Great Boulder Resources has reported significant high-grade gold intersections extending the Side Well resource beyond 1.02 million ounces, with standout assays including 82.8g/t Au at Eaglehawk and 18.1g/t Au at Ironbark. Drilling continues to define new zones and expand strike length.
- High-grade gold assays up to 82.8g/t Au at Eaglehawk
- Mulga Bill East mineralisation extended by over 400m
- Metallurgical drilling at Ironbark confirms high-grade continuity
- Side Well resource now exceeds 1.02 million ounces
- Ongoing drilling at Side Well and Peak Hill projects
High-Grade Gold Extends Side Well Resource
Great Boulder Resources (ASX:GBR) has unveiled a fresh wave of high-grade gold intersections at its flagship Side Well Gold Project near Meekatharra, Western Australia, pushing the known resource beyond the 1.02 million ounce mark. The latest drilling results reveal significant extensions of mineralisation at the Mulga Bill East and Eaglehawk deposits, with assays reaching as high as 82.8 grams per tonne (g/t) gold in a narrow, high-grade vein at Eaglehawk.
Managing Director Andrew Paterson highlighted the impact of these results, noting that drilling has extended the Mulga Bill East mineralisation by more than 400 metres, effectively doubling the strike length to around 900 metres. Notable intercepts include 18 metres at 7.36g/t Au approximately 140 metres north of the existing resource boundary, alongside other strong hits such as 6 metres at 14.8g/t Au and 7 metres at 14.5g/t Au in Eaglehawk drilling.
Eaglehawk Drilling Confirms Open Mineralisation
At Eaglehawk, drilling has focused on testing the edges of the current mineral resource envelope, with results confirming that mineralisation remains open beyond modelled lode boundaries. The standout 0.64 metre intersection grading 82.8g/t Au from 265.36 metres depth underscores the presence of high-grade shoots within the system. Other significant Eaglehawk results include 4 metres at 9.12g/t Au and 8 metres at 4.30g/t Au, reinforcing grade continuity and the potential for resource growth.
Ironbark Metallurgical Drilling Supports Resource Potential
Metallurgical drilling at the Ironbark deposit yielded 5.89 metres at 18.1g/t Au, aligning with the high-grade tenor observed in the area. This diamond drill hole was primarily aimed at geotechnical and metallurgical sampling but also provided valuable confirmation of mineralisation continuity at depth. Ironbark remains a key part of the Side Well project’s resource base, extending approximately 770 metres along strike and known to depths of around 150 metres.
Ongoing Drilling and Resource Expansion Plans
Great Boulder currently operates multiple rigs across its Murchison portfolio, including two reverse circulation (RC) rigs at Side Well and Peak Hill, the latter being a recent acquisition with a 481,000-ounce resource. The company plans to deliver a steady flow of assay results, with further updates expected as drilling progresses. At Peak Hill, drilling is focused on the Jubilee-Golden Treasure and Durack areas, with a 40,000-metre program underway.
Side Well’s combined Mulga Bill and Eaglehawk deposits now span a 2.5-kilometre strike length, with recent drilling closing the gap between these zones and confirming a continuous mineralised system. This continuity bodes well for future resource upgrades and potential mining studies.
Technical Confidence and Resource Integrity
The company’s resource estimates are underpinned by robust geological modelling and industry-standard sampling and assaying protocols. Independent competent persons have reviewed the data, which includes a mix of RC, diamond, and aircore drilling. Great Boulder maintains a high level of confidence in the geological interpretations and grade continuity, with resource classifications ranging from Indicated to Inferred across deposits.
While the current resource sits at just over 1 million ounces at Side Well, the ongoing drilling success and extensions beyond existing resource boundaries suggest further growth potential. The company’s metallurgical test work supports conventional gravity and carbon-in-leach processing methods, indicating a straightforward path to extraction.
Bottom Line?
Great Boulder’s expanding high-grade intersections at Side Well reinforce its position as a significant gold explorer in WA, with resource growth and assay news set to shape near-term market interest.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the new drilling results influence the upcoming resource update at Side Well?
- What is the potential scale of resource growth at Peak Hill given ongoing drilling?
- How might metallurgical test results impact processing plans and project economics?