Catalina Advances Kirkalocka with 1,500 Soil Samples and Heritage Survey Set
Catalina Resources has completed a major soil sampling program at Kirkalocka, collecting around 1,500 samples to sharpen drill targets ahead of a scheduled heritage survey and maiden drilling campaign.
- 1,500 soil samples collected across four Kirkalocka prospects
- Heritage survey scheduled for early September 2026
- Soil assays to integrate with geological and historical data
- Maiden ~3,000m reverse circulation drilling program planned
- Project adjacent to 240,000oz Kirkalocka Gold Mine and processing plant
Extensive Soil Sampling Boosts Kirkalocka Exploration
Catalina Resources (ASX:CTN) has wrapped up a substantial soil geochemistry program at its Kirkalocka Gold Project, collecting about 1,500 samples across the Highway, Capra, Avis, and Two Mile Bore prospects. This marks the first systematic geochemical survey since acquiring the project and forms a crucial step in refining the company’s drill targets.
The soil samples, now in the lab awaiting assay, will be combined with historical drilling data, geological mapping, aeromagnetic surveys, and structural models. This integrated dataset aims to sharpen exploration focus and prioritise targets for the upcoming maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign, planned to cover roughly 3,000 metres.
Heritage Survey Scheduled Ahead of Drilling
In parallel with the soil program, Catalina has scheduled the Aboriginal heritage survey for early September 2026. Conducted in consultation with the Badimia Traditional Owners, this survey is the final major milestone before drilling can commence. It will assess the proposed drilling areas across priority targets, ensuring compliance with cultural and environmental requirements.
Executive Director Ross Cotton emphasised the importance of these milestones, noting the expanded geochemical coverage will help prioritise drill targets. He also highlighted Catalina’s balanced approach to advancing both the Kirkalocka gold district and the high-grade tungsten opportunity at Tallering, underpinning the company’s broader Mid-West exploration strategy.
Strategic Location Near Established Infrastructure
The Kirkalocka Project sits within the southern Wydgee–Meekatharra Greenstone Belt and borders the Kirkalocka Gold Mine, which holds a published resource of approximately 240,000 ounces of gold. It also neighbours the 2.0Mtpa Kirkalocka Gold Processing Plant, currently being prepared for restart by Gylden Resources Limited. This proximity to existing infrastructure could accelerate development timelines if exploration results prove promising.
The soil program has targeted areas with encouraging historical results, including Highway, where previous drilling reported intercepts like 6m at 1.79g/t Au from 42m, and Avis, which has historic rock-chip samples grading up to 9.89g/t Au. These findings underscore the potential for new discoveries within the district-scale Kirkalocka Gold Project.
Next Steps Toward Drilling and Resource Definition
Following the heritage survey and receipt of soil assay results, Catalina plans to finalise drill targeting and launch its maiden RC drilling program. The campaign will test extensions of known mineralisation and explore new targets identified through the integrated geological review. This systematic approach reflects Catalina’s commitment to disciplined exploration across its Mid-West portfolio, which includes the recently highlighted tungsten opportunity at Tallering.
Bottom Line?
Catalina is methodically ticking off critical milestones at Kirkalocka, setting the stage for a maiden drilling program that could unlock new gold resources near established infrastructure.
Questions in the middle?
- Will soil assay results confirm high-priority drill targets across the Kirkalocka prospects?
- How might the heritage survey findings influence the timing and scope of the planned drilling program?
- Can Catalina leverage proximity to the Kirkalocka processing plant to accelerate project development if drilling is successful?
