Auravelle Hits 4m @ 1.6g/t Au, Extends Sheoak Gold Strike to 200m
Auravelle Metals has successfully extended gold mineralisation over 200 metres at its Sheoak Prospect in South Australia, with new drilling confirming open-ended potential along strike and at depth. The company plans an expanded follow-up drilling campaign following recent heritage clearance improvements.
- Three-hole RC drilling extends gold mineralisation to 200m strike at Sheoak
- New intercepts include 4m @ 1.6g/t Au, extending mineralisation 100m north
- Gold remains open to north, south, and at depth
- Heritage clearance expansion enables more flexible future drilling
- Follow-up drilling planned to infill and extend mineralisation
Expanding the Sheoak Gold Footprint
Auravelle Metals Limited (ASX – AUV) has reported encouraging results from a recent reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at its Sheoak Prospect, part of the Nuckulla Hill Gold Project in South Australia. The focused three-hole campaign has extended known gold mineralisation to over 200 metres of strike length, with the latest drilling intersecting 4 metres at 1.6 grams per tonne (g/t) gold approximately 100 metres north of previously reported high-grade zones.
This extension is significant as it confirms the continuity of mineralisation beyond earlier high-grade intercepts, including standout results such as 6 metres at 8.0 g/t gold, which contained a 2-metre interval grading 20.6 g/t. Importantly, the mineralisation remains open-ended to the north, south, and at depth, suggesting further exploration upside.
Navigating Heritage Constraints
The recent drilling was conducted within the confines of heritage clearance lines available at the time, which limited the placement of drill holes and prevented optimal testing of the mineralised zones. However, Auravelle has since completed an expanded heritage survey, granting greater flexibility for future drilling locations. This development is expected to enhance the efficiency and targeting precision of upcoming programs.
Managing heritage considerations is a critical aspect of exploration in South Australia, and Auravelle’s proactive approach to securing expanded clearances demonstrates its commitment to responsible and sustainable exploration practices.
Geological Context and Mineralisation Style
Sheoak is situated within the Yarlbrinda Shear Zone, a regionally significant north-south trending structural corridor that also hosts Barton Gold Holdings’ 1.6 million ounce Tunkillia Gold Project. The prospect’s geology comprises medium- to coarse-grained granitoids and gneisses of the St Peter/St Francis Suite, intensely sheared and brecciated along the shear zone.
The gold mineralisation is interpreted as hydrothermal lode-style, structurally controlled within shear zones, with alteration minerals such as sericite, chlorite, and epidote present alongside minor sulphides. This style of mineralisation is consistent with other significant gold deposits in the region, underscoring Sheoak’s potential as a valuable discovery.
Looking Ahead – Aggressive Exploration Continues
Auravelle’s Managing Director Andrew Muir highlighted the company’s momentum, noting that the Sheoak prospect continues to grow with mineralisation now confirmed on five separate sections along strike. The next phase of drilling, set to commence imminently, will focus on both infill and extensional drilling to better define the mineralised footprint and test depth extensions.
Alongside Sheoak, Auravelle is advancing exploration at other prospects within the Nuckulla Hill Project and its Crown Project near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The company anticipates further assay results from recent aircore drilling and soil sampling programs in the coming months, maintaining a steady flow of news and data for investors.
Bottom Line?
Auravelle’s expanded drilling and heritage clearance at Sheoak set the stage for a pivotal exploration phase that could reshape its South Australian gold prospects.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the expanded heritage clearance impact the scale and targeting of future drilling?
- What are the implications of the mineralisation remaining open at depth for potential resource size?
- When can investors expect updated resource estimates or a clearer picture of economic viability?