Structural Complexity at Mt Mascotte Challenges Grade Continuity
Hammer Metals has reported extensive copper and gold mineralisation over a 600m strike at its Tourist Zone in Mount Isa, alongside promising results at Mt Mascotte and Lex. These findings reinforce the company’s exploration momentum amid a tightening global copper market.
- Broad copper-gold mineralisation confirmed over 600m strike at Tourist Zone
- Significant intercepts include 35m at 0.55% Cu and 0.10g/t Au
- Down-dip extensions of mineralisation identified at Mt Mascotte
- Lex prospect drilling explains EM conductor with pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite
- Upcoming drilling programs at Bullrush and Isa Valley JV to deliver further results
Exploration Breakthrough at Tourist Zone
Hammer Metals Ltd (ASX – HMX) has announced compelling results from its recent Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling campaign across three key copper-gold targets within its Mount Isa exploration portfolio. The standout discovery comes from the Tourist Zone, where broad zones of copper and gold mineralisation have been intercepted over a 600-metre strike length. Notably, drill hole HMTZRC003 returned 35 metres at 0.55% copper and 0.10 grams per tonne gold, including higher-grade intervals reaching 1.3% copper.
This mineralisation style, associated with shear zones and calcitic veins, bears resemblance to nearby historic deposits such as Mt Colin, which previously yielded significant copper and gold production. The proximity of Tourist Zone to the Kalman Deposit further enhances its strategic value, suggesting potential for economic mineralisation within this corridor.
Variable Grades and Structural Complexity at Mt Mascotte
At Mt Mascotte, Hammer Metals’ drilling has extended known mineralisation down-dip, with intercepts including 6 metres at 1.25% copper and 0.23 grams per tonne gold. However, the results reveal a poddy and discontinuous mineralisation pattern, indicating grade variability within the vein-hosted system. This complexity underscores the need for further targeted drilling to delineate higher-grade zones and understand structural controls.
Lex Prospect Illuminates EM Conductor
Two RC holes at the Lex prospect tested a strong electromagnetic conductor, revealing a 3-metre zone rich in pyrrhotite with minor chalcopyrite mineralisation. Although copper grades were modest, this finding explains the geophysical anomaly and provides a foundation for refining exploration models in this area.
Advancing Exploration Pipeline
Hammer Metals is actively progressing several complementary programs. The fully-funded diamond drilling campaign at Bullrush, conducted in partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining Oceania, has been completed with assay results expected imminently. Additionally, preparations for a gold-focused drilling program in Western Australia are underway, alongside a scheduled RC drilling program at the Isa Valley Joint Venture with South32 set to commence next month.
These coordinated efforts reflect Hammer Metals’ strategic approach to leverage its extensive tenement holdings, spanning approximately 3,300 square kilometres in the Mount Isa district, and to systematically test for Ernest Henry-style copper-gold deposits. Managing Director Daniel Thomas emphasised the significance of the broad mineralised zones discovered, noting their potential to guide the company toward higher-grade targets amid a global landscape of declining copper grades and limited new discoveries.
Bottom Line?
Hammer Metals’ latest drilling results reinforce its position as a key copper-gold explorer in Mount Isa, setting the stage for upcoming assays and further resource definition.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming Bullrush diamond drilling results confirm higher-grade mineralisation?
- How will Hammer Metals refine targeting strategies given the structural complexity at Mt Mascotte?
- What impact will the Isa Valley JV drilling program have on Hammer’s resource growth prospects?
