Hillgrove Uncovers High-Grade Copper-Gold Extensions at Nugent Ahead of Production
Hillgrove Resources has reported significant high-grade copper and gold mineralisation extensions at its Nugent deposit within the Kanmantoo Copper Mine, enhancing resource understanding ahead of first production. Ongoing drilling and an updated resource estimate are set to shape the mine’s near-term development.
- Multiple high-grade copper-gold intersections confirmed at Nugent
- Gold endowment increased, challenging previous assumptions of southern Nugent grades
- Drilling program nearing 60,000 metres target for 2025
- Stoping at Nugent 1020 Southern Ore Drive scheduled for December quarter
- Updated Mineral Resource Estimate expected in December 2025
Significant Drilling Success at Nugent
Hillgrove Resources Limited (ASX, HGO) has announced encouraging results from its recent underground diamond drilling program at the Nugent deposit, part of the Kanmantoo Copper Mine in South Australia. The latest assays reveal multiple high-grade copper and gold intersections, including standout hits such as 21 metres at 0.85% copper and 0.98 grams per tonne gold, and 11.5 metres at 0.99% copper with 0.79 grams per tonne gold. These results not only extend the known mineralisation but also enhance the understanding of the orebody’s geometry and metal distribution.
Reassessing Gold Potential in Southern Nugent
Previously, the southern extent of the Nugent deposit was thought to host lower gold grades. However, the new drilling data challenges this view, revealing richer gold concentrations than anticipated. Hillgrove’s CEO Bob Fulker highlighted that each drilling phase refines geological models and uncovers additional mineralisation, underscoring the dynamic nature of the deposit. This improved gold endowment could positively impact the mine’s economics and production profile.
Advancing Towards Production
The drilling program has transitioned from resource definition to grade control as the project moves closer to production. The Nugent 1020 Southern Ore Drive is slated to commence stoping operations in the December quarter of 2025, marking a critical milestone for Hillgrove. The company is also progressing drilling at the northern end of the 1020 level and at the Emily Star target, with results pending. The underground drilling campaign aims to reach 60,000 metres by year-end, with August already setting a company record for monthly drilling metres.
Looking Ahead, Resource Update and Operational Planning
An updated Mineral Resource Estimate incorporating drilling results up to mid-August is expected in the December quarter. This update will provide a more comprehensive view of the Kanmantoo system’s potential and inform future mine planning and development. Hillgrove’s methodical approach to sampling, assay quality control, and geological interpretation underpins confidence in these results, although the company cautions that forward-looking statements carry inherent risks and uncertainties.
Overall, the latest drilling success at Nugent reinforces Hillgrove’s position in the copper-gold sector and sets the stage for the next phase of growth at Kanmantoo.
Bottom Line?
Hillgrove’s expanding high-grade footprint at Nugent signals promising production ahead, with a resource update due soon to guide next steps.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the updated Mineral Resource Estimate affect Hillgrove’s production forecasts and mine life?
- What are the implications of the newly discovered gold grades for project economics and investor sentiment?
- Can ongoing drilling at Emily Star and northern Nugent further expand the resource base beyond current expectations?
