Maximus Resources Uncovers Shallow High-Grade Gold at Eagles Nest
Maximus Resources has reported promising assay results from its recent drilling at the Eagles Nest gold deposit, revealing multiple shallow high-grade gold intersections that suggest significant resource expansion potential.
- Multiple shallow high-grade gold intersections confirmed by recent RC drilling
- Eagles Nest resource remains open along strike and at depth
- Preliminary metallurgical tests confirm free-milling gold suitable for conventional processing
- Drilling targeted previously untested zones within an optimised pit shell
- Potential for low-cost, expedited mining due to shallow mineralisation
Drilling Success at Eagles Nest
Maximus Resources Limited (ASX: MXR) has released assay results from a Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program at its Eagles Nest gold deposit in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields. The program, comprising 11 RC holes totaling 732 meters, targeted shallow mineralisation within an optimised pit shell and areas previously untested for defined resources. The results have delivered multiple high-grade gold intersections close to surface, including standout intercepts such as 10 meters at 2.24 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 37 meters depth and 7 meters at 2.01 g/t gold from 22 meters.
These findings not only confirm the continuity of mineralisation above the existing resource block model but also highlight new zones of mineralisation beyond the current resource boundaries. Notably, mineralisation remains open to the south and at depth, suggesting further upside potential for resource growth.
Resource and Metallurgical Implications
The Eagles Nest deposit currently hosts a resource of approximately 42,550 ounces at an average grade of 2.0 g/t gold. Preliminary metallurgical testing confirms the gold is free-milling and non-refractory, indicating it is amenable to conventional processing methods widely used in the region. This characteristic is significant as it supports the prospect of a low-cost processing route, enhancing the project's economic viability.
The shallow nature of the mineralisation, combined with its free-milling properties, positions Eagles Nest as a potentially attractive development opportunity. The proximity to existing infrastructure and multiple toll-treatment options within a 60-kilometer haulage radius further strengthens the project's appeal for expedited mining scenarios.
Exploration Outlook and Regional Potential
Beyond the immediate resource expansion at Eagles Nest, Maximus has identified a 3-kilometer-long gold corridor extending from Eagles Nest to Groundlark that remains largely underexplored. Early scout drilling and rock chip sampling along this corridor have returned encouraging gold grades, including up to 9.8 g/t in rock chips. These results underscore the potential for significant mineralisation along strike and warrant systematic follow-up drilling to delineate higher-grade zones and expand the mineralised footprint.
Maximus’ strategic focus on reducing drill spacings to 20 meters in key areas has proven effective in confirming mineralisation continuity and grade. The company’s ongoing exploration efforts are expected to refine resource estimates and potentially increase the overall gold inventory within its portfolio.
Technical and Operational Details
The drilling utilized industry-standard RC techniques with a 140mm face sampling hammer, achieving high sample recoveries above 90%. Samples were processed at Intertek laboratories using a 50-gram fire assay method, ensuring reliable assay data. Quality assurance and quality control protocols, including certified reference materials and field duplicates, were rigorously applied to maintain data integrity.
Geologically, the Eagles Nest deposit is hosted within structurally controlled contacts between mafic-ultramafic lithologies and interflow metasedimentary units, with mineralisation dipping steeply eastward. The deposit remains open along strike and at depth, offering multiple avenues for resource expansion.
Strategic Positioning in the Eastern Goldfields
Located approximately 7 kilometers south of Maximus’ flagship Wattle Dam Gold Project, Eagles Nest benefits from excellent access to infrastructure and established processing facilities. This regional advantage, combined with the promising drilling results, positions Maximus Resources well to advance towards production while continuing to grow its resource base.
Maximus’ diversified portfolio in the Kambalda region, including gold, lithium, and nickel projects, reflects a balanced approach to resource development. The company’s commitment to sustainable mining practices and community engagement further supports its long-term growth strategy.
Bottom Line?
Maximus Resources’ latest drilling at Eagles Nest sets the stage for a potential resource upgrade and accelerated project development.
Questions in the middle?
- How will further drilling along the Eagles Nest-Groundlark corridor impact the overall resource estimate?
- What are the timelines and capital requirements for advancing Eagles Nest towards production?
- Could additional metallurgical testing reveal opportunities for processing optimisation or cost reduction?