OceanaGold Confirms Continuity and Extension of Newly Defined Southern High-Grade Zone at Wharekirauponga
Wharekirauponga Drilling Highlights (estimated true width):
- 14.9 m @ 16.3 g/t Au from 466.5 m, EG Vein (WKP144B)
- 5.4 m @ 25.8 g/t Au from 483.4 m, EG Vein (WKP144A)
- 5.5 m @ 24.1 g/t Au from 623.6 m, EG Vein (WKP124N)
- 6.4 m @ 19.1 g/t Au from 470.7 m, EG Vein (WKP144C)
- 5.4 m @ 6.6 g/t Au from 443.5 m, EG HW Veins (WKP144B)
- 2.5 m @ 10.3 g/t Au from 436.9 m, EG HW Veins (WKP144B)
Drill results can be viewed in 3D using VRIFY at the following link:
https://vrify.com/meetings/recordings/852c6a5b-6fe4-488f-b10f-0ca92c8aae87
|
VRIFY note: Drill results reflect only those set forth in |
Wharekirauponga Drill Results Overview
Since the Company's
East Graben ("EG") Vein
Drilling from site 9 returned multiple wide, high-grade intercepts demonstrating the continuity of the system in the southern area. Results included 14.9 m @ 16.3 g/t Au (WKP144B) and 5.4 m @ 25.8 g/t Au (WKP144A) (Figure 2). These results support increased confidence in the resource model and extend high-grade mineralization up-dip on the southern portion of the resource. The newly defined southern high-grade zone, encompassing seven drill holes (including previously reported holes) averaging above 160 gram metres, currently spans 150 metres in strike. This area remains open in multiple directions and is a target for follow-up drilling later this year.
At drill site 8, conversion drilling results were above expectations, including 5.5 m @ 24.1 g/t Au (WKP124N). While previous interpretations suggested that the upper extent of the EG Vein was geometrically constrained, new results suggest that the mineralization is dipping more shallowly than previously interpreted and there remains the potential for further up-dip extensions of the EG Vein (Figure 3). Follow-up drilling is also planned for this area.
Hanging Wall and Footwall Veins
The HW and FW Veins and associated extensional sub-parallel structures that lie immediately to the east and west, respectively, of the EG Vein also yielded strong results. WKP144-series (A,B,C) holes returned high-grade mineralization including 5.4 m @ 6.6 g/t Au (WKP144B) and 2.5 m @ 10.3 g/t Au (WKP144B) (Figure 4). These results highlight a zone of high‑grade mineralization outside of the current resource model that are largely unconstrained due to limited drilling, yet lies in immediate proximity to the EG Vein and represents a target for future drilling.
Wharekirauponga 2026 Exploration Program
Three drill rigs are operating at drill sites 1, 8, and 9 at Wharekirauponga (Figure 1). We expect to add an additional two drill rigs during the second quarter of 2026 on new drill platforms in accordance with the permit approval in
Table 1: Wharekirauponga drill intersections subsequent to the press release dated
|
Drill Hole ID |
From |
To |
True width |
Au |
Ag |
Vein |
Activity |
|
WKP124O |
582.5 |
587.3 |
2.0 |
20.9 |
11.5 |
EG Vein |
Conversion |
|
WKP124N |
623.6 |
636.5 |
5.5 |
24.1 |
29.9 |
EG Vein |
Conversion |
|
WKP144A |
483.4 |
491.1 |
5.4 |
25.8 |
18.0 |
EG Vein |
Conversion |
|
WKP144B |
466.5 |
483.7 |
14.9 |
16.3 |
12.2 |
EG Vein |
Conversion |
|
WKP144C |
470.7 |
478.1 |
6.4 |
19.1 |
13.4 |
EG Vein |
Conversion |
|
WKP144 |
373.1 |
376.3 |
2.9 |
5.9 |
7.0 |
EGHW Veins |
Definition |
|
WKP144A |
459 |
461 |
1.3 |
10.4 |
7.6 |
EGHW Veins |
Definition |
|
WKP144B |
407.3 |
409.8 |
2.1 |
11.6 |
6.9 |
EGHW Veins |
Definition |
|
WKP144B |
436.9 |
439.8 |
2.5 |
10.3 |
7.3 |
EGHW Veins |
Definition |
|
WKP144B |
443.5 |
450.5 |
5.4 |
6.6 |
5.4 |
EGHW Veins |
Definition |
|
WKP144C |
433.6 |
434.7 |
1.0 |
20.5 |
17.0 |
EGHW Veins |
Definition |
|
|
|
Notes: "Definition" drilling intercepts are intercepts outside the current Resource model shell directed at defining mineralization to an Inferred Mineral Resource category and "Conversion" drilling are intercepts converting Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated Mineral Resources category. NSR = No Significant Result. |
For further information relating to drill hole data please refer to the Company's website at https://oceanagold.com/operations/additional-drillhole-data.
About
Qualified Person Statement
The scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Leroy Crawford-Flett, a Chartered Professional Member of the
Quality Assurance and Quality Control ("QA/QC")
All exploration samples are assayed for gold by 30g fire assay with AAS finish. Since mid-2022, drill core sample intervals where visible electrum is logged are followed up by a subsequent screen fire assay after the routine 30g fire assay. Core samples were prepared and analyzed at the independent
Quality of exploration assay results has been monitored in the following areas:
- Sample preparation at the independent SGS Waihi and Westport labs through sieving of jaw crush and pulp products;
- Monitoring of assay precision through routine generation of duplicate samples from a second split of the jaw crush and calculation of the fundamental error; and
- Monitoring of accuracy of the primary SGS assay and ALS results through insertion Certified Reference Materials ("CRMs") and blanks into sample batches.
Blank, duplicate and CRM results are reviewed prior to uploading results in the acQuire database and again on a weekly basis. The QA/QC protocol at Waihi requires CRMs to be reported to within 2 standard deviations of the certified value, for preparation duplicates to have a relative difference (R-R1/mean RR1) of no greater than 10%, and for blanks to not exceed more than 5 times the lower detection value of the assay method. Failure in any of these thresholds triggers an investigation and, if appropriate, re-assay. Drill core is stored within secure facilities on site to which access is controlled. Site employees transport samples to the analytical laboratory which is also a secured facility.
Technical Report
For further information, please refer to the following NI 43-101 technical report available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile or on the Company's website at www.oceanagold.com: "NI 43-101 Technical Report – Waihi District Study Pre-feasibility Study, New Zealand" dated December 11, 2024, with an effective date of June 30, 2024, prepared by D. Townsend, L Crawford-Flett,
Cautionary Statement for Public Release
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks include, among others: the risk of not achieving production estimates, forecasts or Guidance; inaccuracy of Mineral Reserves, Mineral Resources and operating and capital cost estimates; the actual results of current and future production, development and/or exploration activities; possible variations of ore grade, metallurgy or recovery rates; changes in mine plans, project parameters or assumptions as plans continue to be refined; delays in, or inability to complete, development or construction or expansion activities or to re-commence or sustain operations as planned; failures or underperformance of plant, equipment, infrastructure or processes; geotechnical risks or events, including open pit wall stability, crown pillar failure, land subsidence and tailings dam failures; challenges associated with effective water management; environmental, health and safety and climate-related risks; risks related to community acceptance, stakeholder engagement and social licence to operate; competition for mineral properties and other growth opportunities; legal and regulatory challenges to current and future permits, certifications, approvals or licences; adverse judicial, regulatory or governmental decisions; delays in, or inability to obtain, financing or governmental approvals on acceptable terms; changes in laws, regulations, taxation regimes, regulated accounting standards or their interpretation or application; the risks associated with operating in foreign jurisdictions, including political instability, changes in policy or law, civil unrest or conflict; fluctuations in the prices of gold, copper and silver; general business, economic and market conditions (including changes in global, national or regional financial, credit, currency or securities markets); changes or developments in global, national or regional political and social conditions; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, including the value of the
There are no assurances the Company can fulfil forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions based on current information available to Management as of the date that such predictions are made; actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks facing the Company, some of which are beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on reasonable assumptions, readers cannot be assured that actual outcomes or results will be consistent with such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Cautionary Statements for United States Readers
The scientific and technical disclosure in this press release was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, which differs from the scientific and technical disclosure requirements of the
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oceanagold-confirms-continuity-and-extension-of-newly-defined-southern-high-grade-zone-at-wharekirauponga-302731153.html
SOURCE