Hamelin’s Murchison Licence Grant Sets Stage Amid Exploration Uncertainties

Hamelin Gold has secured a crucial exploration licence in Western Australia's prolific Murchison gold district, setting the stage for initial drilling at its Venus project in early 2026. The project targets high-potential, underexplored structural zones beneath Lake Austin.

  • Grant of exploration licence E21/235 for Venus gold project
  • Project covers 300 km² near Cue in the Murchison gold district
  • High-quality, untested drill targets identified via aeromagnetic data
  • Initial drilling planned for early 2026 after heritage survey
  • Located near major gold corridors and significant deposits like Big Bell
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Strategic Tenement Grant in a Prolific Gold District

Hamelin Gold Limited has taken a significant step forward by securing the key exploration licence E21/235 for its Venus gold project, situated in the heart of Western Australia's renowned Murchison gold district. This region is celebrated for its rich gold endowment, hosting multi-million-ounce deposits and active mining operations, making it a hotspot for exploration activity.

The Venus project spans approximately 300 square kilometres just 15 kilometres southeast of Cue, a historic mining centre. The newly granted licence, alongside a pending application, positions Hamelin to explore underexplored ground with considerable potential.

Untapped Potential Beneath Lake Austin

What makes the Venus project particularly intriguing is the presence of extensive lake sediments covering much of the tenement area, which has historically limited exploration. Hamelin’s team has leveraged detailed aeromagnetic data interpretation to identify several high-quality structural targets beneath Lake Austin, including a major bend in the Tuckabianna shear zone. Such structural flexures are often prime sites for gold mineralisation, as evidenced by nearby deposits like the 4.8 million-ounce Big Bell gold mine.

Despite minimal previous drilling; only 11 aircore holes and a shallow RAB line; the project’s conceptual geological setting suggests significant upside. The structural complexity and the scale of the target area offer a compelling exploration opportunity for Hamelin to potentially uncover new gold systems.

Next Steps, Heritage Survey and Drilling Plans

Hamelin’s immediate focus is on completing a heritage survey to ensure responsible land access and securing a specialised lake drill rig. These preparatory steps are critical before commencing drilling, which is scheduled for early 2026. The planned drill program will test the priority targets identified through geophysical analysis, aiming to validate the presence of gold mineralisation beneath the lake sediments.

Managing Director Peter Bewick highlighted the strategic nature of this acquisition, emphasizing the company’s commitment to advancing exploration in one of Western Australia’s most prolific gold provinces. The involvement of respected shareholders such as Gold Fields Limited and Vault Minerals further underscores the project’s potential and the confidence in Hamelin’s exploration strategy.

Positioning Within a Broader Exploration Portfolio

Beyond the Venus project, Hamelin maintains a diversified portfolio across the Tanami Gold Province and Yilgarn District, regions known for hosting significant gold deposits. The company’s approach focuses on applying modern undercover exploration technologies to covered terrains, aiming to unlock new discoveries in well-mineralised districts.

With the Venus tenement now secured, Hamelin is well positioned to capitalize on the Murchison district’s exploration momentum, potentially delivering value-enhancing results in the near term.

Bottom Line?

Hamelin’s upcoming drill campaign at Venus could redefine its standing in the Murchison gold district and attract fresh investor attention.

Questions in the middle?

  • What initial assay results will the early 2026 drilling yield beneath Lake Austin?
  • How will the heritage survey outcomes influence the timing and scope of exploration activities?
  • Could the structural flexure targets lead to discovery of a new significant gold system akin to Big Bell?