Highlights
True North Copper reports major copper-cobalt-silver discovery at Aquila, part of Mt Oxide
Initial drilling intersects broad mineralised zones from shallow depths
Exploration efforts scale up with geophysical surveys and follow-up campaigns underway
True North Copper (ASX:TNC), listed on the ASX 200, has confirmed a new mineralised copper-cobalt-silver system at the Aquila prospect within its Mt Oxide Project in Northwest Queensland. The discovery marks a significant development for the base metals sector, with assay results from early drilling indicating wide mineralisation zones and structurally continuous high-grade cores.
The Mt Oxide Project is part of the broader mineral-rich Mt Isa region, long recognised for its copper-bearing geology. This latest announcement by True North Copper extends the project's exploration footprint beyond the known Vero deposit and indicates strong growth for its copper inventory.
Drilling Confirms Wide Copper Zones and Structural Continuity
The discovery at Aquila is the result of a reverse circulation drilling campaign initiated in May. Results from three of five drill holes have been received, all confirming copper intersections near surface, along with notable concentrations of cobalt and silver. According to the company, two broad zones stand out for their high-grade characteristics and structural coherence.
Company leadership highlights the structural width of the system—reported as continuous and extensive—with geochemical markers that support strong follow-up interest. The zone remains open along strike and at depth, highlighting the prospectivity of the entire corridor extending from Aquila to the established Vero deposit.
Strategic Scale-Up and Exploration Expansion Underway
Following confirmation of mineralisation, True North is implementing an expanded geophysical campaign to better understand the system’s extent. Plans include induced polarisation surveys across three kilometres of strike length, both north and south of the current zone. High-resolution drone magnetics will complement these efforts, aiding structural interpretation along the Mt Gordon Fault Zone.
Fieldwork across newly identified anomalies will include mapping and surface sampling, with the outcomes expected to define targets for future drilling. Permitting processes for additional campaigns are also underway, indicating a multi-phase approach to advancing the discovery.
Drill Rig Relocated as Exploration Pauses for Geophysics
To accommodate geophysical data acquisition at Mt Oxide, drilling has been temporarily paused. The rig has been moved to support other exploration programs at Wallace North and Salebury within the Cloncurry region. The company will release further updates as drilling across other Mt Oxide targets progresses.
Aquila is one of several underexplored zones within Mt Oxide, which is considered an advanced copper-cobalt-silver project with substantial growth upside through systematic exploration.
Australia's Copper Sector Eyes Supply Growth Amid Rising Global Demand
Australia remains a global leader in copper resources, and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources underscores the growing demand for copper linked to renewable technologies, electric vehicles, and energy infrastructure. This backdrop provides a compelling setting for ongoing discoveries such as those reported by True North Copper, with exploration success playing a pivotal role in addressing long-term supply limitations.
True North Copper is scheduled to participate in the upcoming Noosa Mining Investor Conference at Peppers Noosa Resort, where the company will showcase its latest exploration progress and engage with the broader mining community.