Nelson Resources Limited (ASX:NES) has extended its discovery of high-grade gold and silver mineralisation to a second underground level at the Orleans Mine within Nevada's Gold Point Project. Systematic channel sampling on the 400-foot level yielded a standout intercept of 113.5 grams per tonne gold and 119 grams per tonne silver over 1.83 metres—the highest grade recorded in Nelson's underground sampling program—confirming mineralisation continues approximately 10 metres vertically below the previously reported 300-foot level. This update supports the interpretation of a structurally controlled vein system at Orleans, setting the stage for further delineation through planned underground diamond drilling.
Key Points
- Nelson Resources Limited (ASX:NES) operates the historic Gold Point Project in Nevada, known for gold and silver mining.
- Underground channel sampling on the 400-foot level at Orleans Mine returned 113.5g/t Au and 119g/t Ag over 1.83m, the highest grade from Nelson's underground program.
- High-grade mineralisation confirmed on two underground levels: 300-foot level previously reported 77.3g/t Au and 102g/t Ag over 3.0m, plus 10.3g/t Au with 3,840g/t Ag over 3.0m.
- Twenty-two vertical channel samples collected along approximately 160 metres strike on the main hematite-quartz breccia vein fault, with sample lengths from 1.1m to 2.2m.
- Up to 15 diamond core holes planned using a Bazooka drill rig to test vein extensions about 40 metres beyond current workings and evaluate 70 metres of unmined vein between the 300-foot and 150-foot levels.
- Metallurgical testwork on vein and remnant mineralisation is advancing alongside the underground exploration.
Orleans Mine Demonstrates Vertical Continuity of High-Grade Gold and Silver Mineralisation Across Two Levels
Nelson Resources' recent update confirms that high-grade gold and silver mineralisation at Orleans Mine extends vertically across two underground levels, establishing continuity within the deposit. The exceptional 400-foot level channel sample of 113.5 grams per tonne gold and 119 grams per tonne silver over 1.83 metres represents the highest grade from Nelson's systematic underground sampling to date. This sample was taken across the exposed width of the principal hematite-quartz breccia vein fault approximately 10 metres below the previously reported 300-foot level results.
The 300-foot level had earlier produced significant intercepts, including 77.3 grams per tonne gold and 102 grams per tonne silver over 3.0 metres, alongside 10.3 grams per tonne gold with an outstanding 3,840 grams per tonne silver over the same length. The vertical separation and consistent high grades support the geological model of a structurally controlled vein system capable of economic precious metals extraction rather than isolated high-grade pockets. This vertical continuity is critical for resource definition and metallurgical planning.
Comprehensive 160-Metre Strike Sampling Reveals Structural Controls on Grade Distribution
Nelson completed a detailed sampling program along the 400-foot level to assess grade variability and structural controls along the fault zone. Twenty-two vertical channel samples were collected approximately every 6 to 10 metres where safe, with sample lengths ranging from 1.1 to 2.2 metres, covering about 160 metres of strike on the principal vein fault.
The sampling highlighted a consistent correlation between highest gold and silver grades and brecciated quartz structures and subsidiary faults within the main Orleans vein fault. This structural control, previously observed at the 300-foot level, is reinforced by the 400-foot level data. The top-grade sample (113.5g/t Au, 119g/t Ag) was linked to these brecciated quartz zones, alongside other notable results such as 3.15g/t Au and 44.4g/t Ag over 1.98 metres, and 2.08g/t Au and 28.1g/t Ag over 1.14 metres. These insights enable Nelson to refine targeting and enhance the three-dimensional geological model of the vein system.
Planned Underground Diamond Drilling to Test Vein Extensions and Unmined Intervals
Building on the channel sampling and structural mapping, Nelson plans up to 15 diamond core holes at Orleans using a Bazooka drill rig. This underground drilling program aims to test multiple targets identified through recent work, including vein extensions approximately 40 metres beyond current workings, to determine if high-grade mineralisation persists beyond known limits.
Notably, about 70 metres of unmined vein between the 300-foot and 150-foot levels remains outside existing development and historic mining, representing a significant exploration target. The drilling will also evaluate remnant mineralisation adjacent to historic stopes to assess if high-grade zones remain within pillars or unexploited areas. The refined structural model will guide hole orientation to maximise the chance of intersecting high-grade mineralisation.
Gold Point Project's Historic Mining Heritage and Nelson's Exploration Focus
The Gold Point Project lies within Nevada, a region with a rich history of gold and silver mining. Orleans Mine is a key asset within this district, encompassing multiple historic claims and workings with proven precious metals potential. Nelson's approach involves modern exploration techniques, systematic sampling, and geological modelling to define economic resources for potential future mining.
Nelson operates as an exploration and development company focused on identifying and characterising mineral deposits through detailed fieldwork, sampling, and drilling. The Orleans Mine exemplifies this strategy, with underground rehabilitation and comprehensive sampling programs to understand mineralisation geometry, grade distribution, and structural controls. The company is equipped to conduct diamond drilling and metallurgical testing internally or via contractors, facilitating swift progression from discovery to resource definition.
Concurrent Metallurgical Testwork Supports Future Mining Viability
Nelson announced that metallurgical testing of vein and remnant mineralisation from Orleans is underway alongside the underground exploration program. This integrated approach is vital for assessing the technical and economic feasibility of future mining operations. Metallurgical studies evaluate gold and silver recovery rates, optimal processing methods, operating costs, and potential challenges related to deleterious elements or environmental factors.
Starting metallurgical work during exploration allows integration of results into mine planning and resource estimation. The high-grade mineralisation, brecciated quartz structures, and elevated silver values—including the bonanza 3,840g/t Ag intercept—may impact processing strategies and concentrate quality. Outcomes will be critical for future economic assessments or feasibility studies if development progresses.
Structural Model Enhancements Advance 3D Geological Understanding of Orleans Vein
Nelson is refining the structural geological model of Orleans vein using channel sampling data and historic mining records to develop an improved three-dimensional representation. The consistent association of high-grade mineralisation with brecciated quartz zones within the hematite-quartz breccia vein fault emerged as a key finding from sampling at both 300-foot and 400-foot levels. Internal brecciation and subsidiary faults are important controls on precious metal distribution.
Management stated that "results continue to build confidence that Orleans hosts a broadly structurally controlled vein system rather than isolated high-grade occurrences," with a focus on "systematically mapping and sampling the vein to define these high-grade positions and incorporate them into a robust three-dimensional model." This enhanced understanding is "directly guiding the upcoming diamond drilling program," marking a progression from sampling to targeted drilling in the exploration sequence.
Bonanza Silver Grades and Multi-Element Geochemistry Highlight Mineralisation Complexity
While gold grades have been central, Orleans mineralisation also includes exceptional silver values. The 300-foot level returned 10.3g/t gold with a remarkable 3,840g/t silver over 3.0 metres, significantly enhancing the deposit's precious metals content. The 400-foot level results showed 113.5g/t gold with 119g/t silver, confirming consistent gold-silver association.
The company's announcement appendix includes complete assay results from the 22 channel samples on the 400-foot level, along with multi-element geochemical data for arsenic, lead, and antimony. These pathfinder elements provide insights into mineralisation style, alteration, and processing considerations. Elevated arsenic, lead, and antimony levels align with epithermal or mesothermal vein systems typical of Nevada. The highest-grade sample also contained 1,075 ppm arsenic, 2,390 ppm lead, and 192 ppm antimony, underscoring the importance of element associations for understanding mineralisation at Orleans.
Unmined Vein Intervals and Historic Stopes Present Key Exploration Targets
Orleans Mine has a history of underground mining, with historic stopes representing previously extracted zones. Nelson is targeting both vein extensions beyond historic workings and potential remnant mineralisation within stope areas. Approximately 70 metres of interpreted vein between the 300-foot and 150-foot levels remains unmined and outside current development, offering a substantial exploration opportunity.
Historic stopes may contain remnant mineralisation left due to selective mining, operational constraints, or incomplete extraction. Structural zones adjacent to stopes may host high-grade mineralisation not fully exploited. The 400-foot level sampling confirmed high-grade mineralisation below the 300-foot level, indicating the vein continues down-dip. Combined with the unmined 70-metre interval up-dip, Orleans represents a significant exploration and development target with both extensional and infill drilling potential.
Gold Point Project Development Roadmap and Upcoming Milestones
Nelson Resources is advancing the Gold Point Project and Orleans Mine through defined exploration and evaluation phases. Systematic underground rehabilitation and channel sampling on two levels have improved the structural geological model. The next major milestone is commencing the underground diamond drilling program with a Bazooka drill rig, targeting 15 core holes to test vein extensions, unmined intervals, and high-grade structural targets identified by recent work.
Drilling results will provide core for detailed geological logging, structural analysis, and metallurgical testing. Positive outcomes would support resource estimation and further evaluation toward potential development. Concurrent metallurgical testing ensures momentum across exploration and technical fronts, positioning Orleans Mine for continued advancement in the coming months and quarters.