Gulf Creek Drilling Halted After 1,113m; Rock Chips Hit 12.35% Copper
OD6 Metals has encountered a regulatory pause in its maiden drilling at the historic Gulf Creek Copper Project, with assay results expected in Q2 2025. Meanwhile, rare earth metallurgical testing at Splinter Rock progresses positively amid a solid cash position.
- Acquisition completed of high-grade Gulf Creek Copper-Zinc VMS project in NSW
- Maiden drilling program halted early by NSW Resource Regulator after 6 of 9 holes
- Rock chip assays reveal up to 12.35% copper and 1.04 g/t gold at Gulf Creek
- Ongoing geochemical and geophysical surveys expand high-priority drill targets
- Phase 4 ANSTO metallurgical testing advances rare earth processing at Splinter Rock
Historic Gulf Creek Acquisition and Exploration Progress
OD6 Metals Limited has marked a significant milestone with the completion of its acquisition of the historic Gulf Creek Copper Project in New South Wales. This volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit, once among NSW’s highest-grade copper mines, offers substantial exploration upside with over 3km of untested strike near the historic workings and more than 10km across the tenement.
During the March quarter, OD6 reported impressive surface rock chip assays, including a standout 12.35% copper and 1.04 g/t gold in weathered malachite-bearing sediments. These results underscore the potential for high-grade mineralisation and validate the company’s strategic focus on this brownfield site.
Maiden Drilling Program Interrupted by Regulator
The company commenced its maiden drilling program at Gulf Creek, targeting continuity of known high-grade mineralisation. However, after drilling 1,113 metres across six holes, the NSW Resource Regulator directed an early cessation of activities, halting the program before the planned nine holes could be completed.
OD6 is actively cooperating with the regulator and assessing the issues raised, but at this stage, the timing and outcome of the investigation remain uncertain. The company has committed to keeping the market informed in line with continuous disclosure obligations.
Despite the interruption, assay results from the completed holes are anticipated in Q2 2025 and are expected to be pivotal in shaping future exploration strategies, both within the historic mine area and the promising greenfield targets identified through recent surveys.
Expanding Targets Through Geochemical and Geophysical Surveys
Complementing drilling efforts, OD6 has advanced its geochemical soil sampling and Fixed Loop Electromagnetics (FLEM) surveys. These have confirmed and expanded multiple high-priority targets, revealing extensive anomalous copper and pathfinder elements over several kilometres. Notably, a separate gold-bismuth-selenium-molybdenum anomaly suggests potential for an intrusion-related gold system northeast of the historic Gulf Creek mine.
Progress at Splinter Rock Rare Earth Project
In Western Australia, OD6 continues to push forward with Phase 4 metallurgical testing at its Splinter Rock Rare Earth Project in collaboration with ANSTO. The focus remains on impurity removal trials, resin assessments, ion exchange processes, nanofiltration, and mixed rare earth precipitation methods. Early results are encouraging, with multiple pathways under review to optimise rare earth element recovery.
Corporate and Financial Position
OD6 strengthened its balance sheet with a $1.17 million placement completed in February 2025, issuing 26 million shares and attaching options to investors. The company maintains a robust cash position of A$1.86 million as of 31 March 2025, with no borrowings. Exploration expenditure for the quarter was A$353,000, reflecting ongoing investment in both copper and rare earth projects.
On the corporate front, the company held a general meeting in April and saw a board change with the retirement of Non-Executive Chair Wayne Bramwell, replaced by founding Chair Darren Holden. These changes signal a steady governance framework as OD6 navigates its next phase of growth.
Bottom Line?
OD6 Metals faces a critical juncture as it awaits assay results and regulatory clarity, which will define the pace and scale of its Gulf Creek advancement.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the potential regulatory outcomes and timelines for resuming drilling at Gulf Creek?
- How will the assay results from the maiden drilling influence OD6’s resource estimates and development plans?
- What commercial pathways will emerge from the ongoing rare earth metallurgical tests at Splinter Rock?
