Barton Gold Holdings reports final Phase 1 drilling results from its Tunkillia Gold Project, revealing shallow, high-grade gold intersections that underpin a $1.3 billion operating profit forecast. The company is set to commence Phase 2 drilling and advance towards a Mining Lease application in 2026.
- Final Phase 1 drilling confirms shallow high-grade gold assays in Tunkillia S1/S2 pits
- Project modelled to generate A$1.3 billion operating profit in first 2.5 years
- New geological model suggests vertically controlled mineralisation structures
- Phase 2 drilling, water bore, and diamond drilling programs to start late January 2026
- Pre-feasibility study and Mining Lease application targeted for completion by year-end
Strong Assay Results Bolster Tunkillia’s Economic Potential
Barton Gold Holdings Limited has released the final batch of Phase 1 drilling results from its flagship Tunkillia Gold Project in South Australia, delivering a series of shallow, high-grade gold intersections within the optimised S1 and S2 pit areas. These results reinforce the project's robust economic outlook, with an operating profit forecast of approximately A$1.3 billion over the initial 2.5 years of production, assuming gold prices of A$5,000 per ounce.
Reinterpreting the Geological Model
The new assays have prompted Barton Gold to reconsider the geological framework of the deposit. Rather than the previously assumed broad, flat-lying oxide and transitional zones, the data suggest mineralisation is more vertically controlled. This insight could enhance resource modelling accuracy and mining efficiency, potentially unlocking higher-grade zones closer to surface.
Notable Drill Intersections Highlight Project Quality
Among the standout results is drill hole TKB0422, which returned a combined 46 metres grading an average 3.86 grams per tonne gold across a 51-metre interval. Other significant intersections include multiple intervals exceeding 50 to 100 gram-metres, underscoring the project's high-grade potential at relatively shallow depths. These findings build on earlier Phase 1 results from the S1 pit area, which also featured broad high-grade zones.
Advancing Towards Development Milestones
Barton Gold plans to initiate a comprehensive suite of development drilling programs in late January 2026. These include water bore drilling, Phase 2 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) upgrade drilling, and metallurgical and geotechnical diamond drilling. The objective is to support a JORC Mineral Resource upgrade, complete a high-quality pre-feasibility study (PFS), and submit a Mining Lease application by the end of the year.
Strategic Positioning in South Australia’s Gawler Craton
The Tunkillia Gold Project is situated within the renowned Gawler Craton, a prolific mineral province in South Australia. Barton Gold’s ownership of the region’s only gold mill and a portfolio of brownfield mines positions the company advantageously for future production growth. With a total JORC Mineral Resource of 1.6 million ounces of gold and 3.1 million ounces of silver, Tunkillia is a cornerstone asset in Barton’s broader strategy targeting 150,000 ounces of gold production annually.
Bottom Line?
With Phase 2 drilling imminent and a Mining Lease application on the horizon, Barton Gold is poised to translate promising assays into tangible project advancement.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the vertical mineralisation model impact mining methods and costs at Tunkillia?
- What are the key risks to achieving the projected A$1.3 billion operating profit?
- How might fluctuating gold and silver prices affect the project’s economic viability?