Diablo Resources has completed drilling at its Phoenix Copper Project and is progressing high-grade silver-antimony exploration at Star Range, positioning itself to capitalize on growing US critical minerals demand.
- Completed reverse circulation drilling at Phoenix Copper Project with assays pending
- High-grade silver and antimony confirmed at Star Range through expanded surface sampling
- Strategic positioning in Tier-1 US mining jurisdiction with proximity to major deposits
- Leveraging US government critical minerals initiatives and funding
- Plans for accelerated exploration and drilling programs in 2026
Exploration Momentum in Utah
Diablo Resources Limited (ASX – DBO) has marked a significant milestone by completing reverse circulation drilling at its Phoenix Copper Project in southeast Utah, targeting two priority prospects – Fair Dinkum and Philadelphia. While assay results from the recent 906-metre drilling campaign are pending, earlier scout drilling at Philadelphia returned promising copper intercepts, reinforcing the project's potential.
Simultaneously, Diablo is advancing its Star Range Silver-Antimony Project through an expanded surface sampling program and detailed geophysical interpretation. The project has already yielded exceptional silver grades exceeding 3,000 grams per tonne and antimony concentrations up to 0.7%, underscoring the high-grade nature of the mineralisation.
Strategic Location and Geological Setting
Both projects benefit from their location within a Tier-1 US mining jurisdiction, with Phoenix situated near the substantial Lisbon Valley copper deposits and Star Range positioned in Beaver County, an area with a rich mining history including the prolific Horn Silver mine. The geological settings at both sites feature structurally controlled mineralisation, with Phoenix's copper prospects aligned along the Flying Diamond Fault and Star Range hosting polymetallic vein-breccia systems.
Diablo's exploration approach combines modern geochemical sampling, airborne magnetic surveys, and systematic drilling to delineate mineralised zones. The company’s recent surface sampling at Star Range has extended known high-grade zones and identified new copper prospects, suggesting a coherent and extensive mineral system.
Capitalising on US Critical Minerals Policy
The US government's recent elevation of copper and silver to critical mineral status, alongside substantial Department of Energy funding initiatives, provides a supportive backdrop for Diablo's US-focused strategy. The company has also enhanced its US presence by listing on the OTC market and appointing a US-based Non-Executive Director, positioning itself to pursue further acquisitions and partnerships.
CEO Lyle Thorne highlighted the company’s active 2025 exploration program and expressed optimism about the foundation laid for 2026. With assay results awaited, Diablo plans to refine geological models and rapidly advance drill targets, aiming to maintain momentum in a market increasingly focused on securing domestic critical mineral supplies.
Looking Ahead
Diablo’s dual focus on copper and silver-antimony projects in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, combined with supportive US policy and infrastructure, sets the stage for potentially transformative exploration outcomes. The pending assay results will be pivotal in confirming the scale and grade of mineralisation, guiding the next phase of drilling and development.
Bottom Line?
With assay results imminent, Diablo Resources stands poised to accelerate its US critical minerals ambitions in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the assay results reveal about the extent and grade of copper mineralisation at Phoenix?
- How will the geophysical data refine drill targeting at Star Range’s silver-antimony zones?
- What additional US critical minerals opportunities might Diablo pursue following these results?