Rio begins drilling at Madison copper-gold project in Montana
![](https://www.mining.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Madison-1024x576.jpg)
Since then, Rio has identified numerous targets during its two-plus years of exploration. These are planned to be drill-tested based on many factors including geophysical surveys, the success of historic drilling, mapping, modeling, and newly encountered surface geologic interpretations and expressions.
The original drill plan called for both diamond drilling and reverse circular drilling, but has now been updated to accommodate two diamond drills. The total program will consist of up to 4,000 metres of drilling.
The Madison property is located near Silver Star, Montana, about 38 km southeast of the renowned Butte Mining District. The project consists of 136 unpatented and 6 patented claims, covering 2,514 acres of land.
Shares of American Pacific dropped 7.4% by noon ET Thursday following news of Rio’s drilling. The company has a market capitalization of C$16.5 million.