Buxton Resources has significantly expanded its Centurion Project in Western Australia, securing a new exploration license and preparing for geophysical surveys following encouraging drillhole assays.
- New tenement application increases Centurion Project to over 667 km²
- Expansion follows strong pathfinder assay results from drillhole CN002DD
- Additional magnetic and gravity anomalies identified within expanded area
- Geophysical surveying scheduled to begin in October 2025
- Heritage agreements and permits secured to support exploration activities
Project Expansion and Strategic Positioning
Buxton Resources Ltd (ASX – BUX) has announced a substantial expansion of its Centurion Project, located in the Great Sandy Desert of Western Australia. The company has secured a new exploration license application, E80/6175, which extends the project area to more than 667 square kilometres. This move strategically enlarges the footprint around the promising CN002DD drill target and incorporates several additional magnetic and gravity anomalies that could indicate significant mineralisation.
The Centurion Project sits in a structurally complex and prospective region near the intersection of major crustal boundaries, a setting known to host Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) deposits such as Olympic Dam and Prominent Hill. Buxton’s expansion aims to capitalize on this geological potential, underpinning the project's prospectivity for IOCG and other mineralisation styles.
Encouraging Drill Results and Next Steps
Recent pathfinder assays from drillhole CN002DD have delivered encouraging results, prompting Buxton to advance its exploration efforts. Although the basement rocks, which are likely Proterozoic in age, were not fully reached due to drilling challenges, the discovery of gritty lithic sandstone with polymictic pebble clasts near the hole’s end suggests proximity to a mineralised basement high. This finding supports the hypothesis of a hydrothermal system consistent with IOCG mineralisation.
To further delineate the subsurface geology and refine drill targets, Buxton plans to commence geophysical surveying in October 2025. This will include mapping depth-to-basement using airborne magnetics and gravity data, with results expected by early November. The company also anticipates conducting an airborne magnetotelluric (MT) survey co-funded by the WA government to better understand the basement interface.
Heritage and Regulatory Compliance
Buxton has proactively secured heritage protection agreements with the Ngurra Kayanta and Parna Ngururrpa Aboriginal Corporations, alongside access agreements with the Kiwirrkurra People. These arrangements ensure respectful and lawful access to the project area, which has no registered heritage sites within the exploration license boundaries. Additionally, the company has obtained all necessary permits from the Aboriginal Lands Trust, facilitating uninterrupted exploration activities.
The project benefits from a WA Government Exploration Incentive Scheme grant awarded in May 2024, offsetting up to $220,000 of drilling costs. This support underscores the government’s confidence in the project’s potential and Buxton’s exploration strategy.
Looking Ahead
Buxton’s methodical approach, combining geological, geophysical, and heritage considerations, positions the Centurion Project as a compelling exploration story in the Australian mining landscape. While the recent expansion and assay results are promising, the true economic potential remains to be confirmed through forthcoming geophysical surveys and further drilling campaigns. Investors and analysts will be watching closely as Buxton advances its exploration program in this structurally significant and mineralogically prospective region.
Bottom Line?
Buxton’s expanded footprint and upcoming surveys set the stage for a pivotal phase in unlocking Centurion’s mineral potential.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the upcoming geophysical survey reveal about the depth and extent of mineralisation?
- How will assay results from CN002DD influence the design and focus of future drilling programs?
- Could the expanded tenement area contain additional undiscovered IOCG-style mineralisation?