Haranga Resources (ASX: HAR) has mobilised a Gen II underground diamond drill rig to its wholly owned Lincoln gold project in California.
The drill rig arrived on site on 27 November, with underground drilling scheduled to begin on the nightshift of 28 November following completion of site preparation and contractor onboarding.
The company said the program marks a significant step toward converting the project’s historical foreign estimate into a JORC-compliant mineral resource.
Resource Conversion and Exploration Growth
The planned program will include approximately 2,600 metres of HQ-sized drilling across 25 holes, with flexibility to expand the scope if early results warrant.
The program’s primary objective is to convert the existing 958,910 tonnes at 9.29 grams per tonne gold foreign estimate into a JORC-compliant mineral resource by late January 2026.
Haranga also intends to assess the potential to apply a lower cut-off grade during the conversion process, taking into account the current gold price environment.
A series of deeper holes will target structural repetitions and extensions beneath the current estimate, aiming to expand the known mineralised footprint.
Managing director Peter Batten said the commencement reflects a “concerted effort by the Lincoln mine crew” that provides the first opportunity in more than 40 years to test for new high-grade repetitions at depth.
Dewatering and Site Access
Ongoing dewatering of the 880m Stringbean Alley Decline – essential for unlocking deeper drill platforms – is progressing at the maximum permitted rate of 58,000 gallons per day.
Heavy rainfall earlier in the month restricted discharge windows and caused a slight delay to mobilisation, but access to the Mine Refuge chamber at XC4 is now in sight.
Haranga said dewatering will continue in parallel with drilling, with collar access advancing as water levels drop.
A major underground electrical system upgrade is substantially complete, including installation of 4,160-volt switchgear and a refurbished 300-kilovolt-ampere mobile power centre at XC2.
Other infrastructure recovery and access improvements will continue alongside the drilling program.
