Auric Mining Limited (ASX: AWJ) has initiated a significant drilling campaign at its Widgiemooltha (Munda) gold project in Western Australia. The company is currently executing a 12,900-metre reverse circulation (RC) program aimed at both resource extension and infill drilling. This work specifically targets a potential western extension of the orebody, focusing on mineralisation within the mafic volcanics near the ultramafic contact to a depth of 120 metres.

The program is a critical component of the company’s efforts to expand the project's resource base, which currently supports an open pit development plan targeting 2.7 million tonnes at 1.75g/t gold. To support this objective, geotechnical diamond drilling also commenced the week of July 27, 2026. This data will be instrumental in refining pit wall parameters, a necessary step for the company to deliver an maiden Ore Reserve estimate later this year.

"The outstanding production from the Munda Starter Pit provides confidence to aggressively pursue this major resource and grade control program prior to the recommencement of mining in 2027. After the recent 32% increase of the Munda gold resource, we look forward to this next drilling program which we anticipate will continue to expand the substantial resource, that has already been shown through our recent Scoping Study to provide significant cash flow to Auric."

"All of this drilling is a key part of the plan to rapidly progress the greater Munda and Burbanks operations as we transform the Company into a fully integrated mining house when mining at Munda recommences in late 2027."
— Mr Mark English, Managing Director

Beyond the current resource extension work, the company is preparing for a substantial grade control program. This initiative, comprising approximately 89,000 metres of drilling, is scheduled to commence in August 2026. By targeting the upper benches of the planned pit design with 5-metre by 5-metre hole spacing, management aims to reduce grade uncertainty and optimize operational efficiency ahead of the planned restart of mining activities in late 2027.

Together, these workstreams are designed to refine the project’s technical parameters and bolster confidence in the open pit design ahead of the Ore Reserve definition, which is expected to be finalized during the second half of 2026. This intensive drilling phase reflects the company's objective to transition its core asset from a development-ready state toward full-scale production. 

Read the full announcement: Major Drilling Programs Commenced at Munda