Australian Gold and Copper (ASX: AGC) has delivered impressive results from its regional exploration campaign, with 12 of 12 holes returning Australian Gold and Copper mineralisation discovery across a 6km stretch of the highly prospective Achilles Shear Zone. The company's systematic approach to regional exploration is paying dividends, with eleven additional holes still pending results that could further expand this already significant discovery.
"We believe an efficient value creation pathway for our project is through a modest allocation of capital to regional exploration. Our focus area is directly along strike within a few kilometres of Achilles and is showing great potential already. Most holes along the 6km trend have returned mineralisation which is significant."
- Glen Diemar, Managing Director
The latest 2,131m drilling program has delivered standout results, with multiple holes intercepting high-grade zones including 3m at 84g/t silver equivalent and 17m at 20g/t silver equivalent at the northern targets. Furthermore, exceptional grades of up to 362g/t silver equivalent were achieved at the Achilles Road Base Quarry target.
High-Grade Hits Across Multiple Target Areas Confirm Regional Potential
The drilling campaign targeted two key areas along the Achilles Shear Zone, delivering consistent mineralisation that demonstrates the scale potential of this emerging district-class system. Moreover, these results confirm the extensive nature of the Australian Gold and Copper mineralisation discovery across the entire corridor.
Northern Targets Deliver Immediate Success
Hole A2RC006, located just 1km south of the main Achilles deposit, returned exceptional results:
- 3m at 84g/t silver equivalent from 140m depth
- Including 1m at 105g/t silver equivalent from 142m depth
Hole A2RC009 intercepted a broad mineralised footwall zone with multiple high-grade intervals:
- 17m at 20g/t silver equivalent from 102m depth
- 2m at 30g/t silver equivalent from 109m depth
- 1m at 38g/t silver equivalent from 112m depth
- 1m at 61g/t silver equivalent from 117m depth
Achilles Road Base Quarry Target Shows Major Discovery Potential
The quarry target, located 4-6km south of the main Achilles deposit, has returned some of the program's most impressive intercepts across multiple drill holes. In addition, these results significantly expand the known extent of the Australian Gold and Copper mineralisation discovery:
| Hole ID | Key Intercepts | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| A2RC001 | 5m at 37g/t AgEq from 31m 3m at 155g/t AgEq from 39m 12m at 22g/t AgEq from 49m |
Includes 1m at 362g/t AgEq Strong copper zones up to 0.8% |
| A2RC004 | 13m at 47g/t AgEq from 32m 12m at 54g/t AgEq from 71m |
Includes 1m at 182g/t AgEq Copper zones up to 0.7% |
| A2RC016 | 12m at 55g/t AgEq from 85m | Includes 1m at 100g/t AgEq and 114g/t AgEq |
| A2RC017 | 3m at 155g/t AgEq from 42m | Includes 1m at 226g/t AgEq |
Understanding Silver Equivalent: A Key Metric for Polymetallic Deposits
Silver equivalent (AgEq) is a critical metric for evaluating polymetallic deposits like those at the Achilles Shear Zone. This calculation converts all valuable metals (silver, gold, zinc, lead) into a single silver-equivalent grade, making it easier to assess the overall economic potential of intercepts.
AGC's silver equivalent calculations are based on robust metallurgical test work showing excellent recoveries:
- Silver: 83% recovery
- Gold: 90% recovery
- Zinc: 95% recovery
- Lead: 92% recovery
Using current metal prices, the formula converts each gram of gold to approximately 92.6 grams of silver equivalent, while each 1% zinc equals 32.1g/t silver equivalent. Consequently, this approach provides investors with a standardised way to compare intercepts and understand the true value of the mineralisation being discovered.
Strategic Expansion Program Positions AGC for Multiple Discoveries
The company's regional exploration strategy is designed to maximise value efficiently whilst building scale around the core Achilles deposit. However, with 11 holes still pending results from this initial program, AGC is positioned for potential additional discoveries that could significantly expand the project footprint.
Upcoming Catalysts and Timeline
- Assay results for remaining 11 RC holes expected in coming weeks
- Follow-up drilling program to test higher-grade structural zones
- Diamond drilling program continuing at depth extensions of main Achilles deposit
- Regional geophysics surveys to identify additional targets along the shear zone
The systematic 200m-spaced drilling approach has successfully mapped analogous geology and hydrothermal alteration similar to the main Achilles deposit. For instance, this confirms the regional fertility of the entire shear zone system and supports the broader Australian Gold and Copper mineralisation discovery thesis.
Investment Thesis: District-Scale Discovery Taking Shape
Australian Gold and Copper is rapidly emerging as a significant player in the NSW polymetallic space, with multiple factors driving strong investment appeal:
Scale and Consistency
The 6km mineralised corridor with 100% hit rate in initial drilling demonstrates exceptional geological continuity. Most importantly, the company has doubled its project area through strategic acquisitions whilst maintaining focus on the highest-priority targets.
Metallurgical Advantages
Recent test work has confirmed robust recoveries across all key metals, with conventional processing methods applicable to the deposit style. Therefore, this significantly reduces technical risk compared to more complex metallurgical scenarios.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Located in the established Cobar mining district of NSW, the project benefits from existing mining infrastructure, skilled workforce, and established supply chains. These are critical advantages for future development scenarios.
Financial Efficiency
The company's approach of modest capital allocation to regional exploration whilst maintaining focus on the core deposit demonstrates disciplined capital management. Furthermore, this maximises discovery potential per exploration dollar spent.
Why Investors Should Track This Emerging Discovery Story
Australian Gold and Copper has systematically built a compelling investment case through consistent drill success, strategic land consolidation, and disciplined exploration approaches. The combination of a 6km mineralised trend with 100% hit rates in regional drilling, plus 11 holes pending results, positions the company for multiple near-term catalysts.
"These results are for twelve holes out of a twenty-three-hole program. They are extremely encouraging and confirm the fertility of the greater area. We look forward to the next batch of assays and then follow up drilling aiming for another discovery."
- Glen Diemar, Managing Director
Key Investment Highlights:
✅ 100% hit rate across 6km of regional drilling
✅ High-grade intercepts up to 362g/t silver equivalent
✅ Multiple target areas showing consistent mineralisation
✅ 11 additional holes pending results for near-term catalysts
✅ Proven metallurgy with robust recovery rates
✅ Strategic location in established Cobar mining district
The systematic exploration approach, combined with the scale of mineralisation being discovered, suggests AGC is building towards a district-scale discovery that could transform the company's valuation profile. With multiple drill programs running concurrently and a clear pathway to resource definition, this emerging story warrants close attention from investors seeking exposure to Australia's next potential polymetallic discovery.
Ready to Discover More About Australian Gold's Regional Expansion?
With a perfect 12-for-12 hit rate across 6km of mineralised corridor and 11 additional holes still pending results, Australian Gold and Copper is systematically building what could become a district-scale discovery in NSW's proven Cobar mining region. The company's disciplined approach to regional exploration, combined with exceptional grades up to 362g/t silver equivalent, positions AGC for multiple near-term catalysts that could significantly expand this already compelling investment story. Follow Australian Gold and Copper on X to stay updated on drilling results, project developments, and strategic milestones as this emerging polymetallic discovery continues to unfold.