Antares Metals maiden drilling confirms vein system at depth at Conglomerate Creek

Maiden Drilling Breaks New Ground at Conglomerate Creek

Antares Metals (ASX:AM5) has taken a significant step forward at its Mount Isa North Copper Project by completing the first-ever reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Conglomerate Creek Target 2 prospect. The six-hole, 780-metre campaign, conducted in June 2026, successfully intersected the targeted quartz vein system beneath surface mineralisation that previously yielded rock chip samples with copper grades as high as 21.3%. This marks the first subsurface test of a 2km by 2.5km intrusive system that hosts seven untested geophysical anomalies.

Vein System Extends Beneath Surface Mineralisation

The drilling was designed to probe beneath the mineralised quartz breccia stockwork veins mapped and sampled in 2025, confirming that the mineralised system extends to depth. While laboratory assays for copper, gold, and silver from all six holes are still pending, the geological logging and initial pXRF readings indicate continuity of the vein system consistent with surface observations. Managing Director Terry Topping highlighted the milestone, noting, "We've drilled beneath that mineralisation and intersected the same style of quartz veining seen at surface." The results will be crucial to understanding the continuity and potential scale of mineralisation at depth.

Strategic Location Near Mt Isa Operations

Conglomerate Creek sits within Antares’ 100%-owned tenure approximately 39 kilometres northeast of Glencore’s Mt Isa Operations, one of the world’s most significant copper districts. The prospect’s seven high-priority geophysical anomalies all relate to a single intrusive complex identified in a 2024 geophysical survey. The presence of intense chlorite-epidote-silica alteration in priority targets, combined with elevated pathfinder minerals and a regional structural setting, supports a robust mineralising system with both strike and depth potential yet to be fully tested.

Follow-Up Drilling and Broader Exploration Plans

Antares is finalising plans for a follow-up RC drilling program at Conglomerate Creek Target 5, where surface rock chip sampling returned copper grades up to 22.0%. This next phase aims to test the depth and lateral continuity of the identified lodes, building on the maiden program’s encouraging geological confirmation. Meanwhile, exploration efforts continue at the company’s Quinns Project in Western Australia, where recent fieldwork has identified high-grade gold mineralisation and multiple drill targets. These parallel campaigns underscore Antares’ commitment to unlocking value across its district-scale copper and gold hubs.

Quality Assurance and Reporting Standards

The drilling and sampling adhered to industry best practices, including the use of a rig-mounted cone splitter for representative sampling and comprehensive QAQC protocols involving certified reference materials and blanks. Assays are being processed at ALS Laboratories in Mt Isa, with results expected in the coming weeks. The Competent Person overseeing the exploration results is Matthew Porter, a member of The Australasian Institute of Geoscientists and Antares’ Exploration Manager.