Tumblegum South Drilling Yields 5m at 30.91 g/t Gold in Shallow Zones
Star Minerals reports exceptional shallow gold assay results from infill drilling at its Tumblegum South Gold Project, reinforcing the deposit's quality and advancing plans for production. The company anticipates further assay results and an updated resource estimate soon.
- High-grade shallow gold intercepts up to 5m at 30.91 g/t Au
- Infill drilling improves confidence in mineral resource model
- 22 of 38 drill holes reported with more results pending
- Plans underway for updated JORC Mineral Resource and mining approvals
- MOU with MEGA Resources progressing toward binding mining agreement
Exceptional Shallow Gold Results
Star Minerals Limited (ASX – SMS) has announced outstanding assay results from its recent infill drilling program at the Tumblegum South Gold Project in Western Australia. The drilling, focused on the shallow portions of the deposit, returned impressive intercepts including 5 metres at 30.91 grams per tonne gold from just 21 metres downhole, and other significant hits such as 5 metres at 10.85 g/t Au from 5 metres depth. These results highlight the high-grade nature of the near-surface mineralisation and validate the geological model underpinning the project.
Advancing Resource Confidence
The program comprised 38 reverse circulation drill holes totaling over 2,000 metres, with assay results from 22 holes now received and interpreted. The close-spaced drilling at a 12.5 by 12.5 metre grid density has substantially increased confidence in the continuity and grade of the mineralisation. The company notes that the shallow gold intercepts confirm minimal barren overburden, which bodes well for mining efficiency and cost control.
Next Steps Toward Production
Star Minerals is preparing to update its JORC Mineral Resource estimate later this year, expecting an upgrade in resource classification in parts of the deposit. Concurrently, the company is progressing mining approvals with the assistance of ResourcesWA and advancing its memorandum of understanding with MEGA Resources toward a binding mining contract. The project aims to commence production in early 2026, capitalising on robust gold prices that exceed those used in previous scoping studies.
Strategic Implications
These drilling results not only reinforce the economic potential of Tumblegum South but also provide tangible momentum for Star Minerals as it moves from exploration to development. The high-grade shallow mineralisation could translate into a more attractive mining operation with lower stripping ratios and improved cash flow. However, the company awaits the remaining assay results from peripheral drilling, which could further refine the resource and influence mine planning.
Outlook
With a clear pathway to production and strong early results, Star Minerals is positioning itself as a promising player in the Western Australian gold sector. Investors will be watching closely as the company releases the remaining drilling data, finalises its resource update, and navigates the regulatory and contractual milestones ahead.
Bottom Line?
Star Minerals’ strong shallow gold results set the stage for a resource upgrade and production push in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the pending assay results from peripheral drilling impact the overall resource estimate?
- What are the timelines and risks associated with securing final mining approvals and binding agreements with MEGA Resources?
- Could the high-grade shallow intercepts enable a more cost-effective mining strategy than previously modelled?
