Javelin Drills 2.7g/t Gold in Shallow Zones as Eureka Pit Plan Takes Shape
Javelin confirms strong, shallow gold mineralisation at Eureka
Javelin Minerals has reported assay results from its reverse circulation (RC) drilling programme at the Eureka Gold Project, 50km north of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, confirming continuity of shallow, high-grade gold mineralisation within the planned open pit. The 37-hole, 5,184m programme targeted areas within 80m of surface, successfully extending known mineralisation along strike at the northern extent of the Eureka Northwest open pit. The project hosts a Mineral Resource of 2.04Mt at 1.69g/t Au for 110,687oz, as reported in the July 2025 update.
The drilling programme was designed to increase confidence in near-surface mineralisation ahead of open pit mining, with results demonstrating consistent grade continuity across the deposit. Holes drilled to the north and south of the historic Eureka open pit confirmed mineralised zones within the planned cutback, while additional work extended the strike extent of high-grade mineralisation at depth below the Eureka Northwest pit. Mineralisation remains open to the north and north-west, indicating further resource growth potential.
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Headline drill results highlight grade continuity
Significant intersections from the programme confirm the strength and consistency of the mineralisation across multiple zones. Results were grouped by area: the Main Eureka zone infill, southern extension, and Eureka Northwest extension. Key intersections demonstrate repeatable grades within shallow, open-pittable depths, supporting a low-cost mining scenario.
| Hole ID | From (m) | Width (m) | Grade (g/t Au) | Zone/Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EKRC036 | 91 | 4 | 2.7 | Eureka Northwest extension |
| EKRC037 | 52 | 4 | 2.3 | Eureka Northwest extension |
| EKRC022 | 45 | 5 | 2.1 | Main Eureka zone infill |
| EKRC020 | 85 | 10 | 1.2 | Main Eureka zone infill |
| EKRC019 | 67 | 5 | 2.1 | Main Eureka zone infill |
| EKRC038 | 64 | 4 | 2.0 | Eureka Northwest extension |
The results confirm that mineralisation persists with strong grade continuity across the deposit, validating the geological model and supporting resource confidence. Mineralisation remains open along strike, particularly to the north and north-west, providing scope for further drilling to expand the resource base.
What is reverse circulation drilling and why does it matter for gold explorers?
Reverse circulation (RC) drilling is a method that uses compressed air to return rock chips to the surface through the drill rods, keeping samples uncontaminated. The technique is particularly suited to near-surface gold deposits because it is faster and more cost-effective than diamond drilling whilst still providing reliable assay data. RC drilling allows geologists to obtain representative samples at depth without the time and expense associated with core recovery.
For Javelin, the 37-hole programme was designed to increase confidence in near-surface mineralisation ahead of open pit mining. The method delivered consistent, high-quality samples across the Eureka deposit, confirming the continuity of gold grades within the planned pit envelope. Understanding the reliability of RC drilling helps investors appreciate why these results are considered suitable for resource definition and mine planning, particularly where shallow, open-pittable mineralisation is the target.
Eureka Northwest delivers strike extensions
The Eureka Northwest zone sits along strike from the main Eureka pit, where previous drilling coverage was incomplete due to an interpreted change in ore system orientation. Holes EKRC036, EKRC037, and EKRC038 successfully extended the northern strike extent of high-grade mineralisation at depth below the planned Eureka Northwest pit, confirming the persistence of the mineralised structure.
Key intersections from the Eureka Northwest extension included:
- EKRC036: 4m at 2.7g/t Au from 91m
- EKRC037: 4m at 2.3g/t Au from 52m
- EKRC038: 4m at 2.0g/t Au from 64m
These results demonstrate that the mineralised zone extends beyond the current pit design, increasing the potential for resource growth and pit optimisation. The success of this drilling supports further work to test the full strike extent of the system at Eureka Northwest, where mineralisation remains open to the north.
Near-surface laterite gold adds optionality
Drilling intersected and confirmed laterite (oxide) gold mineralisation very close to surface, representing a secondary mineralisation style that could be mined early or blended with deeper primary material. Laterite intersections included:
- EKRC007: 1m at 1.0g/t Au from 1m
- EKRC008: 3m at 0.9g/t Au from 3m
- EKRC018: 8m at 0.9g/t Au from 4m
Shallow laterite material may offer early, low-cost feed for processing, improving project economics in the initial mining phase. The presence of near-surface oxide mineralisation provides optionality for the mine plan, potentially allowing for early cash flow generation ahead of deeper, higher-grade primary ore extraction. This style of mineralisation is typically amenable to conventional gold processing methods, adding to the overall mining flexibility at Eureka.
Deep drilling targets down-plunge extensions
The Eureka mineralised system demonstrates a moderate overall plunge to the north, as documented in historic drilling and previous mining campaigns. Four deep RC holes were drilled on approximately 100m spaced sections to test down-plunge extensions at depths exceeding 400m below surface. Two holes (EKRC009 and EKRC010) were completed to depth, whilst two northern holes (EKRC011 and EKRC012) are pre-collars awaiting diamond drill tails.
EKRC009 and EKRC010 intersected the targeted structure with quartz veining and polymetallic sulphides (pyrite, arsenopyrite), indicating the mineralised system persists at depth. EKRC010 also intersected 3m at 1.5g/t Au from 278m in a position east of the main Eureka trend, representing a potential new structure. EKRC009 returned 1m at 0.4g/t Au at the target structure.
Whilst grades in the completed deep holes were lower than the high-grade plunge shoot target, the presence of the mineralised structure at depth with visible signs of gold mineralisation is considered highly encouraging. The final two holes (EKRC011 and EKRC012) are positioned to test the interpreted core of the high-grade shoot, targeting the optimal position for down-plunge extensions. Evidence of the mineralised structure persisting at depth supports the potential for underground extensions and a longer mine life beyond open pit extraction.
Permitting advances towards final approvals
Key permitting milestones have been achieved, with the Water Extraction Permit and Native Vegetation Clearing Approval now approved. The Mining Development and Closure Plan (MDCP) approval process is at final stage, positioning the project for a mining decision pending regulatory sign-off.
Permitting de-risks the project timeline and brings Javelin closer to a production decision at Eureka. The Water Extraction Permit allows the company to manage water requirements for mining and processing operations, whilst the Native Vegetation Clearing Approval enables site preparation and infrastructure development. With the MDCP approval process at final stage, the regulatory pathway is substantially advanced, providing visibility on the timeline to potential mining commencement.
Executive Chairman commentary
Brett Mitchell, Executive Chairman
“These results demonstrate the strength of the resource and the scope for further growth. The drilling returned consistently strong intersections in the top 80m, which shows the excellent continuity of the mineralisation. It has also succeeded in extending the known mineralisation along strike, highlighting the potential to increase the resource. The combination of the grade continuity, the extremely shallow nature of the mineralisation and the ongoing upside makes Eureka an increasingly attractive deposit from both a mining and exploration perspective.”
Management’s confidence in the deposit’s quality and growth potential reinforces the investment thesis. The combination of near-surface, high-grade mineralisation with strike extensions and down-plunge potential positions Eureka as a compelling development opportunity. The successful completion of infill and extensional drilling, coupled with advancing permitting, supports the pathway towards a mining decision.
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Next steps and catalysts ahead
Planned work includes diamond drilling to complete holes EKRC011 and EKRC012, testing the optimal position of the high-grade down-plunge shoot. Further RC drilling may be completed on near-surface mineralisation as a precursor to open pit mining activities. The MDCP approval is at final stage, positioning the project for a mining decision.
Upcoming catalysts include:
- Diamond drilling to test down-plunge extensions (EKRC011 and EKRC012 completion)
- MDCP final approval
- Potential resource update incorporating new drilling
A clear pathway of catalysts provides visibility for investors tracking Javelin’s progress towards production. The successful completion of the RC programme has confirmed shallow, high-grade mineralisation within the planned open pit, whilst deep drilling has demonstrated the mineralised system persists at depth. With permitting advanced and diamond drilling planned to test the high-grade plunge target, Eureka is positioned for a potential mining decision supported by a robust resource base and extensional growth opportunity.
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