Anax Metals (ASX:ANX) has commenced phase one diamond drilling at the Mons Cupri copper-zinc deposit within its Whim Creek Copper-Zinc Project in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
The 18-hole, 5,000m program is targeting extensions to the Mons Cupri deposit at depth and along strike, focusing on the primary volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) horizon that remains largely untested below about 120m vertical depth.
Managing Director Geoff Laing says the commencement of phase one drilling represents a milestone for the company and the Whim Creek Project.
“Mons Cupri is the cornerstone of our development, underpinning 55% of our total ore reserve, yet the primary VHMS sulphide horizon that drives this system remains largely untested below 120 metres,” Laing says.
“This 5,000m program is designed to test that potential by targeting extensions at depth and along strike, where historical intercepts such as 80m at 1.95% copper have already demonstrated the quality and scale of the mineralisation.”
The Mons Cupri main lens contains a reserve of 2.55 million tonnes @ 1.09% copper (Cu) and 1.29% zinc (Zn), representing 55% of Anax’s total proven and probable ore reserve. Historical drilling has returned intercepts including 80m @ 1.95% Cu from 78m, 63m @ 1.91% Cu from 48m, and 53m @ 1.73% Cu from 40m.
Since the 1970s, multiple operators have completed 515 drill holes at Mons Cupri. Of these, 282 reverse circulation holes averaged about 75m in depth, while 233 diamond holes averaged 186m and provided the primary geological framework.
Anax says the phase one drilling program will also collect samples for metallurgical test work to further assess the project. The company notes the broader lens system and targets beyond it remain largely untested at depth.
The Whim Creek Project hosts multiple VHMS deposits including Mons Cupri, Whim Creek, Evelyn, and Salt Creek. Anax holds an 80% interest in the project, with the remaining 20% held by Develop Global (ASX:DVP).
Located 120km southwest of Port Hedland and accessible via the North West Coastal Highway, Anax says the project is the “only fully permitted, development-ready” base metals project in the Western Pilbara capable of treating both oxide and sulphide ores.
The drilling program is fully funded from a $6 million placement completed in June 2026. Anax Metals expects Mons Cupri to provide the primary feed source for the planned 400,000 tonnes per annum concentrator during the initial years of operation.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: Anax Metals
