Brightstar Commences 8,600m Underground Drilling at Fish Mine for Resource Growth

Strategic Drilling to Extend Mine Life

Brightstar Resources Limited (ASX, BTR) has commenced an ambitious underground diamond drilling program at its Fish Mine, part of the Laverton Gold Project in Western Australia. The program, designed in two phases each comprising approximately 4,300 metres of drilling, aims to unlock deeper mineralisation below the existing Ore Reserve. This effort is central to Brightstar's strategy to extend the mine life and convert inferred mineral resources into higher confidence measured and indicated categories.

The first phase targets the central areas of the conceptual 'Stage 2' mine plan, while the second phase will focus on extensions along strike, at depth, and potential parallel lodes. This approach is intended to underpin future mine plan extensions and support additional Ore Reserve delineation, which could translate into increased production longevity and value.

Surface Exploration and Ongoing Development

Complementing the underground drilling, Brightstar has completed a surface exploration program comprising eight drill holes totaling 2,620 metres. These holes tested key extensional and infill targets beneath the current mine plan, including a notable high-grade intercept at depth, which suggests the mineralisation remains open and could provide multi-year upside potential beyond the current mine design.

Meanwhile, the Fish Mine's development is progressing ahead of schedule, reflecting the efficiency of Brightstar's owner-operator mining team. High-grade ore from Fish is currently feeding into an Ore Purchase Agreement with Genesis Minerals, allowing up to 500,000 tonnes of ore to be processed at Genesis’ Laverton Mill, supporting steady production and cash flow.

Looking Ahead, Resource Upgrade and Market Implications

Brightstar plans to deliver assay results from the surface drilling in the coming weeks, with underground drilling updates to follow as results are processed. A Mineral Resource upgrade is targeted for the second half of 2025, which will provide the framework for potential Ore Reserve growth and mine life extensions. This development aligns with Brightstar’s broader ambition to build a low-capital-expenditure, mid-tier gold mining operation leveraging existing infrastructure and sunk costs.

Managing Director Alex Rovira emphasised the importance of this drilling phase, noting it as a key step in maximizing the value of the Fish Mine and the Laverton Hub. The ongoing exploration success and operational momentum position Brightstar well to capitalize on its substantial resource base in a jurisdiction known for its mining-friendly environment.