Gorilla Gold Mines has uncovered a new high-grade gold lode at the Sovereign Deposit within its Comet Vale Gold Project, intersecting 9.3m at 20.6g/t Au in a previously untested footwall position. This discovery adds a fresh dimension to the North Kalgoorlie Hub’s 1.2Moz resource base and accelerates the company’s exploration momentum.
- 9.3m @ 20.6g/t Au intercept in new footwall lode
- New lode geologically distinct from main Sovereign mineralisation
- North Kalgoorlie Hub resource base at 1.2Moz @ 3.7g/t Au
- Ongoing drilling across multiple projects including Mulwarrie and Vivien
- Accelerated exploration with additional rigs and resampling underway
Breakthrough Discovery at Sovereign Deposit
Gorilla Gold Mines Ltd (ASX:GG8) has struck a significant new high-grade gold zone at its Sovereign Deposit within the Comet Vale Gold Project in Western Australia. Drillhole STEX172 returned an impressive 9.3 metres grading 20.6 grams per tonne gold from 414.8 metres, revealing a previously unrecognised lode in the footwall of the main mineralised system. This intercept is notable not only for its grade but also because it occurs in a geological setting quite distinct from the established Sovereign lodes, lacking the typical quartz veining and sulphide association that define the existing mineralisation.
Chief Executive Officer Charles Hughes highlighted the uniqueness of this find, noting the mineralisation’s subtle visual cues, which could have led to it being overlooked without the presence of coarse gold. The company is now fast-tracking efforts to delineate the extent of this new lode, including sampling of historical drill holes that intersected the zone but were never assayed. The potential scale is promising, with indications that the host structures and stratigraphy could extend over multiple kilometres along strike and at least 600 metres down dip.
Expanding the North Kalgoorlie Hub Resource Base
The Sovereign Deposit forms part of the broader North Kalgoorlie Hub, which currently boasts a resource base of 1.2 million ounces at an average grade of 3.7 g/t Au. The Hub comprises the Comet Vale and Mulwarrie Projects, both strategically located near existing infrastructure and processing facilities. Gorilla Gold’s aggressive exploration strategy has already added over one million ounces to this resource base in 2025 alone through systematic drilling and target generation.
Alongside the new footwall lode discovery, ongoing growth drilling at Sovereign continues to deliver high-grade intercepts, including 4.2m @ 13.0g/t Au and 2.3m @ 14.8g/t Au from other drillholes. The company is also advancing drilling programs at Mulwarrie and Vivien projects, with multiple diamond rigs active across these sites. The addition of an extra reverse circulation rig at Comet Vale aims to accelerate exploration following recent high-grade discoveries, as detailed in the company’s recent accelerated drilling campaign.
Distinct Geological Characteristics and Exploration Approach
The new footwall lode is hosted within ultramafic stratigraphy, contrasting with the mafic/intermediate intrusive rocks hosting the main Sovereign mineralisation. Unlike the quartz-veined primary lodes, this discovery features dolomite veining and minimal sulphides, associated more with zones of high strain than carbonate veining prevalent elsewhere. This geological distinction may open new exploration vectors within the Sovereign system, which extends from surface to at least 600 vertical metres depth.
Gorilla Gold is undertaking a comprehensive resampling and diamond drilling program to assess the lateral and depth extents of this lode. Historical drill holes that intersected this position but were not sampled are being reviewed and assayed to better understand the system’s continuity. This methodical approach aligns with the company’s broader resource expansion efforts, which have recently included multiple high-grade intercepts at Comet Vale, as reported in their multiple high-grade intercepts update.
Development and Permitting Progress
Beyond exploration, Gorilla Gold is advancing engineering, geotechnical, metallurgical, and hydrological studies to support potential development. The Comet Vale Project benefits from granted mining leases, proximity to the Goldfields Highway, and nearby operational mills within 100 kilometres, positioning it well for rapid value realisation. Permitting work is ongoing, reflecting the company’s intent to move swiftly from discovery through to development phases.
The company’s CEO emphasised the strategic advantage of existing infrastructure and multiple processing options, which should facilitate unlocking value from these discoveries. As drilling continues across the North Kalgoorlie Hub, including the finishing stages at the Happy Jack Prospect, investors will be watching closely for further resource upgrades and development milestones.
Bottom Line?
Gorilla Gold’s discovery of a high-grade footwall lode at Sovereign shifts the exploration narrative at Comet Vale, but the true scale and economic impact remain to be defined through ongoing drilling and resampling.
Questions in the middle?
- How extensive is the new footwall lode along strike and at depth within the Sovereign system?
- Will resampling of historical drill holes confirm continuity and add to the resource estimate?
- How will the distinct geology of the new lode influence mining and processing strategies?