Breakthrough Minerals has launched a significant diamond drilling program at its Turpentine copper-gold deposit in North West Queensland, aiming to expand its largest resource within the Hazel Creek Copper-Gold Project.
- 4,000m diamond drilling commenced at Turpentine deposit
- Inferred resource of 8.7Mt at 1.16% CuEq underpins drilling
- Gravity inversion modelling guides northern plunge targeting
- Additional 2,500m RC drilling planned across Hazel Creek
- New Exploration Manager appointed to lead North Queensland programs
Diamond Drilling Kicks Off at Turpentine Deposit
Breakthrough Minerals (ASX:BTM) has initiated a ~4,000-metre diamond drilling campaign at the Turpentine Deposit, its largest copper-gold resource within the Hazel Creek Copper-Gold Project (HCCGP) in North West Queensland. The deposit boasts an Inferred Mineral Resource of 8.7 million tonnes at 1.16% copper equivalent (CuEq), which accounts for more than half of Breakthrough’s global 200,000 tonnes CuEq inventory. The drilling focuses on testing northern and down-dip extensions where mineralisation remains open, aiming to grow this cornerstone asset.
Gravity Modelling Provides a Clear Vector for Expansion
Supporting the drilling targets, gravity inversion modelling and magnetic data indicate the mineralised system plunges north beyond the current resource envelope. This geophysical insight directly informs drill hole orientations and depths, providing a compelling vector to chase extensions of high-grade mineralisation. Historical intersections such as 11 metres at 2.0% copper and 0.5 g/t gold from 277 metres depth (including 3 metres at 5.1% copper) underpin the drilling rationale.
Regional Exploration Program to Follow Up Priority Targets
Beyond Turpentine, Breakthrough plans a ~2,500-metre reverse circulation (RC) drilling program across Hazel Creek later this year. This will test multiple priority targets including Turpentine South, Eight Mile Creek North and East, and the Turpentine SE Offset Prospect, a high-priority magnetic anomaly with coincident gravity and soil copper anomalies but minimal historical drilling. These targets offer potential to add to the company’s resource base, which remains entirely uncommitted and poised for growth.
New Exploration Leadership to Accelerate North Queensland Programs
Breakthrough has appointed Dr Jim Yaxley as Exploration Manager, effective July 1, 2026. Dr Yaxley brings over 20 years of experience in North Queensland copper-gold systems, having held senior technical roles at BHP Billiton and Ivanhoe Mines. His expertise in IOCG and ISCG deposits, drill program design, and geological modelling is expected to enhance Breakthrough’s technical capabilities as it advances exploration at Turpentine, Barbara, and other regional prospects.
Barbara Assay Results Expected Soon
Meanwhile, assay results from the company’s maiden diamond drilling at the Barbara Copper-Gold Project are anticipated in the coming weeks. Barbara holds a combined Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Mineral Resource of 6.5 million tonnes at 0.97% CuEq, complementing the broader North Queensland portfolio. This drilling and forthcoming results form part of Breakthrough’s ~10,000-metre 2026 exploration campaign, following its recent full acquisition of the North Queensland Copper-Gold Project and a successful capital raise earlier in the year.
Bottom Line?
Breakthrough’s targeted drilling at Turpentine, guided by robust geophysical modelling and backed by fresh leadership, sets the stage for potential resource growth in a prolific copper-gold province.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm extensions of high-grade mineralisation at Turpentine?
- How quickly can resource estimates be updated following the current drilling campaign?
- What impact will Dr Yaxley’s appointment have on exploration strategy and execution?