16 Holes and 3,000m Drilled at Miriam as Ore Resources Eyes 2026 Growth
Ore Resources has completed its Phase 3 drilling at the Miriam Project, targeting extensions of high-grade gold lodes, with assay results expected in late January 2026. The company is well-funded and poised for an active exploration program in 2026.
- Phase 3 drilling completed with 16 holes totaling ~3,000m at Miriam
- Drilling focused on extending high-grade gold lodes at Forrest prospect
- Assay results expected in late January 2026
- Upcoming Q1 2026 exploration includes geophysical and geochemical surveys
- Strong balance sheet with approx. A$11.4 million cash to fund 2026 programs
Completion of Phase 3 Drilling
Ore Resources Ltd (ASX, OR3) has announced the completion of its Phase 3 Reverse Circulation drilling program at the Miriam Project, part of its broader Coolgardie Gold Projects portfolio in Western Australia's prolific Goldfields region. The program comprised 16 holes for approximately 3,000 metres, focused exclusively on expanding the emerging gold mineralisation footprint at the Forrest prospect.
This latest drilling phase targeted fresh rock gold lodes identified during the previous Phase 2 campaign, which had already returned impressive primary intercepts, including 12 metres at 12.18 grams per tonne gold and 25 metres at 3.28 grams per tonne gold. The Phase 3 program also tested extensions to a key oxide mineralised zone discovered in Phase 1, highlighting the project's potential for both primary and near-surface gold mineralisation.
Awaiting Assay Results and Future Exploration
All samples from the Phase 3 drilling have been submitted for laboratory analysis, with assay results anticipated in late January 2026. These results will be pivotal in guiding the company's extensive 30,000-metre drilling program planned for Coolgardie next year. Ore Resources’ Managing Director Nick Rathjen expressed optimism about the upcoming data, which is expected to underpin further resource growth and exploration targeting.
Looking ahead, Ore Resources has outlined a busy first quarter of 2026, including geophysical magnetic and geochemical soil sampling programs aimed at generating new targets across the Miriam tenure. Initial drill testing is planned for regional prospects such as Forrest North, Burbanks Monarch, and Jungle. Additionally, a detailed litho-structural review of magnetic geophysics and soil sampling over the Randalls North tenements is expected to be completed in January, potentially unlocking further exploration opportunities.
Financial Position and Strategic Outlook
Ore Resources enters 2026 with a robust financial position, boasting a pro-forma cash balance of approximately A$11.4 million. This strong balance sheet provides the company with the flexibility to advance its ambitious exploration programs across both the Coolgardie and Randalls Gold Projects without immediate capital constraints.
The company’s strategic focus remains on rapidly advancing its gold and lithium assets within an infrastructure-rich region known for its mining heritage and operational advantages. Proximity to established mining hubs, transport routes, and processing facilities enhances Ore Resources’ ability to commercialise discoveries efficiently.
With all key drilling and site-based exploration activities for 2025 now complete, Ore Resources is poised to leverage its data and funding to accelerate growth in 2026. The market will be watching closely for the January assay results, which could provide fresh impetus for the company’s development trajectory.
Bottom Line?
January’s assay results will be a critical catalyst, setting the tone for Ore Resources’ ambitious 2026 exploration agenda.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the Phase 3 assay results confirm extensions of the high-grade gold lodes at Forrest?
- How will the upcoming 30,000m drilling program at Coolgardie be prioritised based on new data?
- What potential discoveries might emerge from the planned geophysical and geochemical surveys in Q1 2026?