QMines Unveils High-Grade Copper-Zinc Zones at Develin Creek: What’s Next?
QMines Limited has completed a major drilling campaign at its Sulphide City deposit, revealing multiple high-grade copper-zinc zones and setting the stage for an integrated Pre-Feasibility Study in 2026.
- 46-hole, 8,800m drilling program completed at Sulphide City
- Significant intercepts include 34m @ 2.2% CuEq and 7m @ 6.0% CuEq
- Mineralisation remains open in multiple directions, supporting resource expansion
- Resource modelling and mine design underway ahead of 2026 PFS
- Concurrent drilling commenced at Mt Mackenzie gold-silver project
Comprehensive Drilling Campaign at Sulphide City
QMines Limited (ASX – QML) has successfully completed an extensive 2025 drilling program at its Sulphide City deposit within the Develin Creek copper-zinc project in Central Queensland. The campaign comprised 46 drill holes totaling approximately 8,800 metres of reverse circulation and diamond drilling. The results confirm multiple zones of high-grade copper, zinc, gold, and silver mineralisation, including standout intercepts such as 34 metres at 2.2% copper equivalent (CuEq) and 7 metres at 6.0% CuEq.
Expanding the Sulphide City Footprint
The drilling has reinforced the geological continuity and grade consistency of the deposit, intersecting stacked sulphide horizons that remain open along strike and at depth. This suggests significant potential for resource growth beyond the current boundaries. The mineralisation style, characterised by massive and semi-massive sulphides associated with submarine basaltic volcanism, aligns with volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) systems, known for their economic copper and zinc deposits.
Advancing Towards Integrated Development
With drilling now complete, QMines is progressing updated resource modelling, optimisation studies, and mine design work. These efforts will feed into an integrated Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) scheduled for release in the first half of 2026. The PFS aims to incorporate the combined potential of Develin Creek, Mt Chalmers, and Mt Mackenzie projects, evaluating the economic and logistical benefits of a centralised processing facility.
Parallel Exploration at Mt Mackenzie
Alongside Develin Creek, QMines has commenced a maiden drilling program at the Mt Mackenzie gold-silver project. Early samples are currently in the laboratory, with assay results expected shortly. This dual pipeline of exploration activity provides multiple catalysts for the company as it advances its multi-asset development strategy.
Strategic Outlook and Market Implications
Executive Chairman Andrew Sparke emphasised the significance of the results, highlighting the continuity of high-grade mineralisation and the potential for resource and mine life extensions. The company’s focus on integrating multiple deposits into a cohesive mine plan reflects a strategic approach to maximise value and operational efficiency. Investors will be watching closely as updated resource estimates and optimisation outcomes emerge ahead of the 2026 PFS.
Bottom Line?
QMines’ latest drilling success at Develin Creek strengthens its foundation for a multi-asset copper and gold operation, with key development milestones ahead in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will updated resource estimates impact the overall project valuation?
- What are the expected capital and operating costs from the integrated PFS?
- How might metallurgical testwork influence processing strategies across the combined projects?
