Resource Upgrade at Bulgera Raises Questions on Drilling Confidence and Future Growth
Norwest Minerals has announced a substantial 33% increase in the gold resource at its Bulgera Gold Project, now totaling 288,400 ounces following a comprehensive 3D geological model revision. This upgrade coincides with renewed drilling efforts aimed at further expanding the resource base.
- 33% increase in Bulgera gold Mineral Resource Estimate to 288,400 ounces
- Upgrade driven by revised 3D geological model and new gold zones
- Resource model reflects doubling of gold price since 2022
- Reverse circulation drilling recommenced targeting down-dip mineralization
- JORC 2012 compliant resource includes both indicated and inferred categories
Significant Resource Upgrade at Bulgera
Norwest Minerals Limited (ASX, NWM) has revealed a major uplift in the gold Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its Bulgera Gold Project in Western Australia. The updated 2025 resource model now stands at 8.4 million tonnes grading 1.07 grams per tonne gold, equating to 288,400 ounces, a 33% increase or an additional 70,800 ounces compared to previous estimates.
This boost is attributed to a meticulous reinterpretation of the project’s 3D geological framework, which incorporated newly identified gold zones within the broader Mining Lease area. The revision also factors in the significant rise in gold prices, which have doubled to approximately A$5,000 per ounce since the last modelling in March 2022, enabling the inclusion of lower-grade but economically viable mineralization.
Strategic Drilling to Expand Resources
Coinciding with this resource upgrade, Norwest has recommenced reverse circulation (RC) drilling at Bulgera. The current drilling program targets mineralization down-dip from both established and newly modelled gold-bearing shear zones. The company’s CEO, Charles Schaus, expressed optimism that this drilling could lead to one or more major gold discoveries, especially given the consistent presence of higher-grade gold below 100 vertical meters along the Bulgera trend.
The drilling contractor Strike Drilling is undertaking an initial 11-hole program, with plans to extend drilling based on early results. This focused approach aims to upgrade inferred resources to indicated status and test previously underexplored zones, including prospects beyond the historic mining centre.
Robust Resource Classification and Metallurgical Outlook
The updated resource is JORC 2012 compliant and includes 105,020 ounces in the indicated category and 183,400 ounces inferred. The higher inferred proportion reflects wider drill spacing at depth, underscoring the importance of ongoing infill drilling to improve confidence levels.
Complementing the resource update, recent metallurgical testwork indicates excellent gold recoveries exceeding 90% through gravity separation and cyanidation, with favourable leach kinetics and low reagent consumption. These results support the economic potential of the deposit under current processing methods.
Looking Ahead
Norwest’s strategic focus on refining the geological model and expanding the resource base at Bulgera positions the project well for future development. The company anticipates further resource revisions following the completion of the current drilling campaign, potentially enhancing the project’s scale and economic viability.
With the Bulgera Gold Project situated within the prolific Plutonic Well Greenstone Belt, known for its significant gold endowment, Norwest’s advances could attract increased market attention as exploration progresses.
Bottom Line?
Norwest Minerals’ Bulgera upgrade signals growing momentum, but drilling results will be key to unlocking its full potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will ongoing drilling impact the balance between indicated and inferred resources?
- What are the implications of fluctuating gold prices on the project’s economic thresholds?
- Could new gold zones outside the historic mining centre lead to a major discovery?
