Rumble Resources Kicks Off Major Diamond Drilling Program at Western Queen Gold-Tungsten Project
Ambitious 20,000m Diamond Drilling Campaign Targets Resource Expansion
Rumble Resources (ASX: RTR) has commenced a significant diamond drilling program at its Western Queen Gold-Tungsten Project, with up to 20,000 meters planned to target high-grade extensions to existing deposits. The company has engaged DDH1 Drilling, which has already mobilized one diamond rig with a second to follow in mid-October.
The program's primary objective is to grow the current gold Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 370,000 ounces at 3.1g/t Au by targeting down-plunge extensions at the Western Queen South and Central deposits. Simultaneously, the company aims to upgrade portions of the existing resource from the Inferred to Indicated category.
"We are delighted that DDH1 has been able to mobilise a rig so quickly and get this major drill program underway," said Peter Harold, Managing Director and CEO. "The program has three main aims which are to discover more gold resources down-plunge of the known resources, upgrade some of the existing Inferred Resources into the Indicated category, and discover more high-grade tungsten resources."
Multiple Strategic Objectives Define Ambitious Drilling Campaign
The comprehensive drilling program has been designed with five key objectives:
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Discover More Gold Resources: Target high-grade, down-plunge extensions to grow the current gold MRE of 3.72Mt @ 3.1g/t Au for 370,000 oz
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Resource Category Upgrade: Infill drilling at Western Queen South (currently 2.32Mt @ 2.66g/t Au for 198,900 oz) to convert Inferred to Indicated Resources
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Expand Tungsten Resources: Grow the recently announced maiden tungsten MRE of 4.31Mt @ 0.31% WO3 for 13.2Kt WO3, which includes a high-grade component of 1.44Mt @ 0.51% WO3 for 7.4Kt WO3
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Geotechnical Assessment: Two holes dedicated to understanding ground conditions where underground portal and decline are proposed
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Metallurgical Confirmation: Selected holes will provide samples for metallurgical testing to validate previously achieved high gold recoveries of +93%
Dual-Asset Development Strategy Shows Promise
The Western Queen Project represents a compelling opportunity for Rumble with its dual gold-tungsten mineralisation. The gold resource is substantial with a grade significantly above the industry average for Australian gold deposits.
What makes the project particularly interesting is the recent discovery of significant tungsten mineralisation that occurs in parallel lodes to the gold. The tungsten resource has already reached an impressive 13,200 tonnes of WO3 at a grade of 0.31%, including high-grade zones of 0.51% WO3.
This dual-commodity approach potentially enhances the project's economics, with tungsten being classified as a critical mineral by many governments worldwide due to supply concerns and its importance in industrial applications.
Understanding Tungsten: The Critical Industrial Metal
Tungsten is a rare metal with exceptional properties including the highest melting point of all metals, extreme hardness, and high density. These characteristics make it irreplaceable in many industrial applications:
- Military applications: Armor-piercing ammunition and missiles
- Mining and construction: Drill bits, cutting tools, and mining equipment
- Manufacturing: Metal-working, electronics, and automotive industries
- Energy sector: Oil and gas drilling equipment
The commodity is considered a strategic resource by many nations, including the USA, EU, and Australia, due to its critical applications and concentrated supply chain. China dominates global tungsten production, accounting for approximately 80% of supply, creating potential supply risks for Western nations.
With tungsten prices historically trading between $200-$400 per metric ton unit (mtu), high-grade deposits like Western Queen can represent significant value beyond the primary gold mineralisation.
Accelerated Timeline for Western Queen Development
The diamond drilling program by Rumble Resources is expected to be completed by February 2026, with Rumble anticipating a revised Western Queen MRE shortly thereafter in early 2026. The company appears to be accelerating development activities at the project, potentially positioning it for a production decision.
The infill drilling component suggests Rumble is preparing for mine planning activities, while the geotechnical holes indicate underground development is being seriously considered. The reference to metallurgical testwork further confirms the company is advancing toward development rather than just exploration.
| Development Milestones | Timing |
|---|---|
| First diamond rig mobilized | October 2025 |
| Second rig deployment | Mid-October 2025 |
| Completion of drilling program | February 2026 |
| Revised MRE | Early 2026 |
| Potential development decision | Following MRE update |
Why Investors Should Watch Rumble Resources
Rumble Resources offers investors exposure to a rapidly advancing gold-tungsten project with several compelling attributes:
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High-Grade Gold Resource: The current 370,000-ounce resource at 3.1g/t Au represents a grade significantly above many Australian gold projects
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Strategic Tungsten Upside: The tungsten component provides diversification into critical minerals with strong industrial demand fundamentals
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Near-Term Catalysts: Regular drilling updates expected between now and February 2026
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Clear Path to Development: The company appears to be systematically de-risking the project for a potential development decision
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Historical Mining Success: Previous operations at Western Queen achieved +93% gold recoveries, suggesting favourable metallurgy
For investors seeking exposure to both precious metals and critical minerals, Rumble's Western Queen Project represents an interesting opportunity with significant news flow expected over the coming months as drilling progresses.
The company's dual focus on the Western Queen Gold-Tungsten Project and its Earaheedy Zinc-Lead-Silver Project demonstrates its ability to identify and develop projects with world-class potential across diverse commodity groups.
Ready to Join Rumble's Gold and Tungsten Journey?
Discover how you can be part of Rumble Resources' exciting growth story as they advance their high-grade Western Queen Project with ambitious diamond drilling underway. With 370,000 ounces of gold at 3.1g/t already defined and a strategic tungsten component providing critical mineral exposure, now is the time to learn more. For comprehensive investor information and to stay updated on drill results from this dual-commodity opportunity, visit Rumble Resources' website today.
