Brightstar Resources Limited (BTR) has updated the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its Sandstone gold project, reporting a total of 2.9 million ounces at 1.3 grams per tonne. This interim estimate reflects a significant step in the company’s efforts to improve geological confidence ahead of near-term development. Most notably, the Indicated-classified portion of the resource increased by 113% to reach 1.1 million ounces. This shift toward higher-confidence categories is central to the firm's broader strategy, as it provides a more robust foundation for upcoming economic studies.

The latest figures bring the company’s total group mineral resource to 4.5 million ounces. According to the company, this update is the first key milestone under its two-year strategic plan, which emphasizes improved geological control and tighter interpretation of mineralized domains. By lowering the open-pit cut-off grade to 0.4 grams per tonne to better align with current operating parameters, the technical team has successfully expanded the footprint of several key deposits.

"We are thrilled to reach this important milestone at the Sandstone Project. A huge amount of drilling has been completed at the project, so it is encouraging to see the results reflected in this interim MRE update."

— Alex Rovira, Managing Director

Brightstar is maintaining an active exploration and development schedule at the site, with four rigs currently operating. The current technical focus remains on infill drilling at the Bull Oak, Indomitable, and Two Mile Hill-Shillington deposits. These areas currently hold over 1.0 million ounces in the Inferred category, which the company intends to convert into the Indicated classification to support upcoming mine planning. Infill drilling programs specifically at the Indomitable and Bull Oak deposits are scheduled to reach completion in August 2026.

This update represents an interim reporting phase, as the company continues to process data from recent drilling. Following the conclusion of current field programs, Brightstar plans to release a second growth-focused mineral resource update in the fourth quarter of 2026. This subsequent estimate will be published in parallel with the project’s maiden Ore Reserve and a Pre-Feasibility Study. By aligning these technical milestones, the company aims to finalize the development pathway for the project before the end of the year. 

Read the full announcement: Sandstone Mineral Resource Grows to 2.9Moz