Ada Ann Gold Deposit Hosts 12,419 Ounces at 1.67 g/t in Maiden Resource
Forrestania Resources has announced its first JORC-compliant inferred mineral resource at the Ada Ann gold deposit, marking a significant step toward becoming a high-margin gold producer.
- Maiden inferred resource of 231,600 tonnes at 1.67 g/t gold
- Total contained gold of 12,419 ounces at Ada Ann deposit
- Discovery cost estimated at $33 per ounce
- Near-surface mineralisation supports potential for low-cost open pit mining
- Further drilling planned to expand and upgrade resource classification
A New Chapter for Forrestania Resources
Forrestania Resources Limited (ASX – FRS) has taken a decisive step forward with the announcement of a maiden JORC-compliant inferred mineral resource at its Ada Ann gold deposit, part of the Bonnie Vale project near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The resource totals 231,600 tonnes grading 1.67 grams per tonne gold, equating to 12,419 ounces of contained gold. This milestone is a tangible demonstration of Forrestania's exploration success and its ambition to evolve into a high-margin gold producer in the near term.
Geological and Economic Context
Ada Ann is situated just 18 kilometres north of Coolgardie, within a geologically prospective region marked by historic prospecting pits and shallow shafts. The deposit features near-surface mineralisation hosted within an east-dipping shear zone in altered ultramafic rocks, a setting that bodes well for cost-effective open pit mining. The resource estimate is constrained within an AUD8000 break-even pit shell, underscoring reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
Discovery Efficiency and Drilling Insights
The discovery cost at Ada Ann is estimated at a competitive $33 per ounce, reflecting efficient exploration and drilling practices. Forrestania completed 139 drill holes totaling 6,744 metres, employing reverse circulation and rotary air blast methods. The drilling confirmed high-grade gold mineralisation at depth with open extensions in multiple directions, suggesting potential for resource growth. The company plans additional resource expansion drilling aimed at increasing the ounce inventory and upgrading resource confidence from inferred to indicated categories.
Technical Rigor and Future Work
The resource estimate was developed using industry-standard geostatistical methods, including inverse distance cubed interpolation, and is supported by a comprehensive QAQC sampling regime. While no metallurgical testwork has yet been conducted, such studies are planned to inform future resource classification upgrades and mining studies. Forrestania's Chairman, David Geraghty, highlighted the significance of this milestone as a validation of the company's exploration strategy and confidence in Ada Ann's potential.
Strategic Outlook
Located in a prolific gold region with proximity to established mines, Ada Ann adds a valuable asset to Forrestania's portfolio. The company’s broader Bonnie Vale project benefits from favorable geology and infrastructure access. With further drilling and metallurgical testing on the horizon, Forrestania is positioning itself to unlock additional value and advance toward production. Investors will be watching closely as the company seeks to convert inferred resources into higher confidence categories and refine economic assessments.
Bottom Line?
Ada Ann’s maiden resource lays a solid foundation, but upcoming drilling and metallurgical results will be critical to unlocking its full potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will metallurgical test results impact resource classification and processing plans?
- What is the timeline and budget for the planned resource expansion drilling?
- How does Ada Ann fit into Forrestania’s broader production and development strategy?
