Galway Metals (TSXV:GWM) has mobilised two diamond drills and commenced a 5,000m drilling program at its Estrades Project in western Québec, Canada.
The program forms part of phase one work under an option and joint venture term sheet with DOWA Metals & Mining (DOWA), under which DOWA can earn up to a 45% interest in the project.
Galway currently holds a 90% interest in the project; and DOWA holds 10%.
The drilling campaign focuses on collecting fresh mineralised material across the Main, Central, and East zones for metallurgical testwork to be conducted by SGS Canada.
The program aims to support ongoing project evaluation, advance development pathways outlined in a recent Preliminary Economic Assessment, and improve geological confidence.
CEO Robert Hinchcliffe says the program is an “important first field step” under the company’s agreement with DOWA.
“The drilling is designed to provide representative material for the next phase of metallurgical work while adding useful geological information across the Main, Central, and East zones,” Hinchcliffe says.
“Together, this work will help us continue evaluating the development pathways identified in the recent PEA.”
Hinchcliffe notes DOWA brings technical expertise in zinc processing and project development.
“[DOWA’s] commitment to funding up to US$25 million [$35.87 million] validates the quality and potential of Estrades and we look forward to working collaboratively to advance the project toward a production decision.”
Galway plans to begin environmental baseline studies in Q2 2026, continue community outreach, work towards upgrading the mineral resource estimate through deeper and lateral drilling, and optimise metallurgical recoveries.
Estrades holds a gold- and zinc-rich volcanic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit previously developed by Breakwater Resources. This included a 200m-deep underground ramp and production in 1990–1991.
Galway has since completed 52,281m of drilling on the project following its acquisition in 2016.
Galway Metals is a mineral explorer and developer focused on advancing its Estrades VMS Project in Québec and its Clarence Stream Gold Project in New Brunswick.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Images: Galway Metals
