EQ Resources’ (ASX:EQR) new drilling program will increase geological confidence in key target zones, test potential extensions, and support future mine planning at its Mt Carbine Tungsten Mine, 120km northwest of Cairns in Far North Queensland.
The program began on 16 March 2026 and is expected to last about four months. The work involves drilling 28 holes that span a combined 7.7km. Only 23% of the current resource has been converted to reserve. This presents opportunities for future production.
During the 2025 financial year, the mine produced 487 tonnes of pure tungsten trioxide. Production is expected to step up before the end of April 2026 as EQ gained initial access to a ‘higher-grade’ in-situ orebody during March.
Diamond drilling technology has created five holes that span a combined 1.9km. A reverse circulation rig was mobilised to site on 11 April to complete additional grade control drilling. Three holes were drilled that spanned a combined 710 metres at the time of writing.
“Mount Carbine has already moved into a new phase with initial access to higher-grade in-situ ore, and this drilling program is an important next step in building on that momentum,” Managing Director Craig Bradshaw says.
“Extending the mine life at Mount Carbine supports more than production growth. It supports employees, contractors, local trades, regional suppliers, and the broader community while strengthening EQR’s role in delivering secure, reliable, and traceable Western tungsten supply into global markets.”
The company will continue to progress assay arrangements with Intertek for drilling program sample analysis for between 20 and 30 business days.
A resource and reserve update is expected to be announced during late 2026.
EQ Resources is a global tungsten producer with assets mainly in Australia and Spain.
Write to Richard Szabo at Mining.com.au
Images: EQ Resources
