New Age Exploration has completed a critical Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Survey at its Wagyu Gold Project, unlocking expanded access to high-priority gold targets ahead of a planned Reverse Circulation drilling program in March 2025.
- Second Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Survey completed with Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation
- Survey expands exploration access over key gold targets at Wagyu
- Significant gold mineralisation confirmed in prior air core drilling campaigns
- 3,000m Reverse Circulation drilling program scheduled for March 2025
- Wagyu Project located within 9km of De Grey Mining’s 11.2Moz Hemi Gold deposit
Aboriginal Heritage Survey Unlocks Exploration Potential
New Age Exploration Limited (ASX: NAE) has reached a pivotal milestone at its Wagyu Gold Project in Western Australia's Central Pilbara by completing a second Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Survey. Conducted in December 2024 in collaboration with the Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation and heritage consultants, the survey ensures that exploration activities respect cultural sensitivities while enabling broader access to high-priority gold targets.
The survey covered approximately 320 hectares, primarily east of the Yule River, and importantly, identified no heritage sites requiring avoidance. This clearance significantly expands the areas available for on-ground exploration and drilling, removing previous restrictions that limited collar placements.
Strategic Location Near a Major Gold Deposit
The Wagyu Gold Project lies within the same mineralised corridor as De Grey Mining’s Hemi Gold deposit, which boasts an estimated 11.2 million ounces of gold. Situated less than 9 kilometres from this world-class resource, Wagyu benefits from its proximity to a proven gold system, enhancing its prospectivity.
Previous air core drilling campaigns conducted in July and October 2024 revealed significant gold mineralisation, validating the project’s potential and setting the stage for more targeted exploration.
Upcoming Reverse Circulation Drilling Program
With the heritage survey completed, New Age Exploration is poised to commence a 3,000-metre Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program in March 2025. This next phase aims to test the depth and strike continuity of gold mineralisation identified in earlier drilling phases. The program will leverage detailed geochemical and geological data to optimise drill site locations, focusing on the most promising targets.
Executive Director Joshua Wellisch emphasised the importance of the heritage survey in advancing the project, stating that the expanded access allows the company to pursue previously restricted targets responsibly and collaboratively with traditional landowners.
Balancing Exploration with Cultural and Environmental Responsibility
New Age Exploration’s approach underscores a commitment to sustainable and respectful exploration practices. The partnership with the Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation ensures that cultural heritage considerations remain central to operational planning, a critical factor in maintaining strong community relations and regulatory compliance.
As the company prepares for its upcoming drilling campaign, it continues to position Wagyu as a compelling gold exploration opportunity within a highly prospective region.
Bottom Line?
With cultural heritage hurdles cleared, New Age Exploration is set to deepen its search for gold at Wagyu, potentially reshaping its resource outlook.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial results will the March 2025 RC drilling program yield regarding gold continuity and grade?
- How might expanded access influence the scale and pace of exploration at Wagyu in the coming year?
- What are the long-term implications of the Wagyu project’s proximity to De Grey Mining’s Hemi deposit for resource development?