QMines Ltd (ASX:QML) has announced initial results from the maiden drilling program at its Develin Creek project northwest of Rockhampton in Queensland.
Early results from the first two drillholes at the project’s Scorpion Prospect demonstrate the prospect is a shallow and high-grade copper and zinc deposit with potential to grow the mine life at Mt Chalmers.
The high-grade copper, gold, silver and zinc values are highly encouraging, while the sulphur values are included for potential marketing as a pyrite concentrate.
Results include 31 metres at 2.35% copper, 0.37g/t gold, 20g/t silver, 2.37% zinc and 19% sulphur from 104 metres; and 17 metres at 2.88% copper, 0.61g/t gold, 21g/t silver, 2.06% zinc and 24% sulphur from 106 metres.
The company says drilling is progressing well with 14 holes now completed for 1,700 metres of drilling.
QMines recently completed metallurgical testwork of the mineralisation at the Develin Creek deposit which showed excellent recoveries for copper and gold, and lesser recoveries for zinc.
"We are especially pleased with these initial results from the first drillholes completed at the Develin Creek copper project,” said QMines chair Andrew Sparke.
“With the recent announcement of positive metallurgical testwork results along with the imminent acquisition of the remaining interest in the project, we look forward to completing the drilling program this year and providing an updated mineral resource estimate soon after."
Drillhole locations, Scorpion prospect showing section line A-A.
Develin Creek Project
The Develin Creek Project comprises several volcanic hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) copper-zinc deposits within the Rookwood Volcanics.
QMines signed a term sheet to acquire an initial interest of 51% of the project from Zenith Minerals in August 2023 and retained the right to acquire the remaining 49% interest within 12 months.
The company has now agreed to purchase the remaining interest in the project which is due to be settled by the end of the month.
QMines completed a mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the project in September 2023, announcing a combined resource of 3.2 million tonnes at 1.05% copper, 1.22% zinc, 0.17g/t gold and 5.9g/t silver, with 53% classified as inferred.
Location and Infrastructure surrounding the Mt Chalmers and Develin Creek projects.