In an impressive development for Westgold Resources Limited, ongoing drilling at the Bluebird-South Junction mining complex in Meekatharra, Western Australia, has yielded noteworthy results. The standout highlight is the record-breaking Polar Star Lode drill intercept of 13.71 meters at an impressive grade of 18.02 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold in drill hole 24SJDD028. This intercept, which includes a segment of 5.85 meters at 36.37 g/t from a depth of 567.00 meters, represents a promising addition to Westgold's mining portfolio. The South Junction Lode and Polar Star Lode have shown significant intersections, adding to the potential value of the resource site.
Alongside this major finding, other drilling results from the South Junction and Polar Star Lodes, including holes 24SJDD034_W1 showing 18.00 meters at 3.61 g/t and 24SJDD032 yielding 13.00 meters at 3.65 g/t, demonstrate continued resource expansion. The strategic resource development drilling program involves two surface and two underground drill rigs, maintaining a robust pace of exploration and insight gathering. An updated mineral resource estimate for the Bluebird-South Junction is anticipated soon, offering a clearer picture of the site's potential. According to Wayne Bramwell, CEO of Westgold Resources, the Bluebird-South Junction mine is emerging as a critical growth driver within Westgold's operations in the Murchison region.
The significant intercepts, particularly from the Polar Star Lode, suggest evolving opportunities for mining expansion. Westgold is optimistic about reaching a target mine output of 1.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) and continues to explore the prospect of further resource development across the entire complex. Building on the historic production of over one million ounces from the surface open pits, the current underground operations extend through sub-parallel north-northeast-trending shears within a mafic-ultramafic rock package. The mineralized zones, such as Edin Hope Lode, South Junction Lode, Polar Star Lode, and Archenar Lode, provide a diversified body for exploration.
Since the onset of drilling in January 2024, a cumulative 34,525 meters has been drilled, primarily concentrating on identifying and extending multiple orebodies’ down-plunge extents. These continuous efforts are aimed at maximizing resource potential, with drilling depths reaching between 700 and 800 meters below the surface. Notably, the best intersection recorded to date from the Polar Star Lode potentially offers more gold compared to past South Junction Lode results. Additionally, upcoming milestones include a resource upgrade expected by November 2024 and an extension of the South Junction Resource Definition drilling program into the second quarter of fiscal year 2025.
This proactive approach demonstrates Westgold's commitment to enhancing its mining capabilities and output. It is also essential to address the context and quality assurances on the exploration results. Simon Rigby, a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, supervised the technical details under the guidelines of the JORC Code, ensuring data reliability. As the company progresses, sustained attention to logistical, regulatory, and geological factors remains pivotal to ongoing success. Finally, while forward-looking statements express Westgold’s ambitions, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties inherent in mining ventures. Investors should cautiously interpret these projections, as external factors such as commodity prices, market conditions, and regulatory changes could impact the actual outcomes.
Westgold Resources continues its dedication to evolving through industry-standard practices and comprehensive evaluations, propelling the Bluebird-South Junction complex to becoming an integral element of its operational framework.
