Brightstar Uncovers High-Grade Gold and Visible Nuggets at Menzies

Strong Drilling Results at Yunndaga

Brightstar Resources Limited (ASX, BTR) has announced compelling results from a recent ~6,400 metre drilling campaign at the Yunndaga deposit, part of its broader Menzies Gold Project in Western Australia. The program, comprising both reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling, targeted infill and extensional zones within the deposit, which currently hosts a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 0.6 million ounces at 1.4 grams per tonne gold.

Among the standout intercepts are 8 metres grading 6.67 grams per tonne from 245 metres depth, including a higher-grade 4-metre section at 10.6 grams per tonne, and 4 metres at 6.73 grams per tonne from just 46 metres, featuring a 1-metre interval at 18.4 grams per tonne. These results confirm the presence of high-grade mineralisation consistent with the classic pinch-and-swell lode morphology typical of the Menzies region.

Visible Gold and Implications for Underground Mining

Significantly, visible gold was intersected in multiple diamond drill holes, a promising sign that the deposit contains nuggety, coarse gold which can enhance economic extraction. Assays from these diamond holes are pending, with results expected in the coming weeks. The drilling also provides valuable geotechnical and metallurgical data, which will help de-risk the planned underground mining operation.

The Yunndaga deposit has a history of high-grade production, with previous underground mining extracting over 270,000 ounces at an average grade exceeding 16 grams per tonne. Recent feasibility studies have highlighted the potential for a focused underground operation targeting approximately 0.6 million tonnes at 2.6 grams per tonne, aiming to recover around 50,000 ounces of gold.

Strategic Development and Exploration Outlook

Brightstar is targeting a Mineral Resource upgrade and the declaration of maiden underground Ore Reserves at Yunndaga by late 2025, milestones that will underpin the next phase of project development. The company’s General Manager of Geology, Jonathan Gough, expressed confidence in the deposit’s continuity and grade, noting the exciting visible gold intersections and the ongoing drilling programs across Brightstar’s portfolio.

Beyond Yunndaga, Brightstar continues to advance exploration and development at its Laverton and Sandstone hubs, with multiple rigs active across these regions. The company’s integrated approach aims to build a robust pipeline of resources and reserves to support sustained gold production in the near term.

Context Within Brightstar’s Portfolio

The Menzies Gold Project is a key asset within Brightstar’s portfolio, which collectively holds over 3 million ounces of gold resources across Western Australia. The consolidation of the Sandstone district last year further expanded the company’s footprint, positioning Brightstar as a significant player in the region’s gold sector. The upcoming resource and reserve updates at Yunndaga will be closely watched by investors as indicators of the project’s advancing maturity and economic potential.