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Breakaway Dam Drilling Set to Test 700m Strike of Copper Sulphides

Mining By Maxwell Dee 3 min read

Catalina Resources has appointed Core Drilling Pty Ltd to commence a 3,000-metre RC drilling program at its Breakaway Dam Copper VMS Project, aiming to expand on recent promising copper sulphide discoveries in Western Australia.

  • Core Drilling appointed for initial 3,000m RC drilling program
  • Recent drilling confirmed copper-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide system
  • Multiple strong electromagnetic conductors identified for follow-up
  • Program targets priority EM plates and along-strike/down-plunge extensions
  • Drilling to commence before end of February 2026

Catalina Advances Breakaway Dam Exploration

Catalina Resources Limited has taken a decisive step forward in its exploration campaign at the Breakaway Dam Copper VMS Project in Western Australia by appointing Core Drilling Pty Ltd to undertake an initial reverse circulation (RC) drilling program. The program, planned to cover approximately 3,000 metres, is set to begin imminently, marking a critical phase in evaluating the project's copper potential.

Building on Confirmed Copper Mineralisation

Recent drilling and downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) surveys have confirmed the presence of a copper-bearing volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) system at Breakaway Dam. These results have provided a robust technical foundation, revealing multiple strong electromagnetic conductors indicative of sulphide mineralisation. Notably, earlier drilling intersected the margins rather than the centres of these conductive bodies, suggesting significant upside potential as the upcoming program targets the core zones.

Focused Drilling Strategy Targets Key EM Plates

The forthcoming drilling campaign is designed to systematically test priority electromagnetic plates identified through geophysical modelling, particularly around the BDCDD2503 drill hole area. It will also include step-out drilling along strike and down-plunge to assess the continuity and extent of the mineralised horizon, which currently spans approximately 700 metres. This approach reflects a transition from initial system confirmation to a more detailed evaluation of mineralisation geometry and grade distribution.

Strategic Importance and Next Steps

Executive Director Ross Cotton emphasised the program’s role in advancing Breakaway Dam towards its development potential, highlighting the clear opportunity to build on the strong geological and geophysical foundations laid during the 2025 exploration campaign. Drill targets are being finalised with ongoing integration of geological and electromagnetic data, and drilling is expected to commence before the end of February 2026.

As the program unfolds, follow-up DHEM surveys will refine targeting, potentially unlocking further high-grade zones within this promising copper system. Investors and analysts will be watching closely for assay results and any indications of resource expansion that could materially enhance the project’s valuation.

Bottom Line?

Catalina’s upcoming drilling at Breakaway Dam could redefine the scale of its copper system, setting the stage for a pivotal exploration breakthrough.

Questions in the middle?

  • Will the new drilling confirm continuity and higher-grade zones within the VMS system?
  • How might assay results influence the project's resource estimate and development timeline?
  • What are the potential risks if the electromagnetic conductors do not translate into economic mineralisation?