Western Mines Group has officially launched its 2026 field exploration season, with the distinctive sound of spinning drill rods echoing across its flagship Mulga Tank nickel-copper-cobalt-platinum group elements (PGE) project. Located in Western Australia's resource-rich Eastern Goldfields region, this multi-rig campaign marks a significant step forward in the company's ambitious plans to expand resources and uncover high-grade sulphide mineralisation.
Systematic Drilling Program Underway
The company has mobilised a comprehensive drilling program designed to systematically grow the mineral resource base while continuing the search for lucrative, high-grade sulphide zones. The initial phase of work will see the exploration team complete several outstanding drill holes from the previous year's phase four program. Following this, operations will seamlessly transition into a fresh round of follow-up and step-out drilling across the vast Mulga Tank ultramafic complex.
Deep Diamond Drilling and RC Campaign
A key priority is the extension of a deep diamond drill hole, originally co-funded by the Western Australian Government's Exploration Incentive Scheme. This ultra-deep hole, which reached an impressive depth of 1,437.5 metres late last year, intersected broad zones of remobilised massive sulphide. Western Mines plans to deepen it by a further 50 to 100 metres. This extension aims to confirm the geological footwall of the complex, pursue additional massive sulphide accumulations, and provide a downhole electromagnetic conduit to better target the basal contact.
In parallel, the company plans to complete nine reverse circulation (RC) holes within the main body of the Mulga Tank Complex. Three of these holes are infill drills positioned between two areas of indicated resources, intended to reduce drill spacing and improve geological confidence. A further six RC holes will target extensions beyond the current resource shell, probing for new mineralisation.
Focus on High-Grade Shallow Zones
Particular attention is being directed towards an area surrounding one of the most promising shallow RC holes ever drilled at Mulga Tank. This historic hole recorded a mammoth continuous intersection of 269 metres, assaying at 0.33 per cent nickel, 144 parts per million cobalt, and 215 parts per million copper, starting from just 61 metres depth. Encouraged by this result, seven additional RC holes are now scheduled to chase extensions of this eye-catching mineralisation and hunt for other shallow, high-grade zones.
Expanding the Exploration Footprint
Once the initial phase four work is concluded, the drilling rigs will move to the Panhandle area of the project. Here, a combined RC and diamond drilling program will test a mineralised komatiite sequence. This work is supported by another round of government Exploration Incentive Scheme funding secured by Western Mines, highlighting the project's strategic importance.
Western Mines Group managing director Dr Caedmon Marriott commented on the company's strong position, stating, "Thanks to our October capital raise and numerous EIS grants, we’re well funded to be able to deliver consistent drilling over the next several months."
A Project of Significant Scale and Potential
The Mulga Tank project has consistently delivered compelling results over the past three years, revealing a vast nickel sulphide system. This system exhibits both disseminated mineralisation and the strong potential for higher-grade massive sulphide accumulations at depth. Situated on the under-explored Minigwal Greenstone Belt, Mulga Tank already hosts the largest nickel sulphide resource in Australia.
Through systematic drilling, Western Mines has steadily built the project's scale. It now boasts a gigantic contained metal inventory, including 5.3 million tonnes of nickel, 257,000 tonnes of cobalt, 161,000 tonnes of copper, and 1.1 million ounces of combined platinum and palladium.
With drilling rigs actively turning, strong funding secured, and a lineup of high-priority targets, Western Mines is setting the stage for an exceptionally active year at Mulga Tank. The 2026 campaign has the potential to be value-defining as the company works to further cement the project's status as a globally significant nickel sulphide discovery.
