Copper Search Secures Two Key Eromanga Basin Licences, Plans 4,000m Drilling
Copper Search Limited has secured two key exploration licences in South Australia's Eromanga Basin for Heavy Mineral Sands, setting the stage for a fully funded drilling campaign later this year. The company is also progressing copper-gold projects in New South Wales with government co-funding applications underway.
- Two new exploration licences granted – EL7071 Nilpinna and EL7072 Eddy
- Strategic ground staking expands Eromanga Basin HMS portfolio
- 4,000m air-core drilling planned for Q3-Q4 2025, fully funded
- Heritage survey scheduled with Arabana Traditional Owners
- Ongoing NSW copper-gold projects with pending government co-funding
New Frontiers in Heavy Mineral Sands Exploration
Copper Search Limited (ASX – CUS) has announced a significant step forward in its exploration efforts with the granting of two pivotal tenements in South Australia's Eromanga Basin. The licences, EL7071 "Nilpinna" and EL7072 "Eddy," are strategically located near William Creek and add to the company's growing portfolio targeting Heavy Mineral Sands (HMS), a sector attracting increasing interest due to the demand for minerals like zircon, ilmenite, and rutile.
The company’s recent sampling results from nearby ground at Anna Creek, which revealed a high concentration of valuable minerals, have clearly informed this expansion. The new tenements, combined with additional ground staking, underscore Copper Search’s commitment to building a robust pipeline of exploration targets in this underexplored region.
Planned Field Work and Community Engagement
Field activities are set to commence imminently, with mapping and sampling programs designed to refine drill targets ahead of a planned 4,000-metre air-core drilling campaign scheduled for the third and fourth quarters of 2025. This program will cover the Nilpinna, Anna Creek, and Eddy targets, pending regulatory approvals.
Importantly, Copper Search is engaging proactively with the Arabana Traditional Owners, planning a heritage survey in late August to ensure that exploration respects cultural heritage and complies with regulatory frameworks. This approach reflects a growing industry emphasis on responsible and inclusive resource development.
Funding and Broader Project Portfolio
The drilling program is fully funded following a recent capital raise combining a placement and rights issue, which secured $1.15 million before costs. This financial backing provides a solid foundation for the company’s near-term exploration ambitions.
Meanwhile, Copper Search continues to advance its copper-gold projects in New South Wales, with a small infill gravity survey at the Byrock Project nearing completion. The company has also applied for government co-funding to support drilling and geophysical surveys at both the Byrock and Theseus Projects, with funding decisions expected by the end of September.
Outlook and Strategic Implications
Managing Director Duncan Chessell highlighted the potential impact of these developments, noting the rapid deployment of machine learning tools and historical data reviews to identify new opportunities. The combination of innovative technology, strategic ground acquisition, and community engagement positions Copper Search to unlock value in multiple commodities including copper, gold, titanium, and zircon.
As the company moves toward drill-ready status on several fronts, investors will be watching closely for initial drilling results and the outcomes of government funding applications, which could further accelerate exploration momentum.
Bottom Line?
Copper Search’s expanding footprint and funded drilling program set the stage for a pivotal exploration phase in 2025.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial results will the upcoming air-core drilling reveal about HMS potential?
- How will the heritage survey with Arabana Traditional Owners influence exploration timelines?
- Will NSW government co-funding decisions accelerate Copper Search’s copper-gold projects?
