Sulphide City Drilling Yields Thick Zones up to 6.79% Copper Equivalent

Strong Drilling Momentum at Sulphide City

QMines Limited (ASX, QML) has delivered a fresh wave of encouraging drilling results from its Sulphide City deposit, part of the Develin Creek project located northwest of Rockhampton, Queensland. The company’s multi-rig reverse circulation (RC) drilling program has now completed 32 holes, accumulating 6,643 metres, with assays confirming broad zones of thick, high-grade copper-zinc mineralisation that align closely with historical data.

Highlights include standout intersections such as 4 metres at 6.79% copper equivalent (CuEq) from 125 metres and 7 metres at 2.71% CuEq from 59 metres, underscoring the deposit’s excellent continuity and grade consistency. These results bolster confidence in the deposit’s potential to underpin near-term resource growth and support mine planning efforts.

Geological Insights and Diamond Tails Program

The Sulphide City deposit exhibits a complex volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) system, with mineralisation styles ranging from massive and semi-massive sulphides to stockwork and disseminated sulphides. Recent drilling has revealed a distinct zonation pattern, with zinc-rich sphalerite mineralisation more abundant than copper chalcopyrite in certain sequences, suggesting a deep-water depositional environment exceeding 700 metres during formation.

To refine geological models and better understand the deposit’s architecture, QMines has commenced diamond tails drilling on selected RC holes. This approach aims to test high-grade zones at depth and clarify structural controls on mineralisation, which is critical for optimizing future mining strategies.

Strategic Integration and Project Development

QMines plans to integrate Develin Creek’s feed with its Mt Chalmers and Mt Mackenzie projects, targeting a combined 2 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) throughput operation. This multi-asset strategy is supported by updated mineral resource estimates, including a combined 4.13 million tonnes at 1.01% copper and 1.16% zinc for Develin Creek’s Scorpion and Sulphide City deposits.

Ongoing metallurgical testwork has demonstrated improved recoveries when blending ores from these deposits, reinforcing the economic viability of the integrated operation. Further studies, including pit optimisation, underground mining assessments, and a scoping study, are underway to advance project development, with an updated pre-feasibility study expected in the first half of 2026.

Looking Ahead

With 15 drill holes still pending assay results and diamond drilling progressing, QMines is poised to deepen its understanding of Sulphide City’s mineralisation and expand its resource base. Executive Chairman Andrew Sparke emphasises that these results align with the company’s vision of establishing a long-life, multi-commodity mining operation in Central Queensland, blending copper, gold, and zinc production from multiple deposits.