Australian Critical Minerals has completed its initial diamond drilling at the Flint Project in Peru, revealing a substantial high-sulphidation hydrothermal system and signs of porphyry-style mineralisation. Assay results from the standout drill hole are awaited, with further drilling planned to explore the system’s broader extent.
- Four diamond drill holes completed totaling 1,773 metres
- Hyperspectral data confirms high-sulphidation hydrothermal system over ~4km
- FLDDH002 intersected advanced argillic and phyllic alteration zones
- Assay results from FLDDH002 expected by 8 August 2026
- Phase 1 drilling covered only a fraction of the broader hydrothermal corridor
Phase 1 Drilling Reveals Complex Hydrothermal System
Australian Critical Minerals (ASX:ACM) has wrapped up its maiden diamond drilling campaign at the Flint Project in northern Peru, delivering the first direct subsurface evidence of a large-scale high-sulphidation hydrothermal system. The four holes, totalling 1,773 metres, targeted geophysical and geochemical anomalies beneath a quartz-alunite lithocap, a classic surface signature of epithermal gold-silver systems.
The highlight, FLDDH002, drilled to 657 metres, intersected a thick zone of advanced argillic alteration from near surface to 47 metres, featuring minerals like pyrophyllite and jarosite that are hallmarks of high-sulphidation environments. Deeper in the hole, from 389 metres to the end, phyllic alteration was logged, indicating a potential transition to porphyry-style mineralisation zones. These findings support the presence of both epithermal and porphyry mineralisation styles within the system.
Integration of Hyperspectral Data Enhances Geological Insight
ACM leveraged advanced ANCORELOG multi-sensor core logging technology, combining hyperspectral imaging with high-resolution photography and continuous XRF scanning. This approach allowed detailed mapping of alteration mineralogy and sulphide distribution, helping to vector towards concealed mineralisation. The hyperspectral data from FLDDH002 notably confirmed the complex zonation expected in a large hydrothermal system, reinforcing ACM’s targeting model.
Geological logging of the other holes also supported the interpretation of a broad alteration system, with FLDDH001 showing increasing anhydrite veining at depth, a feature commonly linked to deeper porphyry fluids. However, the drilling so far has only tested a small northern segment; around 900 metres; of an interpreted hydrothermal corridor extending approximately 4 kilometres along strike.
Pending Assays and Next Steps in Exploration
Assay results from FLDDH002, comprising 259 samples covering gold, silver, copper, molybdenum, and other elements, are expected by 8 August 2026. These results will be critical to confirming the economic potential hinted at by alteration and mineralogical data. A temporary delay in core processing occurred due to a power outage in Lima, but no damage was reported, and work continues.
Once assays are integrated with geological and geophysical data, ACM plans to refine its drill targets and prioritise follow-up drilling, focusing on the southern and eastern extensions where alteration intensity may increase. The company’s Executive Chairman Dean de Largie highlighted the significance of confirming a high-sulphidation system with porphyry potential, noting that the project sits within a prolific epithermal-porphyry belt just 60 kilometres from Zijin Mining’s La Arena mine, which recently secured a $1.5 billion investment for a 19-year mine life extension.
Strategic Positioning in a Prolific Mineral Belt
Flint’s location within a well-endowed corridor in Peru positions ACM to tap into a region with demonstrated long-term mining prospects. The project benefits from extensive historical data and recent geophysical surveys, enabling a systematic approach to exploration. ACM’s use of cutting-edge core logging technology and comprehensive sampling protocols underscores its commitment to reducing geological uncertainty and accelerating discovery.
Bottom Line?
Assay results from FLDDH002 will be pivotal in validating Flint’s mineral potential and shaping ACM’s next exploration moves across the extensive hydrothermal corridor.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm economically viable mineralisation in FLDDH002?
- How will ACM prioritise drilling targets in the southern and eastern extensions?
- Can the broader ~4km hydrothermal system at Flint host a significant resource akin to nearby La Arena?