Galileo Plans 2,000m RC Drilling at Fraser Range, Wins $180K EIS Funding for Norseman
Galileo Mining is set to begin a targeted drilling campaign at its Fraser Range project, while also securing government funding to explore deeper mineralisation beneath its Callisto deposit at Norseman.
- ~2,000m RC drilling planned across four high-priority Fraser Range EM sulphide targets
- Drilling scheduled to start mid-May 2025, testing depths between 120m and 200m
- Up to $180,000 Exploration Incentive Scheme funding awarded for diamond core drilling at Norseman
- Focus on nickel, copper, gold, and PGE mineralisation in underexplored Western Australian regions
- Targets located near established deposits including Nova, Silver Knight, and Mawson
Galileo Mining Advances Fraser Range Exploration
Galileo Mining Ltd (ASX, GAL) has announced the imminent start of a significant drilling campaign at its Fraser Range project in Western Australia. The company plans to undertake approximately 2,000 metres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling across six holes targeting four high-priority electromagnetic (EM) sulphide anomalies. These targets, interpreted from magnetic data, lie between 120 and 200 metres below the surface and are considered prospective for nickel, copper, and gold mineralisation.
The Fraser Range project is strategically positioned along strike from notable regional deposits such as the Nova nickel-copper mine, Silver Knight, and Mawson deposits. Despite the region's rich mineral potential, it remains relatively underexplored, offering Galileo an opportunity to make a significant discovery that could materially enhance its resource base.
Government Funding Boosts Norseman Drilling
In parallel with the Fraser Range campaign, Galileo has secured up to $180,000 in funding from Western Australia's Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) to support diamond core drilling beneath its Callisto PGE-nickel-copper deposit at Norseman. This drilling aims to test for additional mineralisation directly below the existing resource, potentially expanding the known deposit and improving geological understanding of its formation.
The Callisto deposit, discovered in 2022, is notable for its unique mineralisation style analogous to South Africa's Platreef deposits. An initial mineral resource estimate released in 2023 reported 17.5 million tonnes grading 1.04 grams per tonne of combined precious metals and significant nickel and copper content, highlighting its economic potential.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
Galileo's Managing Director Brad Underwood emphasised the excitement surrounding the upcoming drilling programs, noting that each target holds the potential to evolve into a new discovery. The company is prepared to adapt its drilling methods, including the use of diamond core drilling if RC drilling proves insufficient to test deeper targets effectively.
Following the Fraser Range drilling, further aircore and RC/diamond drilling are planned at Norseman, underscoring Galileo's commitment to advancing its exploration pipeline. The combination of government funding and a focused drilling strategy positions Galileo to potentially unlock significant value in two highly prospective Western Australian mineral provinces.
Investors and industry observers will be watching closely as assay results from these campaigns could reshape the company's resource profile and influence its development trajectory.
Bottom Line?
Galileo’s dual drilling campaigns could redefine its resource potential, but results will be key to unlocking value.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the Fraser Range drilling confirm economic sulphide mineralisation at the targeted depths?
- How might additional mineralisation beneath Callisto impact Galileo’s resource estimates and project economics?
- What are the timelines and expected costs for follow-up drilling if initial results are promising?
