Solara Minerals Launches Drilling at Degrussa West with $180K Government Boost
Solara Minerals has initiated a 2,800m drilling campaign at its Degrussa West Project, targeting promising gold-copper zones near the renowned Degrussa Mine, supported by recent government funding.
- Drilling commenced on high-priority gold-copper targets at Degrussa West
- Project located 17km west of Degrussa Copper-Gold Mine
- Initial 12-hole, 2,800m reverse circulation drilling program underway
- Exploration Incentive Scheme funding of $180,000 awarded
- Downhole electromagnetic surveys planned to guide deeper drilling
Strategic Drilling Begins at Degrussa West
Solara Minerals Ltd (ASX, SLA) has officially kicked off a targeted drilling program at its 100% owned Degrussa West Project, situated just 17 kilometres west of the prolific Degrussa Copper-Gold Mine. This proximity places the project in a highly prospective geological setting, with the company aiming to test structural and geochemical anomalies that could signal significant gold and copper mineralisation.
The initial phase involves 12 reverse circulation drill holes, covering approximately 2,800 metres. These holes are designed to intersect a key contact zone between the Naracoota Volcanics and Karalundi Formation and the Peak Hill Schist; an area identified through recent surface electromagnetic surveys as hosting a conductive feature dipping northward and coinciding with a strong magnetic anomaly at depth.
Geophysical and Geochemical Foundations
Solara’s exploration strategy leverages multiple data layers, including historical soil surveys that revealed gold concentrations up to 345 parts per billion and arsenic anomalies, both classic indicators of potential mineralisation. The company’s recent moving loop electromagnetic (MLEM) survey further refined targets by detecting a roughly 2-kilometre strike length conductive structure, which may represent a mineralised zone where it intersects favourable stratigraphy.
To complement the drilling, downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) surveys are planned on two holes. These surveys will help determine whether follow-up diamond drilling is warranted to test extensions or deeper targets, potentially unlocking more substantial mineral deposits.
Backing from Government and Strategic Outlook
The drilling program benefits from a $180,000 grant under the Exploration Incentive Scheme, underscoring government support for advancing exploration in the Bryah Basin region. Solara’s General Manager, Jennifer Neild, highlighted the relative under-exploration of Degrussa West compared to other parts of the basin, emphasizing the opportunity to unlock value from these untested targets.
Beyond Degrussa West, Solara continues to evaluate other high-value acquisition opportunities across Australia, signaling an ambition to build a diversified portfolio of mineral assets. This approach reflects a broader strategy to leverage geological expertise and government incentives to drive growth.
While assay results and definitive resource estimates are pending, the commencement of drilling marks a critical step in validating the project’s potential. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly awaiting updates on drilling outcomes and subsequent survey data that could shape the next phase of exploration.
Bottom Line?
Solara’s drilling at Degrussa West sets the stage for a pivotal exploration phase that could redefine its growth trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial assay results will reveal about the gold and copper grades at Degrussa West?
- Will downhole electromagnetic surveys justify deeper diamond drilling in the near term?
- How will Solara’s broader acquisition strategy evolve alongside this drilling campaign?
