Surefire Resources NL (ASX:SRN) has completed a moving-loop ground electromagnetic (MLEM) survey at its 100%-owned Copper Hill Project. Geophysical interpretation by Southern Geoscience Consultants confirmed a significant conductor in late time channels, a positive first-pass result for the program.
Copper Hill is just 3 kilometres from Surefire’s Yidby Gold Project and has previously returned anomalous copper and zinc soil samples, as well as reports of native copper from historical drill logs. The area’s geology is considered analogous to Golden Grove, a well-known VMS copper-gold-zinc deposit.
Location of Surefire Resources Copper Hill Project.
“This survey was designed as a first-pass proof-of-concept-style survey as really have no idea of the style of any mineralisation that may be present. So to define a bedrock conductor in this first pass is very encouraging, and we look forward to progressing this project further,” Surefire managing director Paul Burton said.
Details of the MLEM survey
The MLEM program deployed high-sensitivity equipment capable of detecting deep and weakly conductive targets. A broad conductor with a double peak was identified on line 530050mE, modelled as a steeply dipping, north-east striking plate. This aligns with structural controls known in the region and correlates with previous drilling that intersected native copper.
MLEM survey area. Green dots represent the first-pass MLEM survey.
This survey outcome suggests a potential link between geochemical anomalies and copper sulphide mineralisation in the project area. The correlation enhances confidence in the geophysical approach and supports Surefire’s exploration model.
Follow-up FLTEM survey
During the same field campaign, Surefire conducted a limited Fixed Loop Time Domain Electromagnetics (FLTEM) survey over the anomaly. The aim was to refine modelling and provide additional clarity. Initial results showed the conductor as a steeply dipping plate, though no further clarity was gained.
The company noted that larger-scale FLTEM surveys will be needed to better understand the anomaly and support drill targeting. The survey work remains a critical component of Surefire’s integrated exploration program, which combines EM geophysics with rock chip sampling, geological mapping and analysis of historical data.
Next steps and recommendations
The MLEM survey successfully located a conductor coincident with anomalous geochemical signatures and historical native copper intersections. However, results from the FLTEM highlight the need for further, larger-scale work.
Southern Geoscience Consultants has recommended additional surveys before drill testing, including resistivity mapping. This method could identify resistive mineralisation, map host rock properties and highlight chargeability anomalies to guide exploration for disseminated sulphides.
Surefire confirmed it will provide further updates as survey work progresses and new interpretations are finalised. The findings represent a significant step forward in the systematic exploration of the Copper Hill Project, underpinning the company’s commitment to unlocking copper sulphide potential in the region.