Impact Minerals Uncovers Deep Conductive Corridor at Broken Hill

Exploring the Depths of Broken Hill

Impact Minerals Limited (ASX: IPT) has unveiled compelling new geophysical data from its Broken Hill project in New South Wales, spotlighting a deep conductive corridor that could underpin a significant mineral system. Using a single-line magneto-telluric (MT) survey, the company identified a steeply dipping conductive zone extending from approximately 20 kilometres depth toward the surface, situated adjacent to the major crustal-scale Redan Fault.

This discovery is particularly noteworthy given Broken Hill’s status as home to one of the world’s largest silver-lead-zinc deposits, with over 500 million tonnes of massive sulphide mineralisation. Impact’s tenure covers around 2,000 square kilometres, positioning it as the dominant landholder south of Broken Hill and primed to explore these newly identified targets.

Near-Surface Conductors and Their Significance

The MT survey revealed three distinct near-surface conductive zones, labelled T1, T2, and T3. Follow-up work has confirmed a discrete conductor at the top of the priority T3 anomaly, which is interpreted as a potential pathway for mineralising fluids. These conductive zones occur within a basement embayment beneath the Willyama Supergroup, the geological host to the Broken Hill orebody, suggesting a favourable structural and stratigraphic setting for sediment-hosted base-metal mineralisation.

Importantly, these results dovetail with a reinterpretation of regional AUSLAMP MT data, a national geophysical survey that maps electrical conductivity deep into the Earth’s crust. The alignment of Impact’s findings with this broader dataset supports a model where deep fluid pathways channel mineralising fluids from the lithosphere into the upper crust, a hallmark of world-class mineral provinces.

Building on Past Research and Regional Momentum

Impact’s MT survey builds on earlier geophysical research conducted under the BHP Xplor program, where techniques like Sub-Audio Magnetic and Audio-Frequency Magnetotellurics demonstrated direct responses over known mineralisation at the Dora East project. The current survey line was strategically placed along seismic reflection lines surveyed by Geoscience Australia, enhancing the geological context of the new data.

The Broken Hill region itself is experiencing renewed exploration interest, with recent acquisitions by Broken Hill Mines and joint ventures involving South32 Limited. Rising prices for gold, silver, copper, zinc, and lead are driving this resurgence, underscoring the economic potential of discoveries emerging from modern geophysical techniques.

Next Steps and Market Implications

While the initial MT survey results are promising, Impact Minerals is awaiting the final inversion results from a follow-up ground MT survey over the T3 anomaly. These results will be critical in refining drill targets and validating the presence of mineralisation. The company’s approach reflects a cautious optimism, mindful of potential data artefacts noted in analogous surveys such as those at Olympic Dam.

Should these conductive corridors prove to be fluid pathways feeding mineral deposits, Impact could be on the cusp of delineating a major new mineral system in a globally significant mining district. This would not only enhance the company’s asset value but also contribute to the broader understanding of the geological plumbing that sustains Broken Hill’s prolific mineralisation.