Briggs Drill Hits Porphyry Copper Along 414m of Planned 900m Hole
Canterbury Resources advances deep diamond drilling at its Briggs Copper Project, intersecting consistent porphyry copper mineralisation and nearing completion of a pivotal scoping study.
- Deep diamond drilling reached 414m of planned 900m depth targeting VTEM anomaly
- Porphyry-style copper mineralisation confirmed along entire drilled core
- Assay results expected within 4-6 weeks post hole completion
- Briggs Scoping Study nearing completion with economic modelling underway
- Drill program partially funded by Queensland Government grant
Drilling Progress and Geological Insights
Canterbury Resources Limited (ASX, CBY) has reported significant progress in its deep diamond drilling program at the Briggs Copper Project in Central Queensland. The current drill hole, designed to reach 900 metres, has so far achieved a depth of approximately 414 metres. This hole is strategically positioned to test a compelling geophysical target identified by a VTEM survey adjacent to the southwest margin of the existing mineral resource, which already contains over 2 million tonnes of copper.
Geological logging of the drill core reveals porphyry-style copper mineralisation throughout the drilled interval, closely matching the predictions from the company’s April 2025 mineral resource model. This alignment between observed geology and the resource block model reinforces confidence in the deposit’s continuity and grade distribution. Notably, the drill is approaching a contact zone between the granodiorite intrusion and volcanic sediments, a region historically associated with higher copper grades.
Implications for Resource Expansion and Project Definition
The drilling is expected to be completed within the next four to six weeks, with assay results anticipated shortly thereafter. These results will be critical in refining the mineral resource estimate and guiding metallurgical domaining efforts. The data will also feed into ongoing technical studies aimed at expanding the resource base and enhancing the project’s overall definition.
Parallel to the drilling, Canterbury is finalising its Briggs Scoping Study, which is progressing towards completion with financial modelling underway. The study, expected to be released in late October, will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the project’s economics and development potential. Given Briggs is one of Australia’s largest undeveloped copper projects, the outcomes of this study could be transformative for Canterbury’s strategic positioning.
Funding and Partnerships Supporting Exploration
The current drill program benefits from a $250,000 grant under the Queensland Government’s Collaborative Exploration Initiative, underscoring public sector support for advancing mineral exploration in the region. Additionally, Canterbury’s collaborative approach includes partnerships with Alma Metals and Rio Tinto, which have historically contributed to exploration and resource development efforts at Briggs and other projects in the portfolio.
Managing Director Grant Craighead expressed optimism about the drilling progress and the scoping study, highlighting the potential for significant resource expansion and the strategic importance of the project. The company’s methodical approach to drilling and resource evaluation positions it well to capitalise on the emerging opportunities at Briggs.
Bottom Line?
As assay results and the scoping study report approach, Canterbury stands on the cusp of potentially reshaping the future of the Briggs Copper Project.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming assay results confirm higher-grade copper zones near the geological contact?
- How might the scoping study’s economic outcomes influence Canterbury’s development timeline?
- What are the next steps for exploration following the completion of this deep drilling phase?
