Major 7,000m Drilling Campaign Targets Multiple Base Metal Prospects
AusQuest Limited (ASX: AQD) has announced the commencement of a substantial drilling program at its Balladonia Project in Western Australia's Fraser Range region. The company is preparing access for a ~7,000-meter Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program targeting copper, lead, and zinc prospects, with drilling expected to begin by mid-April 2025.
The ambitious campaign will include approximately 35 drill holes across multiple targets defined through magnetic, gravity, and electromagnetic (EM) surveys. The program is fully funded under AusQuest's strategic alliance with South32 and is expected to take six weeks to complete, with initial assay results anticipated eight weeks after drilling commences.
This drilling initiative represents a significant advancement in AusQuest Ltd Balladonia drilling program, where geological indicators have shown geological similarities with high-producing regions like Northwest Queensland and Broken Hill.
Strategic Targeting of Broken Hill Type Mineralisation
The RC drilling program has been strategically designed to test priority targets for Broken Hill Type (BHT) lead, zinc, and silver mineralisation identified from previous exploration work. The program will also investigate strong conductors revealed by electromagnetic surveys that potentially indicate massive sulphides containing copper and possibly nickel, or graphitic targets.
AusQuest Managing Director Graeme Drew emphasised the importance of this campaign: "We are very pleased to be drilling again at Balladonia now that we have successfully defined some promising large-scale base metal targets for drill-testing within this highly prospective geological environment."
The company's exploration methodology is guided by geological comparisons with highly productive mining regions, with Drew noting that "geological comparisons that have been made with productive base metal regions like NW Queensland and Broken Hill will be tested by this upcoming drill program, which could provide an exciting new development for the Company."
Understanding Broken Hill Type Deposits: A Potential Game-Changer
Broken Hill Type (BHT) deposits represent some of the world's most valuable base metal resources. These deposits are typically characterised by high concentrations of lead, zinc, and silver, often occurring in metamorphosed sedimentary rocks. The Broken Hill deposit in New South Wales is the namesake for this deposit type and has produced over 300 million tonnes of high-grade ore since its discovery.
What makes BHT deposits particularly valuable to investors is their typically large size, high grades, and potential for multiple valuable metals. The Cannington deposit in Northwest Queensland, which shares geological similarities with the targets at Balladonia, is one of the world's largest producers of silver, lead, and zinc.
If the AusQuest Ltd Balladonia drilling program confirms BHT-style mineralisation, it could represent a significant new discovery in an area not previously known for this type of deposit, potentially unlocking substantial value for shareholders.
Exploration Timeline and Next Steps
| Phase | Timeline | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Access Preparation | Early April 2025 | Site preparation and access development |
| Drilling Program | Mid-April to June 2025 | ~7,000m RC drilling across 35 holes |
| Initial Assay Results | June-July 2025 | First laboratory results expected |
| Follow-up Analysis | Q3 2025 | Interpretation and potential follow-up exploration |
The upcoming program builds on previous exploration success at Balladonia, where earlier drilling and geophysical surveys have progressively refined target areas along the Tea Tree Trend. The company has methodically built its understanding of the property through detailed gravity and magnetic surveys, combined with geochemical data from previous drilling campaigns.
Balladonia: A Multi-Potential Geological Setting
The Balladonia Project comprises 11 Exploration Licences covering approximately 1,150 square kilometres within the structurally complex Fraser Range Terrane of Western Australia. What makes this project particularly compelling for investors is its diverse mineral potential:
- Broken Hill Type (BHT) deposits – Similar to those found in the Eastern Succession of Northwest Queensland and at Broken Hill in NSW
- Iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposits – A globally significant deposit class that includes Olympic Dam
- Nickel-copper deposits – Similar to the Nova-Bollinger deposit in the adjacent Fraser Range District
This geological diversity significantly increases the discovery opportunities at Balladonia and helps explain why South32, through its Strategic Alliance Agreement, has chosen to fund the extensive AusQuest Ltd Balladonia drilling program.
Why Investors Should Track AusQuest's Balladonia Progress
AusQuest presents a compelling opportunity for investors interested in navigating risks and rewards in mineral exploration with several key advantages:
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Strategic Partnership Funding – The drilling program is funded through the Strategic Alliance Agreement with South32, significantly reducing financial risk while validating the project's technical merit
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Multiple Commodity Exposure – The project targets a range of valuable metals including copper, lead, zinc, silver, and potentially nickel
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Proven Exploration Methodology – The company has systematically built its targeting model using multiple geophysical and geochemical techniques
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Experienced Technical Team – Led by Managing Director Graeme Drew, a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy with extensive exploration experience
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Near-term Catalysts – With drilling commencing in April and results expected in approximately three months, investors won't have long to wait for potential value-driving news
AusQuest has positioned itself to test multiple large-scale base metal targets in a geological setting that shares characteristics with some of Australia's most prolific mining districts. The upcoming AusQuest Ltd Balladonia drilling program represents a significant milestone that could potentially transform the company's prospects and deliver substantial value to shareholders if successful.
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