Kaiser Reef launches 4,350m surface drilling at Maldon gold project
Kaiser Reef has initiated a 4,350-metre surface diamond drilling campaign at its Maldon Gold Project, targeting the newly identified Quill gold zone alongside other promising prospects, aiming to unlock district-scale potential throughout 2026.
- 4,350m initial surface drilling across four targets
- Quill target identified by prior drilling and resistivity survey
- Drilling to extend through 2026 including Union Hill and Nuggetty areas
- Maldon project historically produced 1.75 million ounces at 28g/t
- Surface exploration complements ongoing underground mining at Union Hill
Surface Campaign Targets New and Historic Gold Zones
Kaiser Reef Limited (ASX:KAU) has kicked off a significant surface diamond drilling program at its Maldon Gold Project in Victoria, with an initial 4,350 metres planned across four key targets. The campaign has already commenced at the Quill gold target, a fresh prospect generated from sterilisation drilling near the proposed Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) 4 and confirmed by a resistivity survey indicating a potential quartz reef.
The Quill target’s credentials include a standout previous drill intercept of 8 metres at 4.16 grams per tonne gold from 10 metres depth, including a higher-grade 2 metres at 9.90 grams per tonne from 11 metres. This promising anomaly has propelled follow-up drilling to test the continuity and extent of mineralisation, with the program expected to expand beyond the initial four targets and continue throughout 2026.
Multiple Targets Reflect Maldon’s District-Scale Potential
Beyond Quill, Kaiser Reef’s surface drilling will advance at Union Hill North, aiming to probe northern extensions of the Eaglehawk Reef mineralisation ahead of planned underground operations. At Nuggetty South, the program seeks to test a 170-metre untested strike along a newly interpreted shallow plunge, supported by historical drilling that returned exceptional grades such as 3.4 metres at 34 grams per tonne and 4.3 metres at 11.2 grams per tonne.
The Nuggetty West lode and remnant targets will also be explored, tapping into a reef that has historically produced an estimated 301,000 ounces at a remarkable 187 grams per tonne. Additional surface targets are being developed from ongoing mapping, soil sampling, and an imminent helicopter-borne magnetic survey, signalling a methodical and expansive approach to exploration at Maldon.
Strategic Exploration to Complement Underground Mining
Managing Director Brad Valiukas highlighted Maldon as a "district-scale gold opportunity" with a rich history of 1.75 million ounces produced at an average grade of 28 grams per tonne. He emphasised the company’s commitment to unlocking value through a comprehensive exploration program designed to revive a region neglected for decades.
Valiukas also noted the synergy between surface exploration and ongoing underground mining at the Union Hill Gold Mine, with the surface rig expected to remain active long-term. This dual focus aims to fuel organic growth while positioning Kaiser Reef to capitalise on potential acquisitions or partnerships.
The Maldon Gold Project benefits from existing infrastructure, including a fully permitted 200,000 tonnes per annum carbon-in-leach processing facility and underground access, providing a strong platform for resource expansion and production scaling.
Bottom Line?
Kaiser's expanded surface drilling at Maldon could reshape resource potential, but assay results will be critical to validate these early targets.
Questions in the middle?
- Will drilling at Quill confirm continuity of high-grade gold mineralisation?
- How will results from Union Hill North and Nuggetty targets influence mine planning?
- Could sustained surface exploration lead to a significant resource upgrade at Maldon?
