Mount Hope Mining Targets JORC Resource with Maiden 3,800m Drill Program
Mount Hope Mining is poised to launch its maiden drilling campaign at the Mt Hope Project in NSW, targeting three key prospects with over 3,800 metres of drilling planned to convert exploration targets into JORC-compliant resources.
- Maiden drill program to start Q3 2025 targeting Mt Solitary, Black Hill, and Mt Hope East
- 3,800 metres of drilling planned, including 1,500 metres at Mt Solitary for JORC resource conversion
- Black Hill and Mt Hope East represent untested, high-potential Cobar-style targets
- Six additional prospects prioritized for future exploration within 100%-owned Mt Hope district
- Drilling subject to statutory approvals expected by end of July 2025
Mount Hope Mining’s Maiden Drill Program, A Strategic Leap
Mount Hope Mining Limited (ASX, MHM) has announced a significant milestone with the definition of targets for its maiden drilling program at the Mt Hope Project, located in the prolific Cobar region of New South Wales. Scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2025, this initial campaign will focus on three advanced prospects, Mt Solitary, Black Hill, and Mt Hope East, with a total of approximately 3,800 metres of drilling planned.
The program is designed not only to test high-priority geochemical and geophysical anomalies but also to convert the existing gold exploration target at Mt Solitary into a formal JORC (2012) Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). This conversion is a critical step for the company, as it moves from exploration towards resource definition and potential development.
Mt Solitary, From Historical Data to JORC Compliance
Mt Solitary stands out as the cornerstone of this drilling campaign. Historical drilling data, comprising 102 holes and over 12,000 metres drilled between 1982 and 2017, has outlined a gold exploration target ranging from 1.32 to 1.87 million tonnes at grades between 1.0 and 1.35 grams per tonne. The upcoming drilling will focus on a 1,500-metre section to validate geological models, confirm mineralisation controls, and support metallurgical sampling.
Given the rising gold price environment and the project’s proximity, less than 200 kilometres, to multiple processing mills with available capacity, Mt Solitary is positioned as a compelling candidate for rapid development. The company’s phased approach, starting with infill and twin drilling to verify historical results, aims to build confidence in the resource and unlock value for shareholders.
Exploring Untapped Potential at Black Hill and Mt Hope East
Black Hill and Mt Hope East represent fresh frontiers within the Mt Hope mining district, having never been drilled before. Black Hill hosts a 500-metre-long multi-element soil geochemical anomaly enriched in lead, zinc, silver, and arsenic, complemented by a recent induced polarization geophysical survey that identified a coincident chargeability anomaly. This suggests the potential for blind, Cobar-style mineralisation at depth, which the planned 1,800 metres of drilling will test.
Similarly, Mt Hope East lies just one kilometre from the historical Mt Hope copper mine, which produced high-grade copper ore in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company plans approximately 1,200 metres of air core drilling to investigate geochemical and geophysical targets that could indicate extensions of this historical system.
Building a Pipeline for Future Growth
Beyond the immediate drill targets, Mount Hope Mining has identified six additional prospects, including Blue Heeler, Fenceline, and Mt Solar, that are being prioritized for further exploration later in the year. This strategic pipeline underscores the company’s commitment to systematically advancing its 100%-owned Mt Hope mining district and capitalizing on the region’s rich mineral endowment.
Drilling activities remain contingent on the receipt of statutory approvals, which the company expects by the end of July 2025. The upcoming results will be closely watched by investors and analysts eager to see how these early-stage exploration efforts translate into resource growth and potential development opportunities.
Bottom Line?
Mount Hope Mining’s maiden drill program could unlock significant value, but the market will be watching closely for assay results and resource upgrades.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the maiden drilling at Mt Solitary successfully convert the exploration target into a JORC-compliant resource?
- What new discoveries might emerge from the untested Black Hill and Mt Hope East prospects?
- How will statutory approvals and drilling timelines impact the company’s exploration momentum?