Pantoro Gold Unveils High-Grade Depth Extensions at OK Underground Mine
Pantoro Gold has reported impressive high-grade drilling results at its OK Underground Mine, confirming mineralisation continuity and resource growth potential at depth within the Norseman Gold Project.
- Multiple high-grade gold intercepts up to 969.81 g/t Au over narrow widths
- Continuity of O2 orebody mineralisation confirmed down dip and along strike
- Star of Erin lode mineralisation extends beneath current resource
- OK Underground Mine supports Pantoro’s production growth strategy
- Four underground diamond drill rigs active with extensive FY26 drilling planned
Strong Drilling Results Reinforce OK Underground’s Potential
Pantoro Gold Limited (ASX – PNR) has delivered a fresh wave of optimism for its Norseman Gold Project with the release of high-grade drilling results from the OK Underground Mine. The latest infill and extensional diamond drilling on the O2 orebody and Star of Erin lodes has confirmed the continuity of mineralisation both at depth and along strike, underpinning the mine’s role as a key source of high-grade mill feed.
Among the standout intercepts are narrow but exceptionally rich zones, including 0.31 metres grading an extraordinary 969.81 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and other intervals exceeding 200 g/t over short widths. These results highlight the ‘nuggety’ nature of the OK reefs, a characteristic that has historically challenged but also rewarded detailed underground exploration.
Strategic Importance of the O2 Orebody and Star of Erin Lodes
The drilling program, supported by four full-time underground diamond rigs, has extended the known mineralisation of the O2 orebody approximately 160 metres below current development levels. The northwestern end of the orebody shows strong mineralisation in two distinct domains, with evidence of a mineralised linking structure that could enhance resource connectivity.
Additionally, the Star of Erin lode continues to demonstrate high-grade mineralisation beneath the existing resource base, suggesting further upside potential. These findings are significant given the mine’s historical average grade of around 9.1 g/t Au and current production grades near 7 g/t Au, which are well above industry averages.
Supporting Pantoro’s Growth Ambitions
Since recommencing mining in 2022, the OK Underground Mine has produced over 70,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 5.19 g/t Au. The current Mineral Resource at OK and Star of Erin stands at 457,000 tonnes at 14.86 g/t Au for 218,000 ounces, with ongoing drilling expected to further grow this base.
Managing Director Paul Cmrlec emphasised the mine’s strategic role, stating that the ongoing drilling program will ensure the OK Underground Mine remains a reliable source of high-grade feed for the Norseman processing plant. Pantoro’s broader strategy aims to scale production from 100,000 ounces per annum to over 200,000 ounces, with an aggressive drilling campaign planned for FY2026 targeting 250,000 metres across the project.
Technical Rigor and Resource Confidence
The company’s approach to sampling and assaying adheres to rigorous industry standards, including the use of photon assay technology since May 2025, which improves precision and sample representivity. Quality control measures such as standards, blanks, and duplicates are systematically employed to ensure data integrity.
These technical protocols, combined with detailed geological logging and 3D modelling, provide confidence in the reported results and support ongoing resource estimation updates. The Norseman Gold Project remains one of the highest-grade goldfields in the Yilgarn Craton, with substantial exploration upside given many mineralised zones remain open at depth and along strike.
Bottom Line?
Pantoro’s latest drilling success at OK Underground cements its position as a high-grade cornerstone for Norseman’s ambitious production growth.
Questions in the middle?
- How will these high-grade extensions impact Pantoro’s mine life and production forecasts?
- What are the operational challenges posed by the narrow, ‘nuggety’ nature of the OK reefs?
- Could the mineralised linking structure at the O2 orebody lead to a significant resource upgrade?
