Exploration Risks Remain as Taruga Prepares for Drilling in PNG’s East Normanby

Exploration Breakthrough at Gwamogwamo

Taruga Minerals Limited (ASX, TAR) has announced encouraging assay results from rock chip sampling at the Gwamogwamo prospect, part of its East Normanby gold project in Papua New Guinea. These results confirm the presence of high-grade gold and copper mineralisation previously reported in historical exploration, spanning a 1.5-kilometre strike length. The validation of these grades at surface provides a strong foundation for Taruga’s upcoming exploration activities.

Located on the southern part of Normanby Island within granted exploration permit EL2590, Gwamogwamo features extensive outcropping mineralisation characterised by massive sulphides within gossans. The recent rock chip samples returned standout assays including 12.4 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 4.8% copper, reinforcing the prospect’s potential as a significant gold-copper system.

Historical Data Supports New Findings

Taruga’s announcement also revisits historical trenching and drilling data that align with the new rock chip results. Previous trenching revealed intercepts such as 155 metres at 0.6 g/t gold and 0.5% copper, and 40 metres at 2.0 g/t gold and 0.8% copper, including higher-grade intervals. Drilling results from the 1990s further support the prospect’s mineralisation, with intercepts like 9 metres at 1.3% copper and 0.6 g/t gold, and 4 metres at 4.4 g/t gold from surface.

These historical datasets, combined with the recent sampling, provide a compelling case for the prospect’s exploration upside. However, Taruga acknowledges the need for modern validation of these data points, including precise GPS location confirmation and reprocessing of historical geophysical surveys.

Strategic Acquisition and Next Steps

Taruga recently secured a 12-month option to acquire 100% ownership of two promising projects in Papua New Guinea, the East Normanby gold project and the Kol Mountain copper-gold project on New Britain Island. The East Normanby project encompasses a large tenement package covering 491 square kilometres, including the Gwamogwamo prospect and other high-grade gold targets like the Weioko deposit.

Looking ahead, Taruga plans to undertake a comprehensive field program in early 2026. This will include enhancing geochemical datasets, validating historical trench and drillhole locations with modern GPS technology, and reinterpreting available geophysical data such as airborne magnetics and radiometric surveys. These efforts aim to refine and prioritise drill targets, with Gwamogwamo identified as a key focus for the upcoming drilling campaign.

Geological Context and Exploration Potential

The Gwamogwamo prospect lies within a complex geological setting marked by metamorphosed volcanic and sedimentary rocks, intersected by significant structural features. The mineralisation style is interpreted as stratiform and structurally controlled, with multiple zones of sulphide-rich gossans along a north-south trending zone. This geological framework supports the potential for a sizeable gold-copper system, warranting further detailed exploration.

While the current data are promising, Taruga is cautious about the limitations of historical information, noting that sample representivity and drilling orientations may affect the interpretation of grade continuity. The company emphasizes that no resource estimate or production guidance is yet available, underscoring the early stage of exploration.