Critical Resources Plans 24-Hole RC Drill Campaign Targeting Up to 52.3% Antimony
Critical Resources Limited has lodged applications to begin maiden drilling at two promising antimony-gold targets within its Halls Peak Project in NSW, aiming to unlock significant mineral potential near Australia’s largest known antimony-gold system.
- Two Assessable Prospecting Operation applications lodged for Mayview Homestead and Amoco Grid prospects
- Planned 24-hole RC drilling campaign targeting high-grade antimony and gold mineralisation
- Mayview assays include up to 52.3% antimony and 2.71 g/t gold from historic sampling
- Drilling expected to commence in Q3 2025 pending regulatory and land access approvals
- Sustainable exploration approach with minimal environmental impact emphasized
Critical Resources Targets High-Grade Antimony-Gold Systems
Critical Resources Limited (ASX:CRR) has taken a significant step forward in its exploration strategy by lodging two Assessable Prospecting Operation (APO) applications with the NSW Resources Regulator. These applications pave the way for the company’s maiden drilling campaign at the Mayview Homestead and Amoco Grid prospects, both located within the highly prospective Halls Peak Project in New South Wales.
The Halls Peak Project sits within the New England Fold Belt, a region gaining attention for its rich antimony-gold mineralisation. Notably, the Mayview Homestead prospect lies just 2.7 kilometres southeast of Larvotto Resources’ Hillgrove Antimony-Gold operations, Australia's largest known antimony-gold system. This proximity adds geological weight to Critical Resources’ exploration ambitions.
Drilling Program and Historical Highlights
The planned drilling program comprises up to 24 reverse circulation (RC) holes, split evenly between the two prospects. At Mayview Homestead, the focus is on vein-hosted mineralisation within quartz-stibnite systems, with historic rock chip assays revealing exceptionally high antimony grades, up to 52.3% Sb, and gold values reaching 2.71 g/t. These results stem from sampling of 19th-century mining dumps and quartz-stibnite veins, underscoring previously overlooked mineral potential.
Meanwhile, the Amoco Grid prospect targets a 1-kilometre-long geochemical anomaly marked by fault intersections and historic rock chip assays up to 17.9 g/t gold. Both programs are designed to test Hillgrove-style orogenic mineral systems, leveraging recent geophysical reinterpretations and geochemical validation to refine drill targets.
Commitment to Sustainable Exploration
Critical Resources emphasizes a sustainable and low-impact approach to exploration. Drill sites have been carefully selected for accessibility, with operations planned on existing clearings using rubber-tyred rigs. The environmental footprint is expected to be minimal, with no vegetation clearing required and ground disturbance limited to small stabilisation pads and temporary access tracks. This approach reflects the company’s commitment to balancing resource development with environmental stewardship and respect for local landholders.
Looking Ahead
Subject to regulatory approvals and land access agreements, drilling is anticipated to commence in the third quarter of 2025. Critical Resources is currently conducting a competitive tender process to select a preferred drill contractor. The upcoming drilling campaign represents the first subsurface test of multiple geophysical and geochemical targets within the Halls Peak district-scale portfolio, which also hosts a JORC-compliant inferred mineral resource of base metals including zinc, lead, copper, silver, and gold.
Non-Executive Director Nigel Broomham highlighted the strategic importance of this milestone, noting that the drilling programs align with the company’s broader growth plans to diversify its project base and unlock value from critical and precious metals.
Bottom Line?
As Critical Resources prepares to drill, the market will watch closely for assay results that could reshape the company’s growth trajectory in critical metals.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming drilling confirm the high-grade antimony-gold mineralisation suggested by historic samples?
- How might the proximity to Larvotto’s Hillgrove operations influence resource development and potential partnerships?
- What are the timelines and risks associated with regulatory approvals and land access agreements?