en.Wedoany.com Reported - Anax Metals (ASX:ANX) has commenced the first phase of a diamond drilling program at the Mons Cupri copper-zinc deposit within the Whim Creek Project in Western Australia, comprising 18 holes for a total of 5,000 meters.
The program is being overseen by recently appointed director and geologist Nick Jolly, with a primary focus on extending known mineralization at depth.
Anax stated that this drilling marks the start of systematic exploration aimed at achieving resource growth and discovering new volcanic-hosted massive sulfide (VHMS) deposits across the project area. Whim Creek remains a largely underexplored VHMS field.
Managing Director Geoff Laing noted that in recent years, the company's ability to conduct systematic exploration has been constrained by its focus on restarting mining operations. He added that this program is the first step in unlocking the broader exploration potential of Whim Creek.
"While the initial drilling program focuses on extending known mineralization and expanding the Mons Cupri mineral resource, we believe that through systematic exploration of the entire project area, Whim Creek has the potential to deliver additional VHMS discoveries," Laing said.
Mons Cupri has an ore reserve of 2.55 million tonnes at 1.09% copper and 1.29% zinc, accounting for 55% of the total proven and probable ore reserves. It is expected to provide the primary feed for the planned 400,000-tonne-per-annum processing plant during the early stages of operations.
Historical drilling at Mons Cupri has returned intercepts including 80 meters at 1.95% copper from 78 meters depth, 63 meters at 1.91% copper from 48 meters depth, and 53 meters at 1.73% copper from 40 meters depth. These results confirm the volume and metal potential of individual mineralized bodies across multiple drill holes.
Anax has engaged Newexco Exploration Services to review historical geophysical datasets and support downhole electromagnetic activities. The company confirmed that following the recent capital raising, all preparations for the drilling start are complete, with the exploration team mobilized and permits and earthworks in place. TopDrill is scheduled to begin drilling in mid-July.
Anax holds an 80% interest in the Whim Creek Project, located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is the only fully permitted, development-ready base metals project in the West Pilbara capable of processing both oxide and sulfide ores. Anax Metals is an exploration and development company focused on copper, zinc, and gold projects in Western Australia.
