Gold Assays Hit 32.1g/t at Columbo Prospect in Thunderbird’s NSW Project
Thunderbird Resources reports further high-grade gold assay results from its Kookabookra Project in NSW, revealing new target areas and preparing for maiden drilling later this year.
- High-grade gold assays up to 32.1g/t at new Columbo prospect
- 428 historical mine workings identified via LiDAR data
- Induced Polarisation survey completed at Mannix and Mt Secret prospects
- Maiden drilling program planned for Q3/Q4 2025
- JV partner Mustang Energy begins uranium-copper exploration in Canada
Exploration Momentum Builds at Kookabookra
Thunderbird Resources Limited (ASX – THB) has delivered another round of encouraging exploration results from its 100%-owned Kookabookra Gold Project in north-eastern New South Wales. Recent rock chip sampling has confirmed the presence of high-grade gold mineralisation across several newly identified prospects, including standout assays of 32.1 grams per tonne (g/t) gold at the previously undocumented Columbo prospect.
The company’s ongoing fieldwork is rapidly expanding the known footprint of mineralisation within the project area. Assays from historical mine dumps and rock chips at Bear Hill, Germans Reef, and Nuggety Gully Reef also returned significant gold grades, reinforcing the potential for multiple high-value targets.
Leveraging Technology to Unlock Historical Data
In a notable advancement, Thunderbird has completed an Induced Polarisation (IP) geophysical survey over the Mannix and Mt Secret prospects. This survey, aimed at detecting subsurface mineralisation signatures, is currently under review with results expected imminently. The IP data will be critical in refining drill targets ahead of the company’s maiden drilling campaign planned for the second half of 2025.
Complementing geophysical efforts, the company has interpreted high-resolution LiDAR data covering the Kookabookra tenements. This analysis uncovered an extensive network of 428 historical mine workings, comprising adits, shafts, and prospecting pits, most of which were previously undocumented. On-ground verification and sampling of these sites are underway, with assay results from 79 samples anticipated within weeks.
Strategic Focus and Portfolio Management
Executive Chairman George Ventouras expressed optimism about the project’s trajectory, highlighting the surprise at the lack of modern exploration in such a prospective area. He emphasized that the combination of historical workings, high-grade surface samples, and new geophysical data positions Thunderbird on the cusp of a significant discovery.
Beyond Kookabookra, Thunderbird’s joint venture partner Mustang Energy Corporation has initiated exploration at the Surprise Creek Uranium-Copper Project in Canada’s Athabasca Basin, a globally renowned uranium district. Meanwhile, Thunderbird is streamlining its portfolio by withdrawing from the Picha Project in Peru, retaining a 1% royalty to maintain upside exposure without ongoing capital commitment.
Looking Ahead
Thunderbird is advancing permit applications for drilling at Kookabookra, with plans to commence in the third or fourth quarter of 2025. The integration of geochemical soil sampling, geological mapping, and geophysical data will guide the prioritisation of drill targets. The company’s methodical approach and expanding dataset are likely to keep investors closely watching as exploration intensifies.
Bottom Line?
With high-grade results and a rich pipeline of targets, Thunderbird is poised to transform Kookabookra from promising ground to a major discovery.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming IP survey results influence drill targeting and project valuation?
- What is the potential scale and grade continuity of mineralisation beneath the historical workings?
- How might Mustang Energy’s progress in Canada impact Thunderbird’s uranium portfolio strategy?
