Golden Horse Minerals has launched a major 125,000-metre drilling campaign at its Southern Cross Gold Project, aiming to expand mineral resources and unlock new regional targets in 2026.
- Over 125,000 metres of drilling planned, tripling 2025 activity
- Focus on Hopes Hill extensions and regional targets in Southern Cross Greenstone Belt
- New exploration leadership strengthens technical team
- Aeromagnetic survey underway to guide exploration
- Preliminary environmental and technical studies support mining plans
A Bold Step Up in Exploration
Golden Horse Minerals Limited (ASX, GHM) has kicked off an ambitious exploration campaign at its Southern Cross Gold Project in Western Australia, signalling a significant escalation in its quest for gold. The company plans to drill over 125,000 metres throughout 2026, more than tripling last year’s efforts. This includes approximately 105 kilometres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling and 23 kilometres of diamond drilling (DD), supplemented by augur and air core drilling, soil sampling, and ongoing geological mapping.
Targeting Extensions at Hopes Hill
The initial focus is on the Hopes Hill Project, a historic mining area that produced around 216,000 ounces of gold. Drilling has commenced north of the old pit, with two RC rigs and one diamond rig actively testing down-dip extensions of previously mined high-grade lodes. The goal is to delineate consistent mineralisation over a strike length exceeding 2.5 kilometres, stretching from north of Hopes Hill into the Irene Betty prospect. Early drilling will inform future infill programs aimed at resource estimation.
Strengthened Team and Strategic Partnerships
Golden Horse has bolstered its exploration team with the appointments of John Della-Marta as Exploration Manager and Stephen Pearson as Principal Geologist – Regional. Their expertise, particularly in the Southern Cross and Northern Territory regions, adds valuable insight to the company’s operations. Additionally, the company has secured reputable contractors BWE Drilling and DDH1, along with WA Fuels, following a competitive tender process, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.
Regional Exploration and Geophysical Advances
Beyond Hopes Hill, Golden Horse is advancing a comprehensive regional exploration program. An aeromagnetic survey is currently being flown over several tenements, including Aurora and Ennuin, to identify new targets within the highly prospective Southern Cross Greenstone Belt. This geophysical data will guide follow-up drilling and surface sampling, broadening the company’s exploration footprint.
Preparing for Mining Studies
In parallel with exploration, preliminary development workstreams are underway, covering environmental, hydrological, and metallurgical studies. These efforts aim to support the commencement of mining studies scheduled for the second half of 2026, positioning Golden Horse to transition from exploration to potential production in the near future.
Looking Ahead
Managing Director Nicholas Anderson described 2026 as a “company-defining year,” highlighting the continuous drilling program and the expanded team’s capacity to deliver results. With assay results and geological interpretations expected progressively, investors and industry watchers will be keenly observing how these efforts translate into resource growth and project advancement.
Bottom Line?
Golden Horse’s aggressive 2026 exploration push sets the stage for potential resource upgrades and a pivotal year ahead.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the extensive drilling confirm significant extensions to the Hopes Hill resource?
- How will the new geophysical data reshape regional exploration priorities?
- What timelines and milestones will Golden Horse set for advancing mining studies?