Auric Mining Launches Major Drilling Campaign at Munda After Resource Boost

Major Drilling Program Targets Resource Growth

Auric Mining (ASX:AWJ) has commenced a significant reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign at its Munda Gold Mine, signalling an aggressive push to expand gold resources and underpin future mining operations. The program comprises 135 holes over approximately 12,900 meters, focusing on infill and resource extension to a depth of 120 meters along strike of the existing deposit. This follows a 32% resource increase earlier this year, which lifted the Munda Mineral Resource to 192,000 ounces and set the stage for an open pit development targeting 2.7 million tonnes at 1.75 grams per tonne gold for 155,000 ounces.

Building on Starter Pit Success and Scoping Study

The drilling initiative builds on the success of the Munda Starter Pit, where grade control drilling delivered numerous high-grade intercepts and production that outperformed expectations. These results not only validated the resource model but also supported the recent Scoping Study that outlined a robust open pit operation. Auric’s Managing Director Mark English emphasised the confidence gained from Starter Pit production as a catalyst for this major resource and grade control drilling program, aiming to further expand the substantial gold inventory.

Grade Control and Geotechnical Drilling to Support Mine Planning

Alongside the RC drilling, Auric plans to commence an extensive grade control drilling campaign of up to approximately 89,000 meters starting in August 2026. This program will provide detailed geological and grade data at a 5-meter by 5-meter spacing, reducing grade uncertainty and enhancing mine planning and efficiency. Concurrently, geotechnical diamond drilling has begun to refine pit wall design parameters, a critical input for Ore Reserve estimation scheduled for the second half of 2026. These efforts reflect Auric’s methodical approach to progressing the Munda project toward a fully integrated mining operation.

Resource Remains Open with High-Grade Targets

The Munda Resource remains open along strike and at depth, with initial drilling targeting a potential western extension of the orebody. Previous high-grade intercepts in this area include standout results such as 13 meters at 14.62 grams per tonne from 60 meters and other significant intervals exceeding 3 grams per tonne. These targets offer promising avenues to add ounces beyond the current resource base, which Auric is keen to explore ahead of mining recommencement planned for late 2027.

Advancing Toward Production Restart

The drilling campaigns and ongoing studies are integral to Auric’s broader strategy to restart mining at Munda and integrate operations with the nearby Burbanks processing plant. The company aims to transform into a fully integrated mining house with a strong pipeline of resources and a clear development pathway. As Auric advances through these technical milestones, the market will be watching closely for drilling results and Ore Reserve updates that could further shape the project’s economics and timeline.