Great Western Starts 3,000m Drilling at Diorama Copper-Gold Target

Great Western Starts 3,000m Drilling at Diorama Copper-Gold Target

Mining Technology
Mining TechnologyJun 3, 2026

Why It Matters

A successful discovery could add a new DeGrussa‑style VMS deposit, expanding Great Western’s resource base and attracting capital amid rising copper‑gold demand. It also reinforces Western Australia’s status as a premier base‑metal province.

Key Takeaways

  • 3,000 m air‑core drill started at Diorama, first ever drilling.
  • Target lies 70 km from Sandfire’s DeGrussa copper‑gold deposit.
  • Gossanous quartz suggests weathered sulphides and potential copper‑gold mineralisation.
  • Reverse‑circulation drilling planned for six Juggernaut targets in July 2026.
  • Exploration aims to expand drill‑ready zones across Yerrida Basin.

Pulse Analysis

Great Western Exploration’s entry into the Diorama target underscores the growing focus on Western Australia’s Yerrida Basin, a region adjacent to the prolific Bryah Basin that hosts world‑class volcanic‑hosted massive sulphide (VMS) deposits such as DeGrussa and Monty. With global copper demand projected to outpace supply through 2030, junior explorers are racing to delineate new sources of copper‑gold mineralisation, and Great Western’s 3,000 m air‑core program positions it to capture a share of that upside.

The Diorama target was identified through surface mapping that revealed extensive gossanous quartz, a classic indicator of oxidised sulphide envelopes that often overlie high‑grade copper‑gold cores. Its proximity—roughly 70 km—to the DeGrussa system suggests a similar geological framework, potentially extending the known VMS corridor. The air‑core holes will test the depth and continuity of the copper anomaly, providing critical data on grade, thickness, and structural controls before committing to more expensive reverse‑circulation drilling.

Looking ahead, Great Western plans to transition to reverse‑circulation drilling at six nearby Juggernaut targets in July 2026, followed by work at the Baroo target. By expanding drill‑ready zones across the Yerrida Basin, the company aims to build a robust pipeline of prospects that can be staged for rapid development or joint‑venture partnerships. Successful outcomes could not only boost Great Western’s valuation but also reinforce investor confidence in Australia’s capacity to supply the next generation of copper‑gold resources.

Great Western starts 3,000m drilling at Diorama copper-gold target

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