QMines Ltd has reported a considerable increase in the mineral resource estimate (MRE) for its Develin Creek copper-zinc project in Queensland.
Location and Infrastructure surrounding the Mt Chalmers and Develin Creek projects.
The updated MRE has increased to 4.2 million tonnes at 1.07% copper, 1.16% zinc, 0.15 g/t gold and 6.0 g/t silver, representing a one-million-tonne increase from previous estimates.
Importantly, 70% of the total resource now falls into the indicated category, marking a 42% increase in confidence and providing a stronger foundation for future mine planning.
The increased Indicated category tonnage enhances the company’s ability to integrate Develin Creek into the larger Mt Chalmers development plan, in turn extending its mine life and improving the economics of the project.
Develin Creek Mineral Resource Estimate - September 2023 (0.5% CuEq lower cut-off).
Updated March 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate (0.3% Cu cut-of wireframef) – Develin Creek project.
Drilling at Develin Creek
Following this resource upgrade, QMines has commenced open pit optimisation studies for the Scorpion and Window deposits, further evaluating their economic viability.
In parallel, a 10,000-metre drilling program is underway to expand the resource base and test extensions at the Sulphide City, Scorpion and Window deposits.
Develin Creek is a volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) copper-zinc deposit some 90 kilometres northwest of Rockhampton.
The project consists of multiple high-grade deposits with geological continuity, which places it at the centre of QMines’ long-term growth strategy.
QMines initially acquired a 51% stake in the project from Zenith Minerals in August 2023, securing full ownership in September 2024.
Since then, the company has implemented a systematic exploration program, culminating in this latest resource upgrade.
Resource growth, strategic integration
The 2025 resource upgrade follows an infill and step-out drilling campaign conducted between September and December 2024, the aim of which was to improve geological confidence and expand the resource.
QMines’ combined resource base across Mt Chalmers and Develin Creek now stands at 15.5 million tonnes at 0.82% copper, 0.47% zinc, 0.35 g/t gold and 5 g/t silver.
Combined Mt Chalmers and Develin Creek Mineral Resource Estimate March 2025.
Combined Mt Chalmers and Develin Creek Mineral Resource Estimate (Contained Metal) March 2025.
The company is evaluating synergies between the two projects, with a view to establishing a consolidated mining operation.
Geological considerations
The mineralisation at Develin Creek is hosted within the Cambrian-age Rookwood Volcanics, characterised by hydrothermal alteration and the presence of high-grade sulphide bodies.
Drilling has confirmed mineralisation extending from surface to depths of 80 metres to 200 metres, with the primary ore zones at Sulphide City, Scorpion and Window remaining open along strike and at depth.
Historical metallurgical test work has demonstrated favourable copper and zinc recoveries, with flotation circuits achieving recoveries of around 72% copper and 82% zinc.
Ongoing studies are focused on optimising gold and silver recoveries to further enhance project economics.
Next steps
QMines’ ongoing exploration efforts at Develin Creek include:
- Continuation of the 10,000-metre drilling program, targeting both infill and extensional zones.
- Open pit mining studies to assess development pathways for Scorpion and Window.
- Expanded metallurgical test work to refine processing methodologies.
- Economic evaluations to determine the feasibility of integrating Develin Creek with Mt Chalmers.
The company expects the drilling program to generate consistent updates as results are received, with further resource growth anticipated.