Carnavale Resources has launched a comprehensive Bankable Feasibility Study drilling program at its Kookynie Gold Project, aiming to deliver a shovel-ready, high-grade open pit mining scenario by Q3 2026.
- BFS drilling program commenced with diamond and RC rigs at Kookynie
- Metallurgical, geotechnical, and infill resource drilling underway
- Hydrogeological studies and water bore drilling progressing for dewatering
- BFS completion targeted for Q3 2026 with potential underground opportunities
- Project fully funded with heritage and environmental approvals secured
BFS Drilling Program Underway
Carnavale Resources has officially started its Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) drilling campaign at the Kookynie Gold Project (KGP) in Western Australia. Located between Leonora and Kalgoorlie, the project is advancing with a multi-rig approach, including a diamond drilling rig and two reverse circulation (RC) rigs set to join in the coming weeks. This program aims to provide critical data for metallurgical testwork, geotechnical assessments, and resource infill drilling across the Swiftsure and Tiptoe open pit areas.
The diamond drilling will focus on collecting large diameter core samples to support detailed metallurgical testwork, including crushing and grinding studies, while RC drilling will target infill and grade control to convert indicated resources into measured categories. This conversion is essential to derisk the project and support a robust feasibility outcome.
Supporting Studies and Infrastructure Preparation
Alongside drilling, Carnavale is progressing hydrogeological assessments, including LIDAR surveys and groundwater monitoring. A program to drill water bores for production and dewatering purposes is planned to commence in March, ensuring water management is well understood ahead of mining operations. These studies will feed into the BFS to refine mine planning and environmental management strategies.
Heritage and environmental approvals are in place, with cooperation from the Nyalpa Pirniku people and the Western Australian Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTAC) facilitating the clearance of drill pads and survey works. This groundwork supports Carnavale’s goal of fast-tracking the BFS and positioning Kookynie as a shovel-ready project within the year.
Resource Base and Project Outlook
The Kookynie Gold Project hosts a substantial mineral resource, with recent JORC estimates confirming over 840,000 ounces of gold across measured, indicated, and inferred categories. The BFS aims to deliver a high-grade, initial open pit mining scenario with the potential for subsequent underground development, subject to final approvals.
Consultants including SRK Consulting Australasia and Cube Consulting are engaged to support detailed metallurgical, geotechnical, and resource evaluation work. Carnavale’s CEO Humphrey Hale emphasised the company’s commitment to advancing the project swiftly and efficiently, highlighting the strong funding position and comprehensive planning underpinning the BFS.
Looking Ahead
The BFS is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2026, setting the stage for Carnavale to transition Kookynie from exploration to development. The company’s methodical approach to drilling, environmental management, and stakeholder engagement positions the project well within a competitive gold mining landscape in Western Australia.
Bottom Line?
As Carnavale pushes toward a Q3 2026 BFS completion, all eyes will be on assay results and regulatory milestones that could unlock Kookynie’s full potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the BFS drilling results impact the conversion of resources from indicated to measured?
- What are the timelines and risks associated with obtaining final mining approvals?
- Could underground mining opportunities significantly enhance the project’s economics beyond the initial open pit?