Brightstar Strikes High-Grade Gold, Eyes 2.4Moz Resource Post-Merger

Strong Drilling Results at Sandstone

Brightstar Resources Limited (ASX, BTR) has announced further encouraging gold assay results from its extensive Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program at the Sandstone Gold Project in Western Australia's East Murchison region. The latest batch of assays comes from 87 drill holes covering approximately 11,000 metres across multiple deposits within the Sandstone Hub, including Musketeer, Indomitable East, Cessna, Lord Henry, Lords Corridor, Duplex, and Whistler.

The Sandstone Gold Project currently hosts a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 1.5 million ounces at 1.5 grams per tonne (g/t) gold. Brightstar's ongoing drilling campaign, part of a broader ~100,000 metre program, aims to significantly increase both the size and quality of this resource base. These efforts are designed to underpin a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) scheduled for delivery in 2026.

High-Grade Intercepts Across Multiple Deposits

The drilling results reveal numerous high-grade, shallow gold intercepts that highlight the potential for resource growth. Notable hits include 8 metres at 4.50 g/t Au at Musketeer, 26 metres at 1.39 g/t Au at Indomitable East, and 6 metres at 6.91 g/t Au at the Cessna prospect. The Lord Henry deposit yielded impressive grades such as 3 metres at 9.29 g/t Au, including a 1-metre interval at 25.1 g/t Au.

These results not only confirm the continuity of mineralisation within existing resource areas but also indicate promising extensions beyond current boundaries. The Musketeer deposit, for example, remains open at depth, suggesting further upside potential.

Strategic Merger and Resource Growth

Brightstar is progressing a merger with Aurumin Limited, which upon completion will combine their Mineral Resources to create a substantial 2.4 million ounce gold inventory at 1.5 g/t Au within the Sandstone district. This consolidation positions Brightstar as a more significant player in the region, enhancing its development prospects.

Managing Director Alex Rovira expressed confidence in the project’s trajectory, noting that the drilling results validate the company's exploration strategy and highlight the extensive prospectivity beyond the current resource base. He emphasized the company's commitment to advancing the Sandstone Project through the PFS and subsequent development phases.

Operational Update and Next Steps

Currently, Brightstar’s drilling rigs have temporarily relocated to the Menzies and Laverton hubs to focus on exploration and resource definition at the Second Fortune, Fish, and Yunndaga deposits. Drilling at Sandstone is planned to resume in early September, with approximately 100 kilometres of drilling scheduled for the 2026 financial year.

Alongside resource expansion, Brightstar is conducting infill, geotechnical, and metallurgical drilling programs essential for the timely delivery of the PFS. The company’s methodical approach aims to upgrade resource classifications and optimize pit designs at conservative gold price assumptions, thereby enhancing project economics.