A Canadian mining company discovers a high-grade gold deposit in Peru's Huánuco highlands
Canadian mining company Hannan Metals has announced a high-grade gold discovery in Peru's Huánuco highlands, potentially positioning the area as a significant global gold mining hub.
In a significant development for Peru's mining sector, Canadian firm Hannan Metals has announced the discovery of a high-grade gold deposit in the highlands of Huánuco. The find, located near Tingo María within the company's Previsto prospect, is part of the larger Valiente project, which spans a vast region in central-eastern Peru. This discovery could position the area as a new gold mining hub, comparable to renowned districts like Porgera in Papua New Guinea and Cripple Creek in Colorado, USA.
Hannan Metals discovers copper and gold at Valiente project. Photo: Revista Pro Activo.
Potential global impact of the Huánuco gold discovery
The discovery in Huánuco is part of Hannan Metals' broader Valiente project, which encompasses multiple prospects, including the Belen copper-gold porphyry target. The company has been actively exploring this region, identifying several intrusion-related porphyry and epithermal targets. The favorable geography, with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 meters above sea level, provides conducive conditions for valuable mineral deposits.
The identified deposit is characterized as an alkaline epithermal system, known for extensive high-purity gold reserves. Preliminary analyses have revealed a 69.1-meter section with an average gold concentration of 2.4 grams per tonne (g/t), including a notable 26-meter segment averaging 5.4 g/t. The mineralization remains open in all directions, suggesting significant potential for further exploration. Michael Hudson, CEO of Hannan Metals, emphasized the rarity of such surface-level, high-purity gold discoveries, highlighting its potential global significance.
Hannan Metals expands copper and gold discoveries at Valiente project. Photo: Reporte Minero.
Advancements in exploration and environmental approvals
In November 2024, Hannan Metals received environmental approval from Peru's Ministry of Mines for its initial drilling program at the Belen prospect. This approval covers 40 drill platforms across 702 hectares, encompassing key prospects such as Ricardo Herrera (porphyry copper-gold), Vista Alegre (epithermal gold), and Sortilegio (porphyry copper-gold). Drilling activities are slated to commence in the first quarter of 2025, with mobilization expected in the second quarter.
The ongoing exploration and forthcoming drilling initiatives underscore the potential of the Valiente project to become a significant contributor to Peru's mining industry. As Hannan Metals continues its systematic exploration of this newly identified metallogenic province, the global mining community keenly anticipates further developments.