OD6 Metals Expands Gulf Creek Drilling with New Regulatory Nod
OD6 Metals has secured a second regulatory approval to extend its Phase 2 drilling at the historic Gulf Creek Copper Project, targeting promising repeat mineral structures and deepening exploration near recent high-grade intercepts.
- Second NSW Resources Regulator approval for additional 7-hole, ~2,500m drilling
- Phase 2 drilling targets Big Bend, North West, and West Limb repeat VMS structures
- Follow-up deep drilling near recent maiden Phase 1 program at historic Gulf Creek mine
- Over 3km of untested strike with strong magnetic anomalies indicating mineral potential
- Ongoing cooperation with regulator amid prior investigation, exploration activities resumed
Regulatory Green Light for Expanded Drilling
OD6 Metals Limited has received a second approval from the NSW Resources Regulator to advance its Phase 2 drilling campaign at the Gulf Creek Copper Project in New South Wales. This latest nod authorises an additional seven holes totalling approximately 2,500 metres, supplementing a previously approved 18-hole, 5,000-metre program. The approvals collectively enable a significant expansion of exploration efforts in an area historically renowned for its high-grade copper and zinc mineralisation.
Targeting Repeat VMS Structures
The focus of this expanded drilling is on potential repeat volcanic massive sulphide (VMS) zones identified through magnetic modelling. These include the Big Bend, North West, and West Limb prospects, which exhibit geophysical signatures mirroring those of the original Gulf Creek mining area. Together, these targets represent over three kilometres of untested strike within the immediate mine stratigraphy, offering promising avenues for discovering new mineralisation.
Building on Maiden Drilling Success
The additional drilling also aims to follow up on the recent maiden six-hole Phase 1 program, which successfully confirmed the presence of high-grade copper, zinc, and silver mineralisation near the historic mining area. By deepening the drill coverage in proximity to these initial results, OD6 hopes to delineate extensions of the mineralised zones and better understand the project's resource potential.
Navigating Regulatory Challenges
Exploration activities at Gulf Creek had been temporarily halted due to an investigation by the NSW Resources Regulator concerning potential non-compliance issues. However, the regulator has since revoked the previous notice restricting operations, allowing OD6 to resume drilling. The company continues to cooperate fully with the regulator and remains committed to transparency and compliance as it advances its exploration programs.
Broader Strategic Context
While Gulf Creek remains the immediate focus, OD6 Metals also highlights its rare earths project, Splinter Rock, in Western Australia. This project boasts Australia's largest and highest-grade clay-hosted rare earths resource, underscoring the company's diversified portfolio in critical minerals. Together, these projects position OD6 as a notable player in both copper and rare earth sectors, with exploration momentum building across its assets.
Bottom Line?
With expanded drilling underway, OD6 Metals is poised to unlock further value at Gulf Creek, though regulatory developments will remain a key watchpoint.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial assay results will the expanded Phase 2 drilling yield, particularly at Big Bend and West Limb?
- How might ongoing regulatory investigations impact the timeline or scope of exploration activities?
- Could the identification of repeat VMS structures significantly increase the project's resource base?
