New Age Exploration Sets September Drilling at Wallah Silver Project

Drilling Contractor Appointment Accelerates Exploration

New Age Exploration (ASX:NAE) has moved swiftly to appoint a drilling contractor for its Phase 1 campaign at the Wallah Silver Project in New South Wales, signalling the transition from preparatory work to active field operations. The program, slated to begin in the first week of September, will deliver two drill holes totaling approximately 300 meters, designed to test the down-dip extension of known high-grade silver-polymetallic mineralisation beneath the historic Walla Walla Silver-Lead Mine.

Targeting High-Grade Mineralisation at Depth

The drilling approach combines pre-collar open-hole percussion with diamond tails, a method suited to penetrating the complex vein-style mineralisation characteristic of the project. Previous drilling campaigns have hinted that silver grades increase with depth, a thesis this campaign aims to validate. The targeted mineralisation is intrusion-related and polymetallic, featuring a high-grade silver-rich vein system enveloped by a broader halo of vein stockwork and disseminated sulphides within the host rock.

Rapid Turnaround Expected on Assay Results

With drilling expected to take 10 to 12 days, assay results are anticipated in early Q4 2026, providing an early read on the campaign’s success. CEO Kirby Johnson emphasised the tight focus of the program, noting the excitement around confirming whether mineralisation intensifies at depth as prior data suggested. This rapid timeline for results could catalyse further exploration decisions and investor interest.

Phase 2 Drilling Plans Target Strike Extensions

Meanwhile, New Age Exploration is already progressing plans for a Phase 2 drilling program. This next phase will target induced polarisation (IP) anomalies identified along strike to the north and south of the historic mine, following recent reprocessing of historic geophysical data that sharpened drill targets. These anomalies represent compelling opportunities to expand the known mineralised footprint beyond the immediate vicinity of the Walla Walla mine.

Wallah Project Positioned in a Proven Mineral Province

Situated in the Lachlan Fold Belt, a well-known mineral province in south-central New South Wales, the Wallah Silver Project benefits from a rich exploration history and existing infrastructure. The project complements New Age Exploration’s portfolio, which includes gold and critical minerals assets in Australia and New Zealand. The company’s recent acquisition of Wallah and subsequent exploration activities, including fieldwork and data reprocessing, have laid a solid foundation for this drilling campaign.