Antares Metals Confirms New Copper Zones at Surprise, Plans Phase 3 Drilling
Antares Metals has validated new copper mineralisation zones at its Surprise Copper Project through Phase 2 drilling assays, setting the stage for an expanded Phase 3 program. The discovery of extensional targets and a separate mineralised zone at Marvel highlights growing potential in the Mt Isa North Project.
- Phase 2 drilling confirms new copper mineralisation near Surprise Mine
- Hole ASD008 intersects 3m at 1.14% copper, extending mineralisation footprint
- Marvel Prospect reveals 80m wide disseminated sulphide copper zone
- Phase 3 drilling planned to expand identified targets
- Ongoing exploration at multiple high-priority Mt Isa North prospects
Extending the Surprise Copper Footprint
Antares Metals Limited (ASX – AM5) has released encouraging assay results from its Phase 2 reverse circulation drilling program at the Surprise Copper Project, part of its broader Mt Isa North portfolio in Queensland. The assays confirm the presence of copper mineralisation extending 200 metres north along strike from the historic Surprise Mine, with hole ASD008 intersecting 3 metres at 1.14% copper from 123 metres depth. This zone lies beneath a quartz-calcite vein outcrop stretching at least 240 metres, suggesting a significant extensional target that could more than double the known mineralised area.
A New Copper Opportunity at Marvel
Beyond Surprise, the company has identified a distinct copper mineralised zone at the Marvel Prospect, located 1.2 kilometres north. Hole ASD015 intersected an 80-metre-wide zone of disseminated sulphides and chalcopyrite, confirming copper mineralisation associated with a large chargeability anomaly. While geologically different from the structurally controlled Surprise mineralisation, Marvel's wider disseminated style may represent a new exploration target type for the region.
Strategic Next Steps and Broader Exploration
With these promising Phase 2 results, Antares is designing a Phase 3 drilling campaign aimed at expanding both the Surprise extensional zone and the Marvel Prospect. The company is also advancing exploration at other high-priority targets within the Mt Isa North Project, including Conglomerate Creek, Moonside, Julius, and Startle. These efforts underscore Antares’ commitment to unlocking value across its portfolio and building on its recent discoveries.
Technical Rigor and Confidence
The assays were conducted by Bureau Veritas, an ISO-certified laboratory, and confirm earlier portable XRF results. The drilling and sampling protocols adhere to industry standards, with quality control measures ensuring reliable data. The near-vertical mineralised zones were drilled at optimal angles, providing confidence in the reported intersections, although true widths remain to be precisely defined.
Market and Exploration Implications
These assay confirmations come at a time when copper demand remains robust globally, driven by electrification and infrastructure growth. For Antares Metals, expanding the mineralised footprint at Surprise and validating new targets like Marvel could materially enhance the project's resource potential. However, further drilling and evaluation will be critical to determine economic viability and to attract potential investment or partnerships.
Bottom Line?
Antares Metals’ Phase 2 assay results open the door to a potentially larger copper resource at Surprise and a fresh target at Marvel, setting the stage for a pivotal Phase 3 drilling campaign.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Phase 3 drilling refine the size and grade of the Surprise extensional zone?
- What is the economic potential of the disseminated copper mineralisation at Marvel?
- Could Antares seek joint ventures or additional funding to accelerate exploration?
