Barton Gold Holdings Limited (ASX: BGD) has reported further high-grade assay results from its expanded 40,000-metre Phase 2 reverse circulation drilling program at the Tunkillia Gold Project in South Australia. The new data, focused on the southern zone of the main Area 223 optimised open pit, includes broad mineralised intersections that demonstrate consistent grade potential. Notable results from the latest batch include 13 metres at 5.01 g/t gold from 55 metres depth, featuring a three-metre segment at 15.8 g/t gold, and 17 metres at 3.09 g/t gold from 100 metres depth.

These latest findings serve as a continuation of the company's resource upgrade efforts. When compared to previous exploration results, such as the December 2025 program that returned 14 metres at 2.78 g/t gold, the current intersections at Area 223 indicate a material improvement in the grade profile. Barton Gold plans to prepare detailed cross-sections once the remaining assays from this phase are received.

"We are pleased to confirm that Tunkillia continues to deliver broad, high-grade intersections in key areas. New assays from the southern Area 223 optimised open pit include some of the highest grade assays received to date in this zone."

"We look forward to completing our expanded 'Phase 2' upgrade drilling as quickly as possible, so that we can move on to Mineral Resources upgrades, the completion of our PFS and the submission of our Mining Lease application." — Alexander Scanlon, Managing Director & CEO

The ongoing drilling program is integral to the company's broader technical development strategy. These infill results are designed to refine the resource model, providing necessary data to support the project’s advancement. The company has officially launched a Pre-Feasibility Study with GR Engineering, which is currently targeting completion in Q1 CY27. This study is expected to incorporate the updated resource data to optimize project economics. Following the successful delivery of the study, the company intends to proceed with the submission of its Mining Lease application.

By systematically upgrading the resource base, the company aims to solidify the technical foundation of the project. The current focus remains on completing the RC drilling campaign, which will allow for a comprehensive Mineral Resource update. This sequence of milestones—drilling, resource estimation, study finalization, and permitting—outlines the primary development path for the site as the team works toward establishing a formal application for a mining lease. The data gathered to date provides the technical support required for these upcoming corporate and operational catalysts, ensuring the project remains on track for its projected 2027 development timeline while continuing to define the extent and quality of the mineralization within the planned open pit zones.

Read the full announcement: Tunkillia Infill Drilling Delivers More High-Grade Assays