Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX:OBM, OTC:ESGFF) has significantly expanded the high-grade, multi-lode gold system at its Little Gem prospect, with Phase 2 drilling confirming a strike length of over 1,000 metres and strong potential at depth. The 16-hole diamond drilling program has returned all assays, with standout results including 8.8 metres at 6.3 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 320 metres depth in Hole LGDD25008. This intersection sits 400 metres north of a prior hit of 22.7 metres at 5.0 g/t from Hole LGDD25005.
Overview showing location of Riverina Underground, Little Gem compared to Davyhurst processing hub.
Multiple gold lodes have now been delineated, including the Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Tanzanite lodes, with modelling underway. The Phase 3 program has commenced, comprising 38 holes with two diamond rigs and one reverse circulation (RC) rig, aiming to test mineralisation from surface to 500 metres, with deeper probes extending to 750 metres.
“These results continue to expand the potential of Little Gem as a large-scale, high-grade and multi-lode system. These results demonstrate a potential strike length in excess of 1,000 metres and the system remains open at depth,” Ora Banda’s managing director, Luke Creagh, said.
“The 38-hole Phase 3 program at Little Gem will provide significant drill coverage of the interpreted high-grade lodes to rapidly advance our understanding of the size and scale of the system."
The Phase 2 drilling campaign followed a successful five-hole Phase 1 program and tested the broader 4.7-kilometre Little Gem–Sunraysia corridor. Conducted on 400-metre spaced lines, the drilling confirmed multiple stacked lodes with broad widths and high grades, validating the greenfields potential of the system.
The LGDD25008 result on the Diamond Lode suggests the presence of a well-developed, high-grade shoot over more than 1,000 metres of strike and 400 metres vertical extent, which remains open at depth.
Long Section of the Little Gem – Sunraysia trend in relation to the Riverina Underground Mine.
Structural and geological insights guide next steps
Structural readings indicate similarities with the Riverina system, suggesting steeply dipping lodes and moderately south-plunging shoots. This geometry will guide drill targeting as Ora Banda continues to refine its understanding of the mineralised system.
Priority in the Phase 3 program is on the Diamond and Ruby lodes, with drilling laid out on 80-metre lines and 160-metre spacing.
Further drilling will also test the underexplored mafic units to the west, which host the Riverina Mine to the north.
“The Little Gem trend is one of multiple drill programs we have commenced as part of the $73 million allocated to exploration and resource development drilling in FY26, and we are looking forward to results from all of these programs,” Creagh said.