How Aruma’s Tillex Acquisition Could Transform Its Copper Prospects

Strategic Acquisition in a Tier-1 Copper District

Aruma Resources Limited (ASX – AAJ) has taken a significant step by executing binding agreements to acquire an 85% interest in the Tillex Copper Project and 100% of adjoining patent claims in the world-renowned Timmins mining district of Ontario, Canada. This acquisition places Aruma in control of a well-defined, high-grade copper sulphide deposit with substantial exploration upside, situated in a prolific mining region known for its rich base metal deposits.

The Tillex Project benefits from patented land claims, granting Aruma full ownership of both surface and mineral rights, streamlining exploration activities without the need for landowner approvals. The project is strategically located approximately 60 kilometres from Glencore’s Kidd Creek Copper Project, a major copper and zinc producer, and enjoys excellent infrastructure access including sealed roads, power, and water.

Impressive Historical Drilling Highlights

Historical diamond drilling totaling over 10,000 metres has consistently intersected broad zones of high-grade copper and silver mineralisation starting from shallow depths of around 30 metres. Noteworthy intercepts include 110 metres at 1.69% copper and 7.05 grams per tonne silver, and multiple other intervals exceeding 2% copper with significant silver credits. These results underscore the deposit’s potential to support a substantial resource.

Aruma plans to rapidly advance exploration with a dual strategy focused on expanding the mineralised footprint along strike and at depth, while working towards a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate. Initial metallurgical testwork is also planned to assess processing routes, with early indications suggesting conventional flotation methods may be suitable.

Progress Across Australian Copper Projects

Closer to home, Aruma’s maiden drilling program at the Fiery Creek Copper Project in Queensland’s Mt Isa copper belt has returned encouraging high-grade copper results, including 2 metres at 1.67% copper. The program has also identified new priority targets, such as the Twilight Zinc-Lead-Silver and Dawn Copper prospects, which will be the focus of upcoming geophysical surveys.

Similarly, at the Bortala Copper Project, also in the Mt Isa region, Aruma has generated multiple new exploration targets following a detailed technical review. Planned soil sampling aims to refine these targets ahead of potential drilling campaigns.

Diversified Exploration and Corporate Strengthening

Beyond copper, Aruma has completed heavy mineral sands sampling at its Wilan Project in South Australia and extensive soil sampling at the Saltwater Project in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, targeting a range of commodities including gold, base metals, and critical minerals. Results from these programs are pending and will inform future exploration directions.

On the corporate front, Aruma successfully raised $3.515 million through a placement to sophisticated investors, providing the financial firepower to accelerate exploration across its portfolio. The company also divested its non-core Mt Deans Lithium Project, reflecting a sharpened focus on its core assets.

As of 31 December 2025, Aruma held a cash balance of $1.006 million, with additional funds from the placement expected to bolster its balance sheet in the coming quarter.

Looking Ahead

With the Tillex acquisition pending settlement, Aruma is poised to embark on an aggressive exploration campaign that could unlock significant value. The combination of a high-grade Canadian copper asset and promising Australian projects positions the company well amid strong global copper demand dynamics.