Can Great Boulder Sustain Momentum Amid Resource Expansion Uncertainties?
Great Boulder Resources has expanded its gold mineralisation at Side Well South near Meekatharra, with recent drilling revealing high-grade intercepts over a 200m strike length. The company is advancing multiple drilling programs and a scoping study to support resource growth.
- Recent RC drilling extends gold strike length over 200m at Side Well South
- High-grade intercepts include 4m @ 11.70g/t Au and 9m @ 2.28g/t Au
- New lode discovered, potentially linked to Golden Bracelet mineralisation
- Ongoing AC drilling at Saltbush and Ironbark areas with results pending
- Ironbark scoping study progressing, deliverables expected early July
Expanding the Side Well Gold Project
Great Boulder Resources (ASX – GBR) has reported encouraging results from its recent reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign at the Side Well South prospect, part of its flagship Side Well Gold Project near Meekatharra in Western Australia. The latest drilling has extended the strike length of gold mineralisation to over 200 metres, confirming the presence of multiple gold lodes with promising grades close to surface.
Among the standout results are intercepts such as 9 metres at 2.28 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 35 metres depth, including a high-grade 1 metre section at 9.18 g/t, and a 4 metre composite sample grading 11.70 g/t gold from 116 metres. These intercepts suggest the discovery of a new lode that may represent a strike extension of the historic Golden Bracelet mine mineralisation, a significant development for the project’s resource potential.
Strategic Importance of Near-Surface Mineralisation
Great Boulder’s Managing Director, Andrew Paterson, highlighted the significance of these near-surface gold deposits, noting their potential to provide early cash flow and flexibility in mine scheduling. This is particularly relevant as the company contemplates the development of a large open pit at Mulga Bill, another deposit within the Side Well project area. The discovery of Ironbark-style mineralisation with strong grades near surface adds a valuable dimension to the project’s economics.
In addition to Side Well South, the company has completed a short RC drilling program south of Ironbark, following up on recent high-grade hits including 8 metres at 9.07 g/t gold. These efforts aim to delineate the southern extension of the Ironbark mineralisation and test geological models suggesting a southerly plunge of the high-grade zone.
Ongoing Drilling and Resource Development
Great Boulder is also progressing aircore (AC) drilling programs at Saltbush and other prospects within the project area. The Saltbush drilling is designed to infill gaps in coverage ahead of a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), while further AC drilling fences are planned to test the northern extent of the Central Corridor, which hosts deposits like Mulga Bill and Eaglehawk over a strike length exceeding 6 kilometres.
The company’s Ironbark scoping study is advancing well, with results expected in early July. This study will provide critical insights into the feasibility and development pathway for the Ironbark deposit, complementing the broader exploration success at Side Well.
Looking Ahead
With a current Mineral Resource Estimate of 668,000 ounces at 2.8 g/t gold, Great Boulder’s ongoing exploration and development activities at Side Well are positioning the project for significant growth. The combination of new lode discoveries, high-grade near-surface mineralisation, and systematic drilling programs underscores the company’s commitment to unlocking value in this prolific gold region.
Bottom Line?
Great Boulder’s expanding gold footprint at Side Well sets the stage for a pivotal resource update and development decisions in the coming months.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the new high-grade lode at Side Well South significantly increase the overall resource?
- How will the upcoming Ironbark scoping study influence Great Boulder’s development strategy?
- What are the implications of the northern Central Corridor drilling for the project’s long-term potential?
