WA Gold Targets Bullabulling Shear Zone With 10,000m Drill Campaign

Explore WA Gold's promising drill targets at Bullabulling, Eastern Goldfields, with exciting exploration opportunities.
By William Hadrian -
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WA Gold Fires Up the Drills at Bullabulling: Multiple High-Priority Gold Targets Identified in WA's Eastern Goldfields

WA Gold Limited (ASX: WAU) has announced the identification of multiple high-priority WA Gold Bullabulling gold drill targets in the Eastern Goldfields at its 100%-owned Bullabulling Project, located 30km west of Coolgardie in Western Australia's prolific Eastern Goldfields. With a drill campaign set to commence this month and up to 10,000m of drilling approved under new Programmes of Work, the company is moving quickly to test structural extensions of one of the region's most significant gold systems.

The announcement marks a meaningful step-up in exploration intensity at Bullabulling, underpinned by a comprehensive geophysical and geochemical interpretation programme completed by leading Perth-based consultants Resource Potentials (Respot). The work has confirmed multiple priority targets across three distinct sub-project areas — Bullabulling North, West, and East.

Furthermore, the Bullabulling Shear Zone has emerged as the headline structural corridor warranting urgent drill testing.

CEO Ben Pollard said: "WA Gold is strongly focused on building shareholder return through a portfolio of mineral assets at varying stages of development. With the Abercromby gold deposit progressing toward development, our Bullabulling Project presents an advanced exploration opportunity with significant exploration potential where there have been large gaps in drilling on key gold bearing structures sitting below regolith cover… We are fully funded for ongoing exploration at Bullabulling and look forward to seeing what can be delivered as we delve deeper into such a prolifically gold mineralised district."

The Bullabulling Shear Zone: A Multi-Million Ounce Neighbourhood

Context is everything in exploration, and the neighbourhood WA Gold is working in is hard to ignore. The Bullabulling Project sits directly adjacent to the Bullabulling Gold Mine, owned by Minerals 260 (ASX: Mi6), which hosts a resource of 130Mt at 1.0g/t Au for 4.5Moz Au. That scale — over four million ounces of gold in a single contiguous system — places the Bullabulling district firmly in the tier-one address category of Australian gold exploration.

Critically, Respot's geophysical interpretation confirms that the Bullabulling Shear Zone (BBSZ) — the same structure hosting Mi6's main gold deposits — continues northward under relatively thin sedimentary cover directly into WA Gold's Bullabulling North tenure. This structural continuity forms the backbone of the company's drill thesis.

Further reinforcing the prospectivity of the corridor, a historical drillhole (BBRX1586, drilled by Resolute Resources in 1996) returned end-of-hole gold anomalism of 5m @ 0.12g/t Au from 40m, sitting on the northwestern periphery of the BBSZ target zone. Crucially, this hole was the easternmost of a drill line — with no drilling conducted further to the east. WA Gold intends to test this open anomaly as a priority.

To the north, Respot also flagged the potential interplay between the BBSZ and the Geko gold deposit, owned by Beacon Minerals (ASX: BCN), which hosts 1,378,000 tonnes @ 1.3g/t Au for 57,000oz Au. The interpreted structural connectivity between these two known mineralised systems — with WA Gold's tenure sitting in between — creates a compelling geological setting.

What the Target Review Revealed: Three Zones of Distinct Opportunity

Respot's targeting study delineated promising WA Gold Bullabulling gold drill targets in the Eastern Goldfields across each of the three Bullabulling sub-areas. Each zone presents a different geological rationale, collectively building a diversified and layered exploration pipeline.

Sub-Project Area Key Geological Feature Supporting Evidence
Bullabulling North Bullabulling Shear Zone continuation + ultramafic contact EOH Au anomaly in BBRX1586; widespread >10ppb Au soil anomalism
Bullabulling West Mine-style mineralisation analogue along mafic-ultramafic contacts Coincident Au geochemical and drill anomalism; historic gold workings
Bullabulling East Additional greenstone-hosted targets Part of broader structural corridor interpretation

Bullabulling North is the immediate drilling priority. Beyond the BBSZ continuation, Respot's interpretation of the western and southern margins of an extensive ultramafic unit within WAU's tenure highlights intense rock deformation along geological boundaries and contact zones. This deformation coincides with widespread historic surface and drilling geochemical anomalism, converging southward with the BBSZ proximal to the Bullabulling Mine — creating a structural funnel with real discovery potential.

Bullabulling West presents a third distinct target zone where discrete zones of geochemical gold and pathfinder element anomalism align with favourable geological contacts between layered sediments and igneous rock units or granites. The same geophysical anomaly horizons host historic gold workings in this region, lending further credibility to the targeting model.

Previous Drilling Has Already Confirmed High-Grade Gold at Surface

While the bulk of the upcoming campaign is focused on testing new structural targets, it is worth noting that WA Gold's own previous reconnaissance drilling at Bullabulling has already confirmed near-surface, high-grade gold — providing tangible proof of concept for the system's gold endowment.

Drill Intercept Width Grade Depth
Intersection 1 2m 18.1 g/t Au from 34m
Intersection 2 12m 2.3 g/t Au from 53m
Intersection 3 4m 10.12 g/t Au from 32m

These are not low-grade, large-tonnage style intercepts — they are high-grade hits at shallow depth, consistent with the style of mineralisation seen in the broader Bullabulling district.

Near-surface, high-grade gold substantially improves the economics of any potential future resource, reducing the strip ratio and capital cost hurdles associated with development.

Understanding SAM Surveys: The Technology Mapping Hidden Gold

What Is a Sub-Audio Magnetics (SAM) Survey?

Sub-audio magnetics (SAM) is a specialised geophysical technique designed to map subtle variations in rock electrical conductivity and magnetic response at depth. Unlike standard aerial magnetic surveys that measure broad magnetic responses from the air, SAM surveys are conducted on the ground and are particularly effective at detecting shear zones, fault structures, and lithological contacts — exactly the types of features that host gold mineralisation in greenstone belt settings like Bullabulling.

Why Does It Matter at Bullabulling?

Much of the Bullabulling Project's gold potential lies beneath weathered rock cover — a layer of transported sedimentary material that masks the underlying bedrock geology from surface sampling. Previous explorers have been unable to adequately test the gold potential of these covered zones using conventional geochemical methods.

A SAM survey can effectively "see through" the weathered cover by mapping structural and lithological features in the bedrock below, allowing WA Gold to design targeted drill holes with far greater precision and confidence. GAP Geophysics has been appointed to conduct the SAM survey across key areas of the BBSZ, with data acquisition scheduled for this calendar quarter.

Glossary of Key Terms

  • Shear Zone: A planar or tabular zone of intense deformation in rock, commonly a conduit for gold-bearing hydrothermal fluids.
  • Weathered Cover: Weathered rock and transported material covering fresh bedrock; can mask geochemical signals.
  • Ultramafic: Igneous rocks very low in silica content; often associated with gold and nickel mineralisation in greenstone terranes.
  • Pathfinder Elements: Chemical elements such as arsenic, antimony, or bismuth that are commonly associated with gold mineralisation and used as indicators in geochemical surveys.
  • EOH (End of Hole): Gold anomalism detected at the deepest point of a drill hole, suggesting mineralisation may continue at depth.
  • BBSZ (Bullabulling Shear Zone): The primary structural gold corridor hosting Mi6's Bullabulling Mine deposits, now interpreted to extend into WA Gold's tenure.

Strategic Land Position Strengthened by Mi6's Regional Consolidation

In a development that materially enhances WA Gold's relative strategic position, Minerals 260 announced on 14 May 2026 the acquisition of additional tenements that expanded its Bullabulling project footprint from 130 sq km to 1,160 sq km. While this consolidation reflects Mi6's conviction in the district's scale potential, it simultaneously highlights WA Gold's unique position.

Following this consolidation, WA Gold remains the only other significant independent tenement holder in the Bullabulling region. Its tenure covers extensions of the same north-south trending gold belt that hosts Mi6's main deposit trend, and geological interpretation indicates the mineralised system extends into WAU's ground.

This dynamic — a major operator consolidating land around a multi-million ounce system while a smaller explorer holds strategic tenure along the same structural corridor — is precisely the kind of setup that has historically attracted significant interest from both investors and larger mining companies.

Upcoming Catalysts and Exploration Timeline

WA Gold has outlined a clear near-term activity schedule with multiple upcoming milestones that could serve as catalysts for WA Gold Bullabulling gold drill targets in the Eastern Goldfields.

Activity Timeline Significance
Air-core and RC drilling commences at Bullabulling North June 2026 (this month) First drill test of BBSZ structural targets in WAU tenure
SAM geophysical survey (GAP Geophysics) Q2/Q3 2026 (this calendar quarter) Maps shear structures and lithological trends below weathered cover
Initial assay results from Abercromby drill program (26ABDD001) Early June 2026 Results from the company's advancing development project
SAM interpretation and further targeted drill design Following SAM data acquisition Refines pipeline of high-priority targets
Additional PoW drilling continuity through 2026 Ongoing Ensures uninterrupted exploration momentum

The company confirms it is fully funded for ongoing exploration at Bullabulling, removing near-term capital risk from the equation and allowing management to focus entirely on exploration execution.

The Investment Thesis: Why Bullabulling Deserves Attention Now

Several intersecting factors combine to make this announcement more than a routine exploration update. In particular, the following points stand out:

1. Structural proximity to a 4.5Moz gold system
The BBSZ is not a speculative geological concept — it is a proven, multi-million ounce gold-hosting structure. The interpretation that this structure extends into WA Gold's tenure is supported by aeromagnetic data, geochemical anomalism, and historical drilling. Testing structural extensions of known, large gold systems is one of the most efficient exploration strategies in the industry.

2. Near-surface, high-grade gold already confirmed
WA Gold's previous drilling at Bullabulling has already returned intercepts including 2m @ 18.1 g/t Au from 34m and 4m @ 10.12 g/t Au from 32m. These results demonstrate real gold is present and accessible at shallow depth — de-risking the model and providing encouragement for more systematic follow-up.

3. Large gaps in drilling on key structures
The BBSZ corridor beneath weathered cover within WAU's tenure has not been systematically drill-tested. Historical explorers were hindered by the transported cover masking structural signatures. Advanced geophysical techniques and a focused modern interpretation exercise have now changed that, opening up genuine discovery opportunities on previously overlooked ground.

4. Sole independent landholding in a consolidating district
With Mi6 aggressively consolidating tenure across the broader Bullabulling region, WA Gold's position as the only significant independent holder on the same structural trend carries strategic weight that extends beyond pure exploration value.

5. Diversified portfolio de-risks the story
Bullabulling is one component of a broader portfolio. The Abercromby gold deposit is progressing toward development, with first assay results from recent drilling expected imminently. The Invincible and South Boddington projects provide additional earlier-stage discovery optionality. This layered portfolio means investors are not relying solely on a single project outcome.

Why Investors Should Keep a Close Eye on WA Gold

WA Gold enters the second half of 2026 with exploration momentum across multiple fronts, a fully funded programme, and a drill rig about to turn at one of the most strategically positioned tenement packages in the Eastern Goldfields.

The convergence of a proven structural gold corridor, near-surface high-grade confirmation, advanced targeting technology, and a consolidating district dynamic creates a compelling setup for near-term newsflow from WA Gold Bullabulling gold drill targets in the Eastern Goldfields.

Upcoming drill results from Bullabulling North, combined with imminent Abercromby assay results, mean the company has multiple near-term catalysts that could meaningfully re-rate investor attention toward this story.

"WA Gold Limited (ASX: WAU) has positioned itself as a strategically significant explorer in one of Western Australia's most endowed gold districts, holding the only independent tenure of scale along the same structural corridor as a 4.5Moz gold system. With drilling commencing this month, a SAM survey underway, and a fully funded programme in place, investors should monitor WAU closely for drill results that could confirm the extension of the Bullabulling gold system into company ground."

The company's methodical approach to exploring this prospective structural corridor, with drilling set to commence and multiple technical catalysts lined up through 2026, means WA Gold is well-positioned to deliver the exploration success that has made the broader Bullabulling district a multi-million ounce gold system.

Note: Historical drill results referenced in this article were reported by third parties and are historical in nature. They have not been reported in accordance with the 2012 JORC Code, and a Competent Person has not done sufficient work to report these results under the JORC Code. These historical results have been used qualitatively by WA Gold as a guide to derive drill targets for future exploration. Results from WA Gold's own previous drilling are as reported in the company's ASX releases dated 12 December 2023 and 3 July 2025.

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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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