Strategic Energy Launches 1,500m Drill Program at High-Potential Isa North IOCG Targets
Strategic Energy Resources has kicked off a 1,500-metre diamond drilling campaign at its Isa North Copper-Gold Project in Queensland, targeting two promising IOCG anomalies identified through advanced geophysical surveys.
- 1,500m diamond drilling underway at Isa North Project
- Two high-priority IOCG targets identified via combined gravity and magnetic surveys
- Program supported by $275,000 Queensland Government grant
- Targets located along mineral-rich Mt Gordon – Gunpowder Fault Zone
- Initial assay results expected by late November 2025
Strategic Energy Advances Exploration at Isa North
Strategic Energy Resources Limited (ASX – SER) has commenced a significant 1,500-metre diamond drilling program at its Isa North Copper-Gold Project in northwest Queensland. The campaign aims to test two compelling iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG) targets identified through integrated gravity and magnetic geophysical surveys. These targets, located within the structurally complex Nardoo Prospect, lie along the northern extension of the mineralised Mt Gordon – Gunpowder Fault Zone, a region known for hosting major deposits such as Mt Isa, Mt Oxide, and Gunpowder.
The project benefits from a $275,000 grant from the Queensland Government, underscoring the strategic importance of this exploration effort. The drilling program is designed to probe beneath cover for mineralisation that has remained elusive despite extensive regional activity by major miners including Fortescue, Anglo American, and Rio Tinto.
Targeting High-Priority IOCG Anomalies
Strategic Energy’s Managing Director, Dr David DeTata, highlighted the significance of the Nardoo East and West targets, which represent coincident gravity and magnetic anomalies interpreted as IOCG mineralisation “bullseyes.” These targets are situated at a potential dilational setting along a major lithospheric structure, increasing their prospectivity. The company has leveraged machine learning techniques in partnership with Caldera Analytics to refine target selection, with the Nardoo East target scoring a 61% probability for hydrothermal magnetite presence, one of the highest in the tenure.
The Nardoo East target lies approximately 3.75 kilometres east of the main northeast trend and is modelled to depths of up to 475 metres, while the Nardoo West target, about 1 kilometre northwest, is slightly larger and similarly deep. Both targets exhibit strong geophysical signatures consistent with dense iron oxides typical of IOCG systems.
Looking Ahead to Assay Results
The diamond drilling is now underway, with core samples being logged and sent for geochemical analysis. Initial assay results are anticipated by late November 2025, which will provide critical insights into the mineralisation potential of these targets. Success here could significantly enhance Strategic Energy’s resource base and position within the highly prospective Mt Isa Inlier region.
While the drilling program is an important step forward, the company remains cautious, noting that assay results will ultimately determine the economic viability of the discoveries. Nonetheless, the combination of advanced geophysical targeting, machine learning analytics, and government support places Strategic Energy in a strong position to unlock value from this underexplored terrain.
Bottom Line?
As drilling progresses, all eyes will be on the November assays to see if Strategic Energy can convert promising geophysical signals into tangible mineral resources.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the initial assays confirm significant IOCG mineralisation at Nardoo East and West?
- How might positive drilling results impact Strategic Energy’s valuation and partnerships?
- What are the next exploration or development steps if the drilling confirms economic mineralisation?
