Zinc of Ireland Launches Drilling at Mt Clere’s Untested ‘Robin 21’ Anomaly
Zinc of Ireland NL has kicked off its inaugural drilling campaign at the Mt Clere project in Western Australia, targeting the large and previously untested ‘Robin 21’ geophysical anomaly. This move revives interest in a site last partially explored by BHP nearly three decades ago.
- Maiden drilling program commenced at Mt Clere project
- Focus on 1 km-wide ‘Robin 21’ magnetic and gravity anomaly
- Previous BHP drilling in 1990s halted prematurely at shallow depth
- Target analogous to world-class SEDEX/IOCG mineral systems
- Results pending, with strong geological potential in copper and base metals
Drilling Begins at a Promising Frontier
Zinc of Ireland NL (ASX: ZMI) has officially started drilling at its Mt Clere project in Western Australia’s Gascoyne region, marking a significant milestone for the company’s exploration ambitions. The focus is the ‘Robin 21’ anomaly, a striking 1-kilometre-wide geophysical target exhibiting robust magnetic and gravity signatures, which has remained largely untouched since BHP’s limited drilling efforts in the 1990s.
A Rare Untested Anomaly with Historical Roots
The Robin 21 target stands out due to its coincident magnetic (400 nT) and gravity (~2 mG) “bullseye” anomaly within the Edmund Basin, a region known for its copper and base metal potential. BHP’s previous drilling was cut short at just 56 metres due to technical challenges, leaving the core of the anomaly unexplored. Modern geophysical reprocessing has sharpened the target’s profile, enhancing its appeal as a high-priority exploration site.
Geological Significance and Potential
Robin 21’s location adjacent to the Mt Clere Fault situates it within a proven copper-base-metal province. Its geophysical characteristics bear resemblance to world-class sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) and iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) systems such as Sullivan and Ernest Henry, which are known for their substantial mineral deposits. This geological pedigree underpins the excitement surrounding the current drilling campaign.
Looking Ahead: Awaiting Results
Chairman Peter Huljich expressed enthusiasm about the drilling commencement, highlighting the company’s anticipation for the results that could validate the prospect’s potential. Zinc of Ireland plans to keep shareholders informed as assay data becomes available, which will be critical in determining the next steps for the Mt Clere project.
Strategic Implications for Zinc of Ireland
This maiden drilling program represents a pivotal moment for Zinc of Ireland, potentially unlocking a significant new resource in a historically underexplored area. Success here could elevate the company’s profile in the competitive base metals exploration sector and attract further investment interest. However, as with all early-stage exploration, the outcome remains uncertain until the drilling results are fully analysed.
Bottom Line?
The unfolding results from Mt Clere’s Robin 21 anomaly will be a key market catalyst for Zinc of Ireland’s next chapter.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the drilling confirm the presence of economically viable copper or base metal deposits?
- How will Zinc of Ireland finance further exploration if initial results are promising?
- Could this discovery reshape the exploration landscape in Western Australia’s Edmund Basin?
