Buxton Resources Poised for Major IOCG Discovery with Imminent Centurion Drilling
Contracts Awarded for Potential Game-Changing IOCG Exploration
Buxton Resources (ASX: BUX & BUXO) has secured key contracts with JB Contracting and DDH1 Drilling to commence its maiden drilling program at the highly prospective Centurion Iron-Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) project in Western Australia's West Arunta region. With earthworks scheduled to begin in June 2025, investors are anticipating what could be a significant discovery in a region showing geological characteristics similar to world-class deposits.
The program will test a compelling geophysical anomaly with characteristics consistent with major IOCG systems like Olympic Dam and Carrapateena, potentially identifying substantial value for shareholders. Adding to the investment case, up to $220,000 of drilling costs will be offset through the WA Government's Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) co-funding.
"The imminent maiden Centurion drilling program represents a significant step in unlocking the potential of this substantial IOCG target. We are therefore delighted to partner with highly reputable and experienced contractors, JB Contracting and DDH1 Drilling, for this pivotal campaign," commented CEO Marty Moloney.
Strategic IOCG Target Shows Olympic Dam Characteristics
The Centurion Project presents a compelling exploration opportunity based on its geophysical signature. The target displays coincident magnetic and gravity anomalies extending over 3,500m by 5,000m with amplitudes of 1,500 nanoTeslas (magnetic) and 10.1 milligals (gravity) – a pattern typically associated with significant IOCG mineralisation systems.
These geophysical characteristics are particularly noteworthy for investors familiar with other major IOCG discoveries, similar to how S2 Resources launches major multi-project drilling campaign is generating excitement across its portfolio:
| IOCG Target Feature | Centurion Project | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic anomaly amplitude | 1,500 nanoTeslas | Strong indicator of potential iron oxide system |
| Gravity anomaly amplitude | 10.1 milligals | Suggests dense mineralisation at depth |
| Anomaly dimensions | 3,500m x 5,000m | Large-scale target area |
| Estimated target depth | 520-700m | Within economic drilling range |
The initial Buxton Resources Centurion drilling program will deploy a 1,000-meter vertical diamond drillhole (CN001DD) designed to test this anomaly, with provisions for immediate follow-up "daughter" holes to assess both the gravity and magnetic features from the parent hole. This strategic approach maximises the initial exploration phase and allows for efficient evaluation of the target.
Understanding IOCG Deposits: Why They Matter to Investors
Iron Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) deposits represent one of the most valuable deposit types in modern mineral exploration. Unlike many other deposit styles, IOCGs can contain economically significant amounts of copper, gold, and other valuable elements like uranium, silver, and rare earth elements.
These deposits are characterised by:
- Extensive iron oxide mineralisation (magnetite or hematite)
- Significant copper sulphides with gold credits
- Large size and tonnage potential
- Relatively consistent grades throughout the deposit
For investors, IOCGs are particularly attractive because they often develop into long-life mining operations with substantial production profiles. Olympic Dam in South Australia, for example, is one of the world's largest resource deposits containing copper, gold, silver, and uranium.
The geophysical signatures at Centurion mirror those of established IOCG deposits, presenting a compelling target for the Buxton Resources Centurion drilling program. If successful, such a discovery could significantly alter the company's market valuation, much like how Hammer Metals unveils two major gold-copper discoveries has transformed its prospects in North Queensland.
Exploration Strategy and Timeline
Buxton's exploration strategy for the Centurion Project is methodical and well-planned:
- June 2025: Commencement of earthworks (weather dependent)
- Mid-2025: Drilling of initial 1,000-meter vertical diamond drillhole (CN001DD)
- Following initial results: Potential "daughter" holes to assess both gravity and magnetic features using the initial parent hole
This approach offers significant efficiency advantages. By utilising a single parent hole with potential daughter holes, Buxton can:
- Test multiple targets from a single drill pad
- Reduce overall drilling costs and environmental impact
- Rapidly evaluate different aspects of the anomaly
- Optimise targeting based on initial findings
Previous exploration efforts in the area include a 1993 attempt by CRA, which was abandoned at 432.30m before reaching basement. Significantly, CRA's geological logs noted chlorite-pyrite altered, boulder-sized clasts of felsic and mafic intrusives in a conglomerate toward the end of the hole – providing encouraging evidence that the geophysical response may indeed be related to a hydrothermal system consistent with the IOCG model.
The Investment Case for Buxton Resources
Buxton Resources presents a compelling investment opportunity for several key reasons:
Strategic Project Position
The Centurion Project is strategically positioned near a "triple junction" of major crustal boundaries according to the Geological Survey of Western Australia. This structural setting is considered ideal for the formation of significant mineral systems, similar to how ZMI secures drilling approval for its massive untested anomaly at Mt Clere.
Cost-Efficient Exploration
The company has secured several financial advantages:
- $220,000 in co-funding from the WA Government's Exploration Incentive Scheme
- Cost efficiencies through partnerships with contractors already operating in the region
- Strategic drilling approach using parent and daughter holes to maximise exploration value
Clear Path to Discovery
The project has:
- Completed heritage agreements with Ngurra Kayanta and Parna Ngururrpa Aboriginal Corporations
- Successful heritage survey (July 2024)
- Access arrangements with the Kiwirrkurra People
- Required permits from the Aboriginal Lands Trust
- Contractors secured and ready to commence
Comparable IOCG Discoveries
When considering the potential value of a Centurion discovery, investors might consider other IOCG discoveries and their impact on company valuations:
| Company | IOCG Discovery | Market Impact |
|---|---|---|
| OZ Minerals | Carrapateena | Led to $9.6B acquisition by BHP |
| BHP | Olympic Dam | World's fourth-largest copper deposit, multi-decade mine life |
| Newcrest | Havieron | Significant share price revaluation following discovery |
Why Investors Should Keep Buxton on Their Watchlist
As the Buxton Resources Centurion drilling program approaches, investors should consider:
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Discovery Potential: The geophysical signature at Centurion displays classic IOCG characteristics, with dimensions and amplitudes suggesting potential for a significant mineral system.
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Timing: With drilling scheduled to commence in June 2025, the company is approaching a potential value-inflection point.
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Resource Sector Focus: Major mining companies are actively seeking new copper and gold resources, with IOCG deposits representing highly sought-after exploration targets.
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Cost-Effective Approach: The combination of government funding, experienced contractors with regional presence, and efficient drilling design maximises exploration expenditure.
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Underexplored Region: The West Arunta region represents an underexplored frontier in Australian mineral exploration, offering the potential for significant new discoveries similar to how Austin Metals begins drilling gold target near top producers is exploring underappreciated areas.
Key Takeaway:
"Buxton Resources has positioned itself for a potential significant discovery with its Centurion IOCG project, offering investors exposure to a compelling exploration opportunity with world-class deposit potential. With the Buxton Resources Centurion drilling program commencing in June 2025 and targeting a geological signature similar to Olympic Dam and Carrapateena, the company is approaching a significant catalyst that could substantially impact its valuation, much like how Matsa Resources hits high-grade gold at Fortitude North has done for that company."
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