Striking Gold: Thunderbird Resources Uncovers High-Grade Gold Across Kookabookra Project
Thunderbird Resources (ASX: THB) has revealed exceptional high-grade gold and antimony results from its ongoing sampling program at the 100%-owned Kookabookra Project in New South Wales, reinforcing the significant potential of this historically underexplored region.
Multiple High-Grade Gold Discoveries Highlight Project Potential
Recent surface sampling has confirmed the presence of high-grade gold mineralisation across several new prospects within the Thunderbird Resources Kookabookra Project. The standout results include:
- Columbo prospect: Exceptional grades up to 32.1 g/t gold
- Germans Reef: Impressive 20.7 g/t gold
- Bear Hill prospect: Strong results of 11.65 g/t gold
- Nuggety Gully Reef: Solid grades of 4.52 g/t gold
These results come from the latest batch of 39 rock chip and grab samples collected from various locations across the project area, including from previously undocumented historical mine workings.
"The Company has once again received very high-grade gold assay results from its ongoing sampling program, adding further momentum to our field exploration efforts and reinforcing the significant potential we see at Kookabookra," said Thunderbird Executive Chairman George Ventouras.
LiDAR Survey Reveals Extensive Historical Mining Activity
One of the most significant developments has been the completion of a LiDAR data interpretation, which has identified an impressive 428 historical mine workings across the project area, including:
- 40 adits (horizontal mine entrances)
- 40 shafts (vertical mine entrances)
- 348 shallow prospecting pits
- 228 trenches
Most of these workings have never been documented before, highlighting the untapped potential of the area. The first phase of on-ground follow-up has already been completed, with 79 samples collected and submitted for assay.
Geophysical Survey Completed to Define Drill Targets
An Induced Polarisation/Resistivity (IP) survey has been completed at the Mt Secret and Mannix prospects to define new drill targets. This geophysical technique is commonly used for intrusion-related gold system (IRGS) exploration, where mineralisation is associated with disseminated sulphides and quartz veining.
Final results and interpretation from this survey are expected before the end of July and will be crucial in planning the company's maiden drilling program at Thunderbird Resources Kookabookra Project. In addition, geophysical surveys for sulphide deposits have proven to be effective tools in identifying mineralisation in similar geological settings.
Understanding Intrusion-Related Gold Systems
Intrusion-Related Gold Systems (IRGS) are a distinct class of gold deposits typically associated with granitic rock bodies that have pushed into surrounding rocks. At Kookabookra, gold mineralisation shows the telltale signatures of IRGS, with the presence of specific elements alongside gold:
- Arsenic: Commonly found with gold in these systems
- Bismuth: A useful indicator element for IRGS deposits
- Tellurium: Often associated with gold in certain deposit types
This style of mineralisation can be particularly valuable as it often forms predictable patterns around intrusive bodies, making exploration more systematic once the geological controls are understood. The geological setting at Kookabookra shares similarities with the Timbarra gold deposit located 100km to the north.
The identification of this particular deposit type helps Thunderbird Resources develop a more targeted exploration approach, focusing on areas where gold concentrations are most likely to occur.
Clear Path Forward with Multiple Exploration Programs
Thunderbird has outlined a clear strategy to advance the Kookabookra Project:
- Complete interpretation of the recent IP survey by the end of July
- Submit drill permit applications in late July
- Conduct follow-up work at Bear Hill/Butchers Reef including soil and stream sediment sampling
- Expand geochemical soil sampling at the Mannix area and the new Columbo prospect
- Launch maiden drilling program in Q3/Q4 2025
The company is progressing multiple work programs in parallel, which will help identify and prioritize targets for the upcoming drilling campaign. Similarly, other companies like Hammer Metals have identified IOCG alteration systems in their projects, showing the industry-wide focus on identifying promising mineralisation patterns.
"We believe we could be on the cusp of a significant discovery given the amount of historical workings that have been identified, the high value gold samples we are generating, and the significant pipeline of prospects we are establishing for drill testing," noted Executive Chairman George Ventouras.
Portfolio Optimization Underway
Beyond Kookabookra, Thunderbird is streamlining its project portfolio to focus on its highest-value assets:
- Joint venture partner Mustang Energy Corporation has commenced exploration at the Surprise Creek Uranium-Copper Project in Canada's Athabasca Basin
- The company is actively seeking expressions of interest for its remaining uranium projects
- Thunderbird has notified Firetail Resources Ltd of its intention to withdraw from the Picha Project in Peru, converting its interest to a 1% royalty
This strategic approach allows Thunderbird to concentrate its resources on the highly prospective NSW projects while maintaining upside exposure to other assets. Furthermore, YEV Minerals' drilling program in Leonora demonstrates a similar strategic focus that many junior explorers are adopting.
Why Investors Should Follow Thunderbird Resources Kookabookra Project
Thunderbird Resources represents a compelling investment proposition for several key reasons:
- Multiple high-grade gold discoveries across a historically underexplored region
- Extensive historical workings (428 identified) suggest significant untapped potential
- Systematic exploration approach combining geophysics, geochemistry, and geological mapping
- Near-term catalysts with drilling planned for Q3/Q4 2025
- Strategic portfolio management focusing resources on highest-potential assets
The ongoing exploration at the Thunderbird Resources Kookabookra Project has already delivered promising results, with surface sampling confirming high-grade gold mineralisation at multiple locations. The systematic approach being taken by the company, along with the wealth of historical workings identified, suggests there is substantial untapped potential in this historically underexplored region.
With a focused strategy, promising early results, and multiple upcoming catalysts, Thunderbird Resources is positioning itself as a company that serious mining investors should keep on their watchlist. Companies utilizing advanced survey techniques for new target zones like Thunderbird are often at the forefront of discovery opportunities in the mining sector.
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