en.Wedoany.com Reported - Canterbury Resources (ASX:CBY) says initial drilling results at the Briggs copper project in Queensland are consistent with the current resource block model, while drill preparation work at the nearby Monto project continues. Seven holes totaling more than 2,400 metres have been completed at the project, with assay results received for the first three holes.

Hole 26BRD0039 intersected a 322.3-metre zone from 6.5 metres downhole, grading 0.17% copper, 10ppm molybdenum and 0.58 g/t silver; including an 86.9-metre zone from 207.1 metres grading 0.23% copper, 6ppm molybdenum and 0.78 g/t silver. Hole 26BRD0040 intersected a 388.4-metre zone from 4.2 metres downhole, grading 0.15% copper, 10ppm molybdenum and 0.45 g/t silver. Hole 26BRD0041 returned a 400.5-metre zone from 3.5 metres downhole, grading 0.13% copper, 18ppm molybdenum and 0.42 g/t silver.

Each hole ended in mineralisation at or near the planned final depth. Canterbury says the assay results show minimal deviation from model-predicted grades, validating the block model used in the mineral resource estimate.

The drilling is part of the Briggs copper pre-feasibility study, with concurrent supporting work including metallurgical testing, environmental baseline studies and early engineering design. At a 0.15% copper cut-off grade, Briggs has a mineral resource of 2 million tonnes of copper, 73 million pounds of molybdenum and 16.5 million ounces of silver.

Canterbury's 2026 infill drilling program comprises 41 holes totaling approximately 12,500 metres, of which seven have been completed to date. A further four exploration holes totaling approximately 1,250 metres will test copper anomalies outside the current resource boundaries.

In addition, 35 holes totaling approximately 17,500 metres are planned for the first half of 2027. Canterbury says the drilling is intended to upgrade inferred resources to indicated resources.

Drilling at the Briggs project is funded by Alma Metals (ASX:ALM). Alma Metals has contributed A$15.25 million and can earn up to a 70% interest in the project under the agreement.

At the Monto project, Canterbury continues to advance drill preparation, with approximately 2,000 metres of diamond drilling planned to commence in late August at its wholly-owned John Hill deposit to test the northeastern extension of the deposit, with drilling expected to continue into the first half of 2027.

Managing Director Grant Craighead said the pace of drilling across the company's Queensland portfolio was accelerating. "We are pleased with the progress made to date and look forward to a steady flow of results over the next 15 months," he said.