Columbia Gold Project Set for 5,000m Maiden Drill Testing New Feeder Zones
Sentinel Metals has completed a detailed geophysical and structural study at its Columbia Gold Project, revealing promising deep feeder zones and strike extensions. A maiden 5,000m diamond drill program is set to test these new targets, potentially expanding the project's resource base.
- Completion of dual-spaced HSAMT geophysical survey highlighting deep feeder structures
- Identification of new western and northern strike extensions beyond previous drilling
- Upcoming ~5,000m maiden HQ diamond drill program targeting deeper epithermal zones
- Integration of structural mapping confirms key vein-hosting faults and dilational zones
- Drill program aims to improve resource confidence and test undrilled anomalies
Comprehensive Geophysical Insights
Sentinel Metals Limited (ASX, SNM) has announced the completion of an extensive geophysical and structural program at its flagship Columbia Gold Project in Montana, USA. Utilizing a dual-spaced, high-resolution hybrid-source audio-magnetotellurics (HSAMT) survey, the company has successfully delineated sub-vertical resistive trends interpreted as potential feeder structures extending well below the limits of historical drilling.
This geophysical technique, particularly effective in epithermal systems, has revealed a well-developed hydrothermal architecture consistent with an intrusive-related mineralising system. The data notably highlights a previously untested western feeder structure, corroborated by a single high-grade drill intercept, and strike extensions to the north and west that had not been adequately explored.
Structural Mapping Validates Targets
Complementing the geophysical data, detailed structural mapping led by experts including Dr. Greg Corbett and Dahrouge Geological Consulting has confirmed the presence of conjugate fault sets and dilation zones critical for vein emplacement. These mapped structures align closely with HSAMT anomalies, reinforcing confidence in the continuity and depth potential of the mineralised system.
The integrated interpretation has refined the geological framework, identifying key vein-hosting faults and projecting mineralisation down-dip and along strike. Importantly, several undrilled structural projections coincide with geophysical anomalies, presenting compelling new drill targets.
Maiden 5,000m Drill Program Planned
Building on these insights, Sentinel Metals has designed a maiden ~5,000m HQ diamond drill campaign scheduled for 2026. The program aims to test four principal target types, deep epithermal convergence zones beneath the historical oxide footprint, down-dip extensions of known veins, new western and northern blind resistive anomalies, and targeted infill drilling to bolster resource confidence.
Managing Director Matt Herbert emphasized the significance of the new data integration, stating it allows the company to visualise the deeper core of the Columbia gold system for the first time. This strategic shift from surface-focused exploration to targeting interpreted feeder zones at depth could materially enhance the project's resource potential.
Looking Ahead
While no new assay or drilling results have been reported yet, the comprehensive preparatory work positions Sentinel Metals well for a high-impact exploration phase. The upcoming drill results will be critical in validating the interpreted targets and could pave the way for resource expansion and increased project valuation.
Bottom Line?
Sentinel Metals’ maiden drill program at Columbia could unlock deeper gold resources, setting the stage for a pivotal exploration chapter.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the maiden drill program confirm the interpreted deep feeder structures and expand the resource?
- How might the new western and northern strike extensions impact the overall project scale?
- What are the implications of potential sulphide-bearing zones at depth for future mining strategies?
