Kingston Resources has reported strong underground drilling results at its Mineral Hill mine, confirming and expanding the high-grade Southern Ore Zone with significant gold and copper assays.
- High-grade gold and copper assays confirm geological model at Southern Ore Zone
- Drilling extends mineralisation beyond current resource boundaries
- Results boost confidence for upcoming underground mining operations
- Ongoing drilling aims to further define and grow Mineral Hill resources
- Metal equivalent grades calculated with robust metallurgical recovery assumptions
Strong Assay Results Reinforce Southern Ore Zone Potential
Kingston Resources Limited (ASX – KSN) has announced a series of high-grade gold and copper assay results from underground drilling at the Southern Ore Zone (SOZ) of its Mineral Hill mine in New South Wales. The recent drilling campaign has not only confirmed the existing geological interpretation but also extended mineralisation along strike and down dip, highlighting promising areas outside the current resource boundary for potential growth.
The standout intercepts include intervals such as 4.40 metres at 5.36 grams per tonne gold and 0.87% copper, and 1.40 metres at 16.33 grams per tonne gold and 2.88% copper, underscoring the polymetallic nature of the deposit. These results add significant confidence to the continuity and tenor of mineralisation in key lodes, particularly in the G and H Lode areas, as well as extensions in the A and B Lodes.
Implications for Mine Planning and Production
Managing Director Andrew Corbett emphasized that the drilling outcomes provide a clearer picture of the geological continuity in the main production zones planned for underground mining. With Mineral Hill already producing gold and silver concentrates and dore on site, the confirmation of these high-grade zones supports the company’s six-year life-of-mine plan, which integrates both open pit and underground operations.
The company is actively advancing resource definition and grade control drilling, with the underground rig having returned to Mineral Hill to focus on deeper footwall extensional drilling. This ongoing work aims to further delineate the resource and potentially increase the mine’s life and production profile.
Technical Rigor and Metallurgical Considerations
The assay results are supported by rigorous sampling and quality control protocols, including diamond core drilling with high recovery rates and comprehensive geochemical analysis. Metal equivalent grades have been calculated using conservative commodity price assumptions and metallurgical recoveries based on historical production and recent test work, ensuring realistic economic assessments.
Kingston’s processing infrastructure is well equipped to handle polymetallic concentrates, with flotation circuits for copper, lead, and zinc, alongside precious metal dore production. This integrated approach positions the company to efficiently extract value from the diverse mineralisation at Mineral Hill.
Looking Ahead – Exploration and Resource Growth
Beyond the SOZ, Kingston is also targeting the Red Terror deposit, where a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate was recently released. The company plans to expedite drilling in this area, aiming to incorporate it into future mine plans. Surface drilling programs at nearby prospects such as Bogong and Long Panel further demonstrate Kingston’s commitment to organic growth within its existing mining leases and exploration licenses.
As the company continues to refine its geological models and update resource estimates, investors will be watching closely to see how these drilling results translate into expanded reserves and production potential.
Bottom Line?
Kingston’s latest drilling success at Mineral Hill sets the stage for resource growth and sustained underground production.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the new assay results impact the overall Mineral Hill resource and reserve estimates?
- What is the timeline for integrating Red Terror into the mine plan and production schedule?
- Could metallurgical recovery variations affect the economic viability of the extended mineralisation?