Star Minerals Ltd (ASX:SMS) has started Stage 2 resource definition drilling at its Tumblegum South Gold Project 40 kilometres south of Meekatharra, WA.
This round of drilling, a 2,500-metre program, is designed to expand the project resource and increase SMS’s knowledge of the geology and grade characteristics of the Tumblegum project.
The existing inferred resource estimate for the project totals 600,000 tonnes at a grade of 2.2 g/t gold. This work was undertaken by Bryah Resources Ltd (ASX:BYH) in January 2020.
The Stage 2 drilling program follows the successful 1,994-metre Stage 1 drilling campaign undertaken in 2021, which was very targeted in scope.
This program delivered results of:
- 14 metres at 2.49 g/t gold;
- 4 metres at 15.07 g/t; and
- 6 metres at 3.07 g/t.
The plan below shows the proposed collar positions.
Tumblegum South Project proposed new drilling.
SMS was quick to get started after listing on the ASX on October 27, 2021, and the current work program shows that the company is determined to continue its momentum.
Confidence in the asset
SMS re-engaged Impact Drilling to undertake the new program after being impressed with its results during Stage 1 during which its crews mobilised quickly and provided an excellent service.
As with Stage 1, the crew was quick to mobilise for Stage 2, with the program designed with the benefit of results from Stage 1.
Planned drilling totals 2,448 metres although as with the previous stage, holes may be extended if they remain in mineralisation.
SMS expects the program to take 12-15 days to complete.
“We are excited to be back on site at Tumblegum South and looking forward to following up the great results we saw from the last round of drilling," Star Minerals’ CEO, Greg Almond said.
“We are pleased that once again we have the Impact Drilling team to assist our staff," Almond continued.
“We believe our shareholders will be encouraged by this news, as it demonstrates our confidence in the asset we have at Tumblegum South and the potential to increase our knowledge of the deposit as we follow up from the results of Stage 1 drilling.”
Working through strategy
The existing mining lease ML51/888 is directly along strike from the Tumblegum Pit which was mined by Dominion during the 1987-1992 Gabanintha Gold Mine Joint Venture.
SMS’s current focus is on gold, but there is also significant copper potential on the lease.
Data gathered during work programs will be used to bring the Tumblegum South project up to the necessary level for a decision to mine to be made.
SMS will also will use the latest exploration techniques as well as results of previous exploration work undertaken by Bryah and other explorers to investigate the potential of both the Tumblegum South and West Bryah projects.
The overall strategy is to advance the exploration and development of SMS’s deposits wherever possible, utilising established mining operations and infrastructure to achieve low risk early production outcomes.
SMS intends to continue to investigate ways to grow its business by:
- Acquisition, application, or joint venturing into areas surrounding and adjacent to the projects; and
- Acquisition, application, or joint venturing into other, unrelated but economically attractive projects compatible with the company’s goals and capabilities if, and when opportunities of this type come available.