IP Study Reveals High-Potential Gold-Copper Target at Adavale's Ashes Prospect
Reprocessed geophysical data suggests previous drilling missed the main target with historical rock chips returning up to 10.65 g/t gold
Major Chargeability Anomaly Identified Through Advanced Geophysics Review
Adavale Resources (ASX:ADD) has uncovered a significant opportunity at its Ashes Prospect within the Parkes Project after reprocessing historical induced polarisation (IP) data. The study has identified a strong chargeability anomaly measuring 50mV/V against a background of just 2-5mV/V, indicating potential for substantial gold-copper target at Adavale Resources Ltd mineralisation.
What makes this development particularly compelling is the discovery that previous drilling campaigns by Meridian Minerals (2009) and AngloGold Ashanti (2015) appear to have missed the central core of the anomaly. Recent rock chip samples collected near the anomaly have returned exceptional high-grade results, including:
- 10.65 g/t Au, 1.98% Cu & 158 g/t Ag
- 7.95 g/t Au, 2.2% Cu & 96.4 g/t Ag
- 0.74 g/t Au, 0.76% Cu & 58.9 g/t Ag
"The reprocessed IP data has highlighted that previous explorers most likely have missed the main chargeability anomaly," said Allan Ritchie, Executive Chairman and CEO of Adavale Resources. "The location of the shallow anomaly is further enhanced by the recently assayed and nearby rock chips which have returned up to 10.65 g/t Au, 1.98% Cu & 158 g/t Ag. This is an exciting development at Adavale for our drill target selection and ranking process as we remain on track to drilling in this quarter."
Understanding IP Surveying: The Key to Finding What Others Missed
Induced Polarisation (IP) is a geophysical technique that measures the chargeability of subsurface materials. This method is particularly effective for identifying disseminated sulphide minerals, which are often associated with gold and copper deposits.
When an electric current is passed through the ground, certain minerals—particularly metal sulphides like pyrite, chalcopyrite (copper-bearing), and other minerals associated with gold—will hold or "polarise" the charge longer than surrounding rock. This creates a measurable response called chargeability, measured in millivolts per volt (mV/V).
The high chargeability anomaly (50mV/V) identified at Ashes indicates a significant concentration of these polarisable minerals below surface. For investors, this is important because:
- Higher chargeability values often correlate with higher concentrations of sulphide minerals
- These sulphide minerals frequently host or are associated with valuable metals like gold and copper
- The strong contrast between the anomaly (50mV/V) and background (2-5mV/V) suggests this is a distinct, well-defined target
The reprocessed data reveals that historical drilling either targeted weaker anomalies or didn't penetrate deep enough to intersect the strongest parts of the anomaly—creating an immediate opportunity for Adavale to target the untested core.
Tactical Exploration Approach and Upcoming Catalysts
Adavale's exploration strategy at Parkes is methodical and multi-faceted, with several near-term catalysts that could drive value for investors:
| Upcoming Milestones | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Maiden Drilling Program | Q2 CY2025 | Targeting the core of the newly identified IP anomaly |
| Pending Geochemical Results | Imminent | 279 soil samples and 19 rock chips from Ashes Myalls survey |
| Additional Rock Chip Results | Imminent | 25 samples from Parkvale South, Blackridge North and Welcome Mine |
| IP Survey Extension | Planning Phase | Potential to extend the target zone along strike to the north |
| Exploration Target for London-Victoria | Near-term | Following recent 115,000oz Au JORC Resource announcement |
The company is also evaluating the potential to extend the IP survey northward, as the current data suggests the chargeability anomaly remains open in that direction. This could potentially expand the already compelling gold-copper target at Adavale Resources Ltd along strike.
Strategic Position in a World-Class Mining District
Adavale's Parkes Project sits in an enviable location within the Macquarie Arc of the Lachlan Fold Belt, a Tier-1 mining jurisdiction that hosts world-class operations including:
- Cadia Ridgeway: 35.1Moz Au & 7.9Mt Cu
- Northparkes: 5.2Moz Au & 4.4Mt Cu (directly west of the Parkes Project)
The project's four exploration licenses cover 354.15 km² of highly prospective ground. The company's most advanced asset, the former London-Victoria Gold Mine, recently received a maiden JORC 2012 Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 115,000oz Au, including a higher-grade component of 3.14Mt at 1.06g/t Au for 107,000oz.
This places Adavale in a strong position with both development-stage and exploration assets in a proven mineral district.
Technical Details of the IP Reprocessing
The original IP survey was commissioned by Meridian Minerals in 2008 and consisted of a dipole-dipole configuration with 100m spaced electrodes over three east-west oriented lines spaced 200m apart. The survey targeted significant rock chip samples, which had recorded assays of up to 8.8 g/t gold, 84 g/t silver and 5.5% copper.
The reprocessing work conducted by Mitre Geophysics in 2025 involved updated and refined 2D inversions. Several iterations of the 2D inversion modelling were completed to obtain the best result in terms of the observed data to achieve a geologically reasonable model.
The strongest and largest chargeability anomaly is located on Line 10400N (Local Grid), with a peak chargeability of around 50 mV/V against a background of 2 to 5 mV/V. The northernmost Line 10400N shows a strong chargeability and partly coincident resistivity anomaly. The adjoining section to the south, Line 10200N (Local Grid) shows a significantly lower level of chargeability, but coincident high resistivity, possibly indicative of silicification and associated hematite/Mn oxide alteration as seen at surface during recent reconnaissance mapping and sampling carried out by Adavale geologists.
A 3D view of the 2D inverted chargeability sections including the drill traces from the two Meridian holes (ASH09-01 and ASH09-02) shows these holes were aimed at the now considered much weaker anomaly on Line 10200N. Furthermore, they were not drilled deep enough to intersect even the original modelling. The hole completed by AngloGold Ashanti (DND001) was drilled westwards to a depth of 249.6m but only clips the edge of the main chargeability anomaly on Line 10400N without intersecting the higher core part.
Drillhole logging of DND001 indicates veining in the upper parts of the volcanic sequence and disseminated pyrite throughout. From 98.84-116.52m pervasive silica-pyrite alteration is logged which AngloGold Ashanti interpreted as the source of the IP anomaly. However, this did not test the core of the currently modelled IP target and is therefore considered not to have comprehensively tested the anomaly.
Investment Case: Multiple Growth Paths
Adavale presents an intriguing investment case with several value drivers:
- Near-term Drilling Catalyst: Maiden drilling program targeting the untested IP anomaly at Ashes in Q2 2025
- Resource Growth Potential: Recently defined 115,000oz gold resource at London-Victoria with scope for expansion
- Strategic Location: Operating in one of Australia's premier gold-copper regions alongside world-class mines
- Diversified Portfolio: Beyond the Parkes Project, Adavale holds promising uranium assets in South Australia and a nickel project in Tanzania near the world-class Kabanga Nickel Deposit (87.6Mt @ 2.63% Ni Eq)
- Technical Edge: The company's reprocessing of historical data demonstrates a commitment to applying advanced techniques to generate high-quality targets
The missed opportunity by previous explorers at Ashes creates a compelling entry point for investors. Historical drilling that failed to test the main anomaly—despite proximity to high-grade surface samples—suggests Adavale has identified a potentially significant oversight by previous operators, creating a high-conviction target for its upcoming drilling campaign.
Why Follow Adavale Resources
Adavale offers exposure to multiple commodities and jurisdictions, but its immediate focus on the Ashes Prospect presents a particularly compelling near-term opportunity. With drilling planned for Q2 2025, investors won't have to wait long to see whether the IP anomaly delivers on its promise.
The company's strategic approach—reprocessing historical data to identify missed opportunities and systematically building its geological understanding before drilling—demonstrates technical rigour that increases the probability of exploration success.
For investors seeking exposure to gold and copper exploration in a tier-one jurisdiction, with near-term drilling catalysts and the security of an existing resource base, Adavale Resources represents an opportunity to participate in a focused exploration program with clearly defined targets and an established pathway to growth.
Ready to Capitalise on This High-Grade Gold-Copper Discovery?
Discover how Adavale Resources is advancing its promising Ashes Prospect with a significant IP anomaly that previous explorers missed. With exceptional high-grade surface samples of up to 10.65 g/t gold and drilling planned for Q2 2025, now is the time to evaluate this compelling investment opportunity. For the complete details on this exciting development and to stay updated on Adavale's progress across its diversified portfolio, visit the company's ASX announcements page.
