Australian Critical Minerals is set to begin its maiden drilling campaign at the Flint gold-silver project in Peru, targeting a 4 km hydrothermal system with promising high-sulphidation epithermal gold-silver potential. Drilling starts March 31, 2026, following extensive geophysical and geological groundwork.
- Maiden drilling campaign to commence at Flint gold-silver project on March 31, 2026
- Drilling contractor SFP Drilling SAC mobilising to site on March 28
- Project targets two high-sulphidation epithermal systems within a 4 km hydrothermal corridor
- Access construction reveals significant hydrothermal alteration supporting exploration model
- Initial program includes four diamond drill holes and ongoing surface mapping
Exploration Milestone at Flint
Australian Critical Minerals Ltd (ASX:ACM) is gearing up to initiate its first-ever drilling campaign at the Flint gold-silver project in Peru, marking a significant step in its exploration journey. Scheduled to commence on March 31, 2026, this maiden drilling program aims to systematically test a highly prospective 4-kilometre-long hydrothermal system that the company believes hosts two distinct high-sulphidation epithermal gold-silver systems.
Geological Context and Targets
The Flint project lies within a well-known epithermal-porphyry metallogenic belt, renowned for hosting world-class gold, silver, and copper deposits. Positioned near established gold producers and less than a kilometre from the San Juan Porphyry project, Flint offers a compelling multi-target exploration opportunity. The company’s geological model is supported by extensive historic geochemical data, induced polarisation (IP) and natural source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (NSAMT) geophysics, alongside recent surface mapping that has revealed significant hydrothermal clay alteration.
Preparations and Drilling Strategy
Site access and drill pad construction are nearing completion, with freshly exposed rock surfaces confirming the presence of advanced argillic alteration zones. These observations reinforce the company’s confidence in its exploration model. ACM’s drilling contractor, SFP Drilling SAC, is set to mobilise to the site on March 28, enabling a smooth transition into the drilling phase. The initial campaign will comprise approximately 1,850 metres of diamond drilling across four holes, targeting key fluid pathways and alteration zones interpreted as potential mineralisation centres.
Ongoing Exploration and Future Steps
Alongside drilling, ACM plans to continue detailed surface mapping and geochemical sampling, particularly in the southern sector of the project area, which has historically seen less exploration activity. The company also intends to conduct further geophysical surveys, including IP, to refine subsurface targets. These combined efforts aim to build a comprehensive understanding of the Flint system’s mineral potential.
Strategic Significance
Flint represents a strategic asset within ACM’s growing portfolio of critical mineral projects, particularly given its location in Peru’s prolific mineral belts. The project aligns with the company’s broader focus on gold, silver, copper, and critical minerals that are essential for global electrification and clean energy transitions. The upcoming drilling campaign is a crucial test of the project’s potential to deliver significant mineral resources.
Bottom Line?
As drilling kicks off, all eyes will be on Flint to see if it can deliver on its promising geological potential.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial assay results will reveal about the grade and extent of mineralisation at Flint?
- How will ongoing geophysical surveys refine drilling targets in the southern sector?
- What are the potential timelines for resource estimation following this maiden drilling campaign?