Regulatory Setback Overcome: OD6 Resumes Gulf Creek Exploration Amid Uncertainty

• Regulatory clearance received to recommence Gulf Creek exploration
• Six of nine planned drill holes completed with assays pending
• Focus on both brownfield and greenfield copper targets
• Historic high-grade copper mine with modern exploration techniques
• OD6 also advancing significant rare earths project in Western Australia

Regulatory Green Light for Gulf Creek

OD6 Metals Limited (ASX: OD6) has announced it has received a new notice from the NSW Resources Regulator allowing the recommencement of exploration activities at its Gulf Creek Copper Project in New South Wales. This follows the revocation of a previous notice that had temporarily halted drilling operations earlier this year.

The regulatory clearance marks a pivotal moment for OD6, enabling the company to continue its maiden drilling campaign at a site historically renowned for its high-grade copper mineralisation. The Gulf Creek mine, once the highest-grade copper producer in NSW before its closure in 1912, has seen little modern exploration until OD6’s recent efforts.

Progress and Prospects from Initial Drilling

Prior to the suspension, OD6 had completed six of the nine planned drill holes. The company expects assay results from these holes to be finalised shortly, which will provide critical insights into the mineralisation and guide further exploration. Managing Director Brett Hazelden emphasised the importance of these results, noting they will inform ongoing drilling programs targeting both the brownfield areas within the historic mining zone and greenfield opportunities along untested structural trends.

The project’s geological setting, associated with magnetite mineralisation, offers significant upside potential with over 3 kilometres of untested strike within the immediate mine stratigraphy and more than 10 kilometres across the broader tenement. Modern geophysical techniques applied by OD6 aim to unlock these opportunities that have remained dormant for over a century.

Dual Focus on Copper and Rare Earth Elements

While Gulf Creek remains a core focus, OD6 Metals is also advancing its rare earth elements portfolio through the Splinter Rock Project in Western Australia. The company recently reported a substantial Mineral Resource Estimate for Splinter Rock, confirming it as one of Australia’s largest and highest-grade clay-hosted rare earth deposits. This diversification into critical minerals positions OD6 well within sectors of strategic importance.

The Splinter Rock resource boasts an Indicated Resource of 119 million tonnes at 1,632 ppm total rare earth oxides (TREO) and an Inferred Resource of 563 million tonnes at 1,275 ppm TREO, with a significant proportion of high-value magnetic rare earths. This complements the company’s copper ambitions and underscores its broader exploration and development strategy.

Looking Ahead

With regulatory hurdles cleared, OD6 Metals is poised to accelerate its exploration momentum at Gulf Creek. The imminent assay results will be closely watched by investors and analysts alike, as they hold the key to unlocking the project’s potential and shaping the company’s near-term drilling plans. Success here could significantly enhance the value proposition of this historically significant copper asset.

OD6’s ability to integrate modern exploration technologies with a dual-commodity focus on copper and rare earths reflects a strategic approach to resource development in Australia’s evolving mining landscape.

Bottom Line?

OD6’s next assay results will be a critical catalyst, potentially reshaping the outlook for Gulf Creek’s copper potential.

Questions in the middle?

• What do the upcoming assay results reveal about the grade and extent of mineralisation at Gulf Creek?
• How will OD6 prioritise drilling between brownfield and greenfield targets based on initial results?
• What impact could Gulf Creek’s exploration success have on OD6’s overall valuation and project pipeline?