New Age Exploration (ASX: NAE) has kicked off its maiden field program at the Wallah Silver Project in NSW, progressing permitting and contractor selection for Phase 1 drilling, while sharpening targets through historic data reprocessing ahead of Phase 2 drilling planned for late Q3 2026.
- Field exploration commenced at 100%-owned Wallah Silver Project
- Phase 1 drilling permits lodged, contractor evaluation underway
- Historic data reprocessing refines drill targets for Phase 2
- Project covers 10km untested high-grade silver vein system
- Drilling planned near historic Walla Walla Silver Mine
Field Program Launches at Wallah Silver Project
New Age Exploration (ASX:NAE) has initiated on-ground exploration at its fully owned Wallah Silver Project in the Lachlan Fold Belt, NSW, marking a significant milestone following the recent completion of its acquisition and licence renewal. The company has mobilised its technical team to commence detailed field mapping and infill soil sampling, setting the stage for a phased drilling campaign targeting high-grade silver mineralisation.
Permitting and Contractor Selection for Phase 1 Drilling
Phase 1 drilling is progressing with the permitting process well advanced after applications lodged in June 2026, and final approvals expected imminently. Multiple drilling contractors have submitted proposals, and New Age Exploration is currently evaluating these ahead of appointing a contractor. The initial drill targets focus on the Walla Walla Silver Mine area, aiming to extend known mineralisation along strike and at depth, with drilling planned to commence shortly after approvals.
Reprocessing Historical Data to Refine Phase 2 Targets
Concurrently, the company is reprocessing historic geophysical and geochemical datasets to sharpen drill targeting for Phase 2, scheduled for late Q3 2026. This work integrates past data with new field observations to prioritise four key target areas: the Walla Walla Mine, North-West, Homestead, and Mt Hume targets. These areas feature mapped veins and historic soil anomalies, with the Walla Walla target presenting open mineralisation along strike and depth.
Project Geology and Historical Drilling Insights
The Wallah Project covers a largely untested 10-kilometre vein-alteration system known for high-grade silver and lead mineralisation historically mined at Walla Walla between 1888 and 1919. Previous drilling by Silver Mines Ltd in 2010 intersected narrow veins with significant silver grades, including assays up to 223 ppm silver. However, historic data quality varies, prompting New Age Exploration to plan twin holes in its upcoming program to validate these results. The project also holds potential for tin stockwork mineralisation, adding to its polymetallic appeal.
Upcoming Milestones and Exploration Outlook
In the coming months, New Age Exploration aims to complete soil sampling and field mapping, finalise the drill targeting model, appoint a drilling contractor, and commence its maiden drilling campaign. CEO Kirby Johnson emphasised the company’s rapid progress since acquisition completion, highlighting the project's promising high-grade system and the expectation of regular updates as the program advances. Investors will be watching closely as assay results and further exploration data emerge, potentially unlocking significant value in this historic silver district.
Bottom Line?
With drilling permits nearing approval and refined targets from historic data, New Age Exploration is poised to unlock the potential of Wallah’s high-grade silver system in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Phase 1 drilling validate historic high-grade silver intercepts near Walla Walla Mine?
- How will the reprocessed geophysical and geochemical data reshape drilling priorities for Phase 2?
- What impact will assay results have on defining a maiden resource and future development plans?