Australian Critical Minerals (ASX: ACM) has appointed a drilling contractor for its Flint project, signalling imminent drilling operations, a key step in its exploration strategy. This announcement follows recent updates outlining the project's drill-ready status and secured funding.
[Flint Drilling Contractor Appointed
Australian Critical Minerals (ASX: ACM)](https://smallcaps.com.au/stocks/asx-acm) has appointed the Flint Drill Contractor, with drilling operations now imminent at the Flint project. This appointment, announced on 5 March 2026, represents a significant step forward in the company's exploration strategy for the gold-silver project in Peru.
The move follows previous announcements confirming that Flint was drill-ready, with all necessary permits and funding secured to commence a maiden diamond drilling program.
Drill Ready Flint Project Update
Recent updates from February 2026 and January 2026 confirmed the Flint project's drill-ready status. These updates highlighted that permits and funding were secured for maiden diamond drilling to commence this quarter.
NSAMT geophysics modelling defined a 4 kilometre strike with a large high-sulphidation epithermal (HSE) gold-silver anomaly. Four priority diamond drill holes, totalling approximately 1,850 metres, are planned for the northern sector.
Geophysical and Geochemical Indicators
The NSAMT modelling was crucial for identifying a large resistive body. This body is interpreted to represent a silicified core of an epithermal system at Flint.
Further supporting the project's potential, a geochemical halo of pathfinder elements, including arsenic and tellurium, strongly aligning with the characteristics of a high-sulfidation epithermal deposit.
The Flint project is strategically located in a prolific epithermal belt in Peru, a region with historical gold inventory and production exceeding 50 million ounces.
Portfolio and Strategic Context
Beyond Flint, Australian Critical Minerals holds a diversified four-project portfolio in Peru. This includes the Riqueza project, known for copper, silver, zinc, and lead potential, with rock samples show grades of up to 8.7% Cu, 2,238 g/t Ag, 31% Zn, and 35% Pb.
Other notable assets include Cerro Rayas, an early-stage project with high-grade zinc, lead, and silver (up to 46.08% Pb, 39.67% Zn, 26.8 g/t Ag), and Blanca, which features historic gold and silver drilling results, including 9.5 metres @ 11.3 g/t Au (with 1.5 metres @ 52 g/t Au).
The company's strategy is to advance high-grade, district-scale projects through disciplined exploration, responsible operations, and community engagement, aiming to create shareholder value. Geological potential at Flint has been compared to other world-class epithermal belts.
Key Investment Considerations
The appointment of a drilling contractor marks a significant step for Australian Critical Minerals' Flint project, moving towards imminent exploration. Investors will be closely watching the upcoming drilling results, which are crucial for validating the project's geological potential and defining any future resource, while also considering the inherent risks of early-stage exploration and potential future funding needs.
