Great Western Exploration (ASX: GTE) has begun diamond drilling at its Oval Copper-Gold Target, aiming to test a gravity anomaly linked to a potential large VHMS system akin to the nearby DeGrussa deposit. This marks the launch of a six-month program targeting nine copper-gold prospects across the Yerrida Basin.
- Drilling commenced at Oval Copper-Gold Target testing a 750m deep gravity anomaly
- Nine copper-gold targets scheduled for drilling over next six months
- Targets include Diorama, Juggernaut, and Baroo projects
- Strong geological parallels to DeGrussa VHMS deposit
- Company holds $4.3 million cash supporting aggressive exploration
Drilling Begins at Oval Target to Probe Potential VHMS System
Great Western Exploration (ASX:GTE) has kicked off diamond drilling at its Oval Copper-Gold Target within the Yerrida North Project in Western Australia, aiming to test a coincident gravity anomaly and a modelled Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulphide (VHMS) horizon. This horizon is interpreted as the core of a potentially large VHMS copper-gold mineralisation system, reminiscent of the nearby DeGrussa Deposit operated by Sandfire Resources (ASX:SFR). The initial drill-hole is planned to reach a depth of 750 metres to assess the anomaly’s source.
This drilling marks the start of an aggressive six-month campaign where Great Western plans to test nine individual copper-gold targets, including Diorama, Juggernaut, and Baroo. The Juggernaut Project’s six targets have already secured access approvals, enabling drilling to proceed without delay. Concurrent regional exploration efforts aim to advance additional targets to drill-ready status, underscoring the company’s broad ambitions in the Yerrida Basin.
Geological Setting Mirrors DeGrussa Deposit’s Success
The Oval Target lies adjacent to the DeGrussa and Monty VHMS deposits within the Yerrida Basin, a geological cousin to the prolific Bryah Basin that hosts DeGrussa. Ground gravity surveys and 3D inversion modelling have highlighted a significant density anomaly coincident with a geologically modelled VHMS horizon, interpreted to represent massive sulphides at the core of a volcanic vent system; akin to the 'black-smoker' zones known to concentrate copper and gold mineralisation.
Geochemical analyses of drill samples from previous campaigns have returned strong VHMS signatures, including pathfinder elements such as copper, gold, bismuth, and zinc. The targets sit on the intersection of the Ida Fault and a major growth fault interpreted by Geoscience Western Australia, which may have acted as conduits for mineralising fluids. This structural setting enhances the prospectivity of the targets and supports the hypothesis of a sizeable VHMS system.
Robust Funding and Strategic Drilling Sequence
Great Western’s strong cash position of $4.3 million as of March 2026 underpins this ambitious exploration push. The company recently raised $3.75 million to fund these programs, providing financial flexibility to execute the multi-target drilling strategy. Following completion at Oval, drilling will move to Diorama in May, then progress through Juggernaut’s six targets and finally the Baroo Copper-Gold Target by mid-year.
The company’s approach reflects a methodical testing of high-quality targets with compelling geological and geophysical evidence. This campaign builds on a series of prior announcements detailing gravity surveys, drill results, and target definitions, including the recent identification of two new drill-ready targets near DeGrussa. The sequence and scale of drilling are designed to rapidly advance the Yerrida North Project’s copper-gold potential.
Great Western’s ongoing efforts and funding position place it well to capitalise on the underexplored Yerrida Basin, which shares geological traits with one of Australia’s most significant VHMS provinces. The results from these initial drill-holes will be critical in confirming the presence and scale of mineralisation and guiding subsequent exploration priorities.
Investors and observers will be keenly awaiting assay results from the Oval program, which will provide the first definitive test of the interpreted core VHMS system. The company’s strategy to concurrently advance multiple targets also raises the prospect of multiple discoveries or a broader mineralised district emerging from this campaign.
This drilling campaign follows the recent major copper-gold drilling campaign launch and capital raise announcements, highlighting Great Western’s commitment to unlocking the Yerrida Basin’s potential.
Bottom Line?
The Oval drilling results will be a pivotal moment for Great Western, potentially validating a large VHMS system and setting the stage for a transformative exploration phase in the Yerrida Basin.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm the interpreted VHMS mineralisation at Oval?
- How will subsequent drilling at Diorama, Juggernaut, and Baroo shape the project’s overall potential?
- Can Great Western leverage its strong cash position to accelerate exploration and attract strategic partners?