Queensland Government Awards Ballymore $400k for Dittmer Copper-Gold Exploration
Ballymore Resources has won $400,000 in Queensland government grants to accelerate exploration at its Dittmer Project, targeting significant copper-gold porphyry systems beneath historic mines.
- Two CEI grants totaling A$400,000 awarded by Queensland Government
- 1,000m deep diamond drill hole planned to test Dittmer porphyry copper-gold target
- Induced polarization survey scheduled over Andromache porphyry prospect
- Government funding underscores strategic importance of Dittmer critical minerals
- Exploration activities set to commence June and July 2025
Government Boost for Dittmer Exploration
Ballymore Resources (ASX:BMR) has secured two Collaborative Exploration Initiative (CEI) grants from the Queensland State Government totaling A$400,000. This financial backing is aimed at fast-tracking exploration efforts at the company’s flagship Dittmer Project in North Queensland, a region with a rich mining history but limited modern exploration for critical minerals.
The grants, awarded through a competitive process, reflect the government’s confidence in Ballymore’s work and the strategic potential of the Dittmer area. The funding is split between a $250,000 allocation for a deep diamond drill hole and $150,000 for an induced polarization (IP) geophysical survey, both targeting porphyry copper-gold systems.
Probing the Depths: The Dittmer Deep Drill Hole
The centerpiece of the funding is a planned 1,000-meter diamond drill hole designed to test a pipe-like magnetic anomaly beneath the historic high-grade Dittmer mine. Ballymore’s previous magnetic surveys and geochemical sampling have identified alteration patterns and elevated copper levels consistent with porphyry copper deposits, similar in style to major Australian mines like Northparkes and Ridgeway.
Porphyry deposits are known for their vertical extent and economic significance, often hosting copper, gold, and critical minerals such as molybdenum and bismuth. Ballymore’s drilling campaign, scheduled to begin in June 2025, aims to confirm the presence of such a system at depth, potentially unlocking a new chapter in the region’s mineral wealth.
Mapping Hidden Potential at Andromache
Complementing the drilling program, Ballymore will conduct an IP survey over the Andromache porphyry prospect, historically mined for gold but underexplored for copper potential. The survey will help delineate copper-bearing sulphides beneath surface anomalies, geological features, and magnetic signatures, refining drill targets for future campaigns.
This survey, planned for July 2025, represents a methodical approach to uncovering concealed mineralisation, leveraging modern geophysical techniques to build on decades-old exploration data.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
Managing Director David A-Izzeddin highlighted the significance of receiving CEI funding in consecutive years, emphasizing the government’s endorsement of Ballymore’s exploration strategy. The grants not only provide financial support but also help de-risk the company’s ambitious programs by enabling advanced technical work and faster progress.
With drilling and geophysical surveys imminent, Ballymore is poised to deliver critical data that could reshape the understanding of the Dittmer Project’s resource potential. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly awaiting assay results and further updates as these campaigns unfold.
Bottom Line?
Ballymore’s government-backed exploration push could redefine Dittmer’s mineral prospects, but the true prize lies in upcoming drill results.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the deep drill hole confirm a significant porphyry copper-gold system beneath Dittmer?
- How will the IP survey data at Andromache influence future drilling targets and resource estimates?
- Could these exploration successes attract joint venture partners or additional funding?
