Can Tempest’s Drilling Unlock Mt Magnet’s Next Gold Discovery?
Tempest Minerals has launched an auger sampling program at its Range Project in Western Australia, complementing imminent reverse circulation drilling targeting promising gold zones. This marks a significant step in refining drill targets following encouraging rock chip results.
- Auger sampling commenced in southern Range Project area
- RC drilling of ~1,500m to start imminently, focusing on Wrangler and other targets
- Recent gold rock chip results extend prospective strike length to ~7km
- Project located near major mining operations in Mt Magnet region
- Results from drilling expected mid Q4 2025
Exploration Momentum Builds at Range Project
Tempest Minerals Ltd (ASX – TEM) has initiated a new phase of exploration at its 100% owned Range Project, situated within the prolific Mt Magnet gold region of Western Australia. The company has commenced an auger sampling program targeting the southern half of the project area, aiming to gather critical subsurface geochemical data beneath surface cover that obscures direct observation.
This auger sampling complements an upcoming reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign of approximately 1,500 metres, with preparations nearing completion. The drilling is set to begin imminently, focusing on high-priority targets including the Wrangler prospect, which has emerged as a key focus following recent geological reinterpretation and encouraging surface sampling results.
Expanding Gold Potential Along a 7km Strike
The Range Project benefits from its location within 20 kilometres of Mt Magnet, a renowned multi-million-ounce gold mining district hosting several large-scale open pit and underground operations. Recent fieldwork has identified multiple gold exploration targets along a 7-kilometre strike length, with rock chip samples from the Cherokee Prospect returning gold grades up to 1 gram per tonne. This has effectively extended the prospective mineralisation corridor and opened the possibility of further discoveries along strike to the south.
Tempest’s exploration strategy involves integrating mapping, geochemical sampling, and mineralogical analysis to refine drill targets. The auger sampling program is expected to enhance geological understanding in areas where surface cover limits direct observation, accelerating the definition of drill-ready targets.
Looking Ahead – Drilling and Results
The imminent RC drilling will primarily test the Wrangler Target and several other prospective zones identified through recent work. The company anticipates receiving assay results by mid-quarter four of 2025, which will be pivotal in assessing the project's resource potential and guiding subsequent exploration phases.
Tempest Minerals’ methodical approach, combining surface geochemistry with targeted drilling in a highly prospective region, underscores its commitment to unlocking value from the Range Project. The proximity to established mining infrastructure and recent exploration successes in the region further enhance the project's appeal.
Bottom Line?
As drilling gets underway, all eyes will be on Tempest Minerals’ assay results to gauge the true scale of gold potential at Range.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming drilling confirm significant gold mineralisation at the Wrangler Target?
- How might the new geochemical data from auger sampling reshape the exploration strategy?
- What impact could positive results have on Tempest Minerals’ valuation and development timeline?
