QMines Ltd (ASX:QML) Ltd is advancing a large-scale drilling campaign at its Develin Creek Project in central Queensland, targeting high-grade copper mineralisation across multiple deposits. The 44-hole, 8,260-metre program is progressing well, with 11 holes now completed and 10 samples submitted for assay. Two rigs are operational, and initial assay results are expected in early Q3 2025.
The program is aimed at converting Inferred Resources into Measured and Indicated categories and builds on the recent Develin Creek Resource upgrade of 4.13 million tonnes (Mt) at 1.07% copper, 1.16% zinc, 0.15 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 6.02 g/t silver. Concurrently, metallurgical testwork and open pit optimisation for Scorpion and Window are underway.
Develin Creek is well positioned to complement the Mount Chalmers Project and supports a broader multi-deposit copper-gold development strategy, with several catalysts anticipated in the second half of 2025.
Mount Chalmers and Develin Creek project locations and infrastructure.
“This current drilling program will deliver regular results and set the stage for several key pricing catalysts as we work on incorporating the three deposits at Develin Creek into the Mt Chalmers mine plan,” executive chairman Andrew Sparke said.
“With two rigs now operational, eleven drillholes in the labs, and open pit optimisation and metallurgical test work studies underway, our team are moving with haste.
“Develin Creek is fast emerging as a key part of our long-term strategy to grow the scale of our mining operation, and we look forward to keeping shareholders updated as results are delivered.”
Sulphide City infill and resource drilling
A key focus of the program is infill and resource drilling at Sulphide City, where 34 holes totalling 5,700 metres are planned. This effort aims to upgrade the existing resource to higher confidence categories and better define a high-grade copper core, including zones returning more than 2% copper. Past intercepts—such as 13.5 metres at 3.3% Cu and 12 metres at 2.58% Cu—highlight the potential for structurally controlled, high-grade extensions.
The program also targets lateral and depth extensions of known mineralisation and seeks to incorporate shallow, oxide-rich zones into the mine plan. Approximately 12% of the current resource comprises shallow oxide and transitional material, typically enriched in copper and gold.
Results from this program are expected to underpin a revised Mineral Resource Estimate in Q4 2025 and enhance the overall copper grade profile at Mt Chalmers, supporting economic assessment and mine planning.
Planned infill and resource drilling collar locations.
Scorpion and Window extensional drilling
The Scorpion–Window program includes 10 holes for 2,618 metres and targets extensions of known mineralisation and new discoveries. At Scorpion, step-out holes will test down-plunge from known high-grade cores. Prior intercepts of 9 metres at 1.89% Cu and 12 metres at 1.80% Cu suggest further mineralised potential northeast of existing boundaries.
At Window, drilling aims to identify deeper mineralised lenses or fault-offsets of the Scorpion system. Targets include historical hits like 0.6 metres at 4.9% Cu and 3 metres at 3.0% Cu at shallow depths. Additional holes will explore the corridor between Scorpion and Sulphide City, including Hole DCP25005, which could uncover a new mineralised zone.
Collectively, the program is designed to validate structural interpretations, extend resources and identify new high-grade systems for inclusion in future development strategies.
Resource upgrade supports mine development
A March 2025 resource update delivered a 42% increase in the Indicated category for Develin Creek, with 70% of the resource now in higher confidence classifications. The resource comprises 4.13Mt across Sulphide City, Scorpion and Window—all shallow, continuous and amenable to open pit mining.
This upgraded resource confirms the scale and geological integrity of Develin Creek and aligns with QMines’ strategy to integrate the asset into its Mt Chalmers development plan. Open pit optimisation studies are in progress and will guide economic modelling in upcoming quarters.
The resource uplift enhances Develin Creek’s value as a second production centre and a key component of the company’s copper growth strategy.
RC rig operating at Sulphide City Develin Creek.
Strategic alignment with Mount Chalmers
The Develin Creek Project, located 90 kilometres northwest of the Mt Chalmers Project, is central to QMines’ ambition to establish a copper production hub in Queensland. Combined resources now stand at 15.5Mt grading 0.82% copper, 0.47% zinc, 0.35g/t gold and 5g/t silver—equating to 127,000 tonnes of copper and 173,000 ounces of gold.
Develin Creek offers operational synergies with Mt Chalmers, including shared infrastructure and consolidated processing potential. As drilling progresses and more high-grade material is defined, Develin Creek is expected to become increasingly integral to the company’s future mine plan and economic outlook.
A revised development strategy and updated Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) integrating both projects is anticipated in the first half of 2026.