OD6 Metals Secures Approval for 18-Hole Drilling at Historic Gulf Creek Copper Project
OD6 Metals has secured regulatory approval to launch an 18-hole, 5,000-metre drilling program at its Gulf Creek Copper Project, targeting promising repeat mineral structures. A further 7-hole deep drilling phase awaits approval, potentially expanding exploration near historic high-grade copper zones.
- NSW Resources Regulator approves 18-hole Phase 2 drilling at Gulf Creek
- Focus on repeat VMS structures identified by magnetic modelling
- Targets include previously untested North West and West Limb prospects
- Pending approval for additional 7-hole, 2,500m deep drilling near historic mine
- Gulf Creek historically one of Australia’s highest-grade copper-zinc mines
Regulatory Green Light for Expanded Exploration
OD6 Metals Limited has received formal approval from the New South Wales Resources Regulator to proceed with an 18-hole, approximately 5,000-metre Phase 2 drilling campaign at its Gulf Creek Copper Project. This endorsement marks a significant step forward for the company’s efforts to unlock further value from a site historically renowned for its exceptionally high-grade copper and zinc mineralisation.
The Phase 2 program will focus on testing potential repeat volcanic massive sulphide (VMS) structures, identified through advanced magnetic modelling techniques. These targets, including the North West and West Limb prospects, have remained largely untested despite their geological promise and proximity to the historic mining area.
Strategic Targeting of Untapped Mineral Zones
OD6’s exploration strategy leverages the strong correlation between magnetic anomalies and massive sulphide deposits, aiming to delineate extensions of mineralisation along more than 3 kilometres of untested strike within the Gulf Creek mine stratigraphy. The company’s Managing Director, Brett Hazelden, expressed optimism about the potential to identify repeat VMS zones that could substantially increase the project’s scale and resource base.
In parallel, OD6 has submitted a second approval request for an additional seven holes, totalling 2,500 metres, targeting deeper extensions near the recent maiden drilling area and the Big Bend prospect. This follow-up drilling is anticipated to commence shortly pending regulatory consent, which the company expects in the coming weeks.
Historical Context and Modern Exploration Techniques
Gulf Creek was once among Australia’s highest-grade copper-zinc mines, with historical grades ranging from 2% to 6.5% copper before its closure in 1912 due to depressed copper prices. Since then, exploration activity has been minimal, leaving significant greenfields and brownfields potential untapped. OD6 aims to apply contemporary geophysical and drilling technologies to unlock this legacy asset’s value.
While the company continues to cooperate with the NSW Resources Regulator regarding an ongoing investigation into potential compliance matters, this regulatory approval signals confidence in OD6’s operational approach and commitment to advancing the project responsibly.
Looking Ahead
As OD6 prepares to ramp up drilling activities, the market will be watching closely for assay results that could validate the presence of additional high-grade mineralisation. Success in these programs could redefine the project’s resource profile and enhance its attractiveness in the competitive copper exploration landscape.
Bottom Line?
OD6’s drilling approvals set the stage for a pivotal exploration phase that could reshape Gulf Creek’s future.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the pending 7-hole deep drilling program secure approval and commence on schedule?
- How will assay results from Phase 2 drilling influence OD6’s resource estimates and project valuation?
- What are the potential implications of the ongoing NSW Resources Regulator investigation on project timelines?
