Diamond Drilling Starts at Fenton South Targeting Large Au-Cu Geophysical Anomaly
DeSoto Resources has initiated diamond drilling at its 100%-owned Fenton South Au-Cu Project in the Northern Territory, targeting a large, untested geophysical anomaly. The company also prepares to begin drilling at its fully permitted Spectrum Project, aiming to unlock multiple high-priority mineralisation targets.
- Diamond drilling commenced at Fenton South Au-Cu Project
- Large, untested gravity, magnetic, and chargeability anomaly identified
- Spectrum Project fully permitted for up to 20 drill holes
- Drilling programs supported by ~$8 million cash balance
- Exploration targets derived from extensive 2023 geophysical surveys
Drilling Begins at Fenton South
DeSoto Resources Limited (ASX:DES) has officially started diamond drilling at its Fenton South Au-Cu Project, located approximately 150 kilometres south of Darwin in the Northern Territory. This milestone follows a comprehensive suite of geophysical surveys conducted in 2023 and 2024, which unveiled a significant, yet previously untested, gravity, magnetic, and chargeability anomaly indicative of potential gold and copper mineralisation.
The Fenton South target spans roughly seven kilometres along strike and is characterised by a semi-coincident geophysical signature that aligns with known mineralised structures in the Pine Creek region. The company’s modelling efforts have pinpointed two optimal drill locations to test the basement targets, marking the first phase of what could be a substantial exploration campaign.
Spectrum Project Drilling on the Horizon
Alongside Fenton South, DeSoto is preparing to commence drilling at its Spectrum Project, which is fully permitted for up to 20 reverse circulation and diamond drill holes. Spectrum hosts multiple rare earth elements (REE), gold, and copper targets along the Fenton Shear Zone, a major regional structure known for its mineral potential. The company expects to mobilise drilling rigs to the site by the end of May, weather permitting.
Strategic Positioning and Financial Backing
DeSoto’s Northern Territory projects benefit from strong logistical support and a robust cash position, with approximately $8 million available to fund ongoing exploration activities. The company’s Managing Director, Chris Swallow, highlighted the challenges posed by the Northern Territory’s wet season and permitting delays in previous years, but expressed confidence that the current drilling programs will advance the understanding of these highly prospective targets.
These efforts build on DeSoto’s acquisition of a significant ground position along the Fenton Shear Zone, covering a 55-kilometre strike length. The projects lie within a well-known mineralised corridor that hosts orogenic gold deposits and associated copper mineralisation, with historical exploration by major mining companies providing a solid foundation for current work.
Geophysical Surveys and Exploration Rationale
The identification of Fenton South as a priority target stems from a combination of airborne electromagnetic (AEM), gravity, and magnetic surveys, including a high-resolution SkyTEM survey completed in October 2023. These surveys, co-funded by the Northern Territory Geological Survey, have enhanced the understanding of the basement geology beneath cover sequences, revealing structural features and mineralisation signatures that warrant drilling.
DeSoto’s exploration strategy involves testing these geophysical anomalies with a combination of diamond and reverse circulation drilling to delineate mineralisation and assess resource potential. The company also plans to advance permitting for additional drilling at its Quantum North project, further expanding its exploration footprint in the region.
Bottom Line?
As drilling progresses at Fenton South and Spectrum, DeSoto’s next updates will be critical in assessing the potential of these Northern Territory gold-copper targets.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial assay results will reveal about the scale and grade of mineralisation at Fenton South?
- How will weather and permitting challenges impact the drilling timeline and program scope?
- What are the implications of Spectrum Project drilling outcomes for DeSoto’s broader Northern Territory strategy?
