Aruma’s Fiery Creek Project Faces Critical Test as Maiden Drilling Approaches
Aruma Resources has defined coincident geophysical anomalies at its Fiery Creek Copper Project, pinpointing high-grade copper-silver and antimony mineralisation and preparing for maiden drilling in 2025.
- Gravity and induced polarisation surveys reveal coincident anomalies at Piper Prospect
- High-grade surface rock chip assays up to 20.93% copper and 31.3 g/t silver
- Drill-ready targets established with maiden reverse circulation drilling planned for Q2 2025
- Additional prospective structures identified at Eagle and Fiery Creek prospects
- Received $415,113 R&D tax refund supporting ongoing exploration activities
Exploration Breakthrough at Fiery Creek
Aruma Resources Limited (ASX: AAJ) has announced a significant advancement in its exploration efforts at the Fiery Creek Copper Project in Queensland’s Mt Isa region. The company’s recent high-resolution gravity survey, combined with induced polarisation (IP) geophysical data, has delineated coincident anomalies that strongly suggest the presence of structurally controlled and/or stratiform sediment-hosted copper mineralisation.
These geophysical anomalies align with surface rock chip samples exhibiting exceptional grades, including copper assays reaching 20.93%, silver at 31.3 grams per tonne, and notable antimony concentrations. This convergence of geochemical and geophysical data has elevated confidence in the prospectivity of the Piper Prospect, positioning it as a compelling drill target.
Drill-Ready Targets and Upcoming Program
Aruma has identified two primary gravity anomalies at Piper that coincide with parallel IP conductors extending approximately 300 meters. These anomalies correspond with brecciated quartz vein outcrops and historical shallow copper mineralisation, suggesting complex structural controls that may act as conduits for hydrothermal fluids and mineral deposition.
With stakeholder and heritage approvals underway, the company plans to commence a maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling program targeting these coincident geophysical and geochemical anomalies in the second quarter of 2025. This drilling phase aims to test the interpreted lithological contacts and fault intersections that could host significant copper-silver mineralisation.
Expanding Prospects and Strategic Data Integration
Beyond Piper, the recent gravity survey has highlighted the Eagle and Fiery Creek prospects as highly prospective for copper mineralisation. Structural interpretations reveal northwest-trending faults and folds consistent with known mineralised stratigraphy in the region, such as the Lady Loretta Formation. Aruma is integrating high-resolution hyperspectral satellite imagery and reprocessing historical geophysical data to refine and generate additional drill targets across these prospects.
Managing Director Grant Ferguson emphasised the rapid progression of the Fiery Creek Project, noting that the combined geophysical and geochemical datasets provide a robust exploration model. The company is also developing a 3D geological model of the Piper Prospect to enhance drill targeting precision.
Financial and Operational Context
Supporting its exploration activities, Aruma recently received a $415,113 Research and Development tax refund related to its 2024 financial year efforts. This rebate underscores the company’s commitment to advancing its portfolio, which includes other high-demand commodities such as uranium, gold, lithium, and rare earth elements across Australia.
While the Fiery Creek Project remains in the early stages of exploration, the convergence of high-grade surface assays, coincident geophysical anomalies, and structural complexity presents a promising opportunity. The upcoming drilling campaign will be pivotal in confirming the extent and economic viability of the mineralisation.
Bottom Line?
As Aruma prepares to drill, Fiery Creek’s evolving geophysical and geochemical story could reshape copper exploration in Queensland.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the maiden drilling at Piper confirm the extent and grade of the copper-silver mineralisation?
- How might the newly identified structures at Eagle and Fiery Creek prospects influence Aruma’s exploration strategy?
- What are the potential timelines and capital requirements for advancing Fiery Creek beyond exploration?
