AIC Mines has returned strong drilling results from the Jolly shoot at its Jericho copper deposit, reinforcing the deposit’s potential as the first mining target and underpinning the ramp-up of production at nearby Eloise.
- High-grade copper, gold, silver confirmed in Jolly shoot drilling
- Jericho deposit mineralisation remains open along strike and at depth
- Jolly shoot is the initial mining focus at Jericho
- Ongoing underground and surface drilling to extend resource definition
- Results support Eloise processing expansion and Jericho ramp-up plans
Jolly Shoot Drilling Delivers Robust Grades
AIC Mines Limited (ASX:A1M) has unveiled compelling drilling results from the Jolly shoot within its Jericho copper deposit in Northwest Queensland. The eight-hole resource definition campaign, recently completed, confirmed strong continuity of high-grade copper mineralisation accompanied by gold and silver credits. Notably, intercepts such as 9.2 metres at 3.2% copper, 1.3 g/t gold and 3.0 g/t silver (4.4% CuEq) and a standout 2.2 metres grading 7.1% copper, 1.0 g/t gold and 5.9 g/t silver (8.0% CuEq) underscore the shoot’s quality.
These results are significant as the Jolly shoot is the first zone slated for extraction at Jericho, located just 4 kilometres south of AIC’s operating Eloise copper mine. The deposit’s mineralisation extends over a 5-kilometre strike length and remains open both north and south, with mineralisation starting roughly 50 metres below surface and extending to 700 metres depth, the current drilling limit.
Mining Ramp-Up Supported by Underground Development
Development of the Jolly shoot has already commenced, with mining activities underway on the 4975 level as part of the ramp-up phase reported in the March quarter. Underground drilling from platforms on the Jericho Access Drive (JAD) has further delineated mineralisation, returning multiple intercepts exceeding 3% copper equivalent over several metres. This underground program complements surface drilling and aims to extend the resource both south and north of the JAD, with ongoing drilling into inferred resources.
The confirmation of high-grade mineralisation close to existing infrastructure bodes well for Jericho’s integration into the broader Eloise operation. Eloise currently produces about 12,500 tonnes of copper in concentrate annually, with plans to expand output to 20,000 tonnes per annum through Jericho’s development and processing plant upgrades.
Technical Rigor and JORC Compliance
AIC Mines has provided detailed assay data, with copper equivalent grades calculated using conservative commodity price forecasts and metallurgical recoveries derived from 2024 test work. The drilling employed diamond core techniques with rigorous sampling and quality assurance protocols, including independent laboratory verification and certified reference materials. The company confirms compliance with the 2012 JORC Code and transparency in reporting.
Geologically, Jericho is an Iron Sulphide Copper Gold deposit characterised by steeply west-dipping parallel lodes (J1 and J2 lenses) hosting discrete high-grade shoots like Jolly. Mineralisation occurs predominantly as pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite sulphide veins and breccia zones, with gold and silver credits enhancing the economic profile.
Strategic Positioning Near Eloise and Next Steps
Jericho’s proximity to the Eloise mine and processing plant offers operational synergies, with mineralisation starting near surface and extending to significant depths. The deposit remains open for expansion, with further definition drilling planned for the remainder of 2026 to extend resources and support ongoing mine development.
These drilling results come on the back of AIC Mines’ recent announcements highlighting resource growth and operational progress at both Eloise and Jericho, reinforcing the company’s growth trajectory in copper production amid strong market fundamentals.
Bottom Line?
Jericho’s Jolly shoot is shaping up as a high-grade cornerstone for AIC Mines’ copper expansion, but ongoing drilling and resource updates will be critical to fully unlocking its potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will ongoing drilling at Jericho affect future resource and reserve estimates?
- What impact will Jericho’s ramp-up have on Eloise’s processing capacity and costs?
- Could further high-grade extensions at Jolly shift the mine’s production profile or timeline?