West Cobar Metals has identified compelling copper-gold targets at its 100%-owned Nantilla Project in NSW, leveraging reprocessed geophysical data to pinpoint priority drill sites.
- Reprocessed geophysical data reveals strong magnetic and gravity anomalies
- Five priority drill targets identified, including three highest-priority zones
- Nantilla Project located in underexplored Thomson Fold Belt, NSW
- Plans underway for detailed ground gravity survey and diamond drilling
- Nearby exploration successes bolster confidence in project potential
Exploration Breakthrough in the Thomson Orogen
West Cobar Metals Limited (ASX, WC1) has announced a significant advancement in its exploration efforts at the Nantilla Project, situated within the Thomson Fold Belt of New South Wales. By reprocessing and interpreting historical geophysical surveys, the company has identified a series of high-priority copper-gold targets that could mark a turning point for this frontier exploration area.
The Nantilla Project covers a substantial 176 square kilometres and lies beneath a thick cover of Late Jurassic to Cretaceous sediments, which has historically complicated exploration efforts. However, the recent identification of a coincident strong magnetic anomaly and gravity anomaly; interpreted as a hydrothermally altered felsic intrusive unit; has provided a compelling new focus for drilling.
Geophysical Insights and Target Prioritisation
The key geophysical feature at Nantilla is a magnetic high coupled with a gravity low, which is often indicative of mineralised intrusive systems. Such systems are known to host significant copper-gold deposits, as seen in Western Australia’s Winu and Havieron deposits. West Cobar’s technical team, supported by independent consultants, has delineated five priority targets based on these geophysical signatures, with three classified as highest priority for imminent drill testing.
These targets are interpreted to be associated with skarn alteration zones, which are promising environments for copper-gold mineralisation. Notably, no previous drilling has tested the strongest parts of these anomalies, underscoring the novelty and potential of these targets.
Encouragement from Regional Exploration Successes
West Cobar’s Managing Director, Matt Szwedzicki, highlighted the encouraging exploration results from nearby projects within the Thomson Orogen. Legacy Minerals Holdings Limited, located approximately 70 kilometres southeast of Nantilla, recently reported significant gold intersections in a similar geological setting. These regional successes lend credence to the prospectivity of the Nantilla Project and justify the company’s commitment to advancing exploration activities.
Next Steps, Ground Gravity Survey and Drilling Plans
To refine the drill targets further, West Cobar plans to conduct a detailed ground gravity survey. This will enhance the resolution of the geophysical data and help pinpoint the most prospective zones for diamond drilling. The company intends to follow up with drill testing of the highest priority targets, aiming to unlock the potential of this underexplored belt.
With no historical drillholes testing these key anomalies, the upcoming drilling campaign represents a critical milestone. Success here could materially enhance West Cobar’s resource base and position in the copper-gold exploration sector.
Bottom Line?
West Cobar’s methodical approach to unlocking Nantilla’s potential sets the stage for a pivotal exploration phase with significant market implications.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the detailed ground gravity survey reveal about the subsurface structures?
- How will the upcoming diamond drilling results compare with nearby exploration successes?
- Could Nantilla’s targets lead to a new major copper-gold discovery in the Thomson Fold Belt?