QMines Ltd has completed the first stage of diamond drilling at its wholly owned Develin Creek copper-zinc project in central Queensland, targeting high-grade extensions at the Scorpion deposit. Two metallurgical holes were drilled as part of the initial campaign.
The Develin Creek drilling program is fully funded, allowing QMines to fast-track its exploration and resource definition activities across the project area, which lies approximately 90 kilometres northwest of Rockhampton.
The completed diamond drilling at Scorpion followed up on strong previous intercepts, including a standout result of 114 metres at 1.64% copper (Cu), 0.86% zinc (Zn), 0.3 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) and 13 g/t silver (Ag) from 11 metres. This included high-grade sections such as 23 metres at 4.04% Cu from 55 metres, and 13 metres at 3.15% Cu from 94 metres.
Drillhole cross section, Scorpion deposit drilling (Looking WNW).
The company now has its sights set on Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling at the end of April at Sulphide City, the largest of Develin Creek’s three deposits. This marks the next phase in a broader 10,000-metre drilling campaign designed to expand the current 4.2 million tonne (Mt) resource base at 1.07% copper and 1.16% zinc, of which 70% now falls within the Indicated category.
The RC program will target down-dip extensions at Scorpion, where earlier drill holes ended in mineralisation, underscoring the potential for deeper resource growth. A cross-sectional view of the interpreted mineralised zones and recent results has been released to support geological interpretation.
“With the diamond rig finalising its initial program at Scorpion and an RC rig due to arrive shortly, we are entering a period of sustained exploration momentum,” executive chairman Andrew Sparke said.
“This dual-pronged campaign will deliver regular results and set the stage for several pricing catalysts as we work on incorporating the three deposits at Develin Creek into the Mt Chalmers mine plan.
“Develin Creek is fast emerging as a key part of our long-term strategy, and we look forward to keeping shareholders updated as results are delivered.”
QMines builds scale and diversity with Mt Mackenzie acquisition
QMines is also advancing its vision of a scalable, multi-commodity mining hub with the strategic acquisition of the Mt Mackenzie gold-silver project, which complements its existing copper-focused asset base including the Mt Chalmers and Develin Creek.
Read more: QMines to acquire Mount Mackenzie Gold Project in Queensland for A$2.485M
Location and Infrastructure at Mt Chalmers, Develin Creek and the proposed Mt Mackenzie acquisition.
The company plans to integrate all three assets into an updated Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), anchored by the Mt Chalmers deposit. This consolidated approach is aimed at optimising project economics, extending mine life and enhancing commodity diversification.
The Mt Mackenzie acquisition adds both scale and optionality to the development strategy, potentially contributing to a multi-deposit mine plan.