Pioneer Minerals Secures Drilling Contractor for Maiden Springfield Program

Drilling Contract Marks Shift to Execution Phase

Pioneer Minerals (ASX:PMM) has taken a decisive step toward unlocking the potential of its Springfield Tungsten, Gold and Gallium Project in Idaho by awarding the maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling contract to Alaska Midnight Sun Drilling Inc. The appointment of this seasoned North American contractor, with over 50 years of operational experience across the US and Canada, signals a clear transition from exploration and target generation to active drill testing.

The program is scheduled for the September quarter of 2026, contingent on planning of operation approval and completion of preparatory activities such as site access improvements and final drill target confirmation. This maiden campaign will comprise up to 2,000 metres across approximately 35 drill holes, designed to test both the historic mine footprint and newly identified structural targets.

Multi-Commodity Potential Backed by Advanced Targeting

Springfield continues to reveal itself as a complex, multi-commodity system with significant tungsten, gold, and gallium mineralisation. The drill program aims to evaluate both the scheelite-bearing skarn tungsten system and structurally controlled gold and gallium zones, which recent geochemical assays have highlighted as promising. Notably, reconnaissance rock chip sampling returned high-grade gallium results exceeding 120 ppm Ga₂O₃ and gold assays up to 7.75 g/t, alongside tungsten grades approaching 3% WO₃.

These targets have been refined through integration of historical mine data, magnetic surveys, and recent LiDAR structural mapping that uncovered a northeast-trending fault intersecting a significant magnetic anomaly. This structural corridor is interpreted as a potential fluid pathway for mineralisation, enhancing confidence in drill collar placement. The upcoming electromagnetic (EM) survey will add another layer of precision by identifying conductive sulphide zones likely associated with tungsten mineralisation. This multi-disciplinary approach to targeting is a marked evolution from earlier reconnaissance phases and reflects a maturing exploration strategy at Springfield.

Operational Advances and Strategic Positioning

Preparations for drill mobilisation are well underway, with Pioneer advancing road reopening activities to improve site access through the historic Springfield Mine route. This effort, recently permitted by the US Forest Service, is expected to reduce capital expenditure and streamline logistics ahead of drilling. Concurrently, the company is progressing applications for US government critical minerals funding, including initiatives under the Department of War, which underscores the strategic importance of Springfield’s mineral suite in domestic supply chains.

Further technical work includes evaluation of modular processing plant concepts to potentially accelerate downstream development of tungsten concentrate and gallium recovery. These initiatives align with Pioneer’s broader strategy to position Springfield as a key player in the US critical minerals landscape.

Tenure Status and Regulatory Considerations

Pioneer has physically staked 212 lode claims at North Pine, but the final grant of these claims remains subject to confirmation by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This introduces an element of tenure risk, although the company has committed to updating the market as claim approvals are received.

Meanwhile, the Plan of Operations for Phase 1 drilling has been submitted to the United States Forest Service, marking a critical regulatory milestone that, once approved, will greenlight the maiden drill campaign. The low-impact drilling program is designed to respect the historic mine footprint while testing new geophysical and structural targets.

The integrated approach combining structural geology, geophysics, and geochemistry, alongside operational readiness, positions Pioneer to deliver meaningful insights into Springfield’s mineral potential in the coming months, setting the stage for a busy and newsworthy period.

The company’s progress builds on recent advances including the new fault structures identified via LiDAR and the road reopening permit granted by the US Forest Service, both of which materially enhance the project’s exploration and development prospects.