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Ora Banda Hits 25.6m at 4.3g/t Gold in Latest Little Gem Drilling

Mining By Maxwell Dee 3 min read

Ora Banda Mining Limited reports continued strong drill results expanding gold mineralisation at its Little Gem prospect and Riverina Gold Camp, with Phase 3 drilling extending mineralisation to 1,200 metres strike and 700 metres depth. A Phase 4 drill program is planned to support a Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate in 2026.

  • Little Gem mineralisation extended to 1,200m strike and 700m vertical depth
  • High-grade intercepts including 25.6m at 4.3g/t gold
  • Riverina drilling confirms strong mineralisation beyond 1,000m depth
  • Phase 4 drilling scheduled for January 2026 with additional rigs
  • Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate expected later in 2026
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Exploration Momentum at Little Gem

Ora Banda Mining Limited (ASX – OBM) has delivered another compelling update on its exploration activities, highlighting significant progress at the Little Gem gold prospect. Since the initial discovery in September 2024, the company has completed 80 drill holes totaling over 29,000 metres. Phase 3 drilling has notably expanded the known gold mineralisation to a strike length of 1,200 metres and a vertical depth of 700 metres, with the system remaining open in all directions.

Among the standout results is drill hole LGDD25030, which intercepted 25.6 metres grading 4.3 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, located 600 metres north along strike from a previously reported high-grade intercept. Near-surface potential is also being realised, with shallower holes returning impressive grades such as 9.0m at 8.1g/t and 15.0m at 4.2g/t gold. These results underscore the prospect’s robust grade and continuity, anchored by two main carbonate-hosted lodes; the Diamond and Ruby Lodes; which remain the primary focus for ongoing drilling.

Riverina Gold Camp – Depth and Resource Growth

Simultaneously, exploration at the Riverina Gold Camp continues to reinforce the potential for resource growth and mine life extension. The company has completed 88 holes over 25,000 metres, including both surface and underground drilling. The mineralised system at Riverina remains strong at depth, extending beyond 1,000 vertical metres. High-grade intercepts from Riverina include exceptional narrow zones with grades exceeding 100g/t gold, highlighting the camp’s rich mineralisation.

Ora Banda’s Managing Director, Luke Creagh, emphasised the predictability and scale of the mineralisation at Little Gem and the confidence gained from Riverina drilling. He confirmed plans to ramp up infill drilling at Little Gem with additional rigs starting in January 2026, aiming to deliver a Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate later that year. This strategic approach reflects the company’s commitment to advancing these assets towards development.

Technical Rigor and Forward Outlook

The announcement includes extensive assay data, with approximately half of the Phase 3 drill results returned to date. Ora Banda employs rigorous sampling and assay protocols, including photon assay and fire assay methods at accredited laboratories, ensuring the reliability of the reported grades. The geological setting at both prospects is well understood, with mineralisation hosted primarily in carbonate and metasedimentary units, exhibiting predictable structural controls that aid targeting.

Looking ahead, the Phase 4 drill program will focus on infill drilling to tighten spacing and improve confidence in the resource model. The company also notes ongoing metallurgical test work, which to date indicates excellent gold recoveries using conventional processing methods. These developments position Ora Banda to potentially unlock significant value from its Davyhurst Project portfolio.

Bottom Line?

With high-grade extensions confirmed and a Phase 4 drill program imminent, Ora Banda is poised for a pivotal resource update in 2026.

Questions in the middle?

  • How will the upcoming Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate impact Ora Banda’s valuation and project development timeline?
  • What are the implications of the open-ended mineralisation at Little Gem for future exploration targets?
  • How might metallurgical test results influence processing strategies and project economics?