Barton Gold launches major drilling campaign at historic Tarcoola site
Barton Gold (ASX: BGD) (OTCQB: BGDFF) has returned to the historic high-grade Tarcoola gold field in South Australia for a new drilling campaign.
The reverse circulation (RC) program covering approximately 7,000 metres will continue through to the end of June 2024 as Barton looks to follow the success of recent exploration programs at Tarcoola.
This follows the 1,688m RC drilling campaign recently completed in the open pit Perseverance mine, which Barton undertook to examine the potential to extend the known mineralisation in the heart of the historic project.
Multiple priority targets
Managing director Alex Scanlon said the latest drilling will focus on multiple priority targets adjacent to Perseverance and Barton’s ‘Western Targets’ area that includes Tolmer, Mulgathing, Dark Hill and Warburton.
“We are excited to start systematically testing these newly identified structures,” Mr Scanlon said.
“With the neighboring 1.5 million-ounce Tunkillia project entering scoping studies for a large-scale development, the economic contribution of nearby high-grade blending feed could be substantial.”
“Additionally, even a modest initial base of mineralisation could potentially support earlier Stage 1 operations, leveraging Barton’s existing Central Gawler mill.”
Scoping studies underway
Barton’s scoping studies currently in progress at the nearby Tunkillia project are part of plans that could see it commercialise its two historic South Australian gold discoveries.
Experienced mining consultancy firms GR Engineering Services and Mining Associates have been named to lead the detailed scoping study for Tunkillia that will include mine design, production scheduling, process plant, tailings storage, equipment, personnel and supporting infrastructure.
Barton also plans to follow up the study with a review of all technical data to determine the forward work program required to complete a pre-feasibility study.
The commencement of the Tunkillia scoping study comes after the project surpassed 1.5Moz earlier this year.
Market support
Investor interest in the Tarcoola and Tunkillia projects was highlighted recently when a share purchase plan (SPP) closed early due to strong support.
The SPP received applications significantly exceeding the targeted amount of $1 million following robust early demand.
This followed the successful completion of Barton’s $3m share placement earlier in the month.