Hillgrove Confirms High-Grade Copper at Emily Star, Boosting Kanmantoo Outlook
Hillgrove Resources has released final assay results from its Emily Star drilling program, confirming significant high-grade copper-gold mineralisation that supports plans to expand mining operations at Kanmantoo.
- Final assay results confirm high-grade copper-gold mineralisation at Emily Star
- Multiple significant drill intersections support resource expansion
- Emily Star drill drive advancing to enable targeted drilling in 2026
- Drillhole 25KVUG0722 terminated early due to ground collapse, leaving some mineralisation undefined
- Results reinforce confidence in increasing production rates at Kanmantoo
Emily Star Drilling Completes with Strong Results
Hillgrove Resources Limited (ASX, HGO) has announced the completion of its underground drilling program at the Emily Star deposit within the Kanmantoo Copper Mine. The final assay results from the last two drill holes confirm the presence of high-grade copper and gold mineralisation, consistent with earlier promising findings. These results highlight the potential for multiple new mining fronts, which could underpin an expansion of production at Kanmantoo.
Significant Intersections Highlight Resource Potential
The drilling intersected several notable zones of mineralisation, including intervals such as 7.25 metres at 1.6% copper and 0.07 grams per tonne gold, and 4.6 metres at 1.57% copper and 0.14 grams per tonne gold. These grades are considered robust within the context of underground copper-gold mining and reinforce the quality of the Emily Star lode system. The program also identified mineralised zones between Emily Star and the adjacent Nugent area, which had seen limited historical drilling at depth.
Operational Advances and Challenges
While drillhole 25KVUG0722 was terminated prematurely due to collapsing ground, it still returned significant mineralised intercepts before abandonment. This early termination means the full extent of mineralisation at that location remains to be defined. To address such challenges and improve drilling efficiency, Hillgrove is advancing the Emily Star drill drive, a dedicated underground access that will shorten drillhole lengths and allow more precise targeting of mineralised zones. As of early January 2026, the drive had progressed 34 metres, with drilling scheduled to resume in the second quarter.
Strategic Implications for Kanmantoo
Hillgrove’s CEO and Managing Director, Bob Fulker, emphasised that the drilling results validate the company’s strategy to expand mining fronts at Kanmantoo. The stacked lode system at Emily Star offers the potential to increase mining rates and extend the mine’s life. These developments come on the back of a 96% increase in copper mineral resources reported in 2024, positioning Kanmantoo as a significant copper-gold producer in South Australia.
Looking Ahead
With the drill drive development underway and further drilling planned, Hillgrove is poised to refine its resource model and potentially update its production forecasts. The company’s rigorous sampling and assay protocols, including quality control measures and compliance with the JORC Code, lend credibility to these findings. Investors will be watching closely for subsequent drilling results and any formal updates to resource and reserve statements that could influence Kanmantoo’s valuation and operational outlook.
Bottom Line?
Emily Star’s high-grade results set the stage for Kanmantoo’s next growth phase, but key drilling challenges remain to be resolved.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the early termination of drillhole 25KVUG0722 affect the overall resource estimate at Emily Star?
- What timeline and budget implications does the Emily Star drill drive development have for Hillgrove?
- When can investors expect updated production guidance or resource/reserve statements reflecting these new results?
