Strata Minerals Expands Zelica Project and Launches Aeromagnetic Survey

District-Scale Expansion of Zelica Gold Project

Strata Minerals Limited (ASX:SMX) is doubling down on its Zelica Gold Project in Western Australia by acquiring two additional tenements, significantly enlarging its foothold over a promising 9.5-kilometre gold corridor. The low-cost purchase of Exploration Licence E39/2491 and the staking of E39/2606 extend the contiguous landholding, setting the stage for a more comprehensive exploration campaign.

Managing Director Peter Woods highlighted that while recent drilling has confirmed a substantial shallow gold system, the project remains largely underexplored, with less than 15% of the corridor systematically tested. The expanded land position combined with a modern geophysical survey is expected to accelerate the hunt for new mineralisation.

High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey to Boost Targeting

To sharpen its geological understanding, Strata has engaged MAGSPEC Surveys Pty Ltd to conduct a high-resolution airborne aeromagnetic survey covering approximately 27.8 square kilometres of the expanded project area. Scheduled for completion by the end of July, the survey will fly at tight 50-metre line spacing, delivering the first consistent, modern magnetic dataset across much of the tenure.

This dataset will be integrated with recent drilling, geological mapping, and geochemical sampling to refine interpretations of lithological contacts, faults, shear zones, and intrusive bodies beneath transported cover. The enhanced structural framework is expected to pinpoint controls on gold mineralisation, helping to prioritise existing drill targets and uncover new exploration opportunities along the corridor.

Parallel Development and Exploration Pathway

Strata is advancing exploration in tandem with pre-development activities through its partnership with BML Ventures, which provides funding, development expertise, and mining services. This tribute mining arrangement offers a capital-light route to near-term production, reducing financial risk while exploration continues to unlock the project's upside potential.

The Zelica Gold Project benefits from strategic location within the Yundamindra District, nestled between major gold centres Leonora and Laverton, with access to infrastructure and nearby processing mills. Recent drilling has confirmed a roughly 1-kilometre strike of shallow oxide gold mineralisation that remains open at depth and along strike, underscoring the project's growth prospects.

Strata’s approach balances aggressive exploration with pragmatic development planning, aiming to transform Zelica into a significant gold producer. The forthcoming aeromagnetic survey results will be pivotal in guiding the next wave of drilling and target generation across this underexplored corridor.