Panther Metals Unveils Maiden High-Grade Gold Resource at Burtville East
Panther Metals has announced a maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate at Burtville East, revealing a high-grade near-surface gold deposit and launching a scoping study to evaluate open pit mining potential.
- Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate – 62kt at 4.24g/t Au (8,400oz)
- Scoping study underway for low-capex open pit mining viability
- Recent drilling confirms shallow high-grade gold mineralisation
- Metallurgical test work ongoing to assess gold recovery
- Potential for resource expansion at depth and nearby Rainier prospect
Maiden Resource Marks a Milestone
Panther Metals Ltd (ASX, PNT) has delivered a significant exploration milestone with the announcement of its maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at the Burtville East Gold Project in Western Australia. The estimate outlines 62,000 tonnes grading 4.24 grams per tonne gold, equating to approximately 8,400 ounces of gold. This near-surface, high-grade resource lies within trucking distance of multiple processing plants, positioning it as a promising candidate for early-stage development.
Scoping Study and Economic Potential
Following the resource declaration, Panther Metals has initiated a scoping study to assess the economic viability of open pit mining at Burtville East. Preliminary internal reviews suggest the potential for a low-capital expenditure, high-grade starter operation. The company is also conducting metallurgical test work on recent drilling samples and historic stockpiles to better understand gold recovery rates, with results expected in the coming quarter. These efforts aim to refine the project's development pathway and support future planning.
Encouraging Drilling Results and Exploration Upside
Recent drilling campaigns have reinforced the quality of mineralisation at Burtville East, with notable intercepts such as 6 meters at 11.99 g/t gold from 28 meters depth, including 3 meters at 22.35 g/t. Additionally, drilling at the nearby Rainier prospect intercepted shallow gold mineralisation, confirming the presence of a second eastern gold-mineralised ultramafic system within the Laverton Gold Project area. This discovery highlights the broader exploration potential across Panther’s 35-kilometer gold corridor.
Historical Stockpiles and Regional Context
The company has also been evaluating historic stockpiles at Burtville East, with grab samples returning high grades up to 27.2 g/t gold. These stockpiles represent an immediate resource that could supplement future mining operations. Panther Metals’ Laverton Gold Project sits strategically within a prolific gold belt, underscored by recent acquisitions nearby, such as Genesis Minerals’ purchase of Focus Minerals, signaling growing interest and activity in the region.
Looking Ahead
While the maiden resource and ongoing studies mark a positive step forward, Panther Metals acknowledges that the resource remains open at depth and along strike, with further drilling required to expand and upgrade the resource classification. Metallurgical results and the scoping study outcomes will be critical in determining the project's economic feasibility and guiding next phases of exploration and development.
Bottom Line?
Panther Metals’ maiden resource at Burtville East sets the stage for a potentially viable high-grade gold operation, but upcoming metallurgical results and deeper drilling will be pivotal.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the metallurgical test results reveal about gold recovery and processing costs?
- How might deeper drilling impact the size and confidence of the Burtville East resource?
- What are the implications of the Rainier prospect’s mineralisation for regional resource growth?
