Lode Gold Resources Inc. has commenced metallurgical drilling at its flagship Fremont Gold Mine in Mariposa County, California, deploying large-diameter core sampling to establish robust processing criteria and evaluate recovery methods ahead of upcoming development studies.

The engineering and drilling program will assess various recovery techniques, balancing gravity circuit performance with particle size reduction. Engineers will conduct trade-off studies evaluating gravity versus flotation recovery to optimize future capital expenditure and operating costs. Conventional flotation circuits align with historical mine layouts, while gravity recovery and coarse-particle sorting circuits offer modern efficiencies. By engaging process engineers before drilling gets underway, the company aims to optimize baseline sample data from the outset to evaluate grinding size requirements and enhance overall processing efficiency.

"Previously, the 2014 Metallurgical Report confirmed a 91% recovery. We are conducting a new study to validate the information"

— Jon Hill, Director and Chair of the Technical Committee

Lode Gold acquired the Fremont project in 2021 by issuing $11 million in shares and assuming senior secured debt. The past-producing brownfield property spans over 3,000 acres of 100% owned private and patented land within the historic Mother Lode Belt. In August 2026, the company completed the full repayment of approximately US$3.6 million in principal and accrued interest on the property's long-term senior secured debt ahead of its 2028 maturity, releasing the land from security pledging.

The technical work supports an advancing development schedule, with a Prefeasibility Study scheduled for completion in 2027, followed by a subsequent Feasibility Study supported by 7,800 metres of drilling planned for 2028.

Read the full announcement: Lode Gold Commences Metallurgical Drilling at Fremont Gold Mine, Mariposa, CA