Kingston Resources Limited (ASX: KSN) has recommenced drilling at its flagship 3.2Moz Misima Gold Project on Misima Island in Papua New Guinea
Initial drilling will focus on the Kulumalia area, located at the south-eastern end of the modelled US$1,700/oz Umuna pit shell, which is expected to form the backbone of the company’s proposed future mining operation.
Managing Director, Andrew Corbett, said drilling at Kulumalia will target Resource conversion within the current pit shell, as well as testing high-grade near-surface mineralisation for potential inclusion in early-stage mine production schedules.
Follow-up drilling will also be conducted at the Abi-Kila discovery at Ewatinona to further test the previously- defined high-grade mineralisation.
We are delighted to have our team at Misima back on the ground with the drill rigs turning again, working towards our goal of bringing the Misima Gold Project back into production,” Mr Corbett said.
“The Kulumalia area is a compelling target that represents the south-eastern extension of our main Umuna deposit and offers strong potential for Resource upgrade and expansion, and we are also looking forward to further testing the exciting emerging discovery at Abi-Kila.
“While drilling was not possible under prior COVID-related border restrictions, Kingston has been able to push ahead with work on a number of other fronts.
“We delivered an updated Mineral Resource Estimate in May, we are now finalising the Misima Pre-Feasibility Study, and we have also been able to construct a purpose-built sample preparation laboratory on site. This on-site lab is expected to reduce costs and significantly improve assay turnaround times, which will provide both operational benefits and timely news flow.
“I would like to thank our Misima team for sticking with us during what has been a challenging time in PNG – we are grateful to have everyone back in action, and we look forward to further advancing the Misima Gold Project, with the next major milestone being the completion of the PFS, which is anticipated this quarter.”
Kulumalia is located immediately to the south-east of the main Umuna pit. The current drilling program comprises targeted exploration of high-grade, near-surface mineralisation for potential inclusion in early-stage mine production schedules, as well as testing geological continuity and Resource conversion potential within the pit shell.
The Kulumalia mineral resource model comprises mineralised blocks that are classified as Inferred and Indicated that sit within a US$1,700/oz pit shell used for reporting the Umuna Mineral Resource.
