OD6 Metals Strikes High-Grade Copper in First Modern Drilling at Gulf Creek
OD6 Metals (ASX: OD6) has validated historical mining records with significant discoveries at its Gulf Creek Copper Project in New South Wales, confirming high-grade copper-zinc-silver mineralisation in the first modern drilling program at the site in over 60 years.
Massive Sulphide Discovery Validates Historic High-Grade Mine Potential
The company's initial six-hole drilling program has delivered exceptional results, intercepting significant massive sulphide zones beneath historic workings. The discoveries at OD6 Metals Gulf Creek project have produced several notable high-grade intercepts:
- 8m @ 1.41% Copper, 1.26% Zinc and 7.08g/t Silver in hole GCC0004 from 108m, including 5m @ 2.13% Copper, 1.82% Zinc, 10.74g/t Silver
- 6m @ 1.32% Copper, 2.82% Zinc and 9.02g/t Silver in hole GCC0006 from 116m
- 1m @ 4.33% Copper, 1.02% Zinc and 2.5g/t Silver in hole GCC0001 from 67m
The drilling program has established a clear correlation between strong magnetic signatures and high-grade copper mineralisation, validating the company's targeting methodology. This relationship is particularly important as it suggests potential for similar mineralisation at OD6's untested extensional targets at Big Bend, West Limb, and Northwest Zone.
"The results from the initial six holes in Phase 1 are excellent, with the presence of zones of massive to semi-massive sulphides that have significant grade and align well with the historic workings at Gulf Creek. We are also pleasantly surprised at the broad disseminated copper mineralisation seen from surface in three of the holes, suggesting the potential of a larger system," said Managing Director Brett Hazelden.
Extensive Near-Surface Mineralisation Indicates Larger System Potential
Beyond the high-grade massive sulphide zones, the drilling also encountered broad zones of near-surface copper mineralisation, including:
- 29m @ 0.16% Copper in hole GCC0004 from 3m
- 19m @ 0.13% Copper in hole GCC0005 from surface
- 15m @ 0.15% Copper in hole GCC0003 from 4m
- 5m @ 0.28% Copper in hole GCC0006 from 0m
These near-surface intersections are particularly encouraging as they suggest multiple phases of mineralisation and the potential for a much larger system than previously recognised.
Understanding VMS Deposits: The Key to Gulf Creek's Potential
The drilling has confirmed that Gulf Creek displays the classic stratigraphic succession of a "Besshi" type Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) system.
What are VMS Deposits?
VMS deposits form through underwater volcanic activity, where metal-rich fluids are released into seawater. These fluids cool rapidly and form sulphide minerals on or near the seafloor. VMS deposits typically occur in clusters, which is why the confirmed VMS signature at Gulf Creek is significant for the project's overall potential.
The key geological indicators identified in the drilling include:
- A classic VMS stratigraphic succession from sediments to hydrothermal magnetite-altered basalt to sulphides and jaspilites
- Strong relationship between magnetism and mineralisation
- Exhalative jaspilite unit immediately above the main mineralised horizons
- Footwall containing basalt and hydrothermal magnetite
This geological model supports the potential for multiple deposit centres across OD6's tenement.
The discoveries at OD6 Metals Gulf Creek project are particularly significant given the distinctive VMS characteristics that have been identified. These deposits are highly valued in the mining industry due to their typically high-grade nature and potential for multiple metals, including copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver.
Significant Exploration Upside with Multiple Target Zones
The main mineralised lode has now been confirmed over approximately 200m of drilled strike-length and is assumed to continue the length of the historic workings at over 300m of strike length. However, the most compelling aspect is the extension potential.
OD6 has identified several promising untested target areas based on geophysical modelling and surface sampling:
- Big Bend Target: Strong magnetism, surface jaspilites, increased IP geophysics effect, surface anomalism in Cu-Ce
- West Limb Target: Strong magnetism, surface jaspilites, surface anomalism in Cu-Ce
- Northwestern Target: Strong magnetism, surface jaspilites, surface anomalism in Cu-Co-Ag-Be-Ce-Zn
These untested magnetic structures cover an extent of approximately 3km, with a modelled depth in excess of 500m, representing significant exploration upside for the project.
| Target Zone | Key Characteristics | Potential Minerals |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bend | Strong magnetism, surface jaspilites, IP effect | Cu, Ce |
| West Limb | Strong magnetism, surface jaspilites | Cu, Ce |
| Northwestern | Strong magnetism, surface jaspilites | Cu, Co, Ag, Be, Ce, Zn |
Upcoming Catalysts and Development Plans
OD6 has received permission from the NSW Resource Regulator to recommence exploration activities at Gulf Creek, following a temporary cessation. The company plans to:
- Drill at least one deep hole (to approximately 400m) for down-hole geophysics
- Follow up on massive sulphide mineralisation intersected further down dip
- Test the large-scale greenfield extensional targets at Big Bend, West Limb, and Northwest Zone
The positive results from this initial drilling program strengthen confidence in the potential of these untested extensional targets and validate OD6's targeting methodology.
Why Investors Should Watch OD6 Metals
OD6 Metals presents a compelling investment case with its dual focus on critical minerals:
-
Advancing Gulf Creek VMS Copper-Zinc Project: The high-grade results confirm the potential of this historically significant mine, with excellent exploration upside across multiple untested targets.
-
Australia's Largest Clay-Hosted Rare Earths Resource: The company's Splinter Rock Project hosts Australia's largest and highest-grade clay-hosted rare earths deposit with an Indicated Resource of 119Mt @ 1,632ppm TREO and an Inferred Resource of 563Mt @ 1,275ppm TREO.
The discoveries at OD6 Metals Gulf Creek project add significant value to the company's portfolio, providing investors with exposure to both copper and rare earths – two critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. With ongoing exploration activities and a clear path to potential resource definition, OD6 Metals is strategically positioned to benefit from the growing demand for these essential metals.
The intersection of high-grade copper mineralisation ranging from 1.32% to 4.33% copper, combined with significant zinc and silver credits, demonstrates the potential economic value of the Gulf Creek project. Furthermore, the project shows similarities to porphyry and epithermal deposits in terms of its potential economic impact. As OD6 continues its exploration program, investors should monitor developments closely for further validation of the project's scale and grade consistency, especially considering the rising interest in mining investments in resource-rich regions.
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