Asian Battery Metals (ASX:AZ9) has visually confirmed a substantial extension of copper-rich massive sulphide mineralisation at its Red Hill (Maikhan Uul) project in Mongolia, pushing the known strike length beyond 155 metres. Assay results are pending, while further geophysical surveys and drilling are underway to refine exploration targets.
- Copper-rich massive sulphide zone extended over 155 metres
- Drillhole MU2603 intersected 21.9m of high-grade sulphides
- MU2604 added 3.6m of semi-massive sulphides westward
- Gravity survey initiated to map mineralisation continuity
- Assay results expected in 4-5 weeks to confirm grades
Significant Strike Extension at Red Hill
Asian Battery Metals (ASX:AZ9) has pushed the boundaries of its Red Hill (Maikhan Uul) Cu-Au VMS project in Mongolia, visually confirming copper-rich massive sulphide mineralisation extending over 155 metres of strike. Drillholes MU2603 and MU2604 have been pivotal, with MU2603 intersecting a notable 21.9 metres of massive sulphide containing chalcopyrite and chalcocite, and MU2604 adding 3.6 metres of massive to semi-massive sulphides rich in sphalerite and chalcopyrite. These results not only extend the mineralised zone but also validate key downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) conductor plates modelled from previous drilling.
Visual Estimates Signal High-Grade Potential
While assay results are still pending and expected within 4 to 5 weeks, the visual logging from MU2603 suggests a significant increase in copper sulphide content compared to historical intercepts, with secondary chalcocite observed; often a marker for proximity to feeder zones that can host richer mineralisation. MU2604’s intercepts, drilled approximately 70 metres west of previous holes, extend the strike length further, highlighting the system’s lateral continuity. The company cautions that visual estimates are not a substitute for laboratory assays, which will ultimately determine economic viability.
Ongoing Geophysical Surveys and Drilling Plans
To complement drilling, a gravity survey has commenced across the project area to better define the scale and continuity of the massive sulphide system. This survey aims to refine geological models and assist in targeting future drillholes. Additionally, DHEM surveys are planned on recent drillholes MU2602, MU2603, and MU2604, where PVC casing has been installed to facilitate this. The integration of geophysical data with assay results will be crucial for refining exploration targets and testing the system’s depth and strike extensions.
Project Acquisition and Exploration Momentum
The Red Hill project, acquired by Asian Battery Metals in April 2026, has seen a rapid escalation in exploration activity. The 2026 drilling program was designed to test extensions to known mineralisation and identify higher-grade zones previously inaccessible due to site constraints. This work builds on the company’s earlier success, including the initial 2026 drillhole MU2601 that intersected significant massive sulphides, as reported in the company’s first 2026 drillhole intersects. The acquisition itself was completed with a fully permitted mining licence, providing a secure tenure for ongoing exploration and development efforts acquisition finalised with full mining licence.
Exploration Upside and Open-Ended Mineralisation
Managing Director Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren emphasises the unrecognised potential of the Red Hill system, noting that the massive sulphide zones identified by ABM were not delineated by historical exploration. The mineralised system remains open both at depth and along strike, suggesting substantial upside. The ongoing drilling and geophysical surveys will be critical in confirming the scale and grade continuity of the deposit, which is hosted within a classic Neo-Proterozoic felsic volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) setting. The project’s geological complexity, including multiple deformation phases, adds both challenges and opportunities for resource definition.
Bottom Line?
Pending assay results and geophysical surveys will be key to confirming the true scale and grade of the Red Hill massive sulphide system, with exploration upside evident but still unquantified.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results validate the visual indications of high-grade copper mineralisation?
- How will gravity and DHEM surveys refine the understanding of mineralisation continuity and depth?
- What is the potential for resource upgrade following integration of new drilling and geophysical data?