Rand Mining delivered its March 2026 quarter exploration update for the East Kundana Joint Venture, highlighting 8,831 metres of diamond drilling focused on the Golden Hind and Startrek deposits. While Golden Hind assay results confirmed ongoing mineralisation with no resource update, Startrek drilling progressed with assays awaited.
- 8,831 metres of diamond drilling completed in Q3 FY26
- Golden Hind assays confirm mineralisation, no resource change
- Startrek underground drilling commenced, assay results pending
- Future resource model updates planned to guide FY27 mining
- JORC-compliant sampling and assay protocols maintained
Q3 Drilling Focuses on Golden Hind and Startrek
Rand Mining Ltd (ASX:RND) has reported its third quarter FY26 exploration activities within the East Kundana Joint Venture (EKJV), completing a substantial 8,831 metres of diamond drilling. The program targeted extensions and resource definition at the Golden Hind and Startrek deposits, located roughly 25km northwest of Kalgoorlie.
At Golden Hind, eight diamond drill holes totalling 2,730 metres wrapped up the FY26 drilling campaign for this prospect. Assay results for ten holes, including some from the previous quarter, confirmed mineralisation but did not trigger any update to the existing Mineral Resource estimate. Notable intercepts include grades up to 42.95 g/t Au over narrow widths, consistent with the deposit’s known high-grade vein style.
Startrek Drilling Progresses Underground Without Assays Yet
Meanwhile, Startrek saw nineteen diamond drill holes completed underground, accumulating 6,101 metres. This phase aims to increase geological confidence and test targets associated with Startrek’s mineralisation. However, no assay results have been returned for Startrek drilling during the quarter, leaving the market awaiting data that could influence future resource estimates.
The EKJV remains a three-way partnership with Evolution Mining Limited holding the majority 51%, Tribune Resources at 36.75%, and Rand Mining retaining a 12.25% stake. The joint venture’s ongoing exploration efforts follow a period of strong operational performance, including a recent 96% jump in gold output reported by Rand Mining in the December 2025 quarter.
Methodical Sampling and Rigorous Compliance
The exploration report underscores a rigorous approach to sampling and assay quality, adhering to the 2012 edition of the JORC Code. Diamond core was orientated and half-core sampled, with external laboratories performing photon and fire assays. Quality control measures included certified reference materials, blanks, duplicates, and umpire sampling to ensure data integrity. Drill hole locations were surveyed with sub-metre accuracy, and mineralised intercepts were reported using a 3g/t gold lower cut-off and a maximum of 1 metre internal dilution.
Looking Ahead to FY27 Planning
Rand Mining indicated that resource model updates for both Golden Hind and Startrek are in the pipeline. These internal updates will inform mine planning and exploration targeting for FY27, potentially setting the stage for further resource growth or operational optimisation. However, until Startrek assay results arrive and are integrated, the immediate impact on EKJV’s resource base remains uncertain.
Bottom Line?
Startrek assay results and updated resource models will be critical to assessing EKJV’s near-term growth potential.
Questions in the middle?
- When can investors expect assay results from Startrek drilling to be released?
- Will the upcoming resource model updates lead to a material revision of EKJV’s Mineral Resources?
- How might the drilling outcomes influence Rand Mining’s strategic positioning within the EKJV partnership?