Oval Target Yields Strongest VHMS Geochemical Signature; Juggernaut Drilling Set for September

Exploration Momentum Builds at Oval

Great Western Exploration Limited has reported compelling progress in its June 2025 quarterly activities, particularly at the Oval Copper-Gold Target in Western Australia. The latest assays from diamond drilling have revealed the strongest pathfinder geochemical signature for a Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulphide (VHMS) system encountered at Oval to date. Although no significant copper or gold grades were recorded in the recent hole, the elevated lead, zinc, bismuth, and tellurium values suggest proximity to a copper-gold rich mineralised horizon, interpreted to be on the periphery of a potential VHMS deposit.

Situated along the fertile, crustal-scale Ida Fault and intersected by a basin-defining growth fault, Oval and its adjacent Oval South target occupy a geologically favourable setting reminiscent of the nearby DeGrussa Copper-Gold Deposit. This structural positioning enhances the prospectivity for a major mineralised system.

Refining Targets with Gravity Survey

Building on airborne gravity data and electromagnetic surveys, Great Western has commenced a close-spaced ground gravity survey at Oval and Oval South. This survey aims to provide higher resolution data to identify dense massive sulphide bodies that may be obscured by sulphidic shales, which can mask electromagnetic responses. The integration of gravity, drilling, and electromagnetic datasets is expected to yield a comprehensive 3D geological model, sharpening drill targeting for upcoming campaigns.

Juggernaut Project, A Cluster of VHMS Targets

Approximately 70 kilometres southeast of DeGrussa, the Juggernaut project has emerged as a promising VHMS copper-gold camp. Great Western has delineated six distinct targets; Seymour, Falconer, Howard, Palmer, Smith, and Archer; each defined by unique stratigraphic, structural, and geochemical characteristics. These targets lie within the Killara Formation, considered stratigraphically equivalent to the DeGrussa Formation, and exhibit geological features such as pillow basalts and pepperite textures indicative of submarine volcanic environments conducive to VHMS mineralisation.

With access approvals and track construction completed for five targets, drilling is scheduled to commence in the September 2025 quarter, marking a significant step toward testing the camp’s potential.

Sumo Niobium Target Deprioritised

In contrast, the maiden drilling program at the Sumo Niobium Target returned no significant niobium mineralisation. The discrete soil anomaly is now attributed to localized mafic dolerite intrusions rather than a carbonatite-hosted niobium system. Consequently, Great Western has decided to cease further exploration at Sumo and concentrate efforts on its copper-gold projects.

Lake Way Potash Project Shows Promise

Meanwhile, the Lake Way Potash Project continues to demonstrate encouraging results. Water bore drilling has confirmed high-grade potassium brine concentrations exceeding 5,500 mg/l in basal sands, comparable to adjacent producing projects. These findings support the potential for sulphate of potash (SOP) fertiliser production, with the paleochannel extending over 15 kilometres and possibly up to 30 kilometres pending further drilling.

Great Western is reviewing recommendations for additional drilling to define a maiden resource, contingent on improved market conditions for SOP.