Antares Metals Confirms Copper Mineralisation at Depth at Conglomerate Creek
Antares Metals has intersected copper mineralisation in all six holes of its maiden drilling at Conglomerate Creek Target 2, validating its geological model and setting the stage for further exploration in a prolific copper region.
- Maiden 780m RC drilling confirms copper at depth
- Best intercept 4m at 0.81% copper from 84m
- Only one of seven geophysical anomalies tested
- Target 5 shows surface rock chips up to 22% copper
- Concurrent exploration advancing at Mt Isa North and Quinns
Maiden Drilling Validates Subsurface Copper System
Antares Metals Ltd (ASX:AM5) has delivered a promising start to its maiden drilling campaign at the Conglomerate Creek Target 2 prospect within its 100%-owned Mount Isa North Copper Project in Queensland. The six-hole, 780-metre reverse circulation (RC) program intersected copper mineralisation in every hole, with the standout intercept of 4 metres grading 0.81% copper (8,140ppm) from 84 metres depth in hole ACD002. This is the first time drilling has tested beneath the high-grade surface quartz vein system mapped by Antares, confirming the mineralising system extends at depth and validating the company’s geological model.
A Large Untested Intrusive Complex Offers Exploration Upside
The drilling targeted just one of seven geophysical anomalies identified across a 2km by 2.5km intrusive complex at Conglomerate Creek. The other six anomalies remain untested, leaving a substantial discovery runway intact. The intrusive system hosts a series of quartz vein systems associated with copper-gold-silver mineralisation, with Target 5 immediately north of the drilled area showing a stronger geochemical response and rock chips grading up to a remarkable 22% copper. Antares is planning detailed electrical geophysical surveys to refine drill targets ahead of a follow-up RC program, with Target 5 the priority.
Strategic Location Near World-Class Copper District
Conglomerate Creek sits about 39 kilometres from Glencore’s Mt Isa Operations, one of the world’s most significant copper districts. Despite this proximity, the area has seen minimal historical exploration, limited to scattered stream sediment and rock chip sampling. Antares is applying modern exploration techniques to this underexplored ground, aiming to unlock new copper, gold, and silver discoveries. The consistency of copper mineralisation intersected in this initial drilling supports the interpretation of a robust mineralising system associated with regional structures.
Ongoing Exploration Across Multiple Projects
Alongside activities at Mount Isa North, Antares is advancing its Quinns Project in Western Australia, where a Program of Work for maiden drilling has been approved. Field programs are underway at both locations, including mapping, soil sampling, and heritage surveys. The company is systematically applying geochemistry, geophysics, and structural interpretation to prioritise targets for further drilling. This multi-pronged approach reflects Antares’ strategy of leveraging modern exploration to unlock value in large, underexplored tenements near established mining infrastructure.
What Lies Ahead for Antares Metals
While the maiden drilling results at Conglomerate Creek confirm copper mineralisation at depth, true widths of mineralisation remain unknown, and the broader potential of the intrusive complex is yet to be fully defined. With only one anomaly tested, the company’s next moves will focus on detailed geophysical surveys and drilling at Target 5 and other geophysical highs. These steps will be critical to delineate the extent and tenor of mineralisation and to build towards a resource estimate. The proximity to Mt Isa’s world-class copper operations adds a compelling backdrop to this early-stage exploration play.
Bottom Line?
Antares Metals’ maiden drilling confirms a copper system at depth, but the real prize lies in the largely untested anomalies nearby, especially Target 5 with its impressive surface grades.
Questions in the middle?
- How will follow-up drilling at Target 5 compare to the maiden results at Target 2?
- Can detailed geophysical surveys effectively prioritise the remaining six anomalies?
- What timeline can investors expect for resource estimation given current exploration progress?
