ACM Secures Drill Permit to Unlock Major Gold-Silver Targets at Flint
Australian Critical Minerals has obtained the final drilling permit for its Flint Project’s Gaya 103 concession in Peru, setting the stage for an imminent diamond drilling campaign targeting a significant high-sulphidation gold-silver system.
- Drill permit granted for Gaya 103 concession at Flint Project
- NSAMT geophysics reveals large resistive core linked to gold-silver mineralisation
- Up to 10 diamond drillholes planned to test high-priority targets
- 3D inversion modelling underway to optimise drill positioning and orientation
- Environmental approvals progressing, supporting a strong 2026 exploration pipeline
Drill Permit Unlocks Next Phase at Flint
Australian Critical Minerals Ltd (ASX, ACM) has cleared a crucial regulatory hurdle by securing the drilling permit for its Gaya 103 concession within the Flint Project in Peru. This approval enables the company to commence drilling activities targeting a major high-sulphidation gold-silver system identified through advanced geophysical surveys. The permit covers drill pads strategically positioned over a core resistive zone detected by NSAMT (Natural Source Audio-frequency Magnetotellurics) geophysics, a technique that maps subsurface resistivity anomalies indicative of mineralisation.
Geophysics and Geochemistry Point to High Potential
Preliminary NSAMT modelling has revealed a large, continuous resistive body approximately 100 to 300 metres below surface, interpreted as the silicified core of the epithermal system where gold and silver mineralisation is likely concentrated. Complementing this, geochemical assays show anomalously high concentrations of pathfinder elements such as tellurium and arsenic; some samples exhibiting tellurium levels 100 to 1000 times above average crustal values and arsenic concentrations reaching up to 10,000 ppm. These signatures strongly support the presence of a robust high-sulphidation system, enhancing confidence in the drill targets.
Optimising Drill Strategy with 3D Modelling
To maximise the chances of intersecting mineralised zones, ACM is finalising a sophisticated 3D inversion model that integrates the full NSAMT dataset. This model will correct for distortions inherent in simpler 2D or 1D views, providing precise spatial coordinates, depth, and orientation of the resistive bodies. Such detailed subsurface imaging is critical for planning drill hole angles and locations to effectively test the system’s geometry. The company plans to drill up to 10 diamond holes, delivering a comprehensive initial test of the Flint targets.
Strategic Location in a World-Class Epithermal Belt
Flint sits within one of the world’s premier epithermal gold-silver belts, a prolific region that has produced over 40 million ounces of gold and ranks as the third largest silver-producing area globally. The project is located just three kilometres east of the San Juan Porphyry Copper project, suggesting potential geochemical continuity and regional mineralisation synergies. This proximity adds strategic value to ACM’s exploration efforts, positioning Flint as a potentially significant contributor to the company’s portfolio.
Looking Ahead
With environmental approvals advancing and private property access agreements secured, ACM is poised to initiate drilling imminently. The coming weeks will be pivotal as the company completes its 3D modelling and finalises drill plans. Supported by expert geophysical partners Southernrock Geophysics and Arce Geophysics, ACM’s methodical and data-driven approach aims to de-risk exploration and unlock value in this highly prospective district-scale project.
Bottom Line?
As ACM prepares to drill, the Flint Project stands at a critical juncture that could redefine its exploration trajectory in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the initial diamond drilling results reveal about the scale and grade of mineralisation?
- How will the final 3D inversion model influence drill hole placement and targeting precision?
- Could Flint’s proximity to the San Juan Porphyry Copper project indicate broader regional mineralisation continuity?
