Solara Minerals has completed the first stage of drilling at its promising Degrussa West gold-copper project, with assay results expected soon. The company also secured a $180,000 government grant to support further exploration across its Bryah Basin portfolio.
- Stage 1 drilling completed at Degrussa West with results pending
- Awarded $180,000 Exploration Incentive Scheme grant
- Heritage agreement signed with Jidi Jidi Aboriginal Corporation
- Exploration activities ongoing across multiple Western Australia projects
- Strong cash position maintained at $2.9 million
Exploration Momentum Builds at Degrussa West
Solara Minerals Limited (ASX – SLA) has reported significant progress in its exploration efforts for the quarter ending 31 December 2025. The company completed the first stage of its reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Degrussa West gold-copper project, located just 17 kilometres west of Sandfire Resources’ renowned Degrussa Copper-Gold Mine. This proximity places Solara’s project in a structurally and stratigraphically favourable position, with untested geophysical and geochemical anomalies that could signal substantial mineralisation.
The drilling campaign aims to test conductive features identified by Solara’s recent surface electromagnetic (MLEM) survey, which highlighted a north-dipping conductive plate intersecting a strong magnetic anomaly at depth. These features are interpreted as potential bedrock-hosted conductors within the same geological sequence as the Degrussa Mine, raising hopes for a significant discovery. Samples from the initial drilling stage have been sent to ALS Laboratories, with assay results anticipated in the coming weeks.
Government Support and Strategic Partnerships
In a boost to its exploration budget, Solara was awarded a $180,000 grant under the Western Australian Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS). This funding will help defray costs associated with drilling and geophysical surveys targeting the highly prospective VTEM/MLEM anomalies at Degrussa West and other regional contacts. The grant underscores the government’s confidence in the potential of Solara’s projects to contribute to the state’s mining sector.
Further strengthening its operational framework, Solara signed a Heritage Agreement with the Jidi Jidi Aboriginal Corporation, representing the Nharnuwangga Wajarri and Ngarlawannga peoples. This agreement facilitates early-stage exploration activities, including drilling, while respecting cultural heritage and ensuring community engagement. A heritage survey over Degrussa West was completed in November 2025, clearing the way for the recent drilling program.
Broadening Exploration Footprint Across Western Australia
Beyond Degrussa West, Solara’s exploration portfolio spans several promising projects across the Bryah Basin and other regions. The Wilgeena West tenement saw completion of an UltraFine™ soil sampling program, designed to refine structural targets and support follow-up drilling. The Mikhaburra and Karalundi projects remain under assessment, with geophysical data being processed to identify drill-ready targets.
In the Pilbara region, the recently granted Myrnas Hill tenement covers historic copper-gold prospects with high-grade rock chip samples. Solara plans to initiate exploration activities there in the latter part of the financial year. Meanwhile, the Bow River project in East Kimberley continues to be evaluated for nickel, copper, and cobalt sulphide mineralisation, with historic drilling data guiding future work.
Financial Position and Outlook
Solara reported exploration and evaluation expenditure of $206,000 for the quarter, reflecting its active field programs. The company ended the period with a robust cash balance of approximately $2.9 million, providing a solid runway for ongoing and planned exploration activities. No mining production or development activities were undertaken during the quarter, consistent with Solara’s focus on early-stage exploration.
As Solara awaits assay results from its initial drilling at Degrussa West, the market will be keenly watching for indications of mineralisation that could validate the company’s strategic positioning in one of Western Australia’s most prolific mineral provinces.
Bottom Line?
With drilling results imminent and government backing secured, Solara Minerals stands poised for a pivotal phase in its exploration journey.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the assay results from the Degrussa West drilling reveal about the project's potential?
- How will the $180,000 EIS grant influence the scale and pace of Solara’s upcoming exploration activities?
- What are the implications of the heritage agreement for Solara’s ability to advance drilling programs across its portfolio?