Cosmo Metals has reported encouraging initial assay results from its Kanowna Gold Project near Kalgoorlie, including a standout 2m intercept at 3.72 g/t Au at Don Alvaro. The drilling confirms extensions of mineralisation along the Kanowna Shear Zone, with further assays pending.
- 2m at 3.72 g/t Au intercept at Don Alvaro
- Five RC holes with assays from fresh bedrock reported
- Diamond tails extended beyond design depth with encouraging alteration
- Kanowna Project adjacent to +7Moz Kanowna Belle gold mine
- Pending assays for weathered zones and diamond core
Initial Drilling Uncovers Gold Extensions at Don Alvaro
Cosmo Metals Ltd (ASX:CMO) has revealed initial assay results from the Reverse Circulation (RC) phase of its Kanowna Gold Project drilling campaign, delivering a highlight intercept of 2 metres at 3.72 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 30 metres depth at the Don Alvaro prospect. This sits within a broader mineralised zone of 12 metres at 0.79 g/t Au, suggesting continuity of gold mineralisation along the Kanowna Shear Zone, a key structural feature that bisects the project.
The Don Alvaro intercept lies roughly 80 metres west-northwest of previous high-grade drilling that returned up to 18 metres at 5.3 g/t Au, indicating a potential step-out extension of the mineralised system. These results come from fresh bedrock sections of five RC holes, with assays still awaited for the weathered upper zones and diamond drill tails that extend the holes to depths beyond 270 metres.
Encouraging Geological Signs in Deep Diamond Tails
The drilling program included six RC holes totalling 875 metres, supplemented by four diamond drill tails reaching depths up to 270 metres. Notably, the diamond tail on hole ADRC003 was extended well beyond its initial design depth due to observed alteration, veining, and sulphide mineralisation, which are classic indicators of gold-bearing structures. This hole targeted the Adder prospect, a +2 kilometre gold-in-saprolite anomaly along the Kanowna Shear.
At Don Alvaro, the diamond tail on hole DARC002R reached 174.1 metres, intersecting a mineralised shear zone confirmed by strong pyritic shales and quartz veining. This core is prioritised for assay, with results expected to clarify the depth extent and grade continuity of the mineralisation. The Kanowna Gold Project’s location adjacent to Northern Star Resources’ +7 million ounce Kanowna Belle gold mine underscores its strategic potential.
Pending Assays and Next Steps
While the initial results are promising, Cosmo Metals is awaiting assays for the weathered portions of the RC holes at Don Alvaro and Adder, as well as the 100-metre pre-collar on the WA Government co-funded Laguna Verde hole. The diamond core from all four pre-collared holes is currently being logged and processed, with samples soon to be submitted for assay.
Managing Director Ian Prentice described the results as "very encouraging," highlighting the significance of mineralisation intersected immediately along strike from previous high-grade zones. The company plans further drilling along the Kanowna Shear and Fitzroy Fault targets once the full assay and geological datasets are received, aiming to test lateral and depth extensions of the mineralised system.
Structural Setting and Project Potential
The Kanowna Gold Project covers 32 square kilometres and hosts over 8 kilometres of strike along the Kanowna Shear Zone, a structure known for hosting high-grade gold deposits such as Invincible and Kanowna Belle. The project’s geology features a mix of sedimentary and volcanic rocks with associated quartz veining and sulphide mineralisation, typical of orogenic gold systems.
The current drilling campaign, including the high-impact RC and diamond drilling phases, aims to delineate new gold mineralisation zones and build on historical exploration data. The project benefits from heritage agreements and secure tenure, positioning Cosmo Metals to advance exploration efficiently.
Bottom Line?
With initial assays confirming gold mineralisation extensions and diamond drilling revealing encouraging geological signs, Cosmo Metals is poised to refine its Kanowna exploration targets pending further assay results.
Questions in the middle?
- Will pending assays from weathered zones and diamond tails confirm the extent of mineralisation?
- How might the new drilling results influence Cosmo Metals’ exploration strategy along the Kanowna Shear?
- What are the implications of the deep alteration and sulphide zones observed in diamond tails for potential resource scale?