Ora Banda Mining has significantly extended the Sapphire lode over 2.6km and confirmed high-grade intercepts on the Gem lode stretching over 4.7km at its Little Gem Prospect, with a maiden resource estimate due late 2026.
- Sapphire lode extended over 2.6km strike and 200m depth
- Gem lode confirmed over 4.7km strike with multiple high-grade intercepts
- More than 360 drill holes completed with ongoing drilling
- Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate targeted for late 2026
- Mineralisation remains open at depth and along strike
Significant Expansion of Sapphire and Gem Lodes
Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX:OBM) has unveiled a major step forward in its exploration campaign at the Little Gem Prospect, delivering drilling results that have expanded the Sapphire lode to over 2.6 kilometres of strike and confirmed the Gem lode system extends more than 4.7 kilometres. The Sapphire lodes, a recent discovery east of the Gem system, now reveal multiple parallel lodes with high-grade shoots plunging moderately south, while the Gem lodes continue to impress with wide, consistent grades down to approximately 750 metres below surface.
High-Grade Intercepts Highlight Mining Potential
Recent drill intercepts have delivered some eye-catching numbers, including 5.0 metres at 18.1 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 7.0 metres at 10.1 g/t on the Sapphire lode, alongside standout hits on the Gem lode such as 18.0 metres at 3.4 g/t and a spectacular 2.0 metres at 44.3 g/t. Notably, the Little Jewel Prospect within the Sapphire lode area yielded 1.2 metres at 25.6 g/t, underscoring the potential for both open pit and underground mining operations. The mineralisation remains open both at depth and along strike, suggesting further growth opportunities.
Ongoing Drilling and Resource Estimation Plans
With over 360 drill holes completed between the Little Gem and Sunraysia Prospects, Ora Banda is maintaining an aggressive exploration pace. The company aims to deliver a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for Little Gem by late calendar year 2026, a milestone that will provide a clearer picture of the deposit’s scale and economic viability. Managing Director Luke Creagh emphasised the team’s excitement about the discovery and expansion of the Sapphire lodes, which bolsters the prospect’s potential to host substantial high-grade gold mineralisation.
Geological Setting and Exploration Techniques
The Little Gem Prospect is characterised by gold mineralisation hosted in carbonate lenses within metasedimentary rocks, with mineralisation geometry showing predictable linear trends and a high-grade plunge of approximately 30 degrees south. Drilling is oriented perpendicular to the strike of mineralisation, typically inclined between 50 and 60 degrees, allowing for representative sampling. Assays have been conducted using industry-standard fire assay and photon analysis techniques, ensuring robust data quality. The company continues to refine its geological models and target both near-surface and deeper mineralisation zones.
Strategic Positioning within the Davyhurst Gold Project
Little Gem sits within the broader Davyhurst Gold Project, close to the Riverina Underground Mine and the Davyhurst processing hub. This proximity offers potential operational synergies as exploration advances. The recent drilling success at Little Gem complements Ora Banda’s ongoing resource growth across the Davyhurst portfolio, which has seen significant resource and reserve expansions in recent months, underpinning the company’s DRIVE to 300 growth plan targeting 300,000 ounces annual production by FY29.
Bottom Line?
The Little Gem Prospect’s expanding high-grade footprint and upcoming maiden resource estimate position Ora Banda to potentially unlock a significant new gold source within its Davyhurst hub, though investors should watch for the final resource details and ongoing drilling outcomes.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate quantify the economic scale of the Sapphire and Gem lodes?
- What are the implications of the mineralisation remaining open at depth for future drilling priorities?
- How might the Little Gem discoveries integrate operationally with Ora Banda’s existing Davyhurst infrastructure?