Gateway Mining's initial aircore drilling results reveal a broad and promising gold system at the Mustang-Pony Trend, with multiple high-priority targets identified for follow-up in 2026.
- Extensive gold mineralisation identified across Mustang-Pony Trend
- Colt target spans at least 1.4km strike length and remains open
- Significant gold associated with structural flexures and mafic-intermediate contacts
- Follow-up reverse circulation drilling planned for early 2026
- Gateway well capitalised with over $35 million for exploration activities
Emergence of a Significant Gold System
Gateway Mining Limited (ASX, GML) has reported encouraging initial results from its aircore drilling program at the Mustang-Pony Trend, part of its Yandal Gold Project in Western Australia. The first three reconnaissance drill lines have revealed multiple mineralised structures, confirming the presence of an extensive gold system that was anticipated by the company’s geological models.
The standout discovery is the Colt target, which extends over a strike length of at least 1.4 kilometres and up to 600 metres wide. Importantly, all targets identified so far remain open along strike and at depth, suggesting significant potential for expansion as drilling continues.
Structural Controls and Mineralisation
Gold mineralisation appears closely linked to large-scale structural flexures around intrusive bodies such as the Colt and Pony intrusions. These flexures create favourable shear zones that host stacked gold lodes. The discovery of significant mineralisation along these flexured shear zones bodes well for the southern extension near the Haflinger Intrusion, where geophysical data indicates even more complex and potentially richer structural settings.
Additionally, the drilling program intersected the key mafic-intermediate volcanic contact on the third line, a geological horizon known to host high-grade gold at nearby Horse Well Gold Camp. This contact was not tested on the initial two lines but now represents a high-priority target for upcoming reverse circulation (RC) drilling.
Drilling Strategy and Next Steps
The aircore drilling was conducted on a wide-spaced grid (100m east-west by 400m north-south), with holes averaging around 100 metres deep; significantly deeper than historic drilling in the region, which averaged 30 metres. This deeper penetration has allowed Gateway to test previously untested structural zones, revealing new targets that were missed by earlier programs.
With approximately 60% of the aircore program still to be completed, Gateway plans to resume drilling in late February 2026. The company intends to infill the current grid and extend drilling eastwards and northwards to fully delineate the system. Follow-up RC drilling will focus on the highest priority shear zones and contacts identified.
Supporting Exploration and Capital Position
In parallel, Gateway has completed stratigraphic diamond drilling at the Great Western prospect, which will inform a large-scale RC program planned for 2026. An aeromagnetic survey at the Glenburgh South project is also nearing completion, with results expected shortly.
Financially, Gateway is well positioned to advance its exploration agenda, holding approximately $13.1 million in cash and liquid securities at the end of September 2025, supplemented by a $22.5 million capital raising post-quarter. This strong capital base supports an aggressive exploration schedule through 2026.
Overall, Gateway Mining’s latest results mark a significant step forward in unlocking the potential of the Mustang-Pony Trend. The combination of structural complexity, multiple open targets, and robust funding sets the stage for a potentially transformative exploration campaign in the coming year.
Bottom Line?
Gateway’s Mustang-Pony Trend is shaping up as a major gold exploration story to watch in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the upcoming RC drilling reveal about the depth and grade continuity of the gold system?
- How might the structural complexity near the Haflinger Intrusion influence resource potential?
- What insights will the Great Western diamond drilling and Glenburgh South aeromagnetic survey add to Gateway’s exploration strategy?