29Metals Limited reports promising high-grade copper and zinc intercepts from its 2025 drilling program at Golden Grove, signalling potential mine life extensions and enhanced operational flexibility.
- Significant copper intercepts at Tryall and Europa deposits
- High-grade zinc zones identified at Oizon and Hougoumont Extended
- 2025 drill program expenditure of $11 million
- Results not yet included in December 2024 Mineral Resources estimates
- Next resource update planned for March 2026
Strong Drill Results Bolster Golden Grove Prospects
29Metals Limited has released results from its 2025 drilling campaign at the Golden Grove mine in Western Australia, highlighting ongoing high-grade copper and zinc resource extensions. The program, which focused on near-mine exploration, resource extension, and resource conversion drilling, has delivered intercepts that underscore the potential to extend mine life and increase operational flexibility across several deposits.
The standout results include copper intercepts at the Tryall deposit, such as 22.3 metres grading 3.6% copper, and a substantial 52.6-metre intercept at Europa with 3.6% copper. Zinc mineralisation was notably strong at Oizon and Hougoumont Extended, with intercepts like 42.2 metres at 9.5% zinc, including higher-grade zones exceeding 12% zinc. These findings suggest that both copper and zinc resources at Golden Grove remain robust and could support extended mining operations.
Strategic Implications for Mine Planning
Chief Executive Officer James Palmer emphasised the strategic value of these results, noting that the high-grade intercepts near existing infrastructure, particularly at Tryall and Oizon, offer opportunities to leverage current underground workings. This could translate into more flexible and cost-effective mine plans, potentially deferring capital expenditure and optimising production schedules.
Europa’s intercepts, including a 53-metre zone at 3.6% copper, point to its promise as a longer-term growth asset within the Golden Grove portfolio. While these results are not yet incorporated into the company’s December 2024 Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves estimates, they set the stage for a meaningful update expected in the March 2026 quarter.
Robust Exploration Program and Rigorous Quality Controls
The 2025 drill program involved 23 holes and an $11 million investment, building on prior exploration efforts. Diamond drilling was the primary technique, with stringent sampling protocols and quality assurance measures aligned with the JORC Code. The company’s geological team, led by Competent Person Lucas Williams, ensured data integrity through comprehensive logging, assay verification, and sample security procedures.
While some drill holes were terminated early or experienced deviation, the overall data quality supports confidence in the reported intercepts. The company also plans further exploration work in 2026, including geophysical surveys north of Xantho, to refine targets and expand resource potential.
Golden Grove’s Geological Context and Tenure
Golden Grove’s deposits are volcanogenic hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) systems located within the Murchison Province of the Yilgarn Craton. The mineralisation occurs as sub-vertical lenses within a well-understood stratigraphic and structural framework, which has been extensively drilled and mined over decades. All tenements are wholly owned by 29Metals, with no known impediments to ongoing operations.
As the company prepares to incorporate these new drilling results into its resource models, investors will be watching closely for how these extensions translate into mine life and production forecasts.
Bottom Line?
29Metals’ latest drilling results at Golden Grove reinforce its resource base, setting the stage for a pivotal resource update and potential operational gains.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the March 2026 resource update quantify the impact of these new intercepts on mine life?
- What are the capital and operational implications of integrating these extensions into near-term mine plans?
- Could further exploration north of Xantho unlock additional high-grade zones to complement current findings?