Auric Mining (ASX:AWJ) has begun a 135-hole reverse circulation (RC) drilling program, targeting extensions to the Munda Gold Mine resource in Western Australia.
The 12,900m campaign will initially test a potential western extension of the orebody, which remains open along strike and at depth.
Drilling will target gold mineralisation to a depth of 120m within mafic volcanics near an ultramafic contact. Historical results along strike include 13m @ 14.62 grams per tonne gold (Au) from 60m, 5m @ 3.46g/t Au from 87m, and 4m @ 3.34g/t Au from 46m.
DrillSafe Services is conducting the RC program.
The campaign follows mining of the Munda Starter Pit and a 32% increase in the in situ mineral resource to 192,000 ounces in June. Including stockpiles, Munda contains 4.28 million tonnes (Mt) @ 1.42g/t Au for 194,000 ounces.
A Scoping Study released this month outlines an open-pit development targeting the extraction of 2.7Mt @ 1.75g/t Au for 155,000 ounces.
Auric has also begun a four-hole geotechnical diamond drilling program, with Westralian Diamond Drillers completing the HQ3 and NQ3 holes. The results will inform a geotechnical model, refine pit-wall design parameters, and support an ore reserve estimate planned for the second half of 2026.
Regulatory approvals also cover up to 89,000m of grade-control drilling across the upper benches of the Scoping Study pit design. Scheduled to begin in August, the program will collect geological and grade data at spacing down to 5m by 5m.
Managing Director Mark English says the programs form part of Auric’s preparations to resume mining at Munda.
“After the recent 32% increase of the Munda gold resource, we look forward to this next drilling program, which we anticipate will continue to expand the substantial resource,” he says.
“All this drilling is a key part of the plan to rapidly progress the greater Munda and Burbanks operations as we transform the company into a fully integrated mining house when mining at Munda recommences in late 2027.”
Auric Mining is a Western Australian explorer and developer with gold, nickel, lithium, and rare earth projects. At Munda, the company is undertaking resource expansion, geotechnical, and grade-control drilling.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: Auric Mining
