GoldArc Resources (ASX:GA8) has reported consistent high-grade gold intersections from a recent 20-hole RC drilling program at its Eclipse prospect, supporting advancement towards a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate within its Leonora South Gold Project.
- Consistent high-grade gold intercepts across 13 holes at Eclipse prospect
- Notable assays include 4m at 9.43g/t Au and 9m at 2.54g/t Au from shallow depths
- Results underpin plans for maiden Mineral Resource Estimate and pit optimisation
- Eclipse located adjacent to Orion-Sapphire deposits with combined 48,000oz MRE
- Drilling ongoing at Orion prospect and Leonora North under strategic partnerships
High-Grade Gold Confirmed at Eclipse Prospect
GoldArc Resources Limited (ASX:GA8) has announced assay results from a recently completed Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program at its Eclipse prospect, part of the Leonora South Gold Project in Western Australia. The 20-hole, 1,176-metre program, conducted in partnership with Mineral Mining Services Pty Ltd (MMS), returned consistent high-grade gold intersections across 13 holes, confirming a shallow, structurally controlled gold system.
Key intercepts include 4 metres at 9.43 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 46 metres depth, including 1 metre at 21.40 g/t Au, and 9 metres at 2.54 g/t Au from 21 metres depth. Other notable results feature 5 metres at 3.74 g/t Au and 7 metres at 3.20 g/t Au from shallow depths, indicating grade continuity suitable for resource estimation. Results from the remaining seven holes are pending.
Advancing Towards Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate
The drilling program was designed to test geological gaps, plunge orientations, grade variations, and extensions of the Eclipse system. The results provide a foundation for GoldArc to progress towards a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) and initial pit optimisation studies. Samples from mineralised zones will also undergo metallurgical test work to support future development planning.
GoldArc’s Managing Director, Paul Stephen, highlighted the significance of the findings, noting the high-grade intersections at shallow depths and the clear structural controls observed. He emphasised the strategic importance of Eclipse’s proximity to the Orion-Sapphire deposits, which host a combined JORC-compliant MRE of 48,000 ounces at 2.2 g/t Au, providing a geological analogue and potential for resource consolidation within the Leonora South hub.
Regional Drilling and Development Activities
Following completion of the Eclipse program, the RC rig has mobilised to the Orion prospect to undertake a ~6,500-metre drilling campaign targeting depth and strike extensions of the existing resource. This work is part of a partner-funded development pathway established with MMS under a Letter of Intent announced in October 2025. Concurrently, a 34,000-metre RC grade control program continues at the Mt Stirling and Stirling Well deposits in the Leonora North project, advancing towards mine implementation under a profit-share agreement with BML Ventures Pty Ltd.
Additional drilling is also underway at the Cosmopolitan mine area within the Leonora South project. GoldArc’s systematic exploration approach aims to grow its existing 200,000-ounce JORC resource base and identify new large-scale discoveries across its portfolio.
Context and Next Steps
The Eclipse prospect lies within the historic Kookynie Goldfields, approximately 60 kilometres south of Leonora, Western Australia. The mineralisation is hosted within quartz veining in the Niagara Gabbro Complex, consistent with the structural controls observed at the adjacent Orion and Sapphire deposits.
GoldArc plans to report the remaining assay results from Eclipse, advance the maiden MRE and pit optimisation, and provide updates on the ongoing Orion and Leonora North drilling programs. Metallurgical test work outcomes will also be disclosed as they become available.
These developments follow recent coverage of GoldArc’s strategic tenement acquisition in the Kookynie Goldfields and validation of high-grade continuity at Mt Stirling, reflecting a busy and multi-front exploration and development phase for the company.
Bottom Line?
GoldArc’s Eclipse drilling results provide a promising foundation for resource definition, though pending assays and metallurgical tests will be critical to confirm development potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the pending assay results from Eclipse influence the scale and classification of the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate?
- What are the expected timelines and potential outcomes of the metallurgical test work on Eclipse mineralised samples?
- How might the ongoing Orion and Leonora North drilling programs impact GoldArc’s overall resource base and development strategy?