Wedoany.com Report on Mar 4th, Australian mining company West Coast Silver (ASX:WCE) will restart reverse circulation drilling operations this month, aiming to expand the high-grade silver mineralization system at its Mount Eliza project in Western Australia. This 4,000-meter drilling program targets the northern and southern areas of Mount Eliza, following the Munni Munni fault that controls the mineralization.
The Mount Eliza project is one of the highest-grade silver deposits in Australia, having historically produced approximately 1.2 million ounces of silver with an average ore grade as high as 2,194 grams per tonne. Mining activities were suspended in 2000 due to previously low silver prices, but the current silver price has rebounded to around $90 per ounce, providing favorable conditions for renewed exploration. The deposit remains open at depth and along strike, holding potential for further resource discovery.
This drilling program aims to extend the high-grade mineralization zones identified in 2025, including a bonanza-grade intersection of 0.35 meters at 33,107 grams per tonne. All drilling targets are located within approximately 150 meters of the surface, near historical mining areas, promising rapid and low-cost resource growth. The drilling contract has been awarded to NexGen Drilling, with operations expected to last four to six weeks, and assay results are scheduled for release in Q2 2026.
West Coast Silver's Executive Chairman, Bruce Garlick, stated: "Our drilling has confirmed that the structural system hosting silver mineralization at Mount Eliza extends significantly beyond the boundaries of the historical mine. The identification of several near-mine targets supports our view that this area is part of a larger silver mineralization system along the Munni Munni fault. This drilling program will test new targets and provide data to support the initial Mineral Resource Estimate planned for completion in Q3 or Q4 2026."
The drilling results will also support the company's completion of its initial Mineral Resource Estimate later this year, informing subsequent development decisions. Given the shallow nature of the targets and the established infrastructure, successful exploration could accelerate resource development and project advancement.
