Rimfire Unveils Three New Base Metal Targets Near Broken Hill

New Targets from Historic Data

Rimfire Pacific Mining has announced the identification of three high-priority base metal drill targets at its 100% owned Broken Hill Base Metal Project in western New South Wales. These targets, prospective for copper, cobalt, lead, silver, and zinc, were delineated through a comprehensive review of historic airborne electromagnetic (VTEM) geophysical surveys, drilling records, and surface geochemical data.

The targets lie within 20 to 30 kilometres west of the prolific Broken Hill Line of Lode, a globally significant mineral province known primarily for lead, zinc, and silver. Rimfire’s Managing Director, David Hutton, highlighted that despite extensive past exploration, reprocessing historic data has yielded fresh opportunities, underscoring the enduring prospectivity of the region.

Details of the Three Drill Targets

The three initial targets are named Black Hills East, Windy Ridge, and Bald Hill extension. Black Hills East features two parallel VTEM anomalies with strong conductivity and surface geochemical anomalies indicating copper and cobalt mineralisation. Windy Ridge presents a sizeable VTEM conductor consistent with massive sulphide mineralisation, supported by historic drilling that intersected disseminated sulphides but lacked comprehensive assays. The Bald Hill target suggests a potential extension to Rimfire’s previously drilled high-grade cobalt-copper mineralisation, with geophysical data indicating separate sulphide zones yet to be tested.

Initial drilling proposals include diamond drill holes ranging from 330 to 630 metres to test these targets, alongside ground electromagnetic surveys to refine conductor locations. These steps aim to validate the geophysical anomalies and assess their economic potential.

Strategic Commercial Considerations

Given the current softness in cobalt prices and Rimfire’s strategic focus on its scandium assets, the company is actively considering various commercial pathways to maximise shareholder value from the Broken Hill Base Metal Project. Options include sole funding further exploration, bringing in an exploration partner, or outright divestment. Rimfire plans to engage with interested third parties, some of whom have previously expressed interest, to gauge market appetite.

A Regional Mining Renaissance

The announcement comes amid a broader resurgence of mining and exploration activity in the Broken Hill district. Major players such as South 32, Red Hill Minerals, Havilah Resources, and Broken Hill Mines are advancing projects targeting base metals, driven by rising silver prices and sustained demand for zinc and lead. Notably, Broken Hill Mines has recently restarted drilling at the high-grade Pinnacles deposit, located just 15 kilometres from Rimfire’s tenements, underscoring the district’s revitalised potential.

This regional momentum could enhance Rimfire’s prospects for partnerships or project valuation, as the area attracts renewed investor and corporate interest.

Looking Ahead

Rimfire’s next steps involve detailed geological interpretation, ground magnetics, heritage assessments, and the proposed drilling campaigns to test the new targets. The outcomes of these activities, combined with commercial negotiations, will be pivotal in defining the project’s future trajectory and its contribution to Rimfire’s portfolio.