Resource Validation at Risk Pending Assay Results from Chester Drilling
Raptor Metals has intersected multiple zones of visual copper mineralisation in the initial two holes of its 2,200m diamond drilling program at the Chester Project, validating its resource base and setting the stage for resource growth.
- Completed first two holes of 2,200m diamond drilling at Chester Project
- Visual copper mineralisation aligns with existing resource expectations
- Program aims to enhance JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate
- Assay results expected within six to eight weeks
- Chester Project offers strong exploration upside in prolific Bathurst Mining Camp
Early Drilling Success at Chester
Raptor Metals Ltd (ASX: RAP) has reported promising early results from the first two holes of its 2,200-metre diamond drilling campaign at the Chester Project in New Brunswick, Canada. The drilling has intersected multiple zones of visible copper sulphide mineralisation, consistent with the company’s expectations and reinforcing confidence in the existing resource base.
These initial visual observations, while preliminary and pending laboratory assay confirmation, provide a strong validation of the project’s potential. The Chester Project lies within the renowned Bathurst Mining Camp, a prolific volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) district that has historically produced over 180 million tonnes of base metal ore.
Strategic Resource Validation and Growth
The current drilling program is a key component of Raptor’s systematic exploration strategy following its recent acquisition of Raptor Resources Limited and the subsequent reinstatement of its ASX listing. The program’s objectives extend beyond simple confirmation; it aims to enhance the JORC (2012) compliant Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) by validating historical assay data, collecting samples for metallurgical testing, and gathering structural geology insights.
Infill and extension drilling will test the eastern limits of the massive sulphide mineralisation, targeting potential resource expansion. Additionally, downhole geophysical surveys will help refine future drilling targets, leveraging modern exploration techniques in a district with excellent infrastructure and a supportive mining jurisdiction.
Pending Assay Results and Next Steps
While visual estimates of mineral abundance are encouraging, Raptor cautions that these are not substitutes for laboratory assays, which are essential to determine precise grades and confirm economic viability. The company expects assay results from the initial holes within six to eight weeks, which will provide critical data to update and potentially grow the resource.
Following completion of the diamond drilling program, Raptor plans to submit samples for metallurgical testing and conduct downhole time domain electromagnetic surveys. These steps are designed to optimise processing options and further delineate the deposit’s geometry and controls.
Chester Project’s Robust Resource Base
The Chester Project hosts a significant copper-zinc resource with a JORC-compliant MRE reporting approximately 6.7 million tonnes at around 1.1% copper, including both indicated and inferred categories. The deposit remains open along strike and at depth, offering considerable exploration upside for both open-pit and underground mining scenarios.
Raptor’s Managing Director Brett Wallace expressed confidence in the project’s upside potential, highlighting the company’s strong balance sheet and disciplined approach to exploration as key enablers for delivering value through resource growth.
Bottom Line?
As assay results loom, Raptor’s Chester drilling sets a promising foundation for resource expansion in a world-class copper camp.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm the visual copper mineralisation and at what grades?
- How might metallurgical testing influence processing strategies and project economics?
- What potential does downhole geophysics hold for identifying new mineralised zones beyond current targets?
