5.2m at 9.01g/t Gold Highlights Sybil Drilling Success for Sunshine Metals
Sunshine Metals has completed a pivotal diamond drilling program at its Sybil gold project, revealing multiple high-grade gold intersections that bolster the prospect’s potential. The latest results highlight the presence of rich gold shoots within the A Vein and introduce a newly identified Splay Vein structure.
- 14-hole diamond drilling program completed at Francis Creek prospect
- Notable assay, 5.2m at 9.01g/t gold including 1.4m at 31.7g/t
- Previous high-grade intercepts include 4.4m at 57.51g/t gold
- Discovery of a new Splay Vein between A and Main Veins
- Remaining assay results expected by early November 2025
Drilling Success at Sybil’s Francis Creek
Sunshine Metals Limited (ASX, SHN) has announced the completion of a 14-hole diamond drilling campaign at the Francis Creek prospect, part of its 100%-owned Sybil epithermal gold project in north Queensland. The program, the first in over two decades, has already yielded promising assay results from half the holes, confirming the presence of high-grade gold mineralisation near surface.
The standout intersection from drill hole 25FCDD007 returned 5.2 metres grading 9.01 grams per tonne (g/t) gold starting at 52 metres depth, including a richer 1.4 metres at 31.7 g/t. This complements earlier impressive results such as 4.4 metres at 57.51 g/t gold from hole 25FCDD003, which included an extraordinary 1.1 metres at 148 g/t. These findings reinforce the concept of discrete, high-grade shoots within the broader A Vein system.
Advancing Geological Understanding
Beyond confirming gold grades, the drilling has provided valuable geological insights. Sunshine’s team identified a previously unrecognised Splay Vein structure situated between the A and Main Veins, which was intersected consistently across multiple holes. The vein textures observed, including crustiform and colloform quartz-adularia, indicate the mineralisation lies within the boiling zone of a low-sulphidation epithermal system, an environment known to host significant gold deposits.
These geological characteristics draw a strong parallel with the nearby Pajingo gold deposit, which has produced around 4 million ounces of gold since 1986. The Sybil project, covering a large extensional structure with volcanic host rocks, remains largely underexplored, suggesting substantial upside potential as Sunshine continues to refine its exploration model.
Next Steps and Market Implications
With assays pending for the remaining seven drill holes, Sunshine anticipates releasing a comprehensive update in early November 2025. The company is also progressing metallurgical studies and mining evaluations at its Liontown gold project, indicating a busy period ahead.
Managing Director Dr Damien Keys expressed optimism, highlighting the rapid pace of exploration since acquiring Sybil and the value of the new geological data in guiding future drilling and resource development. Investors will be watching closely for the full assay suite and subsequent resource updates, which could significantly influence Sunshine Metals’ valuation and strategic direction.
Bottom Line?
As Sunshine Metals awaits the full assay results, Sybil’s evolving geological story could reshape the company’s growth trajectory in the Queensland gold sector.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the remaining drill results confirm continuity of high-grade shoots at Sybil?
- How might the discovery of the Splay Vein influence future drilling targets and resource estimates?
- What are the implications of Sybil’s similarities to Pajingo for Sunshine’s development strategy?
