Kookynie Project Drilling Yields 150kg Core, Boosts Resource Confidence
Carnavale Resources has completed critical drilling programs at its Kookynie Gold Project, pushing the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) forward and targeting a shovel-ready status by Q3 2026. The work upgrades resource confidence and supports detailed metallurgical and geotechnical studies.
- Completion of diamond and RC drilling for BFS support
- 150 kg core recovered for metallurgical testwork
- Geotechnical drilling to refine pit wall designs at Swiftsure and Tiptoe
- Resource infill drilling aimed at upgrading to Measured category
- Hydrogeological and waste rock studies underway to de-risk project
BFS Drilling Milestone Achieved
Carnavale Resources Ltd has marked a significant step forward in advancing its Kookynie Gold Project in Western Australia, announcing the completion of key drilling programs designed to underpin a Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS). Located approximately 60km south of Leonora and 180km north of Kalgoorlie, the project’s BFS aims to deliver a detailed and de-risked development plan by mid-2026.
The recent drilling campaign involved multiple rigs operating over five weeks, including six large diameter diamond drill holes that yielded 150 kilograms of core for comprehensive metallurgical testing. This core will help define the processing characteristics of ore from the Swiftsure and Tiptoe pits, covering oxide, transitional, and fresh material zones.
Resource Confidence and Geotechnical Insights
Infill reverse circulation (RC) drilling on a tight 10m by 10m grid totaling approximately 8,500 metres was completed to upgrade resource classifications from Indicated to Measured. This upgrade is crucial for reducing project risk and supporting mine planning and financing discussions.
Complementing the resource drilling, eight geotechnical diamond holes were drilled to gather detailed information on rock quality and pit wall stability. These insights will inform the design of pit slopes and ramps at the Swiftsure and Tiptoe open pits, potentially improving strip ratios and overall project economics.
Supporting Studies and Project De-risking
Alongside drilling, hydrogeological studies commenced in December 2025, including LIDAR surveys and groundwater monitoring to understand water table levels and salinity. This data will guide water management and dewatering strategies essential for sustainable mine operations.
Waste rock characterization is also underway, with samples sent to SRK Consulting to support environmental approvals and waste dump designs. Metallurgical variability testing will further refine processing parameters, with toll treatment arrangements being evaluated to optimise operational flexibility.
Outlook and Exploration Upside
Cube Consulting continues to integrate drilling, metallurgical, geotechnical, and hydrogeological data to complete the Definitive Feasibility Study on schedule. CEO Humphrey Hale expressed confidence in the team’s progress, highlighting the rare high-grade nature of the Swiftsure and Tiptoe resources and the project's proximity to existing mining infrastructure.
Importantly, Carnavale notes that further exploration targets remain within the tenement package, offering potential to extend the resource base beyond the current JORC-compliant 842,000 ounces of gold across measured, indicated, and inferred categories.
Bottom Line?
With BFS drilling complete and multiple technical studies advancing, Carnavale is poised to deliver a shovel-ready Kookynie Gold Project by Q3 2026, though metallurgical results and final feasibility outcomes remain key upcoming milestones.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the metallurgical testwork reveal about ore processing and recovery rates?
- How might geotechnical findings influence pit design and project economics?
- What exploration targets within the tenement package could materially increase the resource base?
