Barton Gold Holdings Limited has received official approval for its environmental Scoping Report from the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining, establishing the formal terms of reference for the Tunkillia development approvals process.

The approval marks the completion of the initial milestone for the project's Mining Lease application pathway, replacing the previous exploratory planning phase that began in May 2025. By agreeing on the scope of required environmental studies, modelling, and community programs early, Barton can now execute structured technical programs while reducing regulatory uncertainty and costs.

The company has expanded its drilling footprint to support the upcoming approvals and evaluation work. Previous planning outlined an approximate 31,000-metre scope for Phase 2 drilling, but Barton has now completed roughly 58,000 metres of total upgrade drilling across its active campaigns. Updated JORC Mineral Resource Estimates for gold and silver are currently pending following these completed drilling programs.

Barton is utilizing a staged development strategy that incorporates its Central Gawler Mill for initial operations, supporting the broader expansion and future commercialization of the South Australian project.

Managing Director Alexander Scanlon noted that the completed drilling has provided positive results in several zones with material upside potential.

“We have recently completed nearly 58,000m of Resource upgrade drilling at Tunkillia, with positive results in some zones offering material upside potential. We look forward to sharing final assays and Resource updates in due course. Our objective is to then publish our PFS during Q1 CY27, and submit our Mining Lease application shortly thereafter.”

— Alexander Scanlon, Managing Director

Following the publication of the final assays and resource updates, Barton is targeting the release of its Pre-feasibility Study and associated Ore Reserves during the first quarter of calendar year 2027. The formal Mining Lease application will be submitted shortly after the completion of the Pre-feasibility Study as the company advances its development timeline.

Read the full announcement: Tunkillia Environmental Scoping Report Approved