Great Southern Mining Launches Deep Drilling for Platinum Group Elements in WA
Great Southern Mining has commenced a significant diamond drilling program at its East Laverton project in Western Australia, with government co-funding aimed at uncovering platinum group elements (PGEs). The initiative, which began at the Diorite Hill target, involves drilling to depths of up to 900 metres, marking a major step in the company's exploration efforts.
Targeting Platinum and Gold Discoveries
The drilling at Diorite Hill is designed to test two discrete reflective horizons identified through seismic surveys. These horizons are part of a layered intrusive complex spanning approximately 110 square kilometres, which is considered highly prospective for reef-style nickel-copper and PGE mineralisation. Great Southern Mining has drawn comparisons to the world-class Merensky Reef in South Africa's Bushveld Complex, known for its rich platinum deposits.
Following the completion of the Diorite Hill hole, the drilling rig will relocate to the Golden Boulder target within the Duketon gold project. This will be the first deep drilling at this gold discovery, targeting key structures that control mineralisation. Previous shallow drilling at Golden Boulder yielded standout intercepts, including a 5-metre section at 14.57 grams per tonne gold.
Government Support and Strategic Advantages
The company has secured up to $337,500 in exploration incentive grants through a competitive process, covering both the Diorite Hill and Golden Boulder programs. This funding underscores the project's potential and aligns with Western Australian analogues like the Munni Munni Complex and Chalice Mining's Gonneville Intrusion.
Great Southern Mining's managing director, Matthew Keane, highlighted the strategic importance of the Duketon gold project, noting that all projects are within 40 kilometres of operating mills and major operations. This proximity provides potential value-adding opportunities should discoveries emerge.
Expanding Exploration Efforts
In addition to the WA activities, Great Southern Mining is ramping up work at its Edinburgh Park gold project in Queensland. This joint venture with Gold Fields involves a $15 million investment by the mining giant to earn up to a 75% interest. Drilling is scheduled to resume after the wet season, with plans for deep diamond holes to test geophysical anomalies.
The company's focus on deep drilling represents a leveraged approach to uncovering significant mineral deposits, with ongoing programs set to provide critical stratigraphic and structural data across its tenements.
