BM5 Prospect Shows 15m @ 21.8 g/t Silver and Strong Copper Anomalies
Encounter Resources is gearing up for a six-hole drilling campaign at its BM5 prospect within the Yeneena Copper Project, following promising multi-element anomalies and petrographic evidence of copper mineralisation.
- Six-hole reverse circulation drill program planned for October 2025
- BM5 prospect identified as a high-priority copper target with gossanous weathered sulphide zone
- Strong multi-element anomalism including silver, copper, lead, zinc, and cobalt detected
- Project structurally analogous to the nearby Nifty copper deposit
- Update on near-surface copper oxide zone at BM1 expected in August 2025
A New Chapter for Yeneena Copper Exploration
Encounter Resources Limited (ASX, ENR) is advancing its exploration efforts at the Yeneena Copper Project in Western Australia's Paterson Province, with a targeted drilling program set for October 2025. The focus is the BM5 prospect, where recent data reviews have highlighted a compelling copper target underpinned by both geochemical anomalies and petrographic confirmation of a gossanous weathered sulphide zone.
The BM5 prospect has emerged as a high-priority target following extensive aircore drilling that intersected significant multi-element anomalism. Notably, assays revealed intervals such as 15 metres grading 21.8 grams per tonne silver, alongside elevated copper, lead, zinc, and cobalt concentrations. These findings suggest the presence of a mineralised system with potential economic significance.
Structural Setting and Geological Insights
Petrographic analysis of drill chips from BM5 confirmed the presence of gossanous material; weathered sulphide zones typically indicative of underlying copper sulphide mineralisation. The mineralisation appears structurally controlled, situated along a major regional fault and adjacent to fold axes, a geological setting analogous to the nearby Nifty copper deposit, located approximately 50 kilometres northwest.
Interpretation of airborne electromagnetic data has further identified low conductivity zones coinciding with near-surface copper anomalies, potentially reflecting alteration linked to mineralising events. This integrated geological and geophysical evidence supports the hypothesis that primary copper mineralisation may exist at depth, particularly near the apex of an interpreted anticline.
Upcoming Drilling and Project Outlook
The planned six-hole reverse circulation drill program will specifically target the faulted corridor and the core of the anticline at BM5, aiming to test the depth extent and continuity of the mineralisation. Encounter recently regained 100% ownership of the Yeneena Project, underscoring its commitment to advancing exploration in this highly prospective region.
In parallel, the company is continuing to evaluate the near-surface copper oxide zone at the BM1 prospect, with an update expected in August 2025. This ongoing work, combined with the upcoming drilling at BM5, positions Encounter to potentially expand its resource base and enhance the project's overall value proposition.
Encounter’s Executive Chairman, Will Robinson, emphasised the significance of the BM5 target, noting the classic structural setting and encouraging assay results that justify the upcoming drill campaign. The company’s broader strategy remains focused on high-impact discoveries in Tier 1 jurisdictions, leveraging technical expertise and a strong portfolio of projects.
Bottom Line?
October’s drilling at BM5 could redefine Encounter’s copper potential in the Paterson Province.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the BM5 drilling confirm the presence of economically viable primary copper sulphide mineralisation?
- How might the upcoming BM1 update influence the overall valuation of the Yeneena Project?
- What are the implications of Encounter’s regained 100% ownership for future partnerships or funding?
