Expansion of Cloncurry Copper-Gold Resource
True North Copper has announced a significant expansion of its Cloncurry copper-gold resource, with the total resource now standing at 108,720t of copper and 84,000oz of gold. This update marks an important milestone for the company as it continues to advance its pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the project.
The updated mineral resource estimates for the Cloncurry Copper Project (CCP) in northwest Queensland have resulted in an increase in contained metal and a higher level of confidence in existing resources. This development is crucial for determining the technical and economic viability of the project.
Key Updates to the Great Australia and Taipan Deposits
True North Copper initiated the resource update for the Great Australia and Taipan deposits to support the ongoing PFS for the CCP. The managing director of TNC, Andrew Mooney, highlighted that the updates to the Great Australia and Taipan resources built directly on the technical baseline established at Wallace North, providing a stronger, more current resource platform across the entire Cloncurry project.
“The uplift in tonnes and contained metal – taking the Cloncurry Copper Project to around 109kt of contained copper, alongside gold – together with a higher proportion of indicated material, reinforces our confidence in the geological model and improves the quality of inputs into our 2026 PFS work,” he said.
Mooney also mentioned that with PFS activities underway and drilling programs set to commence across CCP, the company’s focus is on targeted extension and infill opportunities, as well as priority regional targets, to continue growing the resource base and advance development options in the short to medium term.
Resource Upgrades at Great Australia and Taipan
True North Copper upgraded the total Cloncurry resource by 7% to 109,000t of contained copper and gold estimates by 9% to 84,000oz of contained gold. Much of the increase in contained metal came from a 13.5% increase in tonnage at the Great Australia deposit, which TNC lifted to 5.29Mt at 0.86% Cu and 0.07g/t Au.
Additionally, the confidence of the Taipan resource was increased, lifting the estimate from 90% to 95% within the higher certainty indicated JORC category. Taipan hosts 5.21Mt at 0.57% Cu, 0.13g/t Au and 0.02% cobalt.
Future Plans and Exploration Activities
Looking ahead, TNC will focus its attention on strengthening key PFS technical inputs and selectively testing the potential for further resource growth. The company intends to complete the following:
- Further metallurgical and geotechnical drilling and testwork, to refine recovery assumptions and strengthen pit design and mine planning inputs for future study work.
- Targeted extension and infill drilling at Wallace North, integrating updated geological and geophysical interpretation to test high-grade mineralisation at depth and along strike and improve drill density in priority near-resource areas.
- Continued exploration within the Cloncurry copper project footprint and selected regional targets, including Salebury and Chumvale, to test additional mineralised systems and support longer-term resource growth.
This article was developed in collaboration with True North Copper, a advertiser at the time of publishing. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
