Geopacific Ignites Woodlark Drilling as St Barbara Joins Shareholders
Geopacific Resources has launched a major drilling campaign at its Woodlark Gold Project, unveiling high-grade surface results and new exploration targets, while St Barbara Limited moves to become a strategic shareholder.
- 30,000m drilling program underway at Woodlark Gold Project
- High-grade gold assays up to 63.6 g/t at Little MacKenzie prospect
- Identification of 14 porphyry copper-gold targets, three high priority
- Definitive Feasibility Study on track for Q4 2025 completion
- St Barbara Limited to acquire 14.4% stake via Patronus Resources transaction
Drilling Resumes with Ambition
Geopacific Resources Limited has reignited exploration at its flagship Woodlark Gold Project in Papua New Guinea, commencing a substantial 30,000-metre reverse circulation and diamond drilling program late in the June quarter. This marks the company’s first major drilling campaign since 2021, aiming to expand known gold mineralisation and test new targets across the 1.67 million ounce resource.
The initial drilling focused on near-surface gold zones along key structural corridors such as Kamwak/Boscalo North and Vulcan & Federation, with early challenges from groundwater ingress expected to be mitigated as a second diamond rig arrives in August. Assay results from these early holes are anticipated in the coming months, potentially reshaping resource estimates.
Surface Sampling Highlights High-Grade Potential
Complementing drilling efforts, surface auger sampling at the Little MacKenzie prospect returned exceptional gold grades, peaking at 63.6 grams per tonne. Trenching has revealed brecciated volcanic zones up to 60 metres wide with visible free gold, underscoring the prospect’s promise. Meanwhile, the Wayai Creek deposit’s mineralisation footprint has extended by over 0.5 kilometres, with new sub-parallel zones identified for future drill testing once access improves.
Unlocking Porphyry Copper-Gold Potential
A recent independent study by porphyry specialist Dr Bruce Rohrlach has identified 14 untested porphyry copper-gold target environments on Woodlark Island, three of which have been prioritised for immediate follow-up. This discovery opens a new frontier for district-scale exploration beyond the established epithermal gold systems, with plans for advanced 3D modelling and field mapping to refine targets ahead of drilling in 2025 and 2026.
Project Development and Strategic Partnership
Geopacific remains on track to deliver its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) in the fourth quarter of 2025, incorporating recent mine optimisation, infrastructure, and processing improvements. Geotechnical drilling at the proposed Process Plant Site has been completed, supporting detailed engineering and pit design work led by AMC Consultants.
On the corporate front, St Barbara Limited is set to become a substantial and strategic shareholder, acquiring a 14.4% stake through a share exchange with Patronus Resources. This partnership brings seasoned PNG operational expertise to Geopacific’s register, potentially accelerating project advancement and regional collaboration.
Financial and Sustainability Snapshot
As of 30 June 2025, Geopacific held a robust cash position of $32.3 million, alongside $17 million in long lead equipment assets and a PNG GST receivable balance of $1.1 million. The company reported no lost time injuries during the quarter, maintaining a safety record of nearly five years without incident. Community engagement and relocation programs continue to progress, reflecting Geopacific’s commitment to social responsibility on Woodlark Island.
Bottom Line?
With drilling ramping up and a strategic partner on board, Geopacific’s next quarter promises pivotal assay results and DFS milestones that could redefine Woodlark’s future.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming assay results confirm significant resource expansions at Little MacKenzie and Wayai Creek?
- How will St Barbara’s involvement influence project execution and regional partnerships?
- What impact will the newly identified porphyry targets have on Woodlark’s exploration strategy and valuation?
