Tolmer Drilling Yields 312 g/t Silver and 83.6 g/t Gold Assays

New Silver Discovery at Tolmer

Barton Gold Holdings Limited (ASX: BGD) has announced compelling new assay results from its Tolmer prospect within the Tarcoola Gold Project in South Australia. The latest data confirm the presence of high-grade silver, with assays reaching up to 312 grams per tonne (g/t) silver, closely associated with gold grades as high as 83.6 g/t. This discovery adds a valuable dimension to the previously identified gold mineralisation, suggesting a robust polymetallic system.

The silver mineralisation occurs both in the supergene weathered zone and in primary quartz sulphide veins, accompanied by elevated lead and zinc levels. This geochemical signature mirrors the mineralisation style observed at Barton’s neighbouring Tunkillia Gold Project, where silver credits contribute positively to project economics.

Expanding the Mineralised Footprint

Between May and July 2024, reverse circulation (RC) drilling returned significant intercepts including 1 meter at 83.6 g/t gold and 312 g/t silver, alongside notable lead (3.46%) and zinc (10.8%) concentrations. Subsequent aircore (AC) drilling of approximately 2,000 meters along strike has further extended the footprint of gold mineralisation, with anomalous gold assays up to 3 g/t detected near surface. These results underscore the potential scale of the Tolmer system and its continuity along strike.

Barton’s Managing Director Alexander Scanlon highlighted the strategic importance of the silver discovery, noting that high-grade silver could enhance future mining operations at Tolmer and provide a valuable blending feed for Tunkillia. He also pointed to near-surface lead anomalies as effective drill targeting guides, which will be leveraged in ongoing exploration.

Ongoing Exploration and Next Steps

In response to these encouraging results, Barton Gold has mobilised a follow-up RC drilling campaign targeting extensions of the high-grade gold-silver mineralisation. The program, planned for 1,500 to 2,000 meters, commenced in late January 2025 and aims to delineate the structural continuity and grade distribution of the mineralised zones.

Field laboratories employing rapid assay technologies such as detectORE™ are being utilised to provide near real-time gold analysis, enabling dynamic drill planning and efficient resource targeting. This approach reflects Barton’s commitment to leveraging innovative technologies to accelerate exploration outcomes.

Geological Context and Regional Significance

The Tolmer prospect lies within the broader Tarcoola Gold Project, an under-explored brownfield asset with existing infrastructure including a regional processing mill. The mineralisation is hosted within Proterozoic sedimentary and granitic rocks of the Gawler Craton, a region known for structurally controlled gold deposits with associated base metals.

The discovery of silver and its association with lead and zinc sulphides adds a new exploration vector and potential economic upside. The polymetallic nature of the system could improve project viability by diversifying revenue streams and enhancing metal credits.

Looking Ahead

While the current results are promising, Barton Gold acknowledges that further drilling is required to confirm the extent, continuity, and true widths of the mineralisation. The company’s systematic approach to exploration, combining multi-element geochemistry with targeted drilling, positions it well to unlock the full potential of Tolmer and the wider Tarcoola region.