Canadian gold explorer Quimbaya Gold (CSE: QIM; Frankfurt: K05) announces the completion of high-resolution airborne Lidar surveys over its wholly-owned Tahami Center and Tahami Southeast project blocks in the Segovia gold region (Antioquia, Colombia). The survey, covering a total of 1,530 hectares, consequently provides a precise topographic and structural model that supports the planning of the next exploration steps – from soil grid sampling to the alignment of potential drill sites. According to the company, dominant fault systems and geomorphological anomalies were mapped, which are considered indicators for porphyry intrusions and epithermal gold veins.
Quimbaya Gold: Lidar as a Basis for Targeted Exploration
For data acquisition, Quimbaya Gold utilized a fixed-wing aircraft (Cessna-type) with high-resolution Lidar instrumentation, optimized for precise terrain models in highly rugged terrain. Approximately 800 hectares were covered at Tahami Center and 730 hectares at Tahami Southeast. Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) generates dense point clouds from which digital terrain models can be derived. In exploration areas with dense vegetation or inaccessible topography, this method can reveal structures that are barely discernible on the surface.
According to the company, the data package serves as a technical guide for the upcoming work: Based on the new models, soil grids will be defined, drill platforms positioned with a view to accessibility and slope stability, and ongoing geological mapping refined. The combination of structural geology, morphology, and subsequent geochemical results is intended to improve targeting of potential mineralized centers and reduce environmental impact.
Tahami Center: Structural Patterns and Indications of Porphyry Centers
In Tahami Center, Quimbaya Gold identified two dominant structural trends with NW-SE and NE-SW orientation, which correspond to regional controls for porphyry emplacement. Particularly noteworthy is a cluster of circular geomorphological anomalies, interpreted as potential surface expressions of intrusive centers. Accordingly, an area of approximately 2.0 x 1.7 kilometers is delineated in the south of the license area; in the north, a zone of approximately 1.2 x 1.2 kilometers was covered.
These patterns align with geological models in which porphyry intrusions and associated epithermal gold-silver veins are formed along larger fault systems. Based on the Lidar results, the company has initiated preliminary planning for soil grids and pre-selection of suitable drill platforms; simultaneously, artisanal mining sites (“artisanal miners works”) were located, which can provide additional indications of near-surface mineralization. The final integration of the Lidar findings into field mapping and geochemistry is underway.
Tahami Southeast: Data Acquisition Completed, Interpretation in Preparation
Furthermore, according to Quimbaya, Lidar acquisition over Tahami Southeast has been completed, with data processing and interpretation to follow in the next step. The project block directly borders Aris Mining’s Segovia mine operations, thereby expanding the spatial extent of Quimbaya Gold’s exploration activities in an established, gold-producing district. With the inclusion of Tahami Southeast, the data basis grows to track structural trends across block boundaries and relate potential intrusive centers to already productive trends in the Segovia area.
Strategically, the high-resolution topographic and structural information strengthens the company’s ability to prioritize drill targets. The combination of Lidar, geological mapping, and upcoming soil samples is expected to reduce the risk of missteps and increase the efficiency of exploration campaigns. In parallel, the company refers to ongoing environmental and community activities that accompany the planning and approval of operational steps.
Next Steps for Quimbaya Gold
For Tahami Center, Quimbaya Gold’s agenda now includes the continuation of soil sampling and detailed geological mapping, the prioritization of drill sites based on integrated datasets, as well as continuous coordination with local stakeholders. For Tahami Southeast, the structural geological interpretation of the Lidar data and the derivation of anomaly corridors will follow, which will then be verified by geochemistry and mapping.
Additionally, Quimbaya Gold announces the appointment of Juan Pablo Bayona to its Board of Directors. Bayona brings experience from the mining and financial sectors in Colombia, including advising both public and private companies on strategy, capital market issues, and regulation. The company expects his regional expertise to provide impetus for the further development of projects in Antioquia.
Conclusion: The completed Lidar survey provides Quimbaya Gold with a detailed structural framework for Tahami Center and Tahami Southeast. Identified trends and anomalies serve as a starting point for the next exploration phase – from the design of soil grids to the selection of future drill platforms – in close proximity to producing facilities in the Segovia district. Meanwhile, drilling continues at Tahami South, and we eagerly await the first drill results!
