Kalkine: ASX 200 Mining Watch: Provenance Identifies Diorite, Shale at Sunday Hill Prospect

Highlights

• Provenance Gold (CSE:PAU) to focus on unexplored contact zones at Sunday Hill within Eldorado East Project

• Diorite and black carbonaceous shale identified as key geological features linked to mineral precipitation

• Initial drill pads selected; magnetic drone survey and permitting process underway

Provenance Gold (CSE:PAU), a mineral exploration company, continues to advance its gold exploration efforts within Malheur County, Oregon. The company's focus is currently on the Eldorado East Project, where it has identified significant geological formations at the Sunday Hill prospect. Provenance’s exploration is centred on diorite and black carbonaceous shale, believed to be associated with rapid precipitation of minerals. The project lies in a historically active mining area, once evaluated by Capri Resources, and contributes to the broader exploration sentiment in the sector that aligns with broader commodity-linked movements across indices like the ASX 200.

Geological Findings Define Next Exploration Steps

Sampling conducted on the Sunday Hill ridge included the collection of surface material and selected rocks over multiple stretches. Provenance reports that these samples were designed to assess mineral content and structure interaction across varying compositions. Although results are pending, initial observations point to the interaction between diorite intrusions and black shale as geologically significant.

Geologists involved in the exploration suggest that thermal activity may have migrated from diorite bodies toward the north, influencing mineral deposition patterns. The fractured zone along the contact boundary is of particular interest due to its structural complexity and historical significance. Field teams highlighted that the geological behaviour supports further subsurface assessment.

Surface and Subsurface Mapping Advances

The surrounding Mormon Basin and valley bottoms within the project area have undergone previous placer mining. These activities, spanning uplands and lowlands, left behind layers that obscure subsurface features. To resolve this, Provenance plans to deploy a drone magnetic survey, which will provide geophysical insight beneath the placer deposits. This non-invasive approach is expected to enhance mapping accuracy before drilling commences.

In preparation for more detailed exploration, Provenance has identified multiple drill pad locations across Sunday Hill and nearby targets. Permit applications are underway, forming a part of the pre-drill procedural requirements. Once approved, the company intends to initiate its inaugural drill program at the site.

Operational Scope and Historical Background

The Eldorado Project includes the historical Sunday Hill Mine, an area known for its near-surface gold-bearing zones identified during the 1980s. While historical exploration was limited in scope, recent activity has reignited interest in the region. The area is defined by layered geological sequences that make it suitable for structured exploration under modern survey methodologies.

Provenance Gold's exploration philosophy integrates field observation with geophysical imaging. The approach is designed to minimise environmental disturbance while improving understanding of subsurface formations. Ongoing work in both Eldorado East and West projects reflects the company’s broader regional focus.

Project Expansion and Strategic Direction

Alongside the progress at Sunday Hill, Provenance Gold’s leadership has indicated that this project represents one of the most promising expansions within its portfolio. The company is balancing its ongoing development at Eldorado West while shifting exploration resources toward newly identified contact zones.

With the submission of permit applications and the upcoming drone survey, exploration at Sunday Hill is entering its next phase. The geological team continues to assess key rock units and thermal alterations, refining the site’s framework for future drilling campaigns. As activities progress, Provenance remains focused on structured advancement across its mineral assets.