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Highlights
- Shares of Surefire Resources (ASX:SRN) surged 100% to close at AUD 0.002 on completion of the MLEM survey at the Copper Hill Project.
- The MLEM survey detected a broad, NE-striking bedrock conductor coinciding with historic drillholes that intersected native copper.
- A follow-up FLTEM survey was completed, with plans for a larger program and resistivity mapping to refine drill targets.
- Southern Geoscience Consultants recommended additional geophysical work before drill testing to fully define potential VMS-style mineralisation.
Shares of Surefire Resources NL (ASX:SRN) jumped 100% today to close at AUD 0.002 after the company announced the completion of a moving-loop ground electromagnetic (MLEM) geophysical survey at its 100%-owned Copper Hill Project. The Copper Hill Project is located approximately 3 km from the company’s Yidby Gold Project.
Surefire is targeting the Copper Hill area to identify the source of highly anomalous copper and zinc sample results collected in 2024, as well as historical reports of copper sulphides, including native copper, recorded in drill logs by previous explorers.
The anomalous results lie within a geological setting analogous to the Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposits at Golden Grove. Previous geochemical sampling and scout drilling confirmed the presence of copper sulphide mineralisation in a VMS setting.
MLEM Survey Program
The MLEM program was designed and carried out by Southern Geoscience Consultants to delineate and prioritise conductive anomalies that may be associated with copper sulphide mineralisation. The survey used state-of-the-art, high-sensitivity equipment capable of detecting deep and weakly conductive targets.
MLEM Survey Results
The survey identified a broad conductor with a double peak on survey line 530050mE in the late-time channels. This feature was modelled as a steeply dipping, NE-striking conductor plate. Its significance lies in its location, which coincides with historic drilling that intersected native copper. The NE orientation also aligns with the known structural controls in the area.
Reflecting on the development, Surefire Managing Director, Paul Burton, commented: “This survey was designed as a first pass proof of concept style survey as really have no idea of the style of any mineralisation that may be present. So to define a bedrock conductor in this first pass is very encouraging and we look forward to progressing this project further.”
Follow-Up FLTEM Survey
A limited Fixed Loop Time Domain Electromagnetic (FLTEM) survey was carried out over the anomaly to provide clarity and detailed modelling. However, the results of the FLTEM survey did not provide further clarity, and a larger survey is now being planned.
Exploration Significance
The MLEM survey located a bedrock conductor in the centre of the anomalous geochemical target zone. This conductor is coincident with a previous drillhole that recorded native copper and sulphides.
Electromagnetic (EM) surveys, such as those used at Copper Hill, map variations in the electrical conductivity of the ground. At Golden Grove, conductive zones often indicate massive sulphide minerals, which are typically associated with copper-gold-zinc deposits.
Next Steps and Recommendations
Southern Geoscience Consultants has recommended additional surveys prior to drill testing. Resistivity mapping is being considered to help differentiate resistive mineralisation against resistive host rocks. Resistivity surveys can also detect chargeability anomalies, which could assist in targeting disseminated sulphide mineralisation.
Surefire will provide further updates as additional surveys are conducted and once EM data interpretation is finalised.
