Ora Banda Uncovers High-Grade Gold Beyond Sand King Mine Plan

Expanding the Boundaries of Sand King

Ora Banda Mining Limited (ASX, OBM) has announced compelling results from its recent exploration and resource definition drilling at the Sand King Underground mine. A significant 300-metre step-out drill hole, along with a wedge hole drilled 70 vertical metres above it, has intersected high-grade gold mineralisation well beyond the current life of mine (LOM) plan. These results not only expand the known mineralisation footprint but also hint at a larger, more continuous orebody than previously understood.

High-Grade Intercepts Highlight Potential

The standout intercepts include 14.3 metres grading 5.3 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 502 metres depth, and an 18.7-metre wedge hole intercept averaging 8.9 g/t gold from 490 metres. The wedge hole notably includes two high-grade zones of 8.7 metres at 8.7 g/t and 8.8 metres at 10.4 g/t, separated by a minor core loss interval. These grades are impressive, especially given their location outside the existing mine plan, underscoring the potential for new high-grade shoots.

Underground Drilling Confirms Lateral Extensions

Further underground resource definition drilling intercepted multiple economic lodes approximately 50 metres north of the current LOM plan, including a notable 24.2 metres at 4.4 g/t gold. This lateral extension reveals a large, previously untested mineralised corridor exceeding 300 metres in length, bridging the gap between the surface step-out holes and underground drilling. Such continuity is crucial for mine planning and long-term production.

Implications for Mine Development and Production

These drilling results have prompted Ora Banda to accelerate plans for an independent southern decline, which will facilitate access to the expanded mineral inventory. The company’s Managing Director, Luke Creagh, highlighted that Sand King Underground, initially considered a modest support operation, is now shaping up as a meaningful, long-term feed source for the Davyhurst processing mill. The combination of high-grade shoots and bulk lower-grade tonnage offers flexibility in mining and processing strategies.

Looking Ahead

Ora Banda is continuing its drilling program to further delineate the extent of mineralisation and refine mine plans accordingly. While true widths of mineralisation remain to be fully established, and some core loss introduces minor uncertainty, the overall picture is one of a growing, high-quality resource. This expansion could positively impact production forecasts and the company’s valuation as Sand King’s footprint broadens.