True North Copper has completed a significant drilling campaign at the Great Australia Mine and initiated a major exploration program at Mt Oxide, targeting new copper mineralisation outside existing resources.
- Completed 3,450m drilling at Great Australia Mine targeting new structural zones
- Commenced 8,000m drilling program at Mt Oxide focusing on high-priority geophysical targets
- Assay results from GAM expected by late May; Mt Oxide results anticipated 6-8 weeks post-drilling
- Drilling aims to expand copper inventory in the Mt Isa Inlier region
- Programs leverage advanced geophysical data and structural analysis for resource growth
Exploration Progress at Great Australia Mine
True North Copper Limited (ASX: TNC) has successfully completed a 3,450-metre reverse-circulation drilling program at its flagship Great Australia Mine (GAM) complex in Queensland’s Cloncurry Copper Project. The 17 holes drilled focused on testing highly prospective structural settings outside the current resource boundary, aiming to identify new zones of copper mineralisation. While laboratory assay results are still pending, they are expected by late May and will provide critical insights into the potential expansion of the mineral system.
The drilling campaign incorporated detailed geological logging and optical borehole scans, which will help refine the understanding of structural controls on mineralisation. This integration of geological and geophysical data is set to enhance 3D geological modelling efforts, supporting more targeted follow-up drilling and resource definition.
Mt Oxide Exploration Program Commences
Building on the momentum at GAM, True North has mobilised a reverse-circulation drill rig to the Mt Oxide Project, initiating an ambitious 8,000-metre, approximately 30-hole program. This phase targets several high-priority induced polarisation (IP) geophysical anomalies along a 10-kilometre structural trend known as the Dorman Fault, which lies outside the established Vero Resource.
The initial drilling at Mt Oxide is focused on the Rhea prospect, with two priority holes planned before moving to the Hecate prospect. These targets were identified through a government-supported geophysical survey in 2024, revealing promising chargeability anomalies coincident with surface mineralisation expressions. The program includes contingency plans for rapid follow-up drilling should significant mineralisation be intercepted.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
True North’s Managing Director, Bevan Jones, emphasised the significance of these exploration efforts in unlocking the full potential of the company’s copper portfolios in the Mt Isa Inlier region. The integration of structural data, geophysical surveys, and assay results is expected to refine target definitions and support resource growth at both GAM and Mt Oxide.
Assay results from the Mt Oxide drilling are anticipated approximately 6-8 weeks after drilling completion, with updates to follow as data becomes available. True North’s broader strategy remains focused on expanding its mineral inventory to underpin future growth and potential development opportunities within its Cloncurry and Mt Oxide projects.
Bottom Line?
As assay results approach, True North Copper’s exploration programs could redefine the copper potential in Queensland’s Mt Isa Inlier.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming assay results confirm significant new copper zones outside current resources?
- How might these exploration outcomes influence True North’s mine planning and development timelines?
- What are the implications for the company’s valuation if the Mt Oxide program expands the Vero Resource materially?