Hillgrove Resources Reports High-Grade Assays from Kanmantoo’s Emily Star Copper-Gold Lode

Hillgrove Resources (ASX: HGO) has reported high-grade intersections from the Emily Star copper-gold lode at the Kanmantoo underground mine in South Australia as work progresses towards a Stage 2 final investment decision.

Drilling commenced in early April following the establishment of the first drill platform at the Emily Star exploration incline, enabling shorter and more optimally-orientated holes and improving the understanding of mineralisation geometry and structural controls.

Seven holes were completed through to end-May targeting extensions to the north of Emily Star mineralisation focused on the upper conceptual development levels beneath the backfilled open pit.

Assays from five holes confirmed the presence of high-grade copper-gold mineralisation with highlights of 19 metres at 1.49% copper and 0.13 grams per tonne gold from 287m, 15.87m at 1.53% copper and 0.21g/t gold from 254.13m, and 4.5m at 0.77% copper and 0.06g/t gold from 319.88m.

Expectations Broadly Met

The grades broadly align with expectations from the Emily Star inferred resource estimate of 2.6 million tonnes at 0.77% copper, 0.08g/t gold, and 1.6g/t silver for 20,000 tonnes copper metal and 7,000 ounces gold.

This estimate was based on earlier reverse circulation and vertical surface diamond drilling.

Hillgrove managing director Bob Fulker said the drilling results had reinforced Emily Star’s potential as the next source of underground production at Kanmantoo.

“While the consistent high‑grade results are encouraging, it remains important for us to complete detailed design and economic assessment before committing to the Emily Star expansion,” he said.

“The combination of strong operational performance and momentum across our growth initiatives positions Hillgrove well for this next phase of value creation.”

Drilling to Continue

Drilling at Emily Star will continue into the September quarter to support a final investment decision for the Stage 2 expansion, in parallel with studies across geotechnical conditions, ventilation design, mine infrastructure, and mine planning.

Underground drilling completed to the end of May totalled 25,727m, including 2,806m at Emily Star.

All results from this and upcoming work will feed into a mineral resource update before year end.

Geotechnical samples have also been collected to support ongoing studies, with final laboratory analysis to be completed once geotechnical assessments have been finalised.