Mount Hope Mining’s Phase 2 drilling at Mt Solitary delivers standout high-grade gold intercepts, including visible gold, broadening the known mineralised zone and setting the stage for an ambitious Phase 3 program.
- 6m at 17.9 g/t gold intercept with visible gold confirmed
- Phase 2 drilling expands mineralisation footprint along strike and down dip
- Geological model validated and refined with new structural insights
- Phase 3 drilling planned to test new south-east exploration zone
- Mt Solitary remains open for further high-grade extensions
Phase 2 Drilling Breakthrough at Mt Solitary
Mount Hope Mining Limited (ASX:MHM) has announced compelling results from its Phase 2 reverse circulation drilling program at the Mt Solitary gold prospect in New South Wales. The highlight is a remarkable intercept of 6 metres grading 17.9 grams per tonne gold, featuring visible gold in the drill chips, a vivid confirmation of the high-grade nature of the mineralisation. This intercept, along with several others, significantly extends the known mineralised envelope both along strike and at depth.
Expanding the Mineralised Footprint
The Phase 2 campaign comprised 14 holes totaling over 2,100 metres, strategically targeting extensions beyond the initial Phase 1 drilling. Results such as 15 metres at 3.9 g/t and 17 metres at 3.2 g/t gold demonstrate continuity of mineralisation and support the company’s evolving geological and structural model. Notably, the mineralised zone now spans approximately 180 by 220 metres and remains open, particularly to the north-west and south-east, where new exploration space has been identified.
Validating Geological Insights and New Targets
Mount Hope’s management emphasises that these results do more than add ounces; they validate the structural controls on mineralisation, particularly a north-west trending shear system. The convergence of key structures near historic workings points to a promising new exploration target to the south-east, previously untested by drilling. This insight is underpinned by geophysical surveys and is set to be a focus of the upcoming Phase 3 drilling program.
Looking Ahead: Phase 3 and Beyond
With permits in hand and planning underway, the Phase 3 program aims to both infill high-grade zones and push the boundaries of known mineralisation. Additionally, a targeted diamond drilling campaign is planned to refine structural interpretations and provide samples for metallurgical and geotechnical studies. The broader MS2 Gold Corridor, encompassing Mt Solitary and other prospects like Powerline Hill and Mt Solar, remains a key strategic focus for Mount Hope Mining.
Context Within the Mt Hope Project
Mt Solitary sits within the company’s 100%-owned Mt Hope Project, a large landholding in the prolific southern Cobar Basin. The project’s exploration target remains conceptual, with no formal resource yet declared, but the recent drilling results mark a significant step towards resource definition. Historical data and previous drilling campaigns have laid the groundwork, but Mount Hope’s systematic, drill-led approach is rapidly advancing the prospect’s potential.
Bottom Line?
Mount Hope Mining’s Phase 2 success at Mt Solitary sets a robust foundation for resource growth, with Phase 3 drilling poised to unlock further high-grade gold potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Phase 3 drilling refine the geological model and impact resource estimates?
- What metallurgical characteristics will the diamond drilling samples reveal about ore processing?
- Can the newly identified south-east exploration zone deliver a significant resource extension?