Strata Minerals has launched a Phase 2 drilling program at its Zelica Gold Project, aiming to extend high-grade gold mineralisation and fast-track a maiden resource estimate. The recent acquisition of Zelica South expands the gold corridor to over 8km, enhancing exploration potential.
- Phase 2 drilling underway targeting depth extensions and infill at Zelica
- Approximately 20 reverse circulation holes planned for ~2,500 metres
- Maiden drilling confirmed consistent shallow high-grade gold mineralisation
- Zelica South acquisition extends gold-mineralised corridor to 8km
- Assay results expected within 4-6 weeks post drilling completion
Building on Maiden Success
Strata Minerals Limited (ASX:SMX) has commenced its Phase 2 drilling campaign at the 100%-owned Zelica Gold Project in Western Australia, following a maiden program that delivered promising high-grade gold intercepts. The initial drilling, completed over 23 holes, confirmed consistent shallow oxide gold mineralisation along a strike length of approximately one kilometre, with standout results such as 10 metres at 3.18 grams per tonne gold from 37 metres depth.
This early success has set the stage for the current program, which aims to extend mineralisation at depth and along strike, while also conducting infill drilling to accelerate the delivery of a maiden JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate. The Phase 2 program comprises around 20 reverse circulation holes totalling approximately 2,500 metres, with drilling expected to wrap up within two weeks and assay results anticipated 4 to 6 weeks thereafter.
Strategic Expansion with Zelica South
Adding to the project's appeal, Strata recently secured the Zelica South Project, significantly expanding its footprint and consolidating a gold-mineralised corridor now exceeding 8 kilometres in length. This acquisition unlocks considerable district-scale exploration upside, with historical surface samples from shallow workings showing gold grades as high as 39.6 grams per tonne; targets yet to be tested by modern drilling techniques.
Located within the richly endowed Laverton Greenstone Belt and situated on a granted mining licence, Zelica benefits from excellent infrastructure, including proximity to multiple gold deposits exceeding one million ounces and several processing mills within trucking distance. The project’s accessible location and existing shallow trial pit further enhance its near-term development prospects.
Looking Ahead
Managing Director Peter Woods expressed enthusiasm about the Phase 2 program, highlighting the potential to build on the maiden drilling’s high-grade intersections and to establish a solid foundation for the project’s future. The combination of step-out and infill drilling is designed to not only expand the known mineralisation but also to support a faster path to resource definition, which will be critical in assessing optimal extraction strategies and unlocking value.
With the Zelica Gold Project positioned strategically between the gold mining centres of Leonora and Laverton, and with the recent consolidation of the extended gold corridor, Strata Minerals is well placed to advance exploration and development in one of Western Australia’s premier gold districts. Investors and analysts will be watching closely for the upcoming assay results and resource updates that could shape the company’s next phase of growth.
Bottom Line?
Strata’s Phase 2 drilling at Zelica could redefine the project’s scale and value, with assay results set to be a key catalyst.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Phase 2 drilling confirm significant depth extensions to the high-grade mineralisation?
- How will the maiden resource estimate impact Strata Minerals’ development timeline and valuation?
- What exploration potential remains untested within the newly acquired Zelica South Project?