GreenTech Metals (ASX:GRE) has initiated its Stage 2 drilling campaign at the Whundo Copper-Zinc (Cu-Zn) Project in Western Australia’s West Pilbara. The program, encompassing approximately 4,000 metres of diamond core drilling, builds on the success of earlier exploration that underscored the project’s significant potential for resource expansion.
First drillhole of the Stage 2 drill campaign at Whundo
Targeting Resource Growth
The Whundo Project hosts a cluster of Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposits, featuring six known mineralised shoots—Whundo East, Whundo West, Austin, Shelby, Yannery, and Ayshia. These collectively contain an existing resource of 6.19Mt at 1.12% copper and 1.04% zinc. However, recent exploration indicates considerable room for growth, with new conductor plates identified at depth and along strike.
Executive Director Tom Reddicliffe expressed enthusiasm about the campaign, stating:
“With a host of untested conductors associated with mineralised copper shoots identified at our Whundo VMS cluster project, we are excited to get the drill bit spinning. This campaign is aimed at unlocking significant additional resources.”
Focus of Stage 2 Exploration
Whundo Resources, Prospects and Drill Targets over Electromagnetic Image (FLEM)
The drilling campaign will target high-priority conductor zones identified during Stage 1, particularly the under-explored mineralised shoots at Austin, Shelby, Yannery, and Ayshia. Among these:
- Shelby: Highlighted as a standout target with a highly conductive plate measuring over 400m in length and up to 100m wide. Previous drilling returned intercepts such as 11.25m at 1.6% copper, including 5.8m at 2.4% copper.
- Austin: Recent results include 16m at 1.2% copper, with strong evidence of deeper mineralisation linked to a robust conductor.
- Ayshia: Located 1.5km northeast of Whundo, Ayshia hosts high-grade intercepts such as 23.7m at 3.2% copper, with mineralisation remaining open at depth.
- Yannery: This historic copper-dominant site offers near-surface potential, with grades as high as 8m at 5.2% copper from 31m, including 1m at 23.1% copper.
Enhanced Geophysical Surveys to Aid Targeting
GreenTech is integrating Fixed Loop Electromagnetic (FLEM) and Downhole Electromagnetic (DHEM) surveys to refine drill targeting. The FLEM survey, using modern high-powered technology, aims to penetrate deeper than previous datasets, potentially uncovering new targets. Results from these surveys are expected in early January 2025, providing opportunities to reprioritise targets mid-campaign.
Strategic Momentum
The $2.3 million raised in a recent placement, coupled with a $1 million drill-for-equity arrangement and a government Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) grant, provides robust financial backing for this campaign. With global copper demand on the rise due to the energy transition, GreenTech’s efforts at Whundo align well with broader industry trends.
As the drills turn, GreenTech Metals is positioning Whundo as a key player in the West Pilbara’s mineral wealth. Shareholders can look forward to results from the campaign as early as the first quarter of 2025, potentially marking a new chapter of growth for this promising project.
