Breakthrough Minerals is set to launch a significant drilling campaign at its Hazel Creek Copper-Gold Project in Queensland, aiming to expand resources and unlock new mineralisation zones following its acquisition of the Queensland Copper-Gold Project.
- 3,000m diamond drilling program planned from March 2026 at Turpentine Deposit
- Reverse circulation drilling to commence April 2026 targeting advanced and new exploration zones
- Hazel Creek hosts over half of the Queensland Copper-Gold Project’s 18.8Mt resource
- Acquisition of Queensland Copper-Gold Project from Aeris Resources nearing completion
- Assessment underway to monetise surplus infrastructure acquired with the project
Strategic Acquisition Sets Stage for Growth
Breakthrough Minerals Limited (ASX – BTM) is gearing up for a busy 2026 after announcing plans for an extensive drilling program at its recently acquired Hazel Creek Copper-Gold Project (HCCGP) in Queensland. The project forms a substantial part of the broader Queensland Copper-Gold Project (QCGP), which Breakthrough is acquiring from Aeris Resources Limited. Completion of this transaction is expected imminently, paving the way for immediate exploration activities.
The QCGP spans nearly 1,000 square kilometres in the prolific Mt Isa region and boasts a global Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 18.8 million tonnes at 1.07% copper equivalent, with Hazel Creek alone accounting for more than half of this resource base. This acquisition strategically positions Breakthrough to leverage a significant copper-gold asset in a well-established mining district.
Focused Drilling to Expand Turpentine Deposit
Central to Breakthrough’s upcoming work is a 3,000-metre diamond drilling program slated to begin in March 2026 at the Turpentine Deposit within Hazel Creek. This program aims to test extensions of known copper-gold mineralisation, particularly down plunge and to the north where mineralisation remains open. Previous drill results, including intercepts of up to 11 metres at 2.0% copper and 0.5 grams per tonne gold, underscore the deposit’s potential for resource growth.
Gravity inversion modelling supports the geological interpretation that mineralisation plunges northwards, providing a compelling target zone for the new drilling. Success here could materially increase the inferred resource of 8.7 million tonnes at 1.16% copper equivalent currently reported at Turpentine.
Broader Exploration Ambitions with Reverse Circulation Drilling
Beyond Turpentine, Breakthrough plans a reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign starting in April 2026. This 2,500-metre program will focus on advancing other targets within Hazel Creek, including Turpentine South, Eight Mile Creek North, and Eight Mile Creek East, as well as testing untested electromagnetic (EM) anomalies and geochemical anomalies that could reveal new mineralised zones.
Notably, the Turpentine SE Offset Prospect has been identified as a high-priority target due to its proximity to existing resources and limited historical drilling. The company’s renewed focus on both Iron Oxide Copper-Gold and Iron-Sulphide Copper-Gold models reflects a sophisticated approach to exploration, aiming to unlock value from previously overlooked targets.
Infrastructure Monetisation and Operational Efficiency
In addition to exploration, Breakthrough is evaluating infrastructure assets acquired with the project to identify opportunities for monetisation of surplus plant and equipment. This pragmatic approach could provide additional capital flexibility as the company advances its drilling programs and resource development plans.
Executive Director Peretz Schapiro emphasised the significance of Hazel Creek within the broader project portfolio, highlighting the substantial scope for resource growth and the company’s commitment to rapidly progressing advanced targets toward resource definition throughout 2026.
Bottom Line?
Breakthrough Minerals’ imminent drilling campaign at Hazel Creek could redefine its resource base and set the tone for a transformative year ahead.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming drilling confirm extensions that significantly increase the Turpentine Deposit’s resource?
- How will Breakthrough prioritise targets beyond Turpentine given the breadth of exploration opportunities?
- What impact might infrastructure sales have on the company’s financial flexibility during this expansion phase?