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Highlights
Antares Metals (ASX:AM5) identifies a new copper zone at Marvel near the Surprise Project in Queensland
Phase three drilling to focus on expanded mineralisation following phase two discovery
Activities broadened across tenure including Conglomerate Creek and Queens Gift uranium project
Antares Metals (ASX:AM5), part of the materials sector within the ASX 200 index, is advancing its exploration activities in northwest Queensland with expanded drilling at the Surprise Copper Project. The initiative follows findings from phase two that have prompted a shift towards a newly identified zone known as Marvel.
The company has announced that Marvel will be the primary focus in the upcoming third phase of reverse circulation drilling. The updated direction comes after mineralisation was intersected in the second phase, north of the original Surprise Copper Mine location. This marks a strategic extension of the current copper exploration envelope.
New mineralisation zone identified at Marvel
The latest phase of drilling spanned multiple drillholes, including one that uncovered a substantial width of sulphide and chalcopyrite mineralisation. The Marvel zone, located north of the Surprise mine, demonstrated characteristics distinct from previous findings. According to Antares Metals, the mineralisation type aligns with styles similar to the Barabara deposit operated by Aeris Resources (ASX:AIS).
While assay results are still pending from the second drilling phase, early indications have prompted the company to prepare for immediate follow-up testing in phase three. Several drillholes have also intersected copper below the known Surprise extensional trend, with portable detection methods confirming notable readings.
Drilling results enhance broader project footprint
In addition to the Marvel discovery, the Surprise extensional trend continues to display promising mineralised zones. A specific drillhole revealed a zone of interest approximately one kilometre north of the main Surprise area, supporting the theory that the copper system may extend further than initially defined.
According to Antares Metals, multiple drillholes have provided evidence that supports a broader mineralised system. This includes zones of copper intersected below the known footprint of Surprise, with early-stage field data showing encouraging signs of continuity and spread.
Broader exploration underway across tenure
Beyond the Surprise and Marvel zones, field activity has also commenced at Conglomerate Creek within Antares’ extensive landholding. The company continues to explore across its project areas to identify new copper and gold occurrences.
Additionally, Antares has acknowledged a possible increase in focus on its Queens Gift uranium project. This follows updates in the global uranium sector and interest surrounding nuclear energy developments. The uranium market saw recent gains, and junior explorers such as GTI Energy (ASX:GTR) experienced movement in response to industry-wide developments.
Antares Metals holds a substantial land position in Queensland, with exploration projects targeting both copper and gold. The company’s continued drilling and analysis efforts are designed to clarify the scale and continuity of copper mineralisation at its key assets.
