Norwest Advances Bulgera Gold Project with Phase 1 Drilling Success
Norwest Minerals has completed Phase 1 of its 2025 drilling campaign at the Bulgera Gold Project, intersecting promising mineralised zones and announcing a 33% resource increase. Assay results are pending, with Phase 2 drilling set to begin next month.
- Phase 1 RC drilling completed ahead of schedule and under budget
- 11 holes, 2,624 metres targeting down-dip gold mineralisation
- Multiple mineralised zones intersected consistent with geological model
- July 2025 resource update shows 33% increase to 288,400 ounces gold
- Phase 2 drilling planned at Bulgera and Marymia East following heritage clearances
Phase 1 Drilling Wraps Up with Encouraging Intersections
Norwest Minerals Limited (ASX, NWM) has successfully completed the first phase of its 2025 reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign at the Bulgera Gold Project in Western Australia. The initial program, consisting of 11 holes totaling 2,624 metres, was finished ahead of schedule and under budget; a positive operational outcome that sets a confident tone for the project’s next stages.
The drilling targeted down-dip extensions of known near-surface gold-bearing zones within the Bulgera mining lease, focusing on areas below historical pits such as Mercuri, Price, and Bulgera, as well as the Rainbow North prospects. Early geological observations from the drill cores reveal multiple zones of interlayered amphibolites and felsic volcanics with sulphide mineralisation and quartz veining, features typically associated with gold mineralisation in this region.
Resource Upgrade Reflects Growing Potential
Last week’s updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for Bulgera, announced in July 2025, showed a significant 33% increase in contained gold ounces to 288,400 ounces at an average grade of 1.07 grams per tonne. This uplift stems from a comprehensive reinterpretation of the project’s 3D geological model and the inclusion of new mineralised zones within the mining lease, supported by a doubling of the gold price assumption to A$5,000 per ounce since the last estimate in 2022.
The revised resource highlights the potential for higher-grade mineralisation at depth, consistent with Norwest’s geological model and historical data from the Plutonic Well Greenstone Belt, a prolific gold-producing region. The company’s CEO, Charles Schaus, emphasised that the Phase 1 drilling results align well with these expectations and that the team eagerly awaits assay results to confirm the gold grades intersected.
Looking Ahead, Phase 2 and Marymia East
With Phase 1 complete, Norwest is preparing to commence Phase 2 drilling next month, which will extend exploration at Bulgera and initiate drilling at the nearby Marymia East project. Heritage clearances for drill pads are underway, with work expected to start shortly after. The Marymia East program aims to test several compelling gold targets identified through recent and historical data reviews, potentially expanding Norwest’s footprint in this highly prospective region.
Norwest’s strategic focus on targeting down-dip extensions of known mineralisation and untested zones below 100 vertical metres reflects a disciplined approach to unlocking deeper, higher-grade gold resources. The company’s methodical exploration and resource development efforts position Bulgera and Marymia East as projects to watch in the evolving Western Australian gold landscape.
Bottom Line?
As assay results loom and Phase 2 drilling approaches, Norwest’s Bulgera project stands poised for a pivotal exploration chapter.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the upcoming assay results reveal about the grade and continuity of the mineralised zones?
- How might Phase 2 drilling at Bulgera and Marymia East impact the overall resource and project valuation?
- What are the potential challenges or delays related to heritage clearances and operational logistics?
