Trek Metals has won two co-funded geophysical grants under WA’s Exploration Incentive Scheme, advancing manganese and gold exploration at Christmas Creek with drilling set to start in May.
- Two EIS co-funded geophysical grants awarded
- Ground gravity survey to extend Kuro manganese work
- Sub-audio magnetics to target gold structures at Martin
- Heritage survey completed; drilling planned for mid-late May
- Experienced Exploration Manager appointed ahead of field season
Government Grants Bolster Christmas Creek Exploration
Trek Metals (ASX:TKM) has secured two co-funded geophysical grants from the Western Australian Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS), injecting up to $188,000 into its Christmas Creek manganese and gold project. These grants underpin planned ground gravity and sub-audio magnetic (SAM) surveys designed to sharpen the drill targeting at the Kuro Manganese and Martin Gold prospects respectively.
The ground gravity survey will build on last year’s successful program that delineated significant high-density features interpreted as extensions of surface manganese mineralisation at Kuro, where rock chip assays reached an extraordinary 60.1% manganese. This follow-up survey is expected to be a critical tool given the high density of manganese and the limited outcrop exposure in the area, enhancing the precision of upcoming drilling campaigns. Trek’s recent announcements have detailed the scale and promise of the Kuro discovery, including a substantial $15 million capital raise to fund drilling and expanded tenure high-grade manganese assays.
Gold Targeting at Martin Prospect with Advanced Geophysics
Complementing the manganese work, the SAM survey at the Martin Gold Prospect aims to map major structural controls on high-grade gold mineralisation previously intersected in drilling. By imaging these key structures, Trek hopes to identify new drill targets that could extend the mineralised zones. This approach reflects a strategic focus on structural geology to unlock further value from the gold system.
Field activities have already commenced with the completion of a cultural heritage survey involving the Yi-Martuwarra Ngurrara Traditional Owners, a necessary step before drilling and further geophysical work can proceed. The company anticipates that drilling at Kuro will begin in mid to late May, pending final heritage clearances and the construction of access infrastructure.
Strengthening Technical Leadership Ahead of Intensive Field Season
In a move to support the upcoming exploration push, Trek has appointed Fred Paulus as Exploration Manager. Paulus brings over 15 years of global experience, including senior roles at Fortescue and Rio Tinto Iron Ore, where he contributed to the delineation of over one billion tonnes of iron ore resources. His expertise in greenfield exploration and resource definition is expected to be instrumental as Trek advances its Christmas Creek project following last year’s breakthrough manganese discovery.
Trek’s CEO Derek Marshall emphasised the transformative potential of the current phase, highlighting the government co-funding as a strong endorsement of the geological merits at both Kuro and Martin. The company’s methodical approach; combining heritage engagement, advanced geophysical techniques, and a bolstered technical team; aims to efficiently unlock the value of these high-grade deposits.
Bottom Line?
The awarded EIS grants and new exploration leadership position Trek Metals to accelerate drilling and refine targets at Christmas Creek, but progress hinges on heritage clearance and infrastructure readiness.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the extended ground gravity survey reveal significant subsurface manganese extensions at Kuro?
- How effectively will SAM surveying delineate gold-controlling structures at Martin for new drill targets?
- What impact will Fred Paulus’ appointment have on exploration efficiency and resource definition?