GEO Exploration has reported highly encouraging early results from its field reconnaissance programme at the Gorge Project in Western Australia, strengthening the case for what management believes could become a significant gold discovery.
The AIM-listed explorer identified visible gold in quartz vein samples at both the Gorge Mine and 401 prospects, with coarse free gold observed in material associated with historic mining activity. The findings support GEO’s view that the project hosts substantial exploration potential and warrants aggressive follow-up work.
Field teams collected 35 rock chip samples and 246 soil samples across key target areas, while geological mapping confirmed favourable conditions for gold mineralisation, including folding, faulting, alteration and extensive quartz veining. The company also identified a copper-rich gossan at the Central Zone Prospect, highlighting the project’s broader multi-commodity potential.
One of the most significant observations came from the Gorge Mine Prospect, where multiple historic shafts and workings were mapped. Historic records suggest ore grades of more than 450g/t gold were previously extracted from the area. GEO observed visible gold within quartz vein samples believed to originate from mullock heaps adjacent to these historic workings, reinforcing the prospect’s status as the company’s highest-priority target.
At the 401 Prospect, the company confirmed historic drill locations and reviewed records showing drill intersections grading up to 35g/t gold. Historic reports also reference exceptionally high-grade production exceeding 5,000g/t gold. GEO’s fieldwork identified substantial quartz veining and pyrite alteration, with visible gold again observed in samples linked to historic workings.
The Central Zone Prospect delivered further encouragement, with mapping identifying a copper-rich gossan containing visible malachite and azurite mineralisation. The discovery supports the view that Gorge may host multiple mineralisation styles in addition to gold.
A soil geochemistry orientation programme has now been completed, with 246 samples submitted for laboratory analysis. Results will be used to design a larger survey covering approximately 5km of strike length across known workings and newly identified targets.
Looking ahead, GEO plans to integrate the soil results with recently completed airborne geophysical surveys to refine drill targets. A larger soil sampling programme of around 1,150 samples is also planned before drilling permits, heritage surveys and access preparations are completed.
Exploration Manager Tom Harris described the early results as “outstanding”, while Chief Executive Omar Ahmad said the combination of visible gold, historic high-grade workings, favourable geology and copper mineralisation provides strong evidence that Gorge has the potential to become a transformational asset for the company.
