Stacked Manganese Lodes at Junior Prospect Could Boost Great Dirt’s Resource Potential

Drilling Success at Junior Prospect

Great Dirt Resources Ltd (ASX: GR8) has delivered an encouraging update from its maiden drilling campaign at the Junior Prospect, part of the Doherty and Basin Manganese Project in northern New South Wales. The recently completed reverse circulation (RC) drilling program, comprising 19 holes and 1,701 metres, has confirmed extensive manganese mineralisation both down dip and along strike, extending over a 2,000-metre corridor.

The standout intercepts include a 5-metre zone grading 21.30% manganese from 22 metres depth in hole GRCD015, with higher-grade intervals reaching up to 36.10% manganese. Similarly, hole GRCD007 returned multiple significant intersections, including 3 metres at 18.74% manganese and a remarkable 1 metre at 33.20% manganese. These results underscore the presence of high-grade manganese mineralisation at relatively shallow depths, which is critical for economic extraction.

Stacked Lodes and Resource Upside

One of the most compelling aspects of the drilling results is the identification of multiple, shallow stacked manganese lodes, particularly the discovery of a secondary lode above the known Junior lode. This geological complexity suggests a larger and more robust mineral system than previously understood, potentially increasing the overall tonnage and enhancing the project's economic viability.

Managing Director Marty Helean highlighted the significance of these findings, stating that the results not only confirm mineralisation at depth and along strike but also open up exciting possibilities for resource expansion through stacked lodes. The company’s systematic approach combining geochemical and geophysical surveys with targeted drilling appears to be paying dividends.

Historical Context and Future Exploration

The Doherty and Basin Projects have a history of manganese production dating back to the 1940s and 1950s, with approximately 9,000 tonnes of battery and metallurgical grade manganese previously mined. However, Great Dirt’s modern exploration techniques are uncovering mineralisation that was likely overlooked by earlier, less systematic efforts.

The company’s exploration strategy leverages geochemical anomalies, geophysical chargeability data, and detailed geological logging to delineate targets for further drilling. The recent drilling results validate this approach and set the stage for expanded exploration activities aimed at defining a significant manganese resource in NSW.

Technical Rigor and Quality Assurance

Great Dirt has employed industry-standard reverse circulation drilling and rigorous sampling protocols, with assays conducted by ALS Laboratories in Brisbane. Quality control measures, including certified standards, blanks, and field duplicates, ensure the reliability of the assay data. The company’s geological consultant, a Competent Person under JORC Code standards, has verified the results, lending further credibility to the findings.

While the current drilling density is insufficient for a formal resource estimate, the data provides a strong foundation for future resource definition work. The company plans to continue surface mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, and follow-up drilling to expand and upgrade the mineralisation footprint.

Strategic Implications

With manganese playing a critical role in battery technology and steel production, Great Dirt’s advancement at the Junior Prospect positions the company well within a strategically important commodity sector. The confirmation of high-grade, extensive mineralisation in NSW adds a valuable asset to the company’s portfolio and could attract further investor interest as the project matures.