PEPR Approval Secures 12 Months of Drilling at Tunkillia North and Nuckulla Hill
Sipa Resources has secured key environmental approvals to begin drilling at its newly acquired South Australian gold projects, signaling a major step forward in its exploration plans.
- PEPR approval granted for Tunkillia North and Nuckulla Hill drilling programs
- Heritage survey completed with Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation, final report pending
- Drilling contractor selection underway with quotes received
- Drilling to target known gold mineralisation near 1.6Moz Tunkillia deposit
- Drilling expected to commence soon after heritage approval
PEPR Approval Unlocks Drilling Potential
Sipa Resources Limited (ASX, SRI) has achieved a significant regulatory milestone with the approval of its Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPR) for gold exploration drilling at the Tunkillia North and Nuckulla Hill projects in South Australia. This approval, granted by the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining, is valid for 12 months and authorises a series of reverse circulation and aircore drilling programs.
Heritage Survey Nears Completion
Complementing the environmental approval, Sipa has completed an on-ground heritage clearance survey in collaboration with the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC. While the final heritage report and formal approval are still awaited, the successful completion of the survey marks a crucial step in ensuring that exploration activities respect cultural sensitivities and comply with regulatory requirements.
Drilling Plans and Strategic Targets
With drilling quotes received and contractor selection underway, Sipa is poised to commence its maiden drilling campaigns imminently, pending final heritage approval. The programs will focus on following up historically identified gold mineralisation and testing large-scale targets adjacent to the 1.6 million ounce Tunkillia gold deposit. These targets lie along associated geological structures that could potentially host significant new resources.
Broader Exploration Context
Sipa’s South Australian projects form part of its broader strategy to prioritise gold exploration within the prolific Gawler Craton, a region known for its mineral endowment. The company continues to evaluate its portfolio to balance cost-effective exploration with the potential for high-impact discoveries. This drilling campaign represents a critical step in advancing the understanding and potential development of these assets.
Looking Ahead
Managing Director Andrew Muir emphasised the importance of these approvals as foundational to unlocking the value of Sipa’s South Australian gold projects. As the company moves closer to commencing drilling, market participants will be watching closely for initial results that could validate the promising targets identified to date.
Bottom Line?
Sipa’s imminent drilling programs could redefine its South Australian gold prospects, but heritage approval remains the final hurdle.
Questions in the middle?
- When exactly will the final heritage approval be granted, and could it delay drilling?
- What are the expected costs and scale of the upcoming drilling campaigns?
- How might early drilling results influence Sipa’s exploration strategy and capital allocation?
