Black Cat Syndicate Ignites New Growth Phase with Paulsens Underground Drilling
Black Cat Syndicate has restarted underground drilling at its Paulsens Gold Operation, targeting resource expansion and mine life extension with results expected from March 2025.
- Underground drilling resumed at Paulsens Gold Operation
- Focus on priority discovery targets including gabbro veins and hangingwall zone
- Drilling aims to expand resources and optimise mine development
- Initial results anticipated from March 2025
- Paulsens holds 4.3Mt @ 4.0g/t Au resource with significant growth potential
Resumption of Underground Drilling Marks Strategic Growth Step
Black Cat Syndicate Limited (ASX: BC8) has officially recommenced underground drilling at its flagship Paulsens Gold Operation in Western Australia. This move follows the successful first gold pour at Paulsens late last year, signaling a transition from commissioning to an aggressive growth phase. The underground drill rig is now operational, focusing on high-priority targets that could materially enhance the mine’s resource base and extend its operational life.
Managing Director Gareth Solly emphasized the significance of this phase, noting the abundance of targets underground and the expectation that drilling will continue for the foreseeable future. The company is targeting both extensional and exploration drilling to unlock new ounces and optimise mine development plans.
Target Zones and Geological Potential
The drilling program prioritizes several key zones. Grade control drilling supports ongoing mining activities, while extensional drilling targets the Galileo and Mir deposits within a northwest-striking structural hangingwall zone. These areas have demonstrated high-grade mineralization, with historical resources of 10koz @ 11.0g/t Au at Galileo and 3koz @ 10.1g/t Au at Mir.
Additionally, the footwall gabbro veins, which currently host an 86koz resource at 11.9g/t Au, remain open up-plunge for approximately 300 meters, presenting a compelling opportunity for resource growth. Exploration drilling is also focused on the hangingwall zone, a structural corridor with a 500-meter plunge length featuring multiple quartz-oxide veins that have returned surface rock chip assays up to 29.7g/t Au.
Integration of Advanced Geological Data
Black Cat is leveraging re-processed 3D seismic data from 2018 alongside detailed surface geological mapping conducted in 2024. This integrated approach has identified gaps in drilling coverage and highlighted new vein structures such as the Raisebore vein, which cross-cuts the NW-dipping reflector zone between Galileo and Mir. These insights are guiding the drill targeting strategy to maximise discovery potential.
The company’s comprehensive resource base at Paulsens stands at 4.3 million tonnes grading 4.0 grams per tonne gold for 548,000 ounces, underscoring the scale of the opportunity. The underground resource alone is reported at 170,000 tonnes at 10.2g/t Au for 56,000 ounces, reflecting the high-grade nature of the deposit.
Looking Ahead: Drilling Results and Operational Milestones
Black Cat anticipates receiving initial drilling results from March 2025, which will be critical in validating the resource expansion potential and informing mine development decisions. The company’s broader strategy includes advancing its Kal East processing facility and continuing regional drilling programs through the year.
With Paulsens transitioning into full production in early 2025, the underground drilling program represents a pivotal step in securing a sustainable production profile and enhancing shareholder value. The combination of high-grade resources, strategic drilling, and operational momentum positions Black Cat well within the competitive Western Australian gold sector.
Bottom Line?
Paulsens underground drilling could redefine Black Cat’s resource profile and set the stage for sustained production growth.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the March 2025 drilling results confirm significant resource extensions at Paulsens?
- How will new discoveries impact the mine life and production targets at Paulsens?
- What are the implications of the hangingwall and gabbro vein targets for Black Cat’s overall growth strategy?