Mount Hope Mining has awarded a drill contract to commence its inaugural drilling program at the Mt Hope Project, targeting gold and polymetallic mineralisation across three key prospects in New South Wales.
- Drill contract awarded for maiden program starting mid-August 2025
- Over 3,800 metres of Reverse Circulation and Air Core drilling planned
- Targets include Mt Solitary, Black Hill, and Mt Hope East prospects
- Mt Solitary Exploration Target estimated between 42,500 and 81,400 ounces of gold
- Project located in the prolific Cobar Super Basin with strong infrastructure
Mount Hope Mining Advances Exploration
Mount Hope Mining Limited (ASX, MHM) has taken a significant step forward by awarding the drill contract for its maiden drilling campaign at the Mt Hope Project in New South Wales. Scheduled to commence in mid-August 2025, this program marks the company’s first-ever drilling activity on the project, which spans a substantial 422 square kilometres in the highly prospective Cobar Super Basin.
Targeting High-Priority Prospects
The upcoming drilling will cover more than 3,800 metres using Reverse Circulation (RC) and Air Core (AC) methods, focusing on three high-priority targets, Mt Solitary, Black Hill, and Mt Hope East. Mt Solitary is particularly notable, with an Exploration Target conceptual estimate ranging from 1.32 to 1.87 million tonnes at a gold grade between 1.0 and 1.35 grams per tonne, potentially yielding between 42,500 and 81,400 ounces of gold. Meanwhile, Black Hill and Mt Hope East represent untested prospects identified through compelling geochemical and geophysical anomalies.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
The Mt Hope Project benefits from its strategic location within an established mining district. It is well-serviced by critical infrastructure, including proximity to the Kidman Way highway, the Broken Hill rail line with direct access to seaports, and nearby accommodation and services in the historic town of Mount Hope. This connectivity enhances the project's logistical advantages, potentially reducing operational costs and facilitating future development.
Historical Context and Regional Potential
The region has a rich mining heritage, with historical copper production at the Mount Hope Mine reaching nearly 8,000 tonnes of copper metal from high-grade ore in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. More recently, the district has seen a resurgence of interest following several “blind” polymetallic discoveries nearby, underscoring the potential for new significant mineralisation within the project area.
Looking Ahead
With permits secured and site preparations well underway, Mount Hope Mining is poised to unlock the broader potential of the southern Cobar Basin. The maiden drilling program will provide critical data to refine exploration models and assess the viability of mineral resources, setting the stage for future development decisions.
Bottom Line?
The maiden drilling at Mt Hope could redefine the company’s prospects and attract renewed investor attention in this historic mining region.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm the conceptual gold estimates at Mt Solitary?
- What potential polymetallic discoveries might emerge from the untested Black Hill and Mt Hope East targets?
- How will drilling outcomes influence Mount Hope Mining’s exploration strategy and capital allocation?