Encounter Resources launches Northern Territory drilling

• Encounter Resources has commenced a 6,000-metre diamond and reverse circulation drilling programme at the Jessica Copper Project in the Northern Territory.
• The exploration campaign is fully funded by mining major South32 under an established farm-in agreement.
• The drilling aims to test prospective copper targets identified from previous geophysical surveys across the 9,400km2 project area.

Encounter Resources (ASX:ENR) has started a 6,000-metre diamond and reverse circulation drilling campaign at its Jessica Copper Project.

The programme follows previous 2025 MIMDAS and VTEM geophysical surveys that identified key mineralisation targets east of Tennant Creek.

"The programme targets large-scale sediment-hosted copper and IOCG-style deposits across a 9,400km² project area along key structural corridors east of Tennant Creek," stated Encounter Resources Managing Director Will Robinson.

Alongside the drilling, a regional magnetotelluric survey is underway to generate additional exploration targets across the tenement package.

The company stated that it is also progressing a strategic review of its broader copper portfolio to evaluate opportunities to unlock shareholder value.

Following the announcement, the Encounter Resources share price was unchanged at $0.26.

The Jessica project is located in the Northern Territory and forms part of a farm-in agreement where South32 (ASX:S32) funds exploration expenditures.

Encounter Resources maintains a portfolio focused on major copper and critical mineral discoveries across Western Australia and the Northern Territory.