Barton Gold Completes Pit Optimisation Drilling at Challenger Project

Barton Gold Holdings Limited has completed its pit optimisation drilling at the Challenger Gold Project in South Australia. This marks a significant step towards converting JORC (2012) Mineral Resources into Ore Reserves by the second half of 2026. The drilling, led by Foraco, covered 8,065 meters of reverse circulation and 1,322 meters of diamond drilling across 23 holes. This aims to gather geotechnical data for improving open pit design and conducting metallurgical tests.

The Definitive Feasibility Study being conducted seeks to establish a viable operation utilising historical higher-grade tailings without disrupting existing resources. This approach aims to delay underground operations, offering future development opportunities at Barton’s various assets, including Tarcoola and Wudinna.

Barton’s Managing Director, Alexander Scanlon, expressed satisfaction with the program’s completion despite weather challenges, highlighting the project's foundation for low-risk operation and enhanced portfolio flexibility.