Woodlark’s Porphyry Potential Raises Stakes for Deeper Exploration
Geopacific Resources has identified 14 untested porphyry copper-gold targets at its Woodlark Island Gold Project, signaling a new phase of exploration beyond its established epithermal gold focus.
- 14 untested porphyry Cu-Au target environments identified
- Three high-priority targets near Kulamadau, Busai, and Little Mackenzie deposits
- Ongoing DFS and epithermal gold resource definition remain core priorities
- New exploration program includes detailed mapping and 3D alteration modelling
- Fieldwork and drilling scheduled to commence in Q2 2025
A New Exploration Horizon
Geopacific Resources Limited (ASX: GPR) has announced a significant development at its 100% owned Woodlark Island Gold Project in Papua New Guinea. An independent expert review has identified 14 previously untested porphyry copper-gold (Cu-Au) target environments, marking a strategic expansion beyond the company’s established focus on near-surface epithermal gold deposits.
This discovery opens a new chapter for Woodlark, a project already hosting a substantial mineral resource of 1.67 million ounces of gold. The porphyry targets, including three high-priority zones near the Kulamadau, Busai, and Little Mackenzie gold deposits, suggest the potential for deeper, district-scale mineralisation that could significantly enhance the project’s value.
Geological Context and Exploration Strategy
Woodlark Island sits within a tectonically complex and magmatically fertile region known for producing world-class Cu-Au deposits, such as the nearby Wafi-Golpu project. The recent desktop study, led by porphyry specialist Dr. Bruce Rohrlach, integrated regional tectonic analysis, geochemical data, and structural mapping to delineate prospective zones for porphyry mineralisation beneath the known epithermal systems.
The company’s approach combines detailed 3D alteration modelling, spectral analysis, and magnetic modelling to refine targeting ahead of planned drilling. This comprehensive methodology aims to unravel the system architecture and fluid pathways that link the deeper porphyry sources to the surface epithermal gold deposits.
Next Steps and Market Implications
Geopacific plans to undertake extensive fieldwork over the next six months, including focused alteration mapping around the highest-ranked targets and compilation of historical data to support drill targeting. The upcoming drilling campaigns, scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2025, will be critical in testing the economic potential of these porphyry systems.
CEO James Fox highlighted the significance of this development, noting that the identification of multiple porphyry targets broadens the company’s exploration horizon and complements ongoing efforts to expand the epithermal gold resource base. This dual focus on copper-gold porphyry and epithermal gold systems positions Woodlark as a compelling exploration and development opportunity in the region.
While the porphyry targets remain untested, the integration of geological, geochemical, and geophysical data provides a robust framework for advancing exploration. Success in these deeper targets could materially increase the project’s mineral endowment and attract further investor interest.
Bottom Line?
Woodlark’s new porphyry targets could redefine its resource potential, with upcoming drilling set to reveal their true value.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming drilling results impact Woodlark’s overall resource estimate?
- What are the timelines and budget implications for advancing porphyry exploration alongside epithermal drilling?
- Could successful porphyry discoveries at Woodlark attract strategic partnerships or joint ventures?
