Copper to 680ppm and Lead to 710ppm Confirmed in Mount Hope Soil Survey

Confirming Historic Promise

Mount Hope Mining Limited (ASX: MHM) has delivered encouraging results from its recent pre-IPO soil orientation survey at the Mount Hope Project in New South Wales. The survey, conducted across the Black Hill and Mount Hope East prospects, has validated historical surface geochemical data, revealing strong concentrations of copper, lead, silver, and zinc. These findings underscore the project's potential within the prolific Cobar Super Basin, a region renowned for polymetallic mineralisation.

The survey recorded lead levels up to 710 ppm, copper up to 680 ppm, and silver up to 250 ppb, alongside anomalous gold and zinc. Notably, two distinct mineralisation styles emerged: a copper-gold assemblage at Mount Hope East and a silver-lead-zinc signature at Black Hill. Both zones remain open in all directions, suggesting significant upside for resource expansion.

Innovative Techniques and Strategic Progress

Mount Hope Mining employed the Ultrafine+™ (UFF) assay method, a novel technique developed by LabWest and CSIRO, to analyse ultrafine soil particles. This approach, trialled for the first time in the region, offers a cost-effective and rapid means to detect concealed mineralisation without immediate drilling. The successful application of this technology not only confirms the robustness of historical data but also positions the company to conduct efficient large-scale exploration moving forward.

Following these positive results, the company has initiated a Stage 2 soil survey targeting additional advanced prospects, including Main Road East and Little Mt Solitary, alongside infill sampling at the initial sites. Concurrently, Mount Hope Mining has lodged applications for drilling permits, aiming to commence reconnaissance drilling in the second quarter of 2025. This next phase will be critical in delineating mineral resources and advancing the project towards development.

Strategic Location and Regional Context

The Mount Hope Project covers 175 square kilometres within the Cobar Super Basin, a well-established mining district with a history of significant polymetallic discoveries. The project benefits from excellent infrastructure, including proximity to major highways, rail lines with port access, and local services in the historic Mount Hope township. The geological setting features fault-controlled mineralisation trends consistent with other successful deposits in the region.

Historical mining at Mount Hope yielded substantial copper production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and recent discoveries nearby highlight the ongoing prospectivity of the area. Mount Hope Mining’s current exploration strategy leverages this legacy, combining modern geochemical techniques with targeted drilling plans to unlock value.

Looking Ahead

With the Stage 2 soil survey underway and drilling permits submitted, Mount Hope Mining is poised to accelerate its exploration program. The company’s methodical approach, integrating cutting-edge assay technology with a strong understanding of regional geology, could position the Mount Hope Project as a significant polymetallic asset in the Cobar basin.