Aruma Resources Launches Diamond Drilling at High-Grade Tillex Copper-Silver Project

Maiden Drilling Campaign Targets Resource Expansion

Aruma Resources Limited (ASX:AAJ) has commenced its first-ever diamond drilling program at the Tillex Copper-Silver Project, located in the prolific Timmins mining district of Ontario, Canada. The initial phase comprises approximately 1,500 metres of drilling, designed to extend the known high-grade copper mineralisation both along strike and at depth, with the deepest planned hole reaching around 350 metres.

The campaign aims to build on extensive historical drilling that has already defined wide copper-sulphide zones with significant silver credits, including standout intercepts such as 110 metres at 1.69% copper and 7.05 grams per tonne silver. By testing extensions beyond the historical limits, Aruma hopes to delineate a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) that fully captures the scale of the deposit.

Electromagnetic Survey Enhances Drill Targeting

This drilling push follows a recent fixed-loop electromagnetic (EM) survey that identified a strong conductor extending the strike length of the mineralised system to approximately 600 metres and the depth extent to at least 400 metres. The EM data not only confirmed the presence of deep mineralisation but also provided targets for downhole EM surveys planned to refine the positioning of further drill holes beyond the initial phase.

The significance of this geophysical work was highlighted in a March report where the survey results extended the known copper-silver targets and set the stage for the current drilling campaign. This background provides critical context for the ongoing program, which is expected to evolve based on geological observations and assay results from the first phase.

Strategic Location and Project Advantages

The Tillex Project is situated within a world-class mining district renowned for volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits, including the nearby Kidd Creek Mine, one of the largest copper-zinc-silver operations globally. Tillex benefits from excellent infrastructure and is located on patented mining claims, granting Aruma both surface and mineral rights. This tenure significantly reduces permitting risks and supports a streamlined path from exploration to development.

Managing Director Grant Ferguson emphasised the milestone nature of the drilling commencement, underscoring the company's commitment to rapidly advancing the project after its acquisition earlier this year. Assay results from the initial drilling phase are anticipated in May 2026, which will be pivotal in guiding subsequent exploration steps.

Historical Drilling Highlights and Future Potential

Historical drilling at Tillex has returned multiple wide intervals of high-grade copper and silver, such as 98.2 metres at 1.82% copper and 13.17 grams per tonne silver, and 92.05 metres at 2.12% copper and 12.18 grams per tonne silver. These results underpin the project's potential and justify the ongoing exploration focus.

With the initial drilling phase underway and the EM survey providing a robust targeting framework, Aruma is well-positioned to unlock further value from Tillex. The campaign’s progression will be closely watched, particularly the upcoming assay results that will confirm whether the mineralised footprint can be significantly expanded.