Terrain Minerals has initiated diamond drilling at its Smokebush Gold & Silver Project, advancing toward a maiden JORC Mineral Resource estimate targeted for mid-2026. The company’s exploration momentum continues with ongoing RC drilling at Lightning and upcoming programs at Wildflower.
- Diamond drilling commenced at Lightning Gold & Silver Project
- Four diamond holes planned to support maiden JORC resource estimation
- RC drilling nearing completion at Lightning, moving to Wildflower next
- Mining Lease granted over Lightning tenement, securing tenure
- Wildflower targets show geological similarities to Lightning, indicating discovery potential
Diamond Drilling Kicks Off at Smokebush
Terrain Minerals Limited has taken a significant step forward in its exploration campaign by commencing diamond drilling at the 100%-owned Smokebush Gold & Silver Project in Western Australia. The focus is on the Lightning Gold & Silver Prospect, located roughly 350 kilometres north of Perth, where the company aims to define a maiden JORC Mineral Resource by mid-2026.
The diamond drilling program involves four holes totaling approximately 660 metres, combining reverse circulation (RC) pre-collars with diamond core drilling. This approach is designed to provide critical geological data and density measurements essential for accurate resource modelling and estimation.
Ongoing RC Drilling and Expansion to Wildflower
Alongside diamond drilling, Terrain is wrapping up an extensive RC drilling program at Lightning, with 21 holes covering around 4,500 metres expected to complete imminently. Following this, the RC rig will move to the Wildflower Gold Prospect, where 13 holes (approximately 2,300 metres) are planned to test three priority induced polarisation (IP) targets beneath gold-in-soil anomalies.
Wildflower’s geological and geophysical characteristics closely mirror those at Lightning, suggesting promising potential for new discoveries. This strategic sequencing of drilling activities underscores Terrain’s methodical approach to expanding its resource base within the Smokebush project area.
Securing Tenure and Strategic Positioning
Adding to the project’s momentum, the Mining Lease M59/0796 covering the Lightning tenement has been granted, providing the company with enhanced tenure security as it advances toward resource definition. This regulatory milestone is crucial in underpinning investor confidence and facilitating ongoing exploration activities.
Terrain’s Smokebush Project sits within the Yalgoo Mineral Field, a region known for its rich mineral endowment, including neighbouring operations such as Vault Mining’s Rothsay Gold Mine. The company’s broader portfolio also includes promising prospects for gallium, rare earth elements, lithium, and copper, reflecting a diversified strategy aimed at capitalising on multiple commodity opportunities.
Looking Ahead
With diamond drilling underway and RC programs progressing, Terrain Minerals is positioning itself to deliver a maiden JORC Mineral Resource estimate for Lightning by mid-2026. The upcoming assay results from both Lightning and Wildflower will be pivotal in determining the scale and quality of mineralisation, potentially setting the stage for further resource growth and development.
Bottom Line?
As Terrain Minerals advances drilling and secures tenure, the coming months will be critical in defining the true potential of the Smokebush Gold & Silver Project.
Questions in the middle?
- What assay results will the diamond drilling at Lightning reveal about grade and continuity?
- How will the upcoming RC drilling at Wildflower influence the overall resource potential?
- What impact will the Mining Lease grant have on Terrain’s project development timeline and investor sentiment?