QMines' Scorpion-Window Deposit Delivers Higher-Grade Feed for Regional Copper Hub
QMines Limited (ASX:QML) has announced promising results from an open pit scoping level optimisation at its Scorpion-Window deposit within the Develin Creek project in central Queensland, confirming a significant production target of 930,000 tonnes grading 1.73% copper equivalent (CuEq).
Strategic Expansion Supports Regional Hub Strategy
The optimisation results further strengthen QMines' vision to establish a centralised processing hub at Mount Chalmers, with the Scorpion-Window deposit now positioned to provide high-grade feed to complement the company's existing resources.
The optimised material delivers grades of 1.21% Cu, 0.95% Zn, 0.2g/t Au and 8.1g/t Ag, with a copper equivalent grade of 1.73% CuEq – higher than the current Mount Chalmers resource grade. Importantly, 98% of this production target is classified in the higher-confidence Indicated resource category.
Executive Chairman Andrew Sparke commented: "The optimisation of Scorpion-Window is another important step forward for QMines. With higher grade material and 98% of the production target in the Indicated category, we are confident the Develin Creek project can deliver high-grade feed into the proposed Mt Chalmers processing hub."
Resource Growth Strengthens Regional Potential
This latest development increases QMines' total optimised open pit material across its three project areas (Mt Chalmers, Develin Creek, and Mt Mackenzie) to 13.6Mt, representing a 3.2Mt increase over the initial 10.4Mt from Mt Chalmers alone.
The Scorpion-Window optimisation results reflect a comprehensive study using various assumptions including updated metal pricing, mining and processing costs, and metallurgical recoveries derived from testwork undertaken by ALS laboratories.
Impressive Metallurgical Performance
Initial metallurgical testwork has demonstrated excellent recovery rates, with copper and zinc recoveries exceeding 90%:
- 93.7% copper recovery
- 93.1% zinc recovery
- 51% high-grade pyrite concentrate with 75.8% sulphur recovery
These recovery rates position the Scorpion-Window deposit as a strategically valuable asset within QMines' growing portfolio.
Understanding Volcanic Massive Sulphide Deposits
The Develin Creek Project hosts Volcanic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposits, a type of mineral deposit formed through ancient hydrothermal events on the seafloor. VMS deposits typically contain base metals like copper and zinc in concentrated form, often with precious metal credits.
At Develin Creek, the shallow, near-surface VMS-style deposits make them well-suited to conventional open-pit mining with relatively low extraction costs. The mineral-rich nature of VMS deposits often results in higher-grade material that can enhance the economics of a mining operation.
VMS deposits are recognised for their clustering nature, where multiple ore bodies can occur within a district. This characteristic aligns with QMines' regional hub strategy, allowing for the potential discovery and development of additional deposits within their tenement holdings.
The mineralisation process in VMS deposits involves the circulation of metal-rich hydrothermal fluids through volcanic rocks on the seafloor. As these hot fluids make contact with cold seawater, they precipitate metals to form massive sulphide deposits. The mineral assemblage typically includes copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver in varying concentrations.
For mining companies, VMS deposits present advantages including:
- Polymetallic nature, providing multiple revenue streams
- Often relatively high grades compared to other deposit types
- Well-understood metallurgical characteristics
- Potential for district-scale opportunities
The Develin Creek VMS deposits add valuable diversification to QMines' resource portfolio, complementing their existing Mt Chalmers operations and strengthening their position as an emerging copper producer in central Queensland.
Future Development Timeline
QMines is advancing several parallel workstreams as it moves toward the delivery of an updated Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) planned for the first half of 2026:
- Develin Creek Drilling: Ongoing drilling at the Sulphide City deposit with assay results expected in Q3-2025
- Mount Mackenzie: Maiden drilling to commence in October 2026
- Mine Designs: Open pit designs and mine plans now underway for Scorpion-Window
- Metallurgical Testwork: Ongoing PFS-level testing to inform processing route selection
- Preliminary Scoping Study: To evaluate the combined project's initial economic parameters
- Updated PFS: Integration of all workstreams into a comprehensive PFS in H1-2026
Investment Perspective: Growing Central Queensland Copper Hub
QMines is methodically building a multi-deposit copper and gold operation in central Queensland. With three project areas now showing positive economic potential, the company is executing on its strategy to create a regional processing hub at Mount Chalmers.
The addition of the high-grade Scorpion-Window deposit enhances the overall project economics by potentially providing higher-grade material to blend with the existing Mt Chalmers resource. This approach could optimize metal recovery and potentially extend the mine life beyond initial projections.
With robust metallurgical recoveries already demonstrated and several additional deposits still to be optimized, QMines appears well-positioned to develop a significant, long-life copper and gold operation for Central Queensland.
Investors should note that the copper market outlook remains strong due to anticipated supply deficits and growing demand from renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors, potentially supporting favorable economics for QMines' development plans.
The company's staged approach to resource development, with sequential optimization of multiple deposits, provides a clear pathway to establishing a regional production hub. The high proportion of Indicated resources (98%) in the Scorpion-Window deposit adds confidence to the development timeline and potential economics.
For investors considering exposure to the copper sector, QMines offers a structured development pathway with multiple value catalysts expected over the next 12-18 months as they advance toward an updated PFS in 2026.
Ready to Explore QMines' Growing Copper Portfolio?
QMines is methodically building a multi-deposit copper hub in central Queensland, with the high-grade Scorpion-Window deposit now set to enhance their regional strategy. To learn more about this emerging ASX-listed copper producer and their promising development pathway towards a Pre-Feasibility Study in 2026, visit QMines' investor page for comprehensive information about their copper-gold opportunity.
