Barton Gold (ASX:BGD) launched an 8,000-meter reverse circulation drilling program at its Challenger Gold Project in South Australia.
The critical resource upgrade program targets the conversion of open-pit mineralisation into "indicated" categories, laying the groundwork for a definitive feasibility study and an initial "Stage 1" ore reserve estimate, both expected by June 30.
The drilling focuses on the Challenger Main, West, and South-Southwest open pits, following recent JORC (2012) mineral resource upgrades that boosted the project’s total resource to 313koz Au.
Barton’s strategy centers on a low-risk, "baseline" operational model designed to restart the company’s wholly-owned Central Gawler Mill.
By prioritising near-surface materials and historical high-grade tailings, the company aims to achieve producer status while deferring the costs and technical risks associated with underground mining.