Fraser Range Drilling Imminent: West Cobar Advances High-Risk Copper-Gold Exploration
West Cobar Metals has secured all approvals to begin a fully funded RC drilling program at its Fraser Range Project, targeting five priority copper-gold and base metal prospects starting mid-May 2025.
- Heritage and statutory approvals secured for Fraser Range drilling
- Eight RC drill holes planned to test five IOCG and BHT style targets
- Drilling program fully funded by Minrex Resources under farmout agreement
- Drilling expected to commence mid-May 2025 at 100%-owned project
- Targets located in geologically prospective Biranup Zone near Nova-Bollinger
Approvals and Funding in Place for Fraser Range Drilling
West Cobar Metals Limited (ASX: WC1) has announced it has received all necessary heritage clearances and statutory approvals to commence a reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at its 100%-owned Fraser Range Project in southern Western Australia. This milestone clears the way for exploration activity expected to start around mid-May 2025.
The drilling campaign is fully funded by Minrex Resources Limited under a previously announced farmout option agreement, underscoring the confidence in the project’s potential and providing West Cobar with the capital to advance its exploration without immediate dilution.
Targeting IOCG and Broken Hill Type Mineralisation
The Fraser Range Project is situated within the Biranup Zone, a structural extension of the Fraser Zone known for hosting significant nickel-copper deposits such as Nova-Bollinger. The geological setting is also analogous in age and style to the Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) mineralisation found in the Gawler Craton, as well as potential Broken Hill Type (BHT) deposits.
West Cobar plans to drill eight RC holes to depths between 200 and 300 metres, testing five priority targets identified through a comprehensive review and reprocessing of existing geophysical and geochemical data. These targets include three IOCG-style and two BHT-style prospects, representing compelling greenfields opportunities in a highly prospective structural environment.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
Managing Director Matt Szwedzicki expressed enthusiasm about the imminent drilling, highlighting the strategic value of exploring major greenfields targets with strong structural settings. The arrival of the drilling rig on site is anticipated around mid-May, with operations to commence shortly thereafter.
This drilling program marks a critical phase for West Cobar, potentially unlocking significant value if mineralisation is intersected. The farmout funding arrangement with Minrex not only mitigates financial risk but also aligns interests for successful exploration outcomes.
Investors will be watching closely for assay results and any indications of mineralisation that could elevate the project’s profile and attract further investment or development partnerships.
Bottom Line?
As drilling kicks off, West Cobar’s Fraser Range project enters a pivotal exploration phase that could reshape its growth trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the expected timelines for receiving and reporting assay results from the drilling program?
- How might positive drilling outcomes influence West Cobar’s capital strategy or partnership opportunities?
- What are the specific geological characteristics that differentiate the IOCG and BHT targets at Fraser Range?
