Gold Exploration Breakthrough at Stavely's Victorian Project Sets Stage for Aggressive Drilling Campaign
Stavely Minerals Limited (ASX: SVY) has delivered compelling results from gold exploration at Stavely Minerals Ltd through its 100%-owned Stavely Copper-Gold Project in western Victoria. Strong soil auger sampling and remarkable rock chip assays have paved the way for an imminent Phase 3 RC drilling programme, with the company identifying a second parallel zone of gold anomalism at Fairview South.
Rock chip sampling has returned exceptional gold grades, with standout results including 25.60g/t Au from gossanous material in siltstone. Furthermore, results of 8.79g/t Au from weathered quartz vein material and 4.49g/t Au from altered siltstone demonstrate the robust mineralisation potential of this emerging gold discovery.
These results, combined with earlier outstanding drill results of 40m at 1.96g/t gold from surface in hole SFSRC001, significantly expand the prospect's potential footprint.
Discovery Gains Momentum with Multiple High-Grade Intercepts
The exploration success builds on Stavely's earlier breakthrough at Fairview South, where RC drill-hole SFSRC001 delivered outstanding assay results. However, the most impressive intercept remains 40m at 1.96g/t gold from surface (with maximum 4m internal dilution at 0.20g/t gold cut-off).
In addition, the drilling programme produced 17m at 4.18g/t gold from 9m down-hole and 9m at 7.15g/t gold from 9m down-hole. For instance, the exceptional grade of 1m at 49.2g/t gold from 10m down-hole established Fairview South as a priority target.
The latest soil auger programme now indicates potential for a second parallel zone of gold mineralisation to the west of the original discovery area.
High-Grade Rock Chip Results Extend Strike Length
Recent reconnaissance mapping and float rock-chip sampling south of SFSRC001 has extended the prospect up to 600m further south based on gold and trace element geochemistry. Moreover, the programme delivered multiple +1g/t gold assays from gossanous float material.
| Sample Type | Grade (g/t Au) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gossan w/ boxworks | 25.60 | Hosted in siltstone |
| Weathered quartz vein | 8.79 | Gossan w/boxworks in altered volcanic rock |
| Weathered quartz vein | 4.49 | Gossan w/boxworks in altered siltstone |
| Quartz vein fragments | 1.78 | Collection of quartz vein and gossan fragments |
| Gossan w/ boxworks | 1.46 | In altered siltstone |
| Quartz veined material | 1.13 | Iron-rich volcanic rock |
An additional eight float rock-chip samples returned anomalous assays above 0.1g/t gold, further supporting the continuity and extent of the mineralisation system.
Understanding Low-Sulfidation Epithermal Gold Systems
Low-sulfidation epithermal gold deposits represent one of the most economically significant styles of gold mineralisation globally. These systems form in relatively shallow crustal environments through the circulation of hot, metal-bearing fluids.
These systems typically develop within 1-2 kilometres of the surface, making them highly attractive exploration targets due to their accessibility. Furthermore, they offer potential for bulk-tonnage mining operations, with gold mineralisation occurring in quartz veins and broken rock zones.
The mineralisation is often accompanied by characteristic alteration minerals including adularia (low-temperature potassium feldspar), sericite, and carbonate minerals.
Key Indicators at Fairview South
At Fairview South, the presence of adularia, banded quartz vein textures, and carbonate dissolution features indicates the classic hallmarks of this deposit style. Additionally, the pale yellow sphalerite observed in conjunction with adularia provides further evidence of the low-temperature, low-sulfidation epithermal environment.
Why This Matters for Investors: Low-sulfidation epithermal systems can host multi-million-ounce gold resources and are typically amenable to conventional mining and processing methods. The metallurgical testing completed by Stavely has already demonstrated over 80% gold recovery through low-cost column/heap leach processing.
Immediate Drilling Campaign to Test Multiple Targets
Stavely has confirmed that an RC drill rig is expected to mobilise to site later this week to commence the Phase 3 drilling programme. However, the campaign will focus on two priority areas with distinct objectives.
Fairview South Extensions
The primary focus includes:
- Testing the 600m southern extension identified through soil auger and rock chip sampling
- Evaluating the newly identified second parallel zone of gold mineralisation
- Following up on the exceptional shallow gold intercepts from SFSRC001
S41 Breccia-Hosted Gold Target
The secondary target involves:
- Reconnaissance RC drilling at the large-scale S41 hydrothermal system
- In-fill drilling to a 200m x 200m collar pattern in crop-free areas
- Testing what management describes as having "significant gold discovery potential"
"We are excited to get back on the ground with an RC drill rig to test the southern extensions to the wide zone of shallow gold mineralisation intersected earlier this year… The Fairview South gold prospect sits in a very favourable structural position and appears to be located on the margins of a large magnetic feature on a gravity low – interpreted to reflect a buried intrusion," stated Chris Cairns, Executive Chair and Managing Director.
Investment Thesis: Multi-Target Gold Discovery in Victoria's Golden Triangle
Gold exploration at Stavely Minerals Ltd presents a compelling investment opportunity in Victoria's emerging Stavely Arc, a region increasingly recognised for its significant mineral potential. The company's 100% ownership of the Stavely Copper-Gold Project provides complete exposure to any discovery upside without dilution from joint venture partners.
Key Investment Drivers
Proven High-Grade Gold System
- Multiple intercepts exceeding 1g/t gold over significant widths
- Surface expressions extending over 600m strike length
- Shallow mineralisation starting from surface in SFSRC001
Advanced Metallurgical Understanding
- Over 80% gold recovery demonstrated through heap leach testing
- Low-cost processing pathway established
- Very low base metal and mercury grades minimise processing complications
Large-Scale Exploration Upside
- S41 target described as "large-scale gold discovery opportunity"
- Multiple parallel mineralised zones identified
- Early-stage exploration with significant blue-sky potential
| Key Metrics | Fairview South | S41 Target |
|---|---|---|
| Best Intercept | 40m @ 1.96g/t Au | Under evaluation |
| Strike Length | 600m+ | Large hydrothermal system |
| Development Stage | Phase 3 drilling | Reconnaissance drilling |
| Processing Method | Heap leach proven | To be determined |
Why Should Investors Monitor Stavely Minerals Closely?
Gold exploration at Stavely Minerals Ltd has systematically advanced from initial soil sampling to high-grade drill intersections and proven metallurgy within a short timeframe. This demonstrates the efficiency of their exploration approach and positions the company favourably in Victoria's stable mining jurisdiction.
The immediate mobilisation of drilling equipment positions the company to rapidly advance both the Fairview South extensions and the S41 target. Consequently, this creates multiple near-term catalysts for share price appreciation whilst gold prices remain elevated.
Furthermore, increasing focus on domestic Australian gold production enhances the attractiveness of Stavely's Victorian gold discovery. The combination of shallow, high-grade gold mineralisation, proven processing metallurgy, and large-scale exploration upside makes Stavely Minerals a standout opportunity in the Australian gold exploration sector.
Gold exploration at Stavely Minerals Ltd has positioned the company as a major discovery story in Victoria's emerging gold province. With exceptional shallow gold grades, proven processing methods, and multiple high-priority targets, investors should monitor developments closely as the company advances toward what could be a significant gold discovery.
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