rhea-AI Summary

Copper Fox Metals (OTCQX:CPFXF) has updated its exploration model for the 100% owned Sombrero Butte porphyry copper project, revealing a large, highly evolved porphyry copper-molybdenum system with supergene enrichment. The project, located near Faraday Copper's Copper Creek deposit, shows promising characteristics including a 3,200m long by 1,300m wide chargeability anomaly.

The model indicates a near-surface system featuring multiple breccia pipes with high-grade copper mineralization, with historical drilling results showing intervals up to 3.57% copper over 30 meters. Key findings include hypersaline fluid inclusions, widespread potassic alteration, and thermal metamorphism, suggesting favorable conditions for a significant porphyry copper deposit. The company is now preparing a Plan of Operations for an exploratory drilling program.

Positive

• Project exhibits characteristics typical of major Laramide porphyry copper deposits in Arizona
• Historical drilling revealed high-grade copper mineralization with up to 3.57% Cu over 30m
• Large chargeability anomaly spanning 3,200m by 1,300m identified
• Multiple (120) breccia pipes discovered with high-grade copper +/- molybdenum-gold-silver mineralization
• Project located in same structural setting as the established Copper Creek porphyry copper deposit

Negative

• Exploration is still in early stages with no defined resource
• Project requires additional permits before drilling can commence
• Relatively complex geological setting requiring detailed exploration

Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 23, 2025) - Copper Fox Metals Inc. (TSXV: CUU) (OTCQX: CPFXF) (FSE: HPU) ("Copper Fox" or the "Company") and its owned subsidiary, Desert Fox Minerals Co. ("Desert Fox"), are pleased to present an updated exploration model for its 100% owned Sombrero Butte project. The model integrates data from the 2024 geophysical and mapping programs, petrographic, mineralogical, geochronological and alteration studies, whole rock and trace element geochemistry, SWIR and high resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys, and available public data. The use of trace element ratios and zircon geochemistry was used to distinguish between prospective (fertile) and non-prospective intrusive phases of the Copper Creek granodiorite.

Elmer B. Stewart, President & CEO of Copper Fox commented: "The data compilation and updating the exploration model, provides the opportunity to prepare a Plan of Operations to conduct an exploratory drill program to test the large porphyry target located in the center of the project. The exploration model suggests a "near surface" highly evolved porphyry copper-molybdenum system exhibiting supergene enrichment of the copper mineralization and several episodes of high temperature hydrothermal fluids located in the same structural setting as the Copper Creek porphyry copper deposit to the north."

Faraday Copper's Copper Creek porphyry copper deposit and Copper Fox's Sombrero Butte project are in the historically productive Copper Creek-Bunker Hill mining district, which contains breccia-pipe-hosted and porphyry-style copper mineralization, The Copper Creek porphyry copper deposit is located approximately three kilometers north of the Sombrero Butte project, Figure-1.

Figure-1: Project location map (looking west) showing other porphyry copper deposits in relation to the exploration target and chargeability anomaly on the Sombrero Butte project.

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Summary

The updated exploration model supports the presence of a large, highly evolved porphyry copper system overlain by a relatively thin veneer of phyllic-altered andesitic volcanics and volcaniclastic sediments of the Glory Hole formation. The Copper Creek intrusive exhibits a diorite to granodiorite evolutionary trend consistent with other porphyry copper deposits in Arizona with SiO2 contents ranging between 52 to 70% SiO2 consisting primarily of porphyritic and non-porphyritic phases of hornblende-biotite granodiorite and biotite granodiorite with lesser amounts of quartz diorite, quartz monzonite and quartz syenite.

The "near surface" porphyry copper target is characterized by quartz vein hosted copper-molybdenum mineralization that exhibits a strong spatial correlation to a central zone of potassic alteration and laterally widespread thermal metamorphism and phyllic alteration of the Glory Hole volcanics. The zone of potassic alteration hosts areas of quartz-magnetite, and magnetite veining (indicative of early potassic alteration) and prospective hypersaline fluid inclusions (liquid+vapor+daughter minerals) typically observed in the epizonal portion of porphyry copper deposits underlain by a coincident strong positive chargeability anomaly hosted in the Laramide age Copper Creek intrusive (Pb/U zircon ages of 62.97+/-0.01 Ma and 63.08+/-0.01 Ma.) and overlying Glory Hole volcanics, Figure-2.

Figure-2: Schematic section (looking north-northwest) showing the Updated Exploration Model for the Sombrero Butte Project. The depth of reliable exploration for the 2024 geophysical survey is limited to 600m below surface. The anomalous chargeability and low resistivity signatures extend to depth below the 600m depth. 

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The updated exploration model highlights the following features typically seen in Laramide porphyry copper deposits in Arizona.

• The southern extension of the Copper Creek granodiorite consists primarily of porphyritic and non-porphyritic hornblende-biotite granodiorite and biotite granodiorite.
• The porphyry copper target and underlying 3,200 meter (m) long by 1,300m wide chargeability anomaly (>25 mrad) occupies the same structural setting as the Copper Creek porphyry copper deposit.
• A central potassic zone surrounded by widespread phyllic (the Limonite zone; oxidized quartz-pyrite-sericite veinlets) and lesser amounts of distal advanced argillic, propylitic and tourmaline alteration.
• Hypogene enrichment (i.e. bornite rimming chalcopyrite) of copper mineralization and magnetite rimming pyrite indicating several superimposed high temperature hydrothermal events.
• Hypersaline fluid inclusions with liquid+ vapor + solid phases of halite, hematite, chalcopyrite and anhydrite typically observed in epizonal portions of porphyry copper deposits.
• Multiple (120) breccia pipes including magmatic hydrothermal breccia containing high grade copper +/- molybdenum-gold-silver mineralization.
• Thermal metamorphism of the Glory Hole volcanics suggesting a relatively thin cover of Glory Hole volcanics overlying the Copper Creek granodiorite intrusive.

General Geology

The geology of the Sombrero Butte project consists of Precambrian age Pinal Schist, Laramide age Glory Hole volcanics and Copper Creek granodiorite and the Miocene age Galiuro volcanics, Figure-3.

Figure-3: General geology of the Sombrero Butte project and section line for the updated exploration model. The red line on the map shows line of section for the exploration model shown in Figure-2.

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Structural Setting

The Copper Creek porphyry copper deposit is located between the Holy Joe fault and the Blind Thrust fault. Modelling of high-resolution magnetic data delineated several north-northwest trending, west dipping (55 to 65), regional scale magnetic features, three of which exhibit a strong correlation to the Range Front fault, the Blind Thrust fault and the Holy Joe fault. The porphyry exploration target and chargeability anomaly occupy the same structural setting on the Sombrero Butte project, Figure-4.

Figure-4: Structural setting of the chargeability anomaly and interpreted regional faults underlying the Sombrero Butte project.

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Petrographic/Mineralogical Studies

These studies identified the following mineralogical and alteration features indicative of a porphyry copper system.

• Widespread potassic (K-spar) alteration and quartz-chalcopyrite-bornite veins associated with the K-spar alteration.
• Hypogene enrichment evidenced by bornite encroaching inward on core zones of chalcopyrite.
• Sulfide mineralization postdates the thermal metamorphism of the Glory Hole Volcanics.
• Samples where the paragenetic sequence shows later stage magnetite rimming and replacing pyrite, an unusual pattern, in that porphyry-related hydrothermal systems generally evolve from a low oxidation-low sulfidation state to high oxidation and sulfidation states.

Fluid Inclusion Studies

Fluid-inclusions in porphyry copper deposits are considered to be indicative of epizonal intrusions which are the most favorable parents for porphyry copper mineralization and provide direct information about the hydrothermal fluids that transport metals and form deposits. The fluid inclusions identified at Sombrero Butte are a) vapor, b) liquid+vapor and c) liquid+vapor+daughter minerals. The presence of hypersaline inclusions (liquid+ vapor+ daughter minerals) suggests the intrusive source achieved saturation and phase separation (i.e. "boiling") into a vapor-rich phase and a high salinity brine phase. The locations of samples from the Sombrero Butte project with hypersaline fluid inclusions are shown in Figure-5.

Figure-5: Distribution of samples used in fluid inclusion studies showing locations of samples with Hypersaline fluid inclusions. Hypersaline fluid inclusions are restricted to the various phases of the Copper Creek granodiorite. 

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Breccia Systems

Five different styles of breccias occur within the porphyry target at Sombrero Butte. These mineralized and non-mineralized breccias occur as vertically dipping pipes exhibiting different textural, geochemical associations, alteration patterns, degrees of leaching, and weak to intense argillic alteration. The Breccia pipes at the northwest end of the project occur within an 800m by 800m area within potassic and phyllic altered porphyritic and non-porphyritic hornblende-biotite granodiorite, biotite granodiorite and Glory Hole volcanics. Several of these breccia pipes were tested by diamond drilling between 2006-2008. Selected weighted average grade for mineralized intervals from these breccias are shown in Table-1.

Table-1: Selected weighted average grades from 2006-2008 diamond drilling at Sombrero Butte as reported in the NI 43-101 Technical Report of the Sombrero Butte Project, Pinal County, Arizona, USA, dated May 12, 2010, prepared by Rodney A. Blakestad, J.D., C.P.G.

Breccia	DDH ID	From (m)	To (m)	Interval (m)	Cu (%)	Mo (%)	Au (g/t)	Ag (g/t)
Magna	SB-02	280	368	88	0.663	0.012	0.009	0.561
Campstool	SB-03	430	492	62	0.566	0	0.044	0.100
Sunset	SB-05	10	40	30	3.570	0.001	0.005	4.050
Audacious	SB-14	0	86	86	1.158	0.001	0.007	0.412
Magna	SB-23	276	358	82	0.815	0.003	0.020	0.485
Magna	SB-23	446	506	60	1.010	0.022	0.067	3.015
Victors	SB-33	4	26	22	1.562	0.004	0.124	5.509

 

Note: The intervals in the above table are based on drill core lengths and do not represent true thickness of the mineralized intervals.

Analytical Procedures

Age dating (U/Pb zircon, based on 12 determinations) of samples was performed by the Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research located in Vancouver, British Columbia (CA-TIMS U-Pb isotopic data). Whole rock and trace element sample preparation and analytical results were completed by ALS Canada Ltd at its facilities in Vancouver, British Columbia. Sample analyses utilized ALS's codes ME-MS61L for trace elements, MS61L-REE for Rare Earth elements and ME-ICP for Whole Rock element analyses. Historical analytical results from the 2006-2008 drilling preformed by Bell Copper were generated by Activation Laboratories using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analyses ("INAA") and Inductively Coupled Plasma mass spectrometry ("ICP") analytical techniques. Both Bell Copper and Activation Laboratories employed various standards and blanks in their respective QA/QC programs. Vancouver Petrographics located in Langley, British Columbia, prepared the thin sections, completed cobaltinitrite staining of cut block and provided petrographic descriptions of the thin sections.

Qualified Person

Elmer B. Stewart, MSc. P. Geol., President and CEO of Copper Fox, is the Company's non-independent, nominated Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release.

About Copper Fox

Copper Fox is a Canadian resource company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: CUU) focused on copper exploration and development in Canada and the United States. The principal assets of Copper Fox and its wholly owned Canadian and United States subsidiaries, being Northern Fox Copper Inc. and Desert Fox Copper Inc., are the 25% interest in the Schaft Creek Joint Venture with Teck Resources Limited on the Schaft Creek copper-gold-molybdenum-silver project located in northwestern British Columbia and the 100% ownership of the Van Dyke oxide copper project located in Miami, Arizona. For more information on Copper Fox's other mineral properties and investments visit the Company's website at copperfoxmetals.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Elmer B. Stewart
President and Chief Executive Officer

For additional information contact: Lynn Ball (844) 484-2820 or (403) 264-2820, investor@copperfoxmetals.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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and forward-looking information within the meaning of the Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information is identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "budgets," "could," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding; an updated exploration model; preparation of a Plan of Operations to conduct an exploratory drill program; presence of a large, highly evolved porphyry copper system.

In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Copper Fox and its subsidiaries have made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the geological advice that Copper Fox has received is reliable and is based upon practices and methodologies which are consistent with industry standards; and the reliability of historical reports. While Copper Fox considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Copper Fox's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include, among others: the updated exploration model may not be accurate; the Plan of Operations may not get completed or filed as planned; an exploratory drill program may not happen as planned or at all; the presence of a large highly evolved porphyry copper system may not be as estimated; the financial markets and the overall economy may deteriorate; the need to obtain additional financing and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; and uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals.

A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Copper Fox is disclosed in Copper Fox's continuous disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and Copper Fox disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law.

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FAQ

What are the key findings from CPFXF's updated Sombrero Butte exploration model?

The model reveals a large porphyry copper-molybdenum system with a 3,200m by 1,300m chargeability anomaly, multiple breccia pipes, and hypersaline fluid inclusions typical of porphyry copper deposits. The system shows evidence of supergene enrichment and widespread potassic alteration.

What were the best historical drilling results at Sombrero Butte?

The best historical drilling results include 3.57% copper over 30 meters at the Sunset breccia, 1.562% copper over 22 meters at the Victors breccia, and 1.158% copper over 86 meters at the Audacious breccia.

How is the Sombrero Butte project related to the Copper Creek deposit?

Sombrero Butte is located approximately 3 kilometers south of the Copper Creek deposit and occupies the same structural setting within the Copper Creek-Bunker Hill mining district.

What are the next steps for Copper Fox at Sombrero Butte?

Copper Fox is preparing a Plan of Operations to conduct an exploratory drilling program to test the large porphyry target located in the center of the project.

What type of mineralization system has been identified at Sombrero Butte?

The project shows a near-surface, highly evolved porphyry copper-molybdenum system with 120 breccia pipes, exhibiting supergene enrichment and multiple episodes of high-temperature hydrothermal fluids.