True North Copper Ramps Up Exploration with IP Survey at Mt Oxide Project
True North Copper has mobilised exploration crews and launched a comprehensive induced polarisation (IP) survey at its Mt Oxide project in Northwest Queensland. This strategic move is designed to extend the emerging Aquila copper discovery and generate a pipeline of new drill-ready targets across a significant structural corridor.
Building on Proven Success with Geophysical Techniques
The exploration strategy leverages a proven formula that previously led to the Aquila discovery in 2023. Using geophysical methods, the company achieved broad, high-grade copper intercepts, including an impressive 145 metres at 0.75 per cent copper and 59 metres at 1.77 per cent copper. The new IP survey will expand efforts over an 11km-plus corridor, targeting extensions to Aquila and regional prospects such as Ivena, Rhea, Apollo, and Acanthis.
True North Copper's core focus remains the Dorman fault and the broader Mt Gordon corridor, which hosts the substantial Vero deposit. Notably, 29Metal's 20-million-tonne Capricorn copper deposit, grading 1.2 per cent, is located just 30km to the south, highlighting the area's rich mineral potential.
Why IP is the Preferred Method for Copper Exploration
Management selected IP as the preferred geophysical technique due to its effective response to the highly conductive and chargeable chalcocite (copper sulphide) mineralogy common in the region. Importantly, the local geology lacks conductive shales that can cause false-positive responses, making IP a reliable tool for identifying genuine targets. This approach is expected to provide pivotal datasets to refine and prioritise drill targets for the upcoming 2026 drilling season, which is set to commence imminently.
Aquila Discovery Demonstrates Scale and Potential
The initial discovery hole at Aquila in mid-2023 returned a remarkable 30-metre intercept grading 2.45 per cent copper from just 20 metres downhole, including a higher-grade zone of 10 metres at 5.31 per cent copper. Subsequent drilling confirmed a scalable mineralised system, with results such as a 145-metre hit and a 98-metre section running 0.61 per cent copper from 57 metres.
"The Aquila discovery has demonstrated the scale and potential of the Mt Oxide system, confirming that our geophysics-led approach can deliver high-quality copper discoveries along the Dorman Fault and broader Mt Gordon corridor," said True North Copper managing director Andrew Mooney.
Strategic Partnerships and Resource Development
True North Copper has established a strong track record in Northwest Queensland, with multiple promising deposits in a favourable copper price environment. The company also holds significant copper resources at its Cloncurry development to the southeast, an area with a storied mining history. A strategic partnership with global heavyweight Glencore at Cloncurry facilitates toll treatment of resources, supported by locked-in offtake agreements for copper concentrate, aiding near-term production goals.
Funds from these initiatives are largely allocated to exploration at Mt Oxide, including expanding the high-grade Vero deposit. Current inventories at Vero stand at 15.03 million tonnes, grading 1.46 per cent copper and 10.58g/t silver, alongside a cobalt resource of 9.15 million tonnes grading 0.23 per cent.
Looking Ahead to a Busy Exploration Year
With survey crews back on the ground and drill rigs mobilising, True North Copper aims to replicate its discovery success across a larger area. The expanded IP survey is hoped to reveal new anomalies, positioning drillers for a productive year in Queensland's copper-rich heartland. This effort underscores the company's commitment to advancing its portfolio and capitalising on the region's mineral wealth.
