Dart Mining has applied for a new exploration permit over the historic Raglan Goldfield, aiming to consolidate its gold assets in Central Queensland alongside the recently acquired Triumph Gold Project.
- Application for Exploration Permit Minerals (EPM 29171) covering 192 km² of Raglan Goldfield
- Historic gold production of 10,000–20,000 ounces from multiple old mines within the tenement
- Geological potential for intrusion-related gold, porphyry copper-gold, and stratigraphically controlled mineralisation
- Plans for detailed geological review, field mapping, and staged exploration program
- Triumph Gold Project resource update expected in February 2025, complementing Queensland expansion
Dart Mining Targets Historic Raglan Goldfield
Dart Mining NL (ASX: DTM) has taken a significant step to bolster its Central Queensland presence by applying for Exploration Permit Minerals (EPM 29171), which covers the majority of the historic Raglan Goldfield. This 192 square kilometre tenement application lies approximately 75 kilometres northwest of Dart’s recently acquired Triumph Gold Project, marking a strategic consolidation of gold exploration assets in the region.
The Raglan Goldfield is steeped in mining history, with recorded gold production estimates ranging between 10,000 and 20,000 ounces from several historic workings such as the Duke of Brittany, Port Alma Reef, and Duke of York mines. These sites, some dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reveal a complex geological setting that includes quartz reefs, ferruginous quartz, and evidence of intrusion-related mineralisation.
Geological Prospectivity and Regional Context
The tenement lies within the New England Orogen’s Calliope Province, a region known for hosting significant mineral deposits including the nearby Mt Morgan gold-copper mine. Dart Mining highlights the potential for multiple styles of mineralisation within the Raglan area, including intrusion-related gold systems, porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum deposits, and stratigraphically controlled gold-arsenic anomalies reminiscent of the Carlin-type deposits in the United States.
Of particular interest is the Mt Holly Group volcanics and sediments within the tenement, which may host volcanogenic mineralisation similar to Mt Morgan. Historical reports and recent geochemical anomalies suggest the presence of disseminated gold mineralisation, which Dart plans to investigate further through detailed geological reviews and fieldwork.
Strategic Expansion and Next Steps
Chairman James Chirnside expressed enthusiasm about the application, noting the strategic complementarity of the Raglan ground to Dart’s Victorian orogenic gold and porphyry projects. The company intends to finalise the grant of the tenement, conduct comprehensive reviews of the geology and mining history, and undertake field mapping and inspections of historic mines, including copper workings at Eleanora near Mt Holly.
Following these initial assessments, Dart plans a staged exploration program targeting both gold and copper mineralisation. The move aligns with Dart’s broader strategy to build a regional presence in Queensland, focusing on advanced intrusion-related and epithermal gold projects.
Triumph Gold Project Update
Alongside the Raglan application, Dart Mining is preparing to announce an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for its Triumph Gold Project in February 2025. The project currently hosts an inferred resource of approximately 118,000 ounces of gold, predominantly near surface, with significant potential for expansion along strike and at depth. The acquisition of Triumph marked Dart’s entry into the under-explored Central Queensland gold province and serves as a foundation for further growth in the region.
With accumulated expenditure exceeding A$8 million on geochemical, geophysical, and drilling programs, Dart is well positioned to accelerate resource drilling and expand its footprint. The Raglan application represents a logical next step in consolidating its Central Queensland gold assets and leveraging the region’s favourable geology.
Bottom Line?
Dart Mining’s Raglan move could unlock new gold and copper opportunities, setting the stage for a pivotal resource update and regional growth.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the grant of EPM 29171 be finalized, and what are the key milestones in the exploration timeline?
- How might the geological findings at Raglan influence the upcoming resource update at Triumph Gold Project?
- What are the potential challenges Dart Mining faces in integrating these Queensland projects with its Victorian assets?