Tumblegum South Drilling Yields 9m at 5.57 g/t Gold Intercept
Star Minerals has reported robust grade control drilling results at its Tumblegum South Gold Project, confirming excellent continuity and grade of gold mineralisation ahead of final mine planning.
- 124 reverse circulation holes drilled by MEGA Resources
- Multiple high-grade gold intercepts including 9m at 5.57 g/t Au
- Results validate geological model and mineralisation continuity
- Data to be integrated into updated mineral resource and mine plan
- Project has received final mining approvals and toll treatment agreement
Grade Control Drilling Success
Star Minerals Limited (ASX:SMS) has unveiled encouraging results from its recent grade control drilling program at the Tumblegum South Gold Project in Western Australia. The program, conducted by MEGA Resources under a Right to Mine Agreement, comprised 124 reverse circulation holes totalling 4,168 metres, completed between December 2025 and February 2026.
The drilling has delivered multiple significant gold intercepts, including standout results such as 9 metres at 5.57 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 12 metres depth, and several other intervals exceeding 4 g/t over multiple metres. These results confirm the excellent continuity and expected grade tenor of the mineralisation, reinforcing confidence in the deposit’s geological model.
Implications for Mine Planning
With the grade control data now in hand, Star Minerals is poised to incorporate these findings into the final mineral resource update and mine design. The close-spaced drilling grid, particularly in the shallow parts of the deposit, provides a high-resolution understanding of mineral boundaries, which is critical for detailed mine planning and grade reconciliation during extraction.
Managing Director Ashley Jones highlighted the efficiency and safety with which MEGA Resources executed the program, noting that the results support the geological model and define mineralisation extents. This progress aligns with the company’s timeline to commence production in early 2026, following receipt of all necessary approvals.
Project Economics and Next Steps
The Tumblegum South Gold Project benefits from a robust economic outlook, with an updated production target estimating gold output between approximately 11,800 and 15,900 ounces at grades ranging from 2.16 to 2.43 g/t. These figures are underpinned by gold prices significantly higher than those used in prior scoping studies, enhancing the project’s cash flow potential.
Star Minerals has secured a toll treatment agreement with Catalyst Metals, ensuring processing capacity, and has received mining approval from the Western Australian government. The next steps include finalising the updated mineral resource estimate, completing the mine plan and ore reserves, and mobilising to site for production commencement.
Pending metallurgical study results and ongoing exploration on the western side of the deposit may further refine project parameters. The company’s collaborative approach with MEGA Resources and Bain Global Resources continues to drive momentum towards bringing the project into production.
Bottom Line?
With grade control drilling confirming the deposit’s quality, Star Minerals is on track to advance Tumblegum South into production, but upcoming resource updates and metallurgical results will be key to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the updated mineral resource estimate impact the project’s valuation?
- What are the anticipated timelines for mine mobilisation and first gold production?
- Could pending metallurgical results alter processing strategies or project economics?
