Complex Geology at Centurion Raises Challenges for IOCG Target
Buxton Resources has completed its deepest drillhole yet at the Centurion Project, uncovering complex geology that leaves key mineral targets unresolved but promising further exploration.
- Diamond drillhole CN002DD reached 808.9m without definitive basement contact
- Thick sedimentary sequences likely explain gravity anomaly, complicating IOCG target
- Government grants support drilling and upcoming Magnetotelluric surveys
- Magnetic and gravity anomalies remain unexplained, guiding next exploration steps
- Focus shifting to fully funded maiden drilling campaign at Madman Project
Drilling Milestone at Centurion
Buxton Resources Ltd has announced the completion of its second diamond drillhole, CN002DD, at the 100% owned Centurion Project in Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert. The hole reached a depth of 808.9 meters, surpassing initial expectations but ultimately not intersecting the basement rock within the targeted 520–700 meter range. This extended depth was necessary due to unexpectedly thick sedimentary sequences encountered, which have complicated the interpretation of the geophysical anomalies that initially drew interest.
Complex Geology Challenges Initial Targets
The primary exploration focus at Centurion has been an Iron-Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) style mineralisation target, indicated by a prominent gravity and magnetic anomaly. However, the drilling revealed a substantial thickness of dense dolomitic sediments within the Silurian Worral Formation, which are now believed to contribute significantly to the gravity anomaly. This finding means the gravity high may not be solely related to basement mineralisation as hoped, complicating the search for IOCG deposits similar to Olympic Dam or Prominent Hill.
Government Support and Advanced Surveys
The 2025 drilling program has benefited from a $220,000 grant under the Western Australian Exploration Incentive Scheme, supplemented by an additional $55,892 for Magnetotelluric (MT) surveys. These MT surveys are designed to enhance understanding of the basement’s electrical properties and structure, which should help clarify the nature of the magnetic and gravity anomalies. Buxton’s CEO, Marty Moloney, emphasized that while the current drilling phase has concluded, the project remains a high priority, with further geophysical interpretation and drilling planned.
Heritage Agreements and Regional Context
Buxton has secured heritage protection agreements with local Aboriginal corporations, ensuring respectful access to the land. The Centurion Project sits at a geologically significant intersection of crustal boundaries and shear zones, offering potential for high-value mineral systems beyond IOCG, including silver-lead and gold-copper deposits. The recent drilling encountered encouraging signs such as quartz veining and felsic intrusives near the drillhole’s end, which may indicate proximity to mineralised basement rocks.
Next Steps – Madman Project and Further Centurion Work
With the Centurion drilling phase complete, Buxton is shifting immediate focus to the fully funded maiden drilling campaign at its Madman Project. Meanwhile, the company will analyze MT survey results and refine geological models to guide the next round of exploration at Centurion. The unresolved nature of the magnetic and gravity anomalies means that further drilling will be critical to unlocking the project’s potential.
Bottom Line?
Buxton’s Centurion drilling deepens geological mysteries, setting the stage for targeted follow-up and broader exploration ambitions.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the Magnetotelluric surveys clarify the basement structure and mineralisation potential?
- How will Buxton prioritize drilling targets given the complex sedimentary cover?
- What insights will the upcoming Madman Project drilling provide for the company’s exploration strategy?