The Whundo Copper Project, situated in the prolific resource-environment of Western Australia, is gearing up for an exciting era of exploration and expansion. Owned and operated by American Patriot Oil and Gas (AOW) and Cobra Resources, the project has recently announced plans for a vigorous drilling campaign designed to enhance its resource base and uncover the latent potential of the site.
Located 40 km south-east of Karratha, Whundo Copper Project has been known for its high-grade-rock copper resources which have contributed significantly to the copper industry, and thus the overall mining landscape of Western Australia. Building on this legacy, the project has plans for a comprehensive drilling campaign, aiming to reveal the unexplored depths and augment the mineral yield of the site.
The first phase of the drilling campaign will consist of a 5000m reverse circulation (RC) drilling program, targeting the shallow, high-grade resource areas within the Whundo and Radio open pits. This strategy is expected to facilitate a quick increase in the mine’s resource estimates, boosting short-term mineral production before delving into deeper, less-explored regions of the mine. Additionally, the commencement of a 500m diamond drilling campaign is on the horizon, aiming to test deeper targets, expanding the mineral reserve estimates and enhancing the long-term viability of the mine.
An essential aspect of the Whundo Copper Project’s planned drilling campaign is the upgrade of the JORC resource. The process involves a meticulous assessment of geological data to ensure industry standards are met and thereby substantiating operational viability of the mine. The ability to fulfill this requirement is essential for the project in its pursuit to secure deeper, high-value targets within the Whundo and Radio open pits.
The premise for these drilling endeavors is underpinned by the favorable geological studies and proven mining record at Whundo Copper Project. The operation is fully permitted, with a mining lease currently in place. Moreover, the project’s strategic location boasts excellent infrastructure, making it incredibly well-equipped for transportation of resources.
The drilling campaign is not just about enhancing the yield and productivity, though. American Patriot Oil and Gas (AOW), one of the owners of the project, emphasize a rigorous adherence to sustainable mining practices. To this end, they aim at deploying the highest environmental standards to ensure minimal disturbance to the local ecosystem while proceeding with this extensive expansion.
Overall, this planned drilling campaign at Whundo Copper Project articulates a clear and focused vision of resource expansion as a strategic move towards achieving long-term productivity gains and sustainable mining. It signifies the project’s commitment to build on its historic success through a blend of short-term and long-term operational goals, increasing resource estimates through careful exploration, all the while respecting environmental sustainability. The next steps at Whundo Copper Project are certainly promising, and hold the potential to shape the copper industry landscape in Western Australia in the years to come.