AuMEGA Metals (ASX:AAM) has begun maiden diamond drilling at the Isle aux Morts Granite and adjoining Cape Ray West area in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
The drilling marks the first phase of the company’s 2026 exploration program along the Cape Ray Shear Zone. Neither target area has previously been drilled.
AuMEGA says it will test structural, geochemical, and geophysical targets identified through geological mapping, surface sampling, geophysics, and structural interpretation. It has not disclosed the planned number of holes or total drilling metres.
At the Isle aux Morts Granite, the company notes drilling will investigate structural corridors and gold-in-till anomalies along and near the granite contact. The area lies within the western portion of AuMEGA’s property and has received limited historical exploration.
Cape Ray West is located several kilometres southwest of the company’s existing mineral resources. Initial holes will test interpreted structures and assess the subsurface geology for evidence of alteration and mineralisation.
CEO Sam Pazuki says the targets were developed through several seasons of regional exploration.
“These are early-stage targets, but they are supported by a clear geological rationale and are located within a highly prospective structural setting,” Pazuki says.
“The objective of this initial drilling is to test the underlying geological concepts, improve our understanding of the area and determine whether these target corridors warrant more extensive follow-up.”
AuMEGA Metals plans to move the drill rig to Bunker Hill later in the northern summer while awaiting assays from Isle aux Morts and Cape Ray West.
The company controls a 110km landholding along the Cape Ray-Valentine Shear Zone. Its existing Cape Ray resource comprises 6.2 million tonnes (Mt) @ 2.25 grams per tonne gold (Au) for 450,000 indicated ounces and 3.4Mt @ 1.44g/t Au for 160,000 inferred ounces.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: AuMEGA Metals
