Andromache IP Survey Could Redefine Ballymore’s Dittmer Project Prospects
Ballymore Resources has initiated a 30-day induced polarisation survey at the historic Andromache copper-gold prospect, backed by a $150,000 government grant, aiming to reveal deeper copper sulphide mineralisation and advance its Dittmer Project exploration.
- Commencement of detailed IP geophysical survey at Andromache prospect
- Survey funded by $150,000 Queensland Government grant
- Focus on delineating copper sulphide mineralisation beneath historic workings
- Andromache prospect historically mined for gold oxide, little modern copper exploration
- Part of broader regional strategy targeting a major new mineral district in North Queensland
Exploring Andromache’s Hidden Depths
Ballymore Resources (ASX – BMR) has embarked on a significant exploration phase with the launch of a detailed induced polarisation (IP) geophysical survey at the Andromache prospect, situated 25 kilometres south of its flagship Dittmer Project in North Queensland. This 30-day survey aims to map copper-bearing sulphide mineralisation at depth, a critical step in defining drill targets for what Ballymore believes could be a substantial porphyry copper-gold system.
The Andromache prospect, first identified in the 1970s and historically mined for its gold-rich oxide cap in the 1980s, has seen limited modern exploration focused on its copper potential. Ballymore’s initiative, supported by a $150,000 grant from the Queensland State Government, marks a renewed and systematic effort to unlock the area’s mineral wealth.
A Regional Strategy with Ambitious Goals
Managing Director David A-Izzeddin emphasises the broader vision driving Ballymore’s activities – the Dittmer Project area represents a largely underexplored mineral district with diverse deposit styles, including gold, copper, and critical minerals. Recent fieldwork has expanded the known gold mineralisation corridor to four kilometres, highlighting the district’s potential scale.
The IP survey at Andromache complements Ballymore’s comprehensive exploration approach, which includes detailed geological mapping, geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys. Notably, a 2024 heli-borne magnetic survey revealed pipe-like magnetic anomalies beneath Andromache, reinforcing the prospect’s potential to host a significant porphyry system.
Technical Foundations and Next Steps
The current IP survey employs a 100-metre dipole-dipole array across seven lines, covering 17.5 line-kilometres. This method is designed to detect chargeability contrasts in the subsurface, indicative of sulphide mineralisation. The results will be pivotal in refining drill targets to test the depth and extent of copper mineralisation beneath the historic workings and coincident geochemical anomalies.
Ballymore’s exploration rigor is underscored by comprehensive sampling, logging, and quality assurance protocols, ensuring data integrity as the company advances its understanding of the Dittmer district’s geology. The company also plans further drilling and field activities in the coming months, aiming to build on the momentum generated by this survey.
Context Within North Queensland’s Mineral Landscape
North Queensland is renowned for its prolific gold and base metal deposits, hosting over 40 million ounces of gold across various deposit types. Ballymore’s Dittmer Project shares geological similarities with established systems like Ravenswood, featuring Intrusion-Related Gold Systems with complex mineralisation styles. The Andromache prospect’s porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum signature fits well within this mineral-rich context, offering promising exploration upside.
With the IP survey underway and a clear roadmap for subsequent drilling and evaluation, Ballymore is positioning itself to potentially redefine the mineral potential of the Dittmer region, leveraging both historical data and modern exploration technologies.
Bottom Line?
As Ballymore’s IP survey progresses, the market awaits data that could reshape the copper-gold narrative in North Queensland’s emerging mineral district.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the IP survey confirm a substantial sulphide copper system beneath Andromache’s historic workings?
- How might the survey results influence Ballymore’s drilling priorities and project valuation?
- What are the potential timelines and challenges for advancing from exploration to resource definition at Dittmer?
