Strata Minerals Launches Maiden Drilling at Zelica Gold Project in WA
Strata Minerals has commenced its first-ever drilling campaign at the Zelica Gold Project, aiming to validate and extend high-grade gold mineralisation along a 1km strike in Western Australia's Laverton Province.
- Maiden ~2,000m reverse circulation drilling underway on granted mining licence
- Historical shallow gold intercepts up to 8.8g/t over 9m remain open at depth and along strike
- Project located within 50km of major >1Moz gold deposits and processing mills
- Initial assay results expected early Q1 2026 with plans for expanded drilling
- No exploration activity at Zelica for over a decade prior to this program
Exploration Restart at Zelica
Strata Minerals Limited (ASX, SMX) has officially kicked off its maiden drilling program at the Zelica Gold Project, located in Western Australia's prolific Laverton Goldfields. This marks the first exploration activity at Zelica in more than ten years, focusing on a granted mining licence that hosts promising high-grade, near-surface gold mineralisation.
The initial reverse circulation drilling campaign is planned to cover approximately 20 to 25 holes, totaling around 2,000 metres. The program aims to infill and step out along a roughly 1-kilometre strike zone where historical drilling has previously returned significant shallow gold intercepts, including standout results such as 9 metres at 8.8 grams per tonne and 7 metres at 4.9 grams per tonne.
Strategic Location and Potential
Zelica’s location is a key advantage. Situated within 50 kilometres of several multi-million-ounce gold deposits and established processing mills operated by industry heavyweights like AngloGold Ashanti and Gold Fields, the project benefits from excellent infrastructure and logistical access. This proximity raises the prospect of a near-term development pathway, especially given the granted mining licence status.
Geologically, Zelica lies within the Yundamindra District on the western limb of the Eucalyptus Syncline, intersected by the Celia Fault; a significant regional deformation zone known to control gold mineralisation. The gold occurs in oxide form within quartz vein arrays hosted by deformed schists and basalt, with mineralisation open both at depth and along strike, suggesting substantial upside potential.
Looking Ahead
Managing Director Peter Woods emphasized the company’s intent to move swiftly, highlighting the value of confirming and expanding the historical mineralisation footprint. The first batch of assay results is anticipated in early Q1 2026, which will be critical in shaping the scope of a larger follow-up drilling program planned for later in the year.
While the current drilling program is exploratory, the combination of high-grade historical intercepts, strategic location, and granted mining tenure positions Zelica as a compelling asset in Strata Minerals’ portfolio. The coming months will be pivotal in determining whether this early promise translates into a viable resource and potential development opportunity.
Bottom Line?
Zelica’s maiden drilling could unlock a new chapter for Strata Minerals, but the market will be watching closely for assay results early next year.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the initial drilling confirm and extend the historical high-grade gold mineralisation?
- What scale of resource might emerge from the 1km strike zone and at depth?
- How quickly can Strata Minerals advance towards development given the project’s granted mining licence?