Sandfire Resources (ASX:SFR) decided to return the ownership of the Alvalade copper-zinc project joint venture in Portugal to its joint venture partner Avrupa Minerals, according to a Monday Australian bourse filing.
Avrupa Minerals conducted a diamond drilling program in 2024 at the Sesmarias prospect in the project.
Sandfire assessed the results of the drilling and said the results of the 2024 drilling program "did not meet the technical hurdles required" to advance the project, even though a number of mineralized massive sulfide intersections were returned.
Sandfire holds an indirect 51% stake in the joint venture via its unit Sandfire Mineira Portugal.