Strata Minerals Reboots Drilling at Zelica, Eyes Resource Boost

Strata Minerals Advances Zelica Gold Project

Strata Minerals Limited (ASX:SMX) is gearing up to recommence drilling at its 100%-owned Zelica Gold Project in Western Australia, signalling a pivotal step in advancing the project’s development. Following encouraging results from its maiden drill campaign, the company has secured a drill rig to undertake a 2,500-metre reverse circulation (RC) program comprising approximately 20 holes.

The upcoming phase 2 drilling will prioritise step-out holes designed to test the depth extensions of the high-grade gold mineralisation previously identified. Complementary infill drilling is also planned to accelerate the delivery of a maiden JORC 2012 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate, a critical milestone for the project’s valuation and future development.

Expanding the Gold Corridor

The Zelica Gold Project’s mineralisation currently extends along roughly a 1-kilometre strike length and remains open both at depth and along strike, offering significant exploration upside. The recent acquisition of the Zelica South Project has notably expanded the prospective gold corridor to over 8 kilometres, consolidating Strata’s footprint in this richly endowed district.

Located within the Yundamindra District between the established gold hubs of Leonora and Laverton, Zelica benefits from excellent infrastructure, including granted mining licences and proximity to multiple gold deposits exceeding one million ounces. The project’s accessibility to processing mills within trucking distance further enhances its near-term development potential.

Outlook and Strategic Positioning

Managing Director Peter Woods highlighted the transformative potential of the year ahead, emphasising the importance of building on the maiden drilling success. “The outstanding shallow high-grade gold intersections have set a solid foundation,” Woods said, “and this next phase of drilling will help us assess how best to unlock maximum value from Zelica.”

Strata’s strategy to combine step-out and infill drilling reflects a balanced approach to both resource expansion and resource definition, positioning the company to move swiftly towards potential mining operations. The granted mining licence status further supports a shorter lead time to production, subject to successful drilling outcomes and resource confirmation.

With no drilling activity at Zelica for over a decade prior to Strata’s involvement, the company’s renewed exploration efforts are unlocking previously untapped potential. Investors and market watchers will be keenly awaiting the results of this phase 2 program, which could significantly reshape the project’s resource profile and development trajectory.