Antares Metals Limited has made a notable discovery at its Surprise Copper Project in northwest Queensland, with recent reverse circulation drilling yielding an intercept of 2.0 meters grading 2.0% copper detected by portable XRF in drillhole ASD008. This intercept, recorded at 124 meters downhole and located roughly 200 meters north of the historic Surprise Copper Mine, reveals a new mineralized zone along a quartz/calcite vein that extends for at least 240 meters. The field team employed handheld pXRF technology for real-time analysis, providing initial grade guidance ahead of forthcoming laboratory assay confirmation anticipated within the next five to six weeks. During the second phase of a 1,384-meter RC drilling program, the company targeted three discrete areas of previously untested mineralization along the northern strike of the deposit. In addition to the primary intercept in ASD008, the program encountered further mineralized chips below artisanal workings, with repeated pXRF measurements reinforcing the reliability of the initial copper grades. Although these pXRF values offer directional insights, they are not a substitute for quantitative lab-derived assays, a point emphasized by management. The encouraging intersection supports the view that the mineralized structure extends beyond historical limits, presenting an attractive opportunity for future drilling phases. Management remains upbeat about the prospects beyond the newly delineated mineral zone, with CEO Johan Lambrechts expressing eagerness to start planning a third phase that will focus on the new target and additional areas identified in phase two. The announcement also outlines upcoming field activities on other regional prospects, including Conglomerate Creek, highlighting the company’s broader exploration strategy within its extensive Mt Isa North tenure. Market sentiment can be viewed from a bullish perspective: the discovery of a new high-grade copper target along an established mineralized corridor suggests significant upside potential for expanding the project’s copper reserves, especially as the company is well-funded to continue its drilling programs. Moreover, the timely use of modern exploration tools and the strategic positioning of this new target near a historically productive mine may further enhance investor confidence. Conversely, a bearish viewpoint might note the reliance on preliminary pXRF measurements rather than confirmed laboratory assays, leaving some uncertainty until the assay data is in hand. Additionally, while the discovery shows promise, the reported intercept represents a single data point, and broader continuity of high-grade mineralization will need to be established through follow-up drilling and further analysis. Overall, the exploration update signals positive development for Antares Metals Limited, as the extension of the mineralized structure beyond known boundaries could drive future project expansion and value creation.