Lincoln Minerals Uncovers Complex Copper System at Minbrie, Sets Stage for Drilling
Lincoln Minerals has identified multiple sulphide mineralisation zones over a 7km strike at its Minbrie Copper-Base Metals Project, elevating a new priority drill target and preparing for drilling in H2 2025.
- Strong geological correlation between discovery hole BUDD192 and BURCD030
- Portable XRF detects copper in bornite-bearing vein near BURCD030 hole end
- Four generations of sulphide mineralisation indicate a dynamic hydrothermal system
- 224 core intervals selected for laboratory assays, results expected in June
- Drilling planned to commence in the second half of 2025 targeting priority zones
Reassessing Legacy Data Unlocks New Potential
Lincoln Minerals Limited (ASX: LML) has made significant strides at its 100%-owned Minbrie Copper-Base Metals Project on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. Through a comprehensive re-logging and assay program of historical diamond drill core, the company has uncovered compelling evidence of a complex and extensive mineral system that had previously been underappreciated.
The program focused on re-examining 28 historical drill holes in the northern section of the project, where discovery hole BUDD192 had earlier indicated promising copper-lead-zinc mineralisation. By applying modern portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) technology alongside detailed geological logging, Lincoln’s exploration team has identified multiple sulphide-rich zones across a 7-kilometre strike length, highlighting the potential for a significant copper-base metals deposit.
New Priority Target Emerges
A key breakthrough came with the strong geological and stratigraphic correlation between BUDD192 and nearby hole BURCD030. The latter, previously terminated just short of a mineralised zone, revealed copper-bearing bornite veins within four metres of its end, with pXRF readings reaching up to 3.03% copper. This discovery has elevated BURCD030 to a priority drill target, with follow-up drilling planned to test the downhole extension of this mineralised zone.
While pXRF provides rapid, point-specific elemental data, Lincoln is awaiting comprehensive laboratory assay results from 224 selected core intervals to confirm grades and better define mineralisation continuity. These results are expected progressively through June 2025 and will inform the finalisation of drill targets.
A Dynamic Hydrothermal System
Detailed re-logging has revealed four distinct generations of sulphide mineralisation, including bornite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, and pentlandite. This multi-phase mineralisation points to a long-lived and dynamic hydrothermal system with complex metal zonation, a hallmark of robust copper-base metal deposits. The presence of multiple sulphide-rich breccias and veins across the project area further underscores the prospectivity of Minbrie.
Lincoln’s approach of leveraging legacy drilling data combined with modern analytical techniques has proven cost-effective and efficient, enabling rapid advancement without immediate new drilling. The company is also developing a 3D geological model to refine targeting ahead of the planned drilling campaign.
Looking Ahead
With drilling scheduled to commence in the second half of 2025, Lincoln Minerals is poised to test these priority targets and potentially unlock a significant copper-base metals resource. The project benefits from its location within the highly prospective Gawler Craton, a region known for world-class copper deposits, and proximity to key infrastructure including the Port Pirie smelter.
CEO Jonathon Trewartha highlighted the significance of these findings during an investor webinar, emphasizing the project's evolving geological understanding and the company’s strategy to rapidly advance exploration through data-driven targeting.
Bottom Line?
As Lincoln Minerals prepares to drill its newly prioritised targets, the Minbrie project could soon reveal its true scale and grade, setting the tone for a pivotal phase in exploration.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming laboratory assays confirm the high copper grades suggested by pXRF readings?
- How will the new 3D geological model influence the final drill targeting and resource estimation?
- What are the potential implications of the multi-phase sulphide mineralisation for mining methods and economics?
