Alma Metals (ASX:ALM) has acquired a fully-equipped modular exploration camp from South Australia, relocating it to the company’s Briggs Copper Project in Central Queensland to support ongoing exploration programs.
The exploration camp fits 16 people, more than doubling the company’s on-site operational capacity once fully commissioned. This will allow for the deployment of a second drill rig, while also supporting resource growth and Prefeasibility Study programs.
Alma says the new camp offers a “significant upgrade” to current on-site conditions and facilitates improved fatigue management, including individual ensuite rooms and a full kitchen and messing facility.
The company is progressing a mineral resource estimate infill core drilling program at Briggs, with around 1,600m drilled to date and four holes completed since the program began at the end of April.
Alma reports that all drill holes have encountered copper mineralisation in line with pre-drilling expectations.
Core from the first three drill holes is currently at the laboratory in Brisbane. Assays are expected in four to five weeks.
Managing Director Frazer Tabeart says securing this infrastructure will provide a “step change” in the company’s ability to scale operations at Briggs.
“With proper on-site accommodation in place, we can bring a second drill rig to site, keep our technical and management teams in the field, and significantly reduce the fatigue and logistics challenges associated with our current arrangements,” Tabeart says.
“This builds the operational platform to match the scale of the opportunity at Briggs, driving drilling efficiencies and allowing Alma to complete Prefeasibility Study drilling requirements sooner and at a lower cost.”
As reported by Mining.com.au earlier this week, Alma Metals’ share price rose by 8.33% on the ASX on 30 June.
The company has a market capitalisation of $31.61 million as of 2 July.
Alma Metals is an Australian copper explorer focused on its projects in Queensland and the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Alma Metals
