QMines Ltd (ASX:QML) is accelerating exploration at its Mt Chalmers Copper-Gold Project in Queensland with an initial reverse circulation drilling program of around 10,000 metres underway.
The company spent the first portion of the year completing reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling across the property, with further programs planned throughout 2022.
Mt Chalmers is a high-grade historic mine that produced 1.2 million tonnes at 2% copper, 3.6 g/t gold and 19 g/t silver back in its heyday, and QMines’ hopes to grow its resource base, consolidate assets in the region and assess commercialisation options down the line.
Down the line, the company’s overarching vision is to become Australia’s first zero-carbon copper and gold developer.
Turning the soil at Mt Chalmers
Speaking to work at the project, QMines executive chairman Andrew Sparke said: “QMines drilling programs continue unabated with samples from 11 diamond holes now at ALS laboratories.
“Results are expected shortly. The drilling was designed to test extensions to the resource below and to the east of the existing open pits.
“A planned 10,000-metre RC drilling program has recently kicked off, targeting potential resource extensions to the north and south of the resource and to convert the Woods Shaft exploration target into resource.”
Current activities
QML recommenced exploration at Mt Chalmers in January this year, with contractors undertaking significant earthworks in preparation for the upcoming RC and diamond drilling operations.
Staff spent several weeks building two container dome workshops to service the recently acquired RC drill rig and support trucks. The RC rig was shipped from Western Australia and arrived on-site in late January.
Diamond drilling re-commenced in February, with DDH1 completing an eight-hole, 1,000-metre diamond drilling program that ended in March.
The company also completed three diamond holes in December 2021, prior to the Christmas break.
Staff have now logged and cut all 11 holes drilled, with samples delivered to ALS laboratories in Brisbane for assay. Results are expected shortly.
Company staff have now finalised the servicing and commissioning of the company’s new RC rig and support trucks, and RC drilling has recently commenced.
An initial 10,000-metre resource and infill drilling program is planned for the Mt Chalmers and Woods Shaft areas.
These drilling programs are expected to lead to a further resource update, expected in quarter two of 2022.
The next chapter
In the coming months, QMines will release further results from its 30,000-metre-plus drilling program.
Drilling will also kick off at the Woods Shaft prospect, the first of three exploration targets.
Preparations are also underway to drill Tracker 3, the first of four large copper and zinc soil anomalies at the property.
A planned 1,800-line kilometre heli-borne electromagnetic survey is expected to commence in the first half of 2022 to identify further drill targets.
Finally, the company is working towards its third resource upgrade, which is expected in the first half of this year.