Side Well Resource Hits 1.02Moz with 61% Indicated Confidence
Great Boulder Resources has updated its Mineral Resource Estimate for the Side Well Gold Project, revealing a robust 1.02 million ounces of contained gold and setting the stage for accelerated development.
- Updated Mineral Resource Estimate totals 16.0Mt at 2.0g/t Au for 1.02Moz
- 61% of ounces classified as Indicated, enhancing resource confidence
- Approximately 90% of resource suitable for open pit mining
- Significant resource growth at Mulga Bill and maiden resources at Eaglehawk, Flagpole, Golden Bracelet
- Multiple rigs planned for 2026 to expand resource and advance production
A Milestone for Side Well
Great Boulder Resources (ASX, GBR) has marked a significant milestone with its updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Side Well Gold Project near Meekatharra, Western Australia. The company now reports a total resource of 16 million tonnes grading 2.0 grams per tonne gold, equating to 1.02 million ounces of contained gold. This achievement firmly establishes Side Well as a substantial gold inventory within a district-scale project boasting multi-kilometre exploration potential.
Resource Confidence and Quality
Notably, 61% of the ounces fall within the higher confidence Indicated category, reflecting a well-defined geological model supported by extensive drilling. Approximately 90% of the resource is considered amenable to open pit mining, which bodes well for potential future development scenarios. The Mulga Bill deposit remains a standout, growing to 642,000 ounces at 2.4 g/t gold, with a high-grade component of 441,000 ounces at 5.3 g/t.
Expanding the Resource Base
The update incorporates multiple deposits including Eaglehawk, Ironbark, Flagpole, Saltbush, and Golden Bracelet. Eaglehawk, in particular, has delivered a maiden resource estimate following successful drilling campaigns, while Flagpole and Golden Bracelet have also been added as new deposits with promising exploration upside. Recent deep drilling has intersected significant mineralisation, such as 105 meters at 2.41 g/t gold below Mulga Bill, underscoring the potential for further resource expansion.
Looking Ahead, Drilling and Development
Great Boulder plans to recommence drilling with at least three rigs in January 2026, aiming to rapidly grow the resource base and advance the project towards production. The company is also focused on lodging mining lease applications and progressing development pathways, particularly at Mulga Bill, Eaglehawk, and Saltbush. While no detailed mining or metallurgical studies have yet been completed, initial metallurgical testwork indicates promising gold recoveries using conventional gravity and carbon-in-leach methods.
Strategic Location and Regional Context
Strategically located in the prolific Murchison gold region, Side Well benefits from proximity to existing mining infrastructure and operations, including Westgold Resources’ Paddy’s Flat mine. This regional context enhances the project’s attractiveness and potential for integration into established processing hubs.
Bottom Line?
With a solid 1Moz resource milestone behind it, Great Boulder’s Side Well project is poised for rapid growth and development in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming drilling results impact the resource classification and size?
- What are the timelines and plans for detailed mining and metallurgical studies?
- How might commodity price fluctuations influence project economics and funding?
