Manuka Resources Launches Deep Drilling at Mt Boppy, Eyes New Gold Discoveries

Exploration Ambitions at Mt Boppy

Manuka Resources has embarked on a major new drilling program at its Mt Boppy gold project, marking the first time the company is exploring beyond 250 metres depth. Historically, Mt Boppy has been a prolific gold producer, yielding approximately 500,000 ounces at a high grade of around 15 grams per tonne. The current campaign aims to test deep extensions down to 500 metres, a significant step given that neighbouring operations in the Cobar Basin have mined to depths exceeding 2,000 metres.

The company’s exploration thesis is grounded in the belief that the Mt Boppy structure extends further underground and along strike, with potential for new ‘Boppy-like’ mineralised zones. Initial drilling will focus on three holes targeting these deep extensions and structural targets located between 300 and 1,000 metres south of the known resource.

Pipeline Ridge – Shallow Gold Potential

Alongside Mt Boppy, Manuka is advancing exploration at Pipeline Ridge, situated about 28 kilometres south. This program involves an extensive 3,165-metre shallow drilling campaign designed to test previously identified gold mineralisation near surface. The goal is to delineate a maiden resource estimate in 2026, with exploration targets ranging between 187,000 and 365,000 tonnes grading 1.1 to 1.5 grams per tonne gold. While these targets remain conceptual, they represent a promising opportunity to expand the company’s gold footprint in the region.

Wonawinta Silver Mine Restart on Track

Despite the focus on gold exploration, Manuka’s immediate operational priority remains the restart of its Wonawinta Silver Mine and processing plant. The company is targeting first silver production in the second quarter of 2026. Executive Chairman Dennis Karp emphasised that this restart is a key catalyst for Manuka, positioning it to become Australia’s largest primary silver producer amid rising precious metal prices.

The successful ramp-up at Wonawinta, combined with promising exploration results from Mt Boppy and Pipeline Ridge, could significantly extend Manuka’s production profile across the Cobar Basin over the next decade.

Looking Ahead

Manuka’s current drilling results are expected to start arriving in the first quarter of 2026, with ongoing updates to follow. These results will be closely watched by investors and analysts eager to see if the company can replicate the historical high-grade gold success of Mt Boppy at greater depths and expand its resource base at Pipeline Ridge.