Alma Metals has completed its 2025 drilling program at the Briggs Copper Project, confirming strong visual copper mineralisation consistent with its geological model and setting the stage for a prefeasibility study. Assay results are expected early 2026, with further drilling planned to refine the resource.
- Completion of 2025 drilling program with strong visual copper mineralisation
- Final drill hole 25BRD0038 confirms continuity near granodiorite-volcanic contact
- Assay results for holes 25BRD0037 and 25BRD0038 expected early 2026
- Prefeasibility study approved, supported by upcoming infill drilling
- Project benefits from strategic location and joint venture with Canterbury Resources
Drilling Success Validates Geological Model
Alma Metals Limited has wrapped up its 2025 drilling campaign at the Briggs Copper Project in Central Queensland, delivering promising visual evidence of copper mineralisation that aligns closely with its existing geological model. The final hole of the program, 25BRD0038, drilled to nearly 393 metres, revealed intense magmatic quartz-sulphide mineralisation near surface and enhanced porphyry copper mineralisation along the contact between porphyritic granodiorite and surrounding volcanic sediments.
This continuity of mineralisation, observed 80 metres along strike from the previously drilled hole 25BRD0037, reinforces confidence in the scale and robustness of the deposit. Notably, the mineralised zones correspond strongly with copper anomalies detected in surface soil sampling, underscoring the geological model’s predictive accuracy.
Assay Results and Next Steps
While visual logging provides encouraging insights, Alma Metals awaits laboratory assay results for both holes 25BRD0037 and 25BRD0038, expected early in the new year. Initial assays from the upper section of 25BRD0037 have already supported the visual observations, suggesting meaningful copper grades over long intervals.
These assay results will be critical in updating the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) and underpinning the recently approved prefeasibility study (PFS). The PFS aims to evaluate the economic viability of the project, leveraging the deposit’s large scale and low strip ratio potential.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure Advantages
The Briggs project benefits from a prime location just 60 kilometres from the deep-water port of Gladstone, with access to multiple high-voltage power lines, heavy haulage rail, gas pipelines, and major highways. This infrastructure advantage, combined with a skilled local workforce and straightforward land tenure, enhances the project’s operational and economic prospects.
Alma Metals currently holds a 51% interest in the Briggs project through a joint venture with Canterbury Resources Limited, with plans to increase its stake to 70% by sole funding further exploration and evaluation activities.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Building on the momentum of the 2025 drilling success, Alma Metals plans to continue infill drilling in 2026, focusing on the strong copper soil anomalies northwest of the current drill sites. This work will support the PFS and aim to expand and refine the resource base, potentially enhancing the project’s scale and grade.
Managing Director Frazer Tabeart expressed optimism about the project’s trajectory, highlighting the significance of the visual mineralisation and the upcoming assay results as key milestones in a pivotal year for Briggs.
Bottom Line?
With assays pending and a prefeasibility study underway, Alma Metals is poised for a defining year at Briggs that could reshape its copper ambitions.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the final assay results reveal about copper grades and resource expansion?
- How will the prefeasibility study address potential economic and operational challenges?
- What impact will Alma Metals’ increased ownership stake have on project development timelines?