Xpedra Resources has unveiled robust assay results from its maiden drilling at the Springfield Gold Deposit in NSW, revealing extensive shallow gold mineralisation with multiple high-grade zones and plans for deeper follow-up drilling.
- Wide, shallow gold intercepts up to 55m at 1.32g/t Au
- High-grade zones including 8m at 5.00g/t Au from 5m depth
- Mineralisation open along strike and at depth
- Assays pending for 12 additional drill holes
- Follow-up drilling planned to test depth in southern intrusion
Broad and Shallow Gold Mineralisation Expands Springfield Scale
Xpedra Resources (ASX:XPD) continues to build momentum at its Springfield Gold Deposit in New South Wales with the latest batch of assay results confirming a broad, long, and shallow gold system. The standout intercept from the recent reverse circulation drilling is a 55-metre interval grading 1.32 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au) starting right from surface, including a high-grade 6 metres at 4.09g/t Au from just 7 metres downhole.
Other impressive highlights include 37 metres at 1.90g/t Au from surface with an 11-metre zone at 3.50g/t Au, and 16 metres at 2.66g/t Au featuring an 8-metre interval at 5.00g/t Au from 5 metres depth. These results reinforce the presence of extensive mineralised envelopes peppered with multiple higher-grade zones, consistent with earlier drilling that reported intercepts such as 52m at 1.35g/t Au and 36m at 1.84g/t Au from shallow depths.
Geological Insights and Mineralisation Controls
The drilling program, which has reported assays from 15 of 27 holes so far, has provided valuable insight into the geological setting. Gold mineralisation is strongly associated with the Springfield monzodiorite intrusion, characterised by sericite-quartz-sulphide alteration, rather than the margins of the intrusion. This structural control is guiding the company's exploration focus.
Drill holes targeting the eastern and southern margins of the intrusion returned limited gold, supporting the interpretation that the mineralisation is concentrated within the intrusive body. The mineralised system remains open along strike to the north, west, and south-west, as well as at depth, offering significant exploration upside.
Follow-Up Drilling to Target Depth Extensions
Encouraged by the continuity and grade of shallow mineralisation, Xpedra is preparing a follow-up reverse circulation drilling campaign scheduled to start in June. This program will focus on testing the mineralisation at depth, particularly in the southern portion of the 1.7-kilometre-long mineralised intrusion, aiming to delineate the vertical extent of the gold system.
Assay results for the remaining 12 drill holes from the initial program are expected in the coming weeks, promising a steady flow of data to refine the geological model and resource potential.
Emerging Gold Discovery in the Lachlan Fold Belt
Springfield is shaping up as a compelling gold discovery within the Lachlan Fold Belt, a prolific Australian gold province. The combination of broad mineralised zones starting at surface and multiple higher-grade intervals could translate into a substantial shallow gold system with economic potential.
Managing Director Scott Funston emphasised the significance of the recent results, stating they "continue to build confidence in the scale and continuity of the Springfield Gold Deposit," highlighting the broadest mineralised intersection reported to date and the shallow high-grade zones that underpin the project's promise.
With historical drilling limited and no activity since 1999 prior to Xpedra’s maiden program, the latest results mark a critical step in unlocking Springfield’s potential. The company’s systematic approach is now geared to extend the mineralisation both laterally and at depth, with forthcoming assays and drilling campaigns set to provide further clarity.
Bottom Line?
Xpedra’s Springfield drilling confirms a broad, shallow gold system with high-grade zones, setting the stage for deeper exploration to define resource potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the pending assays from the remaining drill holes influence the overall grade and continuity model at Springfield?
- What geological features control the distribution of higher-grade zones within the monzodiorite intrusion?
- Could the follow-up drilling at depth reveal extensions that significantly increase the deposit’s scale and economic viability?