Highlights:
AuKing Mining Ltd outlines drilling plans at Cloncurry Gold Project in Queensland.
The company collaborates with Orion Resources Pty Ltd for asset development.
The program will assess mineral resources, gold recovery methods, and expansion areas.
AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX:AKN) is advancing its Cloncurry Gold Project in northern Queensland with a structured drilling program aimed at restarting gold production at the Mt Freda deposit. This initiative aligns with the broader strategy of revitalizing mining operations in the region.
Strategic Collaboration and Asset Acquisition
A recent agreement with Orion Resources Pty Ltd allows AuKing Mining Ltd to gain an interest in the project. This partnership facilitates a detailed drilling initiative designed to enhance mineral resource confidence, evaluate metallurgical performance, and explore further gold-bearing zones.
Drilling Program Objectives
Orion will lead a drilling campaign to refine mineral resource assessments and determine the best processing methods for extracted material. The work plan includes core sampling and recovery testing, crucial for selecting the optimal approach for ore treatment. The project will evaluate whether to utilize existing VAT leach facilities at Mt Freda or transport material to a nearby carbon-in-leach (CIL) plant for enhanced recovery.
Resource Expansion and Future Prospects
The program also aims to examine deeper mineralization and potential extensions within the Mt Freda open pit. Additional drilling at nearby prospects, including Mt Scheelite and Little Duke, is expected to provide further resource insights.
Mining Legacy and Project Progress
Mt Freda has a history of gold production and is central to Orion’s efforts to restart operations. The drilling plan, expected to commence upon the completion of Orion’s asset acquisition, will contribute to a revised mineral resource estimate, supporting the development of the project.
The collaboration between AuKing Mining Ltd and Orion Resources marks a step forward in advancing gold mining activities in the Cloncurry region, contributing to the continued growth of mining stocks in the sector.