41m at 7.99 g/t Au Highlights Fletcher Zone Potential at Beta Hunt
Westgold Resources reports robust high-grade gold intercepts from its Fletcher Zone drilling at Beta Hunt, with a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate expected by late Q4 FY25. The company also plans to initiate drilling at the promising Mason Zone, potentially extending the mineralised strike to around 4km.
- Significant high-grade gold intervals at Fletcher Zone, including 41m at 7.99 g/t Au
- Five drill rigs currently active at Fletcher, with maiden Mineral Resource Estimate due late Q4 FY25
- Mason Zone identified as southern fault offset extension of Fletcher, drilling planned for Q4 FY25
- Combined Fletcher and Mason strike length estimated at approximately 4km
- Exploration strategy focused on robust mine planning to maximise cash flow and production
Fletcher Zone Drilling Delivers Promising High-Grade Results
Westgold Resources Limited has provided a detailed update on its resource development drilling at the Beta Hunt mine in Kambalda, Western Australia. The highlight of the announcement is the continuation of strong drilling results from the Fletcher Zone, a relatively new target within the Beta Hunt sub-lease. Notably, recent assays include substantial intercepts such as 41.00 metres at 7.99 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 38.00 metres at 6.80 g/t gold, underscoring the high-grade nature of the mineralisation.
Currently, five drill rigs are actively engaged at Fletcher, reflecting Westgold's commitment to rapidly defining this zone. The company anticipates releasing a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for Fletcher by late in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 (Q4 FY25), which will be pivotal in shaping the mine’s future development and production plans.
Mason Zone Emerges as a Strategic Exploration Target
Alongside Fletcher, Westgold has identified the Mason Zone as a compelling exploration target. Interpreted as the southern fault offset extension of the Fletcher Zone, Mason could extend the combined strike length of these mineralised zones to approximately 4 kilometres. Historical drilling data, which Westgold is currently re-assaying and re-logging, has returned encouraging gold intersections including 19.00 metres at 10.73 g/t and 5.20 metres at 20.67 g/t gold.
Drilling at Mason is planned to commence in Q4 FY25, following the completion of the Stage 1 drilling program at Fletcher. This sequential approach aims to build a comprehensive geological model and resource base, potentially unlocking additional ore sources independent of current mining zones.
Strategic Implications for Beta Hunt and Westgold
Westgold’s Managing Director and CEO, Wayne Bramwell, emphasised the strategic importance of Fletcher and Mason within the broader Beta Hunt operation. Fletcher is poised to become the third active mining zone alongside existing operations, providing an independent and additional source of ore. The company is focused on developing a robust understanding of the various Beta Hunt orebodies to optimise long-term mine planning and maximise cash flow.
The ongoing drilling and geological modelling efforts, including the integration of historical data and new 3D models, demonstrate Westgold’s methodical approach to resource development. The Fletcher and Mason zones, if fully delineated and economically viable, could significantly enhance Westgold’s production profile and operational flexibility at Beta Hunt.
Looking Ahead
With 74% of the Fletcher Stage 1 drilling program completed, Westgold is on track to deliver the maiden MRE by late Q4 FY25. The subsequent drilling campaign at Mason will be closely watched by investors and analysts, as it holds the potential to materially extend the known mineralised system. Westgold’s exploration success at Beta Hunt underscores the value of its merger with Karora Resources and the rapid advancement of its exploration pipeline.
Bottom Line?
Westgold’s Fletcher drilling success and Mason exploration plans set the stage for a potentially transformative expansion at Beta Hunt.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate reveal about Fletcher’s economic potential?
- How significant will Mason’s contribution be to Beta Hunt’s overall production profile?
- What are the timelines and capital requirements for developing Fletcher and Mason into producing zones?
