Aruma Resources’ downhole electromagnetic survey at the Tillex Copper-Silver Project reveals a strong, continuous conductor extending along strike and depth, sharpening drill targets ahead of Phase 2.
- DHEM survey confirms continuous conductor over 100-150m strike and depth
- Discrete high-grade conductive plates identified within broader conductive zone
- Phase 1 drilling complete with assay results pending
- Phase 2 drilling planned to test strike extensions and expand resource footprint
- Historical drillholes to be assessed for further DHEM to refine targets
Downhole EM Survey Validates Robust Conductive System at Tillex
Aruma Resources (ASX:AAJ) has taken a significant step forward in defining the scale and continuity of its Tillex Copper-Silver Project in Ontario, Canada, with a successful downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) survey. Conducted across three drillholes, including two from the recently completed Phase 1 campaign and one historical hole, the survey confirmed a strong, continuous conductor extending along strike and to depth, refining and validating targets first identified by surface EM surveys.
The DHEM results delineate a coherent main conductor zone spanning approximately 100 to 150 metres in both strike length and depth, interpreted as a steeply dipping feature plunging shallowly at around 11 degrees to the southwest. This conductor hosts discrete, highly conductive plates that spatially correlate with zones of known wide, high-grade mineralisation, reinforcing the company’s geological model of a sulphide-rich, potentially scalable mineralised system.
Implications for Drilling and Resource Growth
Phase 1 drilling has now wrapped, with assay results expected imminently. The integration of these assays with the DHEM and geological data will materially sharpen drill targeting for the upcoming Phase 2 program. Planning is underway for a 3,500 to 4,000-metre diamond drilling campaign aimed at expanding the mineralised footprint, testing strike and down-plunge extensions, and advancing towards a Mineral Resource estimate.
The DHEM survey notably identified a shallow plunge conductor beyond the current drilling limits, offering a compelling, near-surface drill target to the southwest. Aruma intends to capitalise on this by assessing additional historical drillholes for DHEM surveys, providing a cost-effective means to better define the system’s full extent.
Geophysical Modelling Enhances Target Precision
Modelling of the DHEM data by Canadian geophysicist Martin St Pierre has resolved the main conductor into two discrete conductive plates within a broader corridor. These plates coincide with mineralised argillite and porphyry units hosting copper-silver mineralisation. Conductivity strengths reached up to 100 Siemens, indicating robust sulphide concentrations consistent with historical drilling that has intersected wide zones of copper and silver mineralisation.
This refined geophysical framework consolidates what were previously interpreted as separate conductors into a unified system with multiple high-grade centres. The enhanced spatial resolution from downhole EM surpasses that achievable from surface surveys alone, increasing confidence in the deposit’s geometry and growth potential.
Strategic Next Steps and Broader Project Context
Alongside drilling, Aruma plans metallurgical test work on Phase 1 samples to assess processing characteristics and recovery potential. The company is also reviewing historical datasets to identify gaps and opportunities for re-assaying, aiming to deepen understanding of mineralisation styles and vectoring tools.
Located in the prolific Timmins mining district, Tillex benefits from a rich exploration history and significant historic intercepts, including wide zones of copper grades above 1.5% and silver values exceeding 50g/t in places. The DHEM survey results and upcoming assay data will be critical in determining whether Tillex can evolve into a substantial copper resource within this world-class jurisdiction.
Bottom Line?
Aruma’s DHEM results at Tillex provide a compelling technical foundation for Phase 2 drilling, but assay outcomes will be pivotal in confirming the deposit’s economic potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Phase 1 assay results confirm the high-grade continuity suggested by DHEM?
- How effectively can historical drillholes be leveraged with further DHEM to expand the target area?
- What metallurgical characteristics will Phase 1 samples reveal about processing feasibility?