Antares Metals has reported promising high-grade gold samples up to 3.7 g/t at its Quinns Copper Gold Project in Western Australia, alongside applications for four new exploration licences expanding its tenure to 383 km².
- Rock chip samples reveal gold grades up to 3.7 g/t Au from historic workings
- Soil geochemistry extends key gold target by 200m, anomaly remains open south
- Four new exploration licences applied for, expanding Quinns project to 383 km²
- Review of historic geophysical data underway to refine drilling targets
- Drilling approvals received; field exploration to commence in coming weeks
Exploration Momentum Builds at Quinns
Antares Metals Ltd (ASX – AM5) is advancing its 100%-owned Quinns Copper Gold Project in Western Australia with encouraging exploration results and strategic tenure expansion. Recent rock chip sampling from previously unexplored historic gold workings has returned high-grade gold assays up to 3.7 grams per tonne, underscoring the project's untapped potential in a region with a rich mining heritage.
The company’s soil geochemistry program has successfully extended a significant gold-in-soil anomaly southeast of the historic Enterprise mine by an additional 200 metres, with the target remaining open to the south. This extension enhances the prospectivity of the area and sets the stage for targeted drilling campaigns.
Strategic Expansion and Infrastructure Advantage
Antares has lodged applications for four new exploration licences adjacent to its existing holdings, which, if granted, will expand the Quinns project area to 383 square kilometres within the prolific Meekatharra greenstone belt. This region is known for hosting significant gold and base metal deposits, and the expanded footprint positions Antares well to explore multiple high-priority targets.
Importantly, the project benefits from proximity to established processing infrastructure, situated roughly 10 kilometres from Monument Mining’s Burnakura Mill and about 50 kilometres from Westgold Resources’ Bluebird and Tuckabianna mills. This closeness to milling facilities could facilitate future development and reduce capital expenditure requirements.
Data-Driven Targeting and Upcoming Drilling
Antares is undertaking a comprehensive review of all historical geophysical data to refine its understanding of the structural controls on mineralisation and to enhance exploration targeting. The company plans to complement this with modern geochemical techniques and detailed structural mapping, particularly in areas obscured by laterite cover.
With Program of Works approvals secured, Antares is poised to commence field exploration activities imminently, including mapping, expanded soil sampling, and drilling. These efforts aim to test the high-priority gold and volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) copper-zinc targets identified across the Quinns project.
Historical Context and Future Potential
The Quinns Goldfield has a storied history dating back to the late 19th century, with historical mining records indicating high-grade gold production from shallow alluvial and quartz reef deposits. Despite this, modern exploration has been limited, particularly for orogenic gold, as previous operators focused largely on VMS copper-zinc mineralisation.
Antares’ renewed focus on integrating historical data with contemporary exploration methods could unlock new discoveries in this underexplored greenstone belt. The company’s systematic approach and expanding tenure suggest a compelling opportunity to delineate significant gold resources in a well-established mining province.
Bottom Line?
With high-grade samples and expanded tenure, Antares Metals is set to unlock new value at Quinns as drilling gets underway.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming drilling results confirm the extent and grade of gold mineralisation?
- What is the timeline for granting the four new exploration licences and their impact on project development?
- How might Antares leverage nearby milling infrastructure to accelerate potential project economics?