Great Boulder Resources (ASX:GBR) has appointed Rod Bonner as chief mining engineer to lead development of its Peak Hill Gold Project in Western Australia.
Bonner brings more than 25 years of mining experience across Australia, Africa, and the UK. His roles have encompassed production, technical studies, and mine management.
The company says his appointment marks a ‘pivotal point’ in its transition from explorer to gold producer.
Great Boulder plans to bring Peak Hill into production by the end of 2027 under an ore purchase agreement with major shareholder Westgold Resources (ASX:WGX).
The Side Well Gold Project is scheduled to follow in 2028 under a collaboration agreement with Westgold.
“Rod is an extremely experienced mining engineer who will bring invaluable knowledge to Great Boulder,” Managing Director Andrew Paterson remarks.
“With over 25 years’ experience […] Rod has a unique blend of technical and boots-on-ground experience in Australia and internationally.”
Bonner says he sees significant potential at both projects, underpinned by ongoing drilling and the ore purchase agreement.
“This is an exciting opportunity, and I see massive potential at both Peak Hill and Side Well, which is underpinned by the ongoing drilling program and ore purchase agreement,” Bonner says.
Peak Hill hosts a mineral resource of 481,000 ounces @ 1.6 grams per tonne gold (Au), while Side Well contains 1.02 million ounces (Moz) @ 2g/t Au. The combined resource across both projects totals 1.5Moz.
Drilling continues at Peak Hill with reverse circulation rigs operating at Durack and Jubilee and a diamond rig at Enigma. The company expects to complete the program in time for a resource update by year-end, with Prefeasibility Studies commencing in early 2028.
The company expects initial metallurgical test work on samples from Jubilee, Durack, and Enigma to begin next month.
Great Boulder Resources is an Australian gold explorer with a focus on projects in Western Australia’s Murchison region.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Great Boulder Resources
