Aruma Resources Ltd (ASX:AAJ) recently outlined progress at the Tillex Copper-Silver Project in Ontario, where a recently completed electromagnetic (EM) survey has strengthened the company’s confidence in the project’s scale potential.
Managing director Grant Ferguson said the survey had identified a “significant conductor that’s parallel and coincident to the known wide copper mineralisation,” extending from around 150 metres to approximately 400 metres depth. He noted that this result provides clear and high-priority targets for the company’s upcoming maiden drilling campaign.
Ferguson explained that the EM results not only validate previously identified mineralisation but also highlight the potential for the system to extend at depth. He added that the style of mineralisation at Tillex could support a substantial vertical extent, pointing to the nearby Kidd Creek mine, which has been developed to depths of up to three kilometres, as an example of comparable geological potential.
The upcoming drilling represents a key catalyst for Aruma Resources, as it will test the continuity and scale of the conductive targets identified in the EM survey. Positive results could significantly enhance the company’s understanding of the Tillex system and support its broader growth strategy in the Timmins mining district.
Key highlights
- EM survey confirms strong conductive targets at Tillex Project
- Main conductor aligned with known copper mineralisation
- Conductive zone extends from ~150m to ~400m depth
- Second parallel structure identified, adding exploration upside
- Indication of a deeper and potentially larger mineralised system
- Comparison made to nearby Kidd Creek mine (deep mineral system)
- Maiden 1,100m diamond drilling program imminent
- Program includes shallow metallurgical and deeper test holes
- Drilling expected to take 2–3 weeks
- Assay results anticipated within 6–7 weeks
- Ongoing updates to market expected during drilling
Proactive: Welcome back to Proactive Investors. I'm your host, Kerry Stevenson. Grant Ferguson is back, Managing Director of Aruma Resources. I only spoke to you four weeks ago, but you’ve been in Canada at the Tillex Project in the Timmins district of Ontario. You’ve completed an EM survey and drilling is imminent. Can you give us an update?
Grant Ferguson: Thank you for the opportunity. The EM survey has delivered what we hoped for — a significant conductor that is parallel and coincident with the known wide copper mineralisation. We see this from around 150 metres depth extending down to approximately 400 metres, which gives us strong potential at depth.
Proactive: What else has the survey revealed?
Grant Ferguson: We’ve also identified a parallel structure slightly to the east that intersects with the main conductor. That presents another exciting opportunity for investigation, either in this drilling program or a subsequent one. The program has quickly confirmed conductors that reflect the known mineralisation, which is a great outcome.
Proactive: Does this suggest a larger mineralised system than previously thought?
Grant Ferguson: It indicates the potential for mineralisation to extend deeper. With this type of system, vein deposits can have significant depth. For context, the Kidd Creek mine nearby has been mined down to three kilometres. While drilling will confirm this, the exploration upside is clear.
Proactive: Let’s talk about the drilling program. What can investors expect?
Grant Ferguson: The initial program is around 1,100 metres of diamond drilling. We’ll conduct some shallow holes for metallurgical purposes and deeper holes targeting the EM conductor down to roughly 375–400 metres. The program should take about two to three weeks.
Proactive: When can we expect results?
Grant Ferguson: Assay turnaround is typically six to seven weeks, but we’ll be releasing updates as the program progresses. We aim to keep the market informed throughout.
Proactive: Does the cold Canadian winter impact operations?
Grant Ferguson: Not significantly. Canada is well set up for winter drilling, and in some cases conditions are actually favourable compared to spring or autumn.
Proactive: Great to have the update. Thanks for joining us.
Grant Ferguson: Thank you.