Ausgold Kicks Off 44,000m Drilling Push to Expand 2.44Moz Katanning Gold Resource
Ausgold Limited has launched a major multi-rig drilling campaign at its Katanning Gold Project, aiming to grow its 2.44 million ounce gold resource and unlock new regional discoveries ahead of a mid-2026 investment decision.
- 44,000m drilling campaign underway with RC and diamond rigs
- Focus on expanding 2.44Moz resource and testing high-grade down-plunge extensions
- Up to $360,000 in government co-funding secured via Exploration Incentive Scheme
- Regional drilling to target satellite deposits and new prospects
- Final Investment Decision targeted for mid-2026
Ausgold Launches Ambitious Drilling Program
Ausgold Limited (ASX – AUC) has commenced a substantial 44,000-metre drilling campaign at its wholly owned Katanning Gold Project (KGP) in south-west Western Australia. This multi-rig program, combining Reverse Circulation (RC) and diamond drilling, marks a pivotal phase in the company’s strategy to grow its existing 2.44 million ounce gold resource and advance regional exploration targets.
The initial phase involves a 32,000-metre RC drilling program focused on resource growth within the Central and Southern Zones of the KGP. A second RC rig is set to join in November, followed by a diamond rig mobilising in January 2026 to support deeper drilling and metallurgical testwork. These efforts aim to extend known mineralisation, particularly targeting high-grade down-plunge extensions that could significantly enhance underground potential.
Government Support Bolsters Exploration
Regional Targets and Satellite Deposits
Beyond resource growth at the core KGP, Ausgold is advancing a 12,000-metre regional drilling program targeting three high-priority prospects, including the Nanicup Bridge-Zinger area. These targets range from undrilled geochemical anomalies to potential satellite deposits that could complement the main resource and extend mine life. The company’s recent acquisition of freehold land around the Central Zone provides fresh access to test down-plunge and down-dip extensions, opening new avenues for discovery.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
Executive Chairman John Dorward emphasised the significance of this campaign as a critical step toward a Final Investment Decision (FID) targeted for mid-2026. The drilling results will be instrumental in converting resources to reserves and de-risking early mine life, particularly within high-margin zones. While the campaign is ambitious, it reflects Ausgold’s confidence in the Katanning project’s geological potential and its commitment to delivering shareholder value through disciplined exploration and development.
Investors and analysts will be watching closely for assay results and updates on drilling progress, which will provide clearer insights into the scale and grade of mineralisation. The success of this campaign could reshape the project’s economics and influence the timing and scale of future mine development.
Bottom Line?
Ausgold’s extensive drilling campaign sets the stage for a critical resource update and investment decision in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- Will drilling confirm significant extensions to the high-grade underground zones?
- How quickly can Ausgold convert new resources into reserves ahead of the FID?
- What impact will regional satellite discoveries have on the overall project economics?
