Loyal Metals begins geophysics to unlock historic copper-gold mine

• LLM begins 3D IP, MT and gravity surveys across its Highway Reward project
• The historic mine could host more copper-gold at depth and along trend
• Company is planning to use data to double down on drill targets for 2026

Special Report: Loyal Metals has begun a comprehensive suite of ground-based geophysics across its Highway Reward mine in Queensland.

The mine produced 3.65Mt at 5.7% copper and 260kt at 4.4g/t gold when it operated from 1987 to 2005 before being mothballed for about 20 years.

That’s despite substantial unmined mineralisation being present near open pit and underground workings, with historical drilling returning assays such as 33m at 5% Cu, 30m at 5.1% Cu, 2m at 105.4g/t Au and 10m at 17.7g/t Au.

Loyal Metals (ASX:LLM) has now commenced ground-based 3D IP, MT and gravity surveys, with drone-based LiDAR and magnetics planned to enhance the overall survey package.

This expanded geophysical program builds on recent drilling success, which highlighted the potential for new discoveries – such as the near-surface zone containing zinc, copper and gold minerals found in the first drill hole in more than 20 years.

All collected data will be integrated with past geological information and analysed via VRIFY’s AI-enhanced DORA platform to identify new discovery targets for drilling in 2026.

Watch: How Loyal Metals is using AI in its drilling works

Unlocking discovery potential

Despite the mine’s legacy, more than two decades of dormancy means that large areas remain underexplored, both at depth and along trend.

LLM says this presents a compelling opportunity for new discoveries beyond the known mineralised zones, which it hopes to unlock with this program.

“The launch of our full‑suite geophysical program is essential to unlocking Highway Reward’s untapped potential,” LLM managing director Adam Ritchie said.

“Our very first drill hole in more than 20 years has already uncovered a new near‑surface discovery zone containing zinc, copper and gold minerals – clear evidence that significant mineralisation remains both within and beyond the historic workings.

“That immediate success justifies expanding geophysical coverage across the leases, at depth and along trend.

“By integrating high‑resolution, ground‑based and drone geophysics with advanced analytics in the VRIFY DORA platform, we are sharpening our targeting for the 2026 drilling campaign and building long‑term value through disciplined, modern exploration.”

And with $8.2 million in funding, Loyal Metals is well positioned to deploy modern exploration techniques and unlock Highway Reward’s exceptional copper-gold potential.

This article was developed in collaboration with Loyal Metals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.