Westar Resources Launches High-Grade Gold Drilling at Mindoolah

Heritage Approval Clears Path for Mindoolah Drilling

Westar Resources Limited (ASX: WSR) has announced a significant operational milestone with heritage approvals secured for its upcoming reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Mindoolah Gold Mining Centre in Western Australia. The green light from the Traditional Owners and heritage consultants follows a December 2024 survey, enabling Westar to commence drilling activities around mid-February 2025.

This approval is pivotal, allowing Westar to explore beneath and along strike from historic open pits and workings mined in the 1980s. The focus is on down-dip extensions of quartz reefs that have previously yielded exceptional rock chip assay results, including grades as high as 40.2 grams per tonne (g/t) gold.

Targeting High-Grade Gold Zones at Mindoolah

The planned program involves approximately 11 drill holes totaling 1,200 meters. Westar’s 2024 field program delivered standout assays such as 31.7g/t and 8.7g/t gold from in-situ quartz veins within key open pits like Bertram's and Mindoolah Main Reef. These results underscore the potential for discovering persistent high-grade mineralisation beneath the surface.

Despite the promising surface sampling, historical data on gold grades and tonnage mined from these pits is sparse and unreliable, presenting Westar with a compelling opportunity to define new resources. The company’s CEO, Jason Boladeras, expressed optimism about uncovering significant mineralisation that could extend the life and value of the Mindoolah project.

Mageye Prospect: A Geophysical Anomaly Beckons

Following the Mindoolah drilling, Westar will mobilise its rig to the Mageye Prospect within the Gidgee North Gold-Copper Project. Here, the company plans to test a distinct geophysical 'bullseye' anomaly identified through historic aeromagnetic and gravity surveys. This anomaly correlates with elevated levels of bismuth, molybdenum, tungsten, and tellurium, elements often associated with intrusion-related gold deposits.

The dual geophysical signatures, magnetic highs possibly indicating hydrothermal magnetite and gravity highs suggesting sulphide alteration, make Mageye a compelling target for porphyry-style mineralisation. The upcoming program will consist of around two drill holes totaling 550 meters, aiming to validate the presence of mineralised systems at depth.

Looking Ahead: Market Engagement and Expectations

Westar is also gearing up to present its exploration progress and strategic outlook at the RIU Explorers Conference in Fremantle from February 18 to 20. The timing is well aligned with the drilling schedule, as assay results from Mindoolah are anticipated by mid-April, followed shortly by Mageye results.

These developments mark an active and promising start to 2025 for Westar, with the potential to materially enhance the company’s resource base and shareholder value. The combination of strong surface assays, strategic drilling targets, and supportive community engagement positions Westar as a company to watch in the WA gold exploration space.