Laverton Drilling Set to Follow Up 28m at 1.09g/t Gold and 1% TREO Intercepts
Catalina Resources is set to commence drilling at its Laverton project, aiming to expand on promising gold and rare earth element mineralisation previously identified near the Mt Weld REE Mine.
- Drillers mobilising to Laverton Gold Project next week
- Follow-up on significant gold intercepts including 28m at 1.09g/t Au
- High-grade rare earth element intersections near Mt Weld REE Mine
- Drilling to test continuity and depth of gold and REE mineralisation
- Targets aligned along the Barnicoat Shear Zone trend
Catalina Advances Laverton Exploration
Catalina Resources Limited (ASX – CTN) has announced the imminent mobilisation of drilling rigs to its Laverton Gold Project in Western Australia. This move follows encouraging results from previous aircore drilling campaigns that uncovered notable gold mineralisation and rare earth element (REE) anomalies along the Barnicoat Shear Zone, a structurally significant geological feature in the region.
The upcoming drilling program is designed to build on these earlier successes, particularly a standout intercept of 28 metres grading 1.09 grams per tonne gold starting at 57 metres depth. This intercept highlights the potential for economically viable gold mineralisation at Laverton, a region already known for its rich mineral endowment.
Rare Earth Elements Near a World-Class Deposit
In addition to gold, Catalina’s previous drilling revealed high-grade REE intersections, including a remarkable 9 metres averaging 7,565 parts per million total rare earth oxides (TREO), with a peak 4-metre section hitting 13,406 ppm (1.34% TREO). These results were recorded near the world-renowned Mt Weld REE Mine, one of the richest rare earth deposits globally. The proximity to Mt Weld adds strategic value to Catalina’s Laverton project, potentially positioning it as a complementary source of critical minerals.
The company’s planned drilling aims to delineate the extent and continuity of both gold and REE mineralisation along strike and at depth, which will be crucial for assessing the project’s economic potential. The Barnicoat Shear Zone’s structural complexity offers multiple targets that could host further mineralisation, making this drilling campaign a pivotal step in advancing the project.
Looking Ahead
While the announcement does not include new assay results, it signals a clear intent by Catalina to capitalise on prior exploration success and move towards resource definition. Investors and analysts will be watching closely for drilling commencement updates and subsequent assay results, which could materially influence Catalina’s valuation and strategic positioning in the gold and critical minerals sectors.
Bottom Line?
Catalina’s next drilling phase at Laverton could unlock significant value if gold and REE continuity is confirmed.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming drilling confirm the continuity of high-grade gold mineralisation along the Barnicoat Shear Zone?
- How extensive are the rare earth element deposits near the Mt Weld REE Mine within Catalina’s tenements?
- What impact will these exploration results have on Catalina’s resource estimates and market valuation?
