AusQuest’s Coober Pedy Exploration Hinges on Upcoming Survey Results
AusQuest Limited has initiated an extensive geophysical survey at its Coober Pedy IOCG Project in South Australia, aiming to pinpoint drilling targets within a world-class mineral province. Results expected in 8-10 weeks will guide exploration plans for later in 2025.
- MIMDAS Induced Polarisation and Magnetotelluric survey underway
- Survey targets large-scale gravity and magnetic anomalies
- Project located in Olympic Dam IOCG Province, South Australia
- Results anticipated within 8-10 weeks to inform drilling
- Strategic Alliance Agreement in place with South32
AusQuest Advances Exploration at Coober Pedy
AusQuest Limited (ASX: AQD) has commenced a significant geophysical survey at its Coober Pedy IOCG Project, situated at the northern end of South Australia's Olympic Dam IOCG Province. The project, notable for its proximity to world-class deposits such as Olympic Dam and Carrapateena, is currently the focus of a MIMDAS Induced Polarisation (IP) and Magnetotelluric (MT) survey designed to identify promising drilling targets.
The survey aims to test a large-scale, semi-coincident gravity and magnetic anomaly that has been flagged as a priority target for IOCG-style mineralisation. Historical drilling within the area, although limited and wide-spaced, intersected strong potassic alteration, a hallmark of IOCG systems, suggesting the potential presence of significant mineralisation beneath the surface.
Strategic Partnership and Technical Approach
The Coober Pedy Project is subject to a Strategic Alliance Agreement with South32, a major player in the mining sector, underscoring the project's strategic importance. The current geophysical survey is being conducted by GRS Pty Ltd using the advanced MIMDAS system, which integrates IP and MT methods to provide a detailed subsurface image. The survey covers approximately 50 kilometres of pole-dipole lines spaced 400 to 800 metres apart, with data acquisition expected to take several weeks.
AusQuest’s Managing Director, Graeme Drew, expressed optimism about the survey, highlighting the project's prime location within a prolific IOCG province and the strong geological indicators already identified. He anticipates that the survey results, expected within 8 to 10 weeks, will significantly refine drilling targets and pave the way for exploration drilling planned later this year.
Looking Ahead
While the survey results are pending, the combination of historical data, strategic partnerships, and advanced geophysical techniques positions AusQuest well to advance its exploration ambitions. The upcoming data interpretation will be critical in determining the scale and scope of drilling programs, which could unlock new opportunities within this highly prospective region.
Bottom Line?
AusQuest’s next steps hinge on survey results that could unlock drilling targets and reshape exploration in a world-class IOCG province.
Questions in the middle?
- What specific targets will the IP/MT survey reveal for drilling later in 2025?
- How will the Strategic Alliance with South32 influence funding and operational decisions?
- What are the potential timelines and capital requirements for subsequent drilling campaigns?
