Ballymore Resources Targets Deep Gold and Copper at Dittmer with New Drilling
Ballymore Resources is preparing to launch a 2,000m Stage 5 diamond drilling program at its Dittmer Gold Project in February 2025, aiming to extend known gold mineralisation and explore a deep porphyry target. This follows a string of successful drill results that have yet to be fully quantified in a Mineral Resource estimate.
- Stage 5 underground drilling of 2,000m scheduled to start February 2025
- Previous 42 holes all intersected gold mineralisation with high-grade results
- Targeting extensions of known mineralisation and a deep 1200m x 800m porphyry magnetic body
- Initial Mineral Resource estimation expected post-drilling
- Additional drilling programs at Cedar Ridge and Day Dawn prospects underway
Ballymore Advances Dittmer Gold Exploration
Ballymore Resources (ASX:BMR) is gearing up to commence a significant new phase of exploration at its Dittmer Gold Project near Proserpine in north Queensland. The company announced plans for a 2,000-metre Stage 5 underground diamond drilling campaign set to begin in February 2025, targeting both extensions of known high-grade gold mineralisation and a compelling deep porphyry copper-gold target beneath the historic mine workings.
The Dittmer area has proven highly prospective, with Ballymore’s previous drilling delivering a 100% success rate, 42 out of 42 holes intersected gold mineralisation, including several bonanza-grade intervals. Notable intercepts include 4.3 metres at 29.02 g/t gold and 3.85 metres at 26.03 g/t gold, underscoring the potential scale and richness of the system.
Exploring the Deep Porphyry Target
Beyond the immediate extensions of the known lodes, Ballymore is preparing to test a large, pipe-like magnetic anomaly measuring approximately 1,200 by 800 metres, located some 400 metres beneath the historic mine. This target is interpreted as a porphyry intrusion, a geological setting analogous to major copper-gold deposits such as Evolution Mining’s Northparkes and Newmont’s Ridgeway mines in New South Wales.
Geochemical soil sampling and drilling in the vicinity have indicated elevated copper levels, supporting the hypothesis of a significant porphyry copper-gold system at depth. The planned deep drill hole, expected to reach 1,000 metres and commence in April or May, aims to confirm this interpretation and potentially unlock a new tier of mineralisation beneath the existing gold lodes.
Complementary Drilling at Cedar Ridge and Day Dawn
In addition to Dittmer, Ballymore is advancing exploration at its Cedar Ridge and Day Dawn prospects. Recent reverse circulation drilling at Cedar Ridge has identified quartz veins and alteration patterns consistent with a porphyry system, with assays up to 1.6 g/t gold over 1 metre. Meanwhile, drilling at Day Dawn has encountered gold-bearing veins, though results have been below initial expectations compared to historic rock chip samples.
These programs reflect Ballymore’s broader strategy to delineate multiple mineralised systems within its extensive Queensland tenement portfolio, which spans over 1,450 square kilometres across prolific mineral belts.
Looking Ahead
Completion of the Stage 5 drilling at Dittmer is expected to provide sufficient data for Ballymore to compile its first Mineral Resource estimate for the area, a milestone that could significantly enhance the project’s valuation and attractiveness to investors. The company also anticipates receiving metallurgical test results soon, which have so far shown promising gold recovery rates from cyanide leach and flotation tests.
Managing Director David A-Izzeddin highlighted the transformational progress made in 2024 and expressed optimism about the upcoming drilling campaigns, which could reveal the next major copper-gold system in Queensland.
Bottom Line?
Ballymore’s upcoming drilling programs could redefine the scale of its Dittmer project, setting the stage for a pivotal resource update.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the Stage 5 drilling confirm extensions sufficient to justify a robust Mineral Resource estimate?
- Can the deep porphyry target deliver a significant copper-gold discovery analogous to major NSW deposits?
- How will metallurgical results influence the economic viability and development plans for Dittmer?
