West Coast Silver is set to commence a 4,000m Reverse Circulation drilling program at its Elizabeth Hill Silver Project, aiming to expand high-grade silver mineralisation and deliver a maiden resource estimate by late 2026.
- 4,000m RC drilling targeting extensions along Munni Munni Fault
- Focus on near-surface high-grade silver mineralisation within 150m depth
- Drilling supports inaugural Mineral Resource Estimate in Q3/Q4 2026
- Contract awarded to NexGen Drilling Pty Ltd with drilling starting March 2026
- Elizabeth Hill’s historic production of 1.2Moz silver at exceptional grades
Expanding a High-Grade Silver Legacy
West Coast Silver Limited (ASX: WCE) has announced a significant step forward at its flagship Elizabeth Hill Silver Project in the Pilbara, Western Australia. The company is launching a 4,000-metre Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling campaign starting this March, designed to extend the footprint of its high-grade silver mineralisation. This program aims to build on promising 2025 drilling results that revealed bonanza-grade silver intersections, reinforcing Elizabeth Hill’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier silver assets.
The project’s historical credentials are impressive: Elizabeth Hill produced 1.2 million ounces of silver from just under 17,000 tonnes of ore, boasting an extraordinary head grade of 2,194 grams per tonne. Mining ceased in 2000 due to low silver prices, but the deposit remains open at depth and along strike, offering substantial untapped potential.
Targeting Near-Surface Extensions Along the Munni Munni Fault
The upcoming drilling will focus on extensions north and northwest of the 2025 diamond drilling results, as well as new targets along the Munni Munni Fault (MMF) at Elizabeth Hill North and South. The MMF is the primary structural control for mineralisation, and the program aims to test mineralised zones within approximately 150 metres of surface. This shallow depth profile suggests the potential for rapid and cost-effective resource growth, a key consideration for advancing the project towards development.
Executive Chairman Bruce Garlick highlighted the strategic importance of the drilling: "Our recent programs have confirmed that the silver mineralisation extends well beyond the historic mine boundaries. The identification of multiple near-mine targets supports our view that Elizabeth Hill is part of a larger mineralised system along the Munni Munni Fault. This drilling will be critical to expanding the known strike and depth extents and underpinning our maiden Mineral Resource Estimate scheduled for later this year."
Operational Outlook and Next Steps
The drilling contract has been awarded to NexGen Drilling Pty Ltd, with operations expected to take four to six weeks, subject to weather and site conditions. Assay results will be received progressively through the second quarter of 2026, feeding into an updated geological model. The company aims to deliver its inaugural Mineral Resource Estimate by Q3 or Q4 2026, a milestone that could significantly enhance the project’s valuation and investor interest.
Elizabeth Hill’s location on a mining lease and proximity to existing infrastructure, including potential processing options at the nearby Radio Hill site, further strengthens the project’s development prospects. The consolidation of surrounding tenements into a contiguous 180km package also opens the door for discovering additional silver deposits along the Munni Munni Fault system.
Looking Ahead
As West Coast Silver embarks on this pivotal drilling campaign, the market will be watching closely for assay results that could confirm the scale and grade of the expanded mineralisation. Success here would not only validate the company’s exploration strategy but also position Elizabeth Hill as a cornerstone asset in Australia’s silver mining landscape.
Bottom Line?
The upcoming drilling results will be crucial in shaping Elizabeth Hill’s future and West Coast Silver’s growth trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the assay results confirm extensions of bonanza-grade silver mineralisation?
- How might the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate impact West Coast Silver’s valuation?
- What are the potential timelines and capital requirements for advancing Elizabeth Hill towards production?