Aruma Resources Ltd (ASX:AAJ) is progressing its Phase 2 diamond drilling campaign at the Tillex Copper-Silver Project in Ontario’s Timmins mining district, with six holes completed for 1,046 metres and first assay results expected within the next two weeks.
The 3,600-metre program is testing strike, width and depth extensions to the known high-grade copper-silver mineralisation at Tillex, with drilling now about 100 metres southwest along strike of the southern end of the existing drill-defined high-grade pod.
All six completed holes have intersected the targeted stratigraphy, including argillite, porphyry, volcanic tuff and dacite-andesite lithologies, while geological logging has identified alteration and structural features consistent with Aruma’s evolving mineralisation model.
Assays due as drilling accelerates
Aruma has submitted 292 samples for laboratory analysis, with additional samples being progressively dispatched as drilling continues.
Hole TX26-012 is currently being drilled and is expected to be completed shortly before the rig moves to TX26-013.
Although some early holes encountered fractured and faulted ground that affected drilling productivity, Aruma said drilling rates are now accelerating and the program remains on schedule and budget for completion in October.
Managing director Grant Ferguson said the program represented an important step in expanding the project’s mineralised footprint.
“It is very pleasing to see that all six holes completed to date in this phase of drilling have successfully intersected the target stratigraphy,” Ferguson said.
He added that the program was providing geological information that continued to improve Aruma’s understanding of the mineralised system and would help guide future targeting.
Tillex Project area showing completed Phase 2 drillholes, upcoming Phase 2 drillholes plus Aruma’s Phase 1 drillholes and pre-2026 diamond drillhole locations
Geological model being refined
Aruma is using the Phase 2 program to refine its interpretation of the Tillex system, particularly the controls on shallow copper-silver mineralisation and the potential for deeper extensions.
The company has appointed Canadian-based Orix Geoscience Inc to provide on-site geological management and undertake geological modelling.
Orix brings experience across a range of copper deposit styles, including volcanogenic massive sulphide systems, which remain a key exploration target at Tillex.
Historic core could extend footprint west
Alongside current drilling, Aruma has begun reviewing and re-sampling historical diamond core that was not previously assayed.
The first hole selected, TX24-025, lies west of the existing high-grade copper-silver pod and could provide an opportunity to extend the known mineralised footprint in that direction.
Data from the historical core program may also help refine drill targeting and identify additional holes for the current campaign.
Aruma will continue drilling along the southwest strike extension, test potential depth extensions and incorporate new geological and assay data into an updated model as the program advances.
The Tillex Project is Aruma’s core asset in the Timmins district, with the company also holding copper exploration projects in Queensland and multi-commodity assets in South Australia and Western Australia.