GSN Secures A$337,500 EIS Grants for Diamond Drilling at Duketon and East Laverton
Great Southern Mining has won up to $337,500 in government grants to advance drilling at its Duketon Gold and East Laverton projects, aiming to unlock deeper gold and platinum group element deposits.
- Up to A$220,000 granted for diamond drilling at Ogilvies prospect in Duketon Gold Project
- A$117,500 co-funding secured for diamond drilling targeting PGE and base metals at Diorite Hill
- Drilling planned to start in early 2026 after current programs conclude
- Projects leverage advanced seismic and geophysical data for exploration
- Grants awarded through competitive Western Australian Exploration Incentive Scheme
Government Boost for High-Potential Drilling Programs
Great Southern Mining Limited (ASX – GSN) has successfully secured up to A$337,500 in co-funded drilling grants from the Western Australian Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS). This funding will support two key diamond drilling programs targeting gold and platinum group elements (PGEs) in Western Australia’s prolific mineral belts.
The grants come from a highly competitive round, with only 39 successful applicants, underscoring the technical merit and promise of GSN’s projects. The funding is split between the Duketon Gold Project’s Ogilvies prospect and the Diorite Hill layered intrusive complex within the East Laverton Project.
Deepening the Search for Gold at Duketon
At the Duketon Gold Project, up to A$220,000 will co-fund two diamond drill holes aimed at testing the depth potential of gold mineralisation at the Ogilvies prospect, part of the Golden Boulder target area. This marks a significant step as GSN has historically drilled to shallow depths, rarely exceeding 200 metres.
The Ogilvies prospect sits along the Rosemont Fault, a major structural feature known to host gold deposits. Integration of seismic and geophysical data suggests these structures tap deep mantle sources, potentially channeling gold-bearing fluids to surface. The planned drilling will provide the first deep geological and structural insights into this area, which has a rich history of shallow gold production and promising near-surface intercepts.
Exploring for Platinum Group Elements at East Laverton
The second grant of up to A$117,500 will support a single deep diamond drill hole at Diorite Hill, targeting base metals and PGEs within a layered intrusive complex. This project leverages innovative seismic data reprocessing to identify dense reflective horizons analogous to the Merensky Reef of South Africa’s Bushveld Complex, one of the world’s richest PGE sources.
These horizons have never been drill tested and do not outcrop at surface, making this a pioneering exploration effort. The hole will penetrate approximately 900 metres, combining reverse circulation pre-collar drilling with oriented diamond core to directly test these promising stratigraphic units.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
Managing Director Matthew Keane highlighted the importance of these grants in advancing GSN’s exploration strategy. By drilling deeper and applying cutting-edge geophysical techniques, the company aims to unlock new mineralisation zones that could significantly enhance the value of its Western Australian portfolio.
Drilling is expected to commence in early 2026, following the completion of ongoing aircore and reverse circulation programs. Investors and analysts will be watching closely for assay results and geological interpretations that could reshape the outlook for these projects.
Bottom Line?
These government-backed drilling programs could redefine Great Southern Mining’s resource potential, setting the stage for a pivotal exploration phase in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial assay results will reveal about the depth extensions of gold mineralisation at Ogilvies?
- How will the Diorite Hill drilling reshape understanding of PGE potential in Western Australia?
- Could successful drilling lead to further government or private funding partnerships?
