Australian Critical Minerals Secures 25,600 Ha Peru Portfolio with Drill-Ready Targets
Australian Critical Minerals has completed its acquisition of Circuit Resources, securing a 25,600-hectare portfolio in Peru rich in precious and base metals, with multiple drill-ready projects poised for exploration.
- Acquisition of Circuit Resources finalised, granting 100% ownership of six Peru projects
- Portfolio spans gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and lithium across 25,600 hectares
- Historic grades include up to 8.7% copper, 2,200+ g/t silver, and 52.8 g/t gold
- Drill permits progressing, with Flint project first in line for upcoming drilling
- Strategic positioning in Peru’s tier-one mining jurisdiction with strong infrastructure
Strategic Acquisition Bolsters ACM’s Global Footprint
Australian Critical Minerals Limited (ASX, ACM) has taken a significant step forward by completing the acquisition of Circuit Resources Pty Ltd, thereby gaining full ownership of a substantial portfolio of mineral projects in Peru. This 25,600-hectare portfolio encompasses six key projects, Blanca, Riqueza, Flint, Cerro Rayas, Liro, and Kamika, situated within some of Peru’s most prolific mining belts.
Peru’s status as a top global producer of copper, silver, zinc, and lead underpins the strategic value of this acquisition. The country’s well-established mining infrastructure and skilled workforce provide ACM with a strong foundation to accelerate exploration and development activities.
Diverse Commodities and High-Grade Potential
The portfolio offers exposure to a range of commodities including gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and lithium. Notably, historic sampling has revealed exceptional grades such as copper concentrations reaching 8.7%, silver assays exceeding 2,200 grams per tonne, and gold values up to 52.8 grams per tonne. These figures highlight the potential for world-class discoveries within ACM’s new assets.
Among the projects, Flint stands out with its advanced mapping and drill-ready targets within a high-sulphidation epithermal gold system. Riqueza follows closely with promising copper-silver mineralisation, supported by substantial surface sampling and planned scout drilling. Meanwhile, Cerro Rayas offers a polymetallic skarn system rich in zinc, lead, and silver, and the lithium brine prospects at Liro and Kamika add a compelling dimension to the portfolio’s commodity mix.
Exploration Momentum and Community Engagement
ACM is moving swiftly to capitalise on these opportunities. Field teams have been mobilised, with geophysical surveys scheduled to commence shortly, particularly NSAMT geophysics at Flint to refine targets at depth. The company is actively progressing drilling permit applications, with Flint expected to be the first project drilled, potentially as early as the coming quarter.
Importantly, ACM is engaging with local stakeholders, including private landowners and the Andean Community, to ensure collaborative and respectful exploration practices. This approach not only facilitates regulatory approvals but also fosters sustainable relationships critical for long-term project success.
Positioning for Growth Amid Global Demand
With global demand for critical minerals intensifying, ACM’s diversified portfolio positions it well to benefit from multiple commodity cycles. The combination of high-grade precious metals and early-stage lithium targets offers multiple pathways to value creation. Managing Director Dean de Largie emphasises the company’s readiness to deliver results, highlighting the methodical advancement of projects and a strong pipeline for continuous news flow.
As ACM transitions from acquisition to active exploration, the market will be watching closely for drilling results and further developments that could underpin the company’s growth trajectory.
Bottom Line?
ACM’s Peru acquisition sets the stage for a dynamic exploration phase that could redefine its growth prospects.
Questions in the middle?
- When will drilling results from the Flint project be released, and what might they reveal about resource potential?
- How will ACM navigate regulatory and community engagement challenges to maintain exploration momentum?
- What impact could early lithium discoveries have on ACM’s portfolio diversification and valuation?
