BPM Minerals has reported robust high-grade gold intersections from its maiden drilling at the Beachcomber Prospect within the Forelands Gold Project, Western Australia, confirming a promising south-plunging ore shoot open at depth. The company is gearing up for a follow-up drilling campaign and awaits soil assay results from adjacent targets.
- Maiden 3,180m RC drilling at Beachcomber yields consistent gold mineralisation in all 24 holes
- High-grade intercepts include 9m at 7.77 g/t Au and multiple intervals exceeding 20 g/t Au
- Identification of a south-plunging high-grade ore shoot open at depth and along strike
- Follow-up drilling planned for early 2026 targeting extensions of the mineralised zone
- Soil sampling results from nearby prospects imminent, with permitting advancing for broader exploration
Strong Start to Exploration at Beachcomber
BPM Minerals Ltd (ASX – BPM) has kicked off 2026 with compelling assay results from its inaugural reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Beachcomber Prospect, part of the Forelands Gold Project in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields. The 3,180-metre, 24-hole campaign has intersected gold mineralisation in every hole, underscoring the prospect's potential as a high-grade gold system.
Noteworthy intercepts include 9 metres at 7.77 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 75 metres downhole, highlighted by 2 metres grading 21.73 g/t and a further 1 metre at 23.39 g/t. Other significant results feature 6 metres at 6.72 g/t and 2 metres at 20.77 g/t, reinforcing the presence of robust mineralisation within the targeted zone.
Geological Insights and Ore Shoot Definition
The drilling has refined geological understanding by delineating a coherent, south-plunging high-grade ore shoot that remains open both at depth and along strike. This structural interpretation is pivotal, enabling BPM to focus future drilling efforts more systematically and efficiently. The mineralisation is hosted within stacked quartz veins in a metamorphosed gneissic environment, with visible coarse gold observed, suggesting a potentially economically attractive deposit.
Importantly, the mineralised zone extends over approximately 180 metres in strike and 200 metres down dip, with mineralisation confirmed to depths of around 200 metres. The identification of fault-related displacements has also clarified why some historical drilling by AngloGold Ashanti may have missed key mineralised zones, highlighting the value of BPM's recent work.
Broader Exploration and Permitting Progress
Beyond Beachcomber, BPM is awaiting assay results from a substantial soil sampling program conducted in December 2025 across several nearby prospects including Sidecar, Ambrosia, Brass Monkey, and extensions of Beachcomber itself. These results are expected imminently and will guide follow-up drill targeting.
Permitting and heritage agreements are advancing well, notably for the Bonnie & Clyde Prospect, which hosts a significant ~6-kilometre gold-in-soil anomaly. This area is earmarked as a key focus for BPM's 2026 exploration calendar, with tenure applications expected to be granted shortly, enabling further soil sampling and eventual drill testing.
Looking Ahead – Follow-Up Drilling and Resource Potential
BPM plans to recommence drilling at Beachcomber in late February or early March 2026, targeting the newly defined high-grade shoot with approximately 18 holes planned for around 2,500 metres. This follow-up program aims to extend and infill the mineralised envelope, potentially paving the way for a maiden JORC-compliant resource estimate.
The Forelands Gold Project benefits from a strategic location along a major structural corridor analogous to the Tropicana gold deposit, with excellent access to existing and proposed milling infrastructure within a 200-kilometre radius. The involvement of experienced technical advisors and exploration managers with proven discovery track records further strengthens BPM's prospects.
Bottom Line?
BPM’s maiden drilling success at Beachcomber sets a confident tone for 2026, but upcoming soil assays and follow-up drilling will be critical to unlocking the project’s full potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the imminent soil sampling results influence the prioritisation of new drill targets across the Forelands Project?
- What are the timelines and potential hurdles for securing all necessary permits and heritage approvals for expanded drilling?
- To what extent can BPM convert these early high-grade intersections into a robust, economically viable resource?