GoldArc Resources has identified distinct critical element associations with gold mineralisation at Mt Stirling and Mt Stirling Well, advancing metallurgical test work and mine planning with BML Ventures.
- Gold linked with arsenic, antimony, tungsten at Mt Stirling
- Mt Stirling Well gold associated with silver, bismuth, molybdenum
- High-grade gold intercepts confirmed in recent diamond drilling
- Metallurgical testing underway to inform mining plan
- Selective re-assays planned to evaluate critical minerals
Critical Element Signature Defines Gold Mineralisation
GoldArc Resources (ASX:GA8) has unveiled a multi-element geochemical fingerprint that sharpens the understanding of its Mt Stirling and Mt Stirling Well gold deposits in Western Australia's Leonora district. For the first time, a comprehensive 59-element analysis on diamond drill core has confirmed that gold at Mt Stirling is consistently accompanied by elevated arsenic, antimony, and tungsten. Meanwhile, the Mt Stirling Well deposit shows a distinct association with silver, bismuth, and molybdenum.
This nuanced elemental signature not only refines the geological model but also highlights the presence of critical minerals alongside gold, notably antimony and tungsten at Mt Stirling, which could have economic implications beyond gold alone.
High-Grade Intercepts Reinforce Resource Potential
The diamond drilling program, conducted in partnership with BML Ventures, delivered significant high-grade gold intercepts that underpin GoldArc’s resource growth ambitions. Highlights include 5.6 metres at 8.71 g/t gold from 106.4 metres at Mt Stirling, featuring a 3-metre segment grading 15.53 g/t gold, alongside elevated arsenic (up to 6.06%), tungsten (0.88%), and antimony (0.03%). At Mt Stirling Well, assays recorded 1.57 metres at 14.2 g/t gold including a 1-metre interval at 30.2 g/t, coupled with anomalous silver (up to 62 g/t), bismuth, and molybdenum.
These results complement recent grade control drilling that has progressively advanced the project towards open-pit mine planning, confirming continuity of high-grade zones across the deposits.
Metallurgical Testing to Guide Mining Strategy
GoldArc is currently undertaking metallurgical test work on PQ core samples, with completion targeted within four weeks. This testing aims to establish a detailed mineralogical baseline critical for finalising a mining implementation plan with BML Ventures. The program includes geotechnical studies and comprehensive elemental assays using a four-acid digest method, which approaches total digestion for many elements.
Managing Director Paul Stephen emphasised the importance of this work, noting it will inform both the economic evaluation of the deposits and the practical aspects of mining. The selective re-assay of mineralised zones for arsenic, antimony, and tungsten is planned to assess their potential value as critical minerals, which could add a strategic dimension to the project.
Distinct Geological Settings for Two Deposits
The Mt Stirling deposit hosts gold within a high-strain, hydrothermally altered greenschist-facies meta-basalt, characterized by pervasive silicification and sulphidic intervals rich in arsenic, tungsten, and antimony. In contrast, Mt Stirling Well features narrow, flat-dipping quartz veins within a granitoid host, enriched in silver, bismuth, molybdenum, and base metals such as copper, lead, and zinc.
These contrasting geological environments support the distinct multi-element signatures observed and provide a framework for targeted exploration and resource expansion.
Next Steps in Resource Development
GoldArc plans to continue its extensive 34,000-metre reverse circulation grade control drilling program under the BML Ventures partnership, with further assay results expected progressively. The company will apply the multi-element lithological model to refine geological interpretations and guide future drill targeting. Completion of metallurgical baseline testing will be a key milestone ahead of finalising the mining plan.
Bottom Line?
GoldArc’s multi-element breakthrough and ongoing metallurgical work set the stage for a more detailed mining plan, with critical minerals adding fresh dimensions to the Mt Stirling story.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the economic potential of associated critical minerals like antimony and tungsten influence project valuation?
- Will metallurgical test results support efficient extraction of both gold and critical elements?
- Can the refined multi-element model accelerate discovery of new high-grade zones in the broader Leonora district?