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Highlights
Patronus Resources outlines maiden exploration target at Merlin within the Mertondale East Shear Zone
RC drilling results indicate shallow gold intercepts with structural continuity
Geological modelling supports further drilling to extend mineralised strike length
Patronus Resources Ltd (ASX:PTN), listed on the ASX 300, has introduced its maiden exploration target at the Merlin Prospect, part of its wholly-owned Cardinia Gold Project in Western Australia. The Merlin area lies within the highly mineralised Mertondale East Shear Zone, a corridor already hosting several known resources, including the adjacent Mertondale 3-4 deposit.
This initial exploration target focuses on a stretch located just north of an established resource base and supports the company's focus on identifying high-grade mineralisation within structurally rich terrains.
Recent Drilling Highlights Continuity of Mineralisation
Recent Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling at Merlin has returned multiple gold intercepts in near-surface locations. The drill holes include intervals that intersect broad zones of gold mineralisation. These complement historical results, which had previously reported high-grade gold intervals from the same area. The drilling has confirmed that mineralisation extends over a significant distance and remains open in several directions.
The Merlin gold system has demonstrated structural features similar to the Mertondale 3-4 pit, previously mined by Navigator Resources. Notably, felsic porphyry intrusions along the shear zone are closely associated with higher-grade gold, aligning with the broader geological trends of the region.
Exploration Modelling Based on Extensive Drilling Data
The current exploration target is built upon data from more than forty drill holes over a strike length exceeding a kilometre. Geological modelling incorporated lithological interpretations and mineralised intercepts, applying consistent density assumptions from neighbouring deposits. The use of Leapfrog Geo software has enabled a conservative yet geologically robust estimate.
The exploration model confirms that the mineralisation at Merlin shares characteristics with known deposits along the Mertondale trend. Structural controls and porphyry intrusions appear to play key roles in hosting the mineralised zones.
Forward Work Includes Metallurgical Testing and Additional Drilling
Patronus Resources has announced plans to conduct further RC drilling and metallurgical studies during the next quarter. The drilling will target extensions along strike to the north and south of the Merlin Prospect, with historical intercepts already indicating gold anomalies further along the corridor.
Additionally, the exploration program will focus on zones around Merton’s Reward, aiming to understand the continuity of the Mertondale East Shear Zone, which stretches across several kilometres and remains underexplored. The geological setting and mineralisation style offer scope for expanding the gold footprint within this structurally complex and mineral-rich district
