Bulgera Phase 1 Drilling Confirms Gold Mineralisation 320m Deeper

Phase 1 Drilling Validates Deeper Gold Zones

Norwest Minerals Limited (ASX, NWM) has delivered encouraging results from its initial reverse circulation drilling campaign at the Bulgera Gold Project in Western Australia. The 11-hole, 2,624-metre Phase 1 program successfully intersected significant gold mineralisation extending between 50 and 320 metres down dip from previously known zones. This confirms that the gold system remains open at depth, a promising sign for resource expansion.

Eight of the eleven holes drilled stepped back from earlier drill lines and returned noteworthy gold grades, including intersections such as 3 metres at 2.5 grams per tonne and 2 metres at 2.8 grams per tonne at the northeast extent of the Mercuri lode. These results highlight the potential for both strike and depth extensions of the mineralised zones.

Heritage Clearance Enables Next Phase

Crucially, Norwest has completed a Heritage survey in collaboration with the Marputu Aboriginal Corporation, the traditional owners of the land. This survey cleared multiple drill pads, allowing the company to proceed with its planned Phase 2 drilling program starting in early October. The new drill holes will target the most promising down-dip extensions identified in Phase 1, aiming to further delineate and expand the resource base.

Advancing Metallurgical and Economic Studies

Alongside drilling, Norwest is advancing metallurgical testwork focused on the near-surface oxide gold material. A 400-kilogram bulk oxide sample will be collected for laboratory heap leach amenability testing, with results expected to inform a heap leach cashflow model. This model, currently being updated to reflect higher gold prices, could underpin a low-cost processing route for the soft oxide resource estimated at approximately 4 million tonnes.

The company anticipates incorporating all Phase 1 and Phase 2 drilling results into an updated Mineral Resource Estimate by the end of 2025. This resource upgrade will be a key milestone in demonstrating the project's economic viability and potential scale.

Looking Beyond Bulgera

Norwest is also preparing to test several new gold targets at its nearby Marymia East project, located less than 10 kilometres southeast of Bulgera. Details on these targets are expected to be released soon, indicating the company’s broader exploration ambitions in the region.

CEO Charles Schaus expressed optimism about the project’s trajectory, noting the successful extension of mineralisation and the strategic importance of the upcoming drilling and metallurgical programs. The company’s methodical approach, including strong community engagement and rigorous technical work, positions Bulgera as a compelling asset in Norwest’s portfolio.