Barton Gold (ASX:BGD) has reported further assays from resource upgrade drilling targeting extensions to the optimised open pits at its Tunkillia Gold Project in South Australia.
The latest reverse circulation results infill Area 223 North and the southern end of the main Area 223 pit.
Results include 29m @ 1.24 grams per tonne gold (Au) from 48m, including 4m @ 4.08g/t Au, 22m @ 0.93g/t Au from 44m, including 4m @ 2.82g/t Au, 20m @ 1.24g/t Au from 205m, including 3m @ 3.87g/t Au, and 19m @ 1.34g/t Au from 149m, including 4m @ 2.85g/t Au.
Barton says it is nearing completion of its expanded 40,000m phase two drilling program, although a large number of assays remain pending.
CEO Alexander Scanlon says results received to date have identified new and ‘higher-grade’ mineralisation across several zones.
“Tunkillia continues to deliver confirmation of broad mineralisation in key target areas, with assays to-date identifying new and higher-grade mineralisation, which supports potential quantity and grade improvements in multiple zones,” Scanlon says.
Phase two drilling is following up areas identified during the first phase and infilling the S3, Area 223 North, and Area 51 optimised pit areas.
The company says it expects to use the results to update Tunkillia’s gold and silver mineral resources. The drilling will also inform a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) led by GR Engineering, which is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027.
Tunkillia’s May 2025 optimised Scoping Study outlined annual production of about 120,000 ounces of gold and 250,000 ounces of silver. The study estimated an unlevered, pre-tax net present value of $1.4 billion using a 7.5% discount rate and an internal rate of return of 73.2%.
Barton Gold is also undertaking environmental, heritage, geotechnical, metallurgical, infrastructure, and energy studies to support the PFS and a planned mining lease application.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: Barton Gold
