Antares Metals Unveils New High-Grade Copper Zone at Surprise Project
Antares Metals has identified a promising new copper mineralisation zone 200 metres north of the Surprise Mine, extending the known resource and setting the stage for further exploration.
- Discovery of 2m @ 2.0% copper mineralisation in drillhole ASD008
- New mineralised zone located 200m north of Surprise Mine
- Second phase of RC drilling completed with 1,384m drilled
- Assay results pending in 5-6 weeks to confirm pXRF findings
- Plans underway for third phase of drilling targeting new zones
Exploration Breakthrough at Surprise Copper Project
Antares Metals Limited (ASX: AM5) has announced a significant development from its second phase of reverse circulation drilling at the Surprise Copper Project in northwest Queensland. Drillhole ASD008 intersected a new zone of copper mineralisation, registering 2 metres at 2.0% copper approximately 200 metres north of the historic Surprise Mine. This discovery confirms that the mineralised structure extends beyond previously known boundaries, opening fresh avenues for resource expansion.
Details of the New Mineralised Zone
The newly identified copper zone lies beneath an outcrop of quartz-calcite veins stretching over 240 metres at surface and was detected at a vertical depth of about 104 metres. Antares geologists used handheld portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) technology to rapidly assess drill chips onsite, providing indicative copper grades ahead of formal laboratory assays. While these pXRF readings are preliminary, they offer a promising indication of mineralisation quality and continuity.
Drilling Program and Next Steps
The second drilling phase comprised ten holes totaling 1,384 metres, targeting extensional zones along the northern strike of the known mineralisation. The discovery in ASD008 stands out as a key success, with other drill data still under review. Laboratory assay results are expected within the next five to six weeks, which will provide definitive confirmation of the copper grades and inform the design of the upcoming third drilling phase.
Strategic Implications for Antares Metals
Chief Executive Officer Johan Lambrechts highlighted the significance of this intercept, noting it as a “fantastic new zone” that could increase the scale of the Surprise Copper Project. Beyond Surprise, Antares is also advancing exploration at other prospects within its Mt Isa North tenure, including Conglomerate Creek. The company is well-funded to pursue these programs, signalling sustained momentum in its copper exploration efforts.
Context Within the Mt Isa Region
The Surprise Copper Project sits within the geologically prospective Leichhardt Superbasin, an area known for structurally controlled magmatic-hydrothermal copper-gold deposits. The project’s proximity to Glencore’s Mt Isa Operations underscores its strategic importance. Historical exploration in the area has been limited, and Antares’ application of modern exploration techniques is aimed at unlocking new discoveries in this underexplored terrain.
Bottom Line?
As assay results loom, Antares Metals’ latest find could redefine the Surprise Project’s potential and shape its next exploration chapter.
Questions in the middle?
- Will laboratory assays confirm or adjust the preliminary pXRF copper grades?
- How extensive is the newly discovered mineralised zone along strike and at depth?
- What other targets identified in phase two drilling will be prioritized in the upcoming phase three?