Gibb River Diamonds has reported Phase 2 drilling results from its Edjudina Gold Project, highlighting a standout 7.80 g/t gold intercept that aligns with previous high-grade findings at the new West Gawler prospect.
- Phase 2 drilling completed with 34 aircore holes totaling 1,127 meters
- Highest gold grade of 7.80 g/t over 1 meter in hole GAC556
- West Gawler prospect identified adjacent to Neta Gold Mine
- Lower than expected grades across other targets consistent with geological complexity
- Potential Aboriginal Heritage Survey may affect future southern drilling
New High-Grade Gold Zone Emerges at West Gawler
Gibb River Diamonds Limited (ASX:GIB) has unveiled promising results from its recent Phase 2 drilling campaign at the Edjudina Gold Project in Western Australia. The highlight is a 1-meter intercept grading 7.80 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 19 meters in hole GAC556, confirming continuity with a previous 8.51 g/t intercept from 39 meters in hole GAC486 drilled in 2022. This mineralisation lies within the newly named West Gawler prospect, situated on mining lease M31/481 acquired in 2025 and located immediately west of the Neta Gold Mine.
Comprehensive Aircore Drilling Program and Assay Results
Between 23 and 26 June 2026, GIB completed 34 aircore drill holes totaling 1,127 meters, collecting 317 samples. These were assayed primarily as one-meter cyclone splits and composite samples, with testing conducted by Jinning Pty Ltd in Kalgoorlie. While the standout high-grade intercept was in hole GAC556, other significant intersections included an 8-meter interval at 0.86 g/t in hole GAC552 and a 7-meter interval at 0.35 g/t in hole GAC536. The drilling tested all planned targets, although much of the mineralisation encountered was of lower tenor than anticipated, reflecting the boudinaged and structurally complex nature of the Edjudina gold system.
Geological Setting and Exploration Context
The West Gawler prospect lies outside the GIB-BML joint venture area but adjacent to the Neta Gold Mine, which has been a significant source of gold production under the joint venture. The mineralisation occurs within highly weathered phyllite with interspersed porphyry units and quartz veining, typical of the broader Edjudina stratabound gold system. The drilling orientation was designed to intersect mineralised zones perpendicular to local foliation, providing robust sampling of the geological structures.
Cultural Heritage Considerations and Next Steps
GIB noted that follow-up drilling to the south of the West Gawler prospect may require an Aboriginal Heritage Survey, which is currently under review. This regulatory step could influence the timing and extent of future exploration activities. The company’s detailed reporting includes comprehensive geological logging, sampling protocols, and quality control measures aligned with JORC Code standards, ensuring the reliability of the assay data.
Implications for Edjudina Project Development
While the Phase 2 drilling results confirm the presence of high-grade gold mineralisation at West Gawler, the generally lower grades encountered across other targets underscore the geological complexity and variable tenor of mineralisation in the area. This mixed outcome suggests that further drilling and geological modelling will be essential to delineate economically viable zones. The proximity to the Neta Gold Mine and recent acquisition of M31/481 position GIB well to integrate these findings into its broader Edjudina development strategy.
Bottom Line?
West Gawler’s high-grade intercept validates exploration progress but geological complexity and heritage considerations will shape next drilling phases.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the potential Aboriginal Heritage Survey delay southern extensions of West Gawler drilling?
- Can GIB delineate a continuous, economically viable gold resource within the structurally complex Edjudina system?
- How will these Phase 2 results influence GIB’s broader development plans adjacent to the Neta Gold Mine?