Aruma Launches 3,600m Drill Blitz to Size Up High-Grade Tillex Copper Deposit
Aruma kicks off Phase 2 drilling at high-grade Tillex Copper-Silver Project
Aruma Resources (ASX: AAJ) has commenced Phase 2 of its diamond drilling campaign at the Tillex Copper-Silver Project in Ontario’s Tier-1 Timmins mining district, Canada. The programme comprises approximately ~3,600m of diamond drilling and follows Phase 1 results reported the previous month on 18 June 2026. This next stage moves the project closer to a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), with drilling underway and completion expected next month, with results to be released progressively.
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Why the Phase 2 programme matters
The Phase 2 drilling targets the southwest strike extension of the Tillex mineralised trend and a shallow-plunging, southwest-striking electromagnetic conductor defined by Phase 1 downhole EM (DHEM) surveying. The objective is to quantify the full strike and depth potential of high-grade copper mineralisation, define its geometry and continuity, and expand the known footprint of the deposit.
Phase 2 holes will also serve as platform holes for further DHEM surveys to map conductors along strike and below current drilling. For investors, expanding the known footprint and vectoring toward “the core of the Tillex mineralised system” represent critical steps toward the project’s key value-creation milestone: a JORC-compliant MRE.
Key Phase 2 objectives:
- Test strike and depth extensions of known copper mineralisation
- Evaluate the EM conductor identified in Phase 1 DHEM surveys
- Define geometry, continuity and extent of high-grade zones
- Generate data to support a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate
Phase 1 results that set the stage
The confidence driving Phase 2 stems directly from the high-grade Phase 1 intersections reported in June 2026. These results confirmed wide, shallow mineralisation with attractive copper and silver grades across multiple drill holes.
| Hole ID | Headline Intercept | Notable High-Grade Zone 1 | Notable High-Grade Zone 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TX26-004 | 89m @ 2.04% Cu, 12.31g/t Ag from 38.8m | 8m @ 3.13% Cu, 5.5g/t Ag from 55m | 16.87m @ 4.02% Cu, 16.85g/t Ag from 93m |
| TX26-002 | 87m @ 1.99% Cu, 12.63g/t Ag from 30m | 17.74m @ 3.38% Cu from 42m | 5.6m @ 5.36% Cu, 56.89g/t Ag from 98m |
| TX26-005 | 59m @ 1.91% Cu, 8.80g/t Ag from 38m | 17m @ 2.84% Cu from 43m | 9.07m @ 3.13% Cu, 12.80g/t Ag from 80m |
These results demonstrate wide, shallow, high-grade characteristics that are highly attractive for resource development. The intersections confirmed continuity of mineralisation and justified further extensional drilling.
Understanding VMS copper systems and why Timmins matters
The Tillex Project is interpreted to host volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralisation. VMS deposits form on ancient seafloors when hot, mineral-rich fluids are expelled from underwater volcanic vents, depositing copper, zinc, silver and other metals in concentrated layers. These deposits are prized for their high grades and substantial size.
Electromagnetic (EM) conductors are geophysical anomalies caused by electrically conductive minerals, typically metal sulphides like chalcopyrite (copper ore). Geologists use EM surveys to target sulphide-rich zones beneath the surface, making them a powerful tool for VMS exploration.
Tillex sits within the Tier-1 Timmins mining district, approximately 60km from the Kidd Creek Copper-Zinc-Silver Mine, one of the world’s largest VMS deposits. Kidd Creek has historically produced approximately 40 million pounds of copper, 82 million pounds of zinc, and 1.5 million ounces of silver. Proximity to this world-class analogue in a prolific mining district de-risks the geological thesis and validates the VMS exploration model applied at Tillex.
Tillex Project snapshot and de-risked tenure
Current drilling has defined the Tillex deposit over an approximately 450m strike extent, with mineralisation confirmed to depths of around 150m below surface. Mineralisation remains open along strike and at depth. Combined geophysical targets suggest potential over a strike extent of up to approximately 600m, which has not yet been tested by drilling.
Since acquiring Tillex in February 2026, Aruma completed a fixed-loop ground EM survey, then Phase 1 drilling comprising 1,093m of diamond drilling plus DHEM surveys. A critical project advantage is its location on patented mining claims, which provide Aruma with both surface and mineral rights. This streamlines permitting and site access, reducing execution risk and supporting rapid project advancement.
Quick facts:
- Acquisition: February 2026
- Ground EM survey: Confirmed conductor to 400m depth (1 April 2026)
- Phase 1 drilling: 1,093m diamond drilling + DHEM
- Phase 2 drilling: ~3,600m diamond drilling
- Infrastructure: Highway and road access, year-round exploration
Managing Director’s outlook
Grant Ferguson, Managing Director
“The commencement of Phase 2 drilling at Tillex marks another important step in our strategy to unlock the full potential of what we believe is an emerging high-grade copper-silver system in the heart of the Timmins mining district. Our Phase 1 drilling programme delivered outstanding high-grade copper and silver intersections and, in addition, identified a compelling downhole EM conductor that remains open along strike and at depth. This next phase of drilling is specifically designed to test those extensions, expand the known mineralised footprint and move the project closer to a significant maiden Mineral Resource Estimate. We are targeting what we believe may be the potential plunging higher grade zone of a much larger mineralised system. The combination of exceptional drill results, strong geophysical targets and Tillex’s location within one of the world’s premier mining districts gives us considerable confidence in the project’s growth potential. We look forward to updating the market as results are received and as we continue advancing Tillex towards becoming a significant copper development opportunity for Aruma.”
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What comes next
Drilling is underway and expected to be complete next month. Results will be released progressively as assay data becomes available. DHEM surveys will be conducted in selected Phase 2 holes to refine targeting and identify additional conductive zones.
The overarching roadmap is to advance Tillex toward a JORC-compliant MRE and assess the broader regional-scale resource potential of the mineralised system. For investors, this delivers near-term news flow via progressive assay results and a clear catalyst path to a maiden resource. Rigorous QA/QC protocols, including field duplicates, blanks, certified reference material standards, and ICP-MS analysis, support data reliability for a future JORC-compliant MRE.
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