True North Copper (ASX:TNC) has identified new zones of copper-gold-cobalt mineralisation via a reverse circulation drilling program at the Great Australia Mine (GAM), part of the Cloncurry Copper Project in Queensland.
True North intends to conduct a re-modelled 3D induced polarisation (IP) survey to improve on targeting and refining exploration drilling at other targets across GAM.
Upon complete, 3D modelling of downhole optical scanning, geology, and mineralisation will take place.
The company also plans to design a resource definition drilling program for the Copperhead and Paddock South prospects, as well as conduct follow-up drilling at Coppermine Creek and below the Orphan Shear prospect.
Once drilling is completed, True North will return to Cloncurry to start the Wallace North and Salebury phase of the 2025 exploration program.
True North notes that the newly identified zones demonstrate “significant” grades and continuity, enhancing the economic and strategic potential of the project.
The drilling program, comprising 17 holes for 3,444m, focused on testing induced polarisation anomalies, refining structural controls on copper mineralisation, and installing PVC casing for down-hole electromagnetic surveys.
At the Copperhead prospect, two major north-south mineralised structures have been discovered, spanning more than 350m beyond known GAM resource footprint.
Some of the assays include 14m @ 0.81% copper, 0.12 grams per tonne gold, 749 parts per million (ppm) cobalt from 68m, including 6m @ 1.37% copper, 0.22g/t gold, 1,040ppm cobalt from 69m.
At the Coppermine Creek prospect, the latest results confirm new mineral potential in the area between the Paddock Lode-Taipan area, and GAM.
Copperhead road
True North says a strong hydrothermal alteration indicates the potential for a robust iron oxide copper-gold mineralising system. As such, the company is planning a follow-up drilling program at the prospect.
Meanwhile at the Paddock Lode South prospect, two new intercepts of mineralisation between 70m and 100m to the southwest of the Paddock Lode pit indicate shallow mineralisation that has potential to add to the current Taipan resource.
Managing Director Bevan Jones says the latest results prove that this mineral system is far from yielding all its secrets.
“We have been able to unlock new resource opportunities, with our ongoing exploration efforts focused on further defining and expanding these promising new discoveries,” Jones says.
“Our latest findings, especially at Copperhead and Coppermine Creek, not only validate but exceed our expectations at the Great Australia Mine.
“These strong results have the potential to increase our resources, allowing for the optimisation of our mine plan, increasing mine life, delivering more copper, and accelerating overall growth for the company.”
Jones notes that the company is awaiting results from a drilling program at the Mt Oxide Project, which is believed to further enhance its copper inventory.
True North Copper is a copper-focused explorer with a portfolio of projects in the Mt Isa Inlier in Northwest Queensland. The company’s key projects include the Mt Oxide and Cloncurry projects.
The company will be attending the Noosa Mining Investor Conference, held between 23-25 July, at the Peppers Noosa Resort.
Mining.com.au is an official media partner of this year’s conference.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: True North Copper
