NickelSearch (ASX: NIS) has commenced RC drilling at the recently acquired Mt Isa North Project in Queensland.
The Surprise copper prospect has historical drill intercepts identifying thick, high-grade copper mineralisation and is the first to be drill tested by Nickelsearch.
The historic Surprise copper-gold mine produced approximately 5,600t of material, grading 10-22% Cu and 2-4g/t Au.
This initial drill programme comprises roughly eleven holes for about 1,500m and aims to confirm historical drilling while testing extensions of the copper mineralisation.
"Nickelsearch is embarking on a new and exciting journey of exploration, and we are thrilled to have our investors along for the ride as we hunt for the "red metal" in Queensland. Nickelsearch has a "laser" focus on exploring the potential of this newly acquired project suite and to build opportunity for our investors," CEO, Johan Lambrechts, said.
"Our maiden drill programme at the Surprise Copper Prospect aims to validate historical drilling and extend known mineralisation. It will form the basis of future activities at Surprise as we plan to build something meaningful there. The greater project suite includes several additional and exciting copper prospects, which we will explore in conjunction with our main targets and priorities.
"We also have strong uranium prospects in the region, but for the near term, we will focus on advancing the copper prospects and our shareholder value."
The historical Surprise Copper Mine is situated about 80km NE of Mount Isa and is considered a structurally hosted high-grade copper-gold target.
Historic mining exploited a 3m to 10m thick mineralised calcite vein and recorded historic production of ~5,600 tonnes grading at between 10 % to 22 % Cu and 2 to 4 g/t Au with significant silver.
The maiden 1,500 m RC drilling programme on the Surprise prospect consisting of eleven planned holes has commenced.
Drilling is expected to take roughly two weeks, after which the samples will be dispatched to the laboratory for testing. The results are expected in the new year and will be released to the market after quality control, review and interpretation.