Maiden Drilling Starts at Fair Dinkum with Rock Samples up to 2.76% Copper
Diablo Resources has initiated maiden drilling at its Fair Dinkum copper prospect in Utah, capitalizing on the U.S. government's recent elevation of copper to critical mineral status and increased federal support for domestic supply chains.
- Maiden drilling commenced at Fair Dinkum Prospect within Phoenix Copper Project, Utah
- Early rock samples show significant copper grades up to 2.76% Cu and silver up to 92 g/t Ag
- Follow-up drilling planned at Philadelphia Prospect with promising scout drill results
- U.S. government elevates copper to critical mineral status, streamlining permitting and boosting funding
- Diablo advances broader U.S. critical minerals strategy including Star Range Silver-Antimony Project
Strategic Drilling Launch in a Tier-1 U.S. Copper District
Diablo Resources Limited has taken a significant step forward in its U.S. critical minerals ambitions by commencing maiden drilling at the high-priority Fair Dinkum copper prospect, part of the Phoenix Copper Project in Utah. Situated approximately 70 kilometres southwest of Moab, the project lies within the prolific Lisbon Valley Copper District, a proven copper-producing region that hosts sizeable deposits such as the Lone Wolf and Flying Diamond mines.
The Fair Dinkum Prospect itself is strategically located along the Flying Diamond Fault, a key structural feature known to host copper mineralisation. Earlier this year, rock sampling at Fair Dinkum returned encouraging grades, with peak copper assays reaching 2.76% and silver up to 92 grams per tonne, averaging 1.12% copper across samples. These results have set the stage for the current drilling campaign, which aims to test a mineralised zone extending over 100 metres and explore its depth and lateral continuity.
Building on Early Success at Philadelphia Prospect
Alongside Fair Dinkum, Diablo is advancing follow-up drilling at the Philadelphia Prospect, another promising target within the Phoenix Project. Historical workings and recent scout drilling have revealed substantial copper mineralisation, including intercepts such as 10.5 metres at 1.02% copper, with higher-grade intervals within. The mineralisation remains open in all directions, underscoring the potential for a significant copper system.
Favourable U.S. Policy Environment Amplifies Project Potential
The timing of Diablo’s drilling program coincides with a pivotal shift in U.S. policy. For the first time, copper has been added to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Critical Minerals List, reflecting its essential role in electrification, renewable energy infrastructure, and national security. This designation has accelerated permitting processes, exemplified by the nearby Lisbon Valley Copper Mine’s recent federal approval under the FAST-41 program, and unlocked substantial federal funding; most notably a US$355 million Department of Energy award aimed at expanding domestic critical minerals production.
These developments materially enhance the strategic importance of Diablo’s Phoenix Copper Project, positioning it to benefit from streamlined regulatory pathways and increased investment momentum in the U.S. critical minerals sector.
Looking Ahead, Advancing Geological Understanding and Portfolio Growth
Diablo’s CEO, Lyle Thorne, emphasised the significance of the drilling milestone, highlighting the potential for a multi-kilometre mineralised system within a proven copper district. The company plans to complete the current reverse circulation drilling program over the next two weeks, submit samples for laboratory analysis, and refine geological models to better understand mineralisation controls and scale.
Beyond Phoenix, Diablo continues to pursue its broader U.S. critical minerals strategy, including ongoing exploration at the Star Range Silver-Antimony Project. The company aims to leverage its diversified portfolio to deliver sustained newsflow and value creation as the U.S. critical minerals sector gains momentum.
Bottom Line?
As drilling progresses, Diablo Resources stands at the forefront of U.S. copper exploration, poised to capitalize on favorable policy shifts and promising early results.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm the extent and grade continuity of copper mineralisation at Fair Dinkum?
- How quickly can Diablo advance from exploration to resource definition given the streamlined U.S. permitting environment?
- What additional critical minerals opportunities might Diablo pursue to complement its copper-focused portfolio?
