AusQuest Limited Launches Advanced IP/MT Survey at Coober Pedy to Unlock IOCG Drilling Targets in South Australia
Thursday, May 29, 2025
at
9:00 am
AusQuest Limited is conducting an advanced survey at its Coober Pedy project in South Australia to pinpoint promising drilling targets in a renowned IOCG province. This strategic exploration could unlock valuable resources and exciting growth potential for future investors.
AusQuest Limited has initiated an advanced geophysical survey at its Coober Pedy iron-oxide copper-gold project in South Australia. The company is employing a combined MIMDAS Induced Polarisation (IP) and magnetotelluric (MT) survey to identify and delineate drilling targets beneath the surface. The survey is being conducted over an approximate 50‑kilometer traverse using 200‑meter dipoles arranged along north–south lines spaced between 400 and 800 meters apart, aiming to investigate a significant juxtaposition of gravity and magnetic anomalies that could indicate the presence of IOCG-style mineralisation.
The project, strategically located at the northern end of the Olympic Dam IOCG Province—a region known for world-class mineral deposits such as Olympic Dam, Carrapateena, and Prominent Hill—has historical evidence of strong potassic alteration from previous drilling. These encouraging historical results add weight to the current interpretation that the target may host substantial IOCG mineralisation. The survey, which will cover the top 500 meters of the geological section and is expected to be completed in about six weeks, is being executed by GRS Pty Ltd and the results should be available within the next 8-10 weeks. AusQuest’s Managing Director expressed optimism about this phase, noting the potential for the survey outcomes to significantly inform future drilling programs through the identification of high-priority targets.
AusQuest Limited’s technical approach includes using real-time quality control and advanced signal processing to improve the signal-to-noise ratio as data is collected. The detailed technical parameters, such as the dipole spacing and orientation relative to regional magnetic and gravity anomalies, underscore the precision behind the survey. The project is further supported by a Strategic Alliance Agreement with a subsidiary of South32 Ltd, which underpins the company's commitment to advancing exploration efforts in this prolific mineral province.
Bullish sentiment for AusQuest Limited centers on the strategic location of the Coober Pedy project in a world-class mineral province and the robust geophysical techniques being applied, which could lead to a significant discovery if the anticipated IOCG-style mineralisation is confirmed. Furthermore, the company’s ongoing commitment to exploration in South Australia may be viewed positively by investors anticipating potential breakthroughs.
Conversely, a bearish perspective might highlight the inherent risks associated with early-stage exploration projects, including uncertainties in geophysical data interpretation and the time lag until drilling decisions can be implemented. Additionally, the forward-looking nature of the survey outcomes means that market enthusiasm will depend on the confirmation of positive results, and any delays or setbacks could dampen investor sentiment.
Overall, the announcement reflects AusQuest Limited’s methodical approach to exploration and its reliance on advanced geophysical techniques to unlock value in a region with a strong mineral heritage.