Breakaway Dam Yields 9.2m at 0.48% Copper; 3,000m Follow-Up Drilling Set

Breakaway Dam: A Copper-Rich VMS Discovery

Catalina Resources Limited has announced a pivotal advancement in its exploration efforts with the confirmation of a copper-rich Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) system at the Breakaway Dam Project, situated approximately 17 kilometres east of Menzies in Western Australia. This discovery is significant, as VMS deposits are known for hosting high-grade, multi-commodity ore bodies, often including copper, zinc, and precious metals.

The recent 2025 drilling and geophysical campaigns have delineated around 700 metres of sulphide-bearing strike length, with mineralised horizons averaging approximately 10 metres in estimated true width. Noteworthy intersections include 9.2 metres at 0.48% copper, featuring higher-grade intervals exceeding 1% copper, alongside zinc-bearing zones. These results, supported by multiple strong downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) conductors; one of which remains untested; underscore the system's scale and potential.

Strategic Follow-Up Drilling and Land Consolidation

Building on these encouraging results, Catalina has finalised plans for a follow-up drilling program comprising roughly 3,000 metres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling. This program aims to test high-priority electromagnetic conductors, expand the Central Zone, and evaluate additional targets within the Breakaway Dam area. The company is actively engaging drilling contractors and expects to commence operations promptly upon securing rigs, with all necessary permits and heritage clearances in place.

In parallel, Catalina is advancing applications for additional exploration licences adjacent to its existing tenure. This tenement consolidation strategy is designed to secure a contiguous land position over a prospective structural corridor, facilitating systematic evaluation and efficient follow-up of exploration results.

Gold Continuity Confirmed at Leghorn Prospect, Evanston Project

Alongside its base metals focus, Catalina has reported positive outcomes from Phase 1 RC drilling at the Leghorn Prospect within the Evanston Project, part of the broader Central Yilgarn Gold District. Drilling has confirmed the continuity of gold mineralisation within a mafic host sequence, with intersections such as 1 metre at 2.93 grams per tonne gold near the end of a hole, and 2 metres at 1.01 grams per tonne gold at depth.

These results validate the geological and structural models guiding exploration and provide a foundation for refining future drill targeting. The ongoing Phase 1 campaign, encompassing approximately 10,000 metres of combined RC and aircore drilling across multiple targets, continues with assay results pending for other zones.

Outlook and Implications

Executive Director Ross Cotton emphasised the strategic importance of the Breakaway Dam discovery, highlighting the company’s expertise and past successes in Western Australian copper-gold operations as key advantages in capitalising on this opportunity. The integration of drilling results with geophysical data supports a zoned VMS interpretation, suggesting both disseminated and massive sulphide components that warrant systematic follow-up.

As Catalina advances its exploration programs, the market will be watching closely for assay results from the upcoming drilling phases and any updates on resource delineation. The company’s dual focus on copper-rich VMS and gold mineralisation in the Central Yilgarn region positions it well within Western Australia’s competitive mineral exploration landscape.