Greatland Gold PLC (AIM:GGP, OTC:GRLGF) has detailed a wide-ranging exploration programme across its interests in Australia in the coming twelve months while it waits for partner Newmont’s next move on the Havieron gold development.
Havieron, a 70/30 joint venture in the Pilbara region, has been deemed non-core by Newmont with Greatland having a right of first refusal if its stake in the project is sold.
In June, the mine's main access decline had reached 2,100m though development has been paused while dewatering options are assessed for the lowest of three aquifers.
During the quarter, the Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia (EPA) also agreed formally to assess the project.
Elsewhere, Greatland said that at the Paterson licence surface sampling programs are underway with more than 1,000 samples already collected and further sampling planned this year.
At Scallywag, further surface sampling and a drilling program are planned to test the London prospect.
While at Ernest Giles, project-wide and targeted geophysics surveys and 6,000m drilling at the Meadows project are planned.
Heritage surveys have just been completed both there and at Paterson.
Shaun Day, Greatland's managing director, said: "At Havieron, good progress was made in the quarter with the EPA's formal decision to assess the environmental approval application.
"In respect of Newmont's announced intention to dispose of its interest in Havieron and nearby Telfer mine, we continue to consider ourselves strongly positioned for any potential opportunity to consolidate ownership of Havieron on accretive terms."
"Excellent progress is being made across Greatland's exploration portfolio, and we are pleased to share a detailed review and look-ahead for our high-priority exploration projects in this release."