GreenTech Metals Strikes High-Grade Copper in New Zones at Whundo Project
GreenTech Metals (ASX: GRE) has unveiled significant copper mineralisation in a recent drilling programme at its Whundo copper project in Western Australia's Pilbara region, confirming the potential for substantial resource expansion at two previously unmined ore shoots.
New Drilling Confirms Valuable Copper Extensions
The company completed 1,187 metres of diamond drilling targeting two major conductor zones at the unmined Shelby and Austin ore shoots, with both holes successfully intersecting high-grade copper mineralisation.
At the Austin target, drilling returned 7.14m @ 1.46% Cu, 1.23% Zn and 0.08g/t Au from 277.16m, including higher-grade sections of 3.45m @ 2.42% Cu, 2.41% Zn and 0.1g/t Au.
The Shelby target delivered similarly impressive results with 9.94m @ 1.32% Cu and 0.18g/t Au from 598.2m, including 2.5m @ 2.21% Cu, 0.16% Zn and 0.08g/t Au. A second mineralised zone at Shelby returned 3.69m @ 1.18% Cu and 0.35g/t Au from 626.3m.
These findings confirm that high-grade copper mineralisation continues down-plunge beyond known deposits, validating GreenTech's geological model and highlighting the expansion potential at the Whundo copper project results.
Electromagnetic Surveys Point to Additional Resources
Down-hole electromagnetic (DHEM) surveys conducted after drilling revealed continuation of highly conductive plates with conductivity readings of 15,000-40,000 siemens extending down-plunge at both Austin and Shelby targets.
These strong conductor readings typically correspond with massive sulphide mineralisation containing copper and zinc, suggesting significant potential for additional resources beyond the current drill intercepts.
Understanding VMS Deposits: Why This Matters to Investors
The GreenTech Metals Whundo copper project results indicate the presence of what geologists classify as Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposits. These are particularly valuable mineral systems that typically form in clusters and contain high concentrations of base metals like copper and zinc.
VMS deposits are sought after by mining companies because they often contain high-grade mineralisation and can occur in multiple lenses or shoots within the same area, creating opportunities for long-term mining operations. Their "massive sulphide" nature means the mineralisation is dense and concentrated, potentially leading to efficient extraction economics.
What makes VMS deposits particularly attractive to investors is their potential for depth extensions – as GreenTech is now demonstrating by finding additional mineralisation hundreds of metres below known deposits at Whundo.
Future Development Plans
With copper prices currently at ~US$9,500/tonne, GreenTech is accelerating its efforts to expand Whundo's resource base and evaluate near-term production opportunities:
- Immediate resource expansion – The company plans additional drilling to expand resources at Austin, Shelby, Ayshia, and Yannery targets
- Conceptual mine studies – These will evaluate the economics of bringing Whundo into production
- Processing options assessment – Including evaluation of the nearby Radio Hill processing site
Executive Director Tom Reddicliffe emphasised: "We are very encouraged with these results which confirm our visual confirmation of massive to semi-massive sulphides containing copper and other metals associated with the conductor targets tested at both Shelby and Austin. The results confirm that these two mineralised shoots are continuing down plunge and present a great opportunity to expand the Whundo project resources."
Critical Minerals Potential Adds Value
Beyond copper and zinc, the GreenTech Metals Whundo copper project results have detected elevated levels of gallium (up to 114 ppm Ga₂O₃) in several samples. Gallium is considered a critical mineral used in semiconductor manufacturing, LEDs, and solar panels. This potential co-product could add further value to the project as global demand for critical minerals increases.
Historic Mining Success Highlights Production Potential
The Whundo project isn't new to copper production. Previous mining at the site includes:
- 6,200 tonnes of supergene oxide ore at 26.98% Cu mined from Whundo East in 1976
- 148,310 tonnes of ore processed from West Whundo in 2006-2007, producing 25,812 tonnes of copper concentrate at 20.86% Cu
- Historic underground production from Yannery between 1920-1958 of 1,132 tonnes averaging 21% Cu
This history demonstrates the high-grade nature of the deposits and provides a clear indication that new discoveries could potentially be developed into producing assets.
Why Investors Should Follow GreenTech Metals
The GreenTech Metals Whundo copper project results present a compelling investment case for those seeking exposure to copper and critical minerals:
- Expanding resource base – The current drilling success suggests significant expansion potential beyond the existing 6.19Mt @ 1.12% Cu, 1.04% Zn resource
- Perfect timing for copper – With copper prices near multi-year highs and projected supply deficits as electrification accelerates globally
- Mining-friendly jurisdiction – The Pilbara region of Western Australia offers world-class infrastructure and regulatory stability
- Multiple development pathways – With nearby processing options and historic mining precedent
- Critical minerals upside – The potential for gallium and other technology metals adds diversification to the copper-zinc foundation
The company's systematic approach to exploration and geological insights reduces exploration risk while maintaining significant discovery potential as the company continues to test the limits of this promising copper system.
Furthermore, understanding the geology of ore deposits is crucial when evaluating projects like Whundo, as the specific geological setting can indicate both current resource potential and future exploration targets. The growing global focus on copper mining, including recent developments in Saudi Arabia's mining sector, demonstrates the worldwide importance of securing new copper resources for the green energy transition.
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