Ballymore Drilling Uncovers Thickening High-Grade Gold-Copper Shoots at Dittmer

Drilling Success Validates Ballymore’s Exploration Model

Ballymore Resources (ASX, BMR) has delivered a compelling update from its Dittmer Project near Proserpine, North Queensland, with Stage 5 underground drilling confirming the continuity and expansion of high-grade gold, silver, and copper mineralisation. The latest results reinforce the company’s Ballymore model, which predicts southern extensions and thickening of the historic Duffer Lode mineralised shoots.

Notably, drill hole DTDD058 intercepted one of the broadest and highest-grade zones to date, returning 15.0 metres at 2.13 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 0.8 g/t silver, including a 2.1-metre interval grading 13.25 g/t gold and 4.1 g/t silver. Within this, a narrow 0.6-metre section yielded an impressive 43.09 g/t gold, 13.6 g/t silver, and 0.57% copper. These results build on previous holes DTDD056 and DTDD057, which had already indicated a plunging high-grade shoot extending southwards.

Deep Porphyry Hole Reveals Significant New Target

In a separate but equally encouraging development, Ballymore completed a deep diamond drill hole funded by a $250,000 Collaborative Exploration Initiative (CEI) grant from the Queensland State Government. This hole reached nearly 1,000 metres and intersected the Duffer Lode approximately 400 metres below previous drilling. The presence of fine pyrite-chalcopyrite veining and broad alteration zones suggests proximity to a larger hydrothermal system, potentially a porphyry copper target, which could substantially increase the project’s mineral footprint.

While final assay results from this deep hole are pending, the geological and alteration signatures provide strong encouragement for further exploration at depth. Ballymore plans to analyze the full suite of geochemical data and consider follow-up drilling or geophysical surveys to delineate this target.

Advancing Towards Mining Lease Approval and Underground Development

Progress on the regulatory front is also positive. The Land Court of Queensland recently recommended approval of Ballymore’s new Mining Lease application (ML 100351), which covers extensions to the Duffer Lode. This recommendation is now with state ministers for final decision, expected shortly. Upon grant, Ballymore intends to develop an underground exploration drive to access and drill the southern extensions of the deposit, enabling more efficient and targeted exploration without surface disturbance.

This underground program aims to test approximately 300 metres along strike with an initial 3,000 metres of drilling, potentially accelerating resource definition and scoping studies. The approach promises to be cost-effective and rapid, leveraging the continuity and thickness of mineralisation demonstrated by recent drilling.

Outlook and Strategic Positioning

Ballymore’s Dittmer Project is shaping up as a significant gold-copper exploration success, with mineralisation open at depth and along strike. The combination of high-grade intercepts, broad zones of mineralisation, and a newly identified deep porphyry target positions the project well for resource growth. The company’s strong funding position and government support further underpin its exploration ambitions.

As assay results from the deep hole and remaining Stage 5 drill holes are finalized, market participants will be watching closely for confirmation of the scale and grade continuity. Meanwhile, the pending mining lease approval represents a critical milestone that could unlock the next phase of underground development and resource expansion at Dittmer.