How Deep Does Motters’ Shallow Copper Potential Run? Horseshoe Metals Drills On
Horseshoe Metals has reported strong final results from its Phase 1 drilling at the Motters Zone, confirming extensive shallow oxide copper mineralisation and setting the stage for Phase 2 drilling and offtake discussions.
- Phase 1 RC drilling confirms broad, shallow oxide copper mineralisation at Motters
- Significant intercepts include up to 41m at grades exceeding 1% copper from surface
- Phase 2 drilling scheduled for January 2026 targeting southern extensions and other zones
- Ongoing positive discussions with commodity traders for copper offtake and funding
- JORC-compliant resource estimates updated for Horseshoe Lights and Kumarina projects
Strong Phase 1 Drilling Results at Motters
Horseshoe Metals Ltd (ASX – HOR) has released the final batch of results from its Phase 1 reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Motters Zone, part of the Horseshoe Lights Copper Gold Project in Western Australia. The drilling campaign, comprising 2,204 metres in total, has confirmed the presence of wide, shallow oxide copper mineralisation extending from surface to approximately 50 metres depth. Notable intercepts include 41 metres at 1.23% copper and 27 metres at 1.58% copper, highlighting the potential scale and grade of this near-surface resource.
Strategic Focus on Resource Confidence and Expansion
The Phase 1 drilling was designed to infill and better define the northern extent of the Motters oxide zone over a strike length of around 300 metres, with holes spaced at 10 by 10 metres to upgrade resource classification from inferred to indicated. The company’s General Manager of Oxide-Copper Operations, Steven Sickerdick, emphasised the encouraging nature of these results and the intent to enhance confidence levels in the resource ahead of further studies.
Looking Ahead – Phase 2 Drilling and Development Plans
Phase 2 drilling is slated to commence in January 2026, targeting the southern extension of the Motters Zone beyond a fault offset, as well as infill drilling at the North Dump and Southern Stockpile areas and testing down-plunge and along strike extensions of the Main Zone. This next phase aims to delineate additional oxide mineralisation and support inclusion in an updated scoping study. Complementary metallurgical test work on oxide stockpiles and flotation tailings is also planned to optimise recovery processes.
Commercial Progress and Market Positioning
Alongside exploration progress, Horseshoe Metals is advancing discussions with multiple established commodity traders regarding potential copper offtake agreements and funding arrangements. These talks are critical for underpinning the project’s development and securing financial support. The company expressed confidence that an initial agreement will be reached in the near term, which could provide a significant catalyst for the project’s advancement.
Contextualising the Resource Base
The Horseshoe Lights Project, historically mined until 1994, hosts a substantial mineral resource with measured, indicated, and inferred categories totaling over 128,000 tonnes of contained copper. The Motters Zone contributes to this resource base with its oxide copper mineralisation, which is amenable to direct shipping ore strategies due to its near-surface nature. Additionally, the Kumarina Project, another Horseshoe Metals asset, holds an inferred resource of approximately 10,600 tonnes of contained copper, further diversifying the company’s portfolio.
Technical Rigor and Reporting Standards
The announcement includes comprehensive JORC Code (2012 Edition) compliant data, reflecting rigorous sampling, assaying, and quality control procedures. The company has also provided detailed geological context, drilling methodologies, and resource estimations reviewed by qualified industry professionals, ensuring transparency and reliability of the reported results.
Bottom Line?
With Phase 1 drilling confirming robust shallow copper zones, Horseshoe Metals is poised for a pivotal Phase 2 campaign and advancing commercial partnerships that could unlock significant value.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Phase 2 drilling results impact the overall resource classification and project economics?
- What are the expected terms and timing of the copper offtake and funding agreements?
- How might metallurgical test work influence processing strategies and recovery rates?
