Catalina Resources (ASX:CTN) is on track to begin the next phase of exploration at its Breakaway Dam copper project south of Perth in Western Australia by the end of this month.

The approximately 2,400-metre reverse circulation (RC) drilling program was designed after interpretation of geological observations, assay results and downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) surveys completed during Catalina’s March 2026 exploration campaign.

That work returned copper intersections of up to 1.9 metres at 2.17% copper, further supporting the interpretation that the Breakaway Dam volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) system is copper-rich.

Executive director Ross Cotton said the DHEM surveys identified strong conductor responses in every drill hole, with subsequent modelling defining multiple on-hole and off-hole conductive plates that now represent high-priority drill targets.

“Catalina’s strategy is to build multiple pathways for shareholder value, and Breakaway Dam is rapidly emerging as one of them. The project broadens our exposure beyond gold, providing shareholders with a compelling copper opportunity that complements our broader portfolio,” he said.

“Each phase of exploration has expanded the mineralised system, refined our geological model and delivered increasingly compelling drill targets.

“This next phase of drilling is designed to build on that momentum by expanding the known mineralised system and progressing Breakaway Dam towards resource definition.”

Copper mineralisation has now been delineated over an interpreted strike length of approximately 1.2 kilometres, while historical drilling indicates mineralisation extends for up to 1.8 kilometres.

That scale matters because it gives the company a wider search area to test as it works through the prospect, while the planned RC program is aimed at tightening the geological model rather than relying on a single result.

“Together, these results reinforce the interpretation of a broad VMS system and provide a strong technical basis for the next phase of drilling,” Mr Cotton told shareholders.

Breakaway Dam is interpreted to host a VMS system, supported by historical exploration and significantly advanced through Catalina’s recent drilling, geological interpretation and DHEM surveys.

Previous drilling confirmed copper sulphide mineralisation across the project, including historical intersections of 6.0 metres at 1.19% copper from 185 metres, including 1.0 metre at 3.86% copper from 186 metres; 8.7 metres at 0.48% copper from 181 metres, including 0.95 metre at 1.18% copper from 181 metres; and 1.7 metres at 1.05% copper from 189 metres.

The 2026 drilling program represents the next stage in evaluating whether the known mineralisation has sufficient grade and volume to progress towards an Inferred JORC mineral resource.

CTN was steady at 4.7 cents. Market capitalisation was $8.621 million.

The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a certified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.