THE DRILL SERGEANT: Estrella Resources (ASX: ESR) has kicked off its maiden drill campaign in Timor-Leste focussing on the company’s Ira Miri manganese prospect.
Estrella Resources has been eager to get out on the ground at the project with the drilling being Timor-Leste’s first ever modern minerals exploration.
The company indicated there to be a large number of highly prospective targets to be tested across the virtually unexplored region.
The drilling campaign is to be conducted by CoreSearch and will consist of 10,000m of RC drilling and 3,000m of diamond drilling.
A secondary round of drilling is also under contract, consisting of a further 10,000m of RC drilling to be conducted after geological review.
Estrella anticipates the drilling at EMDD0001 will provide subsurface data with results to be rapidly assessed and guide further targeting work throughout the campaign.
“Commencing the first drillhole is a landmark moment for Estrella and for Timor-Leste, marking the start of the nation’s first-ever modern metallic minerals drill program,” Estrella Resources managing director Chris Daws said in the compnay’s ASX announcement.
“We’re proud to be leading this historic initiative and deeply grateful for the strong support from local communities, who have been actively engaged throughout the process.
“Their involvement, including recent cultural blessing ceremonies and assistance with the track building reflects the strong partnerships we’ve built on the ground.
“With CoreSearch’s man-portable diamond drill now drilling, we’re hitting the ground running.
“This initial phase will give us valuable subsurface data to guide our broader drilling campaign.
“It’s an exciting time for Estrella as we unlock the mineral potential of this underexplored region.”
TO READ THE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT: CLICK HERE
THE DRILL SERGEANT: TG Metals (ASX:TG6) has commenced stockpile drilling at the company’s Van Uden gold project in Western Australia.
TG Metals has commenced drilling using a sonic core drill rig targeting remnant stockpiles from previous mining activities.
The company explained its aim with this drilling is to determine the gold grades of the stockpiles and provide sufficient sample for metallurgical testwork.
The drill program is expected to take 10 days to complete followed by a further four weeks of sample analysis and testing.
Four stockpile areas will be tested, two each at the historical Dieman and Tasman pit locations.
Preparations for an initial mining proposal have also commenced with consultants engaged and discussions have commenced with toll milling options in the region.
An update of the project’s 2012 JORC compliant Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) is underway and expected to be finalised in the first week of June.
“We are advancing the development of the Van Uden gold project, concentrating on easy wins such as the treatment of historic stockpiles initially,” TG Metals CEO David Selfe said in the company’s ASX announcement.
“When the updated MRE is finalised we can then move onto further development stages around exploiting in-pit gold mineralisation sources.
“This is an exciting time for the company as we transition to being a mine developer, particularly at a time of high gold prices.
“The surface and shallow mineralisation at Van Uden together with access to major roads is a distinct advantage for rapid development.”
TO READ THE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT: CLICK HERE
THE BOURSE WHISPERER: Warriedar Resources (ASX: WA8) is set to bank $17 million after receiving firm commitments for a placement to institutional and sophisticated investors.
Warriedar Resources explained the funds will be directed towards accelerating drilling and advancement of the Ricciardo deposit at the company’s Golden Range project in Western Australia.
Warriedar has a growth-focussed drilling program using two drill rigs currently in progress at the Golden Range project, with antimony-dedicated RC drilling set to commence next month utilising a third rig.
“We are excited to be launching the fast-tracking of our core gold-antimony asset, the Ricciardo deposit at Golden Range,” Warriedar Resources managing director and CEO Amanda Buckingham said in the company’s ASX announcement.
“Earlier this month we delivered a maiden antimony resource at Ricciardo of over 60,000 tonnes contained antimony.
“This included Australia’s largest open-pit antimony resource of 57,000 tonnes contained antimony.
“When this is coupled with a rapidly growing existing gold resource of over one million ounces gold, it is clear why we believe Ricciardo now deserves a dedicated program to accelerate its expansion and better define its pathway to potential development and monetisation.”
TO READ THE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT: CLICK HERE