Rinaldi Copper Revival: Can Neometals Turn Historic Grades into Production?
Neometals Ltd has reported impressive new copper assay results from its historic Rinaldi workings within the Barrambie Gold Project, setting the stage for imminent drilling to explore this high-grade opportunity further.
- Historic Rinaldi copper production of ~1,407 tonnes at 9.8% Cu
- Recent rock-chip samples show copper grades up to 24.4% with gold and silver
- Permit approval received for initial reverse circulation drilling at Rinaldi
- Ongoing gold exploration at Barrambie including Ironclad deposit update due March 2026
- Environmental and technical studies progressing to support mining approvals
Historic Copper Revival at Rinaldi
Neometals Ltd (ASX – NMT) has breathed new life into the historic Rinaldi copper workings, part of its 100% owned Barrambie Gold Project in Western Australia. The company announced fresh assay results from rock-chip and grab samples collected in 2025, revealing copper grades as high as 24.4%. These findings echo the rich legacy of the site, which historically produced approximately 1,407 tonnes of ore averaging 9.8% copper, equating to around 138 tonnes of contained copper metal.
The mineralisation at Rinaldi is hosted within a narrow, laminated quartz vein system embedded in anorthositic gabbro and schist formations. The presence of secondary copper minerals such as malachite, azurite, bornite, and chrysocolla further underscores the high-grade nature of this deposit. Notably, some samples also contained anomalous gold and silver, hinting at a polymetallic potential that could enhance project economics.
Drilling Plans and Exploration Strategy
With permit approvals now secured, Neometals is poised to commence initial reverse circulation (RC) drilling at Rinaldi. This drilling campaign aims to test the extent and continuity of the copper-rich veins identified through surface sampling and historical workings. The results will be pivotal in shaping the company’s broader copper exploration strategy across the Barrambie Project.
Simultaneously, Neometals continues to advance its gold exploration efforts at other priority targets within Barrambie, including Kismet, Woodies, and Silver Lining. The Ironclad deposit, a key focus area, is undergoing an updated mineral resource estimate and mine planning, with results expected in the March quarter of 2026. These developments reflect a multi-commodity approach that leverages the diverse mineral endowment of the Barrambie Greenstone Belt.
Supporting Studies and Project Outlook
Beyond exploration, Neometals is progressing a suite of geotechnical, metallurgical, hydrological, and environmental studies to underpin future mining approvals, particularly for the Ironclad deposit. This comprehensive preparatory work signals the company’s intent to transition from exploration to development, aiming to unlock value from one of the world’s highest-grade titanium deposits alongside its copper and gold assets.
Managing Director Chris Reed highlighted the significance of Rinaldi, describing it as an "outstanding target area" that stands out within the Barrambie Greenstone Belt. The upcoming drilling will not only clarify the copper potential at Rinaldi but also inform Neometals’ wider exploration and development plans across its portfolio.
Neometals’ strategic focus on sustainable production of critical materials aligns with global trends favouring cleaner technologies, positioning the Barrambie Project as a potentially valuable contributor to future supply chains for copper, gold, titanium, and vanadium.
Bottom Line?
As Neometals prepares to drill at Rinaldi, the market will watch closely for results that could redefine the Barrambie Project’s copper potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming RC drilling confirm the continuity and scale of high-grade copper mineralisation at Rinaldi?
- How might the polymetallic nature of the Rinaldi veins influence the project’s economic viability?
- What impact will the Ironclad resource update and JV arrangements have on Neometals’ production timeline?
