Could Solara’s Wilgeena Project Unlock New Gold Discoveries Near Peak Hill?
Solara Minerals has identified promising gold targets at its Wilgeena Project in Western Australia, situated near established gold mines. The company plans to initiate exploration activities following a review of historical data revealing multiple untested gold and copper anomalies.
- Wilgeena Project located near Westgold and Catalyst Metals gold deposits
- Historical shallow drilling showed gold intersections with minimal follow-up
- Geophysical surveys identified multiple conductive anomalies
- Solara to commence field activities and negotiate heritage agreements
- Focus on testing structural gold mineralisation in Peak Hill Schist and Naracoota Volcanics
Strategic Location and Historical Context
Solara Minerals Ltd (ASX – SLA) has spotlighted significant gold potential at its recently acquired Wilgeena Gold Project, located in Western Australia's Bryah Basin. The project lies just 15 kilometres southeast of Westgold Resources’ Peak Hill Gold Mine, which boasts JORC resources of 481,000 ounces, and near Catalyst Metals’ Hermes gold deposit, with historical production of 65,000 ounces and current resources of 243,000 ounces. This proximity to established gold operations underscores the strategic value of Wilgeena.
Despite its promising location, the Wilgeena Project has seen limited exploration, with historical drilling primarily shallow air core holes that intersected gold mineralisation but lacked comprehensive follow-up. Notable intersections include 5 metres at 1.03 grams per tonne gold and 5 metres at 1.98 grams per tonne gold, highlighting the presence of mineralised zones that remain underexplored.
Geophysical Insights and Target Identification
Solara’s review of historical geological mapping, geophysics, and geochemistry has identified multiple gold and copper targets warranting further investigation. Airborne electromagnetic (VTEM) and ground-based moving loop electromagnetic (MLEM) surveys have revealed several conductive anomalies, some of which have not been adequately tested by previous drilling campaigns. These anomalies, particularly near the Hermes South deposit, suggest structural features that could host significant gold mineralisation.
The company’s focus includes the Peak Hill Schist and Naracoota Volcanics formations, known to host gold deposits in the region. The structural complexity, including folding and faulting, offers compelling targets for orogenic gold mineralisation, a style consistent with nearby deposits.
Next Steps and Exploration Plans
Solara is mobilising to site to assess priority targets and areas of gold anomalism. Key upcoming activities include negotiating a Heritage Agreement with the Jidi Jidi Aboriginal Corporation, conducting further geophysical surveys, and potentially implementing closely spaced ultra-fine fraction soil sampling to better delineate mineralisation trends. These steps aim to refine target areas ahead of more detailed drilling programs.
While no new drilling results are reported yet, the company’s systematic approach to integrating historical data with modern exploration techniques positions Wilgeena as a project with considerable upside potential. The tenements, fully owned by Solara, provide a solid foundation for advancing exploration without joint venture constraints.
Broader Implications
The Wilgeena Project’s emerging potential adds to the growing interest in the Bryah Basin as a fertile ground for gold exploration. Solara’s initiative to unlock this potential could attract further investment and attention to the region. However, the economic viability of the mineralisation remains to be confirmed through upcoming exploration phases.
Bottom Line?
Solara’s methodical exploration at Wilgeena could redefine its resource base, but key results and heritage negotiations will shape the path ahead.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Solara’s upcoming drilling confirm the extent and grade of gold mineralisation at Wilgeena?
- How will the heritage agreement negotiations impact exploration timelines and access?
- What is the potential scale of mineral resources compared to nearby established deposits?
