Qmines Limited, an Australian exploration and development company, has reported significant copper mineralisation following drilling at its Scorpion deposit, part of the Mt Chalmers project in central Queensland. The company confirmed the findings in its most recent drilling updates, where it targeted areas of known mineralisation to extend the boundaries of the resource and enhance its overall understanding of the deposit’s scale and potential.
The Scorpion deposit is located approximately 17 kilometres north of Rockhampton and is one of several targets within the Mt Chalmers mining site. Mt Chalmers itself is historically recognised as a productive mining location, having previously yielded copper, gold, and zinc during earlier phases of its operation. Qmines acquired the Mt Chalmers project with the intention of revitalising the resource potential through modern exploration techniques.
The drilling programme at Scorpion aimed to intersect regions suspected of hosting high-grade mineralisation. According to data released by Qmines, initial results indicate strong copper intersections, with assays confirming substantial mineral concentrations. The recent exploration campaign included both reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling methods, which allowed for the collection of comprehensive geological data.
One of the most prominent findings to emerge from the drilling campaign was the identification of zones with notable copper grades. Specific drill holes reportedly returned grades exceeding one per cent copper over significant widths, reinforcing the company’s confidence in the potential of this deposit. Additionally, some of the drill samples also contained anomalous traces of gold and zinc, consistent with the polymetallic nature of the broader Mt Chalmers system.
Qmines’ Managing Director, Andrew Sparke, highlighted the importance of the drilling results, describing the intersections as a positive development for the Mt Chalmers project. While the company has focused heavily on copper, the broader mineralisation encountered during the programme aligns with historic records that indicate the area’s polymetallic potential. Sparke noted that the results are an encouraging step towards Qmines’ strategy of expanding the resource base and building long-term value for shareholders.
The Mt Chalmers project, including the Scorpion deposit, has a mineral resource estimate that aligns with JORC (Joint Ore Reserves Committee) standards, an important compliance framework for resource evaluation in Australia. Qmines had previously reported an estimate of over 73,000 tonnes of contained copper within the broader Mt Chalmers property, alongside significant estimates of contained gold and zinc. The company’s ongoing exploration is expected to update these figures, although Qmines has not yet announced a timeline for a revised resource report.
The drilling programme at Scorpion builds on earlier studies suggesting that the deposit has an extensive strike length and remains open at depth. The latest results support the hypothesis that additional resources could exist beyond currently modelled boundaries, potentially warranting further drilling in this area. However, Qmines has not disclosed a timeline for future exploration activities at Scorpion or other nearby targets.
Scorpion and the wider Mt Chalmers project are part of a broader trend within the Queensland mining industry, where copper is increasingly viewed as a critical commodity. With global demand for copper expected to rise amid the transition to renewable energy and electric vehicle technologies, companies like Qmines are well-positioned to benefit from favourable market dynamics. Nevertheless, Qmines has emphasised resource delineation and responsible development as key priorities for its projects.
The historic significance of Mt Chalmers adds additional layers to Qmines’ recent work. The area was previously mined sporadically from the late 19th century until the mid-1980s, generating substantial outputs but using methods and technologies now considered outdated. Qmines’ modern exploration campaigns leverage more advanced geological modelling, drilling methods, and assay technologies, which aim to maximise resource identification and extraction efficiency while also minimising environmental impacts.
The company has indicated that the Scorpion deposit represents just one facet of Mt Chalmers’ broader potential. Other prospects within the same project area are currently under evaluation, with further exploration programmes either planned or underway. Qmines has described its project portfolio as aligned with global priorities around green technologies and sustainable mining, partly due to copper’s essential role in electrification and renewable energy infrastructure.
Despite the positive drilling results, numerous challenges lie ahead for Qmines as it progresses through the development pipeline. These include obtaining regulatory approvals, completing infrastructure upgrades, and managing community and environmental responsibilities. The company has stated that it is committed to meeting all necessary compliance requirements and engaging transparently with local stakeholders.
No definitive timeline for production has been announced for Scorpion or the broader Mt Chalmers project. Qmines has framed its activities as focused on resource evaluation and feasibility studies before advancing to later-stage development phases. Investors and industry observers are likely to monitor closely for announcements regarding updated resource models or feasibility analyses in the coming months.
Strong copper prices and growing interest in the metal’s role in global decarbonisation efforts could provide supportive conditions for Qmines as it continues its exploration work. However, the company has yet to make public any cost estimates, production targets, or projected timelines related to Scorpion or other Mt Chalmers deposits. Analysts have noted that the overall success of the project will depend not only on resource quality but also on factors such as project economics, funding strategies, and long-term market conditions.
The results from Scorpion also come at a time of heightened interest in Queensland’s broader mining sector. The state government has identified critical minerals and base metals as key pillars for future economic development, providing both funding support and regulatory stability to encourage exploration and mining investment. For companies like Qmines, this policy landscape offers potential advantages in navigating project milestones.
Further updates from Qmines regarding the Scorpion drilling campaign and associated resource areas are anticipated. The company has stated that all exploration activity reflects its commitment to enhancing shareholder value while maintaining responsible business practices. However, specific next steps remain unannounced, leaving room for further clarifications via forthcoming reports.
References:
Original article: https://industryqld.com.au/strong-copper-strikes-at-qmines-scorpion-deposit/
Cross-referenced information verified from:
– Qmines official website and investor reports (https://qmines.com.au/)
– Australian Mining (https://www.australianmining.com.au/)
– Queensland Government Department of Resources (https://www.resources.qld.gov.au/)