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Highlights:
- Pantoro (ASX:PNR) identifies significant high-grade gold zones at Scotia Underground Mine.
- Drilling results suggest potential expansion beyond current ore reserves.
- Steady production ramp-up aims for 200,000+ ounces annually in the medium term.
Pantoro (ASX:PNR) has made a breakthrough at the Scotia Underground Mine, part of its Norseman Gold Project in Western Australia, with fresh drilling results revealing extensive high-grade gold zones. These results highlight the strong potential for mine plan expansion, supporting the company's broader strategy to scale up production.
Recent grade control drilling has confirmed significant high-grade mineralization both inside and outside the existing ore reserves. Some of the standout intersections include 16.51 meters at 12.09 g/t gold, 4.51 meters at 23.57 g/t gold, 0.33 meters at an impressive 143.08 g/t gold, and 1.19 meters at 32.74 g/t gold. These numbers reinforce Scotia’s potential as a long-life, large-scale underground operation.
Steady Transition Towards Production
Pantoro has set its sights on transitioning Scotia from a development-focused site to a full-scale production-driven mine. The company is on track to achieve steady-state operations by the end of March 2025.
Currently, ramp-up activities are in full swing, with stope drilling in progress to ensure a consistent flow of drilled stock. Grade control drilling is also ongoing in key areas scheduled for near-term development. Additionally, the company is gearing up to expand its exploration efforts as more underground drilling platforms become available.
According to the company, the Scotia mine plays a pivotal role in its long-term strategy, aiming to push total production beyond 200,000 ounces per year. The presence of mineralization beyond current ore reserves further strengthens the confidence in Scotia’s long-term growth prospects.
Extending Beyond Known Reserves
Drilling efforts have provided valuable insights into previously unexplored areas, with results indicating high-grade mineralization both above and below the historical mining voids. Particularly promising are the strike extensions to the south, where development drilling over a 70-meter stretch has revealed consistent high-grade deposits. This section was not part of previous ore reserve estimates, suggesting that the mine’s resource base could be significantly larger than initially projected.
With substantial grade control drilling still to be completed, Pantoro remains optimistic about uncovering further high-grade intersections. The company continues to advance its exploration and development strategies to unlock Scotia’s full potential.
As operations progress, the Norseman Gold Project is set to become a key driver in the company’s broader push toward increased gold production, solidifying its position in the Australian mining landscape.
