Sentinel Metals has uncovered detailed geological logs and core from six historical diamond drill holes at its Columbia Gold Project, providing fresh insights that are refining its maiden drilling plans set for March 2026.
- Discovery of six historical diamond drill holes and associated core
- Digitisation and validation of geological logs underway
- Deepest drill hole reaches 374m, extending vertical understanding
- Upcoming maiden drill program refined and scheduled for March 2026
- Integration with geophysical data enhances drill targeting
Historical Data Discovery Boosts Exploration
Sentinel Metals Limited (ASX – SNM) has made a significant stride in its Columbia Gold Project in Montana by uncovering detailed geological logs and core samples from six historical diamond drill holes. These materials, stored at the project's core facility, had not previously been digitised or interpreted with modern geological techniques. The discovery follows a thorough inventory audit and is now enabling the company to refine its understanding of the mineral system.
Extending the Depths of Geological Insight
Among the historical holes, one drilled to a depth of 374 metres stands out as the deepest insight into the vertical extent of the Columbia Gold Project’s mineralisation to date. This hole, located outside the current JORC Mineral Resource Estimate boundary, reveals persistent alteration and quartz veining, indicative of an active epithermal system. The core from five of these holes is currently being digitised and awaits assay results expected in the coming weeks, which could provide further clarity on the project's potential.
Modern Techniques Meet Legacy Data
Sentinel’s technical team is applying contemporary logging and validation workflows to these legacy datasets, including structural, alteration, spectral, and geochemical analyses. This integration is enhancing the geological model, particularly when combined with high-resolution hybrid-source audio-magnetotellurics (HSAMT) geophysical surveys. The result is a more confident and targeted approach to drilling, focusing on high-priority structural zones and potential feeder veins that extend beyond historical drilling limits.
Refining the Maiden Drill Program
Originally planned for early 2026, the maiden drilling program is now scheduled to commence in March 2026, reflecting the additional insights gained from the historical data. The program will involve approximately 5,000 metres of HQ diamond drilling, targeting deeper structural zones, down-dip continuity of known veins, and undrilled geophysical anomalies to the north and west. This refined approach aims to maximise the potential for discovery and resource definition.
Project Tenure and Forward Outlook
The Columbia Gold Project remains under secure tenure, with Sentinel holding a 100% interest in key patented claims and leasing others, all within the Helena National Forest. Royalties and permitting conditions remain unchanged. As the company awaits assay results from the digitised historical cores, the market will be watching closely for data that could materially influence the project’s valuation and future exploration strategy.
Bottom Line?
Sentinel’s integration of historical drill data with modern techniques sets the stage for a more focused and potentially rewarding maiden drilling campaign.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the pending assay results from the historical cores reveal about mineral grades?
- How might the new geological insights alter the scale or scope of the Columbia Gold Project?
- Could the refined drill targets lead to significant resource upgrades or new discoveries?