Gold project grows bigger as drilling work finishes

Highlights

• Expansion of Zelica Gold Project extends prospective mineralised corridor
• Strategic acquisition targets northern extensions of known gold structures
• Phase 2 drilling programme completed to explore depth and strike extensions

Strata Minerals (ASX:SMX) extends the Zelica Gold Project corridor with a strategic tenement and completes Phase 2 drilling, targeting depth and strike extensions of established mineralisation.

Strata Minerals operates within the gold exploration sector, focusing on prospective areas in Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields. The company recently announced the expansion of its Zelica Gold Project through the acquisition of a tenement immediately north of the existing project boundary. This addition extends the prospective gold-mineralised corridor to approximately 9.5 kilometres, increasing coverage of known geological structures that host gold mineralisation.

The Eastern Goldfields region is recognised for its prolific gold endowment, with several major deposits in proximity exceeding one million ounces of gold. The newly acquired ground is interpreted to contain extensions of key gold-bearing structures, creating multiple untested targets along strike that could support further exploration activity within the project area.

Tenement Acquisition and Project Expansion

The acquisition of the northern tenement adds strategic continuity to the Zelica Gold Project. The extended corridor now incorporates potential extensions of mineralised zones previously identified in earlier drilling campaigns. Geological mapping suggests the tenement contains structural and lithological features similar to those hosting high-grade gold mineralisation in the existing project area.

By increasing the strike length of the project, Strata Minerals (ASX:SMX) enhances coverage of the high-grade corridor and strengthens the exploration framework. The integration of the new tenement into ongoing exploration programmes allows for systematic targeting of extensions and potential repeat mineralised zones.

Phase 2 Drilling Programme

The company recently completed its Phase 2 reverse circulation drilling programme, comprising seventeen holes for over two thousand metres. This programme was designed to test both depth extensions and strike extensions of a known high-grade zone spanning approximately one kilometre.

Phase 2 followed a maiden drilling campaign that demonstrated shallow, high-grade mineralisation, with most holes intersecting consistent gold grades. Historical results included intervals such as ten metres at over three grams per tonne from shallow depths, and three-metre intersections exceeding four grams per tonne, highlighting the presence of concentrated mineralisation near surface.

The Phase 2 drilling targeted areas beyond the initial high-grade zone, including regions suggested by geological modelling to extend mineralised structures along strike. These efforts aim to evaluate continuity at depth and across lateral extensions of the ore body. Assay results are expected within the coming weeks, providing data to guide subsequent exploration planning.

Geological Potential of the Zelica Corridor

The Zelica Gold Project benefits from the broader geological setting of the Eastern Goldfields, where multiple orogenic-style gold deposits occur along structurally controlled corridors. The northern extension includes lithologies and structural orientations consistent with high-grade mineralised zones, enhancing the likelihood of encountering additional mineralisation in untested areas.

Exploration activity focuses on defining extensions of gold-bearing structures, establishing continuity along strike, and identifying high-priority drill targets. The recent drilling campaign emphasises testing the vertical and horizontal limits of mineralisation, with the aim of improving understanding of the project’s geological framework.

Strategic Importance of Regional Position

The project’s location within fifty kilometres of several major gold deposits provides context for the exploration potential of the acquired tenement. Proximity to existing mines and historical workings suggests that the area may host additional mineralised zones with similar characteristics to the established high-grade corridor.

By extending the project corridor and integrating new tenement data, Strata Minerals (ASX:SMX) strengthens its regional footprint. The combination of historical results, structural mapping, and recent drilling supports a systematic approach to identifying and testing prospective targets.

Anticipated Data and Next Steps

Assay results from the Phase 2 drilling programme are expected to be reported within four to six weeks. These results will provide insights into the depth and lateral continuity of mineralisation and inform potential follow-up exploration strategies, including targeted infill and extension drilling.

The integration of the new tenement and completion of Phase 2 drilling position the project for continued exploration in a region with a history of gold endowment. Subsequent work will likely focus on refining geological models, updating resource frameworks, and evaluating additional areas within the extended corridor for further exploration potential.