Rising Copper Prices Heighten Stakes for Diablo’s Utah Exploration
Diablo Resources has secured a geophysical contractor to commence an induced polarisation survey at its high-priority Star Range Silver-Antimony Project, while maiden drilling at the Phoenix Copper Project confirms encouraging copper mineralisation.
- Geophysical contractor secured for induced polarisation survey at Star Range
- High-grade silver-antimony surface samples over STAR-01 magnetic anomaly
- Maiden drilling at Phoenix Copper’s Fair Dinkum Prospect confirms shallow copper oxide mineralisation
- Flying Diamond Fault traced over 1,000m, providing multiple follow-up drill targets
- Drill permitting and logistics underway to support maiden drilling at Star Range
Geophysical Survey to Sharpen Drill Targets at Star Range
Diablo Resources Limited (ASX – DBO) is ramping up exploration efforts at its Utah projects, with a geophysical contractor secured to commence an induced polarisation (IP) survey over the high-priority STAR-01 target within the Star Range Silver-Antimony Project. This survey, planned to start in February, aims to provide detailed subsurface models of chargeability and resistivity to a depth of approximately 300 metres, enhancing drill targeting precision for the maiden drilling campaign.
The STAR-01 target is notable for its strong magnetic anomaly overlain by surface rock samples grading over 3,000 grams per tonne silver, alongside significant antimony and copper values. The geological setting suggests potential skarn and carbonate-replacement mineralisation associated with intrusive-sediment contacts, a promising environment for critical minerals.
Encouraging Maiden Drilling Results at Phoenix Copper Project
Meanwhile, at the Phoenix Copper Project, maiden drilling at the Fair Dinkum Prospect has intersected shallow copper oxide mineralisation open along strike and at depth. The prospect lies within the prolific Lisbon Valley Mining District, home to the world-class Lisbon Valley Copper Mine. The drilling has confirmed copper mineralisation associated with the Flying Diamond Fault, which has now been traced for over 1,000 metres, offering multiple follow-up drill targets.
Notably, the nearby Lone Wolf Deposit, just 2.5 kilometres west of Fair Dinkum, is advancing towards in-situ leaching operations, highlighting the district’s potential. The copper mineralisation at Fair Dinkum occurs within altered sandstones and conglomerates of the Dakota Formation, with mineralised intervals including malachite, azurite, and chalcocite.
Strategic Positioning Amid Rising Metals Demand
CEO Lyle Thorne emphasised the strategic importance of these projects amid a backdrop of rising copper and precious metals prices, driven by accelerating electrification, renewable energy generation, and the AI revolution. The company’s methodical approach; combining geophysical surveys with targeted drilling; positions Diablo Resources to efficiently delineate mineralisation and advance its critical minerals portfolio in the United States.
With drill permitting and logistics underway at Star Range, and encouraging early drilling results at Phoenix, Diablo is poised to deliver further exploration milestones in the coming months. The company’s focus on silver, antimony, and copper aligns with global trends favouring critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies.
Bottom Line?
Diablo’s advancing exploration in Utah could unlock critical mineral resources just as global demand surges.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the induced polarisation survey reveal about the depth and extent of silver-antimony mineralisation at Star Range?
- How extensive and economically viable is the copper mineralisation along the Flying Diamond Fault at Phoenix?
- What are the timelines and capital requirements for Diablo to progress from exploration to resource definition?
