Redstone Resources Strikes High-Grade Copper at Chatsworth Prospect
Redstone Resources (ASX: RDS) has announced significant copper mineralisation from its West Musgrave Project in Western Australia, with impressive intercepts highlighting the potential for a major copper discovery at the Chatsworth Prospect.
The Redstone Resources copper discovery at Chatsworth represents a potentially significant development in Australia's resource sector, with recent drilling results pointing to extensive mineralisation with promising grades. This discovery comes at a time when copper demand continues to grow globally, driven by electrification and renewable energy transitions.
Major Discovery: 10 Metres of Continuous Copper Mineralisation
Diamond drilling at Redstone Resources' 100% owned Tollu Copper Deposit has delivered compelling results, with hole TLD005 intersecting 10 metres of continuous copper mineralisation grading 1.37% Cu from 193m downhole. This intersection includes a high-grade zone of 4 metres at 2.37% Cu from 195m downhole.
The intersection occurred earlier than expected in the drill program, with the hole encountering a Chatsworth Prospect quartz vein hosting copper sulphides at an oblique angle.
Of particular significance, the copper zone also contained 1.2 metres of cobalt mineralisation grading 0.12% Co from 201.4m downhole. This cobalt presence could indicate that the copper mineralisation originated from a much larger nickel-copper-cobalt system, potentially similar to a Voisey's Bay style or a Nebo-Babel style Ni-Cu-Co deposit.
This latter comparison is particularly notable given that BHP's world-class Nebo-Babel deposit, containing 1.3Mt of copper and 1.2Mt of nickel, is located just 60km west of Tollu.
Building on Historical Success at Chatsworth
The latest results build on Redstone Resources' previous drilling success at the Chatsworth Prospect, which has delivered several significant copper intercepts, including:
| Previous Drill Hole | Intercept |
|---|---|
| TLC012 | 14m at 3.5% Cu from 126m (including 1m at 10.49% Cu) |
| TLC018 | 20m at 1.89% Cu from 142m |
| TLC034 | 14m at 1.49% Cu from 136m |
| TLC090 | 24m at 1.18% Cu from 25m |
| TLC189 | 25m at 1.46% Cu from 61m (including 1m at 5.1% Cu) |
| TLC192 | 25m at 1.1% Cu from 53m (including 7m at 2.64% Cu) |
| TC80 | 10m at 3.4% Cu from 427m (including 5m at 5.3% Cu) |
Furthermore, these consistent results across multiple drill holes suggest the Redstone Resources copper discovery at Chatsworth is part of a substantial mineralised system with significant exploration upside.
Understanding Voisey's Bay-Style Deposits
Voisey's Bay-style deposits are large-scale mineral systems typically hosting nickel, copper, and cobalt mineralisation. These deposits form when metal-rich magmas intrude into the earth's crust and cool, allowing heavy metal sulfides to settle and concentrate.
The presence of cobalt alongside copper at Chatsworth is significant as it supports Redstone's exploration model that the high-grade Tollu copper veins could represent copper that was moved by hot fluids from a larger, massive sulfide accumulation at depth.
If this model proves correct, the Redstone Resources copper discovery at Chatsworth could be just the "tip of the iceberg," with potential for a much larger copper-nickel-cobalt deposit beneath.
"The presence of cobalt mineralisation within the copper zone could be an indication that the copper is a secondary remobilisation from a much larger Ni-Cu-Co mineralisation source," states Redstone Resources in their announcement.
Cost-Effective Exploration Through Government Funding
A key advantage for Redstone's exploration program has been its ability to secure government funding through Western Australia's Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS). The company was awarded a Round 29 EIS grant for up to $220,000 to offset direct drilling costs for TLD005, which reached a total depth of 1,195.5 metres.
Redstone has successfully secured another Round 31 EIS co-fund grant for up to $220,000, paving the way for additional deep diamond drilling to test the company's exploration model further.
This government support not only reduces financial burden but also provides external validation of the project's technical merit and potential economic significance.
Strategic Location in the West Musgrave Province
Redstone's West Musgrave Project occupies a strategic position in a proven mineral province. The project is situated between BHP's Nebo-Babel Deposit and Nico Resources' Wingellina Ni-Co project, highlighting the region's prospectivity for major base metal discoveries.
The Nebo-Babel deposit, containing 1.3Mt of copper and 1.2Mt of nickel, provides a compelling nearby analogue for what Redstone might be targeting at depth beneath its Tollu Copper Deposit.
Next Steps for Redstone
With the initial success from TLD005, Redstone is advancing its exploration program on multiple fronts:
- Additional assay results pending – A further 183 drill core samples were selected for geochemical analysis, with results expected in the coming weeks
- Planning for deep diamond drilling – Utilising the new Round 31 EIS co-fund grant
- RC drilling campaign – Targeting priority magnetic targets in a 7.5km corridor northeast of the Tollu resource
These systematic exploration activities demonstrate a methodical approach to fully understanding and defining the Redstone Resources copper discovery at Chatsworth.
How Copper Deposits Form and Are Explored
The Geology Behind Copper Mineralisation
Copper deposits typically form in several geological settings, with porphyry and massive sulfide deposits being among the most economically significant.
In the case of the Chatsworth Prospect, the presence of high-grade copper veins may indicate proximity to a larger mineralised system. Modern exploration techniques combine:
- Surface geological mapping – Identifying potential host rocks and structural controls
- Geophysical surveys – Detecting variations in magnetic, electromagnetic, and electrical properties that might indicate mineralisation
- Geochemical sampling – Analysing surface materials for trace elements that could point to buried deposits
- Systematic drilling – Testing targets with carefully planned drill programs to confirm mineralisation at depth
The cobalt presence in Redstone's recent drilling is particularly significant, as cobalt is a critical metal for battery production and is often found in association with copper and nickel in certain deposit types.
Investment Potential: Why Redstone Deserves Attention
Redstone Resources presents a compelling investment case for several reasons:
- High-grade copper intersections – The consistent high-grade copper results from multiple drill holes demonstrate the quality of the Chatsworth Prospect
- Strategic location – Situated in the proven West Musgrave Province near world-class deposits
- Cost-effective exploration – Government funding support through EIS grants reduces capital requirements
- Exploration upside – The potential for a major Voisey's Bay or Nebo-Babel style Ni-Cu-Co deposit at depth
- Diversified project portfolio – Beyond West Musgrave, Redstone holds interests in the HanTails Gold Project in Kalgoorlie and lithium projects in Quebec's James Bay region
With copper prices near historical highs and demand projected to grow significantly due to the global energy transition and electrification trends, Redstone's timing for advancing its copper assets could hardly be better.
What Makes the Chatsworth Discovery Significant?
The Redstone Resources copper discovery at Chatsworth stands out for its combination of grade, continuity, and geological setting. Located in a proven mineral province with nearby world-class deposits, the project benefits from existing infrastructure and exploration understanding of the region.
Moreover, the cobalt association suggests a potentially larger mineralised system that could substantially increase the project's value if confirmed through further drilling.
As the company continues to explore the full potential of the Chatsworth Prospect and the broader Tollu Copper Deposit, investors should watch closely for further updates on assay results and the next phase of deep drilling.
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