HLX: Canbelego Downhole Geophysics Update
Summary
- Helix Resources completed downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) geophysics on two drillholes at the Canbelego copper project.
- The DHEM surveys did not detect significant massive sulphides within 100 to 200m of the drillholes, despite the presence of a copper mineralised structure.
- The interpreted copper lodes are likely at a depth greater than 400m vertical.
- The focus will shift to the Bijoux copper anomaly, with infill auger programs planned to identify zones for drill testing.
- Assay and petrophysical results from the drillholes are pending and will be assessed to evaluate the prospectivity of the mineralised structure.
- Helix continues to progress other priority prospects including at the Eastern Group Tenements.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: The sentiment is neutral. While a mineralized structure was found, the targeted lodes are deeper than expected, shifting focus to another prospect. Further results are pending.
Highlights
- DHEM geophysics was completed on two drillholes (CBLRCDD065 and CBLRCDD066) at Canbelego.
- The DHEM did not detect significant massive sulphides within approximately 100 to 200m of the drillholes.
- Interpreted copper lodes are likely at a depth greater than 400m vertical.
- The focus will now move to the 1.6km long Bijoux copper anomaly.
- Infill auger program will be undertaken at Bijoux to identify zones of strongest copper mineralisation for drill testing.
Positives
- A copper mineralised structure was present in both drillholes.
- The newly drilled structural zone is considered prospective for massive sulphide copper lodes.
- The company has a large 1.6km long Bijoux copper anomaly to explore.
- Helix continues to progress other priority prospects including at the Eastern Group Tenements.
Negatives
- DHEM did not detect significant massive sulphides within approximately 100 to 200m of the drillholes.
- Interpreted copper lodes are likely at a depth greater than 400m vertical.
Risks
- The interpreted copper lodes are likely at a depth greater than 400m vertical, increasing drilling costs.
- Assay and petrophysical results from the drillholes are pending and may not be favorable.
- Exploration success at Bijoux is not guaranteed.
Future Outlook
The company plans to evaluate assay and petrophysical results from recent drillholes and conduct infill auger drilling at the Bijoux copper prospect. Exploration programs are continuing at the Company's Eastern Group Tenements.
Management Comments
- Kylie Prendergast, Managing Director: 'Despite a mineralised structure being intercepted where predicted, deployment of downhole EM geophysics leads us to believe further copper sulphide lodes in the Canbelego far west position will be deeper than 400m depth below surface or more than 200m along strike.'
- Kylie Prendergast, Managing Director: 'While we are waiting for final results, the focus will now shift back to Bijoux, where a well-developed surficial copper anomaly has seen very limited drill testing.'
Industry Context
This announcement reflects the ongoing exploration activities in the Cobar region of NSW, a prolific copper producing area. Companies like Aeris Resources (ASX:AIS), a joint venture partner in the Canbelego project, are also active in the region, highlighting the area's potential for copper discoveries.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- The exploration approach, including DHEM geophysics and auger drilling, is standard practice in the mining industry.
- The reported mineral resource estimate for the Canbelego Main Lode (1,830,000 tonnes at 1.74% Cu) is a benchmark for similar projects in the region.
- Companies like Sandfire Resources (ASX:SFR) and Glencore operate significant copper mines in similar geological settings, providing a basis for comparison.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders may experience short-term uncertainty due to the shift in exploration focus.
- Employees will be involved in the Bijoux exploration program.
- The local community may benefit from potential future mining activities.
Next Steps
- Evaluate assay results and petrophysical results for drillholes CBLRCDD065 and CBLRCDD066.
- Conduct auger infill drilling at the Bijoux copper prospect.
- Continue exploration programs at the Company's Eastern Group Tenements.
Key Dates
- 15 January 2024: Referenced ASX report regarding the Bijoux copper anomaly.
- 12 June 2024: Referenced ASX report.
Keywords
Filings with Classifications
Market Announcement
- The announcement concerns a capital raising by Aeris Resources Limited.
Quarterly Report
- Underground ore production was impacted by delays to stope filling at Budgerygar due to a failure of the newly commissioned paste pump.
- Ramp up to full production at Murrawombie Pit was slower than expected due to the contractor having difficulty securing skilled operators.
Mineral Resource Update
- The document contains better than expected results due to the significant increase in copper and gold resources at the Constellation deposit, with a substantial upgrade to the Indicated Mineral Resource.
Half-Year Results
- The company's financial results for HY25 are significantly better than HY24, with increased revenue, lower costs, and a substantial improvement in profitability.
Quarterly Report
- The ANZ facility was renewed to July 2025 to facilitate the refinancing process.
- The company is working to complete refinancing.
Quarterly Report
- There were delays to the paste fill plant at Budgerygar.
Quarterly Report
- The new paste fill pump and reticulation system at the Budgerygar mine was delayed due to overseas supplier issues.
Annual General Meeting Results
- The AGM approved the issuance of an additional 10% of the issued capital over a 12-month period.
Facility Extension Announcement
- The refinancing process implies the company is seeking additional capital, though the specific method is not detailed.
Quarterly Report
- Tritton and Cracow exceeded production expectations, resulting in better than expected overall production.
- The AISC was lower than expected, indicating better cost management.
Quarterly Operational Report
- The completion of mining activities at Mt Colin is now expected in late November 2024.
Quarterly Operational Report
- Copper equivalent production exceeded expectations, reaching 10.2kt for the quarter.
- All-in sustaining costs (AISC) were lower than anticipated at A$5.32/lb.
Annual Report
- Despite lower overall revenue, Aeris Resources significantly exceeded expectations for Adjusted EBITDA, demonstrating improved operational efficiency and benefiting from higher commodity prices.
Annual General Meeting Notice
- Resolution 3 proposes issuing up to an additional 10% of the issued capital over a 12-month period.
- Funds raised would be used for exploration, assessing investment opportunities, and working capital.
Company Presentation
- Mt Colin's copper production was below guidance due to limited toll processing availability, indicating a delay in processing mined ore.
Quarterly Activities Report
- Mining activities at Mt Colin are now expected to continue until early Q2 FY25, which is later than the previously expected late Q4 FY24.
Presentation
- Delays in toll processing for Mt Colin have resulted in a significant buildup of ore stockpiles.
Missing type for ID: 3564
- ASX:AIS announces worse than expected results.
Missing type for ID: 3564
- ASX:AIS announces better than expected results.
Metallurgical Testwork Results
- The metal recoveries are better than the original conventional flotation flowsheet.
Exploration Update
- The DHEM results suggest that the targeted copper lodes are deeper than initially anticipated, which could increase exploration costs and delay potential production.
Group Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement
- The Jaguar Ore Reserve has not been updated since the previous reporting period (end December 2022).
Group Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Statement
- The document contains worse than expected results due to the overall decrease in Group Ore Reserve tonnage.
Exploration Update
- The new IP anomaly is larger than the one associated with the existing Canbelego Main Lode, suggesting the potential for a larger copper deposit.
Quarterly Report
- Tritton's metal production was impacted by labour and equipment availability, leading to lower than expected output.
Quarterly Activities Report
- Mt Colin toll processing and copper production are behind schedule.
- Due to reduced processing runs through the year, copper production is forecast to be below guidance for FY24 at Mt Colin.
Exploration Update
- The document contains better than expected results because new geophysical surveys have identified significant new copper targets in close proximity to known, high-grade copper mineralisation at the Canbelego deposit.
Disclaimer: This summary was generated by artificial intelligence and its accuracy is not guaranteed. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or endorsement of any kind. It may contain errors or omissions. You should not rely on this information to make financial decisions. Always seek the advice of a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. Use of this information is at your own risk.