Great Western Advances Juggernaut Drilling While Awaiting Diorama Assays

Aggressive Drilling Targets Six Juggernaut VHMS Deposits

Great Western Exploration (ASX:GTE) has commenced a maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling program targeting six volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) copper-gold systems at its Juggernaut project in Western Australia's Yerrida Basin. The 18-hole campaign, planned for 2,100 metres, aims to test distinct targets defined by stratigraphic, structural, and geochemical criteria, all showing similarities to the nearby DeGrussa and Monty deposits. The company interprets these six targets as a potential mineralised camp, reflecting the cluster nature typical of VHMS systems.

Diorama Aircore Drilling Complete, Assays Expected Soon

Meanwhile, Great Western has completed a 60-hole aircore drilling program at the Diorama copper-gold target, located just north of Juggernaut. Diorama is characterised by a large lag copper anomaly with gossanous quartz outcrops, suggesting weathered sulphides indicative of VHMS mineralisation beneath shallow cover. Samples have been dispatched for assay, with results anticipated in late July or early August, which will inform future drilling strategies at the site.

Baroo Quartz Vein Drilling Next in Line

The Baroo target, a newly delineated quartz vein measuring over 140 metres in length and up to 5 metres wide, has returned promising copper rock-chip samples. Drilling at Baroo is scheduled to follow immediately after the Juggernaut program, utilising the same RC rig. This sequence underlines Great Western’s methodical approach to testing its copper-gold pipeline in the Yerrida North Project.

Lake Way Potash Project to Advance with Monitoring Bores

Outside copper-gold, Great Western plans to drill two monitoring bores at its Lake Way Potash Project in the September quarter. The project adjoins Sev.en Global Investments’ Lake Way sulphate of potash (SOP) operation, with Great Western’s tenure interpreted as a downstream continuation of the same paleochannel hosting high-grade potassium brines. Previous drilling recorded potassium levels exceeding 5,500 mg/l, comparable to the adjacent operation, and the upcoming bores will aim to better define the paleochannel’s extent and aquifer characteristics critical for SOP production.

Tenement Forfeiture Applications Pending Court Hearing

On the regulatory front, Great Western has been notified of forfeiture applications against five tenements, including some within the Golden Corridor and Yerrida North projects. The company maintains it has met all expenditure conditions and expects these applications to be dismissed at a Wardens Court hearing scheduled for September 2026. This legal challenge poses a potential risk to the tenure but is not expected to impact ongoing exploration activities.

Financial Position Supports Exploration Momentum

Great Western reported exploration expenditure of $760,000 for the June quarter, with no mining production activities. Cash and cash equivalents stood at $3.4 million at quarter end, providing an estimated 3.55 quarters of funding for ongoing operations. The company also holds a significant stake in Albion Resources Limited valued at approximately $1.08 million. Payments to related parties amounted to $93,000, covering executive director salaries and superannuation.