West Cobar Metals has significantly expanded its exploration tenure in NSW’s Cobar district by applying for two new licences, increasing its coverage to around 1,090 km² and unlocking fresh potential for copper, gold, antimony, and silver discoveries.
- Two new exploration licence applications lodged: ELA7009 (Lilyvale) and ELA7010 (Nullagoola)
- Total exploration tenure now approximately 1,090 km² covering 120 km of Winduck Group stratigraphy
- Multiple gravity anomalies align with historical copper, gold, lead, and antimony geochemical signals
- Bulla Park deposit holds 20 Mt inferred resource at 0.58% copper equivalent with expansion potential
- Planned exploration includes ground gravity surveys, geological mapping, and geochemical sampling
Expanding the Cobar West Frontier
West Cobar Metals Limited (ASX:WC1) has taken a decisive step to broaden its presence in the prolific Cobar district of New South Wales by lodging two new exploration licence applications, ELA7009 (Lilyvale Project) and ELA7010 (Nullagoola Project). These applications add 573 km² to the company’s existing tenure, bringing the total area under its control to approximately 1,090 km². This expanded footprint now covers an impressive 120 kilometres of the prospective Winduck Group stratigraphy, a geological formation known to host significant copper-antimony-silver mineralisation.
The new licences strategically lie between the established Bulla Park copper-antimony-silver deposit and the operating CSA and Peak mines, positioning West Cobar to potentially uncover extensions or new mineralised systems within this highly regarded mining district.
Geophysical and Geochemical Clues Point to Potential
West Cobar’s exploration strategy is underpinned by a detailed review of historical geophysical and geochemical data. Multiple gravity anomalies have been identified across the new licence areas, coinciding with historical copper, lead, gold, and antimony geochemical anomalism. Notably, the Bulla Park deposit itself is associated with a strong gravity high, reflecting dense mineralisation.
Within ELA7010, the Blind Freddie prospect exhibits copper-gold soil anomalism extending over three kilometres, while Coomeratta South and Lilyvale show anomalous rock chip geochemistry and strong gravity highs respectively. These signatures suggest the presence of large mineralised systems analogous to Bulla Park, which currently hosts an inferred mineral resource of 20 million tonnes at 0.58% copper equivalent.
Building on Bulla Park’s Success
The Bulla Park deposit remains a cornerstone of West Cobar’s portfolio. Located about 110 kilometres west of the Cobar mining centre, it contains copper, antimony, and silver mineralisation beneath 60 to 120 metres of barren cover. Metallurgical testwork has demonstrated high recoveries of copper, antimony, and silver, supporting the economic potential of the deposit. The company sees considerable upside in expanding and upgrading this resource through further drilling.
Importantly, the new licence applications target similar stratigraphic horizons within the Winduck Group sediments, which are considered critical for hosting mineralisation. The company’s Managing Director, Matt Szwedzicki, emphasised that the new licences provide a major opportunity to discover and develop new resources, leveraging insights gained from Bulla Park.
Next Steps: From Data to Drill Targets
Once granted, West Cobar plans to rapidly advance exploration on the new licences. Initial programs will focus on ground gravity surveys, detailed geological mapping, and geochemical sampling to refine drill targets. The company’s approach reflects a methodical build-up from historical data and geophysical anomalies towards targeted drilling campaigns.
While historical drilling at nearby prospects such as Elsinore has not yielded significant mineralisation, the gravity highs adjacent to these areas remain underexplored and warrant further investigation. The company’s strategy aims to unlock these overlooked zones, potentially revealing new ‘Cobar style’ copper-gold deposits.
A Strategic Move in a Competitive District
West Cobar’s expansion comes amid ongoing interest in the Cobar district, a region with a rich mining heritage and active exploration by major players. By securing a large contiguous landholding with demonstrable geological potential, West Cobar positions itself to be a significant contributor to the district’s future resource growth.
However, the licences remain applications and are subject to regulatory approval. Additionally, much of the historical data is indicative and requires validation through modern exploration techniques. The coming months will be critical as the company transitions from data compilation to fieldwork and ultimately drilling.
Bottom Line?
West Cobar’s expanded tenure sets the stage for a pivotal exploration phase that could reshape its resource base and influence the Cobar district’s copper landscape.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the new exploration licences be granted and what conditions might apply?
- How will early-stage exploration results from ground gravity and geochemical surveys influence drilling priorities?
- What potential exists to upgrade the Bulla Park resource with upcoming drilling campaigns?