Australian Critical Minerals Begins Drilling at Flint’s Promising Gold-Silver System
Australian Critical Minerals has appointed an experienced Peruvian drilling contractor to commence its first diamond drilling campaign at the Flint High-Sulphidation Gold-Silver Project, targeting a large-scale epithermal system in a prolific gold belt.
- SFP Drilling SAC appointed for maiden diamond drilling program
- Phase 1 includes four HQ diamond drillholes totaling ~1,850m
- Drilling targets a 4km strike length high-sulphidation epithermal gold-silver system
- Drill targets supported by comprehensive geophysical and geochemical data
- All regulatory approvals and land access agreements secured
Drilling Contractor Appointment Marks Key Milestone
Australian Critical Minerals Ltd (ASX: ACM) has taken a significant step forward in its exploration journey by appointing SFP Drilling SAC to undertake the maiden diamond drilling program at its Flint High-Sulphidation Gold-Silver Project in Northern Peru. This appointment signals the transition from a drill-ready to a drill-active phase, with mobilisation expected to commence mid-March 2026.
Targeting a World-Class Epithermal System
The Flint Project is situated within one of the world’s most prolific epithermal metallogenic belts, a region that hosts over 50 million ounces of gold resources across more than ten major deposits. The project covers nearly 20 square kilometres and features a large-scale advanced argillic alteration system consistent with high-sulphidation epithermal gold-silver mineralisation.
The Phase 1 drilling program will focus on the Northern High-Sulphidation Epithermal (HSE) Gold Target Cluster, comprising four HQ diamond drillholes totalling approximately 1,850 metres. These targets have been meticulously selected based on an integration of multiple datasets including NSAMT resistivity surveys, induced polarisation geophysics, surface geochemistry, and alteration mapping. The coherent hydrothermal system extends over a strike length of about four kilometres, underscoring the scale and potential of the deposit.
Robust Data Underpins Drill Targeting
Drill targets are supported by high-sulphidation pathfinder elements such as arsenic, antimony, and tellurium, alongside coincident quartz-alunite and advanced argillic alteration zones. Geophysical anomalies, including resistive cores and chargeability consistent with sulphide development, provide further confidence in the targeting strategy. This comprehensive approach aims to de-risk the initial drilling phase and maximise the chances of discovery.
Community and Regulatory Support in Place
Importantly, Australian Critical Minerals has secured all necessary regulatory approvals and land access agreements, with local landowners remaining supportive throughout the project’s exploration history. This social licence to operate is a critical factor in ensuring smooth operational progress as drilling activities commence.
Outlook Amid Strong Precious Metals Prices
Executive Chairman Dean de Largie highlighted the favourable timing of the drilling campaign, noting the extraordinary gold and silver price environment. The company’s extensive data suggests the presence of a large-scale, highly prospective high-sulphidation epithermal system, and the upcoming drill results will be closely watched by the market. As the program unfolds, further updates on drilling progress and assay results are anticipated.
Bottom Line?
With drilling imminent at Flint, Australian Critical Minerals is poised to unlock value in a globally significant gold-silver province.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial assay results will reveal about the scale and grade of mineralisation?
- How will the Phase 1 drilling outcomes influence plans for subsequent exploration phases?
- What potential challenges could arise during drilling in this geologically complex region?
