Canterbury Resources commenced a drilling program on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, targeting high-priority porphyry and skarn-style deposits.
The campaign will involve eight drill holes spanning over 2,000m.
Preparation for the initiative began in March, encompassing environmental baseline studies, the construction of field camps and a medical clinic, and the improvement and extension of local infrastructure.
Two drill rigs will focus on copper-gold targets at Willie Headwaters and Ndokowai.
Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) is providing funding for the program under a farm-in and joint venture agreement, which allows Rio Tinto to increase its project equity from 60% to 80%.