Coda Minerals has kicked off a targeted six-bore hydrogeological drilling campaign at Elizabeth Creek to underpin its Pre-Feasibility Study and environmental approvals, with exploration drilling at Oakden set to follow.
- Six-bore hydrogeological drilling underway at Elizabeth Creek
- Drilling supports PFS, mine dewatering, and environmental approvals
- Incidental geological data may hint at mineralisation extensions
- Exploration drilling planned next at Oakden prospect
- Mineral resource estimates reaffirm project scale and potential
Hydrogeological Drilling Targets Critical Project Data
Coda Minerals (ASX:COD) has mobilised a rig to its 100%-owned Elizabeth Creek Copper-Silver Project in South Australia, commencing a focused hydrogeological drilling programme at the Windabout and Emmie Bluff prospects. The six-bore campaign, comprising three production and three monitoring bores totalling approximately 1,400 metres, aims to deliver essential data for the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS).
This drilling is more than a routine exercise. The results will inform mine dewatering strategies, geotechnical design, environmental approvals, and water supply planning; key elements that shape the project's construction and operational blueprint. Monitoring bores will track groundwater responses, feeding a regional hydrogeological model that underpins regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship.
Incidental Geological Insights and Exploration Follow-Up
While the primary purpose is hydrogeological, one of the Emmie Bluff bores is positioned near a previously identified copper mineralisation intercept outside the current resource boundary. Although these bores are not designed for mineral exploration, geological logging of drill cuttings and any core recovered will provide incidental data that might hint at extensions of the Tapley Hill Formation mineralisation. Coda cautions that the earlier intercept was sub-economic and there is no guarantee of encountering further mineralisation.
Once the hydrogeological programme concludes, the rig will relocate to the Oakden prospect for exploration drilling comprising approximately 5-6 reverse circulation holes totalling up to 400 metres. The company has committed to releasing the targeting rationale for Oakden shortly, signalling a potential new chapter in the Elizabeth Creek story.
Resource Base Remains Robust Amid Development Progress
Coda's latest filing reiterates the substantial mineral resource base at Elizabeth Creek, aggregating 65.5 million tonnes with over 700,000 tonnes of contained copper equivalent. This includes both open-pit and underground resources across Windabout, Emmie Bluff, MG14, and Cattle Grid South deposits. The company confirms no material changes to previous resource estimates or underlying assumptions, maintaining confidence in the project's scale and economic potential.
The hydrogeological data will be pivotal in refining the mine plan and environmental approvals, complementing recent milestones such as the formal gazettal of the Scoping Report and completion of a high-precision Lidar survey, which collectively advance the PFS towards a targeted completion in early 2027.
Water Management Strategy and Next Steps
Simultaneous with Oakden drilling, Coda plans aquifer pump testing to quantify water flow and recharge rates, feeding into a comprehensive site water balance. This assessment will guide subsequent fieldwork, potentially including a small production bore field programme later in the year or deferring such work into the Definitive Feasibility Study phase if water risk is deemed low.
CEO Chris Stevens emphasised the strategic nature of the hydrogeological programme, stating it addresses specific data gaps as the project moves beyond initial exploration towards development. The upcoming Oakden drilling will build on this momentum, potentially adding new dimensions to Elizabeth Creek’s resource profile.
Bottom Line?
Coda’s hydrogeological drilling marks a critical step in de-risking Elizabeth Creek’s development, with Oakden exploration poised to test fresh ground that could enhance the project’s value proposition.
Questions in the middle?
- Will hydrogeological results confirm manageable water supply and dewatering conditions?
- Could incidental geological data from hydro bores lead to meaningful resource extensions?
- How will Oakden exploration results impact the overall project development timeline?