Brightstar Strikes High-Grade Gold at Yunndaga, Eyes Underground Mine Launch

Strong Assay Results at Yunndaga

Brightstar Resources Limited (ASX – BTR) has announced the final assay results from a comprehensive ~6,400 metre reverse circulation and diamond drilling program at the Yunndaga deposit, part of its 0.6 million ounce Menzies Gold Project in Western Australia. The results include impressive high-grade gold intercepts, such as 7 metres at 5.70 grams per tonne gold from 230 metres depth, including a standout 0.6 metres at 54.8 grams per tonne. Visible gold was also observed in multiple diamond drill holes, confirming the presence of rich mineralisation.

Advancing Underground Mining Plans

This drilling campaign was designed to infill and extend the existing Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at Yunndaga, targeting areas within optimised stope shapes identified in the recent Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS). The program also aimed to gather critical geotechnical and metallurgical data to support mine design and the declaration of maiden Underground Ore Reserves, expected later this year. Brightstar’s Managing Director, Alex Rovira, highlighted that these results mark a significant milestone towards developing Yunndaga as the company’s third underground mine, with mining operations anticipated to commence in 2026.

Broader Exploration Momentum

Beyond Yunndaga, Brightstar maintains an active exploration presence with five rigs drilling across its portfolio. In Laverton, underground diamond drilling at the Fish mine and surface reverse circulation drilling at Lord Byron are focused on extensional exploration. Meanwhile, at the Sandstone hub, a combination of aircore, RC, and diamond drilling rigs are advancing infill and extensional drilling to upgrade resources and support ongoing pre-feasibility studies. This multi-pronged approach underscores Brightstar’s commitment to expanding its resource base and enhancing project confidence.

Context Within the Menzies Gold Project

The Yunndaga deposit, located just 6 kilometres south of the town of Menzies, currently hosts a resource of approximately 3.4 million tonnes at 1.4 grams per tonne gold for 156,000 ounces. Historical mining has produced over 270,000 ounces at high grades, predominantly from underground workings. The recent drilling extends mineralisation down to around 240 metres vertical depth, with limited prior testing below this level, suggesting potential for further resource growth at depth.

Looking Ahead

Brightstar is progressing an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Yunndaga, expected imminently, which will feed into revised mine designs and support the maiden Ore Reserves declaration. Concurrently, development activities continue at the Lady Shenton deposit, with mining targeted to start in the first half of 2026. The company’s strategic focus on resource definition, mine planning, and operational readiness positions it well to transition from exploration to production in the near term.