Marda Gold Project Boasts 10.2Mt at 1.05g/t Au for 342,300oz in Maiden Resource
Leeuwin Metals has announced a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate of 342,300 ounces of gold at its Marda Gold Project in Western Australia, achieved within nine months of acquisition. A 10,000-meter drilling campaign is planned for 2026 to target resource growth, particularly focusing on higher-grade zones.
- Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate of 342,300oz gold at Marda
- Resource includes 10.2 million tonnes at 1.05 g/t Au with indicated and inferred categories
- Evanston deposit features a higher-grade component of 96,400oz at 1.52 g/t Au
- 10,000m drilling program scheduled for January 2026 to expand resources
- All resources located on granted mining leases with strong infrastructure access
A Strong Start at Marda
Leeuwin Metals Ltd (ASX, LM1) has delivered a significant milestone with the announcement of a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) totaling 342,300 ounces of gold at its Marda Gold Project in Western Australia. Remarkably, this achievement comes just nine months after acquiring the project, underscoring the strength and potential of the mineralised system.
The global MRE comprises 10.2 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.05 grams per tonne gold, segmented into 2.1 million tonnes of indicated resources and 8.1 million tonnes of inferred resources. This resource base provides a solid foundation for Leeuwin’s aggressive growth strategy, supported by a well-funded position and access to granted mining leases.
Key Deposits and Exploration Potential
The Evanston deposit stands out with a resource of 135,800 ounces at 0.98 g/t Au, including a higher-grade portion of 96,400 ounces at 1.52 g/t Au. Recent drilling and geophysical surveys have identified multiple untested down-dip targets, suggesting substantial upside potential. Leeuwin plans to focus its 2026 drilling campaign on these targets to extend mineralisation along strike and at depth.
Marda Central, encompassing deposits such as Python, Taipan, Dolly Pot, and Goldstream, holds 87,800 ounces at 1.26 g/t Au. This area remains open in several directions, with recent drilling confirming broad zones of higher-grade gold mineralisation. Additionally, 11 high-grade trends outside current resource envelopes have been identified, offering promising exploration targets.
The Golden Orb deposit, though smaller with 25,700 ounces at 1.56 g/t Au, is underexplored and presents further opportunities for resource expansion. All deposits are situated on granted mining leases, facilitating future development studies and operational planning.
Looking Ahead, Drilling and Development Plans
Leeuwin is set to commence a 10,000-meter drilling program in January 2026, targeting resource growth through step-out drilling, testing of geophysical anomalies, and exploration of new targets. The company’s Executive Chairman, Christopher Piggott, emphasised the potential for value creation, noting that expanding the higher-grade Evanston resource will be a key focus.
The MRE was prepared by independent consultants Cube Consulting using industry-standard methods, including Ordinary Kriging and rigorous quality control measures. The resource is reported above a 0.30 g/t gold cut-off within optimised pit shells, with an additional underground component at Python above 1.50 g/t Au.
Strategically, the Marda Gold Project benefits from proximity to existing infrastructure and processing facilities, enhancing the feasibility of future development. Leeuwin’s comprehensive exploration and evaluation approach aims to build geological confidence and advance the project towards economic extraction.
Bottom Line?
With a robust maiden resource and a well-planned drilling campaign ahead, Leeuwin Metals is poised to unlock further value at Marda in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming drilling results impact the size and grade of the Marda resource?
- What are the timelines and plans for advancing economic studies or feasibility assessments?
- How might the ongoing native title claim affect project development and permitting?
