Auravelle Metals has identified several promising new gold targets at its Nuckulla Hill project in South Australia, leveraging a detailed structural review and soil sampling data. Upcoming drilling campaigns aim to test these high-priority zones within the prolific Yarlbrinda Shear Zone.
- Multiple new structural gold targets identified at Nuckulla Hill
- Targets coincide with gold anomalies from recent and historical soil sampling
- Most targets lie within the Yarlbrinda Shear Zone, a known gold-rich corridor
- Several targets heritage cleared and ready for aircore and RC drilling
- Drilling at Sheoak prospect to commence next month, followed by regional testing
Expanding the Gold Frontier at Nuckulla Hill
Auravelle Metals Limited (ASX: AUV) has announced a significant expansion of its gold exploration pipeline at the Nuckulla Hill project in South Australia. A comprehensive regional geological and structural review, conducted by expert consultant Gavin Daneel, has pinpointed multiple new structural targets that are considered highly prospective for gold mineralisation.
These targets are strategically located along the 40-kilometre strike of the Yarlbrinda Shear Zone, a geological feature already known to host substantial gold deposits, including Barton Gold Holdings’ nearby 1.6 million ounce Tunkillia Gold Project. The shear zone’s complex structural features, such as cross-cutting faults, jogs, and rheological contrasts, create favourable sites for gold accumulation.
Soil Sampling Validates Structural Targets
Importantly, many of the newly identified structural targets coincide with gold anomalies detected through both recent and historical soil sampling programs. This convergence of independent datasets enhances confidence in these targets and elevates their priority for follow-up exploration. Several of these areas have already been cleared through heritage surveys, smoothing the path for imminent drilling activities.
Managing Director Andrew Muir highlighted the significance of these findings, noting that the combined structural and geochemical data have substantially increased the inventory of prospective gold targets at Nuckulla Hill. He also referenced the recent strong RC drilling results at the Sheoak prospect, including an impressive intercept of 28 metres at 3.4 grams per tonne gold, underscoring the project’s potential.
Upcoming Drilling and Broader Exploration Plans
Auravelle is gearing up for an active exploration phase, with RC drilling at Sheoak scheduled to commence next month. This will be followed by regional aircore drilling to test the broader suite of structural targets. Beyond Nuckulla Hill, the company plans to conduct geophysical surveys and additional heritage clearances, alongside soil sampling at its Crown project in Western Australia and maiden exploration at the Skye project in South Australia.
The company’s methodical approach, integrating geological interpretation, geophysical data, and soil geochemistry, reflects a robust exploration strategy aimed at unlocking the full potential of its tenements. While no new resource estimates have been released yet, the expanding pipeline of targets and forthcoming drilling results will be critical in defining the scale and quality of mineralisation.
Context Within South Australia’s Gold Landscape
Nuckulla Hill sits within the prolific Gawler Craton, a region that has attracted considerable exploration interest due to its favourable geology and proximity to established gold projects. Auravelle’s focus on the Yarlbrinda Shear Zone aligns with broader industry recognition of this corridor’s potential to host multiple gold systems. The company’s progress will be closely watched by investors keen to see whether these early-stage targets translate into significant discoveries.
Bottom Line?
Auravelle’s expanding target portfolio at Nuckulla Hill sets the stage for a pivotal drilling campaign that could reshape its gold resource outlook.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming drilling at Sheoak and regional targets confirm the presence of economically viable gold mineralisation?
- How might Auravelle’s exploration success influence its standing relative to nearby projects like Barton Gold’s Tunkillia?
- What are the timelines and potential hurdles for advancing these new targets toward resource definition?