Katanning Gold Project Drilling Hits 8,179m with High-Grade Extensions
Ausgold Limited’s latest drilling results at the Katanning Gold Project confirm and extend high-grade gold mineralisation beyond existing resource boundaries, with drilling activity ramping up to four rigs on site.
- 55 reverse circulation drill holes totaling 8,179m assay results received
- Step-out drilling extends mineralisation beyond current 2.44Moz resource and DFS pit designs
- In-fill drilling confirms and locally exceeds existing resource grades
- Drilling momentum accelerates with four rigs now operational
- Updated Mineral Resource Estimate targeted for Q3 2026
Drilling Campaign Advances Resource Growth
Ausgold Limited (ASX – AUC) has reported encouraging assay results from 55 reverse circulation drill holes, totaling 8,179 metres, at the Central Zone of its 100%-owned Katanning Gold Project (KGP) in Western Australia. This forms part of a broader 44,000-metre drilling program aimed at expanding and upgrading the project’s mineral resource base.
The recent step-out drilling has successfully identified broad zones of high-grade gold mineralisation extending down-dip beyond the limits of the existing 2.44 million ounce Mineral Resource and Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) open pit designs. Notable intercepts include 10 metres at 2.24 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 346 metres, featuring a high-grade 2-metre interval at 9.45 g/t, highlighting the potential for significant resource growth.
In-fill Drilling Reinforces Resource Confidence
In-fill drilling within the current resource footprint has returned results consistent with, and in some cases exceeding, the existing resource model. Intercepts such as 24 metres at 0.89 g/t and 20 metres at 1.00 g/t gold provide increased confidence in grade continuity, particularly in areas planned for early mining. These results underpin the robustness of the current mine plan and support future reserve conversion efforts.
Drilling activity has intensified with four rigs now operating on site, including three reverse circulation rigs and a diamond rig. The diamond rig is initially focused on metallurgical drilling before transitioning to test down-plunge targets, which could unlock further underground potential.
Strategic Outlook and Next Steps
Ausgold’s Executive Chairman, John Dorward, emphasised the quality and growth potential of the Katanning Gold Project, noting that the ongoing drilling campaign is set to culminate in an updated Mineral Resource Estimate scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. The company is also progressing towards a Final Investment Decision (FID) targeted for the second quarter, signaling advancing project development.
Beyond the Central Zone, further drilling is planned across the Northern and Southern Zones, as well as regional targets such as Nanicup Bridge and Kulin, aiming to expand the project’s footprint and resource base. The comprehensive exploration strategy reflects Ausgold’s commitment to unlocking value across its extensive tenure in southwest Western Australia.
While the drilling results are promising, the company cautions that forward-looking statements involve risks typical of exploration and development projects, including geological uncertainties and market conditions. Nonetheless, the current momentum positions Ausgold well to enhance the Katanning project’s profile and potential.
Bottom Line?
Ausgold’s accelerating drilling campaign is setting the stage for a resource upgrade that could reshape the Katanning Gold Project’s future.
Questions in the middle?
- How much additional gold resource could the ongoing drilling add beyond the current 2.44Moz estimate?
- What impact will the new diamond drilling results have on underground mining potential?
- When will Ausgold provide updated reserve figures and a revised mine plan following the resource update?
