Austral Resources (ASX:AR1) is commencing drilling at Rocklands, conducting an 18 hole reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling (DD) program covering 2,567m at the Las Minerale and Double Oxide copper-gold prospects.
The drill program aims to improve confidence in the existing mineral resource estimate (MRE) at Rocklands and will validate the key geological and mineralisation controls.
As part of the program, targeted metallurgical and comminution testwork will be undertaken in parallel, testing processing assumptions for flotation and grinding.
Chief Operating Officer Shane O’Connell says that the 2026 drill program is an important step for Austral as they work towards production and processing goals.
“Rigorous technical evaluation and disciplined resource development underpin our strategy to build toward our stated target of 50,000 tonnes of copper per annum from the Mt Isa-Cloncurry region,” O’Connell says.
“We have successfully executed our initial three pillar strategy and are now focused on converting these strategies into sustained operational performance.
“Our commitment is not only to articulate a clear plant, but to demonstrate disciplined delivery – creating long-term value for our shareholders and supporting economic activity across the region.”
In parallel with the drill programm, Austral is advancing plant optimisation work, with a focus on identifying practical debottlenecking opportunities across the crushing-milling-flotation circuit. The plan is to position Austral as a regional processing hub for copper-gold peers.
The planned drill program is expected to take approximately three months to completion.
Austral Resources is a copper cathode producer operating in the Mt Isa region in Queensland, Australia.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Images: Austral Resources
