Callisto Resource Drilling Targets 600m Depth with Government Backing
Galileo Mining has initiated diamond core drilling beneath its 17.5Mt Callisto PGE-nickel-copper resource in Western Australia, aiming to uncover deeper mineralisation and enhance metallurgical understanding.
- Diamond core drilling commenced at Callisto resource targeting depths of at least 600m
- Drilling partially funded by Western Australia’s Exploration Incentive Scheme
- Focus on discovering stacked mineralised lodes beneath near-surface deposit
- New metallurgical samples to optimise metal extraction processes
- Pending assay results from Mission Sill prospect to guide further drilling
Exploration Advances at Norseman
Galileo Mining Ltd (ASX: GAL) has taken a significant step forward in its Norseman project with the commencement of diamond core drilling beneath the Callisto PGE-nickel-copper deposit. This 17.5 million tonne resource, discovered in 2022, has already established itself as a promising source of palladium, platinum, nickel, copper, and other valuable metals. The new drilling program aims to probe deeper than previous efforts, targeting mineralisation down to at least 600 metres.
The initiative is partially supported by a $180,000 grant from the Western Australian government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme, underscoring public confidence in the project’s potential. Galileo’s Managing Director Brad Underwood emphasised the importance of this phase, noting that the company is now exploring for stacked lodes that may lie beneath the known near-surface mineralisation, potentially expanding the resource significantly.
Strategic Focus on Deeper Mineralisation and Metallurgy
The drilling will not only seek new mineralised zones but also provide fresh core samples for metallurgical test work. Early-stage tests have shown promising recoveries using conventional flotation methods, but the new samples from deeper zones will help refine extraction techniques and potentially improve economic outcomes. This dual approach of exploration and metallurgical optimisation reflects a mature strategy aimed at maximising the value of the Callisto deposit.
Meanwhile, assay results from recent reverse circulation drilling at the nearby Mission Sill prospect are expected within weeks. These results will inform follow-up drilling plans and could add further depth to Galileo’s exploration pipeline within the Norseman project area, which boasts over 20 kilometres of prospective strike around Callisto and more than 10 kilometres at Mission Sill.
Broader Implications for Norseman and Beyond
Galileo’s Norseman tenure covers a substantial 255 square kilometres, including the Callisto deposit and adjacent prospects such as Jimberlana and Mission Sill. The company’s exploration model draws parallels to South Africa’s Platreef deposits, known for their complex and valuable mineralisation. Success in identifying deeper stacked lodes could transform the project’s scale and attractiveness.
Additionally, Galileo’s joint ventures in the Fraser Range region, home to the Nova-Bollinger nickel-copper mines, complement its Norseman activities, positioning the company well within Western Australia’s rich base metals and PGE landscape. Investors and market watchers will be keenly awaiting assay results and metallurgical findings that could set the stage for resource upgrades and development decisions.
Bottom Line?
Galileo’s deep drilling at Callisto could redefine the project’s scale and economics, with assay results poised to shape the next exploration chapter.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the deep drilling confirm the presence of stacked mineralised lodes beneath Callisto?
- How will new metallurgical data impact the projected recoveries and processing methods?
- What follow-up drilling strategies will emerge from the Mission Sill assay results?
