Strata Minerals Advances Zelica with Multiple Pre-Development Programs

Pre-Development Workstreams Accelerate Project Readiness

Strata Minerals Limited (ASX:SMX) is methodically advancing the Zelica Gold Project towards development through a suite of parallel pre-development programs. These efforts, funded by BML Ventures under a Mining Services and Profit Share Agreement, encompass metallurgical sampling, environmental baseline studies, geological interpretation, and engineering support. Collectively, they aim to reduce technical uncertainty and provide the foundation for mine planning and regulatory approvals.

Managing Director Peter Woods highlighted the comprehensive nature of the workstreams, noting that the programs will deliver critical technical inputs while systematically de-risking the project. This approach aligns with Strata’s strategy to fast-track development via its capital-light partnership with BML Ventures, which funds mining activities and shares profits post-cost recovery.

Metallurgical and Geological Investigations

Metallurgical test work is underway following field sampling across oxide, transitional, and fresh rock profiles, including material from historic pits and recent reverse circulation drilling. These samples will inform processing design and mine planning, ensuring representative composites capture the variability of the deposit.

Complementing this, geological investigations are refining the structural and mineralisation models. Petrological and geochemical studies aim to deepen understanding of the deposit’s mineralogy, supporting ongoing resource evaluation. These technical inputs will feed into mine design and processing assessments as the project advances.

Environmental and Engineering Programs Support Permitting

Environmental baseline studies include soil characterisation fieldwork completed across the project area, providing data critical for rehabilitation planning and environmental approvals. Waste rock characterisation sampling has also been conducted to assist with material handling, landform design, and closure strategies.

Engineering support work is progressing in tandem, focusing on mine planning, operational scheduling, and permitting requirements. These combined efforts are designed to streamline regulatory engagement and underpin a robust development plan.

Exploration and Aeromagnetic Survey Enhance Targeting

Alongside pre-development activities, Strata has completed a high-resolution aeromagnetic survey over the broader Zelica tenure at 50m line spacing. This dataset will refine geological interpretation and structural controls on gold mineralisation, sharpening high-priority drill targets across the prospective 9.5km gold corridor. This complements ongoing exploration efforts to expand the known mineralised system.

Strata’s broader strategy leverages the granted mining licence and proximity to established gold centres Leonora and Laverton, with infrastructure access supporting a potential low-capex development pathway. The partnership with BML Ventures remains central to unlocking near-term production opportunities.

Next Steps in Project Advancement

Over the coming months, Strata plans to continue metallurgical testing, environmental studies, engineering assessments, and permitting work. The company also aims to process aeromagnetic data to refine drill targets and advance a maiden JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate. Exploration will persist along the extensive gold corridor, underpinning the project’s growth potential.