Bayan Mining has submitted its Plan of Operations to the U.S. Forest Service, marking a key regulatory milestone ahead of its maiden 3,000m diamond drilling program at Bayan Springs South in Nevada. The company also expanded its land holdings by 13%, securing critical extensions of mineralised zones.
- Plan of Operations submitted to U.S. Forest Service for drill approval
- 3,000m diamond drilling program targeting high-priority zones
- Drill targets refined with former Barrick Gold geologist Charles Weakly
- Land expanded by 13% to secure key mineralised system extensions
- Project located near Kinross Gold’s Bald Mountain Mine in prolific Carlin gold belt
Regulatory Milestone Achieved
Bayan Mining and Minerals Limited (ASX, BMM) has taken a significant step forward in its exploration campaign at the Bayan Springs South Project in Nevada by submitting a Plan of Operations (PoO) to the U.S. Forest Service. This submission follows an earlier Notice of Intent and represents the final major permitting hurdle before the company can commence its maiden drilling program. Approval is expected within approximately 45 days, setting the stage for rapid mobilisation.
Focused Drilling Program Ready to Launch
The planned Phase 1 drilling program involves up to six diamond core holes totalling 3,000 metres, designed to test high-priority targets identified through integrated geophysical surveys, structural modelling, and surface geochemistry. Notably, rock chip assays have revealed gold grades up to 8.25 grams per tonne, underscoring the prospectivity of the area. The drill targets have been refined in collaboration with Charles Weakly, a former Barrick Gold district geologist with 35 years of experience in Nevada, lending further confidence to the focus of the drilling campaign.
Strategic Land Expansion and Regional Validation
In parallel with permitting progress, Bayan has expanded its land position by staking 13 additional lode claims, increasing the project area by approximately 13%. This expansion secures interpreted eastern extensions of CSAMT-defined alteration corridors and key structural intersections believed to control Carlin-style gold mineralisation. The recent adjacent staking by Sun Silver Limited around Bayan Springs North further validates the district-scale potential of the region, highlighting a growing interest in this emerging gold-silver camp.
Geological Context and Project Location
The Bayan Springs South Project lies within the prolific Carlin Trend, a globally renowned gold belt, and is situated just 10 kilometres north of Kinross Gold Corporation’s Bald Mountain Mine, a major Carlin-style operation producing around 150,000 to 180,000 ounces of gold annually. The project’s geology features Cambrian sedimentary sequences with multiple fault systems and hydrothermal alteration zones, providing a compelling setting for gold mineralisation. The integration of geophysical data and structural interpretation has been critical in defining drill targets that intersect major fault corridors and alteration zones.
Next Steps and Market Implications
With the PoO lodged, Bayan is advancing preparations for drilling, including contractor engagement, site access planning, and logistical arrangements. The company aims to execute the Phase 1 drill program promptly upon receiving regulatory approval. This drilling campaign will be closely watched by investors and analysts as it has the potential to materially enhance the project’s value and affirm Bayan’s position in a highly prospective gold district.
Bottom Line?
Bayan’s imminent drilling and strategic land expansion position it well to unlock value in a world-class gold belt, but results will be key to confirming its potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the U.S. Forest Service approve the Plan of Operations within the anticipated 45-day timeframe?
- What initial results will the Phase 1 drilling program yield, and how might they impact resource estimates?
- How will regional staking activity by Sun Silver influence exploration dynamics and potential partnerships?