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Highlights
Antares Metals Ltd (AM5) begins second phase of drilling at Surprise Copper Project
New RC drilling targets identified through magnetic and conductive survey data
Exploration covers previously undrilled zones north of the Surprise Copper Mine
The mining sector on the ASX 200 and All Ordinaries remains closely linked to ongoing exploration across key resource-rich regions. Antares Metals Ltd (ASX:AM5), operating within Queensland's copper exploration landscape, has commenced the second phase of its drilling initiative at the Surprise Copper Project. This development contributes to broader sector activity across the listed indices.
Second Phase Drilling at the Surprise Copper Project
Antares Metals Ltd (ASX:AM5) has initiated the next stage of its program at the Surprise Copper Project, located within the Mt Isa North Copper Projects in northwest Queensland. The current phase involves a Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling campaign designed to investigate geological targets that were outlined during recent field and survey work.
The focus of the drilling includes several primary zones north of the existing mine infrastructure. These targets were selected based on structural interpretation and magnetic anomalies detected in geophysical assessments.
Overview of Initial Program Activities
The earlier phase of drilling at the project yielded notable outcomes, including intersections across mineralised zones and subsequent rock sampling. Field work revealed high copper content in selected samples, prompting extended exploration planning.
The company examined results from artisanal workings and geophysical surveys, identifying areas of interest aligned with anomalous geological features. These findings have helped determine the direction of the current RC campaign.
Target Zones and Survey-Based Identification
Current efforts are concentrated on a group of targets derived from magnetic and conductive characteristics observed in survey data. These areas have not undergone previous drilling and extend north of the established Surprise Copper Mine.
Survey models highlighted geological signatures to the west of the historic Surprise pit, showing similarities with known mineralised zones. As such, RC drilling will also cover outcropping copper areas with magnetic and chargeable profiles.
Geophysical and Structural Alignment in Exploration
The geophysical program undertaken in 2024 informed the selection of drill targets based on subsurface anomalies. Magnetic features beneath the mine, as well as offset zones nearby, form the foundation of the expanded drilling footprint.
The alignment between structural trends and magnetic zones supports exploration beyond the historically explored pit. Through this methodology, the initiative covers an expanded corridor spanning multiple untested areas.
Extended Field Planning and Additional Campaigns
Following this phase, Antares Metals Ltd (ASX:AM5) has outlined intentions to continue exploration with a third drilling campaign later in the field season. This follow-up phase is expected to include targets located north and south of the main Surprise Copper Project footprint.
The company has focused its planning on thorough field coverage to enhance geological understanding across the tenement area. With current efforts concentrated on RC drilling, the broader project continues to advance its exploration roadmap within the Queensland copper belt.
