Diamond drilling is expected to commence within the next four weeks at West Cobar Metals’ wholly-owned Bulla Park copper project in the Cobar Basin of New South Wales.

A revised model suggests the widespread copper mineralisation identified at the project to date could reflect a “halo” around a higher-grade pipe or stockwork system similar to other deposits in the region.

Interpretation of detailed low-level aeromagnetics has defined specific targets which could relate to these mineralised zones.

The company said a diamond hole would be drilled as soon as a rig is available this month.

Exploration will target sediment-hosted copper mineralisation.

Project location

Bulla Park is located approximately 110 kilometres west of Cobar and comprises four granted exploration licences.

Drill intersections to date have indicated a widespread copper (silver) mineralised system hosted by Palaeozoic age sediments of the West Cobar Basin, demonstrating previously-unrecognised potential.

Towards the end of 2021, West Cobar drilled seven diamond drill holes with mud rotary collars for a total of 2057 metres.

All assays returned copper intersections, confirming the stratabound model for copper mineralisation at sub-economic grades.

Mediation withdrawal

Meanwhile, West Cobar Metals has withdrawn from a mediation and arbitration process involving landholders at the Cawkers Well project in NSW.

The project area includes several potentially-significant gold mineralised magnetic linear structures which require definition and drill testing.

However ongoing land disputes have meant the company has been unable to access the areas for its planned exploration.

In March, West Cobar applied to the state’s arbitration panel for the appointment of an independent party to act as mediator and arbitrator.

The first mediation meeting was held recently and the ongoing process was expected to cost up to $150,000 with a duration of at least six months.

West Cobar’s board of directors has since evaluated all options going forward and decided to re-direct mediation funds into higher priority projects.

It has confirmed the majority of the Cawkers Well tenement area will be surrendered.

Nantilla negotiations

The company is still in negotiations to secure an access agreement with landholders at the Nantilla project, also in NSW.

If successful, an aeromagnetic survey and drill program will be carried out.