According to MMG (Minmetals Resources), recent exploration at the Wallaroo copper target within its Dugald River operations in Australia has returned significant high-grade copper-gold intersections, reinforcing the district’s broader copper potential.
Since 2021, MMG has completed an extensive drilling program around existing mining operations, consisting of 19 diamond drill holes totaling 13,688 meters. Of these, nine holes intersected mineralized zones, including multiple high-grade copper-gold intervals.
High-Grade Copper-Gold Intercepts
Several drill holes returned exceptionally high-grade results, with copper grades reaching nearly 20% Cu in certain intervals:
- DR664:
157.8m @ 2.02% Cu and 0.41 g/t Au
including 63.8m @ 4.63% Cu and 0.97 g/t Au
and a high-grade interval of 7.1m @ 19.86% Cu, 2.13 g/t Au, and 1300 ppm Co - DR681:
97.1m @ 3.10% Cu and 0.97 g/t Au
including 6.9m @ 19.93% Cu and 7.26 g/t Au
and 8.1m @ 10.13% Cu and 2.60 g/t Au - DR681D1:
143.1m @ 1.54% Cu and 0.32 g/t Au
including 21m @ 3.39% Cu and 1.01 g/t Au
and 5.6m @ 10.03% Cu and 1.15 g/t Au
These results confirm the presence of structurally controlled, high-grade mineralization zones within the Wallaroo target area.
Geological Characteristics
The Wallaroo copper target is located approximately 600 meters south of the current mining area and covers a surface footprint of about 400m × 400m. Mineralization begins at depths of 300–550 meters.
The mineralization is hosted in intensely altered and folded rocks within the Mount Roseby Corridor and is characterized by:
- Chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite mineral assemblages
- Structural control by lithological contacts and fault intersections
- Discontinuous vein, disseminated, and massive sulfide styles
This geological setting is broadly consistent with orogenic copper systems, which are known for high-grade but structurally complex mineralization.
Byproduct Value Enhancement
In addition to copper and gold, elevated levels of cobalt and molybdenum have been identified in parts of the system, suggesting potential byproduct credits that could enhance overall project economics.
Next Steps
MMG plans to continue advancing the Wallaroo target through:
- Ongoing resource estimation studies
- Improved understanding of mineralization controls
- A new diamond drilling campaign scheduled for Q3
- Further exploration aimed at identifying additional mineralized zones
The company aims to better define both copper and gold resource potential and assess the broader development pathway for the deposit.
[出处 – 上海有色网] 五矿资源杜加尔河矿山Wallaroo铜靶区勘探取得重要进展 https://news.smm.cn/news/103985276
