Emerald Resources NL (ASX:EMR), a gold producer and explorer with operations in Cambodia and Western Australia, has provided an exploration and resource drilling update for the quarter ending 30 June 2026. The company announced significant high-grade gold intercepts at its flagship Okvau Gold Mine in Cambodia, the Dingo Range Gold Project in Western Australia, and the Memot Gold Project in Cambodia, highlighting strong potential for resource expansion across its portfolio.
Key Points
- Emerald Resources NL (ASX:EMR) owns 100% of three gold assets: Okvau Gold Mine and Memot Gold Project in Cambodia, and Dingo Range Gold Project in Western Australia.
- Okvau Gold Mine underground and open pit drilling returned 18m @ 16.67g/t Au including 5m @ 53.56g/t Au; near-mine resource drilling at Okvau North Prospect yielded multiple high-grade intercepts.
- Dingo Range drilling confirmed significant high-grade mineralisation with intercepts including 11m @ 18.35g/t Au and 7m @ 24.83g/t Au; Memot resource infill program completed with results such as 2m @ 32.11g/t Au.
- Since commissioning in 2021, Okvau has produced over 515,000 ounces of gold; Emerald holds prospective exploration tenure covering 1,085km b2 in Cambodia and 1,110km b2 in Australia.
Okvau Gold Mine Underground Extension Drilling Yields Exceptional High-Grade Results
Emerald Resources’ flagship Okvau Gold Mine in Cambodia advanced its infill and extensional drilling program during the June 2026 quarter, focusing on mineralisation beneath the current reserve open pit shell and underground resource zones. The company reported multiple substantial gold intercepts, continuing its strategy to expand the mine’s resource base and identify additional feed sources for operations.
The standout result from underground and open pit drilling at Okvau was 18 metres grading 16.67 grams per tonne gold from 535 metres depth, including a high-grade section of 5 metres at 53.56 grams per tonne gold from 538 metres, from drill hole RCDD26OKV824. Another significant intercept was 4 metres at 19.53 grams per tonne gold from 529 metres in drill hole RCDD26OKV823. Additional mineralisation included 5 metres at 14.07 grams per tonne gold from 439 metres (with 2 metres at 34.71 grams per tonne), 12 metres at 3.01 grams per tonne gold from 322 metres, and 13 metres at 2.48 grams per tonne gold from 542 metres. These results indicate continuity of the ore body at depth and potential for underground resource expansion.
Okvau North Prospect Resource Delineation Identifies Multiple Near-Mine Feed Opportunities
Resource and ore delineation drilling at the Okvau North Prospect, intended as a supplementary feed source for the Okvau Gold Mine, returned consistent high-grade gold intercepts during the quarter. This near-mine exploration target could contribute ore to existing processing infrastructure. The drilling revealed several mineralised corridors suitable for mine planning, pending economic and operational evaluation.
Key intercepts at Okvau North included 12 metres at 12.96 grams per tonne gold from 18 metres depth, 11 metres at 8.65 grams per tonne from 15 metres, 6 metres at 15.59 grams per tonne from 18 metres, and 5 metres at 18.00 grams per tonne from 14 metres. Additional results included 5 metres at 13.08 grams per tonne from 21 metres, 17 metres at 3.65 grams per tonne from 30 metres, 7 metres at 8.43 grams per tonne from 29 metres, and 6 metres at 9.46 grams per tonne from 25 metres. The shallow depths and proximity to Okvau suggest these zones could offer near-term development potential to optimize mill utilization and extend mine life.
Dingo Range Gold Project Drilling Confirms High-Grade Continuity at Boundary and Great Northern Deposits
At the Dingo Range Gold Project in Western Australia, located on the underexplored Dingo Range greenstone belt, Emerald continued infill and extension drilling targeting resource growth and underground mining potential. The project hosts open pit measured, indicated, and inferred resources totaling 40.9 million tonnes at 1.1 grams per tonne gold for 1.41 million ounces. The company holds 1,110 square kilometres of prospective tenure in the region. Drilling during the quarter focused on the Boundary and Great Northern deposits.
Notable drilling results at Dingo Range included 11 metres at 18.35 grams per tonne gold from 181 metres at the Boundary deposit (including 2 metres at 98.60 grams per tonne from drill hole RC26BDY473), one of the quarter’s highest-grade intercepts. Another significant Boundary intercept was 7 metres at 24.83 grams per tonne gold from 204 metres (including 1 metre at 166.00 grams per tonne from RC26BDY460). Additional Boundary drilling returned 2.76 metres at 16.55 grams per tonne gold from 337.79 metres. At Great Northern, results included 9 metres at 4.48 grams per tonne gold from 56 metres, 4 metres at 8.44 grams per tonne from 48 metres, and 9 metres at 1.55 grams per tonne from 26 metres. These findings support strong resource continuity and potential for both open pit and underground expansion.
Memot Gold Project Resource Infill Drilling Completed with Confidence-Boosting Results
Emerald finalized a close-spaced infill drilling program at the Memot Gold Project in Cambodia during the quarter, aimed at enhancing confidence in reserve modifiers such as ore loss and dilution. The 100%-owned Memot project contains indicated and inferred resources of 45.0 million tonnes grading 1.2 grams per tonne gold for 1.7 million ounces. The infill drilling used a tight grid of 12.5 by 25.0 metres, suitable for resource delineation and reserve development as the project approaches a development decision.
Significant intercepts from Memot included 2 metres at 32.11 grams per tonne gold from 38 metres depth, 4 metres at 13.83 grams per tonne from 14 metres, and 13 metres at 3.93 grams per tonne from 4 metres, indicating shallow mineralisation. Additional results comprised 3 metres at 14.90 grams per tonne from 7 metres and 9 metres at 3.02 grams per tonne from 33 metres. Completing this infill program marks a critical milestone toward advancing Memot’s development readiness, providing technical data to support economic and operational planning.
Anchor Prospect Exploration Targets Potential Satellite Deposit to Memot Project
During the quarter, Emerald rationalized tenure in Cambodia, reducing the Snuol Exploration Licence from 198 square kilometres to 13.44 square kilometres. This adjustment prepares for an Industrial Mining Licence application over the Anchor Prospect, which is being evaluated as a potential satellite resource to supply ore to the 1.7-million-ounce Memot Gold Project. Developing satellite deposits to supplement a central processing facility is a value-enhancing strategy, improving capital infrastructure utilization and operational capacity.
The Anchor Prospect is defined by a 1.5-kilometre by 1.5-kilometre gold-in-soil anomaly linked to gradient array induced polarization chargeability responses. Historical and company drilling totals 5,344 metres from 47 historical holes and 8,121 metres from 81 company drill holes. Results show structurally controlled precious and base metal mineralisation along a roughly 500-metre corridor. Notable intercepts include 6 metres at 8.28 grams per tonne gold from 12 metres, 5 metres at 6.23 grams per tonne from 14 metres, and 4.3 metres at 4.76 grams per tonne from 147.2 metres. Polymetallic intercepts include 4 metres at 7.72 grams per tonne gold, 180 grams per tonne silver, 0.50% copper, 0.24% lead, and 2.29% zinc from 72 metres. Further drilling is planned to test extensions of the mineralised corridor and other untested anomalies.
Exploration Drilling Volume and Technical Progress During June Quarter
In the quarter ended 30 June 2026, Emerald completed an extensive drilling campaign across its asset portfolio. At Okvau Gold Mine, 22 drill collars totaling 7,254 metres were completed, including 12 rotary air blast (RC) collars for 1,129 metres, nine RC-diamond (RCDD) collars for 5,660 metres (comprising 868 metres of RC pre-collar and 4,792 metres of diamond core tail), and one diamond collar for 465 metres. This mix reflects a staged approach targeting various mineralisation styles and depths.
The drilling volume and focus across the three major projects demonstrate Emerald’s commitment to systematic resource definition and extension. The company’s experienced in-house operational team, with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and budget, continues to execute these programs. The combination of infill drilling for reserve confidence and extensional drilling for resource growth supports development timelines and identifies growth opportunities. These programs will feed into resource updates, reserve development, and long-term mine planning.
Emerald Resources’ Operating History and Production Achievements
Emerald Resources commissioned the Okvau Gold Mine on schedule and within budget in 2021, transitioning from explorer to gold producer. Since commissioning, Okvau has produced over 515,000 ounces of gold, underscoring the operational strength of management and ore body quality. The company’s operations span Cambodia and Western Australia, providing geographic diversification and mitigating operational risks.
Okvau serves as a significant cash flow and organic funding source for Emerald’s exploration and development. As of March 2026, Emerald reported cash holdings of A$337.8 million (US$231.2 million), bullion valued at A$39.2 million (US$26.8 million), and listed investments worth A$22.3 million (US$15.3 million), reflecting a strong balance sheet. With a market capitalization near A$3.4 billion and 662,217,668 shares outstanding, Emerald is a prominent mid-tier gold producer and explorer. Its production track record at Okvau, combined with resource advancement at Dingo Range and Memot, positions the company with immediate cash-generating assets and long-term growth potential through development and exploration.
Strategic Emphasis on Reserve Growth and Development Project Progression
Emerald’s exploration strategy focuses on reserve replacement at the operating Okvau Gold Mine and advancing development-stage projects at Memot and Dingo Range. Okvau is viewed as a long-life asset with extension potential both at depth and near-mine. Continued drilling at Okvau North and underground zones aims to identify supplementary ore sources to support extended mine life or increased processing rates. The completion of Memot’s resource infill drilling marks a significant step toward a development decision on this 1.7-million-ounce project.
Dingo Range in Western Australia represents a longer-term exploration and development opportunity. With 1.41 million ounces of defined resources and 1,110 square kilometres of prospective tenure, it could become a second operating asset if economic and operational assessments are favorable. Emerald’s 100% ownership of Okvau, Memot, and Dingo Range offers full development optionality without partner constraints. The company’s focus on operational excellence at Okvau and systematic advancement of development and exploration assets supports sustainable gold production and value creation through resource growth and project success.
Environmental and Social Responsibility Commitments in Asian and Australian Operations
Emerald Resources has committed to achieving a net positive environmental and social impact near its mines by adhering to corporate governance standards, International Finance Corporation Performance Standards (IFC PSs), and local regulations. The company aims for carbon-neutral operations in Cambodia, positioning itself as an ESG-conscious operator in a jurisdiction where such commitments enhance regulatory and social license advantages. Engagement and collaboration with stakeholders underpin its operating philosophy.
This ESG framework aligns with industry trends where investors increasingly assess mining companies on non-financial criteria. Operating in Cambodia, an emerging mining jurisdiction, requires strong stakeholder relations, community engagement, and regulatory compliance to maintain operational continuity and social license. Emerald’s carbon-neutral commitment reflects environmental responsibility and recognition of global decarbonization trends influencing commodity markets and investor preferences. Successful ESG execution will impact investor sentiment, funding access, and long-term operational sustainability.