Raptor Metals has completed 12 of 15 planned diamond drill holes at its Chester Project, confirming geological consistency with historical data and advancing resource understanding. Assay results are expected within two months, setting the stage for potential resource expansion in this prolific Canadian copper-zinc district.
- 12 HQ diamond drill holes completed out of 15 planned
- Geological logging aligns with historical data, validating existing resource models
- Program includes metallurgical sampling and downhole geophysics for resource growth
- Assay results anticipated in six to eight weeks
- Chester Project hosts significant copper-zinc VMS mineralisation in Bathurst Mining Camp
Drilling Progress and Geological Validation
Raptor Metals Ltd (ASX: RAP) has reported significant progress in its 2,200-metre diamond drilling campaign at the Chester Project in New Brunswick, Canada. The company has completed 12 of the planned 15 HQ-sized drill holes, with the remaining holes and three metallurgical PQ holes expected to be finished within the next two weeks. Geological logging from these holes has consistently matched expectations and historical data, reinforcing confidence in the existing JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).
Managing Director Brett Wallace highlighted that the consistent lithology and mineralisation styles observed across the drill holes validate the historical exploration work and enhance the geological understanding of the deposit. This alignment is crucial for underpinning future resource expansion and exploration strategies.
Strategic Objectives of the Drilling Program
The drilling program is multifaceted, designed not only to validate historical assay data but also to collect metallurgical samples, gather structural geology insights, and test both infill and extensions of the massive sulphide mineralisation. Additionally, downhole geophysical surveys are being conducted to identify new targets and refine future drilling plans. These efforts aim to improve resource confidence and potentially expand the known mineralisation footprint.
Core processing is underway, with samples being prepared for assay submission. The company anticipates receiving assay results within six to eight weeks, which will provide critical data to inform the next phase of exploration and resource evaluation.
Chester Project Context and Potential
Located within the prolific Bathurst Mining Camp, the Chester Project benefits from excellent infrastructure, including year-round road access and proximity to power. The project hosts high-grade copper-zinc volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralisation, with historical drilling intersecting substantial copper-dominant zones. The deposit remains open along strike and at depth, offering significant upside potential.
The current JORC-compliant MRE reports an indicated and inferred resource containing approximately 6.7 million tonnes at around 1.1% copper, positioning Chester as a promising asset for both open-pit and underground mining scenarios. The ongoing drilling and metallurgical testing will be critical in refining these estimates and assessing processing options.
Next Steps and Market Implications
Raptor Metals plans to complete the remaining drill holes and metallurgical sampling by mid-March 2026. Following assay receipt, the company will integrate new data into its resource model and continue geophysical surveys to identify further exploration targets. This systematic approach underscores Raptor’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of the Chester Project.
Investors and analysts will be watching closely for assay results and metallurgical test outcomes, which will be pivotal in determining the project's economic viability and potential for resource growth in a globally significant copper district.
Bottom Line?
With drilling nearing completion and assay results imminent, Raptor Metals is poised to sharpen Chester’s resource profile and unlock new growth avenues.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming assay results confirm significant resource expansion potential?
- How will metallurgical testing influence processing strategies and project economics?
- What new targets might downhole geophysics reveal for future drilling campaigns?