Building a pipeline of copper opportunities across South Australia
Hillgrove Resources is advancing a targeted exploration strategy across South Australia, focused on unlocking the copper potential of the Kanmantoo Province while building a pipeline of near‑mine and regional opportunities that can support long‑term growth.
Our exploration approach is disciplined and data‑driven. We prioritise areas with the strongest geological potential, the greatest alignment with existing infrastructure, and the capacity to deliver future ore sources that can be rapidly integrated into the Kanmantoo Copper Mine. This ensures exploration capital is directed toward the highest‑value targets while maintaining a streamlined and efficient tenement position.
Kanmantoo District
Hillgrove’s core exploration activities remain centred on the Kanmantoo district, where the Company has a long history of discovery and development. The region hosts multiple mineralised corridors with demonstrated potential for extensions to the existing Kanmantoo Resource as well as new near‑mine discoveries.
Current programs include:
- Ongoing drilling to extend the Kanmantoo Resource footprint
- Systematic testing of high‑priority near‑mine and greenfield targets
- Integration of new geological, geophysical and geochemical datasets to refine target ranking
The proximity of these targets to established processing infrastructure provides a unique opportunity to convert exploration success into production quickly and efficiently.
Expanding Regional Footprint
Hillgrove has recently strengthened its regional position with the granting of two new exploration licences in highly prospective geological provinces:
- EL7130 (Gawler Craton, Mabel Creek region) – 373.57 km²
- EL7131 (Olary Region) – 44 km²
These tenements provide access to underexplored structural corridors with potential for copper‑dominant mineral systems. Early‑stage work is underway, including desktop compilation, geological interpretation and reconnaissance planning. First‑pass field programs are scheduled to follow as targets are defined.
The expanded tenure supports Hillgrove’s strategy to build a balanced pipeline of brownfields and greenfields opportunities that complement ongoing development at Kanmantoo.
A Disciplined Tenement Strategy
Hillgrove continues to actively manage its tenement portfolio to ensure the Company maintains exposure to the most prospective parts of the province while allocating capital efficiently. This includes:
- Prioritising high‑potential targets
- Rationalising lower‑priority ground
- Assessing opportunities for joint ventures or divestment where appropriate
This disciplined approach ensures exploration effort is focused on opportunities capable of supporting long‑term production growth and value creation.
Forward Program
Hillgrove’s exploration program over the coming years will focus on:
- Extending the Kanmantoo Resource through near‑mine drilling
- Advancing high‑priority regional targets toward drill‑ready status
- Conducting first‑pass exploration on EL7130 and EL7131
- Integrating new datasets to refine the Company’s regional geological model
- Progressing the most prospective targets toward resource definition
Together, these activities position Hillgrove to deliver a sustainable pipeline of copper opportunities across South Australia.
