Lord Resources Copper Discovery at Ilgarari Project Reveals Significant Potential
Lord Resources (ASX: LRD) has made a significant copper discovery at its Ilgarari Copper Project in Western Australia, with visual confirmation of a substantial 20.2-meter interval of copper minerals in drillhole 25IRC006D. The discovery represents a meaningful step-out from historic intercepts and supports the company's geological model of a supergene-enriched zone above sulphide mineralisation.
The mineralised interval, located from 158.5m to 178.7m depth, contains chalcocite and native copper in the form of fracture-filled veinlets. This Lord Resources copper discovery sits approximately 60 meters down-dip and 100 meters along strike from historic copper hits, building on Ilgarari's history of copper production.
"The identification of copper minerals over a broad interval marks an exciting and highly encouraging start to our much-anticipated drilling program. The presence of chalcocite and native copper strongly supports our geological model and highlights the potential for a high-grade zone at Ilgarari," stated Lord Exploration Manager Georgina Clark.
Drilling Program Shows Promising Results
The company has completed an extensive drilling program at Ilgarari, comprising:
- 11 RC holes totalling 2,280 meters
- 4 completed diamond drill tails (with 4 more in progress)
- Multiple zones showing primary mineralisation
Primary mineralisation has been observed in drillholes 25IRC007D and 25IRC009D, both co-funded through the WA Government's Exploration Initiative Scheme (EIS). The primary mineralisation appears as up to 5% chalcopyrite in quartz breccia within a wider fault zone.
Laboratory assay results from this drilling program are expected in October 2025, with the company now evaluating plans to extend the current drill program based on these encouraging results.
Understanding the Significance of Supergene Enrichment
What Makes Supergene Copper Valuable?
Supergene enrichment is a geological process that concentrates metals, particularly copper, near the surface. It occurs when copper-bearing minerals in the primary ore body are dissolved by downward-percolating acidic groundwater. As these copper-rich solutions move downward, they encounter the water table or reducing conditions, causing the copper to precipitate as secondary copper minerals.
This process is significant because supergene-enriched zones often contain higher copper grades than the primary mineralisation below, potentially improving project economics. The presence of chalcocite is particularly valuable as it contains approximately 80% copper by weight, making it one of the richest copper minerals.
Furthermore, the identification of both chalcocite and native copper at Ilgarari suggests an efficient supergene enrichment process has occurred, which could indicate a substantial primary copper source at depth. This factor adds considerable weight to the Lord Resources copper discovery.
Strategic Location Enhances Project Viability
The Ilgarari Copper Project is strategically located approximately 110km south of Newman in Western Australia, adjacent to the Perth-Newman highway. This prime location provides excellent infrastructure access, approximately 130km north of the now-closed DeGrussa copper mine.
Lord Resources has structured a favourable earn-in agreement to acquire 80% of the mineral rights below 120m from surface at Ilgarari, with 100% applications over adjacent exploration licenses E52/4403 and E52/4405.
The project's geological setting within the Mesoproterozoic Bangemall Basin shows strong similarities to other significant copper deposits in the region. The mineralisation at Ilgarari occurs in east-northeast striking, steeply south-dipping faults and shears, commonly developed at or near dolerite-shale contacts.
Development Timeline and Upcoming Milestones
Lord Resources has outlined clear next steps for advancing the Ilgarari project:
- Complete the current drilling program and process all core samples
- Assess options to extend the drilling program based on initial results
- Receive and report assays (expected October 2025)
The company is well-positioned to rapidly advance the project, with strong support from the WA Government through the Exploration Incentive Scheme, which provides 50% co-funding for two deep diamond drillholes.
Investment Potential of the Lord Resources Copper Discovery
The Lord Resources copper discovery represents a compelling investment opportunity for several key reasons:
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Significant Resource Potential: The identification of a 20-meter mineralised zone with visible copper minerals indicates substantial resource potential at Ilgarari.
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Strategic Commodity Exposure: Copper is a critical metal for the global energy transition, with supply shortages projected in coming years as demand from electric vehicles, renewable energy, and grid infrastructure grows.
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Favourable Project Economics: The project's location near existing infrastructure and the presence of high-grade copper minerals suggest potential for cost-effective development.
Historical Context Adds Value
The Ilgarari Copper Project has a rich history of copper production. According to historical records, the site produced 1,908 tonnes grading 30.76% copper and 1,253 tonnes grading at 16.19% copper from earlier mining operations.
The Main Working (western) and the Alac Working (eastern) areas were mined via a series of shafts between 1968 and 1973, reaching a maximum depth of just 14m.
Lord Resources has secured the Ilgarari project through a strategic earn-in agreement with Blackrock Resources Pty Ltd, allowing the company to acquire 80% of the mineral rights below 120m from surface by funding $1,500,000 of expenditure within 4 years.
Technical Aspects that Enhance Discovery Significance
The recent Lord Resources copper discovery has revealed several technical aspects that enhance its significance:
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High-Grade Mineralogy: The presence of chalcocite and native copper provides visual confirmation of potential high-grade mineralisation. In drill hole 25IRC006D, these minerals appear as fracture-filled veinlets across a substantial 20.2-meter interval.
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Geological Model Validation: The discovery supports the company's geological model of a supergene-enriched zone above primary sulphide mineralisation, validating the exploration approach.
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Extensive Mineralised System: Multiple drill holes have intercepted copper mineralisation, suggesting a potentially extensive mineralised system at Ilgarari.
Market Outlook Supports Further Development
With the copper market facing supply constraints and growing demand from green technologies, well-located copper discoveries with substantial mineralised widths position Lord Resources to potentially benefit from favourable long-term market dynamics.
The Lord Resources copper discovery at Ilgarari represents an early but significant milestone in the company's exploration program. As additional drilling results and assays become available, investors will gain greater clarity on the full potential of this promising copper project in Western Australia's resource-rich mining jurisdiction.
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