Can Breakthrough Minerals Expand Barbara’s Copper-Gold Treasure Trove?

• Barbara hosts 6.5Mt at 0.97% copper equivalent within a larger 18.8Mt QCGP resource
• Planned ~1,500m diamond drilling targets down-plunge extensions and high-grade zones
• Broader 2026 drilling program includes 4,500m across multiple QCGP sites starting at Hazel Creek
• New Managing Director Nigel Broomham appointed to accelerate exploration activities
• Acquisition of Queensland Copper-Gold Project now unconditional, tenure transfer imminent

Strategic Drilling to Unlock Resource Potential

Breakthrough Minerals (ASX:BTM) is advancing its exploration agenda with a targeted diamond drilling program at the Barbara Copper-Gold Project (BCGP) in Queensland’s prolific Mt Isa region. The project, a key component of the broader Queensland Copper-Gold Project (QCGP), currently hosts a robust mineral resource estimate of 6.5 million tonnes at 0.97% copper equivalent. This sits within the larger QCGP resource of 18.8 million tonnes at 1.07% copper equivalent, underscoring Barbara’s significance within the portfolio.

The upcoming ~1,500-metre drilling campaign is designed to test down-plunge extensions of known mineralisation and high-grade zones identified in previous drilling. Notable historic intersections include 17 metres at 2.5% copper from 225 metres and 5 metres at 3.8% copper from 286 metres, highlighting the potential for resource expansion. The program will also explore untested electromagnetic plates and priority targets such as BARC071, which returned 2 metres at 2.1% copper from 148 metres.

Broader Exploration and Leadership Momentum

Barbara’s drilling forms part of a wider 2026 exploration campaign across the QCGP, encompassing approximately 4,500 metres of diamond drilling. The campaign will commence at the Hazel Creek Project later in March, before shifting focus to Barbara. This systematic approach aims to grow and upgrade mineral resources across multiple deposits, including the Lillymay Prospect, which has shown promising high-grade copper intersections and remains open for further exploration.

Adding momentum to these initiatives, Breakthrough Minerals welcomed Nigel Broomham as Managing Director on 1 March 2026. His appointment signals a strategic push to accelerate the execution of drilling programs and resource development activities. Broomham emphasised Barbara’s role as a cornerstone asset, noting its granted mining lease status and the strong potential for resource growth along the Barbara Shear Zone.

Acquisition Completion and Future Outlook

Breakthrough’s acquisition of the Queensland Copper-Gold Project, via the purchase of Dingo Minerals from Aeris Resources Limited subsidiaries, has now become unconditional. Completion and tenure transfer are expected imminently, solidifying Breakthrough’s control over this extensive and strategically located asset base. The granted mining leases and substantial existing resources provide a solid platform for ongoing exploration and potential development.

While drilling results are pending, the combination of high-grade historical intercepts, open-ended mineralisation, and untested geophysical targets positions Barbara as a compelling growth opportunity. The company’s methodical exploration strategy, supported by new leadership and secured tenure, will be closely watched by investors seeking exposure to copper-gold assets in a globally significant mining jurisdiction.

Bottom Line?

Breakthrough Minerals’ upcoming drilling at Barbara could redefine its resource scale, setting the stage for a pivotal year in Queensland copper-gold exploration.

Questions in the middle?

• Will the upcoming drilling confirm extensions of high-grade copper mineralisation at Barbara?
• How quickly will Breakthrough integrate and develop the newly acquired Queensland Copper-Gold Project assets?
• What impact will Nigel Broomham’s leadership have on the pace and scale of exploration success?