Hillgrove Uncovers High-Grade Copper-Gold Extensions at Kavanagh
Hillgrove Resources has reported significant high-grade copper-gold mineralisation extensions at its Kavanagh underground zone within the Kanmantoo Copper Mine, signalling promising resource growth ahead of the 2026 update.
- Multiple high-grade copper-gold drill intersections at Kavanagh Central and East zones
- Material expansion of East Kavanagh mineralisation confirmed
- Drilling program nearing 60,000 metres target for 2025
- Results to feed into 2026 Kanmantoo Mineral Resource Estimate update
- Robust assay methods with rigorous QA/QC protocols including XRF and ALS analysis
Strong Drilling Results at Kavanagh
Hillgrove Resources Limited (ASX, HGO) has announced encouraging results from its ongoing underground drilling program at the Kanmantoo Copper Mine in South Australia. The latest assays reveal multiple significant high-grade copper and gold intersections within the Kavanagh zone, particularly expanding the East Kavanagh area. Noteworthy intercepts include 9 metres at 1.92% copper plus 0.48 grams per tonne gold and 25 metres at 1.82% copper, underscoring the potential for resource growth.
Expanding the Mineral Footprint
The drilling campaign, focused on both extensional and infill targets from the 750 Diamond Drill Cuddy, has confirmed substantial extensions to the known mineralisation. The East Kavanagh zone, in particular, has demonstrated material expansion, with improved understanding of the lode geometry aiding future mine planning. These results come as part of a broader effort that includes drilling at Nugent, Spitfire, and deeper Kavanagh zones, reflecting a comprehensive approach to resource delineation.
Rigorous Assay and Quality Control
Hillgrove employs a combination of on-site XRF analysis and laboratory assays via ALS, ensuring robust and reliable data. The company maintains stringent quality assurance and quality control protocols, including the use of certified reference materials and blanks to monitor contamination and accuracy. This dual-method approach provides confidence in the reported grades, which are critical inputs for the upcoming 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate update.
Operational Momentum and Outlook
With over 50,000 metres drilled year-to-date and a target of 60,000 metres for 2025 within reach, Hillgrove is demonstrating strong operational momentum. The recent demobilisation of the third underground rig follows a period of record drilling productivity, indicating a strategic shift as the company consolidates its resource base. CEO Bob Fulker highlighted the encouraging nature of the results and the company’s anticipation of incorporating these findings into the next resource estimate, which will shape Kanmantoo’s development trajectory.
Looking Ahead
These drilling results reinforce Hillgrove’s commitment to expanding and defining the Kanmantoo resource, with a clear focus on high-grade copper-gold mineralisation. As the company prepares for the 2026 resource update, investors and analysts will be watching closely to assess how these extensions translate into mine life and production potential. The detailed geological and assay data provide a solid foundation, but the inherent uncertainties of underground mining and market conditions remain factors to monitor.
Bottom Line?
Hillgrove’s Kavanagh drilling success sets the stage for a pivotal 2026 resource update that could reshape Kanmantoo’s future.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the new high-grade extensions impact the overall mine life and production schedule at Kanmantoo?
- What are the implications of missing gold assay data in some intercepts analyzed only by XRF?
- Will Hillgrove resume the third underground rig to accelerate drilling beyond 2025 targets?
