Antares Metals reports promising rock chip and soil sampling results at its Quinns Gold and Copper Project in Western Australia, alongside applications for four new exploration licences expanding its footprint to 383 km².
- Rock chip samples up to 3.7 g/t gold from previously unexplored historic workings
- Soil geochemical gold targets extended by 200 metres and remain open-ended
- Four new exploration licences applied for, expanding Quinns Project to 383 km²
- Drilling approvals secured with field exploration imminent
- Ongoing review of historic geophysical data to refine high-priority targets
Exploration Momentum Builds at Quinns
Antares Metals Limited (ASX: AM5) has provided an updated exploration report for its 100%-owned Quinns Gold and Copper Project, located in the prolific Meekatharra greenstone belt of Western Australia. The company’s recent rock chip and soil sampling programs have delivered encouraging gold assay results, including a standout 3.7 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from previously undocumented historic workings. This discovery underscores the untapped potential of the project area, which has seen limited modern exploration despite its proximity to established mining infrastructure.
Complementing these results, soil geochemistry surveys southeast of the historic Enterprise mine have extended the known gold anomaly by an additional 200 metres, with the target remaining open to the south. This extension suggests a larger mineralised system than previously understood, warranting further detailed investigation.
Strategic Tenure Expansion and Infrastructure Advantage
Antares has lodged applications for four new exploration licences adjacent to its existing holdings, which, if granted, will increase the Quinns Project area to 383 square kilometres. This expanded tenure consolidates the company’s dominant position over a significant portion of the Meekatharra greenstone belt, a region renowned for both orogenic gold and volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) copper-zinc deposits.
The project benefits from exceptional logistical advantages, situated approximately 10 kilometres from Monument Mining’s Burnakura Mill and within 50 kilometres of Westgold Resources’ Bluebird and Tuckabianna mills. Such proximity to processing facilities could accelerate future development timelines and reduce capital expenditure requirements.
Pathway to Drilling and Data Integration
With Program of Works approvals now secured, Antares is poised to commence drilling and expanded field exploration activities imminently. The company is also undertaking a comprehensive review of all historical geophysical datasets to enhance structural understanding and refine drill targeting. This integrated approach aims to unlock high-priority targets concealed beneath shallow cover sequences that have historically hindered exploration efforts.
Managing Director Terry Topping emphasised the significance of combining modern geochemical techniques with the reinterpretation of legacy data, stating that these efforts are key to unlocking the project’s gold potential. The upcoming drilling campaigns will be critical in testing the continuity and economic viability of the mineralisation identified to date.
Broader Exploration Outlook
Beyond Quinns, Antares is advancing exploration at its Mt Isa North Project in Queensland, with plans to drill promising gold and copper targets and assess uranium prospects. This diversified portfolio approach positions the company to capitalise on multiple commodity opportunities within tier-1 mineral provinces.
Overall, Antares Metals’ methodical exploration strategy, combined with recent high-grade sampling results and tenure growth, signals a compelling phase of project maturation. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly awaiting the results of the imminent drilling programs, which will provide the next critical insights into the project’s resource potential.
Bottom Line?
Antares Metals is setting the stage for a pivotal drilling campaign that could redefine the gold potential of its Quinns Project.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming drilling confirm the continuity and scale of the high-grade gold mineralisation?
- How quickly will regulatory approvals be granted for the new exploration licences?
- What impact will the integration of historic geophysical data have on refining exploration targets?