Selective Sampling Sparks Questions on Continuity at Coonambula Antimony-Gold JV
Dart Mining reports outstanding surface rock chip sampling results from its Coonambula project in Queensland, revealing high-grade antimony, gold, and silver assays that underscore the site's exploration potential.
- Surface samples show antimony up to 65.3% and gold up to 17 g/t
- Sampling includes both float and in situ vein material near historic Banshee Mine
- Dart Mining progressing drilling and geophysical surveys under farm-in JV with Great Divide Mining
- Plans to advance towards a JORC-compliant resource estimate
- Exploration highlights potential for significant antimony-gold mineralisation along a 5km strike
Strong Surface Sampling Results Bolster Coonambula Prospects
Dart Mining NL has released compelling assay results from surface rock chip sampling at its Coonambula Antimony-Gold Project in Central Queensland. The samples, collected from both float material and in situ quartz veins near the historic Banshee Mine, returned remarkable grades including antimony concentrations as high as 65.3%, gold up to 17 grams per tonne, and silver nearing 98 grams per tonne. These findings reinforce the project's reputation as a highly prospective antimony-gold target.
Context and Historical Significance
The Coonambula project, located roughly 390 kilometres northwest of Brisbane, is situated near established goldfields such as Cracow and Eidsvold. The Banshee Mine area, a historic antimony producer, has seen intermittent mining since the late 19th century, with previous operations yielding significant antimony and gold. Dart Mining’s recent sampling builds on prior exploration by Great Divide Mining, with which it has a farm-in joint venture agreement, aiming to unlock the full potential of this mineralised corridor.
Exploration Strategy and Next Steps
Following these encouraging surface results, Dart Mining is actively advancing its exploration program. The company is conducting an induced polarization (IP) geophysical survey to refine drill targets and has commenced drilling to infill known high-grade zones. The goal is to delineate a JORC-compliant resource for antimony and gold, which would mark a significant milestone for the project. Additionally, systematic channel sampling along trench walls is planned to better understand the extent of mineralisation in surrounding granodiorite host rocks.
Broader Implications for Dart Mining
This progress at Coonambula complements Dart Mining’s broader strategy to establish a strong regional presence in Queensland’s gold and strategic metals sector. The company’s portfolio also includes advanced intrusion-related gold projects and emerging lithium prospects in Victoria. The high-grade results at Coonambula could provide a valuable foundation for growth, especially given the strategic importance of antimony in industrial applications.
Cautious Optimism Amid Early-Stage Exploration
While the surface sampling results are impressive, it is important to note that these are selective rock chip and float samples, which may not fully represent continuous mineralisation. True widths and continuity of the mineralised zones remain to be established through ongoing drilling and detailed geological modelling. Investors and observers will be watching closely as Dart Mining releases further assay results and interprets geophysical data in the coming months.
Bottom Line?
Dart Mining’s high-grade surface assays at Coonambula set the stage for a critical phase of drilling and resource definition that could reshape its Queensland portfolio.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming drilling confirm the continuity and scale of the high-grade antimony-gold mineralisation?
- How will the IP survey results influence the targeting and prioritisation of future drill holes?
- What are the potential metallurgical characteristics and recoveries of the antimony and gold mineralisation?
