West Dome Underground Drilling Raises Stakes for Telfer Mine Life Extension
Greatland Resources reports robust December quarter drilling results at Telfer, advancing a record 240,000m FY26 program with standout high-grade intercepts at West Dome Underground and promising regional exploration progress.
- Record 54,204m drilled in December quarter, progressing FY26 240,000m target
- West Dome Underground delivers highest grade intercepts to date, including 55.3m @ 7.4 g/t Au & 0.43% Cu
- Resource growth and conversion drilling strengthens confidence in West Dome Open Pit and Main Dome Underground
- Maiden Mineral Resource estimate for West Dome Underground targeted in March 2026 quarter
- Paterson South farm-in JV with Rio Tinto reaches 51% interest milestone
Record Drilling Momentum at Telfer
Greatland Resources Limited has delivered a strong update on its December 2025 quarter drilling activities at the Telfer gold-copper mine in Western Australia. The company is well on track to complete its ambitious FY26 drilling program, targeting a record 240,000 metres aimed at resource growth and conversion. During the quarter, 54,204 metres were drilled across 756 holes, maintaining momentum from the previous quarter and underscoring Greatland’s commitment to extending Telfer’s mine life.
West Dome Underground, New Highs in Grade and Scale
The West Dome Underground (WDU) project continues to impress with exceptional drilling results, including the highest grade intercepts recorded to date. Notably, a 55.3-metre intercept grading 7.4 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 0.43% copper was reported, representing a significant 411 gram-metre gold intercept. This southernmost assay to date suggests the mineral system is expanding southwards and remains open for further growth. With three diamond drill rigs currently operating and a sixth rig expected to arrive shortly, Greatland is accelerating exploration efforts ahead of a maiden Mineral Resource estimate planned for the March 2026 quarter.
Strengthening Confidence in Open Pit and Underground Extensions
Resource growth and conversion drilling at the West Dome Open Pit and Main Dome Underground areas have also yielded encouraging results. The completion of Stage 7 extension drilling at West Dome Open Pit and the shift in focus to the multi-year Stage 2 extension highlight the potential for sustained ore feed beyond FY28. Meanwhile, drilling at Main Dome Underground has confirmed and extended mineralisation at key near-mine targets such as ESC South and Kylo, enhancing geological confidence and supporting near-term mining plans.
Regional Exploration Advances and Strategic JV Milestone
Beyond Telfer, Greatland’s regional exploration efforts have made promising strides. Drilling at the Big Tree deposit confirmed mineralisation extensions, while the Thomsons deposit revealed new high-grade vein sets. The Camp Dome deposit’s copper mineralisation below the oxide zone was also tested, with results supporting continuity. Additionally, the Paterson South farm-in joint venture with Rio Tinto reached a key milestone, with Greatland earning a 51% interest and becoming joint venture manager. This partnership is poised to accelerate exploration across the Paterson region, with encouraging gold and pathfinder element mineralisation intersected at the Teague prospect.
Looking Ahead
Greatland’s Managing Director Shaun Day emphasised the significance of these results, highlighting the potential for multi-year mine life extensions supported by both open pit and underground opportunities. The company’s methodical approach to resource development, combined with its expanding drilling capacity, positions it well to deliver on its FY26 objectives and beyond. Investors and analysts will be watching closely for the upcoming West Dome Underground Mineral Resource estimate and further assay results from ongoing regional exploration.
Bottom Line?
Greatland’s drilling success at Telfer signals a promising path to extending mine life and scaling production, with key milestones ahead.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming West Dome Underground Mineral Resource estimate impact Greatland’s valuation and mine planning?
- What are the implications if Rio Tinto opts out of contributing to future joint venture expenditures at Paterson South?
- To what extent can regional exploration successes translate into near-term ore feed for Telfer’s processing plant?
