Critical Resources Confirms 5.42 g/t Gold at Devils Creek and New Soil Anomaly

High-Grade Gold Confirmed at Devils Creek

Critical Resources Limited (ASX:CRR) has delivered its first tangible proof of high-grade gold mineralisation at the Lammerlaw Gold Project in Central Otago, New Zealand. Rock-chip sampling from the Devils Creek target returned a standout assay of 5.42 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, accompanied by additional float samples grading 1.63 g/t and 1.45 g/t along the interpreted mineralised trend. These results validate historical records of hard-rock workings and provide solid ground support for the company’s exploration model targeting shear-hosted orogenic gold in the Otago Schist Belt.

Soil Geochemistry Reveals New Target and Open System

Beyond confirming gold at Devils Creek, the company’s first-pass soil sampling has defined a coherent arsenic anomaly peaking at 757 parts per million (ppm) arsenic, spatially associated with historic workings. This anomaly reinforces the interpretation that the mineralised lode/shear system remains open along strike. Moreover, a newly generated soil anomaly approximately 600 metres in length has been identified on a previously untested geophysical target, opening a fresh avenue for exploration. The use of portable XRF analysis on carefully prepared soil samples has been pivotal in this reconnaissance phase.

Innovative Water Sampling Supports Targeting

In a novel approach, Critical Resources trialled catchment-water trace-element sampling to screen for concealed mineralisation across broad areas. The orientation survey of 15 water samples confirmed arsenic anomalies at Devils Creek and flagged other untested catchments within the Lammerlaw permit. While preliminary and spatially limited, these results demonstrate the potential of low-cost water geochemistry as a reconnaissance tool, now slated for expansion across the company’s New Zealand portfolio.

Early-Stage Exploration with Clear Next Steps

Despite these promising surface geochemical results, Lammerlaw remains early-stage with no drilling completed to date. Critical Resources plans to intensify field activities, focusing on detailed structural mapping of historic workings at Devils Creek, infill and extension soil sampling to test arsenic anomalies, and ground-truthing of the new 600-metre soil anomaly. The integration of geochemical data with LiDAR and geophysical datasets will refine target prioritisation ahead of potential drill testing. This staged, low-cost exploration approach reflects a disciplined strategy to mature the most prospective targets.

Broader New Zealand Portfolio Advancing

Elsewhere in New Zealand, Critical Resources is progressing multiple fronts. At Croesus Ridge, first-pass fieldwork has been completed over tungsten and gold-antimony targets, with assay results expected soon. The Cap Burn and Rock and Pillar permits have seen encouraging RC drilling confirming structurally controlled gold mineralisation, aligning with models from peers like Santana Minerals (ASX:SMI). Soil geochemistry mapping continues to assess mineralised corridors ahead of follow-up drilling. Meanwhile, desktop reviews and land access discussions are underway for Silver Peaks and Tokomairiro targets. These efforts underscore the company’s commitment to building a district-scale gold and critical metals footprint in New Zealand.

Notably, the company’s use of multi-element geochemistry and innovative water sampling methods at Lammerlaw complements its broader portfolio strategy, echoing recent advances such as the high-grade tungsten target expansion and the Cap Burn drilling confirmation reported earlier this year.