Trek Metals has kicked off its first Reverse Circulation drilling campaign at the Kuro manganese discovery near Christmas Creek, aiming to test the depth and extent of high-grade mineralisation identified at surface.
- Maiden RC drilling program underway at Kuro manganese discovery
- Drilling targets high-grade surface mineralisation and geophysical anomalies
- Ongoing Induced Polarisation and ground gravity surveys support drilling
- Program co-funded by Western Australian Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme
- 22 personnel now on site including senior management
Maiden Drilling Begins at Kuro Prospect
Trek Metals (ASX:TKM) has commenced its inaugural Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program at the Kuro manganese discovery, located near Christmas Creek in Western Australia. The first hole was drilled on 15 June 2026, marking a significant operational milestone as the company seeks to confirm whether the extensive high-grade manganese mineralisation observed at surface extends at depth.
The drilling campaign aims to test multiple locations both within and adjacent to the outcropping manganese mineralisation, as well as key targets highlighted by recent geophysical surveys. The program is dynamic, with drill hole locations being progressively refined as new geophysical data becomes available.
Integrated Geophysical Surveys Enhance Targeting
Supporting the drilling effort, Trek Metals is conducting ongoing geophysical work including Induced Polarisation (IP) surveying by Moombarriga Geoscience and extensional ground gravity surveying by Atlas Geophysics. These surveys are co-funded through the Western Australian Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme, underscoring the strategic importance of the project within the region.
The combined drilling and geophysical programs are designed to unlock the full potential of the Kuro discovery, with the company optimistic about the prospects of delineating a substantial manganese resource. The ground gravity surveys, in particular, have previously indicated extensive subsurface mineralisation, providing a strong rationale for the current drilling campaign.
Operational Scale and Management Involvement
On site, the operation has grown to a team of 22 personnel, including the drilling and geophysics crews. Trek Metals’ CEO, Derek Marshall, and Chairman Andrew Reece were present for the commencement of drilling, highlighting the significance of this phase. Marshall described the start of drilling as a "hugely exciting milestone" and emphasised the anticipation around confirming the depth extent of the manganese mineralisation.
Marshall noted that the coming weeks could be transformational for Trek shareholders, as the company works to advance what could be a major mineral discovery. Regular updates are expected as the drilling program progresses.
Strategic Implications for Trek Metals
This maiden drilling program follows a series of encouraging developments for Trek Metals, including high-grade surface manganese assays and successful capital raises to fund exploration. The current drilling and geophysical work build on these foundations and represent a critical step in moving from discovery to resource definition.
Given the co-funding support from the WA Government and the scale of the exploration team, the Kuro project is positioned as a key growth driver for Trek Metals in the coming months. Investors will be watching closely for assay results and resource updates that could underpin future development plans.
Bottom Line?
As drilling unfolds at Kuro, Trek Metals stands at a pivotal juncture where early geophysical promise meets the reality of subsurface testing, results in the coming weeks will be crucial to validating this high-grade manganese discovery.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the drilling confirm the lateral and depth extent of the high-grade manganese mineralisation?
- How will the ongoing geophysical surveys refine drill targeting and influence resource modelling?
- What timeline can investors expect for initial assay results and potential resource announcements?