45 Drill Holes Approved at Phoenix Copper Project Near Lisbon Valley Mine
Diablo Resources has obtained crucial Bureau of Land Management approvals for drilling at its Phoenix Copper Project in Utah, setting the stage for a maiden drill campaign targeting promising copper prospects.
- BLM approves 45 drill holes across Trenton and Philadelphia Prospects
- Significant copper grades found in rock samples up to 45.7% Cu
- Drilling planned to commence in Q3 2025
- Fair Dinkum Prospect drilling application pending
- Project located near producing Lisbon Valley Copper Mine
Drill Permits Unlock Exploration Potential
Diablo Resources Ltd (ASX, DBO) has reached a pivotal milestone with the Bureau of Land Management granting approvals for a substantial drilling program at its Phoenix Copper Project in Utah, USA. This regulatory green light covers 45 reverse circulation drill holes targeting the Trenton and Philadelphia Prospects, both situated along strike from the operating Lisbon Valley Copper Mine, a significant copper producer in the region.
The Phoenix Copper Project, located approximately 70 kilometres southwest of Moab, Utah, occupies a strategic position within the world-class Lisbon Valley Mining District. The project’s geological setting mirrors that of the nearby Lisbon Valley Copper Mine, suggesting strong potential for economically viable copper mineralisation.
High-Grade Copper Indicators at Trenton and Philadelphia
Exploration to date has yielded encouraging rock sampling results. At the Trenton Prospect, 16 samples averaged 2.79% copper, with individual assays ranging from 0.28% to an impressive 8.21% copper. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Prospect has delivered even more striking figures, including rock chip samples with copper grades as high as 45.7%, alongside notable silver content.
These results underpin the planned drilling campaign, which will initially focus on seven priority holes at Trenton and seven at Philadelphia, with additional holes permitted to follow. Notably, neither prospect has seen historical drilling, highlighting the opportunity for Diablo Resources to define new copper resources in a proven mining district.
Fair Dinkum Prospect Awaits Drilling Approval
Beyond the CC Claim Block housing Trenton and Philadelphia, the Stateline Claim Block hosts the Fair Dinkum Prospect. Here, rock grab samples have returned copper grades up to 2.76% and silver up to 92 grams per tonne, averaging 1.12% copper across multiple samples. Diablo Resources has submitted a drilling application for this prospect, with approval still pending, adding an element of anticipation to the project’s next phase.
Looking Ahead to Maiden Drilling
With permits secured, Diablo Resources is finalising logistics and contractor arrangements, aiming to commence drilling in the third quarter of 2025. CEO Lyle Thorne expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming program, emphasizing the significance of testing mineralisation that appears untested by previous drilling efforts. The results of this maiden drill campaign will be closely watched by investors and industry observers alike, as they could materially enhance the company’s resource base and valuation.
Bottom Line?
As drilling gears up, Diablo Resources stands poised to unlock new copper resources in a proven mining district, with market eyes fixed on upcoming assay results.
Questions in the middle?
- Will drilling confirm the continuity and scale of high-grade copper mineralisation at Trenton and Philadelphia?
- How soon might the Fair Dinkum Prospect receive drilling approval and what impact could it have on the project’s outlook?
- What are the logistical challenges and costs associated with the maiden drilling program in this remote region?