Bastion Minerals Kicks Off Maiden Drilling at Ninnis Gold Project

Exploration Begins at a Promising New Gold Frontier

Bastion Minerals Ltd (ASX, BMO) has taken a significant step forward in its exploration ambitions by commencing a maiden auger geochemistry drilling program at the Ninnis Gold Project, located roughly 30 kilometres west of Laverton in Western Australia’s prolific Northern Goldfields region. This marks the company’s first fieldwork at the project since acquiring it in November 2025 through Muskwood Pty Ltd.

The Ninnis Gold Project spans 25 kilometres of underexplored terrain adjacent to some of Australia’s most notable gold operations, including Genesis Minerals’ Mount Morgans Gold Mining Centre, Granny Smith, and Sunrise Dam. The proximity to these established mines, combined with geological similarities such as mafic rocks and banded iron formations, positions Ninnis as a compelling target for gold discovery.

Strategic Approach to Unlocking Gold Potential

Bastion’s initial program involves approximately 1,000 to 1,200 auger drill holes designed to penetrate the extensive sheetwash soil cover that has historically masked gold anomalies. The company has appointed a drilling contractor and awaits final regulatory approvals to mobilise the rig. This auger geochemistry campaign is intended to build on historical exploration data that revealed anomalous gold values, with soil sampling lines showing gold concentrations significantly above background levels.

Non-Executive Chairman Gavin Rutherford highlighted the strategic rationale behind the program, noting that the project had not yet benefited from modern, large-scale exploration techniques. He expressed optimism that the auger drilling would pave the way for a more comprehensive drilling campaign, potentially unlocking the project’s latent gold potential.

Historical Data and Regional Context

Previous exploration efforts, including RAB drilling and subsurface soil sampling, identified gold anomalies ranging from 9 to 17.5 parts per billion against background levels of less than 0.05ppb. These results, spread over several kilometres, suggest a significant gold system concealed beneath challenging surface conditions. The Ninnis Shear zone, a key geological feature within the project area, aligns with magnetic anomalies and is considered a primary target for further investigation.

Moreover, the western portion of the tenement hosts banded iron formations that continue from the Mount Morgans mine area, with historical resource definitions near McKenzie Well adding to the project's appeal. This dual-target strategy, focusing on both the eastern shear zone and western BIF corridor, could enhance the likelihood of a meaningful discovery.

Looking Ahead

While the current program is in its early stages, Bastion Minerals’ methodical approach and the project’s strategic location within a world-class gold province have attracted attention. The company’s next steps will be closely watched by investors and analysts eager to see assay results and further geological insights. Success at Ninnis could significantly bolster Bastion’s exploration portfolio and market standing.