Altitude Minerals has successfully drilled the T55 Target at its Byrock Project in New South Wales, confirming a copper-gold porphyry system consistent with the Macquarie Arc extension. This milestone supports advancing their earn-in agreement and sets the stage for further exploration.
- First-ever drillhole at T55 confirms porphyry intrusion beneath cover
- Calc-alkalic monzodiorite intrusion with propylitic alteration identified
- NSW Government co-funded 40% of drilling costs
- Follow-up drilling planned alongside neighbouring Inflection Resources
- Geochronology and gravity surveys to refine exploration targets
Exploration Breakthrough at Byrock
Altitude Minerals Ltd (ASX – ATT) has announced a significant step forward in its exploration efforts at the Byrock Project in New South Wales. The company’s maiden drillhole at the T55 Target, completed in December 2025, intersected a high-potassium calc-alkaline monzodiorite porphyry intrusion beneath transported cover. This geological signature aligns with the outer zones of a copper-gold porphyry system, supporting Altitude’s interpretation of the Macquarie Arc extending northwest beneath the project area.
Geological Significance and Government Support
The presence of pervasive propylitic alteration and molybdenite-bearing syenite dykes within the intrusion is consistent with mineralisation styles typical of the Macquarie Arc, a well-known mineral belt hosting several profitable mines. Notably, this drilling campaign was partially funded by a NSW Government grant covering 40% of the costs, underscoring the strategic importance of the project for regional mineral exploration.
Advancing the Earn-In Agreement and Regional Activity
These encouraging results have prompted Altitude Minerals to progress to the next stage of its earn-in agreement with Nimrod Resources, the project vendor. The company plans to undertake detailed geochronology studies to date the intrusive rocks and mineralisation events, which will help contextualise the findings within the broader Macquarie Arc framework. Additionally, infill gravity surveys are being considered to better delineate the intrusion’s margins and optimise future drill targeting.
Meanwhile, neighbouring explorer Inflection Resources has announced plans to drill six copper-gold targets adjacent to T55 in early 2026, potentially adding momentum to exploration activity in this underexplored region of northern NSW.
Looking Ahead
While the T55 drillhole provides compelling geological evidence of a porphyry system, Altitude Minerals acknowledges that further drilling is required to confirm the geometry, grade continuity, and economic potential of the mineralisation. The company’s recent aircore drilling at nearby Pipe Targets, combined with the T55 results, paints a promising picture for the Byrock Project’s future.
As Altitude moves forward with follow-up drilling and analytical work, investors and industry watchers will be keen to see how these early-stage findings translate into a viable copper-gold resource in this emerging frontier.
Bottom Line?
Altitude Minerals’ T55 drilling breakthrough sets the stage for a pivotal year of exploration in NSW’s Macquarie Arc extension.
Questions in the middle?
- What will geochronology reveal about the timing and potential of mineralisation at T55?
- How will follow-up drilling refine the understanding of the porphyry system’s size and grade?
- Can Altitude capitalize on regional exploration momentum alongside neighbouring companies?