TG Metals Drilling Results at Van Uden Reveal Exceptional Gold Grades

TG Metals reports promising Van Uden drilling results with significant mineral intercepts, advancing exploration efforts.
By William Hadrian -
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TG Metals Delivers Exceptional High-Grade Gold Results at Van Uden

TG Metals Limited (ASX: TG6) has announced impressive new assay results from its infill resource drilling campaign at the Van Uden Gold Project, with thick, high-grade intercepts that will materially boost the company's Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). The latest TG Metals drilling results at Van Uden demonstrate strong continuity of gold mineralisation and successful depth extensions beyond the current conceptual pit shell.

Outstanding Drilling Results Drive Resource Growth

The latest drilling campaign has delivered exceptional high-grade gold intercepts across the Van Uden deposit. Furthermore, the TG Metals drilling results at Van Uden include standout results with multiple thick intercepts above 2.0 g/t gold, representing high-grade mineralisation that significantly enhances the project's economic potential.

Key Intercept Highlights:

  • TGGR116: 30m @ 1.60 g/t Au from 43.0m and 4m @ 1.10 g/t Au from 88.0m
  • TGGR117: 15m @ 2.22 g/t Au from 86.0m and 2m @ 1.14 g/t Au from 123.0m
  • TGGR118: 13m @ 2.48 g/t Au from 125.0m and 6m @ 0.94 g/t Au from 158.0m
  • TGGR119: 13m @ 2.23 g/t Au from 181.0m and 3m @ 0.97 g/t Au from 197.0m
  • TGGR096: 11m @ 1.95 g/t Au from 12.0m, including 4m @ 4.62 g/t Au from 19.0m
  • TGGR097: 12m @ 1.62 g/t Au from 15.0m, including 1m @ 12.39 g/t Au from 21.0m

These results represent 19 reverse circulation (RC) drillholes totalling 1,913 metres of drilling across the entire length of the Van Uden gold deposit. In addition, the drilling targeted both resource extensions and infill areas to improve geological understanding and resource confidence.

CEO Commentary on Results

"Our latest assay results from the December quarter 2025 drilling program at Van Uden show strong gold mineralisation south of the historic Tasman pit. Thick intercepts of greater than 2.0 g/t Au persist at depth and will materially add ounces to the upcoming MRE update." – David Selfe, CEO

Strategic Focus on High-Grade Zeehan Area

The drilling campaign has particularly focused on the historically named Zeehan area south of the historic Tasman pit. Moreover, this area shows remarkable similarities to the high-grade Tasman pit but has seen no previous mining activity, representing a significant opportunity for resource expansion.

Zeehan Area Highlights:

  • Multiple thick intercepts above 2.0 g/t Au at depth
  • Mineralisation continues beyond 180 metres downhole depth
  • Steepening gold mineralisation coincides with steepening basalt-sediments contact
  • No previous mining activity in this high-potential zone
  • Deepest hole (TGGR119) ended in mineralisation, indicating further depth potential

The deepest drillhole in this southern region intercepted 13m @ 2.23 g/t Au from 181m downhole. Importantly, this hole ended in mineralisation, suggesting significant depth extensions remain to be tested through follow-up drilling programmes.

Understanding Gold Grade: What Makes These Results Exceptional

Gold grade is measured in grams per tonne (g/t), representing the concentration of gold within the rock. However, the TG Metals drilling results at Van Uden can be assessed within industry standards:

Grade Category Range (g/t Au) Classification
Low-grade 0.5-1.0 Economic under optimal conditions
Moderate-grade 1.0-2.0 Attractive for open-pit mining
High-grade 2.0+ Highly attractive economics
Very high-grade 4.0+ Exceptional mineralisation

TG Metals' intercepts averaging 1.6-2.5 g/t Au over substantial widths (13-30 metres) represent high-grade, thick mineralisation that is highly attractive for open-pit mining economics. For instance, the inclusion of bonanza-grade intervals like 12.39 g/t Au further enhances the economic potential.

Key Investment Metrics

  • Current MRE: 227,140 ounces at 1.1 g/t Au
  • Conceptual pit shell based on A$5,000/oz Au
  • Multiple mineralisation zones showing depth continuity
  • 5 RC drillholes with assays still pending

Comprehensive Drilling Programme Delivers Quality Data

TG Metals executed a systematic drilling approach using two truck-mounted rigs. The Schramm T660 provided deep drilling capability (>500m depth), whilst the Schramm X300 handled shallow to moderate depth drilling (~150m).

Technical Excellence

  • 19 drillholes completed across entire Van Uden deposit length
  • All holes drilled at -60° dip and 250° azimuth for optimal intersection
  • 1-metre sampling intervals in mineralised zones
  • PhotonAssay™ analysis providing high-quality results
  • Quality control protocols with certified reference materials and blanks

The drilling targeted both infill areas to upgrade resource confidence and extension zones to expand the current resource boundary. Consequently, the drilling demonstrated particular success in proving continuity beyond the current conceptual pit shell.

Strategic Timeline and Upcoming Catalysts

TG Metals has outlined a clear timeline for advancing the Van Uden Gold Project toward development. The company has established specific priorities for each quarter ahead.

Immediate Priorities (Q1 2026)

  • Complete pending assays for remaining 5 RC drillholes
  • Diamond core drilling results expected in March 2026
  • Commence updated MRE modelling upon completion of assays

Near-term Development (Q2 2026)

  • Updated Mineral Resource Estimate incorporating new drilling
  • First pit design studies supported by diamond core geotechnical data
  • Further step-out drilling south of Van Uden deposit

Exploration Pipeline

  • Gold City prospect drilling pending approvals
  • Soil sampling results from Cronin West and Van Uden far north
  • Strike extensions and resource boundary testing

The company maintains adequate funding for planned activities. Additionally, diamond core drilling continues on-site to provide essential geotechnical data for mining studies.

Van Uden's Strategic Investment Advantages

The project benefits from its position in a world-class location within the Forrestania Greenstone Belt – a proven gold-producing region. Furthermore, it sits 90km from established infrastructure at Hyden with close proximity to Marvel Loch (producing) and Westonia-Edna May processing plants.

The deposit is also located 12.5km from Mt Holland lithium mine, placing it in an established mining district with proven infrastructure.

Resource Growth Trajectory

Resource Category Tonnage (Mt) Grade (g/t Au) Ounces
Indicated 1.71 1.2 68,340
Inferred 4.64 1.2 158,800
Total Current 6.35 1.1 227,140

Geological Advantages

The project showcases multiple advantages including its orogenic gold system – a proven deposit type in Western Australia. The structural control along Van Uden Shear provides exploration targeting, whilst multiple mineralisation zones offer resource expansion potential.

Most significantly, fresh rock mineralisation averages 1.2 g/t Au over 2.5 million tonnes, providing a solid foundation for development studies.

What Are Orogenic Gold Systems?

Orogenic gold deposits form during mountain-building processes when gold-bearing fluids flow through fractures and shear zones in the Earth's crust. However, understanding these systems is crucial for appreciating Van Uden's potential.

These deposits are characterised by several key features:

  • Structural control: Gold concentrates along fault systems and shear zones
  • Depth continuity: Mineralisation often extends hundreds of metres below surface
  • Multiple zones: Several parallel or intersecting mineralised structures
  • Economic grades: Typically contain gold grades suitable for commercial mining

The Van Uden deposit exhibits classic orogenic characteristics. Moreover, gold mineralisation occurs within the Van Uden Shear, a major structural corridor that has channelled gold-bearing fluids through the rock sequence.

This geological setting suggests excellent potential for discovering additional mineralised zones both along strike and at depth.

Why Should Investors Track TG Metals Closely?

TG Metals has positioned itself as a compelling dual-commodity story with gold and lithium assets in Western Australia's premier mining districts. Furthermore, the recent drilling success reinforces several key investment themes that warrant close attention.

Growth Catalysts

  1. Resource Expansion: New drilling extends mineralisation beyond current pit shell
  2. Grade Enhancement: High-grade zones will improve overall project economics
  3. Processing Proximity: Multiple nearby processing facilities reduce development risk
  4. Technical Excellence: Systematic drilling approach building high-quality database

Diversified Asset Portfolio

  • Van Uden Gold: 227,140 oz resource with expansion potential
  • Burmeister Lithium: High-grade lithium deposit 130km from Van Uden
  • Lake Johnston Project: Multiple lithium targets in proven district

The successful drilling programme at Van Uden, combined with the company's strategic lithium assets, creates a unique investment proposition. In addition, both commodities are experiencing strong demand fundamentals driven by industrial applications and the global energy transition.

Regional Mining Infrastructure Advantages

The Forrestania Greenstone Belt hosts several operating and development-stage gold projects. Consequently, this established mining region offers significant advantages that reduce development risk and capital requirements.

Processing Options Available

  • Marvel Loch Gold Mine: Operating processing facility within trucking distance
  • Westonia-Edna May: Processing plant on care and maintenance, potential toll treatment
  • Multiple operators: Competitive processing rates and flexible arrangements

Infrastructure Benefits

The region provides established haul roads with existing mining traffic corridors. Moreover, power availability includes grid connection and backup power options, whilst a skilled workforce offers regional mining expertise and contractor base.

Government support ensures established permitting processes and a mining-friendly jurisdiction for project development.

Market Context and Commodity Outlook

Gold markets continue to demonstrate resilience amid global economic uncertainty. However, several key factors are supporting gold prices and creating favourable conditions for development projects.

Central bank purchasing continues with ongoing accumulation by global central banks. Furthermore, currency debasement and inflationary pressures support precious metals demand, whilst geopolitical tensions drive safe-haven demand during periods of uncertainty.

Additionally, mining supply constraints from limited new major discoveries and production growth support higher gold prices.

For TG Metals, these market dynamics support the economic case for advancing Van Uden toward development. High-grade, shallow mineralisation like that demonstrated in the recent TG Metals drilling results at Van Uden offers attractive project economics even under conservative gold price assumptions.

Key Investment Monitoring Points

TG Metals has demonstrated exceptional drilling success at Van Uden with thick, high-grade gold intercepts that will materially enhance the project's resource base. With an updated MRE due in Q2 2026, strategic processing plant proximity, and a diversified gold-lithium portfolio, investors should monitor TG Metals as it advances toward potential development decisions.

Track TG Metals for:

  • Updated Mineral Resource Estimate (Q2 2026)
  • First pit design studies and economic assessments
  • Exploration success at Gold City and regional targets
  • Lithium development progress at Burmeister deposit
  • Strategic partnerships or processing agreements

The combination of proven high-grade gold mineralisation, established regional infrastructure, and a diversified commodity portfolio positions TG Metals as a compelling investment opportunity. However, success in advancing the updated resource estimate and completing economic studies will be crucial catalysts for investor consideration.

Want to Stay Ahead of the Next Major Discovery?

TG Metals' impressive high-grade results at Van Uden demonstrate how significant mineral discoveries can emerge from Australian exploration companies, often catching investors off guard. Discovery Alert's proprietary Discovery IQ model instantly identifies and alerts subscribers to such breakthrough announcements on the ASX, transforming complex geological data into actionable investment insights that help you position ahead of major discoveries before they gain broader market attention.

William Hadrian
By William Hadrian
Partnerships Director
William supports Discovery Alert subscribers across Australia and overseas, helping them tailor alerts, troubleshoot technical issues, and optimise platform settings to suit their workflow.
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