Hillgrove Drilling Confirms Deeper Copper-Gold Mineralisation at Kanmantoo
Hillgrove Resources has uncovered significant copper-gold mineralisation extending more than 100 metres below previous depths at the Kanmantoo Copper Mine, marking the deepest recorded intersection to date and reinforcing resource growth potential.
- Directional surface drilling extends Kavanagh mineralisation over 100m deeper
- Deepest significant copper-gold intersection at Kanmantoo recorded
- Ongoing drilling to feed 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate update
- Results support potential mine life extension at Kanmantoo
- Geological insights refine understanding of mineralisation controls
Surface Drilling Pushes Kavanagh Zone Deeper
Hillgrove Resources Limited (ASX:HGO) has delivered a compelling update from its surface directional drilling program at the Kanmantoo Copper Mine in South Australia. The program, initiated in February 2026, aimed to test the depth extensions of the Kavanagh mineralised zone. Assay results for the parent hole and the first five wedges confirm that copper-gold mineralisation continues more than 100 metres below previously known limits on the East Kavanagh Lode.
The standout intercept came from wedge KTDD248_W5, which returned 24 metres at 1.69% copper and 0.47 grams per tonne gold from 816 metres downhole, including a high-grade 5-metre section grading 4.7% copper and 1.37 grams per tonne gold. This represents the deepest significant mineralised intersection recorded at Kanmantoo to date, sitting over 250 metres below the current underground decline level.
Implications for Resource Growth and Mine Life
Hillgrove’s CEO and Managing Director, Bob Fulker, emphasised the importance of these results: "These significant results we are seeing at depth reinforce the growth potential within the Kavanagh system and highlight the opportunity to continue expanding the Mineral Resource." He added that the company is committed to extending the mine life and unlocking the full value of Kanmantoo through ongoing exploration.
The drilling program has also provided valuable geological insights beyond just mineralisation. Even holes without significant copper-gold intercepts have helped delineate alteration corridors and structural features, shedding light on fluid pathways and the orientation of the mineral system. This refined geological understanding is crucial for guiding future underground infill drilling and mine planning.
Drilling Progress and Next Steps
Directional drilling from a single parent hole with multiple wedges has proven efficient in testing the depth extensions. Drilling is ongoing, with the final planned wedge, KTDD248_W6, currently underway to explore further down-dip extensions of the Kavanagh zone. The data collected from this surface program will feed into the 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate update scheduled for release in the December quarter.
These results come as Hillgrove advances other growth initiatives, including underground drilling at Emily Star and a farm-in at the Mutooroo Copper Project, reflecting a broader strategy to boost copper production and extend resource life across its portfolio.
Bottom Line?
Hillgrove’s deepest-ever copper-gold intersection at Kanmantoo signals tangible resource upside, but the full impact hinges on the upcoming 2026 Mineral Resource update.
Questions in the middle?
- Will further drilling confirm continuity of high-grade mineralisation at depth?
- How might these deeper zones affect mine planning and production schedules?
- What impact will the 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate update have on Hillgrove’s valuation?
