Lunnon Metals Hits 8m at 1.99 g/t Au in New Lady Herial Discovery
Lunnon Metals reports steady progress at its Lady Herial gold mine alongside the discovery of a new gold-bearing structure northwest of the site, highlighting promising potential for future underground mining.
- First gold ore collected from Lady Herial for processing
- New gold structure identified in Defiance Dolerite with 8m @ 1.99 g/t Au intercept
- Over 2.3km of Defiance Dolerite remains untested northwest of Lady Herial
- Structural system extends over 550m plunge, indicating underground mining potential
- Possible future synergy between gold and nickel mining at Foster and Lady Herial
Mining Progress at Lady Herial
Lunnon Metals Limited (ASX:LM8) has marked a significant milestone with the inaugural collection of gold ore from its Lady Herial mine, located within the prolific Foster-Baker Gold Project in Western Australia. Mining operations, despite some weather-related interruptions, are progressing in line with the January 2026 Feasibility Study, with over 38,000 tonnes mined at an average grade of 1.56 grams per tonne gold. The ore is being processed under an Ore Purchase Agreement with St Ives Gold Mining Co., ensuring a metallurgical recovery rate of approximately 91%.
Discovery of a New Gold Structure
Exploration drilling northwest of Lady Herial has unveiled a new gold-bearing structure within the Defiance Dolerite, a geological formation known for hosting significant mineralisation in the region. Notably, an intercept of 8 metres at 1.99 grams per tonne gold was recorded within the highly prospective Zone 4. This discovery adds a fresh dimension to Lunnon Metals’ production pipeline and underscores the potential for expanding the resource base beyond the current open pit operations.
Extensive Untested Territory and Structural Continuity
The Defiance Dolerite extends over 2.3 kilometres northwest of Lady Herial at surface, an area yet to be tested by drilling. Historical nickel drilling from the 1970s suggests that the structural system hosting the gold mineralisation plunges more than 550 metres, remaining open at depth. This continuity hints at the possibility of future underground mining operations, which could exploit both gold and nickel deposits in tandem, particularly given the proximity to the Foster Nickel Mine.
Strategic Exploration Focus
Lunnon Metals’ exploration team is prioritising the definition of new projects to complement Lady Herial’s production schedule while simultaneously pursuing significant discoveries within the heart of the St Ives gold camp. The Agnes prospect, immediately northwest of Lady Herial, has emerged as a key target with drill results confirming mineralised quartz veining and sulphides. Although some intercepts lie beyond current open pit depths, they present compelling targets for future underground development.
Context Within a Prolific Gold-Nickel District
The Foster-Baker Gold Project sits within the Kambalda/St Ives district, one of Australia’s most prolific gold and nickel camps. The area boasts a rich history of mineral production and discovery, supported by established infrastructure and processing facilities, including the nearby Lefroy plant operated by Lunnon Metals’ major shareholder, Gold Fields. This strategic location enhances the project’s potential for efficient resource development and processing.
Bottom Line?
With mining underway and new discoveries unfolding, Lunnon Metals is positioning itself for a compelling next phase of growth in a world-class gold-nickel district.
Questions in the middle?
- How will ongoing drilling refine the understanding and extent of the new Agnes structure?
- What are the timelines and feasibility for transitioning to underground mining exploiting both gold and nickel?
- How might fluctuations in diesel prices and operating costs impact the economics of Lady Herial mining operations?
