Black Cat Syndicate reports ongoing underground drilling success at its Paulsens Gold Operation, revealing significant high-grade gold mineralisation in newly targeted Gabbro Veins. The results underpin resource growth and support an accelerated production ramp-up.
- 90 underground drill holes completed with assays confirming widespread mineralisation
- High-grade intercepts in Gabbro Veins up to 34.16g/t gold over 1.55m
- Gabbro Veins resource currently estimated at 86,000 ounces at 11.9g/t gold
- Mine development progressing with new access drives and ore development underway
- Surface drilling at Paulsens West Seismic Target scheduled for July 2025
Drilling Momentum at Paulsens
Black Cat Syndicate Limited (ASX, BC8) has provided a robust update on its underground drilling program at the 100% owned Paulsens Gold Operation in Western Australia. Since commencing in February 2025, the company has drilled 90 holes totaling nearly 14,000 metres, with assay results from the initial 25 holes confirming consistent gold mineralisation across multiple vein structures.
Particularly encouraging are the results from the Gabbro Veins, a previously undeveloped zone within the mine’s footwall. These veins currently host an inferred resource of approximately 86,000 ounces of gold at an impressive grade of 11.9 grams per tonne. Recent drill intercepts include standout grades such as 1.55 metres at 34.16 g/t Au and 3.16 metres at 8.75 g/t Au, underscoring the high-grade nature of this target.
Supporting Mine Development and Production
Beyond exploration, the drilling program is integral to mine development optimisation. Black Cat has completed around 378 metres of underground development, including two new access drives, to facilitate ore extraction from the Gabbro Veins. Ore development is actively progressing on the 340 level, with access from the 420 level underway to reach up-plunge extensions of the veins.
Managing Director Gareth Solly highlighted the strategic importance of these results, stating that the drilling “continues to deliver and is assisting in refining the Paulsens mine plan.” The company anticipates that production from the Gabbro Veins will contribute meaningfully as the mine ramps up to full capacity during 2025, aligning with its “more gold, sooner” strategy.
Upcoming Exploration and Broader Growth Potential
Looking ahead, Black Cat plans to initiate surface drilling at the Paulsens West Seismic Target in late July 2025, supported by the Exploration Incentive Scheme. This is part of a broader exploration agenda that includes ongoing underground drilling, regional exploration around Paulsens, and additional programs at other company assets such as Kal East and Mt Clement.
Paulsens itself remains a cornerstone asset with a regional resource of 4.3 million tonnes at 4.0 g/t Au for 548,000 ounces, complemented by significant exploration upside. The company’s integrated approach combining resource growth, mine development, and exploration bodes well for sustaining production and extending mine life.
Technical Rigor and Resource Confidence
The drilling and sampling protocols adhere to industry best practices, with detailed geological logging, high sample recovery rates, and rigorous quality control measures. Assays are conducted via fire assay with a 40-gram charge, ensuring reliable grade determinations. The company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning previous resource and reserve estimates remain valid, providing investors with confidence in the reported figures.
Bottom Line?
As assay results from the remaining holes are awaited, Black Cat’s Paulsens project stands poised for a significant production boost, but the market will watch closely for confirmation of sustained high-grade mineralisation.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pending assay results from the 65 unreported holes impact the overall resource estimate?
- What is the timeline and expected production volume from the newly developed Gabbro Veins?
- How might the upcoming surface drilling at Paulsens West influence the mine’s long-term growth profile?